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More Building Construction for Size Up

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Here is a quick look at a building that offers more than one considering in regards to construction characteristics. The building in the photos is currently a resale shop. This building has been a tack shop, lawn equipment, sold boats and trailers. If you look hard at the front, it has been added onto.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The right side of the building was the original and the left was an addition. The front and side walls are wood frame with a brick veneer. As you can see, there is a parapet wall on three sides of the building. Both sides have been rearranged multiple times on the interior to accommodate the occupant of the moment. The original roof was flat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This side view shows some exterior doors and the brick veneer. We can also see the electric service and a boarded up window. This two doors lead to different areas of the building and are not adjoining. You can also see that the parapet wall appears to be very tall and of combustible material.

 

This is the rear view and the most telling about this building. We can see that the back wall is different from the other three walls. The back wall is of block. We can also see that the roof is a lean to type of construction and knowing the history of this building, it is a “rain roof” or “roof over” that covered an old flat roof.

We can also see the parapet wall is brick on the two side walls with support ties. We know that those connections are very likely going to fail during a fire. There is a lot of void space that could be difficult to get to due to the “rain roof” and early collapse of the parapet wall should be expected.

In addition, the importance of the block wall in the back is important for orientation as well. If we get inside and get to a wall that is block, we have a pretty good idea of where we are. We only would know this by pre-planning and/or doing our 360.

These are just a few of the considerations you must think of when presented with this building or one like it. Discuss this with your crews and identify buildings that are similar in your response areas.

Train hard, stay safe, and remember those who have fallen for the lives of others. Please especially remember the families of Chief Kyle Ienn, Firefighter Doug Haase, Chief David Flint, Fire Lt. Kevin West who all left us this week.

Posted by on February 3, 2012 • Filed under: administration-leadership, buildling construction, command-leadership, fire codes, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, in-the-line-of-duty • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

High Rise Markings

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If you have a high rise or respond on mutual aid to a high rise district, do you know if they are marked for floor identification? If so, do you know how they corresspond with the interior labels? High rise buildings are marked differently, if at all. In our area the windows are typically marked with a reflective sticker, one on every fifth floor. Where this gets tricky is when the interior floors are labeled differently.

This high rise has red circle on the corner on the fifth floor window and the 15th floor window. You can see them in the top right hand corner of the windows on the right side. Now, some places will actually put numbers on the windows, but we are going to just address this one method. If you count the windows you will notice that it doesn't add up.

This building has eliminated the 13th floor, thus making the floors on floor off if counting. This is where preplanning comes in.

                                                                                                                      

It is important to know how the outside corresponds with the interior. In some of these buildings the ground floor may be labeled as "Ground" or "Lobby" and not the first floor. In addition, if there are penthouse units at the top they may be labeled as such and not given a numerical label on the elevator panel. On this building the 13th floor has been eliminated. It goes from floor 12 to 14. On the photo below you can see that there is no 13 on the panel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We need to get into these buildings and be familiar with the labeling of floors. The last we want to do is deploy to the wrong floor or take an elevator to close to the fire floor. It is also important when searching for victims, knowing what floor is reported and how the occupants will report floor numbers.

This is by no means the only marking systems, just one method. Get out, know your system and train with it.

Posted by on January 19, 2012 • Filed under: buildling construction, elevators, fire codes, fire service recall, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, high rise, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , ,

Basic Tactical Considerations

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This post is just a simple challenge of tactical considerations.  The photos that are posted show a single-family house that had fire venting from the C/D corner when first units arrived.  The first in crews could not make the entire hallway on the first push do to intense heat and smoke.

The smoke was banked almost to the floor even with the fire venting from that corner bedroom.

What are some considerations that must be looked at with this fire?  What would be your next plan of action?  Why ist there so much heat and smoke with the fire venting the exterior?  What is your size up?

Share your thoughts and answers with everyone and use this as discussion with your crew.  

As always, train hard and stay safe,

Jason

Posted by on July 23, 2011 • Filed under: buildling construction, command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, fires, search, situational awareness, size up, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Uncategorized, vent, ventilation • Tagged: , , , , , , , , ,

How Many Uses Can You Come Up With?

