High-Rise Mayday: One Fire Chief's Account

About this episode

Chief Wells Wilson shares insights from a high-rise fire incident involving a Mayday call.

In this episode of Mayday Monday, host Tony Carroll speaks with Chief Wells Wilson of the Alexandria (VA) Fire Department about a March 2024 working high‑rise fire that involved a Mayday. A routine alarm escalated when elevators and water supply complications slowed access, smoke rapidly charged a stairwell, and firefighters who were low on air called a Mayday. Wilson—with 19 years on the job, having been recently promoted to chief—recounts operational decisions, crew coordination, the value of a dedicated driver and captain, and how training, command checklists, and clear radio language shortened response time. He candidly describes his own physiological reaction under stress and the department’s immediate medical and after‑action support. Key lessons include establishing incident routines and command tools ahead of time; empowering company officers to solve problems; front‑loading resources early; and rehearsing realistic simulations that highlight warning phrases and failure points. This conversation features useful and practical takeaways for anyone involved in high‑rise firefighting or incident command operations.

People in this episode

Host: Tony Carroll

Guest: Chief Wells Wilson

Topics covered

• high-rise firefighting
• incident command
• Mayday procedures
• firefighter safety
• operational decisions

Keywords

• high-rise fire
• Mayday
• firefighter training
• incident command
• fire department operations

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Alexandria Fire Department

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