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Multiple Story I-Joists Floors

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I-joists are everywhere!

I-joists are everywhere!

This is a picture of a multiple story house being built with engineered i-joists.

We have posted, and probably will continue to do so, pictures of these i-joist on the main level.  Those pictures have been associated with text that tells of firefighters falling into basements.

Just remember that when you go to the second floor to search with fire below you, that second or third story floor is made of these i-joists.  You have to be just as diligent above the main floor as you are on it.

The use of TIC’s are appropriate and should be used, but not solely depended on.  Have good situational awareness and try to coordinate all searches with suppression and ventilation.

Be careful and don’t get complacent.

Thanks again for checking us out, stay safe.

Posted by on January 18, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, engineered lumber, fire codes, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, i joists, trusses • Tagged: , , , , , ,

Fire in the Middle

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Which way to go? To the left, or to the right?
Which way to go? To the left, or to the right?

This is a fire in a breezeway on a single family home.  As you can see, the garage is on the right and the home is on the left.

We have doors from the breezeway to both the house and the garage.

Smoke is issuing from the attic vent on the house and windows are dark.  All occupants are out of the house.  Side C has a deck off of the kitchen that is about five feet off the ground.

The front door is locked, the family was called by neighbors and they are all together at the store.

This is a fairly simple fire, but some responses I got in a tactics class made me curious how it would go over here.

  • What size and where is your first line going?
  • Where will your second line go?
  • How will you ventilate and why?
  • What else do we need to consider, if anything?

Okay, I know this is not a real challenging scenario, but, the first line answers may be diverse.  They were in the tactics class I taught.

So, have fun, be creative and take it for what it is, just a scenario to practice.

Sometimes you need to practice the short shot too, not just the three-pointers.

Take care and thanks for visiting.

Posted by on January 18, 2010 • Filed under: command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires • Tagged: , , , ,

Frozen Firefighters

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Make sure you wear your hat and gloves!

Make sure you wear your hat and gloves!

With winter in full swing I thought I would post a pic that illustrates just how bad it can get.

I am sure some have been in worse, and if you have some pictures send them in and we’ll post them.

As you can see, things can get rough when it is really cold.  Nozzles freeze up, hoses get difficult to move around, pumps freeze, and surfaces get very slick.

Slick is an understatement for this picture.  Use extreme caution when operating on icey surfaces.  Especially elevated surfaces like roofs.  Maybe wear ladder belts when you normally wouldn’t.  Keep some webbing in your pocket, use it to secure yourself to the roof ladder or other fixed object.

Just be extra careful.  On the ground, keep some ice-melt or salt on the trucks to spread around.  You might have to call in public works to put down large quantities of salt if you are on a road or out for a long incident.

Bottom line, be careful.  Stay safe.

Posted by on January 18, 2010 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires • Tagged: , , , , , ,

Venting the Roof

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Take a look at this video and let me know what you see. I posted the still frame from this video and had some great responses. Now, here is the whole thing.

What do you see and what would you do different if anything?

Posted by on January 17, 2010 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, trusses • Tagged: , , , , , ,

Accidental Green Roof

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This is not supposed to be a green roof.
This is not supposed to be a green roof.

We have posted pictures of “green” roofs and construction and I thought this was a great picture.

This is not a purposeful “green” roof.  This is just a lack of maintenance on the homeowners part.

But, this can cause you some trouble if you get out on this roof, especially if it is wet.

Use those roof ladders. I know it takes a little time, but, it is worth it to keep from slipping on something like  this and hitting the ground.

Try to get a good survey of the roof before you get on it.  Be careful and use common sense.

Stay safe and be careful.

Posted by on January 17, 2010 • Filed under: Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

The Origins

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The Beginning

The Beginning

Since starting this blog, I have been asked what exactly “A Firefighter’s Own Worst Enemy” means.  Well, it means a great deal.

First let’s start with the logo since it came last.  The logo is a devil. I had plans to make him wear a fire helmet, but, it just took away from the look I wanted.  But, what he is doing is stirring the pot.

We have those guys and gals that like nothing better than to keep tension and discord in the firehouse. If they can take a jab at someone or bring up a topic that is for sure to get someone irritated, they seem to be the go-to guy.

