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Row Houses

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Multiple exposure fire.

Multiple exposure fire.

This is a great scenario for us to look at. It has a great deal that needs to be addressed.

Now, I understand that not every jurisdiction has this type of occupancy, but let’s use our imaginations.

We can gather  a pretty good deal of information just from the picture.

Now, let’s go to work.  I’m not going to ask specific questions of what you would do, you all have a pretty good idea of what we are looking for.  List your tactical considerations and how your going to use your crews.

Since it is Sunday, I am going to give you all the resources you need.

Get started and share you knowledge.

Stay safe and train hard.

Posted by on January 24, 2010 • Filed under: command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, fires, training-development, ventilation • 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: , , , , , ,

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: , , , , ,

Kitchen Table Tactics 1-10-10

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What building characteristics do you see right away?
What building characteristics do you see right away?

Sometimes you can tell a lot about a building before you every get inside of it.

Use this picture to identify some basic characteristics about this house as the first arriving company.

As the first arriving company officer, you have a great number of responsibilities. You decide the type of attack your going to use. The size line that will be deployed.  You decide where the line goes or where you start your search if victims are suspected.

All of these things plus some others are all decisions swimming inside that first officers head when pulling up to a working fire.

Let’s say you are that first arriving officer.  Ignore the firefighters in the photo and explain what you have, how you would proceed and why.

Some of the things I want to ask about specifically are:

  • Where are the stairs?
  • What kind of construction is this?
  • Based on the construction, what considerations are there for us tactically?
  • Where do you initiate your attack?
  • What is your first line off in regards to size?

Add additional comments, thoughts and ideas.  These little scenarios are for everyone to learn from one another and discuss with your crews.  Especially in this kind of weather, it is tough to get outside to train. So, here we can take a picture of a house fire, regardless of what is shown in the photo, make it our fire and share our tactical ideas.

Take care and stay safe.  Be careful and train hard.

Posted by on January 10, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires • Tagged: , , , , ,

Things Aren’t Always What They Seem

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This living room looks like any other you might run across in any neighborhood...

This living room looks like any other you might run across in any neighborhood...

This living room looks like any other you might run across in any neighborhood. Other than the fact that it is taped off, probably to keep our dirty feet off the clean, lightly colored carpet.

After all, we need to keep our customers happy. We are no doubt protecting the living room from damage after, oh, maybe a kitchen fire, an electrical fire somewhere else in the house.

In fact, we might want to check the basement for the electric panel and other utilities. Let’s take a look.

Ooh, what the $%^#@? This is what happens when the engineered i-joists burn away.

Or is it??

Or is it??

You may never know what is below you based on the conditions on the main floor. Situational awareness is so important and doing your 360 degree size-up is a must.

You might not catch something from the front or even the side B and D. You have to get a look at the the rear of the building, especially on the new, extra large houses that are going up all over our country.

In addition, a thermal imaging camera will not always show you the difference in temperatures between the basement and the main level. There is some information about the TICs that I will try to post later. Stay safe and keep training.

Posted by on January 4, 2010 • Filed under: administration-leadership, buildling construction, command-leadership, engineered lumber, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, i joists, inspections, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , ,

Kitchen Table Tactics

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  • house_fire_insurance_claimWhat have we got here?
  • What is you size up?
  • What is you first impression as you are driving up the drive about line placement and life safety considerations?
  • What is your first action when stepping out of the apparatus and why?
  • Are there any special tactical considerations that aren’t obvious?
  • Venting where and why?

Go over this with your crews and post all of the discussion points to share with everyone. This can turn into a great one hour training session, especially with the snow and ice all about. Stay safe and let us know what you come up with.

Posted by on December 30, 2009 • Filed under: Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , ,

Fire Discussion 3

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discuss3_1

discuss3_2

Okay, here is your kitchen table Company Discussion for the day. Let’s take a look at what we have going on here. The two pictures say a great deal about this fire.

  • What do you do?
  • Where will your first line go?
  • Second line?
  • What are the smoke and fire conditions telling you?
  • Where is this fire?
  • Any hazards that you can see?
  • What it is the primary Life Safety area?

