Case #1087.1

Burning Down the House: The Sherwin-Williams Warehouse Fire of 1987 (Sequel)

Publication Date: January 01, 1991
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Abstract:
This case tells the dramatic story of the most spectacular fire to strike Dayton, Ohio in many years--and the decision of the city's fire chief not to put it out. This is a decision-forcing case which asks readers to consider the dilemma of Chief Glenn Alexander, who must choose between letting a huge warehouse burn--contrary to standard operating procedures and to public expectations of firefighters--or risk contaminating Dayton ground water with the toxic run-off likely to result from dowsing the flames.

Learning Objective:
This is a classic leadership case designed to force students to infer the options available to Chief Alexander and to come to grips with the costs and benefits, both symbolic and actual, of each.

Other Details

Case Author:
Esther Scott
Faculty Lead:
Marc Roberts
Pages (incl. exhibits):
4
Setting:
United States
Language:
English