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Beyond the Academy Video Training Series – Engine Operations: Hydraulic Ventilation

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Check out the newest Beyond the Academy Video Training Series. This one is entitled "Engine Company Operations: Hydraulic Ventilation with a Smooth-bore/Solid Stream Nozzle.

Many fire service members believe that a fog nozzle is the only nozzle that can be used for ventilation, and "prefer" a fog nozzle for that reason. These techniques show that a solid stream nozzle can be used as a hydraulic ventilation tool as well.  We do not entertain the "Smooth-bore vs. Fog" nozzle debate, but we do have our preference.

As Tom Brennan stated when asked about his preference: "A smooth-bore nozzle doesn't make a terrible engine company a good engine company, and a fog nozzle doesn't make a good engine company a terrible engine company!"

Regardless of which one you use, know your tools, the capabilities and the drawbacks. 

Feel free to discuss on this blog.

Posted by on November 26, 2011 • Filed under: Attack Line, Brotherhood Topics, Email Drill Questions, Engine Company Ops, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Ventilation, videos

Coordinated Ventilation – Part II by Nate DeMarse

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I stumbled upon a couple videos that drive home points made in the earlier Coordinated Ventilation post. These videos clearly show answers to previously asked questions, and bring up some new discussion tips as well. This is precisely how we should be training at drills and training burns. I don't know where this department is, but they are a class act in training!

Video #1 – The OV Position:

In the first video, we see an Outside Ventilation (OV) firefighter in the correct position to horizontally vent the building opposite the attack line's advance. Note that at the very beginning of the video, the Nozzle Team is advancing the hose line THROUGH THE FRONT DOOR and to the seat of the fire. The door is forced, and they are moving in when the windows are taken.

The firefighter is off to one side of the window, and takes the window located furthest from him first. This assures that he will be able to vent both windows without delay. If the window closest to the firefighter is vented first, and fire vents from the opening the second (furthest window) may have to be abandoned. This is especially true if operating on a portable ladder or fire escape. 

Video #2 – Points & Pointers:

I am not certain, but I think the video below is another angle of the same video above (a very rare occurance in our profession). If it is not the same fire, we are going to use it like it is for the purposes of driving home a point.

As I stated in the comments in Part I, "We should also wait if the line is delayed in getting into position, charged and READY TO MAKE THE PUSH on the fire. There is a vast difference in a line being there, a line being charged, and all of the members masked up and ready to push in." This video starts with a charged attack line, but the door hasn't been forced. If the OV takes the windows prematurely, this fire will continue to spread and grow as the line is not ready to advance. After entry is gained, you can hear the officer telling the OV to "take that glass".

Entering the Building Side-Note:  At the :35 second mark, you will see the camera move to the front stoop of the house. Note the visibility at the floor level! You can see nearly ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE HOUSE. Yet nearly every single firefighter that entered the building entered either standing or slight crouched with their head in the smoke, unable to see ANYTHING! I will reiterate at this point that I am not beating up on this department, THIS HAPPENS EVERYWHERE!!

Take a second after the door is forced to put your face piece directly on the floor and look UNDER the smoke. This requires you to get on your knees to accomplish. The nice thing about taking a look at the floor level is that you have to physically, consciously make a decision to stand-up to enter after you look.

Here are a few other benefits that stem from taking a few seconds to get low and take a look:

  • You allow the heat and super-heated gases that have built up in the sealed building a few seconds to "blow" and push over your head. This in turn will cause the smoke to lift off of the floor, and allow for the following:
    • You will be able to see a victim lying on the floor 10 feet or further inside the doorway, at that point you can say you conducted a rescue instead of tripping over someone and pretending that you rescued them! The Medal Ceremony will sound supurb, but you will know the truth!
    • You will be able to get a room, floor or apartment layout.
    • You will be able to see the glow of the fire on the floor, or the fire itself. You will know that it is on the right side of the hall, three doorways down.
    • You wlll see the large hole in the floor five feet inside the house and not fall into the basement and promptly call a "Mayday" within seconds of entering the building.

You will know all of this information at the front door, without walking (not searching) blindly. Then, because you are already on your knees conducting this vital size-up skill, you will enter the building safely on your knees, crawling towards your objective(s). When we couple the skills listed in this side-note with the OV performing those tasks in the correct position and the correct time, you will have the opportunity to gather vital information before entering.

THESE TASKS ALLOW US TO BE AGGRESSIVE AND SAFE! 
(and yes, those words can be used together)!

Forcible Entry Side-Note: The Forcible Entry team did a good job on the door. If you look closely, on the fourth swing the Striking FF nearly misses high with the axe. With hand placement so close to the axe-head, just a little more of a miss could have caused a crush injury. Believe it or not, in our travels this is the most common cause of injury in forcible entry (almost always resulting in at least one broken finger). To remedy that concern, This video (one of our first created nearly 2 years ago) shows safe striking techniques. Additionally, Brotherhood Instructors, LLC axes now have our company markings (colored electrical tape) 6"-7" below the head of the axe. Any firefighter using our axes know that if they place their top hand where the tape is, their hands are in the safe zone. Again, this is a very common injury and very rarely do we get a chance to catch forcible entry tools and members practicing their craft.

I think this fire department is doing a great job in getting their training done as we operate. Far too may training burns just walk members through the motions, leaving them with a false sense of security of what a real fire will be like (i.e: setting themselves up for failure). This department has their members on the radio, and conducting coordinated ventilation and fire attack. These videos left some open some great discussion points using realistic training and errors that occur on EVERY fireground!

Feel free to post comments, questions or concerns. We are all here to learn so let the learning commence!

Respectfully,
Nate DeMarse
Co-Owner, Brotherhood Instructors, LLC.

 

Posted by on November 2, 2011 • Filed under: Attack Line, Email Drill Questions, Engine Company Ops, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, Forcible Entry, Ladder Company Ops, Search, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Ventilation, videos

Some Facts About Standpipes – By: Chris Collier

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Did you know standpipe systems are designed to deliver a prescribed amount of water at a prescribed pressure to the top most outlet?  Unless you are a fire inspector or you are really into engine company operations you may not have put much thought into the design of a standpipe system.  At first glance a standpipe system may appear to just be a pipe with some valves and fire hose threads that we can supply water to with a fire engine.  If you are having trouble sleeping one night, try reading NFPA 14, it has all of the information on design and installation of standpipe systems.  For firefighting purposes we need to be concerned with pressure (PSI), gallons per minute (GPM), and what hose/nozzle combination we are using.

There is great debate in the fire service over the proper hose/nozzle combination to use when operating from a standpipe system.  That debate is driven by arguments over GPM, PSI, obstructions, etc.  The easiest part of that debate to put to rest is the GPM argument.  In my research and experience doing fire inspections I have never found a standpipe system that was designed for fire department use with a design flow less than 250 GPM at the top most or most remote outlet.  We all know a 2 1/2" hand line flows approximately 250 GPM, therefore a properly maintained standpipe system can provide the appropriate flow. 

The next issue is pressure (PSI).  We all know that smooth bore nozzles operate best at 50 psi and there are a multitude of combination nozzles that operate at various pressures.  Standpipe systems design standards were written based upon firefighters using 2 1/2" hose with smooth bore nozzles.  These standards were first written in the 1960's and the modern versions are still based upon 2 1/2" hose and smooth bore nozzles.  NFPA 14 required 65 psi residual pressure from the top most standpipe outlet up until 1993.  From the 1993 edition of NFPA 14 until present 100 psi residual pressure is required from the top most or most remote outlet.  The 65 psi requirement was intended to ensure a productive fire flow when 3 lengths of 2 1/2" hose with a smooth bore nozzle was attached to the top standpipe outlet.  50 psi nozzle pressure + 5 psi friction loss per length of hose = 65 psi outlet pressure.  Operating in a building with a standpipe system designed before 1993 is our "worst case" scenario, so we will use the 65 psi requirement for further discussion. 

Having the proper hose/nozzle combination plays a pivotal role in standpipe operations being a success or failure.  New fire hose is not the same as older fire hose.  Newer hose creates much less friction loss than older hose which further enables fire departments to employ 1 3/4" hose for standpipe operations.  Regardless of which type of hose your department has you need to know its friction loss per length.  The easiest way to determine this is to hook 100 feet of hose up to the engine and place an in-line pressure gauge behind the nozzle.  Flow the line so you have the proper nozzle pressure at the in-line gauge and calculate the difference between the gauge on the pump panel and the in-line pressure gauge. 

Based on the above information about standpipe design we can rule out 100 psi combination nozzles for standpipe operations.  Even with the best fire hose with low friction loss and a system designed to have 100 psi residual pressure at the top most outlet we can reasonably conclude that we will not have 100 psi at the nozzle.  This is true with 2 1/2" line and will only be worse with smaller line as we know friction loss increases exponentially as hose size decreases. 

1 3/4" hose can create friction loss as high as 18.5 psi per 50 foot length, or 20 psi per length for firefighter friendly math.  To dismiss 1 3/4" hose as a realistic standpipe line lets look at a smooth bore nozzle with 1 length of hose.  50 psi nozzle pressure + 20 psi friction loss for 1 length of 1 3/4" line = 70 psi outlet pressure.  We know that older systems are only required to supply 65 psi at the top most outlet.  We should never connect less than 3 lengths of hose to a standpipe outlet.  We need at least 1 length to go from the floor below to the fire floor, one length for the hallway, and one length for the fire apartment.  For arguments sake lets be extremely generous and assume a fancy new piece of 1 3/4" line only creates 10 psi of friction loss per length, half of what the older hose produced.  With 50 psi needed to operate the nozzle + 30 psi friction loss = 80 psi needed at the standpipe outlet.  You can easily see how these issues are further compounded if using a nozzle that requires more than 50 psi.

