SMOKE EXPLOSION/BACKDRAFT TUCSON FIRE CLOSE CALL

This was a small commercial building/abandoned gas station with an attic fire. The fire originated in a storage room that was only accessible from the exterior of the building. The initial engine company entered through the front doors to search for fire and complete a primary search. They reported a possible attic fire, so the next crew was sent to the roof to perform an attic reset. Smoke volume began to increase and was dark brown, so the IC called the interior crew out of the building. The primary search was reported to have been completed. Soon after, while a crew was on the roof about to perform an attic reset, there was a backdraft/smoke explosion. The IC called a Code Red and immediately completed a PAR. All crew members in the hot zone were safe and accounted for. The scene transitioned from an offensive attack to a defensive operation to include arial master streams, a portable Blitz monitor, and 2-1/2” handlines. Overhaul of the building was deemed unsafe due to bowing walls, roof collapse, and the risk of further collapse. A tractor was called in and used to tear down the walls while coordinating with crews operating an aerial master stream and handlines.