Federal report critical of tactics used by SAFD

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — A report by a federal agency says some of the tactics used by the San Antonio fire department to battle a shopping center blaze last year that killed one firefighter made conditions worse inside the structure.

The San Antonio Express-News reports the review by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health found the fire department failed to safely search the building and keep track of fellow rescuers.

Firefighter Scott Deem died in May 2017 after being sent to look for trapped civilians inside what turned out to be an empty gym. Two other firefighters were injured.

In a statement made before the report’s Thursday release, Fire Chief Charles Hood says the recommendations “were accurate and fair.”

The federal review mirrored conclusions by the State Fire Marshal’s Office.