It is no secret that I like smooth bore nozzles.  They are the simplest and NEARLY fireman proof.  Check out our Nozzles: Truths From The Street article for my thoughts on smooth bore versus combination nozzles.  There are some very nice low pressure fog nozzles on the market that will work well on a well maintained standpipe.  I still prefer the smooth bore nozzle because as hard as we try to ensure systems are well maintained, we really don't know how well they are maintained regardless of what the paperwork says.  When speaking of nozzle obstructions, I am far more concerned with items placed in the fire department connection (FDC) than items placed in the standpipe outlet.  We all (I hope) flush any standpipe outlet before hooking up to it.  Items placed in the FDC are not so easy to see or remove and can take some time to make it through the piping and into your nozzle.  Those items can be dealt with much easier when using a smooth bore nozzle as described in the Nozzles: Truths From The Street article. 

The other type of obstruction when dealing with standpipe systems is pipe scale.  Pipe scale occurs when rust and corrosion adhere to the inner surface of the pipes.  This also serves to increase friction loss in the pipe and can further reduce outlet pressure.  The fitting it the picture was removed from a sprinkler system that was found to have some pipe scale issues.  Pipe scale will not be found unless an internal pipe inspection is conducted.  Pipe scale will have no effect on the operability of a smooth bore nozzle but can have a devastating impact on combination nozzles by clogging the tip. 

Feel free to add your comments, questions, or suggestions.  I will expand on this topic soon with some information about in-line pressure gauges for standpipe operations. 

Posted by on August 15, 2011 • Filed under: Attack Line, Engine Company Ops, fire-prevention-education, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, in-the-line-of-duty, Stretching, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Water Supply • Tagged:

Tactical Discussion: Apartment Fire w/ Critical Decisions by: Nate DeMarse

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We first saw this video on Backstep Firefighter. An excellent video surfaced this week that addresses some very critical decisions that must be made in seconds at this early arriving apartment fire in downtown Mamaroneck, New York.  I want to preface this discussion by saying that the Fire Department in Mamaroneck did an OUTSTANDING job in getting several things accomplished simultaneously with very limited manpower. They were confronted with a very complex situation, including a complex laddering problem that they overcame without hesitation.

It appears that the first due engine has arrived to a heavy fire condition in at least one room on the second floor of a three story apartments over stores "downtown-type" building that is common across the entire North American region. In reality, this fire could have happened in nearly ANY TOWN in North America. So since it COULD HAPPEN in your town, here are a few questions to discuss the incident.

There is a visible victim at the top floor window in obvious distress. As we say at every Brotherhood Instructors, LLC course, I am going to step out of my "FDNY Manpower Fantasy World" and attempt to stir a discussion that applies to the other 95% of the firefighting world.  You are arriving with an "now-standard" engine staffed with THREE (including the boss). If you have a total of four, you are extremely lucky, and feel free to answer accordingly. The next due engine and/or truck is 4-5 minutes out.  How and when are we addressing the following concerns from the video:

1) Do we stretch the line to confine/extinguish the fire first or do we go for the ladder rescue? Why? What are the pros and cons of each?

2) Can you split your company to get both accomplished at once? If so how? What are the implications?

3) What sized portable ladder (if it was available on your engine) would you use to reach the 3rd floor sill?

4) What are other options to the portable ladder in the front?

5) What size attack line are you pulling to attack this second floor fire?

6) What are the forcible entry concerns at this fire? Type of door, locks, etc…?

Please copy and paste the questions into your reply below, and answer using your name & department. Keep in mind that we have a lot of young firefighters on this blog that read our posts  to learn, so if you have something throw it down even if you think it is very basic. To the young guys: DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS!

Now take a look at the photos below (bing.com, birds-eye-view) for some added size-up discussion. Unless you were intimately familiar with this building during inspections, EMS runs, water leaks, etc… this building can cause you some complex problems.

1) The fire is located on the 2nd floor, but the 3rd floor is only about 1/2 or 3/4 the depth of the building. Does this now become a top floor fire? How are you getting to the lower level (2nd floor roof) in the rear? How would you communicate this?

As a Roof Firefighter, in my opinion your game plan has now changed. I would be expecting to go up there and force a skylight, scuttle and/or bulkhead and do a perimeter survey. This won't be the case at this job. This is a perfect scenario to drive the point home of crawling or probing with a tool in front of you in a limited visibility condition. If you do not in this case, you can take a 1 story fall to the rear roof, rendering you injured or worse.

2) Note the potential VES opportunity that may be available on the Exposure 2(B) roof. It appears from the overview photo that the window in the A-B (1-2) corner may lead to the same room that the victim is trapped. There are also similar VES opportunities in the rear (2nd floor roof) if needed.

Feel free to add further questions or stir discussion. Remember, we strictly moderate our blog discussions. Keep it professional and to sign your posts. NO UNSIGNED POSTS or posts that simply bash the department (which would be very hard in this case) will be allowed.  Stay safe!

 

 

 

Posted by on July 14, 2011 • Filed under: Attack Line, command-leadership, Engine Company Ops, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, Forcible Entry, Ladder Company Ops, Ladders, rescues, Roof Ops, Search, Stretching, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics, videos

Bevel to the… door? jamb?

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The debate among firefighters over the correct way to set the halligan is as common as the age old smooth-bore vs. fog nozzle debate.  Both techniques, much like the nozzles, have their time and place.  Setting the halligan with the bevel of the fork towards the door is the correct and most efficient technique in most cases.  The pictures below speak for themselves and illustrate why having the bevel towards the door is advantageous.  It's simple, more spread and a better chance of forcing the door without having to employ additional steps and techniques. 

3 inches of spread can be achieved when the halligan is set with the bevel of the fork towards the door and the tool is pushed flush to the door.

2.25 inches of spread can be achieved when the halligan is set with the bevel of the fork towards the jamb.

So why do some firefighters choose to set the tool with the bevel towards the jamb?  The biggest reasons are lack of training and because it is easier.  There is no doubt that the tool will set easier with the bevel facing the jamb.  The easiest way to do something is usually not the best.  It takes more training and practice to be able to "steer" the forks between the door and the jamb with the bevel towards the door.  When the fork is set with the bevel towards the jamb less spread cab be achieved for two reasons.  First the natural curve of the fork provided additional spread when used with the bevel towards the jamb.  Second, the halligan can not be pushed flush with the door in this orientation due to the adz coming in contact with the door. 

As stated above, using the halligan with the bevel towards the jamb does have its place – actually two places.  The first instance that may necessitate this orientation of the tool is an extremely tight door.  If the door is too tight to set the tool with the bevel towards the door, flip the tool over and get back to work.  The second instance is an odd hallway configuration.  If the adz of the halligan is obstructed by a wall, railing, or some other hindrance the tool can be flipped over to bypass the obstruction. 

Only proper practice will improve technique and effectiveness.  Practicing incorrectly doesn't help and often instills false hope and a false sense of security in tactics that will not work in the real world.  When practicing forcible entry techniques, practice with the fork both ways while keeping in mind that the bevel should be towards the door most of the time.

Posted by on June 8, 2011 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, Forcible Entry, Ladder Company Ops, RIT or FAST Operations, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Ventilation • Tagged:

Building Construction Features – Cornices, By: Andrew Brassard

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I am sure if you talk to most fire service professionals about an area of basic knowledge that is lacking in today’s fire service it won’t take long to hear the topic of building construction surface.  Knowledge of building construction and how a fire reacts in that building is an area that is extremely under taught and misunderstood by today’s fire service.  It amazes me that we teach safety officers to spot a gloveless hand at 100 yards but we spend very little time talking about the hazards of balloon frame buildings, knee walls, fire spread issues, ordinary construction, etc.  With the changes in building construction nowadays and more and more emphasis of our training time on everything not fire related (ie. EMS, underwater HAZMAT, etc.) we need to teach building construction even more today than we ever have had to in previous years.

A cornice in architectural terms that describes a horizontal decorative molding that usually is found at the tops of doorways or building, for the purposes of the article we are going to look at them on the tops of flat roof buildings.

In the 19th and early 20th century, cornices were a very common place and most buildings were not complete without decorative cornice work adorning the top of the structure.  The functionality of the cornice was simple, to deflect and cause rain water to run off of the building and keep the water from running down the side of the brick work.  The intent was to save the brick work from the wear and tear of mother nature, essentially these decorative moldings were flat roofed buildings example of gutters or eves troughs.

Cornices came to favor in the 19th and 20th century but are in fact much older that that and have there roots all the way back to Roman times. Cornices as we know them in North America come in many different styles but the two most common types are wood and brick.  It is important to note the building construction material used in these cornices before it is too late; brick cornices will hold up much better than there wood counterparts to weather and fire deterioration.  Wood cornices are the more dangerous of the two types of cornices and for the purpose of this article we will talk about the hazards associated with only wood cornices.  Wooden cornices are generally not attached very well to the buildings facade, typically they have been nailed in when the building was first built and very little maintenance or thought goes into them until there is a problem.  Wooden cornices have been known to fall off buildings under snow loads and because of natural breakdown and deterioration of the wood and nails holding the cornice to the building.  When cornices start to become problematic for firefighters is during roof operations and if fire showing from windows starts to involve the cornices.

Roof Operations

When engaged in flat roof operations at one of these older style taxpayers or any other type of older building with a flat roof it is imperative that you take a quick second see if wooden cornices are present.  The reason for this is that in some cases the cornices are not on a parapet and are in fact flush with the roof.  In many they cases are completely tarred over, this will prevent you from knowing whether  you are standing on a solid roof or only standing on the cornice.  If you are accessing the roof via aerial ladder, it is vital that if you have to step off the aerial onto the cornice to aggressively sound the cornice area with a roof or rubbish hook before stepping on it.  Several firefighters have been injured and killed by cornices failing without ever being subjected to fire… they simply gave way under the load of the firefighter operating on them.

Fire Impingement onto Cornices

In building fires where the fire has vented out windows and the fire has started to impinge on the cornice an early and catastrophic collapse of sections of the cornice should be expected.  Also the wooden construction of the cornice can cause the fire to extend along the face of the building.  When dealing with a fire involving sections of cornices a collapse zone should be set up and respected.  During over haul the stability of the cornice should be checked, roof firefighters could attempt to remove it through traditional overhaul means or a from a tower ladder.  Also a stream from smoothbore nozzle could be used to attempt to knock the loose section of cornice off.  You want to try to control when the cornice will fail and not have it happen unexpectedly.

