~ Patrick Cudahy on fire wtf ~

[awsomeears]

Must be Fire year here in cudahy, I drove past and squads and fire trucks were everywhere.

[lordairgtar]

Cooked bacon!!!

[03CVLX]

Its currently at a MABAS 3rd alarm which is getting pretty big. You can monitor the action here. They have units from as far away as Mount Pleasant and Brookfield on scene.

http://www.wifirefeeds.com/milwaukee.htm

[scaleracer]

I've been hearing sirens for awhile and I guess that would make sense.. :goof

[70 cutlass 442]

Its currently at a MABAS 3rd alarm which is getting pretty big. You can monitor the action here. They have units from as far away as Mount Pleasant and Brookfield on scene.

http://www.wifirefeeds.com/milwaukee.htm

I just herd them send a west allis med and engine and another milwaukee apparatus...... so im wondering if this is now a 4 alarm fire or if its just station move ups. Also, it appears as if
they are using IFERN 800 a little, but otherwise not much firegound action, are they using a different talk group by chance??

[jbiscuit]

still burnin!

[That_Guy]

cudahy smells like smoked bacon already now its going to smell like a george webbs

[TheRX7Project]

They're evacuating everyone within a mile radius of the plant... WTF?

http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/50015222.html

[domokun]

the bigger WTF is they had a fire exactly 3 years ago!

[PonyKiller87]

They're evacuating everyone within a mile radius of the plant... WTF?

http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/50015222.html

1 Mile Radious? Are they expecting it to blow up or is it leaking chemicals or something? My house is probably about 1.1 miles from the plant.

[jbiscuit]

I hope it doesn't burn down City Lounge!

[Daytonapacecar959]

i hope it doesn't burn down city lounge!

x2

[dr doom]

I work at Ladish, and they just sent us home about an hour ago. They cant contain the fire yet. Ill take the day off gladly!

[03CVLX]

Sorry guys, I worked 16 hours yesterday so I had to get some sleep.

Latest update is this is a 5th Alarm MABAS response Along with special calls for the MIlwaukee Hazmat Unit. There is some type of an ammonia leak and they are in progress of evacuating everyone in a mile radius of the plant as far as I can tell right now.

They also have a full SMART response on scene. That is the police version of MABAS Mutual aid. They have squads from Multiple different cities on scene to assist with the evacuation.

[Car Guy]

Mmmmmm, did someone say bacon...??? :drool:




:goof

[03CVLX]

I will try and write down a list of the equipment there, when I go back to work at 3

[88Nightmare]

1 Mile Radious? Are they expecting it to blow up or is it leaking chemicals or something? My house is probably about 1.1 miles from the plant.

ammonia storage tanks may be in danger with the fire

[03CVLX]

according to the press conference a few mins ago. They said if the fire breaks thru a firewall that there could be a possibility of an ammonia explosion. It does not sound like its leaking at this point.

[Anakonda69]

may need to take a ride down there.

[03CVLX]

From the radio traffic I don't think you will get any further east that Pennsylvania ave. You will see the smoke though.

[GTSLOW]

Ya I'm thinking the same thing.

[DR.FORD]

I was evacuated from my shop. Remember what the Germans did to the Jews? Burning ammonia will displace all oxygen and will kill anything dependant on it. Don't be dumb and go just to look at a fire-its not worth it. The fire is right behind my storage lot. I'm not worried of the fire getting to my stuff, but it's too close for comfort!
That building is over 100 years old, and they have been processing meat products in there forever. EVERY bit of grease, fat, etc. that has fallen into a crack is feeding the fire.

[PonyKiller87]

From the radio traffic I don't think you will get any further east that Pennsylvania ave. You will see the smoke though.

Damit, my house is a block and a half east of Pennsylvania. As of about an hour ago my roomate said they weren't doing evac on my street yet though.

[03CVLX]

Another press conference is scheduled for Noon.

Here is a quick (NOT COMPLETE) list of Mutual Aid:

Greenfield
Franklin
Hales Corners
South Milwaukee
St Francis
Oak Creek
North Shore
Wauwatosa Fire & Police
C/Racine
Caledonia
South Shore Fire
Waterford
Union Grove
T & C/Burlington
Tichigan
Menomonee Falls
New Berlin Fire
Brookfield Fire & Police
Wisconsin State Patrol (Police)
Milwaukee Police (8 Motor Officers)
Oconomowoc Police
Milwaukee Fire and Hazmat team
** This is only a partial list, please add as you hear

[Flicktitty]

just saw the news confrence, pretty crazy the guy is thinking of calling the National Gaurd? WTF?

