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APRIL, MAY, JUNE, NEWSLETTER TERRORIST’S BOMB SEARCHING
VINCENT DUNN, DEPUTY CHIEF, FDNY, (RET)
This newsletter was written as a response to the following email I received:
The question:
Dear Chief Dunn, I am a firefighter in Wisconsin. Recently we had an awareness
class in incident response to terrorist bombings…..Our fire department
has firefighters searching for suspicious packages or bombs. Should untrained
firefighters be looking for bombs? Should we even be in that building if there
are no employees and the public left the building?.....
I would really appreciate your views on firefighting responsibilities and guidelines
at bomb threats. Thank you for your help. Firefighter, Frank X
My answer:
Dear, Frank, The world has changed since 9-11 and so has our job. For my first
suggestion I would ask the chief to push for more training funds from the Homeland
Security Administration. However, until funding for training is forthcoming here
are some guidelines for bomb searching from the book, Emergency Response to Terrorism,
taught at the National Fire Academy. Regards Vince Dunn
Today first responding firefighters across the country are being asked to take
some lifesaving action at suspected bomb incidents. In some instances, firefighters
are requested to search for bombs and to evacuate suspected terrorist bomb areas.
This occurs most frequently in cities and towns where police or state bomb experts
do not have the quick response time as the local firefighters. I strongly urge
FEMA to insure firefighters receive training for operating at terrorist target
bomb areas. However until we receive this needed training, firefighters should
know some basic survival techniques for operating at bomb incidents.
BOMB INCIDENTS
Three situations at which firefighters find themselves operating at terrorist’s
bomb incidents where standard guidelines are needed:
1. When we respond to an explosion, fire and collapse and during the operation
discover it is the result of a terrorist’s bomb. This was the case in the
1993 World Trade Center explosion and the Oklahoma City Blast.
2. When we are called to the scene for help, or discover an unexploded bomb during
the over-hauling stage, after a fire has been extinguished.
3. When a fire company is called to the scene for assistance in searching for
a bomb and evacuating the suspected bomb area where the number of police on the
scene are not readily available to do this or equipped to do this dangerous community
life saving action, and when the ATF or FBI response may be one hour or more.
Situation #1 Fire Caused by a terrorists Bomb When firefighters at the scene
of an explosion, collapse and fire discover the incident was caused by a terrorist
bomb they should notify the police department; evacuate injured people; and protect
the exposed building against fire from a safe distance. Firefighters should use
nearby buildings and vehicle as shielding when protecting burning exposures.
Situation #2 Discovering a terrorist Bomb after a Fire. When discovering an unexploded
terrorist bomb after a fire has been extinguished, firefighters must not disturb
the bomb. Firefighters evacuate people and withdraw a safe distance out of sight
of the potential explosion area; notify the police. Firefighters located at a
safe area should prepare to protect exposure buildings from a fire; and if an
explosion occurs firefighters may have to conduct a collapse and rescue operation;
then prepare for a hazardous materials operation if the explosion is from a so
called “dirty bomb”.
Situation # 3 Search and Evacuation of Suspected Bomb Area.
When called to a
terrorist’s bomb incident by the police department, firefighters must report
to the police officer in charge; assist as requested. If the police request firefighters
to search for the bomb or evacuate a building suspected with bomb placement and
the incident commanders decides to comply with the request first, addition reinforcements
should be called. These back-up firefighters prepare for an explosion. After
the explosions firefighters may have to rescue trapped firefighters. A collapse
search and rescue operation may be required. At the same times defensive firefighting
operation will be required to protect burning exposures buildings. A simultaneous
Haz- Mat incident may also have to be started. .
Evacuating Bomb Buildings Fire fighters do not order a building evacuated as
a result of a suspected or reported bomb. The evacuation should be the decision
of the person in charge of the building such as the business owner or the principal
of the school. The fire department may recommend, but the final responsibility
for evacuation rests with the person in charge of the building. When requested
to work in a building with a suspected bomb firefighters must realize when a
bomb explodes, a great cause of injury from a bomb blast is flying glass. All
windows will blow. Jagged, razor sharp glass fragments will fly through the air
with hurricane force. All protective clothing and masks should be worn, with
eye shield down. Fire department radios may trigger a bomb explosion so mobile
radios should be shut off 300 feet from the suspected bomb area and portable
radios should be shut off during the search.
Procedures for Evacuation Stairs
Procedure for evacuating people from a building containing a suspected hidden
terrorist bomb is different from evacuating people from a burning building. This
bomb search is considered a primary search. The fire officer in charge should
limit the number of firefighters and it should be done quickly. There is no secondary
search. A specific stair should be designated for evacuation. People leaving
the building should be requested to leave by way of this exit. However, search
this stair for bombs before the evacuation.. Before evacuation search the entire
exit path. Search the access corridors leading to the stair, the stairway and
the discharge lobby into which the stair feeds. Firefighters should prevent people
from lingering in the street outside the stair. Direct them out of the explosion
area at least 2,000 feet away.
Instructions to People
People being asked to leave a building in which a bomb is reported should be
told to take all belongings with them, so there will be fewer items to search
for the hidden explosives. Also, people should be directed to leave unlocked,
their desks, offices and lockers. This too, will assist the bomb search and reduce
damage to locks and doors. Leave lights on and windows open, and as long as it
will not trigger an explosion, turn noise making machines off. It will assist
bomb searchers.
