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INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Chief W. Bryson
Director Department of Fire and Rescue
Fizot; Captain J Pace
Station 8-B
September 4, 2004
Accident Q-8
FIL.s
On September 5 , 2004 at approximately 0650 hours during hurricane Frances , Q- 8
responded to 3595 Gaudens Road in relation to an automatic alarm at that residence. The
driver during this alarm was Firefighter Richard Wilson. The rest of the crew consisted of
Firefighters J.Centeno , M Carter and myself.
The specific conditions during this alarm was darkness with poor visibility, heavy rain,
and extreme wind causing severe movement of 1oca.1 foliage and trees. In addition, the
electric power in the neighborhood was discontinued which contributed to the affected
visibility due to lighting.
In front of the aforementioned residence was an extremely large banyan tree hanging low
over the roadway.
While searching. for the address, Q- 8 was able to clear the low Iying tree without incident
while driving forward. When it was determined that the actual address was one house
behind us . Q — 8 backed up while crew members positioned themselves in the rear of
apparatus to act as safety spotters. Regardless of this safety precaution, the visibility
deficiency was severe for both driver and spotters.
The tree had been nnoving in a slightly unstable manner due to wind conditions, and this
fact was verified by the investigating Police Officer while speaking to a resident of the
neighborhood. The ladder railing struck the banyan tree, causing a eight to ten foot
section of it to bend. The tree then shifted upwards again and released the railing
allowing the apparatus to move freely beneath it. Miami police Department unit 6144 was
notified for an accident report ( case. # 2491138-4A). District Chief P Ledea advised of
incident and on call shop mechanic called to respond to Station. 8 for vehicle inspection.
Firefighter Wilson completed Vehicle damage report. In my opinion, this accident was -
caused by a combination of factors including poor visibility, extreme wind /rain, tree
movement, and fatigue related to the high alarm volume during this hurricane evening.