The influence of historical fires on modern fire operations allows firefighters an opportunity to learn from the past. A triple Line of Duty Death (LODD) fire event on March 28th, 1994, now known as “The Watts Street Fire” created several lessons learned opportunities that still apply to present-day fires. From their deaths, it is our obligation to learn from history, to prevent a recurrence of the past. After Watts Street, the FDNY made a significant operational update and overcame politics holding back necessary equipment. The fire reinforces the need for all firefighters to be combat-ready when going above the fire to perform any fire ground activities, recognize the warning signs of hostile or extreme fire events, and how actions taken in ventilation limited fires affect the whole fireground. Utilize the lessons learned by brothers and sisters who made the ultimate sacrifice to do your best to return home to your family.

Technical Data & Reports to Review

• Official FDNY Investigative Report 62 Watts Street March 28th, 1994
• Division 7 Training & Safety Newsletter June 2018 – 62 Watts Street Manhattan
• Thermal Protective Performance – NFPA 1971, Clothing for Structural Fire Fighting
• Fire Behavior Case Study – Apartment Fire: New York, NY (62 Watts Street)
• NIST – Modeling a Backdraft Incident: The 62 Watts St. (NY) Fire
• Fireman Dies In Battling Blaze in SoHo – New York Times
• Giuliani Promises Firefighters New Gear – New York Times
• Talk of Life And Death Of Firefighter From Widow – New York Times
• There Are No Medals For Common Sense – Vina Drennan
• Diary of a Hero’s Widow – NY Daily News
• Fire Development Changes When A Fire Becomes Vent Limited – UL FSRI

What Happened?