This is just one small building construction feature that firefighters often overlook the hazards of.  Francis L. Brannigan’s famous saying “know your enemy, the building is your enemy” holds even more true today, be sure to practice, train, study, (and most importantly) get out in your area and study building construction features common in the buildings in your district.

Cornice Collapse Video – Fast forward to the 6:25 min mark.

 

Posted by on April 28, 2011 • Filed under: Attack Line, Building Alteration-Renovation, command-leadership, Engine Company Ops, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, Forcible Entry, Ladder Company Ops, Ladders, Roof Ops, Search, Stretching, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Ventilation • Tagged:

Awesome Grab in Indianapolis! & Bunk-Cribs

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Congratulations to the Indianapolis Fire Dept. on the successful rescue of 2 children from a middle of the night house fire!  The newspaper story states that the children's mother was woken up by the flames but was unable to get her children out of the house.  IFD arrived and commenced an aggressive search and located both children.  The children were found in a crib and under a bed.  This story illustrates the importance of a rapid, systematic, thorough search.  Here are some previous Brotherhood Instructors blogs about searching:

Entering a Window for VES

Searching Beds

News story mentioned above

 

 

 

 

 

The "Searching Beds" blog is a fairly comprehensive guide to searching beds and bunk beds but we have yet to write about searching cribs.  There are literally thousands of makes and models of cribs on the market.  Hard and fast rules as to how to identify cribs are seldom useful so here are a few guidelines:

  • Narrow vertical slatts that are close together
  • High mattress
  • Baby stuff: changing table, baby swing, toys

 

 

 

 

During our "Aggressive Search in Private Dwellings" lecture in Lockport, IL back in March the topic of bunk-cribs came up.  Eddie Crombie from Hooks & Irons brought this up and it was the first time anyone else in the room had ever heard of such a thing.  Just like bunk-beds, bunk-cribs stack one crib on top of another.  It has been common practice to reach up after searching a bed to check for a bunk-bed and now the same must be done when searching cribs. 

Again congratulations to FF Mike Hamilton and Capt Steve Sterrett for the successful rescue of these two little girls.  Please pass these search blogs along to your fire service collegues and feel free to jump in with any questions, comments, or suggestions.  As always, comments must be signed with your first and last name or department name in order to prevent unnecessary bashing and promote constructive discussion and learning. 

Posted by on April 26, 2011 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, fires, Ladder Company Ops, Ladders, news, rescues, Search, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged:

Sprinklered Basement Fire – By: Kevin Legacy

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I recently responded to a fire as a later arriving company. As we entered the block, the first due companies reported that most of the visible fire had been knocked down by a sprinkler.  Units were mopping up with the line, and reported no extension.  Since we arrived late in the game, we were thinking that there was probably “nothing for us to do here, lets take up”.  The fire was in the basement (laundry room) of a 3 story attached multiple dwelling.  The next report from units in the basement included, “searches will be delayed due to poor visibility”.  The basement laundry room had only one way in and out, via the interior stairs. There were no windows.  Even though the fire was relatively minor, the smoke, steam, and heat were not lifting due to the poor ventilation.  When the IC learned of the conditions, he reminded all members to remain on air until they exited the structure due to high carbon monoxide levels.  When companies reported via radio that the primary search in the basement was negative the IC heard a low air alarm going off in the background.  At this time the IC ordered the first due units out of the structure, and provided a relief unit to replace them to finish up.  The fire concluded without incident.

Even though the above fire was a very small and controlled by the sprinkler system, CO levels remained very high until proper mechanical ventilation was used.

Later arriving units, especially RIT/FAST units, should be prepared for the following:

  • Members going down from removing their face piece too soon due to extremely high CO levels present.
  • Exhausted members: due to the continuing high heat levels from lack of ventilation.
  • Limited access to members operating in the basement.(one way in /out of the basement). Keep the stairs clear.
  • Once the charged hose line is in place and the fire is controlled shut down the sprinkler. The operating sprinkler head will hamper the ventilation process.  

 

 

Posted by on April 4, 2011 • Filed under: administration-leadership, Attack Line, command-leadership, Engine Company Ops, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, Ladder Company Ops, RIT or FAST Operations, Search, special-operations, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Ventilation • Tagged:

Dwelling Fire Video Discussion

17 comments

Take a look at this house fire video and then let’s discuss a few points. These guys appear to have done a pretty nice job especially considering that it looked like the first due engine only had three firefighters. The first 50 seconds is just a response video, skip to that point and start there. While you watch, consider the following points:

• Size-up

o Officer gets a view of sides A, B, and D while arriving

o There is one window of fire on side D and there appears to be fire coming from a window in the same room on side C (you can see the fire above the roof line on arrival)

o Time of day. Cars are in the driveway, are people home?

• Engine Considerations

o Water supply: Would you go in on tank water or wait for the hydrant connection to be made?

o The first line is stretched quickly and it appeared each member had an assigned role.

o The line was charged OUTSIDE of the house.

o The engine leaves the front of the building open for the ladder company.

o A back-up line was stretched and charged.

• Ladder Considerations

o Portable ladder positioned in the front of the building. Ladder position is good with the tip even with the sill.

o It appeared another ladder was taken to the side or rear.

o It appears the primary search may have been done before the engine arrives. Upon arrival you can see what looks like a Fire Dept vehicle parked on the left.

At the 7:33 and 7:43 minute mark members throw some items from the windows. This is not ideal but sometimes is necessary. Be sure when throwing things out of the building to make sure no one is below or on the ladder under that window.

Please feel free to jump in with questions, comments, and suggestions as we discuss this fire. As is standard with all of Brotherhood Instructors LLC’s blog posts, WE WILL NOT POST UNSIGNED COMMENTS. You are entitled to your opinion and to disagree with us and the firefighters in the video as long as you do so in a constructive manner to promote learning.

Posted by on March 27, 2011 • Filed under: Attack Line, Engine Company Ops, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, Ladder Company Ops, Ladders, Search, Stretching, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Ventilation, Water Supply • Tagged:

Private Dwelling Engine Operations

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Here is a great example of a disciplined engine and ladder company.

You can skip to 01:30, everything prior to that is a response video. The video is a little dark in some spots but it gives insight in a near perfect aggressive interior attack in a very common private dwelling found in most of our communities.

01:30 – 02:30: The first due engine company arrives on the scene with heavy fire showing from two windows on the 1-4 (a-d) corner. They immediately go to work forcing the front door and stretching and flaking the first line. It appears that line is ready to go at approximately the 2:30 minute mark, less than a minute after the rig has stopped.

02:30: – It appears that the forcible entry firefighter is delayed in getting the door. He sticks with it using various 1-firefighter techniques by prying down with what appears to be the adz end and then followed it up with a baseball swing at the 03:00 mark. He uses various techniques of the Halligan to effect entry.

03:00 – Resisting Several Urges: This is probably one of the best videos on the online training circuit showing tremendous professionalism and discipline in both engine and ladder company operations. This video shows us that there are still departments out there that know and operate with the basic firefighting fundamentals in mind.

The engine company resisted all urges to hit the fire from the exterior, even when the forcible entry operation was not going as smoothly as we like. Hitting this fire from the exterior would have driven the fire into uninvolved areas of the building, and would have killed any occupants that certainly could be alive in any other part of the house aside from the fire room. This would have also driven fire to a member performing VES opposite the fire searching for those victims, if VES is in the departments SOPs.

The engine company also did a great job in avoiding becoming “side-tracked” by the small rubbish fires (fence, bushes, rubbish on the side) and kept to the mission of getting a line through the front door and to the seat of the fire quickly. Operating on those small fires, which are typically inconsequential to the outcome of the fire, often lead to a tendency to “hit the window” to “give the fire a whack”. By staying near the front door and covering the member forcing entry, the line was able to quickly move in after the door was forced.

In addition, the ladder company (or ladder company operating firefighters) resisted a tremendous urge to ventilate the two front windows directly adjacent to the front door. I started to become a little concerned at 03:15 when a member with a hook, set up to the right of the window as if he was preparing to ventilate. Just as I started to cringe, he decided not to ventilate the window. Whether he decided on his own, or a boss or senior firefighter told him not to, it was the correct decision to delay ventilating those windows. Ventilating those window(s) would have certainly pulled the fire from the room of origin and to the new ventilation opening and probably allowed it to spread throughout the rest of first floor since access had not yet been gained.

03:53: – After a tough forcible entry operation, entry is gained. A second member assists the forcible entry firefighter by providing a couple of much needed “taps” to the properly positioned Halligan and the door is forced almost immediately. In a very coordinated and swift motion, the front windows are ventilated and the line aggressively advances to the seat of the fire. All members appear to assist in the advance of the hose line. It appears that water was applied to the main body of fire about 30 seconds after the line entered the front door and the main body of fire knocked down about 15 seconds after that. A great job by the engine company in any way that you approach it.

Other comments:
There were several YouTube comments that express displeasure with the operation, mainly centering around the speed of the forcible entry operation. I emailed the videographer and he explained that the owner of this house was in prison and had “fortified” this door prior to him vacating the house for his absence. The door had a high deadbolt and a standard deadbolt, both with extra-long bolts as well as the regular locks. The firefighter forcing the door did an excellent job getting the door. Perhaps, asking for assistance (a few hits to set the forks, which was done eventually) a little earlier could have slightly sped up the operation, but I think it went well. This was not your typical easy private dwelling forcible entry job that much of the country sees on a day to day basis.

Additionally, there were comments regarding making entry through the window with the hose line and to search while other members worked on the door. As I wrote above, ventilating the windows next to the door would have drawn the fire to that location and negated entry to the building. Anyone who would have entered, would probably be leaving just as fast. There are very limited circumstances where the first hose line should be stretched through a window instead of through a door opening. The only instance that I can think of stretching a hose line through a window is in the case of a vacant building where the stairs are burned out, unstable or otherwise compromised. Short of that, the hose line should enter the fire building through a doorway and not a window.