[GTSLOW]

Just drove past. Surprised they don't have the roads closed. There's a road that sorta runs diagonal off Pennsylvania behind those trucking companies. You can get really close by going that way.

To Dr Ford, if there was that big of a concern they'd already have the roads closed off around there. But thanks for the concern.

[GTSLOW]

Another press conference is scheduled for Noon.

Here is a quick (NOT COMPLETE) list of Mutual Aid:

Greenfield
Franklin
Hales Corners
South Milwaukee
St Francis
Oak Creek
North Shore
Wauwatosa Fire & Police
C/Racine
Caledonia
South Shore Fire
Waterford
Union Grove
T & C/Burlington
Tichigan
Menomonee Falls
New Berlin Fire
Brookfield Fire & Police
Wisconsin State Patrol (Police)
Milwaukee Police (8 Motor Officers)
Oconomowoc Police
Milwaukee Fire and Hazmat team
** This is only a partial list, please add as you hear


Dam!! TMJ4 had a cool shot where the was a bunch of ladder trucks all next to each other showing the different forces working together.

[88Nightmare]

my buddy in cudahy had a state trooper knock on his door and advised him to evacuate

[scaleracer]

Crazy stuff! It's on the news right now..

[wikked]

That building is over 100 years old, and they have been processing meat products in there forever. EVERY bit of grease, fat, etc. that has fallen into a crack is feeding the fire.



This... ew.

[Z Speed]

my buddy in cudahy had a state trooper knock on his door and advised him to evacuate


yea... well im going out to the garage to work on the car and smell the bacon.

[moels]

I haven't caught much on the news, was anyone hurt or killed?

[Z Speed]

I haven't caught much on the news, was anyone hurt or killed?

no one was injured or killed. from what I understand its a maintainence guy that saw/found the fire and reported it to the fire department.

[Exitspeed]

Are they saying if they are finally getting it under control?

[DR.FORD]

To Dr Ford, if there was that big of a concern they'd already have the roads closed off around there. But thanks for the concern.

They were evacuating areas where the wind would carry the shit. West of PC was not a concern because wind was southeast. I am getting this info from my good friend of mine, a Milwaukee firefighter. They have Milwaukee's Hazmat team in there now because no other municipality could handle the situation. Don't think you have more info than the Milwaukee Fire Dept. but go and check it out if you want. Just as a little bit of info to add, did you notice Milwaukee fire engines ARE NOT in this blaze? You know why?? Milwaukee charges the most out of all the municipalities to aid in emergencies!! Hmmm, if they did what was best for everyone and didn't concern money, maybe Milwaukee would be in there and all the streets would be blocked off! This is inside info from the source!!

[Z Speed]

They were evacuating areas where the wind would carry the shit. West of PC was not a concern because wind was southeast. I am getting this info from my good friend of mine, a Milwaukee firefighter. They have Milwaukee's Hazmat team in there now because no other municipality could handle the situation. Don't think you have more info than the Milwaukee Fire Dept. but go and check it out if you want. Just as a little bit of info to add, did you notice Milwaukee fire engines ARE NOT in this blaze? You know why?? Milwaukee charges the most out of all the municipalities to aid in emergencies!! Hmmm, if they did what was best for everyone and didn't concern money, maybe Milwaukee would be in there and all the streets would be blocked off! This is inside info from the source!!

figures they cant fork up the money to get it done and over with. rather just risk it before actually doing something about it.

[88Nightmare]

who has to pay to get this fire taken care of? Patrick Cudahy?

[DR.FORD]

who has to pay to get this fire taken care of? Patrick Cudahy?

The municipality pays, then there may be a bill, depends on many things political! This IS another fact!!

[GTSLOW]

Well they were talking about it on the news earlier. Patrick Cudahy is obviously in very well with the city so we'll see.

[70 cutlass 442]

did you notice Milwaukee fire engines ARE NOT in this blaze? You know why?? Milwaukee charges the most out of all the municipalities to aid in emergencies!! Hmmm, if they did what was best for everyone and didn't concern money, maybe Milwaukee would be in there and all the streets would be blocked off! This is inside info from the source!!

Actually, you are slightly off on this.... Milwaukee is part of the MABAS (Mutual Aid Box Alarm System) Which organizes a systematic approach to obtaining extra resources when a large disaster like this happens.... The kiker is if you are part of MABAS, you may not charge or bill your services to any other municipality regardless of the situation. HazMat however is not included in this and will either bill the municapality or the customer for their services.