These people, in a sense, become their own worst enemy in those regards. We have all done something or said something that has harmed not only others, but ourselves as well.  For some of us it becomes a way of life; we ruin our own advancement or good times because we just don’t learn from our past.

You have the guy that is sharp. I mean if you want to know something out of the essentials guide or on technical issues, he can tell you right then and there.  He knows his stuff.  You never have to worry about him on a call because he does things by the book and is efficient and safe.

But, he has done it all, seen it all and been there for some yours too.  The guy just doesn’t let anyone have a say or have a moment.  If you did something great, he has done the same thing only on  bigger scale. You know who I am talking about right?

As an old battalion chief of mine would say, “He’s his own worst enemy.”  This chief would tell me this all of the time and it never really clicked until I got some years on.  The  more kitchen table sessions I was part of the more I realized what he was talking about.

In the fire service, most of the time, we make our own problems. We make our own mistakes, not once, but over and over again.  So, I created a class that delves into this on several levels.  Don’t worry, I’m not going to transcribe my class right here, right now.  But, the overall purpose for this blog is to bring attention to where we screw up and to hopefully illustrate how not to do some things to keep us safe.

So, that is how the idea came about. It involves more than just firehouse dynamics.  It includes what we do on the fireground and the two intermingle.

Thanks for visiting and tell your friends. I will add to my story as time goes by, but it is not very exciting.  I am only telling this part because so many have asked.

I appreciate all of you who have commented and sent supportive well wishes.  Without those of you who read us, we would not be here.  So, until next time, stay safe and be careful.

Posted by on January 16, 2010 • Filed under: fun stuff • Tagged: ,

How to Deploy

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How do you assign these firefighters?

How do you assign these firefighters?

Here is the scene. You are the officer in charge here and when you arrive this is what you see.

You have reports of possible victims in an early morning fire.

Now, this house is approximately 1600 square feet with a basement. Single story about 25-30 years old.

Based on your tactical priorities, start assigning these crews where it is most appropriate.  Explain where and why you sent your crews there.  Keep in mind you are a medium sized department that is a suburban island. Meaning that basically you have three trucks on the scene with this number of personnel.

Your next truck in is 10 minutes away.  You have public water supply.

The neighbor got up to go to work and noticed smoke coming from the house next door.  Exposure B and D are about 15 feet away on both sides.

What do you do?

Posted by on January 16, 2010 • Filed under: administration-leadership, command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, fires, funding-staffing • Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Creative Wiring

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A little creativity never hurts!
A little creativity never hurts!

Take a good look at this wiring job. What do you notice? The craftsmanship? The careful notice to detail?  Or the ingenuity of making something out of nothing?

Well, it is creative, but safe, not so much.  I would love to see where the main lines are coming in from.

As you can see, there is no weather head or protection for this main feed.

In addition, it is just out there for everyone to see and touch.

That box is open with contacts visible for someone to just walk by and put a pike pole in.

I’m sure if you look hard enough you will find something I haven’t listed, so feel free to add to the list.

Take care and stay safe.

Posted by on January 15, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, electrical, fire codes, firefighter-safety-health • Tagged: , , , , , ,

Identifying RTU’s From the Interior

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This is a good indicator that there is a roof top unit.
This is a good indicator that there is a roof top unit.

 

 

The last post showed the RTU from the exterior. Most can be identfified that way from the outside or from getting on the roof through a hatch.

But, what if the building is very large and tall?  In some instances the make up of the building doesn’t allow for easy viewing of the roof top.  The return air can be seen going into the RTU possibly indicating that there is additional load on the trusses.

Just be aware of what is above you.  Some of these large buildings will have several of these on the roof just waiting to come crashing down.  Follow the duct work and see where it goes. If you don’t see the full unit, it is likely on the roof.

In addition, look at the roof system.  Who can identify what the added danger is?

When inside, look for this type of situation.

Take care and stay safe.

Posted by on January 15, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, command-leadership, engineered lumber, fire codes, fire-prevention-education, firefighter-safety-health, i joists, inspections, training-development, trusses • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

What’s Above You?

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What's Above You?

What’s Above You?

When entering a commercial building you need to  take into consideration that the roof may be carrying a heavy load.

Although the roof systems are designed to handle the added load under normal conditions, when attached by fire, these roof top units will come crashing down.

