FDNY Training Tips 2025-3: Manhole Explodes Under Con Ed Truck

One manhole fire job I was at, I checked the cellar of a 22 story dwelling and had a reading of 1495 co. A 2nd alarm was transmitted to search all upper floors, some had to be forced. I forgot how high the co readings went but it’s a serious situation.
 
Lt. Q said:
One manhole fire job I was at, I checked the cellar of a 22 story dwelling and had a reading of 1495 co. A 2nd alarm was transmitted to search all upper floors, some had to be forced. I forgot how high the co readings went but it’s a serious situation.
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wow....yes CO is lighter than air......thus 1495 in basement means most likely gonna be much higher on floors above...35 ppm is the max exposure limit and 1200 is IDLH so your readings were above IDLH in cellar. Great story, great catch
 
Remember operating at a manhole fire on Beverly Road in Flatbush. A second manhole was issuing smoke and I made the mistake of walking towards it. It blew with a terrific noise and the cover went sky high into the air. I made a second mistake by turning my back and running to safety. A senior man in the company explained it is far better to face the manhole and track where the cover is going.
 
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