[DR.FORD]

Actually, you are slightly off on this.... Milwaukee is part of the MABAS (Mutual Aid Box Alarm System) Which organizes a systematic approach to obtaining extra resources when a large disaster like this happens.... The kiker is if you are part of MABAS, you may not charge or bill your services to any other municipality regardless of the situation. HazMat however is not included in this and will either bill the municapality or the customer for their services.

If that is 100% why was there no Milwaukee firefighters or engines working this fire? At least as of 10am when I spoke with my source and he gave me this info??
Could it be that everything does not work by the book? Imagine that!

[70 cutlass 442]

If that is 100% why was there no Milwaukee firefighters or engines working this fire? At least as of 10am when I spoke with my source and he gave me this info??
Could it be that everything does not work by the book? Imagine that!

That all depends how their cards are laid out. If their cards are setup to avoid using MFD for any reason, then they wont request them. or if they do they may have them reserved for a different box alarm. The level of service that MFD may offer other departments may also be crappy which may prompt other departments to go else where for resources. Example, Brookfield FD wont request New Berlin FD to to a station move up because they wont do it. even though they are right next ot each other geographically, BFD may have it setup to pull rigs from a different department. Like I stated before, Hazmat is a completely different story and the Spiller or in this case PC would be liable for any costs incured.... which im sure will be absorbed by their insurence CO. But according to their website, MFD i BELEIVE is part of the 107th division of mabas which means they can't charge for their services regardless. (unless hazmat) I could be wrong but, we just went through this training 2 months ago and assume that that is the most current information.

[GTSLOW]

So what's the status of the fire? I'm back in Madison so I really don't have any coverage of it.

[03CVLX]

MFD is on scene with 3 ladder trucks. and Hazmat has returned to the scene after being released.

Thats all that cudahy has requested from us at this point in the game.

[GTSLOW]

So she's still burning?

[Korndogg]

Kenosha is on their way up to relive firefighters now

[GTSLOW]

http://www.freshnews.in/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/patrick-cudahy-fire-300x214.jpg
http://media.journalinteractive.com/images/620wtmj_070609fireairportuwm.JPG
http://media.journalinteractive.com/images/620wtmj_070609firephoto2.JPG
http://media.journalinteractive.com/images/620wtmj_070609firephotostreet.JPG
http://media.jsonline.com/images/599*399/mjs-fire_-nws_-sears_-3.jpg

[88Nightmare]

So she's still burning?

just look on the internet

http://media.journalinteractive.com/images/620wtmj_070609firephotostreet.JPG

http://media.journalinteractive.com/images/620wtmj_070609firephoto2.JPG

http://media.journalinteractive.com/images/620wtmj_070609ambassadors2.JPG

http://media.journalinteractive.com/images/620wtmj_070609ambassadors3.JPG

[1997 Trans-Am]

I drove past there a couple hours ago. it was still smoking pretty good. It was cool to see all the firefighters on the ladder trucks. There was a pretty good view on Layton just East of the railroad tracks

[TheRX7Project]

They let you get that close ^^?

[GTSLOW]

Had to of been a road nearby. Anything around the place is locked down pretty dam tight.

[1997 Trans-Am]

They let you get that close ^^?


You could pretty much get about 100 yrds away in some places. i drove in the neighborhoods and got that close. They have the nearby roads blocked off. but i could get close enough to see a lot. (like the very first picture posted above.)

[0TransAm0]

they just said on fox six that it could be burning for another 24 hours......

[Smokey1226]

I was evacuated from my shop. Remember what the Germans did to the Jews? Burning ammonia will displace all oxygen and will kill anything dependant on it. Don't be dumb and go just to look at a fire-its not worth it. The fire is right behind my storage lot. I'm not worried of the fire getting to my stuff, but it's too close for comfort!
That building is over 100 years old, and they have been processing meat products in there forever. EVERY bit of grease, fat, etc. that has fallen into a crack is feeding the fire.
:wow i didnt even get to drive the car yet, dont burn on me already :wooo

[Korndogg]

it is now national news

[88Nightmare]

where did you see it on the national level?

[Korndogg]

channel 4 nightly news

[Goat Roper]

Could see the smoke clear as day from NM in Franklin late this afternoon.

[GTSLOW]

they just said on fox six that it could be burning for another 24 hours......

Wholy hell what's going to be left?

