Fighting Fires in Self-Storage Facilities with James Kirsch

Self-storage units present a unique challenge in case of fire. The come with the hazards found in a hoarder house, but worse. Making entry can be tough—nowadays, the simple padlock has often been replaced by an electronic lock. And while many of these storage units are constructed of block, a lot of them –especially in buildings converted to storage facilities may have sheetrock walls between the units. And who knows what’s stored in them? With me today to talk about the hazards is Jim Kirsch, a 35-year veteran of the fire service who retired as a captain in the Bergenfield, New Jersey Fire Department. He is a former volunteer chief, a New Jersey State certified level II fire instructor, drill ground instructor, and fire prevention official. Jim is an instructor at the Bergen County New Jersey Fire Academy.