Project ‘ESCAPE’: JFD Fire and Rescue Initiative

JACKSON Tenn. — Leaders with the Jackson Fire Department’s new fire and rescue program say it provides essential framework to make a difference saving lives throughout the community.

Immediate first response to a structure fire determines the outcome and recovery in an emergency. There’s a new fire and rescue initiative at the Jackson Fire Department called Project ‘ESCAPE.’
This framework is essential to save lives and ultimately makes the difference between life and death in the modern fire environment.

More than a decade ago the amount of time to evacuate a house fire was 17 minutes, but now the number has decreased to a little as 3 to 4 minutes and the death rate has rose 44 percent since 1980 per 1,000 home fires.

“ESCAPE stands for ‘Every Second Counts,’ Action, Proficiency, and Efficiency when planning for a home fire. The important thing is that homeowners and residents need to take heed that they don’t have a lot of time should a fire develop in their home,” said Chief Don Friddle, of the Jackson Fire Department.

We’re learning how incredibly important first response is… Not just here in the Hub City, but communities across the region.
Chief Friddle tells us one man’s exit plan literally saved his life.

“He called 9-1-1 to tell them where he was at, he sheltered in place which was in a closet, and closed the door which is essentially very important. If someone stays behind a closed door, like we tell them to retreat to a bedroom, there could be a fire on the outside of that door that could be a thousand degrees,” Chief Friddle explains.

“I’m thankful that was able to work together because we were able to pinpoint where the subject was. He said he was in the closet, and we stayed on the line for 18 or 19 minutes until we heard the firefighters get in there and get him out. It’s one of those things where communication is a big priority in this job,” said Kiara Long, a 9-1-1 Dispatcher.

After life-saving efforts, the gentleman pulled from the North Hays Avenue fire recovered very quickly after being transported to Vanderbilt, and leaves a lasting impression on first responders.

“I got a video message from him (Monday) morning, thanking us and the fire department for their action, and I’ll tell you as a fire chief it’s one of the most humbling things I’ve ever been through,” added Chief Friddle.