Billowing black smoke rises from a house. Three firefighters arrive on scene but are unable to enter unless they know someone is in need of a rescue. So, they watch the flames grow.
According to the Washington Administrative Code, firefighters are not authorized to enter a burning building unless four or more firefighters are on scene.
Under WAC, three firefighters can enter a burning building, but only for the purpose of a known rescue.
Pullman Firefighters Local 1892 Union President Andrew Chiavaras said in Pullman, this scenario is not uncommon.
Pullman has two fire stations - Fire Station No. 1 located on the 600 block of South Grand Avenue and Fire Station No. 2 located on Northwest Terre View Drive.
While Station No. 1 is staffed with four firefighters at all times, Station No. 2 is often only staffed with three firefighters. Chiavaras said the short staffing at Station No. 2 leaves firefighters waiting to go into a fire until Station No. 1 arrives with backup.
The one exception to the law is if it is known someone is trapped inside a building and there is a risk to their life, in which case only three firefighters are required to be on scene to conduct a rescue.