5.8.9 Guiding Priority
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Determine a Guiding Priority for the Incident – “As indicated previously, the tunnel fire created a unique situation where agency functions at times seemed to be at cross-purposes. The initial response to the incident quickly established at least three competing guiding priorities—fire suppression, maintaining transportation mobility, and containment of a potential environmental hazard. With respect to transportation mobility, the priority was to restore transportation infrastructure and services and to ensure movement of people out of the area impacted by the event.”
Effects of Catastrophic Events on Transportation System Management and Operations: Howard Street Tunnel Fire, Baltimore City
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Realize Guiding Priorities Shift – “This incident demonstrates the changing nature of incident response—first responders (fire fighters) initially moved into the tunnel, but then had to delay response until the Maryland Department of the Environment, the Environmental Protection Agency, and CSX identified the chemical contents of trapped cars and determined the appropriate response. The prompt response by the Maryland Department of the Environment in identifying the potential environmental impact of the fire in the cars containing hazardous materials helped to resolve the differences between this priority and the transportation and fire suppression priorities.”
Effects of Catastrophic Events on Transportation System Management and Operations: Howard Street Tunnel Fire, Baltimore City
February 7, 2006
Publication #FHWA–HOP-08-015
