James A. Chappell, February 24th, 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. The three members of Engine 11 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.
James A. Chappell, February 24th, 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. The three members of Engine 11 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 11 - June 29, 1987