[Firefighter Z]

Wholy hell what's going to be left?

These guys?
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2008-09-06-GhostbustersPhotographC10102485.jpg

[DerangedPony]

Venus Ford was closed all day today, they wouldn't even let us open this morning. Made some customer phone calls then took the rest of the day off.

[udlose98]

just got back from photographing this, terrible thing to happen, but pretty rare to be able to take pictures of something like this, i'll have em up soon.

[03CVLX]

Ozaukee county fire units are now responding to include

Mequon
Theinsville
Grafton
Cedarburg
Port Washington
and Saukville

This was as of 5:40 PM

[70 cutlass 442]

Ozaukee county fire units are now responding to include

Mequon
Theinsville
Grafton
Cedarburg
Port Washington
and Saukville

This was as of 5:40 PM

thats pretty incredable. what box level are they operating at now?

[03CVLX]

Its beyond a 5th alarm. There is no box level to describe this fire. They are doing interdivisional requests at this point. Division 109(Milwaukee) was Cudahys third choice to use for additional equipment they called us for three ladder trucks around 1 pm. There has been two or three additional requests since then.

[0TransAm0]

03cvlx.. i take it you are a fireman? or work in that field?

[udlose98]

http://brewcitymuscle.com/forum/showthread.php?p=558270#post558270

pics

[03CVLX]

03cvlx.. i take it you are a fireman? or work in that field?

I am a dispatcher for Milwaukee Fire Dept. So kinda in the field, trying to keep up with whats going on.

[0TransAm0]

I am a dispatcher for Milwaukee Fire Dept. So kinda in the field, trying to keep up with whats going on.

thats cool. its nice to know whats going on b4 hearing it on the news lol.
:thumbsup

[GTSLOW]

Well thanks for the updates.

[70 cutlass 442]

I am a dispatcher for Milwaukee Fire Dept. So kinda in the field, trying to keep up with whats going on.

Any idea of what talk groups they are using? Sounds like IFERN 800 is being used a bit now, but only sounds like that is for use between staging and command??

[03CVLX]

Any idea of what talk groups they are using? Sounds like IFERN 800 is being used a bit now, but only sounds like that is for use between staging and command??


That one I can't answer. MFD doesn't use 800 mhz yet so we can't monitor that. They have it patched to Ifern VHF(MFD frequency F8 on the scanner lists) but we don't hear anything else.

[0TransAm0]

Any idea of what talk groups they are using? Sounds like IFERN 800 is being used a bit now, but only sounds like that is for use between staging and command??


any way we can hear the radio activity online?

[Korndogg]

http://www.wifirefeeds.com/milwaukee.htm

[0TransAm0]

sweet thanks korn

[Korndogg]

no prob. i was listening to my scanner and then 03CVLX reminded me of that site

[03CVLX]

Well, Now even I am surprised. They have requested a Tanker task force from Waukesha county. Not sure how many are on the way though.

[GTSLOW]

What's a tanker task force?


Sounds silly but couldn't they use forest fire choppers and just grab water from the lake?

[Goat Roper]

Smoke was showing up on radar

http://www.crh.noaa.gov/images/mkx/cudahy%20fire.gif

[GTSLOW]

I wish there was a live webcam of the fire scene.

[03CVLX]

A tanker task force is multiple tankers from various departments in that county

[H8RADE]

Video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-1J6QM4vqw)

[GTSLOW]

^ I'm scared to click the link.

[03CVLX]

Here is the latest list of what departments we know have responded to Patrick Cudahy. Its a rough list, some departments may be missing. This is huge.....

Milwaukee County: Cudahy, St Francis, South Milwaukee, Oak Creek,
Franklin, Greenfield, Greendale, Hales Corners, Wauwatosa, West Allis, North Shore,
Milwaukee, Mitchell Airport, Milwaukee Fire Bell Club.

Racine: Racine, South Shore(Mt. Pleasant), Caledonia, Raymond, Union Grove,
Tichigan, Rochester, City and Town of Burlington, Waterford.

Kenosha: Kenosha, Somers, Pleasant Prairie, Bristol, Salem, Twin Lakes

Waukesha: Menomonee Falls, Butler, Brookfield, New Berlin.

Ozaukee: Grafton, Cederburg, Theinsville, Mequon, Saukville, Port Washington.


So 40 Departments have responded and some may still be on scene at this fire. :eek: :thumbsup

[GTSLOW]

So what's going to be left of Patrick Cudahy when this thing finally gets put out?

