FireTactics.net

National Firefighter Health Week

2011-08-15T10:25:00.000-04:00

When it comes to your health, you're always on duty

National Firefighter Health Week 2011 will be held THIS WEEK August 14-20. The theme is: "When it comes to your health, you're always on duty." Each day of the week will focus on a different topic to help first responders take the steps towards a healthy lifestyle. Follow the links below for each day.

August 14: National Firefighter Health Week Kick-off

August 15: CRISIS: Understanding the risks

August 16: DISPATCH: Get support

August 17: SIZEUP: Make a plan

August 18: ATTACK: Take action

August 19: OVERHAUL: Live your life!

August 20: National Firefighter Health Week wrap up/event day

CLICK HERE for the links to reduced ticket prices at your local Six Flags Theme Parks for participating in National Firefighter Health Week

Think About It!

2011-08-11T18:24:00.000-04:00

We all know that firefighting poses an interesting problem when it comes to being fit. We frequently have to expend a great amount of energy when fighting a structure fire, extricating victims from an overturned car, or even while training.

When we are not performing these duties, however, we can become very sedentary. You are sitting in front of the computer right now, aren't you? The very nature of firefighting can make working out difficult. We have all had our fair share of workouts interrupted by the tones dropping. Despite the inconvenience, the effort is worth it. If you do not put in the effort to work out and train your body to be ready for anything that might be thrown your way while on a call, then it will not be ready to do what you need it to do.

Hard work + fit firefighter = success

Hard work + unfit firefighter = disaster

The overexertion at a "routine" fire may be all it takes for that plaque in your arteries to rupture and send you to the hospital. Isn't it our goal to go home to our families every morning?

What workout routine do you follow? Does the rest of your crew/shift workout regularly?

How about when you are off duty? What do you think about the P90X, Cross Fit, or Insanity workouts?

Are you eating healthy?

How can you justify taking care of someone else if you aren't even taking care of yourself.

Firefighter John Nance Remembered

2011-07-25T07:00:00.001-04:00

(Photo courtesy of the Hamilton, NJ Fire Department)

Today marks the 24th anniversary of the murder of Columbus fireman John Nance. I am reposting this in hopes some of you will get out in the bay and practice some ways to get a member up out of a hole, or just simply honor him by discussing the fire that took his life just a short time before he was to retire. Read the story of that fateful day below.

Think about it. You're dispatched as the engine company, along with a truck company, to a fire alarm in a commercial building at 2:30 am. Upon arrival, you have a decent amount of brown smoke showing from the front of an 110' x 50' single story, old, brick building that is currently being used as office and storage space for an auto parts manufacturer. After notifying your dispatcher to "fill the box" for a working fire, the truck forces entry and your crew starts to advance a line through the front door to investigate and locate the fire. Visibility is almost zero as you make your way down the hall, and you can feel a good amount of heat coming from below your feet. Just then, without warning, a member of the truck crew falls through the floor into a basement. You can still barely see him through the smoke, but can't reach him.

What are your immediate actions as the engine boss?

What building construction features should you have noticed/been looking for during your initial size up/360 that may have prevented this scenario from happening?

Is there anything you can do with the staffing/equipment on scene, or will you have to wait for additional companies?

What method(s) would you use to rescue a member who has fallen through the floor?

Have you (and your crew) ever trained for this type of scenario? (Columbus Drill)

Read the story of Firefighter John Nance, Columbus Engine Company 3 HERE

-Keith

Think about it!

2011-07-22T19:00:00.017-04:00

Post courtesy of D. Lee Warner, Battalion 4/A, Fairfax County Fire

(Repost from 2007)

Recently comapnies participated in a battalion level drill at one of the above ground parking garages at one of the malls here in Fairfax County simulating a vehicle fire on an upper floor. This garage, like most open parking garages, contains a manual dry standpipe system (i.e., only supported by FDC). The purpose of the drill was to test a few different methods of attack to determine which was most effective, primarily measured by the time necessary to place a handline in service.
On each scenario a crew member was located on the 5th floor, but the exact location would vary slightly on the floor so the incoming crew would not have prior knowledge of the exact location. This is what we found out...

Scenario #1- Using the Dry Standpipe

The engine driver spotted the hydrant and pulled lines to supply the standpipe system. The crew exited the vehicle with the standpipe pack and made there way to the 5th floor. Once the location was determined (obvious upon arrival at the 5th floor), the crew connected the to the closest standpipe, opened the valve, and awaited water. From the time the crew began up the stairs until water flow was achieved was 25 minutes, and even then the pressure was minimal. Leaks were found in the system, and on one of the floors an additional valve was open, which is typical of these types of dry systems.
Multiple 3" lines had been stretched to the connection, so it wasn't a supply end issue. I have seen this before, but wanted the entire crew to witness this for themselves. The bottom line is that these systems are not reliable for fire operations. In 25 minutes you wouldn't have just one car still on fire, which although is more fun for us, and is what we are paid to do. Plus, think of people watching you holding that line for all that time waiting on water. Not fun.

Scenario #2 - Flying Standpipe w/Ladder Company

For our second go the engine crew stopped adjacent to one of the stairwells and allowed the crew to ascend with their standpipe pack again (and yes, we did rotate crew members, except for the rookie. He was allowed to play each time!). Again, once on the 5th floor they determined the fire location, and radioed the information. The line was stretched while one member stood at the closest outside wall to direct the truck. The truck arrived, set up, and laddered the 5th floor. The standpipe pack was connected to the pre-piped waterway, and the engine supplied the truck with water. Water was flowing in this operation in 11 minutes. This was a significant improvement. A couple of possible problems would be a truck without a pre-piped waterway (reserve trucks for us), and truck access.

Scenario #3 - Rope Hoist

Prior to trying this, my preferred method of dealing with these was to bring up the standpipe pack, locate the fire, determine the closest location, and lower over the the hose for direct connection to the engine. Although that is effective and fast, it doesn't allow as much flexibility as this would.
The engine again stopped at a stairwell and climbed to the 5th floor, but this time without the standpipe pack. They brought up utility rope instead. Most of our rigs carry a 200' utility / search line. Once they determined the fire location they called the engine driver and lowered the rope from the best location on the 5th floor. The driver positioned, tied the rope to the leader line, and the crew hoisted and stretched the line. Once enough line was up it was tied off at the top and the engine driver was called for water. In this case there was plenty of hose, so part of the 2 1/2 was broken down and connected directly to another outlet to avoid extra hose on the ground. Water was flowing to the location (center of the garage) in 5 minutes. The bottom line is that this is the way to go.
Pros:
Very fast deployment.
Plenty of available hose if longer lines are needed.
Less fatigue on the crew (and greater speed) since there is no need to carry the standpipe packs up the stairs.

Cons:
Potential for someone to lock up when asked to tie a rope to the hoseline (or anything). Practice your knots and attach carabiners to your ropes.

Other general thoughts / issues:

Everything is case dependent, but in most of the open parking garages in Fairfax County, this should work well. Below grade is another story, as are garages attached to buildings. These may or may not be covered by dry pipe sprinkler systems. If so, they will limit the fire spread, but not put it out. They also can add to your smoke problem by cooling it and pushing it down. Enclosed garages (usually below grade) should also have large ventilation fans, which is the only way you will get the smoke out.

As for the standpipes in enclosed and attached garages, they are usually a part of a combination dry-pipe system, which provides them with a water supply once a sprinkler head goes. This makes them usable for us without so much delay as they may be equipped with exhausters and accelerators to assist in purging the air from the system.

Always bring a dry chemical extinguisher up anyway. Most of the companies running these structures will have a truck company with them, so you should be going up with two crews, for a total of five people. Ensure that all units going up bring some basic tools and a dry chemical extinguisher. They can buy you some time until the line is in service, if not put the fire out. They also work great if you have fuel on the ground burning, but watch out if it starts running into the drains!

Make sure you are able to identify your location at all times. Side-A isn't so clear, and neither is "east", etc. Best to use a landmark.

Know your buildings, and understand how the different FDC systems work.

Reposted by Keith Bresnahan on 7/22/11 at 7:00 PM.

The Truck Crew | Flat Roof Vent 2

2011-07-21T11:36:00.002-04:00

This second video about flat roof ventilation touches on trench cuts and upper floor horizontal ventilation.

Have you ever had the oportunity to make an actual trench cut?

What tools and manpower issues, if any, did you run into?

What tricks of the trade could make these types of evolutions easier?

The Truck Crew | Flat Roof Vent 1

2011-07-11T21:45:00.003-04:00

Part one of two (starts around the 1:00 mark). Great points to think about while operating on a flat roof.

What are some things your company / department do differently while operating on these types of roofs?

What are some of the basic tools that you bring with you?

Are you even able to complete a flat roof cut with the manpower you have?

Part two to follow...

2011 IAFC Firefighter Safety, Health & Survival Week

2011-06-19T14:48:00.007-04:00

Photo courtesy of Northern Virginia Fools

Fire departments around the country are encouraged to suspend all non-emergency activity during the 2011 Safety Week, and instead, focus entirely on safety, health and wellness-related training and education until all shifts and personnel have taken part. An entire week is provided to ensure each shift and duty crew can spend AT LEAST one day focusing on these critical issues.

During the week of June 19-25, 2011, members should focus their training time on this year's theme:

Surviving the Fire Ground and Fire Fighter, Fire Officer, & Command Preparedness.

For more info and training resources visit:

www.IAFC.org

www.firehouse.com

So, what training topics will you and your crews be focusing on this week? Please post below.

The Engine Company

2011-02-27T13:10:00.000-05:00

In prioritizing our operations, we talk about the protection of exposures. This can mean both interior as well as exterior exposures.

Cluster homes are showing up in new communities all over the county. These are homes of various sizes but some are quite large. The homes are built with very similar floor plans, extremely close to one another and often have windows facing each other on the B and D sides of the homes.

Assume you are a later arriving engine company and units are already working on the inside of the building of fire origin. Fire is out of two windows on the B side facing the next door home. Discuss all the possibilities for fire extension and what tactics you might have to employ if given the assignment to protect the exposures.

The Truck Crew

2011-02-05T12:56:00.005-05:00

Video courtesy of Northern Virginia Fools

Here is a follow up video to a post on barred casement windows back in October of last year. There are many ways to take care of this type of window, but the best way is the circular saw. The window in the video is not a common find. The bars are mounted on the inside of the casement window. You usually don't find window bars on many casement windows. Is there an other way your company would attack this window?

Think About It!

2011-01-15T10:41:00.001-05:00

Photo courtesy of HCFTN

There are numerous ways to secure ground ladders that are placed on uneven or slippery surfaces. No matter what your company's staffing is, there is no feasible way to leave a firefighter at every ladder to heel it. What are some other ways to quickly secure a ground ladder in place?

Think About It!

2010-12-16T19:20:00.006-05:00

The Importance Of Plan A,B,C,D,E,F,G………

Post courtesy of Patrick McKay, Fairfax City Rescue Engine 33 Chauffeur

Company officers are tasked with strategizing and using their personnel to employ tactics during emergency incidents. When making these decisions, an alternate plan should be established in the instance that our initial actions do not mitigate the problem. Yesterday I responded to a unique, somewhat complex incident that further emphasized this. Fortunately due to proactive decision making by several good fire officers, multiple plans were established and employed without delay. If you do this job long enough, you will likely respond to a variety of emergency incidents where the first tactics that are employed are unsuccessful. With that said, we cannot simply freeze up and look around waiting for a solution to the problem to drop from the sky. This article will look at how to prepare for and employ multiple tactics during emergency incidents.

Training is probably the best way to ensure to your company is able to employ multiple plans. Incorporate elements into scenario based drills that cause failure of Plan A such as: the FDC is damaged and unable to be used yet you still need to get water to the fire on the 10th floor, your initial preconnect stretch does not reach the fire area, your saws won’t start yet the roof still needs to be opened, the stairs are burned out to the second floor and a search still needs to be conducted because there is a report of occupants inside, your hydraulic rescue tool system fails and the occupants of a vehicle are still trapped. These are certainly not the only drills that can be conducted but are merely examples of a few drills where companies need to initiate Plan B and so on. It is better to work out the kinks during training than on an actual incident. This training will create thinking firefighters and fire officers and allow them to make sound decisions quickly to overcome obstacles on emergency incidents.

Being proactive is essential to successful emergency incident operations. If we’re not proactive, we’ll be reactive and continuously playing catch-up. During rope rescue operations we always attempt to establish redundancy at least one time for each component of our systems and we incorporate elements such as load releasing hitches in case our initial plan fails. Constructing our rope systems with these elements and redundancy initially will allow us to overcome events that may cause our initial plan to fail, without delay. This is one example of taking a proactive approach during emergency incident operations.

As I mentioned in a previous article, it’s important to not only know how to use your equipment but also the limitations of your equipment. This allows personnel to identify all the equipment on their rig that may be used to cut something and also which tool or technique to utilize in the instance that your “Plan A” cutting tool fails or breaks. If all of the battery powered reciprocating saws are successful in cutting something but fail due to the battery, a company may simply need to place an electric reciprocating saw in service to continue on.
Hopefully the company has been proactive and already staged this equipment near the scene where it can be quickly deployed. If a company is unsuccessfully trying to displace something utilizing hydraulic spreaders with a spread force of 32,000 pounds and a 40,000 pound spreader is also on the scene, it would be a good idea to put the 40,000 pound spreaders to work. Knowing your equipment will allow you to make these decisions quickly on emergency incidents. The same kind of decision making can be used on the fireground dealing with handlines. If you are not making any headway on a fire utilizing a handline flowing 150 GPM’s, a decision needs to be made to increase the GPM’s. This could be accomplished by switching nozzles (a proactive move may be placing a 15/16” slug between the shut off and nozzle), bringing in another handline that flows 150 GPM’s thus providing a total of 300 GPM’s, or bringing in a larger line that’s capable of flowing 250 GPM’s or more. This decision needs to be made quickly and may be influenced by factors such as personnel available, water available, and the area that the line is being maneuvered in.