I invite everyone to add to the discussion, comment further or post questions regarding the video or my thoughts. The only two things that we ask on our forum is that all posts be signed (first and last name) and all posts remain professional with an intent to learn or teach. Posts that do not meet that criteria will not be published!

Posted by on March 3, 2011 • Filed under: Attack Line, Engine Company Ops, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, Forcible Entry, Ladder Company Ops, Search, Stretching, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Ventilation, Water Supply • Tagged:

Size Up for a Down Firefighter- By: Andrew Brassard

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After locating a downed firefighter the packaging and removal process of the firefighter will be the next step. Packaging and removing a downed firefighter will without question be one of the toughest and most stressful operations that a firefighter will ever have to do in his/her career because we are now rescuing one of our own, the patient is no longer a faceless person but a fellow colleague and fellow brother.

After locating the downed firefighter a rapid and thorough size up of not only the patient but of the scene and conditions of the area were crews will be operating can make or break your RIT operation. A failed size up can lead to costly time delays or even worse causing your RIT team to be caught in a potentially life threatening situation (i.e. floor collapse, wall collapse, flashover, etc.)

Once the downed firefighter is located the RIT officer can start doing his/her size up, part of the RIT size up can include the S.A.F.E.S. acronym.

S- Size Up

Not only must the downed firefighter be sized up but the surroundings and location must be sized up as well, the use of a thermal imaging camera will pay huge divides in this situation. Things you want to look for in your size up should include:

  • Location of the firefighter
  • Conditions (fire and or heat) in the immediate area
  • Condition of the downed firefighter (is he or she breathing? Is there face piece still on? Are thy pinned or entangled?

 

If you do not have a TIC or the TIC is rendered useless due to fire conditions or a malfunction of the camera the size up will have to be done largely by feel. If the TIC does malfunction the RIT officer should call for an additional one to be brought to there location immediately should one be available. A TIC is an asset during the size up, that can sometimes be used to establish weather or not the downed firefighter is breathing. If the firefighter is passing air through the SCBA (breathing) the air bottle should be cold, this will cause the air bottle and air line to show up dark on the image from the TIC. This is not going to happen all the time based on fire/heat conditions and the downed firefighter exposure to heat or fire. As with all use of the thermal imager the user must be able to interpret what they are seeing in the image based on the fire/heat conditions around them.

You also want to get a sense of what kind of condition the downed firefighter is in:

  • Are they entangled? – do we have wire cutters to cut them out?
  • Are they pinned underneath something? – are we able to free them with the tools, equipment, and man power we have?
  • Do they have a face piece on? Is the SCBA or face piece they have on damaged? – do we have a way of getting this firefighter air? Do we have a new mask?

 

You also want to pay close attention to the fire and or heat conditions around the area of operation, is the area tenable, can we maintain an air supply to the victim and is there extra time to properly package the patient? Or are conditions rapidly deteriorating and we must remove the patient as quickly as possible? Remember the TIC may not give you a good indication of rapidly deteriorating conditions, only you experience and senses will give you a true sense of the heat conditions.

A- Assessment

Once you have located the downed firefighter you will want to complete a quick, proper, and thorough assessment of the firefighter to be removed. The best way to do this is to sit the firefighter up, one firefighter in behind the downed firefighter and on in front. Once you have the firefighter in position you can start your assessment, using the acronym

M. A. B. C. you can size use the air needs of the downed firefighter.

M- Mask- is the firefighters mask and regulator on and in place? Is it melted? Is it leaking air? There is not much point in attempting to transfill the firefighter’s air if it is going to leak out. Does this firefighter need his/her face piece changed out?

A- Air Exchange- Is the firefighter exchanging air (breathing)? The best way to tell this is to hold your breath and get your ear down towards the exhalation valve of the face piece.

B- By Pass- does the firefighters By Pass work?

C- Cylinder Pressure- What is the cylinder pressure of the downed firefighter? Do you need to transfill there air supply?

If the firefighter is found without there face piece on I would recommend utilizing the face piece in the RIT Kit, the reason for this is you would hate to go through all of the work to put the firefighters face piece on only to realize that it is defective and that was the reason for the firefighter having removed it in the first place.

F- Firefighter Needs

After insuring that the firefighter has an adequate air supply you can start to figure out what types of needs the firefighter will require to help with the extrication of the firefighter, the firefighter may only require to be extricated form the environment or he may require some additional equipment and or personal. Some of the additional firefighter needs maybe extensive depending of how trapped the downed firefighter is, some additional resources maybe as follow:

  • Bottle jacks
  • Pry bars
  • Air bags
  • Air tools
  • Saws
  • Rebar cutter
  • Etc.

 

You may also require additional personal to help clear out clutter or ensure that a clear path is ready for the extrication of the patient.

E- Extrication

Once the firefighter has been given a positive air supply we are ready to package and extricate the down firefighter. The quickest way to remove the firefighter is to do a conversion of his/her SCBA straps into a harness. There is nothing fancy about the removal of a firefighter in distress, it is simply a lot of work and there is no real way around it. There are some things that can and will make the removal of the firefighter easier, some of the ways are:

  • Utilizing a 2:1 mechanical advantage
  • Using your tools to help drag
  • Using the push pull method

Remember don’t waste valuable time doing the fancy a creative things the best thing for that firefighter is going to be getting them out of the IDLH atmosphere and into the hands of Paramedics, remember that the more simple you keep it the easier it will be to remember in a pressure situation.

S- Situational Awareness

Situational Awareness is probably the most overlooked part of the RIT process, but it is also the most vital. Firefighters tend to get caught up in the tasks of the RIT operation and tend to loose sight of what is happening around them. Maintaining that situational awareness is a very hard thing to teach firefighters, and it is an even harder thing to ask firefighters to do when they are focusing so hard on the monumental task in front of them. This is where the RIT officer must come in, the RIT officer must try to stay as “hands off” as possible to prevent getting tunnel vision and loose his/her situational awareness. Some things that you will want to constantly be aware of and monitor are:

  • Heat Conditions
  • Fire Conditions
  • Air Supply of your crew and yourself, you may have to call a “freeze” every once in a while and have the members check there air supply.
  • Monitor the progress of the crew; are they trying something that is not going to work? Do you have a different idea in mind? Are they making progress?
  • Monitor the radio
  • Give Command up dates as needed
  • Do you need a handline?
  • Additional resources? Try to stay 10 steps ahead of the game, don’t wait until something is needed before calling for it…… try to stay progressive
  • Is there another/better way out of here?

 

Remember that the best thing that you can do for the downed member is to get the out of the building as quick as possible, your size up should be very thorough but also must be very quick.  A proper a thorough size up can make or break your RIT operation or it could make the situation worse by creating additional downed members that must be rescued. The only way to become proficient at the task of a proper downed firefighter is through aggressive, realistic, and frequent training.

Posted by on February 3, 2011 • Filed under: Attack Line, command-leadership, Engine Company Ops, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, Forcible Entry, Ladder Company Ops, Ladders, patient-management, rescues, RIT or FAST Operations, Roof Ops, Search, special-operations, Stretching, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Ventilation, Water Supply • Tagged:

Active RIT: Preventative Maintenance – By: Dusty Dines

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There appears to be a current trend for Incident Commanders to keep their RIT/FAST team standing in the front yard like a piece of ugly lawn art. Most firefighters have an inherent nature and work ethic that is not conducive to standing in front of the building, and watching everyone else work. All of us know the feeling that occurs when responding to a confirmed fire. You are struggling to listen to the radio, adrenaline flows, you from a loose game plan….building layout…..type of building. As you pull out of your first due response area continuing towards the fire, you hear over the department radio, “Ladder XX, you are responding as the RIT team!”

The members in the rig immediately feel “deflated”. In addition, groans and sighs immediately follow the transmission, and typically members will again start talking about ESPN or dinner plans. This is very common in today’s fire service, as these highly motivated firefighters feel that they will most likely be standing in the front yard. The “deflation” is a very dangerous condition and may be considered one of the rawest forms of complacency. Why not give these firefighters active tasks that correspond with their RIT assignment, and improve the safety of members operating on the interior? These tasks will be completed on the exterior of the building, and still allow the RIT team to remain available in case needed.

Of course there are members of “management” who will resist this or similar operations. Those individuals will most likely hide behind the word, “freelancing”. In reality, the RIT team is not freelancing. They have been given assigned tasks and locations by their officer and are conducting those tasks to PREVENT a “mayday” situation. In fact, they are proactively starting or accomplishing their job! In the event of a “mayday” transmission, the RIT team members will return to the designated RIT area (where they would have been standing), and deploy to assist the stricken member(s).

Example:
A RIT company arrives to a fire in a single family or small apartment building. Upon arrival, the company officer locates the incident commander to confirm his arrival, and gather a briefing on the incident. The officer may even perform a quick 360 degree walk-around while the firefighters gather equipment and transport it to the designated RIT area. Upon the officer’s return, he/she may assign them to tasks that will aid the RIT team in case they are activated for a downed firefighter. These tasks WILL NOT include suppression operations, and will be conducted on the exterior of the building.

Example tasks:

- Perform forcible entry on rear and side doors
- Remove window bars
- Placing portable ladders under sills of upper floor windows.
- Clear out sashes of windows taken by interior companies

ALL tasks mentioned above provide egress for members operating within the building. ALL tasks mentioned above provide access for the RIT team, in the event the RIT team is activated. Finally, many of the aforementioned tasks can be accomplished in a few minutes, and usually with little exertion by the RIT team.

