Firefighter Joel MacDonald
Quint 4/Engine 12
Grand Rapids Fire Department

We were called as Mutual Aid to the scene of a multistory, steel reenforced heavy timber warehouse just after 9:00 AM. Our Mutual Aid partners had the need for personnel while attacking a 2nd floor boxed textile fire. 125 cubic foot cardboard boxes (5' x 5' x 5') stacked 4 high and dozens deep had caught fire the night before, but even after hours of defensive "watering," were still actively burning.

Our engine was assigned as RIT during a change to offensive fire attack. The decision was made that after hours of pouring water into this 2nd story bay, it may be nearing the maximum load capacity of the structure. Our RIT team was activated to relieve the floor water weight with drain holes to protect other companies inside. After very brief discussion, the only tool for this job was our Cutters Edge CERS2171 Multi-Cut Saw.

We entered the warehouse, wading through 7 inches of water filling the heavy timber floor. Even in the dense smoke, our 2171 started on the first pull. We pulled our 16 inch bar through over 4 1/2 inches of flooring timber depth, all under that 7 inches of water. Each time we cut, the saw chewed though timbers while slinging the excess water as it rushed into the cut. In less time than it took to organize the RIT plan, we had our holes cut and were backing out of the building -- mission accomplished thanks to a special tool, the CE 2171.

Sincerely,

Firefighter Joel MacDonald
Quint 4/Engine 12. Grand Rapids Fire Department