I hope this article provides some insight or merely initiates thoughts on developing and employing multiple plans to mitigate an emergency. A good rule of thumb is to always develop at least one back up plan to whatever plan you are utilizing (e.g. if we are on Plan C, then Plan D needs to be established). This will allow you to stay ahead of the game and prevent long periods of inactivity. Nobody has the answer to every problem, however we can effectively work towards solving these problems by developing multiple plans. Another important element of developing and employing multiple plans is having someone who is standing back from the immediate work area and can provide insight as to what’s working and what’s not working. Sometimes when we are actively involved in an operation we become so engrossed with what’s taking place that we lose track of time or fail to see what’s taking place in the big picture. Happy holidays and stay safe!

The Rescue Company Member

2010-12-09T17:19:00.000-05:00

Post courtesy of Patrick McKay, Fairfax City Rescue Engine 33 Chauffeur

Lots of American kids grow up with hopes and dreams of being a fireman at some point, many of these kids grow out of it and some are lucky enough to fulfill their dreams and ride fire trucks. Growing up in a fire department household, I always wanted to be a fireman and more specifically a Rescue Company fireman. Due to my father’s assignments, I was introduced to the Rescue Company at an early age and everything about the Rescue Company seemed larger than life. The rig carried so many cool tools, the guys loved their jobs, and it seemed like they got to do all the “fun” stuff on calls. I loved watching VHS tapes that showed footage of FDNY Rescue Companies in action, they really got to do “fun” stuff whether it was cutting cars, rope rescues, or searching a tenement building on fire. Whatever needed to be done, they did it and they did it well. As I got older I made it a point to learn as much as I could about the Rescue Company and what it really means to be a member of the Rescue Company. This article will outline what I believe it means to be a member of the Rescue Company, because it certainly goes far beyond just showing up for work and jumping on the fire truck.

Members of the Rescue Company should not be new members to the fire service and should have significant fireground experience before assuming the position on a Rescue Company. Being an experienced firefighter is critical to operating as a member of the Rescue Company, as there are many skills and responsibilities the Rescue Company has. While basic firefighting skills should be maintained, they shouldn’t have to be learned while riding the Rescue Company. If a member of the Rescue Company doesn’t have the knowledge, skills, or abilities to conduct a primary search or force doors, surely we cannot expect them to take on more advanced tasks that the Rescue Company is responsible for. The reality is, not every member of the fire service is meant to be a member of the Rescue Company nor does everyone in the fire service want to be a member of the Rescue Company. We, the fire service as a whole, cannot simply place any warm body on the Rescue Company. While it may keep people happy for the short term, eventually it will lead to problems for everyone, the citizen’s and fire department. We cannot afford to waste precious time upon our arrival to an incident to catch someone up to speed on how we conduct operations.

Members of the Rescue Company should take a significant amount of pride in their work and realize that everything they do or don’t do is a direct reflection on the company as a whole. Just doing enough to get by doesn’t cut it on the Rescue Company, it entails going above and beyond. If it didn’t, there wouldn’t be a need for the Rescue Company as any firefighter would be able to carry out these duties. Many of the tasks the Rescue Company is responsible for are on “high risk, low frequency” events, meaning it is even more critical to carry out these tasks in a proficient manner as the results of not doing so could be disastrous. Attention to detail is critical and a simple oversight could result in things such as the failure of a haul system due to improper rigging, shifting of a vehicle in a precarious position due to ineffective stabilization, or failing to locate a victim in a fire because we didn’t complete a primary search of all areas in the fire building. Nobody wakes up in the morning and wants something like that to occur, however if we don’t operate in an efficient and precise manner they can happen.

Members of the Rescue Company need to have courage. It takes a certain amount of courage to knowingly place yourself in harm’s way to protect or save another person. With that said, the Rescue Company member needs to be intelligent which will allow them to operate in a dangerous position while minimizing the risk as much as possible. The majority of Rescue Company fireground operations occur independent of a hoseline, meaning the benefit of having a hoseline to protect you or lead you back to a safe position isn’t an option. This is why it is essential for the Recue Company member to be intelligent by taking note of egress points as they search, deploying a search rope in a cut up occupancy, or understanding what the fire is doing by observing smoke or heat conditions. Intelligence will also allow Rescue Company members to minimize the risk on other “high risk, low frequency” events such as water rescues, rope rescues, or confined space entries. Knowing what tactics to employ, what PPE to utilize, and how to “safe” an area (i.e. atmospheric monitoring, maintaining a zero mechanical state, placing upstream and downstream safeties) will allow us to minimize risk while still operating efficiently and effectively in a dangerous position.

Members of the Rescue Company need to have a thorough knowledge of their equipment. Knowing how something works is a good place to start, however knowing the limitations of your equipment is essential as well. Many folks don’t believe it’s important to remember the “numbers”, meaning to know things such as spread or cutting forces, WLL’s, or lengths of winch cables. Guess what? Those folks don’t belong on the Rescue Company! It may seem harsh or not PC, but it’s reality. Failure to fully understand the limitations of your equipment is dangerous to you, your fellow firefighters, and the citizens. If you are trying unsuccessfully to cut a “B-Post” with a cutter that has a cutting force of 152,000 pounds, it wouldn’t make much sense to try utilizing a cutter with a cutting force of 72,000 pounds. If the Rescue Company was tasked with winching one vehicle away from another, it’s important to know the weakest link in the system. Knowing the “numbers” on your winch, winch cable, snatch blocks, and chains will allow you to complete this task in the safest manner possible. If the Rescue Company is assigned to free someone from a machine, knowing how many CFM’s your whizzer saw or impact wrench consume will ensure you have an adequate air supply to complete a cutting or disassembling operation without delay. The point is: knowing how to use your equipment, when to use your equipment, and the limitations of your equipment are all very important for members of the Rescue Company. While you as an individual may not remember every number tied to every piece of equipment, conducting frequent company drills will reinforce this information and allow the Rescue Company as a whole to stay proficient with their equipment.

Members of the Rescue Company need to be able to function as members of a team. The Rescue Company is truly a team concept and it is imperative that all members are on the same sheet of music. A good Rescue Company can go to work with very few words having to be spoken, meaning that the members are part of a team that know their responsibilities and are entrusted to carry them out. This solid teamwork is established in the firehouse and on the fireground. In the firehouse, conducting frequent company drills will get everybody on the same sheet of music, reinforce skills, and expose individual strengths and weaknesses and allow the team to capitalize on individual strengths in specific areas. For example, the rig I ride has 4 members of which 3 of us ride in the same spot everyday. The 4th position is rotated between 2 members that split time on the Rescue Engine and Medic unit. The 3 of us that are on the rig everyday have pretty well established our respective roles on a rope rescue based on our strengths and weaknesses: the Captain is a tactician in every sense of the word and effectively lays out a game plan for us and works the edge, Bill is our member that is in the best physical shape and is our member that will likely go over the edge, I am good with rigging and constructing systems and will likely serve as the rigger. We are all capable of doing the other’s roles, however to operate in the most efficient and effective manner we take the job that best suits us. That is what being part of a team is all about. There is no better place to solidify teamwork than on the fireground, especially for a new member. All members on the Rescue Company need to be able to trust each other and know without a doubt they will do whatever needs to be done to get the job done and ensure we all go home at the end of the shift.

The final thing I will discuss is attitude. Having the right attitude is essential to being a member of the Rescue Company. Folks that are go getters with a “can do” attitude make excellent Rescue Company members. To quote a FDNY Rescue Company member from the 1980’s, “when the public needs help they call the fire department, when the fire department needs help they call the Rescue”. Giving up or quitting is not an option, the citizens AND your fellow firefighters are counting on you to show up and do what needs to be done. This is what makes or breaks the Rescue Company. In my company we have the motto “Whatever It Takes” and our members truly embrace that concept. We will do whatever it takes to get the job done and do whatever we can to ensure everybody goes home in the morning.

In closing, some folks look negatively upon the Rescue Company and refer to the members in a sarcastic manner as “the heroes”. The best thing a Rescue Company can do is train hard and perform at the highest level which will allow your actions to speak for themselves. At the beginning I said not every member of the fire service is meant to be a member of the Rescue Company. With that said, every member of the fire service is capable of becoming a member of the Rescue Company. It is incumbent upon the person to possess the qualities and traits that are essential to be a member of the Rescue Company. With hard work, initiative, and drive you could make yourself marketable to be the next member of the Rescue Company. Stay safe!

The Engine Company

2010-12-01T19:20:00.001-05:00

Engine company hose beds should be configured based on that individual company's needs and response area. Larger departments tend to set up all of their engine company's hose bed configurations the same. That way, regardless of what engine company a member gets assigned to (overtime, detail, or transfer), he/she is already familiar with the locations/lengths of all supply and attack lines. While there should be some consistency, with the amount of supply line for example, this allows little room for companies to 'customize' their engine to match the needs of their first-due area. -Keith

How is your company's rear hose bed set up?

In your department, are all of your engine companies' hose beds set up identically, or configured based on the needs of their individual first-due?

The Truck Crew

2010-11-27T14:43:00.004-05:00

(Photo courtesy of firefighter Amos Akers, Loudoun County Tower Ladder 619)

Here, in the picture above, one of each length of ground ladder (two 35' extension, two 28' extension, one 20' straight, and one 16' straight) is stored with the tip facing out, and one with the tip in. This gives the driver and/or OVM a little bit of flexibility when retrieving ground ladders for placement regardless of whether if the truck has pulled past, or just short of, the fire building. -Keith

How are the ground ladders configured on your truck/tower ladder?

Who Is On Your Truck Company?

2010-11-10T22:51:00.000-05:00

Post courtesy of Firefighter Amos Akers, Loudoun County Tower Ladder 619

Most of us can agree that the aerial device doesn’t make a truck company. It’s the crew that makes the truck company.

On the fireground, truck companies are expected to perform multiple, coordinated tasks simultaneously in order to support engine company operations. John Norman, retired FDNY Deputy Assistant Chief, used the acronym LOVERS U to describe the basics of truck/tower company operations in his book “The Fire Officers Handbook of Tactics”.

This acronym spells out the basics of what “Truck Work” is all about:

L adders

O verhaul

V entilation

E ntry (of the forcible type)

R escue

S earch

U tility control

Here in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, truck companies, like rescues, are referred to as “Special Services” units. Meaning, units have special responsibilities not only on working fires, but also at heavy technical rescues, and other special operations assignments.

Being a "Special Services" unit, a truck company is not the place where just any firefighter can be assigned, or “rotated” into. There should be a set of minimum requirements in order for someone to be on the truck/tower ladder. Unfortunately, in the “Kinder and Gentler” fire service, not a lot of people understand this.

If your department has a truck company, how are members assigned to it?

Do you place a firefighter, 1 year out of the academy with no previous fire experience, and who’s never been in a fire, as your Forcible Entry position on the Interior Team?

Do you assign a firefighter as the Outside Vent Man (OVM) spot knowing for a fact that they cannot carry and/or raise a ground ladder by themselves?

Do you assign the newly promoted Apparatus Technician who’s never driven anything bigger than an ambulance as the driver operator of your truck?

As I stated before, the truck company is required to perform multiple, coordinated tasks simultaneously on the fireground. Many times this requires the truck crew to split, and to operate on their own, without the direct supervision of their OIC. This is the work that your experienced, highly skilled, and well trained firefighters should be performing.

Are you an Urban Firefighter?

2010-10-30T11:25:00.005-04:00

Please take the time to check out Brother Ray McCormack's online magazine related directly to our job. It is time well spent, and provides some great information to share and drill with at the firehouse. - Ron Kuley

http://www.urbanfirefighter.com/

Welcome to Urban Firefighter Magazine, the latest in fire service culture, training and media. Urban Firefighter Magazine is a new and vibrant trade publication representing a major shift in: content, reader participation, and the delivery of both. Urban Firefighter Magazine is a digital magazine available to you around the clock and around the globe. Urban Firefighter Magazine is free and does not require a subscription. At Urban Firefighter Magazine, we believe in passing on life saving skill-development lessons, just as past and present firefighters have shared their lessons with us. We will only pass on credible information to you, our readers and supporters. Come join us in our journey of discovery and the celebration of the Urban Firefighter in all of us. Sincerely,

Ray McCormack, Publisher and Senior Editor, Urban Firefighter Magazine

"Keep Fire in Your Life"

Get Out The Door!

2010-10-29T17:45:00.004-04:00

Post courtesy of Patrick McKay, Fairfax City Rescue Engine 33 Chauffeur

I recently found myself captivated by a discussion that was taking place on a social networking site (soon that will be a bad word to the fire service) in reference to a photo depicting a piece of fire apparatus leaving the firehouse. Believe it or not, the individuals involved in the discussion were “senior men”, some even retired. The discussion revolved around which crews and rigs turned out for runs the quickest. It was great to see a bunch of older guys engaged in this discussion and the pride that obviously came with getting out the door fast. Anyone who knows me can agree that this is very important to me. Unfortunately, I believe this is becoming a lost practice to many companies and maybe even discouraged by some folks.

Citizens call 911 because they are having a bad day and are looking for our assistance in mitigating whatever issue is causing them to have a bad day. These “issues” can range from an elderly person falling out of bed to an apartment building on fire with multiple people trapped. Whatever the nature of the call is, it’s our duty and responsibility to turn out as quickly as possible. Notice I said “turn out”, which is synonymous with getting out the door, and not “respond”. Anybody who has been doing this for a while knows that you don’t make up time by driving like a mad man to calls but rather by turning out quickly. This is especially true in box alarm areas that are tight in the run order.