Modifications

Proactive RIT operations may be modified to various building types. In the event of a fire in a multiple dwelling/apartment building, the RIT team may add a lower floor reconnaissance to their list of possibilities. This will provide a layout of the fire apartment above. A radio transmission stating, “I am trapped in a rear bedroom” will no longer leave guesswork to the RIT team that is going to get the stricken member. Those members now know that they enter the apartment door, move down a hallway passing two doorways (a bathroom and a closet) and will then enter the third doorway to the bedroom. If an exterior route is chosen, they will know which windows to start placing ladders. If a fire occurs within a warehouse or other large commercial building, the RIT team may be utilizing search ropes or a LAST (Large Area Search Team) to rescue the stricken member. The RIT team may proactively look for objects to secure the rope, points of entry, etc…

Possible Obstacle and/or ProblemThe proactive RIT assignments that are discussed above are all completed while in direct communication of the RIT officer. At any time, RIT team members performing proactive tasks can drop what they are doing and report to the RIT staging area for deployment. The proactive RIT concept is not an excuse to “freelance”. If a team has a plan of attack, known assignments and are being supervised by their officer (either directly or via radio), it is not considered freelancing.

Advantages of Proactive FAST/RIT Operations

One advantage of the proactive RIT team lies in the fact that there will be a crew operating on the exterior of a fire building constantly performing a size-up and providing feedback to the RIT officer and the incident commander. While crews perform this size-up, they are gathering information on building construction, smoke conditions, fire travel and the progress and location of crews operating within the building. This information may allow crews to “predict” when and where a problem or “mayday” may occur and plan for those issues. The best “mayday” is one that is resolved before the RIT team is in operation.

Imagine a ladder company operating on the floor above the fire. A charged line is aggressively being advanced in the fire apartment and things appear normal. The ladder company above is conducting searches and opening up to check for fire extension. Suddenly, conditions change and the crew cannot exit from the entry point that they used. Conditions worsen, heat continues to increase rapidly while smoke banks down, and “maydays” are transmitted as they work their way to the rear bedroom window. Seconds later, the RIT team, (deploying to assist the stricken members) round the corner into the rear yard. They witness two members descending the ladder and the last member, an officer, stepping out of the window and onto the portable ladder. Over his head, heavy black, velvety, churning smoke is pushing under pressure from the window. The room lights up as the officer descends the ladder. The officer notifies the incident commander that all of his members are accounted for in the rear yard, and that his “mayday” can be cancelled.

This tragedy was averted because of proactive RIT/FAST team operations. Minutes before, the RIT team had placed portable ladders to several windows in the rear of the building. In the above case, the members on the floor above would have most likely resulted to jumping from the upper floor windows, unable to await the assistance of the RIT team. Proactive RIT/FAST operations turned a tragedy into a mere “close-call”.

Brotherhood Instructors, LLC. believes in “Proactive RIT/FAST Operations. If you are interested in the concept, or would like to host a class centered on this topic, please feel free to contact us at brotherhoodinstructors@gmail.com. As always, feel free to add comments or questions to the article. We appreciate your feedback, and your continued interest.

Stay safe!

Dusty joined the Appleton City Volunteer Fire Dept (Appleton City, MO) in 1996, In 1998 he started as a part-time firefighter with the West Peculiar Fire Protection District(Peculiar, MO) Dusty was hired as a full-time firefighter with the Southern Platte Fire Protection District(Parkville, MO) in 1999 and later in 1999 left South Platte when he was hired by the Kansas City Fire Department(Kansas City, MO) In 2001 Dusty transferred to a rescue company and is currently assigned to Rescue 31 where he has been since 2005. Dusty also serves as in Instructor for the University of Missouri Fire and Rescue Training Institute.

Posted by on February 1, 2011 • Filed under: command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, Forcible Entry, Ladder Company Ops, Ladders, rescues, RIT or FAST Operations, Roof Ops, Search, special-operations, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Ventilation • Tagged:

A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing

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Things are not always what they seem, this door is a good example of that. This door is on a private dwelling on the side of the house. The door is hollow core metal and the frame is wood. What looks like a fairly easy door to take with conventional forcible entry techniques may cause some unexpected delays during forcible entry operations.

The interior view reveals that the door has been covered over with plywood and then drywall. Covering doors in private dwellings is nothing new but what makes this one different is the fact that they kept the window of the door present and are using it as an interior window. This door would still be very “doable” with conventional forcible entry techniques, but it may be tougher than you may think when you go to force it. This is a great door to show the firefighters that always say “just smash out the glass and unlock the door”.

This door is a great example of the fact that you can never take anything for granted, you must always be prepared to force the toughest door of your career every time you get off the rig at a fire because the day you are not fully prepared is the day that you will encounter a door that will test your skill, knowledge, experience, and preparation…….. and all of those things come back to your level of training!!

Posted by on January 30, 2011 • Filed under: Attack Line, Building Alteration-Renovation, Engine Company Ops, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, Forcible Entry, Ladder Company Ops, RIT or FAST Operations, Search, Stretching, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Ventilation • Tagged:

Video: Forcible Entry: Through the Lock Failure

2 comments

Through the lock forcible entry tactics are a quick and professional method of forcing entry when employed by properly trained and equipped firefighters.  However, circumstances beyond our control can sometimes cause through the lock techniques to fail.  How we react to and overcome these failures is what separates the amateurs from the professionals.  Please feel free to post your comments and questions.

“If you are prepared, you will be confident, and will do the job.” - Unknown

Like what you see?  Come visit us at our “Beyond the Academy: Forcible Entry Operations” course in Lockport, Illinois on March 11, 2011.  Click here for registration information: https://brotherhoodinstructors.dc1.netfirms.com/brotherhoodinstructors.com/ClassFlyers/2011-03-13%20-%20Lockport,%20IL%20-%20Forcible%20Entry%20and%20Building%20Construction%20Courses.pdf

Posted by on January 25, 2011 • Filed under: Brotherhood Topics, Email Drill Questions, Engine Company Ops, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, Forcible Entry, Ladder Company Ops, special-operations, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Uncategorized, videos • Tagged:

Flat-Roof Operations: Safely Traversing the Roof

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This is a series of photos resembles what you may see upon arrival.

Take a look at the last shot of the 4-side (d-side) at the roof level. The owners of this building sealed up the shaft at the roof what appears to be nothing more than a sheet of plywood. The weight of a fully geared firefighter would almost certainly fall through this if they stepped on this “feature of the building”.

Take a few seconds to give the building a look from the ground before heading to the roof. This dangerous feature would be invisible if looking at it on the roof. It will look like a substantial roof from front to rear, and you will have no way of knowing about the presence of the shaft on the 4-side.

One other tell-tale sign (not present in this photo) deals with the parapet wall. If a parapet wall runs front to rear, and there is a 10-15 foot opening in that parapet wall, this may be a sealed up shaft area.

Stay away from these areas while traversing the roof! They are deadly.

Stay safe!

Posted by on January 21, 2011 • Filed under: Building Alteration-Renovation, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, Ladder Company Ops, Ladders, RIT or FAST Operations, Roof Ops, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Ventilation • Tagged:

Video: Extending The 7-9-8 Ventilation Cut

1 comment

 

This video demonstrates one method to expand upon the origional ventilation opening created using the 7-9-8 method.  Expanding the initial ventilation opening is better than creating a second.  Please feel free to reply with your comments or questions.

Posted by on January 21, 2011 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, fires, Ladder Company Ops, Ladders, Roof Ops, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged:

Control the Door – By: Nate DeMarse

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On December 14th, 2010 we had a DOOR CONTROL post in this blog.  We discussed methods of controlling the door.  This post discusses why door control is important, as shown at a specific fire.  Other tips are also provided.

As the forcible entry and nozzle teams ascend to the second floor, they are met with a heavy smoke condition.  As they near this apartment, heavy smoke and fire are pushing from the cracks in the door shown above.  The paint is peeling, the top one third of the door glowing and distorted.  Time to go to work!

Destroying the integrity of this door during a forcible entry operation will certainly spell disaster for anyone (civilian or firefighter) operating or caught above the fire floor.  Many uninformed firefighters will opt to simply “bash” the door out of the frame (usually from the hinged side) with a sledge hammer/maul.  This technique is dangerous and unprofessional, and in many cases will not work!

If you are a firefighter that likes to “bash” the door in like a SWAT team, ask yourself these questions:

- What is the plan for door control if the engine is on a frozen/broken hydrant?
- What is the plan if the engine loses water?
- What is the plan if the fire cannot be controlled?

We are professionals, and our forcible entry operation should reflect as such:  This door (as should all doors) should be taken with the Irons, using conventional forcible entry techniques.  Gap the door, set the forks, and force the door ON THE LOCK SIDE.  Then CONTROL THE DOOR by grabbing the door with the Halligan or reaching in with a hook (pike pole) to close the door until a charged attack line is in position.  If any of the questions above surface during our operation, members can withdraw to the safety of the public hallway, and close the door until the problem is rectified, then resume the attack.  See the video below to review the steps described above:

This video is a real door, in a steel frame. It has two heavy locks in place, and an angle-iron shield which complicates the operation. It took less than a minute to force and control.

Note the cable wire (held in place in the ceiling corner by a plastic cover).  This plastic covering melts with very little exposure to heat, dropping the cable onto members entering/leaving the doorway below.

This photo shows two side-by-side doorways, typically both apartments will share the wall that runs between the doorways to an exterior wall.  A firefighter entering the right door to perform a search or advance oa hose-line on a fire should know that there are probably no rooms on the left wall, and all of the rooms are most likely located off of the right wall.  The apartment on the left will most likely be a mirror image of the right apartment.

This fire was on the second floor of a 6 story brick apartment building.  Several civilians were trapped on the floors above, including 6 unconscious civilians (an entire family) that were trying to make their way to the roof, but were trapped behind a locked steel gate in the bulkhead.  The unconscious civilians were actually found by the first and second due Roof Firefighters performing a sweep of the bulkhead (after forcing the bulkhead door to vent). All six civilians survived.

Although many departments may not have H-types or 6 story apartment buildings, the rules above also apply to garden apartments, “Main Street type” apartment buildings or private houses converted to apartments.

Feel free to leave your comments or questions.