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It's Sunday and I was just sitting at work and I started thinking about an anchor point that I was taught with webbing. Not having tied it in a while I went out and made sure I remembered how to get it done. Lucky for me my memory is still intact.

The other guys came over and we had a short lesson for it's uses and showed them how to tie it too.  This led into a morning of going over some very simple, but effective, ways to use the webbing that we carry.

Everyone has their own ideas about why they carry a certain length of webbing or rope. But, don't limit yourself to the harnesses and escape systems that utilize webbing. The pieces I keep are for a multitude of "basic" practices that assist me, when needed, in actual firefighting.

We can use them for controlling doors, advancing a large line, searching off of a line and more.  I would like you to all share your webbing stories.  What lengths do you carry? Why? And are there any special tricks you have picked up from some experienced guy in the house?

Take care and remember our troops and their families this Memorial Day.

Posted by on May 29, 2011 • Filed under: command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, forcible entry, mayday, rescues, RIT, search, self rescue, situational awareness, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , , , , ,

Passing “It” On: Part 1

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I recently taught an Instructor 1 class and one of the things that I really like to make a point to emphasize is that we need to  pay attention to those firefighters and officer who are “salty” and who have been around a while.

We know that we have to attend classes and that we must get our noses in the trade journals and worth while web sites, but do we really listen when our more senior members are “telling stories?”  If not, we really need to start paying attention.

As a disclaimer, not all senior members will share or they just have never been engaged in the fire service. But, even some of those guys have something to offer even if they don’t realize it.  Each story has a lesson and we need to recognize this and absorb all we can while they are here.

Okay, so where I am going with this?  A few days after finishing this class, we were doing the dinner dishes and the discussion came up from a couple of the younger guys about fires and training.  Some how the conversation turned to commercial buildings, more specifically strip malls and fast food restaurants.

Out of curiosity I asked one of them what the first thing they would do if they responded to one of these buildings with a slight haze, odor of smoke or even an alarm sounding?  His first response was to go to the electric panel.

Well, as most of you may know where I am going with this, we advised him that he was wrong.  He had never been taught to take a pike pole and lift a ceiling tile as soon as you walk in the door.  This is critical information and I was shocked that his captain had  not covered this at some point.  Granted, he spends a large majority of his time on an LSV, but this is something he should have known.

What we did was have a very informative training lesson while doing dishes. I am pretty sure this will stick with him for the rest of his career as we discussed some case studies on this type of fire.  It didn’t take a lot of class preparation or Powerpoint slides, just an eager firefighter and some older ones willing to share.

Talk fire and rescue.  This has to be a normal activity in the fire house.  If we can instill this in the newer generation they will pass it on also.  We owe it to them to give them every little nugget of information that we can, sometimes whether they want it or not.

What was passed on to you by someone that you worked or trained with? How did it change what you did in the fire service? Let us know your story and keep on fighting the good fight.

Stay safe and train hard.

Posted by on October 13, 2010 • Filed under: command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, forcible entry, line-of-duty, situational awareness, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Excellent Training Opportunities

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Don’t miss these training opportunities. The Brotherhood Instructors provide all facets of fire service training. You really need to attend one of their trainings.

Here is some training from Traditions Training.  Again, if your looking for some of the best training offered, these two groups of guys can get for you.

Posted by on July 21, 2010 • Filed under: training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Uncategorized • Tagged: , ,

Basic Engine Company Ops from the Brotherhood

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Here is a video from Brotherhood Instructors. This is a basic engine company operations class that shows some really good ideas for drills.

Also, check out the Brotherhood site for training dates. If they are near you, you really need to check them out and get enrolled. It is really good stuff and they are great guys.

Watch and pass it on.

Posted by on April 28, 2010 • Filed under: firefighting-operations, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , ,

False Exterior Walls

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Do you see anything different here?

Do you see anything different here?

I  was out of town most of this past week for class and noticed this building on the first morning I drove in.