By turning out quickly for every call we receive it becomes second nature and the norm. So, when seconds count, chances are your company will be on top of their game and not fumbling around in the firehouse. One of the first skills learned in recruit school is donning your PPE in an expedient manner. Unfortunately after completion of recruit school this skill is rarely practiced and folks don their gear in a less than expedient manner. Do you think the hours spent learning to quickly don your gear was done just to fill out a schedule? No! That time was used to give you a foundation for a skill that you are expected to do for the duration of your career. Once again, if we don our gear in an expedient manner for all calls, chances are we’ll be quick and proficient when it counts.

Some folks believe area familiarization and memorization aren’t essential because we have maps and GPS to navigate us. Yes, we do have those resources but what happens when GPS doesn’t work? What happens when a map shows two roads connecting that don’t actually connect? We are still tasked with getting to the incident and getting there in a timely manner. Upon receipt of the alarm, the driver should have a good idea where they’re going. This will prevent a company from sitting on the ramp of the firehouse wondering whether they make a left or right turn. Time on the front ramp is wasted time and for the citizen trapped in their vehicle or whose house is on fire, seconds count.

It seems that more and more folks subscribe to the theory that quick is reckless. Operating in a quick, deliberate manner is not reckless and will provide us opportunities to make a difference. Training and experience will allow us to operate in this quick, deliberate manner without being reckless. We should all have pride in ourselves and companies that drives us to operate in the most efficient and effective manner as possible, this includes turning out quickly for every alarm received. If your company doesn’t turn out quickly, identify the reasons why. If you’re in a position to initiate change, do so! The citizen’s we serve and your fellow firefighters deserve it. Stay safe!

Think About It!

2010-10-25T21:30:00.001-04:00

A fire-related emergency involving a structure with one or more solar panels would not be considered an unlikely or even rare occurrence in the United States anymore. There are, for the most part, two different 'types' of solar panels that firefighters need to be aware of, as well as a few basic hazards associated with each. Regardless of what type, either thermal or photovoltaic, the first unit on scene must relay the presence of solar panels to all incoming units.

Before I get started, let me state that I am just discussing the basic hazards we should all be aware of while operating near roof mounted solar panel systems, and am in no way an expert on these systems.

Thermal systems, for the most part, use solar panels to collect heat from the sun, and transfers it to the water that runs through the piping. This hot water feeds down to a storage tank, and acts as a pre-heater to the house's existing water heater. Some of the hazards that firefighters need to be aware of while operating near this type of panel are (but not limited to): tripping/slipping, structural collapse due to extra weight, flame spread, inhalation issues (from burning panel materials*) and hot fluid scalds. Fires in/near this type of system can be extinguished with normal tactical and strategic approaches (water).

Photovoltaic systems use the solar panel's cells to convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity. To provide electricity, these systems include several pieces of equipment in addition to the solar panels. The additional components typically include a charge controller, an inverter (to convert the DC current to household AC current), heavy cables, wiring, and some form of electricity storage (typically batteries).

Some of the hazards that firefighters need to be aware of while operating near this type of system are (but not limited to): tripping/slipping, structural collapse due to extra weight, flame spread, inhalation issues (from burning panel materials*), and most importantly: severe electrical shock and battery hazards. Be aware that a solar panel exposed to any sunlight is always "on" and the system remains energized. DAYLIGHT = DANGER. The only way to eliminate the electrical output of a panel is to cover it with 100% light-blocking material (heavy tarps). Fires in/near this type of system should be attacked similarly to any piece of electrically energized equipment.

During roof operations, firefighters will need to remain aware of the added weight of the solar panels on a roof that may be weakened by fire below. An array of solar panels may also prevent direct access to the section of roof providing the optimum point of vertical ventilation. Under no circumstances should solar panels be cut or damaged to perform vertical ventilation. -Keith

*Panels are made up of many materials that may include gallium arsenide, phosphorous, and cadmium telluride that, when exposed to fire conditions, introduces potentially dangerous levels of cadmium, a know carcinogen.

You Make The Call!

2010-10-14T13:40:00.005-04:00

Aggressive truck companies know that you ventilate vertically (the roof) immediately upon arrival, and ventilate horizontally (windows) in conjunction with the engine company being ready with their attack hose line. What are your thoughts on this video, or this topic in general? -Keith

The Truck Crew

2010-10-10T18:13:00.003-04:00

(Photo courtesy of Northern Virginia Fools)

With the numerous and often overwhelming initial tasks required to be performed on the fireground by the first due truck company (especially those understaffed), a thorough size-up and 360 of the building must still be made. If window bars are encountered by the OVM during his walk-around, he should notify his truck officer or incident commander immediately via portable radio. Not only does this notify the officer in charge, but incoming units are now made aware of the situation also. This is vital when crews are already operating inside, or are about to make entry. Most window bars are anchored into the mortar and are fairly easy to remove with the use of a halligan bar. This usually holds the same for child gates/bars. Some, however, may require the use of a circular saw and may become labor intensive.

Note the bars in the photo above. They are set inside the frame of the casement windows, and are anchored about 8 inches into the concrete/masonry wall. The removal of this type of window/bars can certainly tax initial companies.

Do you have enough special services companies to handle this type of issue on your first alarm assignment?

How would you attack these window bars?

What kind of tools/personnel would you need?

Does your truck crew train on window bar or casement window removal as part of basic forcible entry?

-Keith

The Rescue Company

2010-10-07T12:47:00.003-04:00

With high rise buildings on just about every corner here in the Washington, DC metro area, window washers usually go about their daily business with most citizens paying them no mind. That is, until something goes drastically wrong. Then, it seems folks leave the office, pour into the streets looking skyward, pointing, and gasping.

Is your company/department equipped to handle this type of situation?

Do you have a highly trained rescue company whose sole job is high-angle rescue? Are you trained to assist them?

If the window washers are within reach of your truck company's areal, do they perform the rescue?

Think of a mid or high rise building in your first due. If this scenario unfolded tomorrow, are you ready?

What type of initial resources are dispatched to this type of event, and what additional resources might you need to special call? Do you rely on mutual aid rescue companies to assist your department?

-Keith

Remembering Our Fallen

2010-10-03T23:28:00.004-04:00

2010 National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Memorial

The Engine Company

2010-09-30T21:43:00.000-04:00

(Photo courtesy of Tom Meloy, Fairfax County Company 4/A)

Post courtesy of Mike Deli, Fairfax County Battalion Chief 1/A

Now, take the townhouse from the last post about ground ladders (The Truck Crew 9/27/10), and think about fire streams. Look at the photo above. With the 14' roof ladder in place from your engine, could we have advanced an 1-3/4" line from Side C up the ladder, and operated it through the window into the attic? The fire that seemed to be unreachable was in the front of the attic, under the front gable, and partially protected from an elevated stream (most likely stream from an aerial than from a more manuverable tower ladder). The tower knocked it down quickly, but was this a 1000 gpm fire? The 2" smooth bore also pierced the fire wall and sent water into the D-1 exposure. How about an 1-3/4" stream from the roof of an adjacent exposure? Or an 1-3/4" through the front windows from a ground, aerial, or tower ladder? We've used this tactic before on other fires in the 1st Battalion, like the Cedar Cove and Fairwind fires. We should always consider what could have been done differently for the next time. Any thoughts?

The Truck Crew

2010-09-27T10:00:00.012-04:00

(Photo courtesy of Tom Meloy, Fairfax County Company 4/A)

Post courtesy of Mike Deli, Fairfax County Battalion Chief 1/A

Look at the attached photo. E436, TL436, T425, and R439 returned to this incident scene to see what ground ladder options we could come up with.

In the photo, there are two ladders placed on the ground, leaning against the deck. The ladder on the right is the 35' extension - in this instance, it didn't reach any of the top floor windows - when we placed/heeled it outside of the back yard fence, the angle was too low and there was not enough length. When we placed it inside the fence, the deck acted like a fulcrum (What the fulcrum is a fulcrum Mike? ed.) and made the angle too high so the tip could not touch the house. Plus, it's typically at least a two person ladder. The ladder on the ground on the left is the 20' straight - this is easily a one person ladder and was the best choice to get up onto the deck. The firefighter placed the 20' inside the fence, climbed onto the deck and hoisted (hand over hand) the additional ladders up onto the deck. On the deck, the ladder on the far left is the 14' straight found on any engine and in this case is a nice fit to the window sill (where it needs to be for a means of egress from an IDLH environment). The ladder on the right is the 16' straight from most truck companies and in this case is too much. Realize that in both cases of the 14' or the 16', much of where the tip lands depends on the depth of the deck and where the ladder is butted. This isn't as simple as placing ladders to a third floor window because of the obstacles created by the fence and deck. On the front of the townhouse, the car in the driveway made things difficult -

What were our options with that car? Pull out of the way? At first we were hesitant to place a ladder. A nice combination of ladders to accomplish this might be found on the engine with it's 14' and 24', one person ladders. In the 1st Battalion we don't give up until the task is completed. The third ladder being hoisted to the deck is the 14' extension and though it could be adjusted to fit a variety of objectives, some thought the ladder is too narrow. Thoughts?...

On the front side, the car in the driveway made ladder placement difficult - get the keys and drive the car back into the garage? Initially, the crew was hesitant to place a ladder on the first landing of the exterior stairs thinking about not crowding the entrance. We summed it up like this - if the IDLH is on the top floor, that gets priority for an alternate means of egress over the lower floors that may be partially blocked by the ladder - make sense?

There is still some debate over whether or not the window should be removed by the exterior crew when interior crews are fighting an attic fire. As in any case, it's a judgement call - what are the conditions on the floor where the companies are working? But if we want always want to err on the side of safety, remove the window... thoughts?

Please review with your folks, as a single picture is worth a thousand words.

You Need to Check Side Charlie

2010-09-25T11:20:00.001-04:00

Post courtesy of Patrick McKay, Fairfax City Rescue Engine 33 Chauffeur

A building has 6 sides and it’s important to evaluate conditions on each of these sides throughout fireground operations. Evaluating these conditions allows implementation of sound fireground tactics. In the past few years, there have been several fires in the Metropolitan Washington DC area where evaluation of conditions viewed from side Charlie has proved critical to the success or failure of fireground operations. I am going to briefly discuss the importance of giving a proper report of conditions on the Charlie side and what it really entails.

I’m not here to tell you who gives a report from side Charlie, but rather to reiterate that somebody needs to give a report from side Charlie. Different systems utilize different companies for this task and have valid reasons for the way they operate. Simply stating “side Charlie is clear” is not a side Charlie report! I hear this way too often, and often times it is an inaccurate statement. I went to a fire the other night and that radio transmission was made, when in fact there was fire throughout the second floor and attic. With that said, how was side Charlie clear? At the same time, I don’t expect anyone to give a ten minute dissertation, of which nine minutes and forty five seconds was wasted air time.

Obviously the quicker we implement tactics, the better chance of a successful outcome we have. Like everything else in the fire service, with experience and practice, you are able to carry out tasks more efficiently and quickly. With that said, it’s good habit to give a side Charlie report on all reported house and building fires, appliance fires, odors of smoke, chimney fires, etc. Obviously it’s impractical for the first Engine officer to give a report of side Charlie at a warehouse or big box store, but somebody needs to do it!

So what does the side Charlie report consist of? For different buildings and occupancies it will vary but there are some constants. Identify the number of floors in the rear. Often due to grade changes there are a different number of floors accessible in the front and rear. Identify fire conditions. Is the exterior of the building burning? Is there smoke or fire issuing from the first floor, while companies have committed to the second floor? Is it an auto off to the rear of the building and not actually the building on fire? Identify Rescues. Are there people on a balcony above the fire? Are there people in windows that have significant smoke issuing from them? Identify sub-floor access. Does it have a walk out or walk up basement? Are there indications of fire in the sub floor areas? Identify any special hazards. Are there power lines down? Are there pressurized gas containers involved or exposed? Are there bars on windows? Are there exposure issues? Is there a large addition on the rear of the building, otherwise not visible from the front? Are there numerous electrical meters on the exterior of the building which may indicate separate occupancies and more occupants than generally expected?

The actions I have listed above can be completed and communicated in a timely manner on any fireground and will allow for better implementation of tactics. Remember, the fireground is a dynamic environment and conditions are subject to change and changes should be communicated. By completing a quick and proper side Charlie report, we increase our chances of successfully combating fires and doing so in an efficient manner.

Think About It!

2010-09-24T00:00:00.016-04:00

(Photo courtesy of Tom Meloy, Fairfax County 4/A)

See additional photos of this incident (click to view photos)

This is just a little training opportunity to challenge yourself and share with your members. View the photos and put yourself in the Engine Company OIC's spot.

What would you transmit for your onscene and situation reports?

What would be your course of action?

Where would you have the first line go?

Would you remain as the IC or would you transfer command?

What if you are arriving as the second due engine company? What would you do with your crew?

What are the assignments that you would make to the remainder of the first alarm?

During this incident, the BC was responding from a Command Staff meeting with a 15 minute ETA.

Say It Loud and Clear

2010-09-23T23:30:00.011-04:00

Most everyone has experienced poor radio traffic whether it be difficult to hear or transmit. Especially with the digital radios and SCBA mask, many times the message is difficult to understand. While wearing the SCBA mask, where does that portable radio mic go? To the voice amp? Or pressed against your throat? Or a few inches from your regulator? Or the exhalation valve on your mask? Many of you have different ideas on this, and there have been many formal and informal ways to determine what is best with the equipment you have.

The following is a decent video that describes proper portable radio use as it relates to speaking into the portable radio mic. In order to save 8 minutes of your life, start the video at the 8:20 mark and watch the "using portable radios and SCBA".

http://business.motorola.com/publicsafety/SayItLoud/SayItLoud.html

Link courtesy of Ken Neumann, Fairfax County Tower Ladder Chauffeur 36/A

The Engine Company

2010-09-22T00:33:00.001-04:00

Your the second due engine and have arrived on the scene. The first due engine is stretching a 2-1/2" line to the alley on the "D Side" of the structure. The first due truck has reported that it is going to be delayed due to traffic.

