Gas Leak Tactical Decision Game
This gas leak tactical decision game challenges company officers to manage response to an inside odor of gas at a church along a rural highway. You are the officer of the first arriving engine dispatched to an odor of gas inside Abundant Life Church in Boonville, New York. Dispatch reports a strong gas odor and a hissing sound when a staff member attempted to shut off the supply. The incident occurs in cold weather with no appreciable wind and limited nearby water supply.
Initial actions must balance investigation with life safety and explosion risk. Critical operational considerations include:
- Rural location with limited hydrant access
- Possible propane release inside the structure
- Unknown number of occupants still inside
- Conflicting atmospheric monitor readings
- Need to control ignition sources
- Staffing limitations during initial operations
Incident Video
There is no incident video for this gas leak TDG; however, the training scenario is based on documented reports and communications from the incident obtained from Broadcastify. Participants must rely on size-up information, witness statements, and instrument readings to guide decisions. This approach reinforces recognition-primed decision making by focusing on cues rather than visual confirmation. Officers must interpret conditions such as gas readings, occupancy status, and environmental factors to determine strategy and tactical priorities.
Important Lessons
Odor of gas incidents can escalate rapidly and unpredictably. In this case, investigation revealed a damaged propane line caused by roof loading from snow accumulation. Gas accumulated in the building, and ignition occurred when the furnace activated, resulting in an explosion while firefighters and occupants were inside. This gas leak TDG highlights the danger of treating gas responses as routine calls. The PDF includes an additional learning section addressing fuel gas characteristics, monitoring practices, evacuation considerations, and the hazards of flammable gas accumulation in buildings.
The additional learning in this gas leak TDG looks back at 10-Minute Training 22-32 and a related case study examining a similar incident in Farmington, Maine that resulted in a firefighter line of duty death and multiple firefighter and civilian injuries.
Learn more about how to use 10-Minute Training and find additional tactical decision games in the 10-Minute Training Library.