Posted by on January 16, 2011 • Filed under: Engine Company Ops, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, Forcible Entry, Ladder Company Ops, rescues, Roof Ops, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics, videos • Tagged:

Video: Through the Lock – Rex Tool

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Instructors Chris Collier and Nate DeMarse demonstrate the use of through-the-lock techniques with a Rex Tool.

Note in parts of the video that the lock faces can and will break in some cases. A simple re-orientation of the tool as shown, will sometimes alleviate that problem and allow the operation to continue. If re-orienting the tool does not work, Chris mentions “Plan B”, which should be the “Gap & Cut method which we will demonstrate in a future video. The absolute LAST RESORT method should be to break the glass.

By taking this type of door using through-the-lock forcible entry techniques, we eliminate the broken glass/burst hose line issue, the cross bar catching a firefighter’s SCBA bottle, and IT IS QUICKER and more efficient with a properly trained firefighter.

Posted by on January 14, 2011 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, Forcible Entry, Ladder Company Ops, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged:

The Halligan Bar – By: Rob Fisher

17 comments

An excellent history lesson on the halligan sent to us by Lt. Rob Fisher from Snohomish County, WA.

One of the most versatile pieces of equipment used by the fire service today is the Halligan bar.  This tool has a rich history surrounding it.  To many, the tool has been considered one of the greatest advancements in the fire service.  Any great fireman would tell you if there was one tool they could take to work any job it would be the Halligan.

But, why is that the case?  And, where did it come from?

The Halligan was invented in the 1940’s by Deputy Chief Hugh A. Halligan of FDNY.

Hugh A. Halligan was first appointed to the FDNY on June 16, 1916.  He had worked countless jobs on some of FDNY’s busiest engines and ladder trucks as a fireman and later as a captain.  In this time, Chief Halligan worked with the Halligan bar’s two predecessors – The Kelly tool and the Claw tool.

The Claw tool was considered to be one of the first forcible entry tool used by FDNY.  This tool had been used on the job since the early 1920’s and was difficult to use.  As most had discovered through painful experience, the Claw Tool was heavy and the striking surface was off-centered, making it very dangerous for any firefighter holding it as it was driven into the door.

Then, a captain from Ladder Company 163, John Kelly, designed the next generation of forcible entry tool to be used by FDNY.  Naturally, it was called the Kelly tool.  This new tool did not have the large hook with the offset striking surface.  The striking surface was inline with the entire bar and had a 90◦ flat surface (the adz) to the end.

The Kelly tool had a couple of downfalls; like the Claw tool it too was welded and still too heavy.  And, in those days, firefighters needed to bring both tools to the building due to their specific advantages.  Chief Halligan wanted to design a tool that could be held in one hand; one that would not chip or break at a critical moment; a tool that would not fatigue a firefighter; and one that could be used with safety and full efficiency.  After many hours of “trial and error” the Halligan bar was born.

The Halligan bar was made of cross-drop forged from one piece of No. 4140 (high carbon content) steel, weighed 8 ½ lbs.  Comprised of an adz, pick, and fork, the Halligan would prove to be one of the greatest forcible entry tools ever made.  The standard issue bar is approximately 30” in length, with a 15/16” shaft shaped into a hexagon for grip.  The fork is a minimum of 6” long taper into two well beveled tines.  Spacing between the tines allows for a gas valve to be shut off. The adz has a gentle curve for additional leverage, with a beveled end.  In addition to being used to break something, the pick and adz – only when properly used – provide protection to the arms, hands, and body of the holder during forcible entry operations.

As soon as the tool went on the market it was a huge success.  The Boston Fire Department was one of the first to place the Halligan bar on every ladder company in their department.

Now…one would naturally think FDNY had been the first to have them issued to their ladder companies.  Unfortunately, there was a small problem.  It was determined by those in higher places – let’s just say their favorite colors were white and gold – that there was a “conflict of interest” to have a member of the department selling tools or equipment back to the department in which they worked in.  The department’s hands were tied and the bars could not be purchased.  However, the bars could be purchased by anyone other than the department itself.  Ladder companies across the city began purchasing the Halligan bars with their own money.  The first company in FDNY to receive one was Ladder Company 47.  Coincidentally, they were the first due ladder to Chief Halligan’s home in Parkchester, NY.

The 2nd generation and later Halligan bars were printed on the forks with what looks like AM+D6.  It is, however, believed to be AMDG, which is a Latin acronym for Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam or “for the greater glory of God.”  This Latin phrase was a favorite of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus. Pope John Paul II routinely used it in his writings.  He would print AMDG in the top left of every page he wrote.

Chief Halligan was a very religious man.  It has been told that he would hand make a rosary for each new member coming into the FDNY.  After this task became too overwhelming, it was thought that Chief Halligan turned his religious influences into his bars by having each one printed with AM+DG.  This way he could spread the word to even more.

Folklore…wishful thinking…either way it’s a great story.  Only Hugh himself knows the true meaning behind this Hieroglyphics.  Who cares…the bar speaks for itself!

Most departments who carry the Halligan bar really don’t understand the value of this tool.  Unfortunately, too many of us do not get enough opportunities to become confident and proficient in the bar’s use.

Reading this article has only helped you understand the history of the Halligan bar.  To better understand why it’s the tool of choice of many firefighters (firemen), one must go to their engine or ladder, take it off…hold it…caress it, detail it and work with it.  Never set it down.  Bring it everywhere you go.  You’ll be surprised how many uses there are for this tool. Then – and only then – will they truly understand the impact the Halligan bar has made in the fire service.

Posted by on January 10, 2011 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, fires, Forcible Entry, Ladder Company Ops, RIT or FAST Operations, Roof Ops, Search, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Ventilation • Tagged:

Forcible Entry Door Props – By: Andrew Brassard

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Forcible entry door simulators have been around in some shape or form since there was a need on the fireground to force a door. Most of these door props where spawned in the stuffy old basements of many firehouses, where most of these props still stand today. Props were built by welding the steel directly to the structural supports of the firehouse, where they were used to drill the firefighters in the true art of forcible entry, by challenging everyone who used them from the probie to the senior man. These props offered the most realistic training that could be provided without using an acquired structure.

Construction

Door props like this are very basic in construction, typically pieces of heavy gauge “C” channel or tube steel where used to create the door frame and a heavy piece of flat stock metal was welded on to create a door stop. The door hinges can be constructed in a variety of different ways, the key with hinges is that you make it very easy to change the doors that will be forced in and out of the frame. An easy way to construct a basic hinge set up is to weld a piece of ¼” sheet metal onto three standard door hinges. Drill rows of 1/4 inch holes into the sheet metal; this will allow you to screw the doors in at various heights and in various places to get around damage of the door, windows, etc.

To lock the door, use a piece of “C” channel and drill three evenly spaced out ¼ inch holes in one side and seven to nine  10/32 holes into the other end. The end with the 3 holes will bolt to the “C” channel frame using two or three 10/32 machine screws and other end will be screwed into the door using 1 inch self tapping metal screws. When building the frame, screw the same hole pattern that is on your “C” channel resistance bracket onto the door frame at various heights, this will allow you to place the “lock” at various heights and it will also allow you to lock the door in multiple different spots at the same time to simulate multiple locks on the rear of the door. Having the ability to lock the door at any level will also allow you to use the entire side of the door and get more evolutions out of each side of the door.

A Prop Variation

In my department there was absolutely no way that they would allow me to weld a forcible entry prop into the structural components of the firehouse so I set out to find a way to make a prop that would hold up to the abuse of constant forces and I also wanted to be able to convert it into a wall breech prop. I searched around on the internet, looked at different props that people had made, talked to people about different things they liked and did not like about ones they had made, etc. One of the biggest things that I noticed was that a lot of these portable door props that I saw where very flimsy and would be moving all over the place when you tried to force a door in them. I used channel steel and ¼ inch diamond plate to make the base. I then used 4×4 metal tubes to make the uprights and the header. One inch steel tubing was then used to make the braces that supported the “C” channel that made up the frame for the door.

Doors

The biggest complaints that I hear about this type of door prop is that it is very material and labor intensive, in this case both complaints are very true. This type of forcible entry training is requires a lot of material to put on. You will need a steady supply of doors coming in since you will only get about 10-15 forces out of a door, the best places to look for doors is at the following places:

  • Demolition Sites- Stop by and talk to the Forman, most of the time they are more than willing to give you any of the doors that they are going to be throwing away.
  • Door Factories- If you have a door manufacturing facility in your city or town pay them a visit and see if they will give you some doors the have “manufacturing defects”.
  • Door Instillation Companies- I you talk to the owner allot of the time they will be more than willing to help out with getting you some old doors.
  • Hardware Stores- Talk to the store manager and see if he will put aside all the doors that get scratched, dented, water damaged, etc. Most of the times these doors will be going into the garbage anyway they will usually be very happy to give them to the local fire department.
  • Scrap Yards- most scrap yard come by metal doors quite frequently, if you make the arrangements (case of beer) with the scrap yard manager they will probably put them aside for you.

This type of forcible door prop will require a large quantity of the self-tapping screws and machine bolts.  Consider purchasing these items in bulk from a wholesale distributor instead of from your local hardware or “big box” type store to save money.

Another big thing that I see with doors is the fantastic opportunity for forcible entry saw training. After both sides of the door have been used the door can be taken out of the frame and then used for forcible entry saw training.

Wall Breach Option

Another great option for having a very sturdy forcible entry prop is setting it up for a wall breach scenario for rapid intervention operations. You can utilize two hardwood skids bolted into the door frame secured in place with two long pieces of threaded rod (similar to a H.U.D. window) and depending on how difficult you want to make it, the pallets  could be covered by plywood and drywall.

There are many fantastic forcible entry training props on the market today but nothing will compare to forcing real doors if you have the resources to do so. Forcing doors with traditional forcible entry tools (axe and halligan) is a dying art, it is a skill like any other we posses it must be practiced often to remain sharp. The more realistic that we can make training for our members the more we can help to ensure that they will go home to their loved ones at the end of their tour.

