FireNuggets , Inc May 2017
the off corner ” and “ traveling the fire side wall ” all while maintaining paths at “ right angles .”
The Hose-lay : There are many things we size up as we arrive to the fire building .
• The fire ’ s location and level of involvement .
• Type of building
• The construction along with any facades / mansards ,
• The interior layout .
• Any overhead and street level obstructions .
• The time of day and
• Any wind conditions to name a few .
Included in this size up , whenever possible , should be how the “ stretch ” is going . This last size up tip generally pertains to single family residence fires as anything larger and you may not be ascending to the roof on the same side of the structure as the attack engine . But , how the hose lay looks is something we should take a last second glance at as we step off that ladder . Is the line played out nicely from the engine to the front door ? Free of any significant kinks ? Or is it a spaghetti mess back at the engine ’ s pump panel ? Has it been stretched around several parked cars and caught up under their tires ? This will undoubtedly hinder the smoothness of the advancing line . Furthermore , visualize the pace and demeanor of the Engine company ’ s firefighters as well . Are they kneeling down near the front door masking up and calling for water or are they excessively running back and forth from the engine to the door trying to “ chase ” their kinks ?
“ Coordinated Fire Attack ”: The above listed observations are important detail-filled snapshots that may lead to a severe delay in water . In the interest of staying coordinated , this can enable the roof team to have an idea of how much faster or slower they ' re moving in relation to the hose team . It is generally a good idea to get on the radio and ask the engine company 2 things once topside and in position to cut .
1 . How far in are you ?
2 . What are your conditions ?
This can give you an idea of whether your roof team is moving a lot faster than the fire attack company and whether or not you ’ ll meet the timing required to achieve a truly “ coordinated fire attack ”. This communication generally isn ' t needed on our smaller house fires but none the less , a good habit to posses . Especially when the location of the fire isn ’ t apparent . We vent for the engine company ’ s advance and we can use the information that the fire attack company relays back to us to help make an educated guess on where to place the opening . “ Roof from Fire Attack . We ’ re 50 ’ in off the Alpha side with high heat and heavy smoke .” gives the roof team a tremendous amount of useful information . They now have a great starting place to provide support to the engine attacking the fire . The tactical discipline of the roof team to exercise restraint and not make an arbitrary opening in the roof that may not be in the right place or at the right time is critical on our larger structures . Get on the radio and ask the fire attack company what they ' re encountering if you ' re not sure of the fire ’ s location ! This can aid the roof team in avoiding rapid fire growth through the completion of a large , unsupported , ventilation opening , prematurely and in the wrong position . By unsupported we mean an advancing hose line that is well placed and ready to attack the fire . We know that our venting will generate lift of the neutral plane , but this lift will only be momentary without the water required to “ knock down ” the fire . To be clear , we open the roof ahead of any water application to facilitate a faster stretch . “ Lifting and leaning ” so the engine can make the push under the neutral plane and so that they may also be able to hear it ’ s crackle . Even if we garner the engine three feet at a time down that hallway , so be it . The goal being to open and vent the roof just prior to the engine company ’ s arrival at the fire ’ s seat . We must , however , maintain tactical discipline and recognize when something is not going as planned with the water supply or hose lay . This goes both ways and if you ' re on the fire attack company and are encountering significant water supply or hose-lay issues , that will result in a significant delay in the extinguishment of the fire , then get on the radio .
By Firefighters , For Firefighters ! 22 of ! 28