Decisions
Firefighters generally are not requested to search for bombs, however, during
these early undefined, stages of homeland security preparedness, if there are
insufficient police officers on scene, and the fire department has personnel
available, with protective equipment, the fireground commander may be asked by
community leaders and/or officials to have the firefighters search for a terrorist’s
biological, nuclear, chemical, or explosive device. Bomb searching by untrained
firefighters is not recommended. However, if it is a community life and death
situation, and many lives are at risk, and we size up the situation, considering
the priorities of incident management: life safety of our community residents
first, incident stabilization second, and property protection third, the fire
commander might commit firefighters to search for a terrorist device.
Bomb Searching
Bomb searching is different from fire searching. Bomb searching begins outside
the building. First, vehicles parked in the street around the building are examined.
Owners are requested to move vehicles. Any vehicle not identified by a local
resident and not moved must be considered a potential vehicle bomb. Next, the
outside sidewalk around the perimeter of the building is examined for the bomb.
Window sills on the first floor are often the site of a package bomb. Then the
building's interior is searched, starting in the cellar and working upward. Pay
attention to areas where a bomber could gain access inside the building and easily
place an explosive package and set a timing device unnoticed. Bathrooms, stairways,
refuse containers, storage areas and supply closets are places in which a bomb
may be hidden. According to the Emergency Response to Terrorism, manual, page
4-39, the following are a few warning signs of a bomb. Note: If a suspected bomb
is discovered, do not touch or disturb. Note the location, floor and room. Report
this to the incident commander. Do not use portable radios that may trigger an
explosion during search.
Bomb indicators:
1. Unsual device attached to a pressure of flammable container or cylinder
2. Unusual looking or misplaced mailing containers leaking oil or wired
3. Abandoned vehicles that do not appear to belong in the area
4. Strong chemical odors
5. Any unusual container out of place
6. Obvious bomb making pieces such as: blasting caps, wire, or clock- timers
7. Unugs hanging on hooks inside restroom stalls
8. Bombs
Several common types of explosive devices are used by terrorists, to kill or
destroy. There are:
Pipe bomb. A pipe bomb is a fragment bomb; it kills and injures by exploding
pieces of flying metal. This type of bomb can be identified by a section of
pipe capped at both ends. A fuse may extend from one end. Do not touch a pipe
bomb discovered at a fire.
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Bottle bomb. A bottle bomb is also called a Molotov cocktail, named after a
Russian government official. It was a World War II anti-tank weapon. A bottle
filled with gasoline and sulfuric acid is capped and wrapped in a sock soaked
with potassium chlorate and sugar. When thrown, the bottle breaks and the mixing
of the sulfuric acid and potassium chlorate causes the explosion and resulting
fire.
Vehicle bomb. A vehicle bomb creates a large powerful explosion. Two most famous
vehicle bombs are the New York City World Trade Center 1993 bombing and the
Alfred P Murrah, Federal Building bombing in Oklahoma City.
Satchel (bag) bomb. Several sticks of dynamite placed in a shoulder-strap bag
with one or two small liquid propane cylinders can create a tremendous explosion
and fire. This type of bomb is more powerful than a pipe bomb and it can be
thrown. It can also be packed with antipersonnel material such as nail, bolts,
and screws to inflict fragment casualties. could be found hanging on a hook
inside a restroom stall or inside a locker in a train or bus station. The Centennial
Park terrorist explosive incident in Atlanta was a satchel type bomb.
Mail bomb. A package or letter bomb sent through the mail often kills or injures
the wrong person. The secretary or co-worker of the intended victim may open
the mail bomb. A mail bomb can some-times be identified by excessive weight,
oil stains, lopsided or uneven packaging, excessive postage or foreign mail,
air mail or special delivery indicators or the return address may be missing.
Explosion Withdrawal Area
If a bomb is discovered the area should be evacuated to a distance of at least
2,000 feet (610 meters).
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Fire Department Preplanning for Terrorism
1. Identify terrorist targets in the community
2. Train for pre bomb blast procedures –Locate water supply, stretch
hose line, supply sprinkler and standpipes. Use time, distance, and shielding,
for protection of firefighters at the scene. Position fire forces and apparatus
upwind and uphill.
3. Train for post bomb blast: Collapse search and rescue operations, defensive
fire operations-protecting exposures with large caliber streams, and hazardous
material procedures may be necessary.
4. Train for evacuation procedures during suspected bomb incidents
5. Train for bomb searching techniques until the homeland security provides
us a better response of bomb experts. The fire service expert on bomb searching,
Mike Pickett. Austin, Texas, has held bomb searching training drills. He states
most bomb packages planted during training session are discovered by building
employees who are familiar with the search area, Use them if you can.
6. Lobby your community leaders for homeland security training funding.
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QUESTIONS
1.Which one is a correct answer regarding when a firefighters may be required
to operate at an incident with a terrorist’s bomb?
A. At a fire caused by a bomb
B. Discovering a bomb after a fire is extinguished
C. Search and evacuate a building containing a bomb
D. All of the above
Answer_______
2. When evacuating people from a building before a bomb search which one is
not a good action?
A. Have people take there belongings
B. Leave windows open
C. Leave lights on
D. Leave noise making machines running
Answer_______
3. Before directing a building evacuation which area of the egress is not searched
before the evacauation?
A. Access corridors leading to stairs
B. Stairs
C. Stair discharge areas (Lobby)
D. Rooms leading from stairs
Answer_______
4. Which is not an indication of a bomb?
A. Strong chemical odor
B. Back pack bag on hook of a bathroom stall
C. Device attached to a pressure cylinder
D. A container found in its usual location
Answer_______
True or False
A satchel bag bomb can be thrown.
Answer_______
Answers: 1, D; 2.D; 3, D; 4. D; 5. True