Posted by on January 6, 2011 • Filed under: Building Alteration-Renovation, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, Forcible Entry, Ladder Company Ops, RIT or FAST Operations, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged:

Calling the Mayday – By: Jamie Morelock

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There are many reasons to call a mayday, such as being disoriented, trapped by fire or collapse, air supply issues, or being injured just to name a few.  It is of the utmost importance to recognize any situation that could inhibit your ability to exit the structure.  This is not the time to try to “work through” your problem, nor is the time to let your pride stand in the way of calling for assistance.  Remember we are operating inside a hostile environment with a very limited supply of breathable air…time is of the essence.

Now is the time to stop and take a deep breath, get control of your emotions and breathing rate, and think about what information you are going to give over the radio that will give you the best possible chances of surviving this ordeal.  The easy to remember mnemonic L.U.N.A.R. is a simple memory tool that will quickly relay the vital information required by the Rapid Intervention Team to find and remove you.

L-location, in the fire building

U-unit, company designation and assignment

N-name(s), of person(s) requiring assistance

A-air supply, remaining

R-resources, needed

A typical mayday announcement should begin with keying the radio microphone, counting to three (to yourself) and as calmly and slowly as possible announce “MAYDAY-MAYDAY-MAYDAY”, release the button count to three again, depress the microphone button and announce  “MAYDAY-MAYDAY-MAYDAY” and give your L.U.N.A.R.  The reason for giving a second round of maydays is to make sure that everyone has a moment to absorb what is taking place and the mayday announcement is not lost in the normal “noise” of the fireground.  The mayday should also be given in plain English so that there is no misunderstanding.  An example of a mayday announcement should sound similar to:

“MAYDAY-MAYDAY-MAYDAY, (pause) MAYDAY-MAYDAY-MAYDAY, third floor-rear bedroom, Ladder 8 was division three search, Lt. Smith, firefighters Jones and Williams, we have approximately ten minutes of air remaining, we need a ladder at the rear and tools to remove the window bars, we are cut off by the fire.”

The transmission of this L.U.N.A.R. would take roughly 20 seconds to complete, and gives the Incident Commander an adequate picture of the company’s situation.  It also gives the R.I.T. an idea of what obstacles they will be facing and what equipment they will need to bring with them.  While there is a multitude of mnemonics that could be used, the one you choose for your operations should include L-location as the first letter.  The reason for this is if only one piece of MAYDAY information is transmitted before the loss of communications, the location will ensure precious time is not lost having to search the entire structure for your position.

Once a mayday transmission is heard, everyone should clear the radio of any traffic.  After the mayday information is given to Command it should acknowledged by echoing (repeating) the information back to the fire company that requested assistance.  If the Incident Commander does not acknowledge the mayday, the Dispatcher should activate some form of emergency radio tones and relay the mayday information to Command.  Additionally, the R.I.T. should be staged near the command post and monitoring radio traffic for any MAYDAY transmission as part of their standard operations.

After relaying the pertinent information, you should activate your P.A.S.S. device and begin working towards getting yourself free of the situation. Remember calling for assistance early can make the difference between going home and going to…well you get the idea.

Posted by on January 4, 2011 • Filed under: Engine Company Ops, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, Ladder Company Ops, RIT or FAST Operations, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged:

Commercial & Industrial Warehouse Fire Considerations – By Nate DeMarse

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This drill was previously posted on our old Online Drills page on January 29th, 2010.  We are gradually bringing our old content to the new blog site.

This photo provides a great overview of operations in a commercial-type warehouse. Several points of discussion are present:

- The roll-down gate was able to be raised without defeating it, most likely with this type of door, it was raised by using the chain inside the building. The door must be secured open in case of failure, and since this is a large door for a vehicle, conventional methods are not useful. Here a ladder company has used a 24′ portable ladder to assure that the door does not drop down pinching hose lines and trapping members. This is a very simple solution to an often overlooked and very dangerous issue.

- A heavy fire condition in the building with little or no smoke showing from the doorway. This indicates that vertical ventilation is working well, or that the ceilings are of very high and heat and smoke is building up drastically. Communication with members operating on the roof is paramount.

Members must be EXTREMELY AWARE of this build-up. In the photo, visibility is great, even near the fire area. This “false-sense of security” can lure members into trap-like conditions. Once the ceiling reaches the correct temperature, roll-over will occur and fire will rapidly drop down on the members and overwhelm hose lines (in some cases even 2 1/2″ hose lines). The only way to guard against this is by communication and awareness. Use thermal imaging cameras (also in the photo) and 2 1/2″ attack lines. The reach and “punch” of the stream will darken fire down well in advance of the nozzle team.

- The 10′ hook on the right side of the photo is also a must if ceilings must be pulled down. A member in this building with a 6′ hook is all but useless. As a rule, I will drop the 6′ hook and take a 10′ hook at most commercial fires. This will allow me to pull the multiple ceilings typically found in these old buildings. Don’t stop pulling until you’ve reached the roof boards. Sometimes, the 10′ hook can be used as a “thermometer” of sorts in the absence of a thermal imaging camera. You can extend the hook into the smoke above you, then lower it and CAREFULLY feel the head of the hook. This may give you an idea of the conditions above you if you cannot “see” them with a TIC. This will keep you from getting too deep, too fast and getting into trouble.

- A search rope is also present on a few members in this photo. Remember to secure the search rope on the EXTERIOR (parking meter, street light, rig, car, etc…) of the building regardless of conditions inside the building as you enter. Although clear in the building presently, if conditions deteriorate, you want the search line to bring you back to the street, NOT 20′ inside the door, which is now banked down to the floor and you have to “guess” the rest of the way.

- Water run-off: In this photo there is a single 2 1/2″ attack line flowing 250-300 gallons per minute. The trickle of water coming out of the overhead door is not nearly the amount of water being poured into the building. Perhaps it is going to a harmless point in the building, a drain, the basement, out another door due to the natural slope, etc…

What if it is not running off harmlessly? In this case it was being soaked into all of those pallets filled with antique furniture and other combustible and “sponge-like” items. Those items were stacked floor to ceiling, across TWO FLOORS of this 300×300 warehouse. Simple math: 250gpms at 8lbs per gallon = 2,000lbs (or 1 TON) of water per minute PER HOSE LINE! There were at least 8 attack lines on this fire during the offensive stage. That doesn’t even account for the floor load already present.

ALWAYS watch the water run-off. If it is going in, and not coming out it is going somewhere. This is equally important during exterior operations while utilizing master streams. After the bulk of the fire has been knocked down, the tendency is to enter the building to extinguish stubborn pockets of fire. The video below illustrates why that may not be such a good idea if the building is not allowing the water to run-off.

In the video above in Midtown Manhattan serves as a great purpose for watching water run off. D/C Vincent Dunn had command of this fire, and would not allow members to enter the building to extinguish pockets of fire. At :53 seconds, you will see his reasoning.  The early video of the fire, you see no run-off even though several tower ladders throw TONS of water per minute into the building. If you listen to the video, the building was FILLED FLOOR TO CEILING with shoe boxes (excellent sponges).  They flowed water via master streams for ELEVEN hours.  Listen closely to the audio at 1:50 as well. “Engineers” declared this building “structurally stable” 3hrs before the collapse.

Feel free to jump in with any comments or questions.  I also want to extend a warm welcome to the members of the firehouse that are keeping up with the current events of Brotherhood Instructors, LLC.

Have a Safe & Happy New Year!

Nate DeMarse
Brotherhood Instructors, LLC.
ndemarse.broinstructors@gmail.com

Posted by on January 1, 2011 • Filed under: firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, Ladder Company Ops, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics, videos • Tagged:

FDNY: Taxpayer Fire Discussion – By Nate DeMarse

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This is a great pre-arrival series of videos shot from an elevated position. It appears that the neighbor shot this from his fire escape on the 4th or 5th floor. Great stuff since we don’t normally get to see this operation.

Here are the links to the Youtube videos, and a few tactical comments:

Video #1

Video #1: Early-arriving footage from prior to the FDs arrival until the first engine arrives. Note how the first-due engine (95) approached slowly and pulled past the building allowing room for the first due ladder company. It is equally important to note that the first due truck (36, an aerial ladder) also stayed out of the way so that a tower ladder (TL-46, 2nd due) could get position in case it was needed later (very common as we know). Keep an eye on smoke conditions, there is not much showing throughout the first video. Note the discoloration (darkened & lack of graffiti) on the top third/top half of the roll-down gates. This is a good indication that the fire is directly behind or is impinging on the roll-down gate. This gate is probably warped from the heat which will make it nearly impossible to roll-up conventionally (as it is designed). If we arrive to this condition, we should think about attacking the gate directly as they did.

Video #2

Video #2: In the beginning of the video, Engine 95 stretches a 2 1/2″ line to the front of the fire store. The engine drops the required amount of hose to cover the fire store, then proceeds to a hydrant. As the Control FF at a taxpayer fire, a quick “trick” is to take the depth of the store and double it. This will account for any fire on the first floor. It will also provide enough hose to reach a fire in the front of a cellar if the access stairs are in the rear.

Video #3

Video #3: On the right store, it appears that they did a modification of an “inverted-V” cut. I am not sure what happened as there is a bit of a skip in the video. After a few seconds they were able to pull the slats and drop the left half of the roll-down gate so water could be put on the fire. Note that the saws working on the store to the right of where the fire is issuing and the gate to the left (same store) are cutting the locks.

Video #4

Video #4: On the left store at the 1 minute mark, it appears that the members are attempting to raise the roll-down gate conventionally. At 2:33 they appear to abandon attempts to raise the roll-up gate and start to directly attack the gate. It appears that the intention of the “Irons” firefighter (on the saw) was to conduct a curtain cut. Members pulled the right side of the gate prior to the completion of his last cut (on the left side). We should always attempt to leave the gate intact until the cutting operation is complete. Note the several methods used to pull/drive the slats from the gate. Many techniques were used:
• At 3:30, they are using the pike of the Halligan to drive a hole in the slat and pull it out. Another member is using the Halligan from the other side to drive the slat out of the door.
• At 3:50, they use the pike of the Halligan to drive a hole in the slat and attempt to pull it out. When possible, put the hole in the slat using the pike of the Halligan prior to cutting the gate to avoid the “waving” action of the gate, shown in the video.
• At 4:00, they are using the Halligan to drive the slats out of the gate, this is complicated by the warping of the gate.
• At 4:25, they are using the pike of the Halligan, placed in a hole then striking the Halligan to drive the slat out of the gate
• At 5:25, and as a last resort, they cut the gate into sections
• At 7:00, on the far left store a member pulls the slats of a gate that is not warped by heat.

Video #5

Video #5: Some overhaul video. Note all of the crap on the sidewalk that is present at the front of these stores. Typically, this stuff is piled into the front windows and display cases for storage as seen at the 2:00 mark. Additionally, any items that are normally sold in the front of the store during normal business hours, will be jammed into the aisles at night, impeding any progress to the rear of the store.

An equally important note is that TL-33 was probably 4th due (or greater) at this box. Regardless of when TL-33 arrived, they were able to get into position and “touch” the building. Responding aerial ladders and engine companies left room for tower ladders as per FDNY protocol at taxpayer fires. The million dollar fire truck does no good if it can’t reach the building. First due Ladder 36 has laddered the roof almost 5 stores away from the main fire building, providing access/egress but remaining out of the way for tower ladders.

An outstanding operation captured on videotape of a typical taxpayer fire that was able to be “stopped”.  Much of the time, this is not the end result of a 99-cent store fire.

Feel free to jump in with any comments, questions or anything that you may have seen in the video that we didn’t point out.  Stay safe!

Posted by on December 21, 2010 • Filed under: Attack Line, command-leadership, Engine Company Ops, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, Forcible Entry, Ladder Company Ops, Ladders, Roof Ops, Search, Stretching, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Ventilation, videos, Water Supply • Tagged:

Door Control – By Chris Collier

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Door control is probably the least fun part of forcible entry, but one of the most important.  Lets be honest, most doors we force do not have fire directly behind them.  When forcing a door for a utility emergency, medical run, alarm investigation and the such is door control really that important?  I think so.  If you get in the habit of doing it every time you force a door it will be second nature when it really matters.

We know that each step of our systematic forcible entry process builds upon the previous step to increase the spread between the door and the jamb.  It is imperative to be prepared to control the door at any time during the forcible entry process since any one of the steps could cause the door to release depending on how it is secured.

Many firefighters are taught to control the door with a piece of rope or webbing tied around the door knob.  This does work but is not my preferred method.  Most firefighters put a little thought into the equipment in their pockets and carry things for a specific purpose.  Many of us carry things like rope and webbing for important functions such as bailing out or unconscious firefighter removal.  If you use your webbing for door control are you really going to wrap it back up and put it back in your pocket before you go in or are you just going to leave it hanging on the knob?  I personally carry a piece of utility rope as well for venting top floor windows from the roof or raising equipment.  Why not use that?  There are a few reasons such as it possibly getting in the way and in the case of a two person forcible entry team not having a person to hold the rope.  The biggest disadvantage to this method is the natural tendency of the firefighter holding the rope to immediately pull the door shut when it forces.    Deadbolts, vertical deadbolts, and slide bolts usually break or the receiver breaks when a door is forced.  In most cases a latch will pull out of its keeper but not break.   If the door is equipped with spring loaded latch as most are, it may re-lock.  In the case of a magnetic lock, re-locking is an even greater possibility.  Again, this method does work but I prefer to use the tools already in my hands rather than add this extra step.

The halligan is an excellent tool to control the door with.  Hook the adz end around the leading edge of the door and pull it shut.  Pretty simple right?  If there is fire directly behind the door the firefighter with the halligan can direct the striking firefighter to put down the axe and grab a 6′ hook when the door is almost ready to release.  When the door opens the door can easily be pulled closed with the hook.  This method allows both firefighters to stay low and be protected by the door.  Another advantage of using a tool to control the door is that it cannot close completely.  The tool will keep the door open about 1″ which will prevent any locking devices from reengaging.

In many departments manpower is not as plentiful as we would like it to be.  In some places those two firefighters that just forced the door may now have to go stretch a line.  If you use a tool to control the door the tool can be layed on the ground and it will still hold the door closed but not allow any locks to reengage while the line is being stretched.

Conventional FE Demo Video

Practice makes perfect.  Practice it the right way and you will do it the right way when it counts.  Be safe!

Posted by on December 13, 2010 • Filed under: Attack Line, Engine Company Ops, fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, fires, Forcible Entry, Ladder Company Ops, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Uncategorized • Tagged:

Newark, New Jersey: Aggressive Engine Company Operations – By Nate DeMarse

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Youtube User Allhandsgoingtowork continues to catch and document outstanding work in New Jersey.  Below is some great early arriving footage of aggressive and professional fireground operations.  We are often asked why we don’t post more “engine stuff”.  I think the main reason is due to the lack of first-arriving or simultaneous arriving video cameras with the first due companies, and of the first-due footage that is available only a fraction of it is usable for teaching aggressive engine operations.  This video is obviously useful to discuss several points, and is an excellent example of an aggressive interior attack.

(for whatever reason, the “embed option” was disabled by the Youtube user.  The photo above is now a link to the Youtube video that will open up in a new window)

The video begins with a coordinated ventilation operation.  The door has been forced and the line is charged and ready to advance on the fire.  We are aware that the member that took the windows is not in full PPE.  Is this correct? Probably not.  Does it happen? It does.  That’s all of the discussion that we will have regarding the lack of PPE in this video.  Any further comments only pertaining to “lack of PPE” will not be posted.  There are plenty more points that were done correctly, and much more can be discussed and learned from those points.

The nozzle firefighter opens the line, and hits the exterior of the house before entry.  This is a very effective tactic for knocking down EXTERIOR FIRE ONLY, especially in the presence of “gasoline siding” or asphalt siding.  Fire can quickly extend to upper floors or expose other buildings when asphalt siding is present.  Keep in mind that asphalt siding may be present under vinyl or aluminum siding, and is just as much of a problem.  Again, it is not a bad move to knock down rapidly extending fire before making entry if the fire is ON THE EXTERIOR.  When the line gets placed inside the window, it defeats the purpose of coordinated ventilation.  Judging by the very brief duration that the nozzle was allowed to flow into the room, I think that it was an error that the stream was aimed in the window.  A firefighter (assuming the engine boss) appears to tell the nozzle firefighter to shut down and move into the building at the 00:12 mark, and the nozzle firefighter follows him in.

This was an OUTSTANDING example of an aggressive interior attack.  As the nozzle team moves into the building, take a look at the fire inside the building.  I was always taught (and we always teach) that just before making entry to put your face to the floor and look for a couple of seconds.  This video allows us to get a glimpse of what we may be looking for.  At 00:14 look under the smoke through the entry door.  You can see the location of the main body of fire, and the most direct route to access it.  You may also see room, hallway or furniture layouts or a victim laying on the floor.  All of these things are incredibly important in their own right, but you cannot see that if you are not on your knees or you don’t take a look.  At 00:30-00:35, the nozzle team makes the fire room, knocking down the main body of fire.  An OUTSTANDING JOB by a very aggressive and professional engine company.

Also take a look at what appears to be an outside vent firefighter taking a look on the 4(d) side around the same time.  He will be noting fire and smoke conditions, possible victims, the presence (or lack thereof) of fire escapes and the routes to VES the fire floor or floors above.  A simple transmission from the OV firefighter, “Engine 1, you still have fire out one window in the rear!” will tell engine 1 that their job is not yet done, and they may have fire behind them at this point.  Remember to communicate your findings.  It appears that the same firefighter comes back to the front of the building, entering the fence to go around to the 2(b) side.  Also note that a second line has been stretched dry to the front of the building for potential use on the second floor or to back-up the first line.  It is a very common practice in this area to the country to stretch a dry line to the front, even if it may not be needed.  This saves tremendous amounts of time over stretching a line from a rig down the street when the line is needed on the second floor NOW!   If it isn’t needed, we’ll repack it!  It’s ok…it’s hose!  It is meant to be pulled and repacked multiple times, even if it won’t be used.  Again, a sign of a professional operation.

A quick side-note:  If for some reason this first floor fire cannot be controlled, and searching firefighters have advanced past the doorway that we see glowing inside the building, the nozzle team CANNOT LEAVE this doorway regardless of conditions until the searching firefighters have either gotten down the stairs or found another way out.  This is where the nozzle team earns it’s respect.  Abandoning this position and withdrawing outside will spell disaster for the members operating above.  Fire will travel out of this doorway and directly up the stairs trapping members above and cutting them off.  There WILL BE firefighters transmitting maydays and potentially bailing out of windows if this happens.  If you are the nozzle firefighter, YOU ARE THE LAST ONE OUT OF THIS FRONT DOOR IF THINGS GO TO HELL.  This is a tough day to be a nozzle firefighter.  Keep the nozzle working (read: move the nozzle fast) on the ceiling in circles just inside the fire room and over your head, if needed get on your back or belly to stay as low as possible.  Consequently, if you are one of the searching firefighters that went above, let the nozzle team know if you found another way out so they are not taking a beating for no reason.

At the end of the video, you can also see that the top floor windows were not broken out.  The members operating above realized that the fire was being knocked down, so only the top pane was dropped down to ventilate.  Believe it or not, when dealing with the energy efficient windows such as these, they are much easier to open without breaking them, than breaking them.  I have on several occasions, used the clips to remove these windows simply because it makes sense and is a more efficient vent than smashing a little hole in the glass, leaving much of the glass intact.

Great job once again to Newark and to Allhandsworking.  Thanks for the great drill material, and a professional operation to use an example!

Posted by on December 2, 2010 • Filed under: Attack Line, Engine Company Ops, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, Forcible Entry, Ladder Company Ops, Search, Stretching, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics, videos, Water Supply • Tagged: