Baltimore Fire Department Revises Firefighting Protocols Amid Union Concerns

BALTIMORE — The Baltimore City Fire Department has announced a change in its firefighting approach, prompting concerns from union representatives regarding the safety and effectiveness of the new protocols.

In a recent memo, the department directed firefighters to initially combat fires from the exterior of a structure until a battalion chief provides further instructions. This directive has raised alarms among members of the Baltimore Firefighters IAFF Local 734, who argue that waiting for higher authority could delay critical life-saving actions.

Matthew Coster, the union president, expressed dissatisfaction with the new policy, asserting, "We have a job to do - save lives and property - and we don't want to be handcuffed by some memo that says we aren't able to do that." The internal memo, which was not meant for public distribution, was leaked, resulting in widespread discontent among firefighters.

Less than a day after the initial communication, the department issued a revised memo. While firefighters are still instructed to begin their response from the outside, they are now permitted to enter a building upon receiving approval from the first officer on the scene, rather than waiting for a battalion chief.

Coster noted that this adjustment still marks a significant shift from traditional firefighting practices, which typically emphasize aggressive interior attacks. He highlighted the unique challenges posed by Baltimore's row homes, stating that failure to act quickly could lead to devastating consequences, including loss of life or extensive property damage.

The updated policy allows firefighters to bypass the exterior-only rule if there is a credible report of someone trapped inside and conditions permit safe entry. This language was modified from the original memo, which required an actual sighting of a trapped individual for deviation from the protocol.

Despite the changes, Coster remains concerned that the complexity of the new rules could hinder firefighters during critical moments. However, he reassured the public of the commitment and bravery of firefighters, stating, "Our members are dedicated to their job and they will do whatever's possible to save lives no matter what discipline could be around the corner."

The union is actively collaborating with the fire department to refine these protocols further. The department has yet to respond to requests for additional comments regarding the new policies.

Reported by HarborBeat based on WMAR 2 News (source).