The first morning they had only installed the wall to the “r” in Performing.  The second day I realized that I needed to snap a picture of this to share.

This false wall is about four stories tall and covers the entire length of the building.

What challenges do you see?

What challenges do you see?

As you can see, this wall definately would challenge any rescue efforts were there victims in the windows.

Not only will it hamper rescue efforts, performing ventilation or suppression from this side of the building would be challenging at best.

The frame of the false wall is set off of the building wall at a distance of approximately two feet.  That is just a guess, but operating ground ladders here is almost impossible.

Interior crews would need to know that this side is limited access and egress because of the wall.   It will certainly challenge our strategies and tactics should an incident happen here.

This is one good example of why you need to get out and see your area.  Know what’s going on and get involved.  As a crew you can preplan this building by just parking out front, take a picture or two and go back and have a discussion about how you would operate at this building.

Stay safe and be careful.

Posted by on April 3, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, command-leadership, exits, fire codes, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, forceable entry, high rise, situational awareness, ventilation • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Back to Basics Part 5: Cutting Drip Loops

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Cutting the drip loops.

Cutting the drip loops.

This is a sensitive subject for some, but a basic skill I remember learning as a rookie.

Cutting drip loops is something that not all departments do, but it is necessary in some instances depending on where you are in the country.

In my area you could get utilities on scene in town within minutes whereas the more rural parts could take an hour.

Cutting the drip loops requires some skill and knowledge to be done correctly.  You must also have a set of appropriate cutters and ideally, some electrical gloves.

As you can see, there are some hazards associated with this and you must follow your departments policies on this.

With this particular photo, what do you see as a hazard?

When would you consider cutting the drip loops?

Do you have the appropriate tools to cut the loops?

Be careful when dealing with electricity. The ideal tactic is to let the utility company deal with it.

Train to your departmental SOG’s and stay safe.

Posted by on March 21, 2010 • Filed under: electrical, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations • Tagged: , , , ,

More Company Discussions:You Are the Boss!

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Deploy your people. You are the big boss on this one, what next?

Deploy your people. You are the big boss on this one, what next?

You are the incident commander on this fire.  You can deploy who ever you want where ever you want.

I am allowing for your normal response of resources. No cheating!

Don’t worry about what is going on with the personnel in the picture; pretend they are not there.

Explain your size-up and the building characteristics.

Deploy your resources accordingly through what ever a first alarm will bring you. If you want to expand your alarms, hey, have at it.  Just let us know.

Sit down with your crews and work this out.

This fire came in as a house fire, unknown victims, called in by the neighbors.

Have fun with it, pass it on, and be safe.

Posted by on March 17, 2010 • Filed under: administration-leadership, buildling construction, command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, fires, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , ,

Company Discussion: Building Characteristics

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What characteristics could you expect with this building?

What characteristics could you expect with this building?

Just about every jurisdiction in the country has a building like this one.

These are popular in the older downtown areas, especially in smaller towns and main streets.

Some of you may have fought a fire or two in a building similar to this one or done an inspection at one.

Based on your past experiences and this picture, what are some concerns you may have about this building?

How will those concerns determine your strategies and tactics?

What size lines and what conditions will you be looking for inside?

List your responses and share your experiences and thoughts.

Posted by on March 3, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, situational awareness, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , ,

Back to Basics Part 3: Assignments

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Assignments are important, use them.

Assignments are important, use them.

This picture says a lot to me. I know that it is a still frame and only a fraction of a second in time, but I believe it is telling.

We have fire venting from the Alpha side upper window, and from the Bravo side near the eaves.  There is no doubt that we have a good working job.

How many times do we see chaos from all parties involved when we show up to a fire like this.  Adrenaline is pumping and people are excited and ready to go.  Sometimes too much so.

With all of the chaos and effort to be first in, too many times we forget our assignments or tasks.  Everyone can’t be first in and the other jobs are just as important.

Looking at this picture I get the impression that these are some cool cats.  You have a team raising a ladder. You have a team with a hose line ready.  It looks like the officer is getting his stuff on a little behind his hose crew, maybe from completing his 360.  And there is a firefighter propping open the door.

