Oakland Hills Firestorm — Lessons Learned
October 20th is the anniversary of the 1991 Oakland Hills Firestorm. The fire was particularly devastating, both in lives and costs, and required extensive “Mutual Aid” from the fire departments of neighboring jurisdictions. Outside support was hindered when tools and protocols were not compatible – such as hoses that couldn’t fit on local hydrants. This disaster prompted efforts that created the Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) in California, which was subsequently adapted for the US as the National Incident Management System (NIMS).
Talk to your potential partners – those you will depend on and those who will depend on you – to be sure your assumptions and plans can work with theirs. If possible, test assumptions with practice and drills. Be ready to give and receive assistance smoothly when needed.
