DVD Recounts Houston Mayday and Rescue

While battling a high-rise fire in Houston in March, a firefighter was suddenly smack in the middle of a situation no one in the business ever wants to experience.

Capt. Joel Eric Abbt, assigned to Station 8, was on the fifth floor of the building searching for victims when he ran into trouble.

His first mayday call was all but drowned out by the chatter of other firefighters engaged in rescues.

A DVD of the 27-minute search and the captain's frantic calls for help is now available though a website, The Bravest Online.

The Houston Fire Department is currently conducting a review of the incident.

"Anytime we have a fire that results in a fatality, we do a review. It would be premature for us to make a comment until it is completed," said Assistant Chief Jack Williams.

Capt. Abbt is not allowed to speak to the media at this time.

Three civilians died in the fire that officials determined was deliberately set.

"This is all about saving our own. It's about maydays, and RIT. We want to get the word out," said Chris David, creator of the website The Bravest Online.

Proceeds from the sale of the DVDs are going to the Last Alarm Club of the Houston Fire Department. The organization assists families of firefighters who give the ultimate sacrifice.

David said since he released the video this week, he's received calls from around the world. "It's a rude awakening about what can happen. You have to know what to do."

Instructors have told him they want to incorporate it into their RIT classes.

"We're not here to compete," he said. "We're here share. And, hopefully save lives."

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