The time to find out about what’s on the roof is not during the fire, but during inspections and pre-planning visits.  Get familiar with these buildings before it’s dark and smokey.

Stay safe and be careful.

Posted by on January 15, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, engineered lumber, firefighter-safety-health, i joists, inspections, trusses • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Typical Fireman

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A friend passed this on to me. Very funny stuff. If a little language is offensive, pass on this one. Otherwise, enjoy and figure out which one of your crew this is.

We all have one!

Posted by on January 14, 2010 • Filed under: fun stuff

Thomas Hotel Fire, 1961

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Photo of the Thomas Hotel
Photo of the Thomas Hotel

At least 38 were injure and 20 dead after a fire started in the room of a tenant on Jan. 6, 1961.  The fire was originally to have been extinguished, but it proved to be a mistake.

There were approximately 150 occupants in the Hotel at the time of the fire and many had jump from upper story windows to escape the fire and smoke.

When the mattress first caught fire from careless smoking, the tenant and a neighbor thought they had put it out.  By not calling the fire department, the mattress was not removed from the room and building and it re-lit later on.

The fire marshal at the time, Albert Hayes, stated in the newspapers that the rapid spread of smoke and fire was caused by doors being left open. He began a push to require changes in the building and fire codes to mandate all stairways and corridors to be protected with fire resistant doors.

Another example of a fire claiming lives that could have been prevented. IF they would have called the fire department, which had automatic alarms been installed may have happen, the mattress would likely have been removed.

IF the door to the stairs would have been closed and rated, the smoke and fire spread would not have been as fast and widespread as it was.

Fire codes make a difference. Be thorough and enforce them. It takes only a small event to cause a catastrophy.

Posted by on January 14, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire codes, fire stopping, historic fires, inspections • Tagged: , , , , , ,

2×4′s for Locks

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Great use of a 2x4!
Great use of a 2×4!

Someone thought its was a good idea to put a 2×4 in the door to keep it locked.

But, it will also do a good job of keeping people in during a fire.

If it is dark and people are panicked, that board could cause some big problems.

The board very easily could prohibit people from getting out in an emergency.  If you see this, look for other types of locks on this door too.  If they are willing to put a board in there, they have also tried other methods of locking people in.

Remove the board and explain why it is dangerous.  Be aware of these types of issues on inspection. It could make a huge difference.

Stay safe and take care.

Posted by on January 14, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, exits, fire codes, fire-prevention-education, inspections, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Kitchen Table Tactics 1-13-2010

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Smoke pushing hard!
Smoke pushing hard!

This is another post of our Kitchen Table Tactics.  These are great for sitting down with your crews to go over some tactics and to practice size up and initial company actions with new officers and acting officers.

This looks like a typical residential fire that could be in any jurisdiction.  Smoke is pushing hard and there is a lot of heat in this house.

With no further delay, here we go:

  • What do you suspect the layout of this house is?
  • Report of victims, what is your assessment of the risk vs benefit on this fire?
  • Based on your decision of risk vs. benefit, what is your next action?
  • Layout how you proceed after implementing your actions up to the extinguishment of the fire.
  • Are there any special considerations that need to be addressed on this fire that are typical at most fires?

Post your comments for others to see.  I really encourage that, some need the view points of others the help them progress.

Take care and thanks for visiting.

Posted by on January 13, 2010 • Filed under: command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, rescues, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Lending a Hand?

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This is not good!
This is not good!

This is when getting out in the neighborhood really pays off.  Sure, someone could notify you about this, but it is so much better when you just stumble across something like this.

I don’t know how this was discovered, but some firefighters thought enough of it to snap some photos.

Getting around and looking at your response area is always a good thing. We have found hydrants out of service that we were not notified about, streets that were closed for repairs and new construction that nobody knew about.

This situation is dangerous without being on fire.  Notify your fire marshal, chief and dispatch center to get these two properties flagged.  It is obvious that the building on the left is in trouble. But, if we have to respond to the sturdy property on the right, the one on the left could still cause us problems.

Be aware and know your response area.  Be careful out there.

Posted by on January 13, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, command-leadership, fire codes, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, inspections, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Long Way Down

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That's a long way down.

That's a long way down.

These rear exits are a good ways off of the ground.  People trying to make an attempt to exit through these rear exits will find themselves making a huge leap.

