Two recent confined space rescue incidents prompted the International Association of Fire Chiefs to recommend fire chiefs and officers issue an immediate stand-down.
The incidents, which took place in Ohio and Indiana, killed civilians and critically injured firefighters who were attempting rescue, according to an IAFC press release. The Fairfax, VA-based organization recommended fire personnel postpone all non-emergency tasks and use the stand-down to focus on safety training, specifically on the dangers and proper procedures for confined space rescue operations.