[88Nightmare]

the parking lot

[03CVLX]

Who knows, It doesn't sound like much.

As too your earlier question that I missed about the chopper and the lake.

As far as I understand it from the press conferences, they were unable to get water where they needed to by just dumping it on the building. The place is 100 + years old and apparently has been added onto multiple times. They said the methods used over the years left lots of hidden areas accessible to fire but not visible to the eye. Thats how it got out of hand so quickly. I guess it makes sense, I may be inaccurate since it came from the media and my memory from a few hours ago.

[JOHN 86GT]

I'm surprised with this economy, there are not more "fires"...

[70 cutlass 442]

I'm surprised with this economy, there are not more "fires"...

Auto fires have risin quite a bit and insurence companies spend millions trying to combat "accidental" fires and bust people for fraud each year... but you are right, you would think that with so many vacant buildings and failing companies that more people would try to burn whats left and take the settlement.

[TheRX7Project]

Any early morning updates? How close are they to getting it out?

[GR8COM]

Ozaukee county fire units are now responding to include

Mequon
Theinsville
Grafton ( I dispatched them!!)
Cedarburg
Port Washington
and Saukville

This was as of 5:40 PM

Just sucks I couldn't hear anything once they left the county.....Unless I used www.wifirefeeds.com.

[GTSLOW]

Anything?

[Car Guy]

I'll be running by (literally) about noon and will give an eye witness update when I get back......:)

[03CVLX]

Latest report is that the fire is somewhat under control from what we are hearing. They are still extinguishing hot spots. Another task force was just dispatched from MABAS Division 103. Div 103 is from Walworth County. Its not clear yet which departments are responding.

[88Nightmare]

wow, 24 hours later they are still battling this thing.

[1997 Trans-Am]

that place has to be just completely flooded. almost 9-10million gallons of water used. crazy

[PonyKiller87]

So is it out yet? Are they still saying not to use the water? I was hoping to water my lawn when I get home, lol.

[-stew-]

Two o'clock news report on WTMJ is calling the fire contained, but not under control.

[03CVLX]

Division 118 now responding to Cudahy This includes

Lake Mills
Johnson Creek
Jefferson
Helenville


Now they are pulling them from far away.

[DirtyMax]

What the heck is still burning? It seems like they have kept it contained to one building area. So if it isn't spreading, what type of material can continue burning for nearly two days while being constantly doused with water?

The only thing I could think of was that it was a grease/fat fire which would be partially resilient to water. If that's the case though, couldn't they use a chemical similar to baking soda to starve this thing? I'm sure this has been thought of or tried but just thinking out loud.

[-stew-]

What the heck is still burning? It seems like they have kept it contained to one building area. So if it isn't spreading, what type of material can continue burning for nearly two days while being constantly doused with water?

The only thing I could think of was that it was a grease/fat fire which would be partially resilient to water. If that's the case though, couldn't they use a chemical similar to baking soda to starve this thing? I'm sure this has been thought of or tried but just thinking out loud.



And if it wasn't burning, we'd be eating it. A lil scary.

[STANMAN]

Sweet applewoooooood:thumbsup

[GTSLOW]

Johnsons creek wholy shit!! What's next Dane County?

[lordairgtar]

When they start bringing out the antique fire fighting equipment from the museum...then we worry. Hope they know how to handle a horse team.

[0TransAm0]

so is this thing still burning or what?

[GRAMPS SS]

so is this thing still burning or what?

GOOD BBQ takes time to cook...give it time...

[Korndogg]

GOOD BBQ takes time to cook...give it time...


give it time.... like my sweatshirts??? lol

[03CVLX]

Yes, it is still burning. They state the fire is "Contained" but NOT under control.

[03CVLX]

Cudahy has "struck out the box" meaning that there will be no more mutual aid called to this fire. However whatever is currently on scene will remain until the fire is extinguished.

Sounds like its just about done, 48 hrs after the start.

