After-Action Review of Significant Firefighter Injury

Attendees will hear from Fire Chief Aaron Lipski and Battalion Chief Brian McNulty about the tragic events that unfolded in the early morning hours of April 14, 2004, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. With multiple entrapments and numerous buildings on fire, resources were stretched thin, leading to a nightmare situation for Incident Command: multiple maydays were reported, indicating that a firefighter was trapped above the fire.

In the aftermath of this incident, which resulted in the death of one civilian and severe injuries to a Milwaukee firefighter, Chief Lipski emphasized that every aspect of the situation should be thoroughly investigated. He insisted that no detail be overlooked and that no deference be given to rank or title. The primary focus was to gather evidence and determine the contributing factors to the tragedy.

As a result of this investigation, several recommendations were made, which have led to a significant increase in fire and rescue training activities that had not been seen in recent years.