Firefighter Jason A. Gouckenour

Firefighter Gouckenour entered a structural fire in a house alone with a hose line. He was equipped with full turnout gear and an SCBA but was not equipped with a PASS device.

It is believed that he tripped over a coffee table and became entangled in a couch. He removed his SCBA to call for help and was overcome by extremely heavy heat and smoke conditions.

Firefighters on the scene attempted a rescue but were driven back by intense heat and flames and finally by the collapse of the house's roof.

Firefighter Gouckenour's body was found approximately ten feet inside the front door of the structure. The cause of death was asphyxiation due to smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide.

Firefighter Gouckenour joined the fire Dept after his home burned two years previous to his death.

Additional information about this incident can be foune in NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation 99-F-03.