Fatal Training Exercise Gone Wrong
Investigation After Death of Firefighter’s Son
The Miami-Dade Fire Rescue training exercise that claimed the life of a firefighter’s son wasn’t the first of its kind to go wrong or end in tragedy. Last week’s fatal mishap has led to questions about what exactly happened that caused the death of 28-year-old Fabian Camero, and whether the proper regulations were being followed.
Background
Fabian Camero was a certified EMT and employee of American Medical Response (AMR). However, he was not employed by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.
The Incident
The training exercise took place at the Virginia Gardens building, which has been used by the county for fire department drills for over a month. However, the building owner did not give permission for a controlled burn. Miami-Dade Mayor Spencer Deno described the deadly fire as accidental and not part of that day’s training.
Regulation and Procedures
Live fire trainings are heavily regulated, with pages of protocols laid out by the state and county, including the use of thermal imaging cameras during training that involves structures and a requirement to immediately stop when there are indications that the combustible nature of the environment represents a potential hazard.
History of Similar Incidents
In 2003, a 37-year-old recruit, Wayne Mitchell, was killed during a live fire training at Port Everglades. He was one of five recruits and instructors who entered the fire simulator, but he was the only one who did not make it out.
Investigation Calls
Local leaders are pushing for an investigation into the incident.
Conclusion
Fighting fires is a dangerous job, even when done as a practice. The death of Fabian Camero serves as a reminder of the importance of following proper procedures and regulations to ensure the safety of those involved.
FAQs
Q: What was the outcome of the 2003 incident?
A: Wayne Mitchell, a 37-year-old recruit, was killed during a live fire training at Port Everglades.
Q: What was the cause of Mitchell’s death?
A: He was burned, suffered heat exhaustion, became disoriented, and collapsed in the fire simulator.
Q: What is being done to ensure the safety of firefighters in trainings?
A: Local leaders are pushing for a thorough investigation into the incident, and the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue has its own training facility at its headquarters in Doral.