List your thoughts and what you would do and comment on others. This blog is not about right and wrong answers, just to encourage discussion. Stay safe and train like you mean it.

Posted by on December 29, 2009 • Filed under: command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , ,

Company Training Discussion 2: Residential Fire with Exposure

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This is the response from the posting from the other day.  Our fried Fred commented with the following details:

Assuming wood frame construction of main structure. Challenges: fire already past egress point at patio doors of main structure. Exposure of propane tank in backyard. Possible hazardous storage in garage. Garage may be block construction.

1st attack line (1 1/2) would be in main structure towards opposite end of house from fire (to push fire back towards spent fuel. 2nd line would be 1 1/2 inch line deployed to attack garage from rear outside and provide exposure protection to propane tank.

Size up would be working residence fire fully involved with detached garage involved. Request 2nd engine if not already dispatched for water supply.

(Let’s see if I’ve forgotten all I learned from 1977-89.

One other thing that I would like to add is the house sits off of the road a pretty good ways.  Laying line will be needed but depending where you are, water supply might be an issue too.  If this is the case in your jurisdiction, plan for water supply needs.  Also, with fire already in the attic and moving, I would probably choose a second line of a 2 1/2″ line.  I like to go bigger with the second line when I’ve got a lot of fire showing at the get go.  This works well to back up the first line in case it isn’t enough initially, the bigger second line is already deployed and ready to go to work.

Have  great week and stay safe.

Posted by on December 28, 2009 • Filed under: command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , ,

Woe the Shopping Carts

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With the holidays over, so to speak, the big sales days are upon us now.  You might want to check on your big stores to make sure things are in order.

As we can see here, the shopping carts have taken precedent over the people inside for access to the exit.  This happens a great deal at these stores.

Most of the time the manager has no clue that this is happening and when told is pretty quick to remedy the problem.  Don’t leave it this way, mention it and get it taken care of.  As we say in the last post, watch the back and sides of the building for extra storage containers blocking exterior exit doors.  Stay safe and be careful.

Posted by on December 28, 2009 • Filed under: administration-leadership, fire-prevention-education, firefighter-safety-health, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , ,

Keokuk, Iowa: Ten Years Ago Remembered

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keokuk Photos By Cindy Iutzi
It was ten years ago today that Keokuk, Iowa lost three of it’s own in a two-family residential fire. In addition to the LODD there were also three children that perished in the fire as well.  There is a great deal of information about this fire and the events that led to the LODD of three firefighters.  During and after the NFPA and NIOSH reports, the Keokuk Fire Department has been extremely transparent and willing to share their story so that other fire organizations will not have to deal with such a loss.  Click the two links and read the reports and share with your personnel what happen in Keokuk. We have a responsibility to take these tragic events and learn from them to ensure that an event like this doesn’t happen again.  Remember the Keokuk Fire Department and all of the families affected by this fire in your prayers and thoughts during this time and stay safe out there.
Posted by on December 22, 2009 • Filed under: Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , ,

Wear Your PPE!

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We can see that there is a working fire at this building.  It is very likely a good choice to vertically ventilte this building. However, how a commanding officer could allow his people to put themselves in this situation is unacceptable.

There are at least two firefighters on this roof with smoke and fire below them and neither appears to be wearing an SCBA.  This is how we get ourselves killed.  As officers we have a responsibility to ensure that our people are safe and operate safe.  How many times have we heard a Captain say “I’ve done my job if everyone gets home after the shift.”?  Well, that is tough when you don’t make you crews wear their SCBA while venting a roof.

As for the firefighters, they should know better. We are taught early on in our training that you wear ALL of your PPE.  This is one of many reasons why Firefighters are their Own Worst Enemy.  Stay tuned for more and send your pictures or videos for similar events. For those on the East Coast, stay safe in the winter wonderland coming your way.  As alway, be aware of you situation and stay safe.

