Problem:
On Father's Day, June 17, 2001, a fire began in the Long Island General Supply store in the Long Island City section of Queens in New York, NY. The store contained flammable liquids and propane tanks. At 2:48 pm (1448 hours), a small explosion was heard from the building, followed by a huge blast. The explosion knocked down every fire fighter working the fire from the street and knocked down a wall of the building.
A call came over the radio from one fire fighter stating that he was trapped in the basement: "I'm trapped in the basement by the stairs. Come get me." The chief at the scene immediately ordered a fourth alarm, which brought additional apparatus and personnel to the scene. In addition, numerous special calls for apparatus and personnel were made. Eventually there were 144 pieces of apparatus at the scene: 46 engines, 33 ladders, 16 battalion chiefs, 2 deputy chiefs, all 5 rescues, 7 squads, and many more pieces of specialized equipment. When the fire was finally extinguished, 3 fire fighters had been killed.
Q1. What resources are available at your local fire department to deal with this type of incident?
Q2. What resources are available from local construction companies to deal with this type of incident?