What is your initial on-scene report?

What are your immediate concerns/actions?

What size line will you advance, and where would it go?

What about exposures?

-Keith

You Make The Call!

2010-09-20T09:00:00.002-04:00

For the obvious reasons in the photo above, you would not be sending any of your crews inside for an initial attack.

What are some other reasons, based on conditions upon arrival, would you need to make the decision to keep your members out of a building? -Keith

Think About It

2010-09-18T20:12:00.003-04:00

(Photo courtesy of the Hamilton, NJ Fire Department)

What are your immediate actions as the engine boss?

What building construction features should you have noticed/been looking for during your initial size up/360 that may have prevented this scenario from happening?

Is there anything you can do with the staffing/equipment on scene, or will you have to wait for additional companies?

What method(s) would you use to rescue a member who has fallen through the floor?

Have you (and your crew) ever trained for this type of scenario? (Columbus Drill)

Read the story of Firefighter John Nance, Columbus Engine Company 3

-Keith

Our Name Has Finally Changed!

2010-08-15T01:23:00.001-04:00

Due to an overwhelming response, and increased popularity to the batt5a.blogspot.com training website, we have finally changed our name to http://www.firetactics.net/. The content and purpose of this site will remain the same, except we will now be able to post videos and PowerPoint presentations that you can download for review with your shifts.

We will still be including some of the old weekly posts to include (but not limited to):

- “Think about it”
- “You Make the Call”
- "The Engine Company"
- "The Truck Crew"
- "The Rescue Company"
- Near-Miss Report of the Week

Along with any other relevant topics that deal with fireground tactics, strategy, and firefighter survival.

The mission of this website has always been very straightforward. These goals are being met each and every time you take a few minutes to review and comment on a post.

FireTactics.net is pleased to announce that we will soon be joined by various well known fire service instructors and authors from Houston, Phoenix, New York, Los Angeles, Fairfax County, etc, to continue to share ideas and encourage discussion.

Please feel free to contact us with any comments, questions, or ideas for an upcoming post you would like to see or submit.

Get outside and put some hose in the street. Stay safe.

The Engine Company

2010-07-22T20:16:00.003-04:00

'Flashover is occurring more and more in less than 4 minutes trapping citizens, as well as firefighters who have been deployed to search upper floors without knocking the fire down first. Incident Commanders must realize that "cool-as-you-go" is the way to go; or face the real probably that the fire will out-pace our ability to control interior conditions.' -Courtesy of Glenn Gaines, Acting US Fire Administrator

Does your department/company conduct regular live-fire flashover training?

Are your engine company crews trained to look for the signs that a flashover is about to occur or has obviously already occurred?

Are you using your thermal imager properly, or at all?

You're making your way down the hallway, heat conditions rapidly increase, and now you have zero visibility. You're the pipe man. Now what do you do?

Think About It

2010-07-14T23:36:00.004-04:00

Watch the above clip (courtesy of www.statter911.com) of an explosion and fire that tore through six South Los Angeles buildings, spattering firefighters with molten chunks of titanium. The explosion also collapsed numerous walls and sections of roofs. Post as if you were a chief officer in command, company officer or just manning the line. Immediately after the explosion, what radio traffic, if any, do you transmit? Mayday? Priority traffic?

You Make the Call!

2010-07-14T21:27:00.003-04:00

This has generated some great discussions. We look forward to hearing what you have to say.

Based on the picture above, ask yourselves the following questions:

• Identify the construction features of the building that will help to increase or decrease fire spread.

• List any construction features that may impact the safety of crews operating in or around the building.

• Identify size-up information. What does the situation tell you?

Where will your first line go? How about the second line?

• What is the Benefit to be gained by taking the Risk?

• Is this a Go or No-Go situation?

Are there any other considerations to assist our decision to Go or No-Go? Is there anything else to add?

Special thanks to FireMedic Caldwell Clark (FCFD Engine 30) and Fairfax City Medic 33/C for the picture.

You Make the Call!

2010-07-14T21:16:00.001-04:00

Based on the picture above, ask yourselves the following questions:

• What are the construction features of the building that will help to increase or decrease fire spread?

• Are there any construction features that may impact the safety of crews operating in or around the building?

• Identify size-up information. What does the situation tell you?

• What is the benefit to be gained by taking the 'risk'?

• Is this a Go or No-Go situation?

Are there any other considerations to assist our decision to Go or No-Go? Is there anything else to add?

As always if you have any pictures or ideas to submit please send us an email at rkuley@yahoo.com. Thanks to JJ Walsh (Batt 7/A) for the info above.

Think About It!

2010-07-14T20:27:00.000-04:00

A line out of the movie "Top Gun" talked about how the pilots in Vietnam had become too dependent on missiles and had lost their edge that fighter pilots had during WWII and Korea. They had become too dependent on technology!

We have had a lot of great tools come our way due to technological advances as well. One of those tools is the Thermal imaging Camera (TIC). This is an incredibly valuable tool for use in locating hot spots, trapped or lost civilians, and of course trapped or lost firefighters. But we also can't become too dependent on technology.

In spite of how good the cameras work, they are still not the answer to all circumstances when doing searches, either for fire or for people.

Discuss the following:

1. The operation of the camera.
2. When you can use it for finding hot spots and sources of fire extension?
3. Use of it in locating people.
4. What other uses do you have for the TIC?
4. Most of all, circumstances when the camera cannot or should not be used to find fire or people.

Talk also about the need to maintain a high level of search skills in various situations. Include a discussion of the differences in searching a residential occupancy vs. commercial occupancy. If for no other reason, what happens if you are depending on the camera and it does not turn on?

(Courtesy of Deputy Fire Chief Coffman)

NOVA Operations Manuals

2010-07-14T20:00:00.001-04:00

For those of us that work in a Northern Virginia Fire Department, you should be well aware of the NOVA Regional Operations Manuals. These are the manuals that provide operating and tactical guidelines for emergency incidents. These manuals are written by a committee of representatives from fire departments in the Northern Virginia area. See below for an excerpt of what their activities entail:

* Develop uniform incident management and command systems and procedures.
* Develop uniform operational and response procedures that provide for shared use of special emergency response teams, equipment assets, and other regional resources.
* Standardize fire, EMS, and emergency service policies, procedures, apparatus, and equipment whenever and wherever feasible.

These links will allow you to download five documents that are "cheat-sheets" from the following manuals; Single Family, Townhouse, High-Rise, Strip Shopping Centers and Garden Apartments.

These “cheat-sheets” are a great resource to use while preparing for a promotional exam. They are another tool for 5 minute drills with your shift. It is our hope to have these mass produced and laminated in a 5x7 format that can be kept in your rigs if you choose.

I know what some of you are thinking, “these are stupid because the members should know what their assignments are….” We feel these sheets will prove to be helpful whether studying for an promotional exam or responding to a call at 3AM and maybe having a hard time remembering your assignment on a certain call.

If you have any items to add or to make any changes so these can be more user friendly please let us know. As always your feedback is welcome. Ron Kuley 26/A

http://firetactics.net/StripShoppingCenter.pdf

http://firetactics.net/TownHouse.pdf

http://firetactics.net/SingleFamily.pdf

http://firetactics.net/HighRise.pdf

http://firetactics.net/GardenApartments.pdf

Warehouse Fires...Think About It!

2010-07-14T18:57:00.000-04:00

From the FCFD’s PIO office – “Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department units responded to a commercial fire at approximately 8:10 a.m., Sunday, December 2, 2007, in the Springfield area of Fairfax County. The commercial building, a warehouse, is located at 7390 Ward Park Lane.
Firefighters reported heavy fire from the front with flames rising more than 50 feet above the roofline of the two-story, 100 by 300 foot warehouse. The warehouse was fully involved with fire causing firefighters to fight the fire from the exterior. The fire was brought under control in approximately 90 minutes. Subsequently, a third alarm was requested bringing over 90 emergency personnel to the scene. There were no reported injuries. The warehouse stored coffee products and housed a woodworking business.
Damage is estimated at $3.7 million.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.”

This fire went to a 3rd alarm and it was a defensive operation with the use of multiple heavy-caliber streams.

One of the issues at that fire was that of a partial collapse. The building being a warehouse type of occupancy is of Type II construction. This type involves the use of non-combustible structural materials but those building elements are not protected as we find in Type I, Fire resistive construction.

When fire conditions are well advanced in Type II, there are a number of factors that can contribute to the failure of different structural components. Steel beams, steel bar joist, metal lintels over bay doors, columns, and exterior walls are all easily affected but in different ways.

Discuss the issues associated with building collapse and/or failure of building components and what the signs of this problem are. What steps and tactical activities do, or should, we take in addressing the issue of structural compromise?

Courtesy of Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Coffman

Think About It...

2010-07-14T15:43:00.000-04:00

OK, we talk about the importance of laddering a building. The most important reason for getting this tactic accomplished early and properly is for the emergency exit of members operating on the interior. Take a look at the picture above. IN AN EMERGENCY, which ladders could you use and which one(s) would be a problem making an escape. Remember that if fire is chasing you out of the building, you will NOT be able to get high in a window opening, but will most likely be trying to crawl or slink out staying as low on the window sill as possible. Take a look also at what else should be done at window openings to which ladders are placed.

(Courtesy of Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Coffman)

Watch the video at end of posting...

2010-07-14T12:50:00.000-04:00

THROWING LADDERS. The term we use to place ground ladders in position so we can get in, get out and for us to get trapped civilians out. If we train and train and train on doing that and have enough people to do it-it generally works pretty well on the fire scene. A recent video from Massachusetts shows FF's not doing it as well as could have been...with a civilian trapped. Before we saw the video, we wrote a commentary on how important staffing is when responding to a fire. Staffing on your apparatus or as a part of an automatic mutual aid program for the first alarm assignment-which is reality these days-is critical. Very few small and medium size FD's (and even some bigger ones) can meet the staffing goals of NFPA 1710-but it can be done way better by combining resources as a part of an area or regional 1st alarm assignment. What's the goal? As we have stated for years, to have plenty of FF's to (at minimum) establish water, vent, enter, search/rescue and hit the fire when reports have people are inside....and to attempt to do it simultaneously under a boss (and support functions) in command and in control.

But when we saw that video of the FF's attempting to raise the large ground ladder-we started to think about FD's who ask for more staffing-but then perhaps aren't training the staffing they have to the max. In other words, it could be said by those who oppose more staffing "why do you need more when you aren't training the ones you have to do the job as best as possible when needed" ?

Any FD fighting for more staffing would have trouble arguing the point. By asking the question: What are we doing to train and safely use the current personnel we have...can go a long way in being a key ingredient in justifying more personnel. If aggressive training is happening and companies are operating as "as effectively and as safely as possible" on the fireground with what we have to work with, we can then show "those who decide" how much more good we can do if we were provided more staffing...or given more companies on the 1st alarm assignment. No matter what the staffing-a regularly trained FF is always going to be a better bet than one who has not been training.

FDNY has the best staffing and the best written and trained upon operating procedures we have seen. Of course, like anywhere, it doesn't always work perfectly, but for the most part, they have a good system of operating that a probie is taught from the start. If you are on a truck company and you are assigned to "this" task-that's how you will do that task. If you are on an engine, and are assigned a task-that's how they expect that task to be done. From the Chief to the probie-they all speak the same "operating" language so there is a level of expectation and consistency with time proven outcomes. Companies and the officers of those companies know what is expected and what to do. Chiefs overseeing them expect tasks to be performed automatically-because the members have been trained that way from the start...and the staffing matches the required functions.

There are always going to be some that don't like one FD or another-usually for some pretty dumb reasons like "their trucks are green" or "their Deputy Chief's mustache needs trimming" ...you know what I mean. Of course, there are some who have never even been to NY but don't like how FDNY operates. But like them or not, it is hard to argue that FDNY "gets it" when it comes to staffing and they "get it" when it comes to the functions of a fire company. Take a few seconds and watch this video sent to me by a friend this morning that shows the urgency as well as the efficiency required when people are trapped in a fire and ground ladders are used to make the rescue. Throwing ladders is a basic task taught in probie school-but if we haven't drilled on it or don't have enough companies on the 1st alarm to throw the ladders (no matter what color trucks they arrive in or what town they come from)...the outcome is predictable.
Here is the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugot3sLPTKU
Take Care,
BillyG
The Secret List 12-27-07/1145 hours
www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com

Think About It...

2010-07-14T09:42:00.000-04:00

We have many buildings that have large open areas. Schools, warehouses, malls, churches, etc.

Discuss three issues in dealing with fires in these areas.

1. Hose or fire stream deployment and operation.
2. Ventilation operations
3. Search or evacuation operations.

Include a review of the hazards associated with operating in these large open areas and what building characteristics may be present that can cause your crew problems.

(Courtesy of Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Coffman)

BANG - BOOM - KABOOM!

2010-07-14T09:41:00.000-04:00

Don’t Fight Explosives Fires!

from Bill Schumm at Firegeezer.com - editors note - Bill is a retired Captain from Fairfax County. He opened Firehouse 26..."Guardians of the Slab"

We have had many close calls here in Fairfax County. Great info below!

One of the headline-makers yesterday was the truck fire and resulting explosion in a trailer carrying a mining explosive, ANFO - ammonium nitrate mixed with fuel oil. The explosion killed dozens of people gathered around to look at the wreck along with some rescue workers. It is not yet known if the driver informed anyone at the time about his cargo.

Firefighters know (as least, you should know!!) that once you have explosives involved in a fire, then you have an irreversible process ongoing that will result in a catastrophic explosion. That’s why your haz-mat instructors keep preaching to you: “Don’t fight explosives fires!”
Yesterday’s incident brought back to mind a similar event that took place in Kansas City, Mo. 19 years ago. It was on November 29, 1988 that fire dispatch received a call at 0340 hrs. from a construction site security guard reporting a pickup truck on fire at the job site.