Posted by on December 19, 2009 • Filed under: command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, fires, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , ,

Ladder Placement

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This is a good working fire and I can see mutliple hose lines going into the structure. It is unfortunate that it is a fire that is ruining someone’s Christmas. With that being said, it is good to see some ladders on this structure since it appears there are crews upstairs.

To the left of the picture I can see a ladder on the porch and another one on the “D” side next to the third story window. Now, there are a couple things that I would like to point out. First, as a first arriving company officer, you have to take a walk around this building. Look for building characteristics, fire and smoke conditions and the possibility of victims hanging out rear windows on upper floors.

Second, look at the ladder on side “D”, could we have placed it in a better location? Not being there, I don’t know what there plans were, but the ladder may be better served for crews inside by being placed just below the sill of the top floor window. This would better allow crews to exit safely and quickly onto the ladder if conditions change and it will assist in the lowering of a victim if one is found.

Remember, if the ladder tip is too far into the window space, it takes up room that could be used by a firefighter to exit. Keep that tip below the sill giving all of the window space to the crews inside.  Stay safe and train hard.

Posted by on December 18, 2009 • Filed under: command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, rescues, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , , ,

LODD FDNY 1998 On This Day

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On this day, December 18, 1998, 3 FDNY Firefighters  were killed in the Line of Duty at a high rise fire. Lt. Joseph Cavalieri, FF Chris Bopp and FF Jimmy Bohan died on the 10th floor of a labeled ”fireproof” multiple dwelling whose sprinklers had been shut off.

The three firefighters from L170 arrived and had the assignment of searching the fire floor and ascended 10 flights of stairs to rescue the resident in apartment 10-D, who was reported trapped. She escaped previously, but that was not known at the time. When the occupant left she left the apartment door open allowing air to feed the fire.  Although the building and hallways were equipped with sprinklers, they were functional and the fire spread rapidly.  It is believed that a change in wind direction created a wind of approximately 29MPH into the fire apartment and blew a superheated fireball into the hallway, taking the lives of the three FDNY firefighters.

For those of you that have not seen the NIST video on wind driven fires, take some time to watch it. Here is a link to find out more information on the tests done with Chicago FD and FDNY on wind driven fires.

http://www.fire.gov/WDF/index.htm

Posted by on December 18, 2009 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, in-the-line-of-duty, line-of-duty • Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Combustible Liquids

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This is a repair shop that is not sprinklered, it was built prior to the code, and that also does fabricating.  They have added on without permits for several years and now is a dangerous place to be.  They have taken some measures to meet the inspection requirements, but, as you can see, there are still a number of hazards present.

These drums contain parts cleaners, oil and automotive fluids.  It is required to meet code requirements for quantities of flammable and combustible liquids and how they are stored. In addition, with the fabricating they use welders that can obviously cause an ignition of vapors.  Ensure that “hot” operations are an appropriate distance from the storage and use of flammable and combustible liquids.  Stay safe and be careful.

Posted by on December 18, 2009 • Filed under: fire-prevention-education, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , , ,

1964 Indiana Nursing Home Fire

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On this day in 1964, a nursing in Fountaintown, Indiana caught fire around 3:00AM.  A nurse reportedly saw the fire in the kitchen and hall way and started screaming for everyone to get out.

The first state troopers on the scene stated that the fire moved very fast throughout the first floor and that although there were 10 people upstairs that were ambulatory, they never had a chance to get out.  The fire chief at the time stated that the facility had been carefully inspected, but it is uncertain from media exactly what codes were established for the inspections.  At least 20 people died and others were transported for burns.

Nursing facilities and assisted living facilities have great potential for loss of life from fire for the simple fact that the residents, atlhough maybe mobile, they are slow to react and cannot move with speed.  Under stressful situations they also get easily flustered and confused.  Make sure you inspect these facilities and make sure safety violations are corrected.

Posted by on December 18, 2009 • Filed under: fire-prevention-education, fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, fires, historic fires, major-incidents, mass-casualty-incident, rescues • Tagged: , , , ,

More Candles

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More candles, look at the draped chairs right next to the candles. Again, right in the aisle that will serve as an egress aisle in the event of an emergency.
I don’t see sprinklers on the ceiling, although they could be there, but someone could be badly burned before a spinkler head would activate.  Just check these things out and follow your local codes. Education is the best tool in combating this issue.  Stay safe and be diligent.
Posted by on December 17, 2009 • Filed under: fire-prevention-education, firefighter holidays, firefighter-safety-health, fires, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , ,

The Great New York Fire of 1835

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On this day in 1835, a great fire swept through New York destroying over 500 buildings and claiming the lives of two people. The fire reportedly did what would be hundreds of millions of dollars of damage.

The fire started on Merchant street and spread quickly through the lower Manhatten area.  Firefighters battled below freezing temperatures that froze hose lines and hand pumps.  Exposure buildings were eventually blown up using gunpowder to stop the spread of the fire.

Posted by on December 16, 2009 • Filed under: fire-prevention-education, fire-rescue-topics, historic fires, major-incidents, mass-casualty-incident, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , ,

Engineered I-Joists: Be Aware of Your Buildings

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[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWMhA2wDTes]

Some of you may have seen this video, but is worth looking at again and showing it to your firefighters, officers and building officials.  Take time to look at your subdivisions and know the dangers. Stay safe.

Posted by on December 15, 2009 • Filed under: engineered lumber, fire-prevention-education, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, i joists, line-of-duty, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Nice Jeans

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This picture was labeled as “safety-fire-training”, no kidding.  This appears to be some sort of flammable liquids fire training by the looks of the props and their technique.

As we can see, they are wearing standard jeans and long sleeve t-shirt for personal protection along with adjustible sports hat for head protection.  It is difficult to tell, but there might be leather boots for foot protection.

I’m not exactly sure what they were thinking or let this happen, but it looks like some folks just begging for trip to the burn unit. Please, if you see someone doing this, stop them and explain what they are doing and the risks with how they are training.

This is where those who have the knowledge and expertise need to get out and help these places to TRAIN RIGHT, not just train.  Stay safe and make a difference.

Posted by on December 15, 2009 • Filed under: command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , ,

Hanging by a Thread

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Okay, its not really a thread, but it may as well be. These truss systems are popular for overhangs and porches on commercial and residential buildings.  Typically, the top end will sit on a nailed 2×4 or rest on the top of the wall and toenailed into the joist for I-joist.

These are very danagerous and will fail easily under fire conditions.  Always take a look above you before you enter the building of any type.

On another note about these overhangs, canopies and porches; when using search lines, make sure you tie off outside the building which inlcudes these overhangs, canopies and porches. Get outside of these areas and into an open area free from any building components.  As always, stay safe and be careful.

Posted by on December 15, 2009 • Filed under: command-leadership, engineered lumber, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics, trusses • Tagged: , , , , , ,

Oh, The Good Old Days are Gone!

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Remember the good old days when your commerical buildings were block and mortar or steel buildings with large dimensional lumber? Those days are long gone and it has made our job that much more dangerous.

When this building is completed, it will likely have a facade giving it the look of a brick, block or non-combustible building, but obviously, it is completely wood frame.  If you don’t get involved with new construction and pay attention, you could miss what is happening here.  Your companies could pull up on a commercial fire and be under the wrong impression about the makeup of this building and make a tragic mistake.

These buildings fail faster and are more and more common.  Stop and look at what is being built and how it is being built, it just may save your life.

Posted by on December 14, 2009 • Filed under: command-leadership, engineered lumber, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, i joists, training-fire-rescue-topics, trusses • Tagged: , , , , , ,

How Many Does It Take?

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Now I don’t know exactlly what is going on here, but just from the photo I would guess that they are pushing the limits of this porch.  It appears that the building is of an advanced age the possibility of some rotten members are good.

Since there are firefighters on this roof and the brick is black, I am guessing that the building had a fire in it.  Some have tanks on, som don’t, but it looks like the major body of fire is knocked down. Back to the porch, does anyone else have an issue with this?  I wasn’t there, but we need to consider these things. You can see another firefighter on ground, below the porch and what might be a police officer actually under the porch canopy.  We have had porches collapse at fires and seriosly injure firefighters and we have had overhangs kill our people.