This looks organized just from what I can see.  It looks good and I bet they took it to it.

Know your assignments and do them.  The best attack is a coordinated one when everyone is doing what needs to be done to accomplish the overall goal; safely get in and out after putting the fire out and removing all victims.

You must train this way and trust your crew for this to happen.  So, get out of the recliner today and do something as a team. Ask about assignments if you have questions and train, train, train, and train some more.

Take care and stay safe.

Posted by on February 28, 2010 • Filed under: administration-leadership, command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, ladders, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , ,

Cool Tool Ideas

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I good way to keep two tools together. Picture from Brotherhood Instructors

I good way to keep two tools together. Picture from Brotherhood Instructors

Here is a cool way to get two tools to stay together.  Firefighters can get real creative when they want to.

This is a good example of getting out of the chair and doing something to help the fire service.

Using multiple tools can make forcing entry much easier and more effective, so it is beneficial to have more than one tool.

The last post was about bringing tools, so I thought this was appropriate.  To see some other tool drills and ideas, click the picture for Brotherhood Instructors site.

Posted by on February 24, 2010 • Filed under: enter, fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, forceable entry, search, training-fire-rescue-topics, vent • Tagged: , , , ,

Fire Officer Basics: Part 1

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The officer must be the one that watches for conditions.

The officer must be the one that watches for conditions.

When a  crew is making an interior attack, or any task, on the fire ground, the officer must be the eyes and ears of his crew.

Although everyone is responsible for safety and identifying unsafe conditions, the officer must continually keep a watchful eye on conditions.

Too often I have witnessed the officer take the nozzle, dragging the firefighter along into a burning structure.  The officer should be the more experienced person on the line; there is a reason he is the officer. ( I know that is not always the case, but, you get the point.)

I can remember being in a 3-story house with fire blowing out the rear on the first floor and making an aggressive interior attack as the nozzle man.  About 5 minutes or so pass and I am right up on this thing not making much progress.  The acting officer tapped me on the shoulder and said we needed to back out.

I of course did not want to, but what I didn’t see, because I was focused on the fire fight, was that we were pushing fire around the stairwell back to the front door, where we entered.  Mostly because we had the wrong sized line for the amount of fire we had.

But, the point is, he was doing his job. Not just helping me with the hose line, but seeing the “big” picture.  He was paying attention to more than just what was in front of him.

As officers on the hose line we are expected to be aware and to get the job done.  On that fire it meant pulling out and going back with a larger line, which was effective.

Watch for changing smoke conditions. Look for fire behavior that may be odd.  Just look at everything and stay aware.  Get the job done and get back safe.

Posted by on February 20, 2010 • Filed under: command-leadership, enter, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, situational awareness • Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Dangerous Situation

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Check out the link to this video of a backdraft that injured one firefighter.   I don’t know that there is a lot that could have been done because it is such a short clip.

But, it is important to look for the signs and read the signs of smoke conditions that could indicate a backdraft.

Let me know what you think and stay safe out there.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTQWNCeCBvQ

Posted by on February 15, 2010 • Filed under: backdraft, command-leadership, firefighter-safety-health, fires • Tagged: , , , , , ,

Company Discussion: Vacant Buildings Cont.

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I am back and will continue the discussion on vacant buildings.

First, I appoligize for not posting all weekend, I was at Missouri Winter Fire School teaching.  It was a great weekend and everyone was pleasant and eager to learn.

When I left, I had posted a picture and gave a scenario of a vacant building. Vacant buildings and how we approach them is a hot topic right now. We have some chiefs and firefighters arguing that we need to write-off all vacant buildings.

On the otherhand, we have firefighters and some officers that argue that we should search all buildings that are on fire because that was what we were sworn to do.  I understand both points.

While teaching this weekend this topic was brought up and the very vocal crowd, and the majority immediately said, “Let ‘em burn.”  Their setement was that we should not be entering these buildings because they are “vacant.”