Pumper 41 was dispatched and while en route was told by the dispatcher: “Pumper 41, use caution on your call. There’s information there may be explosives. It’s in a construction area …” Upon arrival 6 minutes later, P-41 reported that there was a second fire in a 40-ft. trailer several hundred yards away and requested a 2nd engine company. Pumper 30 was dispatched to assist.

The two engine companies had a total of 6 men on them, 2 captains and 4 firefighters. Four of the six had completed field training on haz-mat identifications and procedures. There were two trailers at the fire scene, one of which was burning, but it is not known if they were placarded. They were being used as storage magazines for ANFO. The one that was burning contained 25,000 lbs. of product and the 2nd trailer held another 30,000 lbs.

Twenty-two minutes after the first company arrived on scene, at 0408 hrs., the burning trailer detonated. The blast had five times the force of the Oklahoma City bombing and immediately killed all six firefighters and destroyed the pumpers. The battalion chief who was responding immediately pulled back, established a remote command post and set up an exclusion zone keeping everybody far away from the blast site. Forty minutes after the first blast, the second trailer detonated.

The first explosion literally vaporized the six firefighters. No single trace of them was ever found. Not so much as a fiber. The two fire engines were blown into bits. The exemplary size-up and tactical decision of the battalion chief to maintain the extended quarantine of the site undoubtedly saved untold others from perishing when the 2nd blast occurred.

The explosions were heard 45 miles away. Think about that for a moment…. Pick a place that is 45 miles from where you are right now and try to imagine hearing something taking place there. And never forget:
Don’t fight explosives fires!

Take a moment to review explosive placards...take some extra time to review all DOT placards. Discuss what the differences are between the hazard classes. What do the small numbers mean? How would you respond to each? 15-20 minutes for this review.

You make the call...

2010-07-14T08:39:00.000-04:00

Based on the picture above ask yourselves the following questions:

• Identify the construction features of the building that will help to increase or decrease fire spread.

• List any construction features that may impact the safety of crews operating in or around the building.

• Identify size-up information. What does the situation tell you?

• What is the Benefit to be gained by taking the Risk?

• Is this a Go or No Go situation?

Are there any other considerations to assist our decision to Go or No Go? Is there anything else to add?

As always if you have any pictures or ideas to submit please send us an email at rkuley@yahoo.com. Thanks to JJ Walsh (Batt 7/A) for the info above.

Got Command...?

2007-12-10T06:48:00.000-05:00

If you're aspiring to be a Command Officer within the fire department then this is a must watch training video.... click here

Those who have watched this video say this is the best approach in dealing with warehouse fires. (see posting below)

Think About It...curtain walls

2007-11-28T16:36:00.000-05:00

Curtain wall is a term used to describe a building façade which does not carry any dead load from the building other than its own dead load. These loads are transferred to the main building structure through connections at floors or columns of the building. A curtain wall is designed to resist air and water infiltration, wind forces acting on the building, seismic forces, and its own dead load forces.

There are over 300 high-rise buildings in Fairfax County and with new development around future metro stations, there are many more planned. the vast majority of our highrises are built using curtain wall construction.

The first alarm assignment on a high-rise fire is designed to cover the first essential positions with the understanding that a confirmed fire will get at least a 2nd alarm.

The 4th due engine and the 2nd due truck on the 1st alarm are assigned to go to the floor above the fire. Discuss the tactics expected of these two units and why knowing the location of the fire on the fire floor is important to the operations on the floor above as it relates to curtain wall construction. Discuss also just what a curtain wall really is, how the exterior walls are attached, how fire can extend, and where checking for extension needs to occur.

(Courtesy of Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Coffman)

CloseCall and Safety101 - Invaluable!

2007-11-19T18:37:00.000-05:00

At the recent Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA) Annual Safety Forum in Orlando, FL Fairfax Battalion Chief John Gleske (BC02/A) delivered a two part seminar on incident safety. They were titled Safety 101 & Close Call/Hazard Investigation ~ The following topics covered were: Risk Management/Risk Analysis, PPE Inspection, Size-up, Enroute Considerations, Arrival Considerations, Onscene Operations, Communications, Accountability, Rehabilitation, and Post Incident Critiques. The second half of the program discusses how to set up a close call/hazard investigation program with an outline to describe the benefits of the program.

John wanted to share these important programs with our readers with the hopes that YOU will share them with others in your department. These are valuable PowerPoints that can be used for training and review with your folks at any level in your department. Like all of the other posts on this site these programs are designed to make you think!

Click on the titles below to download each program:
(note file size and allow sufficient time for download)

Safety 101 (23mb) --- Close Call/Hazard Investigation (8mb)

Please ensure that John Gleske receives the proper credit for the .ppt programs and mention you found them on FireTactics.net. - Ron Kuley

Close Call? some say "nah"...

2007-11-14T17:11:00.000-05:00

Our readers know the intent of this website and we continually try to meet your expectations. Even though the infamous Boston video is now making its way around the Fire Blogs I thought it would be important to post it here as well. I have already received some comments via email and know our readers would find them interesting and want to provide additional comments. As one reader writes, "there is one point that needs to be mentioned. They rescued 11 people from this fire including children." This fact should not be lost in discussing what happened during the roof evacuation. Now it is your turn... Thanks! Ron Kuley ---- Click here or the picture to watch the video.

As with any of our postings take the time to review with your shift and discuss the tactics involved. What if this was your company on that roof? Would you go to the roof next door or climb the ladder down? Who goes first? Ask the tough questions... WE all can learn from these incidents!

(AP Photo/John Cetrino)

Trapped!

2007-11-08T13:41:00.000-05:00

No intro is necessary for this posting...

An excerpt of the LA Times article found here - As flames roared up the incline, they opened the nozzle, but found, to their horror, that no water was coming out. The hose had burned through, as had the others they tried.

With no place to escape and the fire about to overtake them, someone gave the order "Deploy your emergency packs" -- metallic, fireproof coverings called "shake 'n' bakes" by the firefighters. The eerie sight of the huddled firefighters was captured in a photo that appeared in Tuesday's edition of The Times. It was the first time the emergency packs had been deployed by firefighters in Orange County.

Click here to view a slideshow and audio of the FF's during this incident. Pay particular attention to the communication.

What am I getting into? THINK!

2007-11-08T12:00:00.000-05:00

This week the 123rd Recruit Class will be graduating from the FCFD Academy. Congrats - now it is really time to learn what this profession is about! Scared?

Thanks to Charles Bailey (tinhelmet.com) for use of the article below. We'll be posting some articles pertaining to Fire Tactics from Bailey in the near future.

What Am I Getting Into? -- Keeping things in perspective
Bill Carey for Tinhelmet.com

It’s a little after midnight, and Engine 7 and Ladder 3 are responding to a reported house fire. As the engine briefly stops at the hydrant, and the truck pulls around, the Probie can hear the Ladder 3 officer transmit the working fire over his handie-talkie. The engine pulls up and our Probie runs to the rear, waits a moment while the nozzleman grabs his folds of hoseline and then steps up and grabs his. It’s a short distance up onto the yard and to the front door. While the interior team of the truck is forcing the door, the nozzleman and officer are donning their facepieces. “Start flaking that out” his officer tells him, and the Probie works furiously to make wide bends and get rid of kinks. No sooner is he done, and then he looks at the front door and sees his crew and the crew of Ladder 3 entering.

Hectically he drops to his knees, and fumbles with his facepiece. He has cinched it down tight on his face and after a short inhale, realizes he hasn’t turned his bottle on. Once this is corrected, he pulls up his hood, puts his helmet on, and makes his way inside, crouched down.

He shuffles his way forward, completely unsure of where he is going and what is ahead of him. In a moment, he remembers to follow the line and he drops to his hands and knees and feels around for it. Instantly he feels something hitting him from behind, and then a cursing directed to him to get out of the way. A foot steps on the back of his leg... for the rest of this important article click here.

Helloooo Probie...

2007-11-07T08:05:00.000-05:00

Leadership 101: Ignorance

Each day that we come to work, we face a new set of challenges. Building construction is constantly changing to lessen the cost of the building which in turn means inherently less safety for us, new materials for those items being placed in those buildings are changing and inherently more toxic to us, and on a more personal note, our newest personnel are coming to us with less and less life skills, which inherently makes them less likely to “get it” as quick as “we did”.

The newest employees (generalization) do not have the same life skills that the generations before them had. We see this in any number of ways but we do see it. Sometimes we as supervisors view them as “stupid” or “unable to learn” which could not be further from the truth. These new employees often lack the basic life skills because they come from a “microwave” generation—where everything is done for them and they just have to know how to use the microwave or they want it right now. This generation has not had to fix the lawn mover because it was cheaper and easier to buy a new one or they have not had to sharpen an axe because their parents hired someone to cut the tree down.

While I know I am making a number of generalized statements and that we in fact have great people coming to work with us. What I am challenging you to do is to look at HOW you train the “Probie”. These employees come at life from an entirely different perspective than we did and by the way, we came at it from a different perspective than those before us as well. For me (or anyone) to try and give you all the methods on how to reach them would be foolish. This means YOU must do some homework and become a “Student” of your new employee so that you can learn just how to communicate most effectively with them. To simply say B.I.A.T.C. (Because I am the Captain) has limited educational benefits—although at times it will boil down to this.

As I close, if you take a look at your shift, you will notice the Probie gravitating to at least one person. That person will be able to communicate to the Probie more effectively on a learning level than your rank will. You may want to work with that other person to influence the Probie’s attitude towards learning and what you will find is that all three of you will grow professionally.

Not a lecture just a thought.

Larry Everett,
FCFD - Batt. Chief 5/A

Go to Bed...ZZZzzz..Wake UP!

2007-11-04T19:43:00.000-05:00

Report of the Week from FireFighterNearMiss.com

"I was working the second half of a 48-hour shift (trade) over the busy Independence Day holiday. We had been running constantly, without significant sleep for over forty hours. Driving the rescue back from an EMS call, I fell asleep at the wheel on a winding, rural road. I awoke as the vehicle drove into the median. I was able to correct and returned to quarters without further incident. I'm not sure that my crew members even realized what had happened." click here for entire report.

The consequences of sleep deprivation are well chronicled in a number of industries. Some studies indicate that for every hour of sleep less than 8 a human misses, the impact on performance equates to one alcoholic drink. Fire departments across the country, regardless of composition, face this dilemma every day. The easy answer is, “Get more sleep.” However, even people not engaged in emergency service work are significantly sleep deprived. The true answer for emergency service workers lies in adopting strategies that balance service delivery with adequate rest and recovery periods.

1. How does your current lifestyle (off-duty activities, commuting distances, etc.) impact getting adequate sleep given your department work schedule or duty requirement?
2. Has your department adopted a more flexible attitude toward firefighters and EMS workers “catching a nap” during “regular” business hours? If not, why?
3. Would adjusting shift start times (e.g., 8 a.m. vs. 6 a.m.) provide for additional rest and recovery?
4. Should there be a limit on the maximum number of hours a firefighter/EMS provider can work consecutively?
5. When was the last time you obtained 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep?

Excellent information can be found here at the National Sleep Foundation.

You Make the Call!

2007-11-01T09:16:00.001-04:00

Based on the picture above ask yourselves the following questions: (comments?)
• Identify the construction features of the building that will help to increase or decrease fire spread.

• List any construction features that may impact the safety of crews operating in or around the building.

• Identify size-up information.

What does the situation tell you?

• What is the Benefit to be gained by taking the Risk?

• Is this a Go or No Go situation?
Are there any other considerations to assist our decision to Go or No Go?

What is the destination of first attack hose line?

What is the destination of second hose line?

Where are you going to place ground ladders?

Where is the primary ventilation location?

What is the aerial ladder position?

What is the primary life hazard location?

What is the Interior fire spread problem?

What is the exterior fire spread problem?

Is there a Collapse hazard?

What is the worst case scenario?

As always if you have any pictures or ideas to submit please send us an email at rkuley@yahoo.com. Thanks to JJ Walsh (Batt 7/A) for the info above.

Think About It!

2007-10-17T17:35:00.000-04:00

Aerial ladders and tower ladders make up our compliment of truck companies with a 50-50 split between the two. Both have unique characteristics. We should treat these units as another tool, just as much as a halligan, some sort of hook, Hurst tool, saw, etc. The aerial device is certainly not a hand tool, but a tool just the same. When considering tactical options, the aerial ladder is more suited to stationary functions, while the tower ladder is best suited for tactics requiring mobility of the device. Discuss the different kinds of situations where you would more likely use an aerial, and those where the tower would be best. An example of this is the issue of strip shopping center operations. It is preferable for an aerial to take the rear and a tower takes the front when that is an option. Consider not only the use of the master streams from these units but rather all the different tactical operations for which they might be engaged.
Courtesy of Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Coffman

You Make the Call!

2007-10-17T08:25:00.000-04:00

As mentioned earlier there will be a new addition to the blog called... You Make the Call!

Based on the picture above ask yourselves the following questions:

• Identify the construction features of the building that will help to increase or decrease fire spread.
• List any construction features that may impact the safety of crews operating in or around the building.
• Identify size-up information. What does the situation tell you?
• What is the Benefit to be gained by taking the Risk?
• Is this a Go or No Go situation?

Are there any other considerations to assist our decision to Go or No Go? Is there anything else to add? We hope to make this a frequent topic on this blog.

As always if you have any pictures or ideas to submit please send us an email at rkuley@yahoo.com. Thanks to JJ Walsh (Batt 7/A) for the info above.

Think about it.

