NTSB issues safety alert for land-based firefighters responding to vessel fires

While attempting to put out the fire, two land-based firefighters were unable to find their way out of one of the smoke-filled garage decks and died.

Newark Fire Division leadership directed the firefighters to actively engage the fire in the fire protection zone where the carbon dioxide gas extinguishing system had already been activated, which allowed more carbon dioxide out and more oxygen in, increasing the severity of the fire.

The NTSB found the Newark Fire Division’s lack of marine vessel firefighting training resulted in an ineffective response, led to the firefighter casualties, and contributed to the severity of the fire.