[GTSLOW]

http://www.patrickcudahy.com/fire/pdf/070709-pci_media_statement_v2.pdf

[GTSLOW]

patrick cudahy officials thank cudahy community, firefighters
& response teams; optimistic plant production can resume soon
cudahy, wis. – (july 7, 2009) – as local firefighters and emergency personnel continue to
bring the fire at the cudahy plant under control, cudahy residents are being asked to continue
conserving their water usage until further notice. Firefighters have the fire contained and are
closely monitoring two “hot spots” before declaring the fire is completely extinguished.
Meanwhile, patrick cudahy officials are optimistic that some plant operations can resume soon
and are praising the brave firefighters who have battled the blaze.
“we thank the more than 130 firefighters from 27 area fire departments, cudahy mayor ryan
mccue, law enforcement officials, patrick cudahy employees, local business members,
government officials, volunteers from the red cross and salvation army and residents for their
support and cooperation in fostering a safe evacuation and return during this extraordinary
circumstance,” noted bill otis, president of patrick cudahy.
Patrick cudahy officials have begun assessing damages and determining which areas of the
production complex can resume normal operations. Based on the extraordinary work
accomplished by local firefighters and patrick cudahy employees who helped contain ammonia
tanks on site, the company’s offices, a portion of the meat processing plant and the facility’s
power plant have been saved.
Salaried employees including administrative, human resources, purchasing, marketing, sales
and other personnel have returned to work at the headquarters located adjacent to the
manufacturing plant. Hourly employees have been asked not to return to work until the
assessment of the production areas is completed and we know safe operations can resume.
Employees with questions about when to report to work can call the patrick cudahy
communication center, 414-744-2000, or visit www.patrickcudahy.com for updates.
Smithfield foods, parent company to patrick cudahy, is working with its other operating
companies to determine where production can be shifted in the interim to minimize customer
interruptions. Customers with questions about orders and delivery schedules should contact
their sales representative or call customer service at 1-800-486-6900.
The building affected by the fire is the cooked ham and sliced meats processing areas and also
includes some of our microwave bacon lines. Patrick cudahy has provided extensive training
for its employees to maintain an excellent workplace safety record and has received
numerous safety and environmental awards throughout the years for safeguarding workers and
the surrounding community.
An investigation into the cause of the fire has been launched and more information will be
provided as soon as available.

# # #

[03CVLX]

Here is the most up to date and probably most accurate list of fire departments on this scene.

Milwaukee County (107,109): Cudahy, St Francis, South Milwaukee, Oak Creek, Franklin, Greenfield, Hales Corners, Wauwatosa, North Shore,
Milwaukee, Milwaukee County Fire Dept.(Mitchell International Airport), Milwaukee Fire Bell Club, West Allis, Greendale.

Racine (102): Racine, South Shore, Caledonia, Raymond, Union Grove,
Tichigan, Rochester, City of Burlington, Town of Burlington, Waterford.

Kenosha (101): Kenosha, Somers, Pleasant Prairie, Bristol, Salem, Twin
Lakes

Waukesha County (106): Menomonee Falls, Butler, Brookfield, New Berlin, Tess Corners, Wales-Genesee, Big Bend Vernon, Town of Lisbon, Town of Waukesha and City of Waukesha.


Ozaukee County (119): Grafton, Cedarburg, Thiensville, Mequon, Saukville, Port Washington.

Jefferson County (118): Lake Mills, Johnson Creek, Jefferson, Helenville

Walworth County (103) Elkhorn, Sharon, East Troy, Lake Geneva and one other department with no name on the rig.


I count 55 Fire departments more than twice what the media has been reporting.

[88Nightmare]

wow

[Anakonda69]

damn what a mess.

[Z Speed]

glad that its just done and over with before things got worst

[07ROUSHSTG3]

Cudahy has "struck out the box" meaning that there will be no more mutual aid called to this fire. However whatever is currently on scene will remain until the fire is extinguished.

Sounds like its just about done, 48 hrs after the start.

does the "box" make it easier for you as a dispatcher??

[03CVLX]

Honestly, Being that I am a city FD dispatcher we don't really ever use the MABAS Box system unless it goes past an MFD fifth alarm then they can choose to activate MABAS

At MFD our 5th alarm consists of(going strictly from memory at this second) This is everything totaled up from the 1st thru 5th alarm

15 engine companies
7 Ladder companies
The HURT team
Compressed air unit
4 Chiefs
Mobile Communications unit
2 Paramedic units

im missing something......

That still leaves availble in the city

21 engines
9 ladders
10 Paramedic units

for another fire or various medical emergencies. So while its challenging to keep track of everyone who is there, I still feel its much easier than trying to keep track of wether or not Elkhorns engine and a Ladder truck from Racine ever made it on scene. etc.

[03CVLX]

One other interesting tidbit.

The MABAS Division 107 Dispatcher that handles fires of this size for the suburbs is actually located in Wauwatosa. If it is a major fire in Wauwatosa the backup dispatch center is Oak Creek.