2007-10-11T11:08:00.000-04:00

Your unit has the assignment of RIT at a fire in a 4-story building. The construction type is Type 2 (Non-combustible). It is an older building that was built prior to sprinkler requirements. There is significant active fire on the second floor in the Baker quadrant with some extension to the 3rd floor via a pipe chase.

All hands are working and a second alarm has been transmitted followed by a RIT level II alarm. Only the first alarm units are on the scene.

Discuss what actions should you take as the RIT Company…? Recognizing that there are hazards associated with this building, including the presence of casement windows. There are certain actions the RIT Company should take from a safety standpoint and this should be the basis for your discussion. Make any assumptions you want about the building and fire conditions but assume that the fire is not under control at this point. (courtesy of Deputy Fire Chief Coffman)

Are YOU in or out?

2007-10-07T20:44:00.001-04:00

Click on the picture to view an educational PowerPoint. Courtesy of JJ Walsh, BC 7/A.

Too often in our profession we must make the very difficult decision to "Go or No Go" otherwise known as "Risk vs Benefit". This PowerPoint file is a dynamic review in Risk Benefit Analysis which will assist you in establishing your Rules of Engagement. Review with your shift as this will surely create some lively discussion. Watch for weekly postings on this website titled, "You Make The Call!"

excerpt - "We should never take short cuts because we feel it is a nothing “call”. If we habitually lay out supply lines, pull attack lines, wear our PPE properly, carry all the tools, chock the doors open, ladder the windows for firefighter egress, then we will not be caught by surprise if the situation deteriorates."
Where do we fail on the emergency scene?
–Lack of strong and visible command.
–Failure to control the actions at the scene.
–Failure to coordinate the use of resources.
–Breakdown in the communications process.

Thanks again to JJ Walsh (BC 7/A) for sharing this very important file with us. If you are going to use this for training please ensure that this website and B/C Walsh receive credit. Thanks. Ron Kuley

It is what it is...

2007-10-07T20:31:00.000-04:00

From Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Coffman - Your unit responds to a local alarm for a building alarm on the 20th floor of a high rise... When you arrive, the maintenance man tells you that kids were throwing fire crackers off the 20th floor and he reset the alarm system. He says the security guard didn't see the kids he just heard the popping noise. A woman approaches you and says she saw fire on the 20th floor on a balcony. You make the call to “fill the box”. The maintenance man again said that it was just fireworks and no fire; he had been there and saw nothing.

What actions should you take in this situation and what are the possibilities of what you might find on the 20th floor? So are we going up? What are we taking with us?

2007-10-02T13:20:00.000-04:00

(click on pic for dramatic video - MUST SEE)

Houston fire captain responds to rescue criticism
By Rosanna Ruiz - Houston Chronicle

HOUSTON — Unable to make his way out of a burning building and with his oxygen tank empty, Houston fire Capt. Eric Abbt seemed to be out of options. If he was going to die, he would do it by the book.
The 40-year-old wanted to spare his family the added grief that he was somehow to blame for his own death. He lay prone on the fifth floor of the North Loop building near the two victims he had discovered. Firefighters would have a better chance of recovering all of them if they were together.
But moments later, and still conscious, Abbt realized he might be able to survive. He repeatedly beckoned on his radio for help between gasps for air. He told those listening, including his wife, Melinda Menchaca, who is also a Houston firefighter, that he was on the fifth floor near a window.
Firefighters on the ladder truck below began to break out the windows in their search for their fallen captain. When that proved too slow, they used the ladder as a battering ram.
Once the ladder was close, Abbt leaped from the window, his legs hanging precariously off the end of the ladder. He was saved.
Almost six months after the March 28 fire, Abbt suffers from flashbacks and has trouble sleeping. Locked doors and the dark of night sometimes send him into a tailspin. The 15-year Houston Fire Department veteran also can't seem to shake the feeling that he gave the department a black eye.
The recent release of a 24-page HFD report faulted him for failing to maintain "crew integrity" after Abbt separated from the two firefighters with him and got lost in the pitch-black smoke inside the building.
"We try to keep crews together," Abbt explained in an exclusive interview, "except in a life-or-death situation when you do what you have to do." Please read the rest of this important story... click here.

Whaddya gonna do?

2007-10-01T19:10:00.000-04:00

Another in a series from Deputy Fire Chief Coffman-

Your unit is part of the second alarm assignment to a fire in a large shipping center, such as a UPS or FedEx facility. Several vehicles were on fire and the fire extended to a section of offices inside the building. There is still active fire in these areas located along the "D" side of the interior. The building was occupied by at least 50 people when the incident started and there are at this point 8 employees that are unaccounted for. You and two other companies have been given the assignment to work on the primary search. Discuss the issues you must overcome in order to carry out this assignment.

Editor's addition - Do you know where these types of facilities are in your 1st of 2nd due area?

What are the hazards in responding to fires in a UPS/DHL/USPS/FedEx facility?

Is the picture below just another vehicle fire? Do we know what is on board? Does the driver know what he is carrying?

"We're RIT"

2007-09-29T21:26:00.001-04:00

Many times while performing RIT duties such as a recon of the structure or staging outside the structure the Rapid Intervention Team are often asked, "who are you with? or what are your assignments? or can you handle a certain task?" It is obvious in the pictures above who is assigned to RIT. If Command or a Division officer can easily I.D. the RIT then any confusion would be eliminated.

For a quick review of the Top 5 Initial RIT Actions

(info below from the Fairfax Fire Dept. RIT Manual)

1. Recon of the structure to take note of building construction, access and egress points. Problems such as bars on windows, etc.

2. Confirm location of all units working in IDLH.

3. Perform the initial actions needed for rapid access/egress i.e. place ladders, force doors, remove window/door bars. (editor's note - The RIT should be able to assist in coordinated exterior ventilation and control of exterior utilities)

4. Establish an appropriate tool cache based on the findings of your recon, occupancy type and construction.

5. Monitor radio traffic. Perform periodic secondary reconnaissance.

Be prepared to go to work!

Is there anything else that you would like to add? Do you agree with the above...? Thanks to Tom Griffin 18/A on his assistance with the above information.

editor's note - The pictures above were taken from a recent fire in Sharon Hill, PA. A FF was critically injured along with two other FFs that suffered non-life threatening injuries. According to various reports units were fighting a garage fire when an exterior wall collapsed trapping the three FF's. Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured and their families.
Pictures courtesy of Brian Feeney from Feeney Fire Films.

Size it up...read the smoke.

2007-09-28T10:08:00.000-04:00

First, what is your initial onscene report?

Based on the conditions you can see - What are the conditions on the top floor of this building?

Borough of Pitcairn, PA - Crews from Pitcairn, Monroeville, FDNV and several other boroughs battles a fire on the top floor of a high rise apartment fire. Crews contained the fire incredibly to the top floor and has minimal damage to the lower floors due to great salvage work. A few firefighters were hurt, but nothing seriously. The fire was truly a sight to be seen at it's peak with the heavy black smoke and fire. (pics and story courtesy of steelvalleyfire.com)

A-B-C easy as C-A-B...

2007-09-21T08:16:00.000-04:00

Mastering the C-A-B Method
By Brad Havrilla
(courtesy of firerescue1.com)
Have you ever watched someone who is a master of his or her trade? Take, for example, a top chef. When they get a knife in their hands and start chopping, it’s incredible how fast they move (and that they don’t lose any fingers).
When we think of vehicle extrication, we should strive to be like the chef. There are strategic evolutions we can all master that will improve the outcome of our rescues.
With this in mind, I’d like to discuss one of a few tried-and-true methods for the successful removal of trapped patients from vehicles, this one based on the A-B-C rule.
As you know, the A-B-C rule specifies that we cut the vehicle’s posts in that order: A, B then C. The vehicle roof usually serves as an entry point for rescuers to gain access to the patient. We know the C post is the largest post, and we know if the A and B posts are cut first (as the A-B-C rule tells us), we will have to commit personnel to hold the pillars while the C post is being cut. Furthermore, if a reciprocating saw is used with this approach, the weight of the roof will bind the blade during the cut.
However, there is another method used effectively in both the field and extrication competitions — the C-A-B method. I have spent a lot of time training and participating in vehicle-extrication competitions nationally and worldwide, and I’ve found that C-A-B is the preferred method.
Make the first cut to the C post with a reciprocating saw. Be sure to clear the C post of plastic molding and check for the side impact curtain systems before making the cut. It will be a fast cut — 20 to 30 seconds max. I suggest using a demolition blade with 10 to 14 teeth per inch. Your first cut should be fast and cause no vibration to the car or patient.
Next, move to the other C post and cut it in exactly the same manner. It should be a mirror image of the cut you just made. Have the heavy hydraulic cutters ready on the A post. When the second C post is cut, immediately start the cut on the A post. The reciprocating saw can be set up on the B post farthest from the patient. The move the cutters to the other A post. The last cut is made to the post over the patient with the hydraulic cutters. At this point, you’ll need help removing the roof.

(click here for the rest of the article)

Look...look over here! What? Ouch!

2007-09-19T14:10:00.000-04:00

This week's safety message is courtesy of www.firefighternearmiss.com.

“…final evolution of evening vehicle rescue training, the assistant chief conducting the training was standing approximately 15 feet away from firefighters using spreaders to pop a door…door popped and a large bolt flew into the face of the officer hitting him square in the safety glasses. Luckily, he had proper eye protection on, which probably saved his eye…”

There are a number of “signs” in this week’s report that have all the making of an injury report. “Final evolution” and “evening” are two indicators that can be frequent background factors. Personnel tend to begin to relax at the end of a drill and evening drills can be particularly susceptible to producing injuries due to fatigue. This week’s anonymous leader by example reminds all of us that any time we are engaged in fire and rescue operations, we can never let our guard down. After reviewing 07-964 and the referenced reports, consider the following questions to reinforce the lesson:

1. What are the specifications of your issued eye protection?
2. What agencies oversee the standards for manufacture and wearing of eye protection?
3. What is the primary standard that defines eye protection?
4. Can a helmet mounted face shield be a substitute for eye protection?
5. How is your eye protection stored? Does your storage technique keep your eye protection in good condition?

Not JUST a room and contents fire.

2007-09-17T08:51:00.000-04:00

There has been much discussion within the FCFD about Cyanide exposures and (possible) poisoning. The HazMat equipment committee is currently researching cyanide detection devices for our HazMat team and Safety Officer's vehicle. Please review the info below on Cyanide poisoning. Since reviewing the info on Cyanide our approach to "JUST a basic room and content fire" should change especially during the overhaul period. Sure we can put the fire out but our exposure to this incredibly toxic gas is present and has a cumalitive effect on our bodies. Below is great info to share with your shift to encourage discussion and further research about Cyanide poisoning. - R. Kuley

For valuable info on Cyanide - click here

Cyanide & Fire Chiefs
By Janet Wilmoth (IChiefs)

How often after a fire or response do you hear firefighters complain of headaches, dizziness or achiness? These symptoms are pretty typical after a long, strenuous physical activity, dehydration or lack of sleep. Recent research indicates, however, that these symptoms could indicate cyanide poisoning, which occurs in firefighters more often than recognized.
Early last year, a firefighter in Providence, R.I., was diagnosed with cyanide poisoning after responding to a building fire. Over a period of 16 hours, seven more firefighters were diagnosed with cyanide poisoning, including one who suffered a heart attack. It was only through a series of coincidences that emergency-room physicians checked that last firefighter for cyanide poisoning.
After the diagnoses, Providence Deputy Asst. Chief Curtis Varone turned his attention to the dangers of cyanide poisoning. He said that quite a bit of research had been done about the effects of cyanide poisoning and possible impact on firefighters, but that research isn’t reaching the mainstream fire service.
According to Varone, blood tests aren’t done routinely for cyanide poisoning, and the nature of the chemical makes it difficult to detect. The half-life of toxic cyanide is one hour. If a firefighter is close to being toxic when he leaves the incident, within an hour his toxicity level has dropped by half. Another hour and it’s half again. It leaves the blood quickly, but continues to cause harmul effects, Varone said.
A second problem with diagnosing cyanide poisoning is that only eight laboratories in the United States can process the proper blood tests. Rhode Island Hospital is one of those eight and it stocks cyanide antidote kits.
Varone has been tracking the link between firefighters and cyanide poisoning and its correlation with firefighter heart attacks. Cyanide affects the organs involved with respiration, the brain and the heart.
Repeated exposure to cyanide can affect the heart, Varone said. “It would be possible for someone to show cardiac arrhythmia for up to two weeks after exposure.” Varone says that we could be underestimating the rist that cyanide exposure causes heart attacks.
Awareness is the important first step to prevention, Varone said. “Wearing the [SCBA] packs goes back to staffing: how many trucks at the fire, how many crews are available so nobody has to take their packs off.” Also using longer-duration bottles allow firefighters to be protected earlier and for longer.
Varone will present more information in “Cyanide: The Tip of the Iceberg” at the Fire Department Safety Officers Association Safety Forum, Oct. 31–Nov. 2 in Orlando, Fla. For details, go to http://www.fdsoa.org/ or call 508-881-3114.

What a Cluster ...!

2007-09-06T09:05:00.000-04:00

Another in a series from Deputy Fire Chief Coffman..

In prioritizing our operations, we talk about the protection of exposures. This can mean both interior as well as exterior exposures.

Cluster homes are showing up in new communities all over the county. These are home of various sizes but some are quite large. The homes are built with very similar floor plans, extremely close to one another and often have windows facing each other on the B and D sides of the homes.

Assume you are a later arriving engine company and units are already working on the inside of the building of fire origin. Fire is out of two windows on the B side facing the next door home. Discuss all the possibilities for fire extension and what tactics you might have to employ if given the assignment to protect the exposures.

Take the time with members of your shift to discuss the above.. C'mon you have ten minutes to spare.

"Holding on for dear life..."

