Kansas City,MO Video shows firefighter falling from roof 11/6/17

Pretty tough to watch this guy slide off that roof. In this case it is only one story but even a one story fall can be devastating. Especially when wearing all that equipment. It could have been a 2 or 3 story fall as well based on the size of many wood frame buildings.

Years ago, I wanted to learn about venting peaked roofs. I remember reading in the FDNY training manuals that venting peaked roofs was not necessary unless doing it from the bucket of a tower ladder. The manual stated that venting the windows in the peaked section would pretty much accomplish the job. Without going on that peaked roof. 

Not too long ago I was also talking with a member of the FDNY and he stated that as well.

I know of a guy that fell off a ground ladder only one story wearing all that gear and an air pack. He ended up dislocating a shoulder and when it happened he thought he broke his back.

"I know because I was that guy - Memorial Day 1986". Pretty lucky too because the leather helmet I was wearing protected my head from hitting about a 3 foot wall in the alley.

Couldn't drive my manual shift car and had to mow the lawn with only my left hand. I'm just glad it wasn't the winter and I had to try and shovel snow.

Thanks Mike for posting that. I hope the guy is okay. 
 
I agree, Willy, these falls can be really bad.  We hired an off-duty firefighter to clean our chimney one time about 20 years ago (he had a part-time business as a chimney sweep).  The family room where the chimney is is just one story, but with a steeply pitched roof.  He got up there and was doing fine until we were looking out the window and saw him come down, feet first.  He was in bad shape, so we called 911.  The FD medics ragged him unmercifully while they packaged him and took him off (not a good show, in my opinion).  Turns out he had broken his right hip, and was off the job for more than six months. Hope this guy fared better.
 
According to FDNY operational manuals- we do not operate on peaked roofs.  Reality is sometimes different and even the books have contradictions.  I think the books also talk about straddling the ridge to make an axe cut. 
 
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