Indianapolis home explosion may prompt more training for local firefighters

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - It's a scene many people have been keeping their eyes on, including area firefighters. Indianapolis firefighters battled for hours to put out a fire caused by a home explosion late Saturday night. The explosion killed two and displaced hundreds.

"I think our first reaction always is, 'What would we do in that situation?'" West Lafayette Fire Lieutenant John Irr said.

Irr said firefighters are frequently trained in mass-casualty situations.

"We would probably use the unified command system," Irr said. "We would involve EMS, The Red Cross, fire agencies, and police agencies. We would have to enlist the bus company for transport of people we evacuate."

Irr said in his tenure at the West Lafayette Fire Department he hasn't had to work something so disastrous as this weekend's explosion.

However, in November 2002 a home explosion at 18th and Salem streets in Lafayette destroyed four homes and displaced 100 people after a crew ruptured a gas line.

"Gas leaks are extremely dangerous," Irr said. "If you smell on,e call 911 immediately."

The cause of the Indianapolis explosion is still up in the air, but possible gas leaks are being investigated.

Directors at Vectren Energy said a gas leak will smell like rotten eggs. If you suspect one, leave the building, and don't use any phones inside the building. Once outside call your gas company and 911 immediately.

"We've been extremely lucky on that end," Irr said of responding to gas leaks. "We've been notified quickly enough and we've been able to cut the gas off in time."

Although firefighters are trained for these situations, Irr believes what happened this weekend will prompt more in the near future.

"I think there will be a heightened awareness," Irr said. "This always happens when something like [a disaster] happens. There will be heightened awareness about it. We'll probably receive additional training."

Irr said so far West Lafayette firefighters have not gotten word of what is needed in the disaster zone, but they're ready to help.