This is an issue that should have been addressed during the plan review stage and emphasizes why doing plan reviews are so important.

I would venture to guess that the original plans called for stairs and they just never got put in.

This creates a dangerous situation for those that might have to evacuate this building to the rear. Not only is it a long way down, jumping may cause a person to lose his/her balance and roll right into that water.

If you do plan reviews, make sure you inspect all the way through the project. Don’t let contractors get by with promising to put something like these stairs in before they officially open.  Make sure all safety components are installed and in service prior to issuing an occupancy permit.

Stay safe and do those inspections.

Posted by on January 13, 2010 • Filed under: administration-leadership, exits, fire codes, fire-prevention-education, inspections • Tagged: , , , , , ,

Solar Tiles

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Would you recognize these as solar tiles?
Would you recognize these as solar tiles?

Here is another roof that you could come up on anywhere.

These tiles are solar tiles.  These tiles do hold electric and feed it to the meter and the house.

Some information I have found states that at night they are relatively safe since there is no solar power to create the electricity.  But I would still be cautious.

Just be careful with these roofs. You would hate to sink a chain saw, K-12 or an ax into this roof if it is energized.

Be careful and stay safe.  Have someone check the meter for any placard-like stickers or kill switches for these types of systems.

Posted by on January 13, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations • Tagged: , , , ,

Chief on Scene and In the Smoke

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Chief, where are you supposed to be?
Chief, where are you supposed to be?

 

Hey, Chief, get out of the way.  I applaud the effort and the fact that you want to go get it, but we need you back away so you can keep a watchful eye over your guys.

Every chief has had the urge to get a little smokey every now and then, but we need to know our responsibility.

First of all, this chief is also close to the IDLH, breathing that smoke is not good for you.  Although the fire is vented out the roof, we could still see a flash fire out the front door where the chief is standing.

Second, we need him commanding or doing the function he was assigned.  Nothing wrong with an aggressive chief, but remember your safety and tasks.

We all have been here, nobody is exempt. Remember, you set the example, so try to stay out of these situations.  Again, this is just a picture and this guy may have only been there for 10 seconds, but that might be all it takes.

Stay safe and be careful out there.  No offense chiefs, I have to include you in these posts too.

Posted by on January 12, 2010 • Filed under: administration-leadership, command-leadership, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , ,

More From Arizona–Yikes!

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Here is more on the situation in Arizona.  I have attached the letter from the Fire Marshal.

Things are getting crazy out there.  Be careful and we  need to rally the troops and fight these cuts.  Some of these programs are crucial for training and resources.

 

AZbudgetannouncement[1]

 

Read this letter, it is frightening what is happening.

Stay safe and be careful.

Posted by on January 12, 2010 • Filed under: administration-leadership, command-leadership, firefighter-safety-health, funding-staffing • Tagged: ,

If It Keeps Tripping, Just Tie it Down

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Ingenuity never killed anybody right?

Ingenuity never killed anybody right?

Who can identify what is wrong here?  It should be pretty obvious and this is one reason we need to look at the panel boxes when we do our inspections.

First, there is not 36 inches of clear working space. But, that is not the kicker.

The great thing here is that the person must have gotten tired of tripping the breaker so he just tied it “Open.”

I have to admit, I haven’t seen this one before, but, you just never know what you will find out there.

This will definately cause an over load and could easily cause a fire. If the breaker is tripping then something is wrong to begin with.

Be diligent and remember the small things count. Check those panel boxes.

Stay safe, train hard.

Posted by on January 12, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire codes, firefighter-safety-health, inspections • Tagged: , , , , ,

Bulging Walls

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The integrity of this building is already compromised.
The integrity of this building is already compromised.

This is the type of thing you would want to note on an inspection or pre-plan.

If you had a working fire inside this building, getting a view from all sides would be important to find something like this.

This is telling you that this building is already under stress and if attacked by fire it could fail faster than expected.

You might notice smoke pushing from this or even fire. The important thing is to keep it in mind if crews are working inside or even on the exterior.

Just another example of the need to keep your eyes open on inspections, pre-planning visits and on the workers.

The photo was found at brotherhood trainings website. Check them out at http://brotherhoodinstructors.com

As always, stay safe and be careful.

Posted by on January 12, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire-prevention-education, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, inspections, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , ,

Fire Stopping Penetrations Part 1

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What's Good for One is Good for the Other.