Do we need all of those people on that porch, and if we do, we should probably not have anyone under it.  Just be aware of your surroundings.  We all have a role in scene safety and should be empowered to point these issues out to keep everyone safe.  Stay safe and train hard.

Posted by on December 14, 2009 • Filed under: command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Knights of Columbus Hostel Fire

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On this day in 1942, 100 people lost their lives at the Knights of Columbus Hostel in St. John’s, Newfoundland.  The building was mostly wood construction and had had most of the windows boarded up and barred to meet black-out regulations during the war.

At the time of the fire there were approximately 500 occupants in the building.  Many of these occupants and some of the dead were service men and women of World War II.  It is believed that the fire was sabotage by German Nazis who were suspected of other fires in St. Johns during this same time period.

With wood construction and combustable interior finishes and deocrations, the fire traveled fast and furious throughout the building.  With windows and doors locked, barred and boarded over, escape was difficult at best and in some cases, attempts were futile.  In addition to the 100 that perished, over 100 more were inujured, many badly burned.  Here is a good link for an article as told by a survivor.   http://www.thetelegram.com/index.cfm?sid=88617≻=85

As always, remember the past so that we don’t repeat it.  Train hard and stay safe.

Posted by on December 12, 2009 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire-prevention-education, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, historic fires • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Kerns Hotel Fire 1934

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The Hotel Kerns was built in 1919 and was a brick building that boasted 162 rooms and was a favorite hot spot  noted for its bar and cafeteria.

On Dec. 11, 1934 it would turn tragic when the night janitor for and adjacent business noticed flames on the 2nd floor at around 5 AM.  He immediately reported the fire and stated that when he initially discovered the fire the flames were just licking the windows, but that by the time he called it in the flames had grown rapidly to become a full sheet of fire.  He could here screams of those trapped and being burned. Some occupants were rescued by nets and by firefighters on ladders. Others were not so lucky.  It is believed that a carelessly discarded cigarette caused the fire and the lives of 34 individuals, five of whom have not been identified.

The fact that the companies for that area were only a block away proves just how fast that fire moved and how long it went unnoticed.  Smoke detectors, duct dampers, fire doors and other fire protection systems are used to keep these types of fires from happening again.  When inspecting, don’t take it lightly, make sure these systems are functional and properly installed and tested.  As always, stay safe and be careful.

Posted by on December 11, 2009 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire-prevention-education, fire-rescue-topics, historic fires, major-incidents, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Challenges for Firefighters ON/IN “Green” Buildings

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The day has come and will present itself more often in the future that we will be dealing with issues pertaining to “Green” buildings.  I was on a conference call today and the subject was brought up about “green” construction and codes.  The comment was made, and correctly so in my opinion, that most fire service personnel are not interested in “Green” codes and their develpment.

I believe this statement to be true and alarming.  At the same time, we must do a better job of getting the information out to the fire service leaders about why this type of construction is of concern.  We have to make knowing about the hazards and designs of these systems a priority just like we have done with engineered lumber.

We have an opportunity to get ahead of the curve on this issue and there is still time to catch the train before it completely pulls out of the station.  Although the process has started in developing the International Green Construction Codes, we still have time to get fire service leaders interested and involved in commenting and contributing to these codes and future revisions.   In the coming weeks I am going to present to you, the reader, different issues that will affect us as fire service responders and commanders in “Green” buildings.  My hope is that we can bring an awareness that I believe and have witnessed to be lacking in many realms of the fire service community.

So, take a look at the picture and try to list as many hazards and problems tactically in regards to the roof.  Do some research and learn about these.  How do we get on and stay on the roof safely?  How do we de-energize these roofs?  How do we safely vent these roofs and what hazards do they pose for our people?  I will admit that I am no expert, but I am learning more and more everyday and I will try to pass on what I am learning.  Until next time, stay safe and be interested.

Posted by on December 9, 2009 • Filed under: administration-leadership, buildling construction, command-leadership, fire-prevention-education, green construction, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , ,