On June 17th, 2001, FDNY units were dispatched to a reported fire at 15-22 Astoria Blvd. Crews arrived on the scene and found an active fire in the basement of the Long Island General Supply Store. For approximately 30 minutes, firefighters were operating with no issues until witnesses described a "small explosion" followed by a blast. Firefighters were venting the building on the #1 side during the blast; the wall came down, trapping them. The Chief on scene transmitted additional alarms for extra manpower to assist with operations and digging through the rubble. During that time, firefighter Brian Fahey had a radio transmission, reporting he was trapped in the basement under debris from the collapse. Firefighters were able to free firefighters Harry Ford and John Downing, who were transported to the hospital but unfortunately succumbed to their injuries. Crews continued an extensive operation to get to firefighter Brian Fahey; unfortunately, he too had passed. The fire was being fueled by flammables in the basement, including an illegally stored propane tank, which caused the blast. Due to 9/11 happening in the same year, the father's day fire is often referred to as the "forgotten fire," but to the companies and families affected, it is undoubtedly remembered.

We must not forget how important these fires are to the fire service. Each fire that ends in tragedy can often provide tips for the future of the fire service. It's not to say incident commanders or firefighters were making bad decisions at present; we just learned how operations could run better and prevent future tragedies. Here are some points to remember from this fire and all fires.

Communication – This is one of the easiest ways to make operations more manageable, and it's often overlooked and not done enough. Whether it's engine and truck companies coordinating their tasks or a firefighter breaking away from his crew to search an area, communications should happen.

Preplans – Preplans should not only be created for your first due area but should often be updated. A preplan is a great way to keep an organized command system on scenes, almost as if you're following a script. Preplans don't have to stop with operations. They can also consist of hazards of certain buildings. Often, if you reach out to the building manager, they'll provide you with the info needed and be willing to assist in making operations more manageable.

Building Codes – Municipalities or departments that handle building and fire codes should keep up to date on structures in their area to ensure laws are being followed. Often firefighter injuries or LODDs occur due to occupancies or commercial facilities not following proper codes.

There will never be a way to prevent tragedies from happening; however, if we read, study, and learn from past incidents, it can help the cause.

The Firehouse Tribune remembers fallen FDNY firefighters.

John Downing of Ladder Co. 163

Brian Fahey of Rescue Co. 4

Harry Ford of Rescue Co. 4