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Backdraft triggers explosion at house fire

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By James Cummings, Staff Writer Updated 9:38 AM Thursday, June 25, 2009

DAYTON — Dayton firefighters were caught by surprise when a backdraft caused an explosion that blew out a section of drywall while they were dealing with a routine house fire.

“Something like that can be dangerous,” said Assistant Fire Chief Michael Caudill of the Dayton fire department. “A wall blowing out can knock a firefighter’s mask off or anything.”

No firefighters were injured in the incident, and the residents in the duplex where the fire happened also escaped unharmed, Caudill said.

Dayton fire investigator Vicki Carr said the fire apparently was started by careless disposal of smoking materials. The fire caused about $10,000 damage.

The fire was reported in a duplex in the 200 block of West Grand Avenue at 2:38 a.m., Caudill said. Most of the flames were contained quickly, and the backdraft occurred after the main fire had been put out.

Caudill, who said he was not on the Grand Avenue scene, explained that a backdraft can occur when combustible materials that have been deprived of oxygen suddenly get enough air to burn freely.

He said if a fire is burning in a confined space, such as in a cavity behind a wall, heat builds up and carbon monoxide, a product of incomplete combustion, can accumulate. When such a fire gets access to oxygen it can flare up explosively.

Caudill said the firefighters on the Grand Avenue scene apparently were going through the duplex checking for hidden fire. They made an opening in a wall, and the opening provided enough oxygen for the accumulated carbon monoxide and other combustible materials to explode.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2395 or jcummings@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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No house fire is routine.

Retired local 653

bo
9:54 PM, 6/25/2009

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My2cents...please, spare me. Granted it is a nasty smelly habit, I used to smoke myself, but you can't just go banning everything every time something goes wrong. Where do you draw the line? Drinking kills people, as does over eating, etc. Unfortunately for these folks they are the ones that are paying to repair their home. Thank God no one was hurt.

mechengr9
11:54 AM, 6/25/2009

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Yet another reason to ban those nasty, stinky, "smoking materials"
They are a nuisance and it is a PROVEN fact that they cause illness and unbelievable health care costs. And, in this day and age when a lot of people are on the dole....the people who DON'T smoke are pickin up the tab for those who do!!
Disgusting habit!!!

My2cents...
11:24 AM, 6/25/2009

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A routine house fire is usually a room and contents fire. Most are caused by careless smoking that starts in a couch or chair and consumes the contents of the room before being extinguished. Most routine house fires are small in nature, such as a kitchen fire on a stove or furniture in a room, and are put out in less than 15 minutes. Remember: smoke detectors save lives!

Firefighter Dave
10:15 AM, 6/25/2009

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Thank goodness nobody was injured! You couldn't pay me enough to run into a burning building! I'm thankful for our well trained men and women who do put their lives on the line for the rest of us!

just curious
9:10 AM, 6/25/2009

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