2007-09-05T13:02:00.000-04:00

'As Close As It Gets to Going to Hell'
By Steve Olsen, as told to Carl Glassman POSTED September 1, 2007

The Deutsche Bank fire that killed Joseph Graffagnino and Robert Beddia on Aug. 18 nearly took the lives of other firefighters as well. One of them was Steve Olsen, 47, a 19-year veteran assigned to Ladder 1 on Duane Street. This is his story, as told to Tribeca Trib editor Carl Glassman.

I was assigned to the F.A.S.T. truck (Firefighter Assist and Search Team). Our job was to assist firefighters if they got in trouble.We took the outside construction elevator to the 15th floor.

Everybody was all jammed up there. About 50 guys. They said stairway A and B were blocked. They couldn’t go up. But I couldn’t understand that. I wanted to find a way in case we had to get up there.

I went to the B staircase and walked up the stairs but it just ended. I cut through heavy-duty construction plastic, exposing a wood box over the 16th floor. They had taken the walls down on 16 and put a heavy timber box around the whole staircase. I couldn’t lift it. I tried forcing it. I tried putting my back on it. Johnny Moore from 10 Truck worked with me. We couldn’t open it.

Looking for another way up, we went to the east side of the 15th floor where a firefighter was taking the glass out, and we finished taking it out. Then John Moore and I shimmied up the bars connecting the scaffold to the building, climbed to the scaffold and went up the outside staircase on the scaffold to around the 18th floor.

for the rest of the story click here... Would you have made it out alive?

Follow me...Follow you?

2007-08-28T23:12:00.000-04:00

(Another guest columnist that will be publishing a series of post for us to think about and discuss)

Editor's favorite quote on Leadership - "The Key To Successful Leadership Is Influence, Not Authority."

The Leader Always Sets the Trail for Others to Follow

Leadership 101:

Since my departure on injury leave, (I look forward to my return shortly), I have heard from many of you on how different the people who have been filling in for me have operated—not anything negatively just different. This is a compliment to me since one thing I strive for is consistency. I have taken from all these comments that if I am nothing else, I am consistent. Consistency is what I want to share with you all in this entry. As most of you know, “Leadership” is nothing more or less than “Influence.” Both mine and your ability to lead is simply based upon our ability to influence others.

In order to influence others, you must have host of different personal skills and traits. Integrity, operational skills, dependability, consistency will ultimately speak to others that “I can be followed.” Consistency is ONLY built over time—DUH! But think about this, if you as a person are happy and joyful today and tomorrow you are nasty and disrespectful, how will people view you? Well if this is the first time it happens, everyone says you are having a bad day. If this is everyday, then your people will quickly find a place to hide from you.

I know, I know,--DUH! But think now of how we apply policies and rules. If today, you are completely and utterly strict without grace or mercy, and tomorrow you could not even care if people show up to work, then what does this do for your people. Obviously they will struggle under this kind of leadership. What is amazing to me is that when I think back to the best teachers I had in school—it was the strict ones that were the best. They held me to a higher standard and I rose to the challenge. They became to me someone I wanted to follow and trust.

While I am not saying that you need to be strict in your leadership style, I am saying you must be consistent in how you operate. The more consistent you are in enforcing policies and rules, the more people will respect you—even if they do not agree with you. People want someone who can be trusted and will cause them to grow. Consistency is the easiest method of ensuring both trust and the environment where growth can happen. Whatever you do—Do it with Greatness!

Looking forward to being back in the seat—Larry Everett (Batt.5 “A” Shift)

Think about it...

2007-08-27T13:15:00.000-04:00

We are fortunate that Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Coffman has agreed to allow us to post his "Random Thoughts". Coffman sends these to A-shift members in the morning for round table discussions. This is a great way to encourage tactic and strategy dialogue with your shift. Most of the time it takes 10-15 minutes and proves to be very effective...
You have a crew of 4 members. Your unit has been assigned to conduct a search of the 2nd floor of a SFD. Fire is in the basement and the inital attack line is just being stretched. Neighbors are reporting that they think the occupants are home and it is 0500 hours. Construction is light-weight wood frame and the home is a 2-story colonial style of about 400 square feet.

How will you go about completing the task? What are your concerns that you need to address in your size-up? What issues are present regarding firefighter safety for your crew in particular and what other tactics are you counting on to be completed by other units? (courtesy of DFC Jeff Coffman, Operations A-shift)

"I guess we'll get everybody there..."

2007-08-23T12:45:00.000-04:00

Drowning Causes Controversy Over Response Time
Watch the report here ... We would like to hear your take on this event.

(KSDK) - A 45-year-old St. Louis man drowned Monday night at Glen Echo Country Club in north St. Louis County, officials said.

Barry Dorsey's death has caused a divide in the Normandy Fire Protection District. At issue is whether his life could have been saved if the ambulance had gone to the correct location.

Dorsey, of the 5800 block of Pamplin Avenue, was pronounced dead just before 9:30 p.m., Normandy Police Chief Doug Lebert said.Lebert said Dorsey, an employee, was participating in the country club's employee appreciation night.

Dorsey was dragged out of the pool by bystanders before being administered CPR by Normandy police, Lebert said.

Lebert raised issue with the response time of the Normandy Fire District. He said an ambulance dispatched at the same time as other emergency responders went to Norwood Hills Country Club in Jennings.

Lebert said the ambulance's arrival at Glen Echo was delayed by 14 minutes.

"The main thing is patient care. Did the patient have delayed patient care? The answer is, 'No.'"

(The firefighters) did the same thing that the ambulance would have did if it had been there," said Normandy Deputy Chief Airest Wilson.

(Click here to listen to the entire 911 call)

Lebert said he was "extremely disgusted with the continued decline of service from the Normandy Fire District."
He said it was "a direct result of the Fire District Board firing good employees and replacing the terminated employees with part-time, less qualified personnel."

"They're putting people on the streets that are not half as qualified as the people they were taking off the streets. ... We just want to make sure that they're qualified and can do the job," said Professional Firefighters of Eastern Missouri Local 2665 spokesperson Chuck Coyne.

The fire board said it intentionally dispatched crews to both locations because it wasn't sure where it should respond.A 911 tape released Tuesday refutes the claim. The dispatcher clearly states the address for the ambulance crew.
The Normandy Fire Protection District said it would review its response to the drowning.

Whats the lesson learned here you ask? How can we use this for training? 1. If you're not exactly sure where you should be going... Then ask the dispatcher specific questions to confirm you are responding to the correct address. 2. Never lie or mislead the citizens you serve and the media. In this case the tapes tell the truth. 3. Don't deflect accusations of incompetency to non related issues. Take the hit. Investigate what happened then learn from it.. don't deny and don't deflect.

So, How many public pools do you have in your first due? Can you name them and their locations?

The Modern Housing Dilemma – It’s what’s on the outside

2007-08-22T12:07:00.000-04:00

(courtesy of Jared Goff, LT @ FCFD Training Academy) So this is a preview of what is going to come out in the Line Copy. For those that attended the last officer in service training, vinyl siding, strategy and tactics was the theme.

Enjoy!

As the first article from the Fire & Rescue Academy, I was very excited and motivated to be the author and to share some of my experiences and knowledge.

I was raised by a father who was a West Point graduate, Army Ranger, and a career officer. Needless to say I was taught about respect, for people and property. As I reflect on my childhood I recall one piece of advice that truly sticks with me and is applicable everyday; don’t judge a book by its cover. Fast forward about 15 years and I am still learning about my job and the fire service. Contrary to what I was taught, I have learned to judge each building or call to the best of my abilities utilizing training and experience.

Due to some recent significant events within the fire service, many have had a common denominator, vinyl siding. For the fire service, we should start calling it something to the effect of; wrapped solidified fuel.

Looking at some facts and figures given to us by our friends in the Fire Prevention Division and NIST, it’s very easy to see that this animal needs to be tamed quickly with the proper tools. The real bottom line for fire fighters is the speed and the fuel contribution. The table below is an item that has not been largely noted since it was first published in 1996. This is a table from NIST on tests done for untreated siding materials.Table 1. Flame extension times for untreated siding materials

[1]Siding Material Time/Initial Flame Extension Time/Flame Extension to Eave

Aluminum--------------------No extension-------------No extension

T1-11 Plywood----------------203 seconds--------------288 seconds

Vinyl---------------------------82 seconds--------------130 seconds

For the rest of the article click here.

Pick your exposure to protect...

2007-08-17T17:49:00.000-04:00

(Great information from firegeezer.com Bill Schumm ret. FCFD) Yesterday we reported on a spectacular house fire up in Calgary. What made an ordinary garage fire into an international news event was the construction methods used on the house. Namely, vinyl siding, cheap structural materials and close proximity to other houses. The fire started in the garage of a home while none of the occupants were there and quickly spread throughout the house. When the FD arrived on the scene, not only was the house fully involved but the neighboring houses on each side of it were well underway, too.

It is receiving a lot of press in Alberta because it follows on the heels of that massive fire in Edmonton last month that consumed nearly 200 residences. The fire chiefs up there have the public’s ear right now and they are taking advantage of it by pointing out the deficiencies in the building codes that allow this type of construction method. And now the Provincial government is actually taking up the issue.
This problem may well end up being a hot topic down here in the lower 48 as well, if we can keep a high public awareness of the situation. We are already having fires in these places that were “built to burn” and now the public focus will be more likely to look at it.
But it is our responsibility to point out to our citizens what all the fuss is about and what can be done about it. It’s not our place to go out and scare everybody into selling off their homes, but we need to help guide them into putting political pressure on our legislators to change the codes so that they will prohibit materials like the solid-petroleum siding that accelerates fire spread, plywood floor joists that fail immediately under a fire load and particle boards filled with glues and resins that burn readily.
The fire stations are always getting requests from citizen groups to “Please come and talk to our organization.” This should be the topic that you talk about now. Point out to your audience what all the noise is about and why. Tell them why this newer construction increases fire loss and how an ordinary room-and-contents fire is now suddenly becoming a multi-dwelling disaster.
Keep on them and stick with it. In most places, the construction industry has a firm hold on the politico’s attention and they want to build houses as cheaply as possible. Many of them don’t really care if it burns down or not, once it’s been sold. Make this your mission.

Location, Location, Location!

2007-08-14T08:36:00.001-04:00

Auto Fire On A Sloping Driveway

(courtesy of firefighterhourly.com)
Auto fires provide their own unique challenges but one rarely discussed in fire service literature is location. Granted, if the location is a tunnel there's a body of material. Yet, one of the most common scenarios is overlooked.
Engine 15 receives a call to 191 Nelson Court. Upon arrival the first due finds a car with heavy fire showing. There are numerous things going through the first due officers mind but one often overlooked, by the officer and apparatus operator, is the location of the apparatus.
Countless times the apparatus is parked exactly where the photographer is in this photograph. In short, the apparatus is positioned poorly.
If the car in the foreground is burning and flammable liquids begin to leak they will seek lower ground. The run off will lead straight to the engine or ladder.
Like real estate, apparatus positioning is about one thing: Location, location, location.

To discuss -- How do you position your apparatus at highway incidents? For protection? To ease traffic flow? At multi unit stations is there an order on what your response order is leaving the station? Are cones and flares enough to take a lane while the Rescue Company is working?

Unfortunately it is all too often that we don't take the time to position properly (for our protection) on highway incidents. All you need is a ten minute shift discussion to discuss apparatus response order and positioning... ten minutes thats all!

Situational Awareness...!

2007-08-14T08:19:00.000-04:00

(Courtesy of firefighternearmiss.com) This week’s Report of the Week is 07-891. An excerpt from the report appears below. To view the entire report, click on the report links embedded here or visit www.firefighternearmiss.com/ and click on Search Reports. Then click on the green text and enter 07-891 when the text box appears. Like reports (05-527, 05-540, and 05-538) can be read using the keywords “explosion” and “brush fire.” in the keyword search. Photos related to the report can be viewed by clicking here. The pdf version of 07-891 will be available on Monday, August 13, 2007.

“Engine personnel responded to a reported brush fire. Upon arrival on scene, we found an area approximately 1/2 acre in diameter on fire with heavy brush and deep mulch involved. Personnel (2) immediately began extinguishing the outer perimeter to prevent spread utilizing a pre-connected booster line. Two witnesses on scene approached the incident commander and advised them that they were walking the perimeter prior to the engine's arrival on scene and that they heard an explosion in the immediate area of the fire. They also came upon what appeared to be a small pipe bomb on scene and then showed the area where the pipe bomb was found. Upon examining the suspected pipe bomb, the incident commander immediately abandoned all fire fighting activities and secured the area. The pipe bomb was placed in a broken tree sapling approximately knee level high..."

One element of https://mail.fairfaxcounty.gov/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.firefighternearmiss.com/ that has become a sub theme is the abnormal occurrences that occur during “routine” incidents. This week’s ROTW takes that theme to the extreme. Firefighters encounter a deliberate act that could have resulted in the killing and maiming of unsuspecting crews. After you have reviewed 07-891 and the similar reports, consider the following:

1. What were the best practices employed by the personnel here that averted disaster?
2. Who handles explosives in your jurisdiction? What is there response time?
3. Can the heat from a brush fire detonate a pipe bomb?
4. What elements of your local population area are engaged in explosives making?
5. Who can you turn to find out the information sought in Question #4?

Could this happen here...?

2007-08-11T16:44:00.000-04:00

Wait this has happened here...

August 11, 2007 - 0219 hours - Village of Green Tree Town Homes11 Park Vallei Lane, Parkside, PA Working Townhouse Fire, Multiple Alarm Fireground Audio:http://www.firegroundaudio.com/audio/Delco/08_11_2007_11_Park_Valley.mp3

First Engine Company arrived with "two story, middle of the row, heavy fire showing first floor". Shortly after that announcement the Engine Officer made this broadcast..."right now I got everybody reported out of the building and I'm checking for exposures"

Before you listen to the audio look at these pictures and answer the following questions based on these series of pictures and the initial Engine Company Officer's size-up.