What's Good for One is Good for the Other.

This is a great picture of how fire stopping is done.

As you can see, one penetration has been fire caulked while the one right next to it has  not been.

Many times each subcontractor will be responsible for doing his own fire stopping.  This at times will get confusion for some generals as to who has done what.

On other occasions, this may be an existing building that a new utility was added to and nobody bothered to do any fire stopping.

When accepting fire stopping make sure that the product and the application are compatible with the proper UL listing.  Each manufacturer has different products and applications, but they need to meet the appropriate UL listing.

In addition, depending on what type of occupancy this is, those wires may need to  be plenum rated.  Ask for specifications and ensure that the materials being used are appropriate.

Stay safe and I will be posting more on fire stopping.  It is crucial in keeping fire travel to a minimum.

Posted by on January 12, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire codes, fire stopping, fire-prevention-education, fires, training-development • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Cuts Could Jeopardize Fire Programs in Arizona

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Today I received an informational email outlining the immediate suspension of services provided by the Arizona State Fire Marshal’s Office.  I am waiting on more information about how these cuts will directly effect the Arizona fire service, but some mentioned in the announcement are obvious.

If some of you in the Arizona area  have more knowledge, please pass it on. Here is the announcement that the Arizona Fire Chiefs Association put out in regards to this issue:

Suspension of State Fire Marshal Programs

By: Arizona Fire Chiefs Association

Published: 1/8/2010

Dear AFCA Member:

Due to budget reductions and other mandates, the Office of the State Fire Marshal has immediately suspended several significant programs and implemented polices, procedures and processes which are necessary to reflect staff reductions in the Office. Specifically, 3 positions will be immediately vacated including two Fire Training Program Specialists and the State Fire Resource Coordinator. These reductions and mandates will eliminate all state training and certification programs as well as Fire Marshal support for the Statewide Mutual Aid Program, the NFIRS Reporting System and other major programs and activities.

In addition, the 2nd Annual Arizona Fire Instructors Conference, scheduled for April 8th and 9th in Mesa, and is a collaborative event between the AFCA and the State Fire Marshals Office, has been cancelled.

Some important questions I have is where will cadets and candidates get their state certification testing or will they be exempt from such requirements?

What will happen in jurisdictions that depend on state sponsored courses because of already small budgets and lack of resources?

Who is going to pay the price for the cuts and decrease in services and how much burden are the local agencies going to be expected to carry?

What is, or is there, a plan to reinstitute these services?  It is sad to say that typically once items are cut for budgetary purposes, they never come back.

Knowing the fire service like I do, they will adapt and overcome and the politicians will think that we are doing okay with what we have.  How far do they think we can be stretched until we break?

I will try to keep you updated on this, and some may already have more information than me. If you do, please pass it along. If Arizona has done this, then there will surely be more states looking to cut costs by slashing important services.

Stay safe out there and fight the good fight.

Posted by on January 11, 2010 • Filed under: administration-leadership, command-leadership, fire-prevention-education, funding-staffing, news • Tagged: , , ,

The Plain Clothes Vent Man

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Now this is how you ventilate!

Now this is how you ventilate!

This is a bit extreme, don’t you think?  I just thought that with the past few days of posting roof ops and vent posts that this was appropriate.

I am sure that nobody reading this blog post would ever allow this to happen.  But, apparently, it does happen somewhere.

I don’t know if this is a volunteer that just showed up or the homeowner.

Does it really matter?

Anyway, I thought you might all enjoy this.

Stay safe and take care.

Posted by on January 11, 2010 • Filed under: command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, trusses • Tagged: , , , ,

Right in the Middle of It

1 comment
Looks dangerous!

Looks dangerous!

I first must admit that I have never worked off of an elevated platform. I have only worked at agencies that have had straight sticks.

But, this picture is a little harrowing.  Could be that this photo was taken right at the moment that it vented.

Just be careful and be aware. It looks like the fire was already vented or close to it because they aren’t on the roof and it looks like it would be difficult to physically cut from that bucket.

Again, I only have this small capture of time to go by. But if that fire ball had been bigger this could have gotten ugly.

Stay safe and be careful.

Posted by on January 11, 2010 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, training-development • Tagged: , , , , ,