GREENE COUNTY, Ga. — On Sept. 4, 2024, a Greene County Fire Rescue battalion chief (Battalion 1) died while commanding a tractor-trailer fire response. While investigating the cargo in a burning refrigerated trailer, an explosion occurred, fatally injuring him.
Despite immediate efforts from fellow responders, Chris Eddy was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident unfolded rapidly, with the fire escalating and unknown hazardous materials contributing to the danger.
A NIOSH line-of-duty death investigation identified contributing factors and outlined recommendations fire departments can implement to help prevent similar tragedies.
What type of call was the battalion chief responding to?
At 0921 hours, a vehicle fire was reported and upgraded to a tractor-trailer fire with black smoke after multiple 911 calls. Battalion 1 and Engine 11 were dispatched. Seeing a large smoke column, Battalion 1 requested additional resources, including another engine and a tanker. Chief 1101 and Chief 8 also responded to assist.
What were the initial actions?
At approximately 0928 hours, Battalion 1 arrived and positioned his vehicle to block traffic and assumed command. The fire was heavily involved at the rear of the tractor, with unknown cargo and occupant status. He reported off-gassing from an unknown source and directed Engine 11 to deploy a foam attack line. By 0931 hours, water was on the fire.
While investigating the rear of the trailer around 0933 hours, Battalion 1 attempted to open the doors when the trailer exploded. Chief 1101, arriving earlier, called out to Battalion 1 but received no response. At 0935, Chief 1101 confirmed Battalion 1 was down and requested air medical.
By 0937 hours, Battalion 1 was confirmed deceased. The trailer’s cargo was later identified as frozen chicken.
What are the contributing factors that led to the battalion chief’s death?
NIOSH investigators identified the following key factors that likely contributed to the fatality:
- SOPs/SOGs
- Incident Command
- Risk/benefit analysis
- Staffing
- Hazard recognition, including control zone establishment with an unknown hazard
What are the recommendations from the NIOSH report?
The report listed several recommendations for fire departments to consider. Some of these focus on SOPs, incident command and risk/benefit analysis.
Fire service organizations should develop and maintain SOPs/SOGs with industry best practices.
In this incident, the Incident Commander (IC) arrived first, established command, and positioned his vehicle to create a safe work zone. He attempted a full 360-degree size-up but was initially limited to 270 degrees due to smoke. After exiting his vehicle, he completed the assessment and updated incoming crews. The IC remained in the hot zone to investigate the trailer’s cargo. NFPA 1550 emphasizes the need for written policies and SOPs outlining roles, operations and training for responder safety.
ICs should establish an IMS on all incidents.
At times, conditions may require the first arriving officer to engage in operations rather than assume a command role — such as during low staffing, imminent rescues or the need to investigate scene conditions. While investigation may be necessary, department policies should prioritize ICs performing command functions. If an IC takes on an investigative role, command should be transferred to the next qualified officer as soon as possible.
ICs should integrate risk assessment as a risk management practice into their fireground strategy and tactic SOGs/SOPs.
The IC followed department SOGs for a tractor-trailer fire — establishing command, giving a size-up and requesting additional resources. He entered the hot zone multiple times to investigate unknown cargo, noting the trailer was refrigerated. Using alternative risk management strategies alongside SOGs may have reduced the number of personnel exposed in the hot zone.
ICs should establish control zones on incidents where IDLH environments exist.
The IC took on several ISO duties —positioning Engine 11 outside the hazard zone, following SOGs, searching for the driver, assessing cargo hazards and reporting off-gassing and a refrigerated trailer during this incident.
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