Initial line placement? Back up lines? Is a search of the fire unit necessary? Search of the exposures? Obiviously there are many questions to ask and we look forward to hearing what you have to say about this incident... view and respond to comments already posted here - comments

Here is an excerpt from Billy Goldfeder with "The Secret List" with this early information:

"Upon arrival at the working fire, one occupant had already jumped out. Several moments later, while searching, Firefighters became trapped following a collapse". (statter911.com)

An excerpt from the 6abc.com news site in Philly, PA -- Crews found heavy flames pouring from the 2 story garden style town homes and immediately went to work battling the blaze as heavy smoke poured from the front of the building. At least 4 units were damaged by smoke and flames. There is no word yet on how many people have been displaced by the fire.
Arriving firefighters made their way into the town homes to see if anyone was trapped inside when something went wrong and two firefighters needed to be pulled from the flames.
Injured in the fire was 20-year-old Dan Brees and 21-year-old Chase Frost. Both are listed in critical condition at Crozier-Chester Medical Center. Frost is suffering from 3rd degree burns on 90-percent of his body.

After reviewing the pictures and listening to the audio could these serious injuries been prevented?

Our thoughts and prayers go to the families of the injured fire fighters.

Size it up!

2007-08-07T21:56:00.000-04:00

There have been many great comments regarding this post. Click here to review the comments and post a response.

Are we going in or staying out?

Going in? via ground ladders? concerns?

Staying out?

How about just the basic RECEO and don't forget the V?

Feel free to use the comments link to provide your scene size-up. Yes you can be anonymous.

You down with OSB?.. Who me!?

2007-08-07T21:24:00.000-04:00

Building Construction and Firefighters: OSB
Firefighters are often confused about OSB . Builders are using OSB (Oriented Strand Board) in place of plywood for roof sheathing and sub-flooring. It's less expensive but weighs about 10% more than a similar piece of plywood. OSB can come in sheets up to 16 feet and in thickness from 3/8 to 3/4 inch.
OSB is compressed strands arranged in layers (up to 5) at right angles. Manufacturers produce OSB with one side of the board smooth. It's a myth OSB won't delaminate. In fact, OSB will begin delaminating when exposed to excessive moisture. Considering the effects of fire and water on OSB, it's wise to familiarize firefighters with it. A local visit to a lumber yard or job site will show them what they may be standing on during a fire. (courtesy - firefighterhourly.com)

This was one of the aspects of building construction that was discussed today at the quarterly officer training. One of the many messages today was take the time to conduct walk throughs of construction sites in your area and discuss how those structures will react when exposed to fire. There are many scenarios that you can run... surely there is no shortage of sites to visit in your first due.

Lets review shall we?

2007-08-05T19:34:00.000-04:00

In an effort to review certain aspects of the Lorton Fire - Post Incident Analysis (PIA) we will attempt to address the findings in the report. As the report says, "The findings from this incident will be incorporated into future firefighter training." There is no better time then now to initiate this review with our shifts. We will find relevant information for each finding, located at the end of the PIA, whether from the FCFD operating manuals and/or fire service web community.

So lets start with numbers 4 & 8.
4. Initial ventilation operations were uncoordinated...
8. Crews inaccurately interpreted the fire conditions...

Flashover - What do YOU Know? - (Firetactics.com) What is 'flashover'? There are so many different forms of 'flashover' related phenomena it can become confusing for the firefighter. We have grouped the various phenomena under the single heading - Rapid Fire Progress (RFP). These are all events that are known KILLERS of firefighters! It is essential for firefighters to know -
- What actions might CAUSE an event of RFP?
- What actions might PREVENT an event of RFP?

Here is an example of the information found at this valuable site called firetactics.com.

THE WINDOW ENTRY - Sometimes we vent a window from the exterior. Our reasons for doing so may be an attempt to -
> Assist advancement of an interior hose-line (Vent for 'Fire')
> Attempt to gain access for Vent-Entry-Search (VES) (Vent for 'Life)
> Improve interior conditions for trapped occupants
What is happening where the smoke turns to flame? What type of event is this?

Go ahead and read the entire article online here --- and take the test.

"Uh yea Fairfax I have a 1, 2, 3, 4 and much more vehicle accident"

2007-08-04T22:09:00.000-04:00

Basic Strategies to Help Manage a MCI (courtesy of FireRescue1.com, by Jim Sideras)
The military has a saying, "Prior planning prevents poor performance." However, in our world we are often too busy keeping daily operations running to find time to preplan for a mass casualty incident.
A MCI may be a once in a career event, and that mindset makes it easy to put the planning and preparation for one on the back burner. Hopefully, this article will make you move your plans forward.
Having served in the role of a multi-casualty branch director of a MCI with about 100 patients, there are several things that I've learned that may make things run smoother for you.
If you fail to plan and prepare, you will face problems. The only place more uncomfortable will be during the post incident review when every "expert" sniper in the region will have you in their crosshairs, questioning every action you took, as well as failures on your part to prepare.
Click here for the rest of the article. - http://www.firerescue1.com/Columnists/Sideras/articles/291735/

For the members in Battalion 5 A-Shift this is a timely topic to review as we will be reviewing this and related EMS topics at an upcoming MUDrill. Nice pics huh

You Must Discuss the Truss!

2007-07-31T18:52:00.001-04:00

At some point today a firefighter in America will fight a fire involving a structure a with truss roof. Except for departments living in the dark ages, the dangers of truss failures is all too apparent. NIOSH investigates firefighter fatalities and on their site is an excellent pamphlet detailing the dangers of truss construction as it relates to firefighting. This information is FREE.
Below are some of their recommendations:
Venting the roof using proper safety precautions
Opening concealed spaces quickly to determine fire location
Being constantly aware of the time the fire has been burning
Providing continuous feedback on changing conditions to the incident commander
Watching for signs of structural deterioration
Employing a defensive strategy once burning of truss members is identified
Broadly disseminating new tactical safety concepts learned at each fire
Conduct pre-incident planning and inspections to identify structures that contain truss construction.
Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) to combat fires safely in buildings with truss construction.
Ensure that the incident commander conducts an initial size-up and risk assessment of the incident scene before beginning interior fire-fighting operations.
Consider using a thermal imaging camera as part of the size-up operation to aid in locating fires in concealed spaces.
Ensure that fire fighters performing fire-fighting operations under or above trusses are evacuated as soon as it is determined that the trusses are exposed to fire (not according to a time limit). (text courtesy of firefighterhourly.com)

Undoubtedly there are construction sites in your first due that are being built with lightweight construction trusses. Take a closer look at that construction site next time you drive by...

DCFD Engine 10 for the structure fire...

2007-07-28T15:13:00.000-04:00

July 26,2007... John Mullen (courtesy of DCFD.com)

Units were dispatched with Battalion 2 at 20:37 hours for a reported building on fire at 7th & H St's N.E
Engine 10 went on the scene with heavy fire showing from side "c" of a two-story commercial building. The initial attack was slowed as firefighters from Trucks 13, 7, 4 and Squad 1 had to cut bars off doors and windows to gain entry.
The fire which consumed much of the second floor was quickly handled once firefighters gained entry. There were no injures reported and the fire is under investigation.

Take a look at the hazards involved and the obstacles that need to be overcome in order to extinguish the fire...

Stabilize that!

2007-07-27T13:35:00.000-04:00

Well this could happen in many places within our 1st due. OK it could happen anywhere... now we have victims still inside the vehicle and the doors need to be forced open. (or do they?) What is our first priority? And after that is accomplished then what?

I know, I know... but at least this will provide for some entertaining debates among our folks at the Rescue houses.

Its getting hot in here...

2007-07-27T12:48:00.000-04:00

Firefighters and Flashover. (courtesy of Firefighterhourly.com)
Flashover is the sudden involvement of a room or compartment in flames, floor to ceiling, caused by thermal radiation feedback. It's difficult to survive a flashover though not impossible. Ask the Indian Hill - Madeira firefighters or the two St. Andrews firefighters who rescued the employee at the Sofa Super Store. It should be noted that even with full PPE a flashover will burn firefighters.
Human skin burns at temperatures exceeding 125 degrees F. Wearing full protective equipment is necessary and knowing fire dynamics is essential. Here are a few signs of flashover:
--- If you feel sudden heating through your bunker gear and it's extreme, chances are the room is heading for a flashover.
Rollover is when darting fire appears in thick, black smoke. Rollover is a precursor to flashover. If you see rollover beware.
--- Thick black smoke is another sign and taken in aggregate with the above all serve as a warning that flashover is likely to occur.
Flashover signals the end of a fires growth stage and begins the period wherein a collapse can take place. All contents in the room are burning. In short, unless firefighters are instructed on fire behavior, the likelihood of knowing the warning signs is low. Survival depends on knowledge.

Take the time to discuss who has experienced the above description. If you're in that situation what do you do? Nozzle pattern? Direction?

Not sure about this one...

2007-07-26T22:35:00.000-04:00

Definately something to talk about.

The roof, the roof... just let it burn!

2007-07-26T22:10:00.001-04:00

Take a look ... is there any reason why those folks are on that roof? If you have a good reason please let us know.

Uh yea this could happen here... You tell me where?

2007-07-25T15:52:00.000-04:00

Story highlights
NEW: Malfunctioning connector causes explosions, fire official says Number of those injured in blasts rises to three.One witness, a former soldier, says he thought "it was artillery" Buildings evacuated from a half-mile radius.

Check out the smoking debris on the highways.

(Watch the video... and you're the first engine that may have rolled right up to the incident... now what?)

http://player.clipsyndicate.com/play/159/1278857 --- This link has audio and different angle.

This video rocks literally. --- http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/07/25/dallas.blasts.ap/index.html#cnnSTCVideo
DALLAS, Texas (AP) -- A series of explosions at a facility that sells industrial gas sent flaming debris raining onto highways and buildings near downtown Dallas. At least three people were injured, hospital officials said.

Looks like fun so far... well look take a look at the videos!

2007-07-25T10:19:00.000-04:00

http://www.spokesmanreview.com/inc/photo_slideshow.asp?showid=339

Click on the above for pictures and click on below for some great videos.

http://www.spokanetogo.com/news-video/?mgid=7245

Keep an eye on the rig placements and especially the foam unit operations.

Who is going where?

2007-07-25T00:25:00.000-04:00

Go to the following link http://www.30engine.com/fullstory.php?48197... review the first picture with FIRE then ask yourself... who is going where? Put yourself in any riding position.

House Fire 808 51st St. N.E.
July 6, 2007...Alan Etter courtesy of http://www.30engine.com/
Fire & EMS responded at 6:33 PM for the house fire, reported in the 800 block of 51st Street, Northeast.
First arriving units found heavy fire showing from side A of a two-story brick duplex. An aggressive interior attack found fire on both floors and in the walls. The fire was stopped with serious damage to the house of origin with some extension to the adjoining home.
No one was home at the time of the fire, but firefighters were able to rescue a small kitten from the exposure building. The cause and damage estimate are still being determined.

Things that make you go boom!

2007-07-25T00:04:00.001-04:00

Propane Refresher
Sun. Jul 22nd 2007
Propane is a liquefied petroleum gas and aromatic hydrocarbon that may be used as a gaseous fuel. Propane's best-known hydrocarbon neighbors are methane (natural gas) and butane (disposable cigarette lighters).
Vapor is heavier than air. A leaking propane tank can allow vapors to settle underneath the home, creating an explosive atmosphere. Liquid propane will vaporize at any temperature above 144°F. A gallon of liquid propane weighs 4.24 pounds and contains 91,650 Btus. Propane, and all other hydrocarbon-based fuels, must be kept away from open flame and ignition sources. It is, therefore, vital to treat propane with the utmost respect.
Propane fires, or fires that directly affect propane tanks, require immediate attention. The fire department will have to consider how it is going to protect the structure from the propane tank or vice versa.

So what were you gonna do?

2007-07-24T10:22:00.000-04:00

Bridgeport (CT) house fire
At approximately 11:15pm on March 6, the Bridgeport Fire Department received multiple calls for a house fire on Connecticut Avenue near 6th Street. First arriving East Side companies found a multi-family heavily involved. The fire quickly communicated to both the B and D side exposures, with heavy fire conditions consuming the third floor of the D-side exposure. The D-side exposure, also a hulking multi-family, proved difficult on the third floor due to many knee walls and already taxed firefighters. A second alarm equivalent was needed to put the fire under control. Photo by Keith Muratori / firegroundimages.com

Know your enemies...hmmm?

2007-07-24T09:53:00.000-04:00

Credit to STATter911.com and firefighterclosecalls.com

http://firefighterclosecalls.com/video/Leesburg1Jul09.asf

KNOW YOUR ENEMY!FIRES IN SINGLE FAMILY DWELLINGS!**As the Late Frank Brannigan used to say: "THE BUILDING IS YOUR ENEMY.. KNOW YOUR ENEMY!"

Take a look at the video from Loudoun County (VA's) Chief Fire Marshal Keith Brower about a pair of fires that helps illustrate a problem firefighters across the country are dealing with. One of the fires was in an older home. While that fire reached the attic, the house is still standing.The other fire was in a more modern home. It burned to the ground. Chief Brower says homes built over the last two decades use lighter lumber and connection plates that can easily separate during a fire. He says a combination of faster fire spread and a greater collapse potential often keeps firefighters from getting into the house and stopping the fires. Brower has long been a champion on the issues related to new construction as well as residential sprinklers to save civilians...and FIREFIGHTERS LIVES.
CLICK THE ABOVE PHOTO TO VIEW THE VIDEO COURTESY OF DAVE STATTER www.WUSA9.com

Well Done... Da Job not the Burgers!

2007-07-23T22:19:00.000-04:00

Is that smoke or steam?

2007-07-23T17:59:00.002-04:00