David P. Holcombe, February 23rd, 1991
On Saturday, February 23, 1991 at 8:27 PM, Box 495 was struck for an alarm at 1414 South Penn Square at the 38-story Meridian Bank Building, across the street from Philadelphia's City Hall.
Upon arrival, Battalion Chief George Yaeger of Battalion 5 noted heavy smoke coming from the 20th floor and struck the second alarm. The fire would eventually reach 12 alarms.
Firefighters from Engine 11 were operating on the upper floors above the fire. At some point, they became disoriented in the maze of office cubicles and heavy smoke.
Shortly before 11:00 PM, Captain Holcombe of Engine 11 reported that he and two other firefighters were trapped on the 30th floor and running out of air.
An extensive rescue effort began with a floor-by-floor search. Holcombe along with firefighter James Chappel and firefighter Phyliss McAllister were eventually found on the 28th floor. They had been overcome by the heavy toxic smoke.
At 3:01 PM on February 24th, some 17.5 hours after it started, the fire was declared under control by Commissioner Rodger Ulshaffer.
David P. Holcombe, February 23rd, 1991
On Saturday, February 23, 1991 at 8:27 PM, Box 495 was struck for an alarm at 1414 South Penn Square at the 38-story Meridian Bank Building, across the street from Philadelphia's City Hall.
Upon arrival, Battalion Chief George Yaeger of Battalion 5 noted heavy smoke coming from the 20th floor and struck the second alarm. The fire would eventually reach 12 alarms.
Firefighters from Engine 11 were operating on the upper floors above the fire. At some point, they became disoriented in the maze of office cubicles and heavy smoke.
Shortly before 11:00 PM, Captain Holcombe of Engine 11 reported that he and two other firefighters were trapped on the 30th floor and running out of air.
An extensive rescue effort began with a floor-by-floor search. Holcombe along with firefighter James Chappel and firefighter Phyliss McAllister were eventually found on the 28th floor. They had been overcome by the heavy toxic smoke.
At 3:01 PM on February 24th, some 17.5 hours after it started, the fire was declared under control by Commissioner Rodger Ulshaffer.
Career History
Appointed Firefighter Engine 12 - March 6, 1967
Transferred Firefighter Engine 41 - January 17, 1972
Promoted Lieutenant Engine 16 - June 30, 1975
Transferred Lieutenant Engine 69 - December 2, 1977
Transferred Lieutenant Ladder 11 - November 15, 1980
Transferred Lieutenant Fire Marshal’s Office - June 13, 1983
Promoted Captain Engine 49 - October 31, 1988
Transferred Captain Engine 11 - October 2, 1990