I then asked the question, “Are all vacant buildings decrepit and delapidated?”  The answer is absolutely not.  Many vacant buildings are just that; not occupied.  It doesn’t mean that they are falling down and structurally unsound.

I pose this scenario.  If  a couple leaves their winter home for five months out of the year for warmer weather, is that building abandoned?  Most said , “no.”  Would the “let it burn” montra apply in that situation and why or why not?  Well, most said no it would not apply.

Listen, I am not sure why this is so difficult.  In a way I do because I understand the history of some very famous LODD that have happen in abandoned buildings.  But, at the same time, we are seeing and hearing reports of homeless and vagrants being rescued and found in these vacant buildings.

So, what do we do?  Here is what I am suggesting and you are free to disagree.  If we use the same risk management system and the risk vs. benefit anaylysis, this becomes less of an issue.  If your first arriving units are adequately trained, confident in their decision making abilities and familiar with their area, they perform like they would at any other building.

Just because a building is occupied does not make it inherently safe if it is on fire. The same is true for vacant buildings; just because it is vacant does not make inherently dangerous just because it is vacant.  It also doesn’t mean it isn’t occupied.

Do your size up, get three sides when you pull up.  Get your 360 and make an evaluation of conditions inside and those of the building.  If conditions are poor and survivability is not possible, don’t put your people at risk.

If the structure appears to be sound, the fire conditions are condusive for an aggressive search and attack, then it should be done.  The same rules apply for occupied structures.  You may take more risk for an occupied structure if you don’t konw that all occupants are out.  But, you still will measure conditions and survivability, especially if you have confirmation everyone is out.  Use the same judgment and experience with vacant buildings.

The bottom line is that properly trained firefighters and company officers will make the right decision.  IF they don’t, adequately trained and experienced chief officers need to make sure the correct decision is made and the proper battle plan is followed.

Use your head and don’t let your ego and emotions rule your actions. It could get you and your crew killed.  Take your time to call on good practices and experience to see the overall picture.

Until next time, stay safe and be careful.

Posted by on February 7, 2010 • Filed under: administration-leadership, buildling construction, command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health • Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Company Discussion: Vacant Building

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Vacant or not vacant: To go or not to go?

Vacant or not vacant: To go or not to go?

Recent discussions about vacant buildings and how we should handle them led me to post this scenario.

I have my own opinion on vacant buildings which I will post later.  But, the discussion can get heated, depending on who you are talking with.

It seems most chiefs are of the opinion that vacant buildings are write-offs and company officers and firefighters want to aggressively attack these buildings and perform search and rescue if conditions permit.

Without further delay, let’s move on to the scenario.

You have arrived on the scene of this fire and it has been reported vacant.  It is winter and cold outside.  It is just outside of town, about 2 minutes from the city limits.

There are no hydrants but you have adequate personnel and apparatus to begin operations with approximately 4000 gallons on the initial response.

What are your initial actions and how do you approach a vacant house?  Why do you what you choose and what conditions were considered?

Remember, everyone has an opinion and we can all learn valuable lessons from everyone.  Also, this was an actual fire I was on.  So, I can fill you in on how we did in a few days.

Let’s hear it all and stay safe.

Posted by on February 5, 2010 • Filed under: command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, search, situational awareness, vacant building fires • Tagged: , , , , , ,

Company Discussion Series

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Here is what I need you to do...

Here is what I need you to do...

Okay, you are the officer with this group on the deck/porch.

There still hasn’t been a confirmation of victims being out.  They might be, they might not be.

Another company is pulling up with four including the operator.

Make your assignments and explain your tactics.  I understand we can’t see the rear and or the B side.  But, this is fun and illustrative.

Let’s have fun with it and get your crews involved.

Stay safe and train for real.

Posted by on February 3, 2010 • Filed under: administration-leadership, command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, rescues, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics, VES • Tagged: , , , ,

Building Collapse: Are You Thinking?

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Watch the video and pay attention to all sides of the building.

I know this is a short clip, but there is a great deal that can be learned from this video.

Were there any indicators prior to the collapse?

What, if anything, would you have done differently if you were a company officer or command?

Stay safe and be careful out there.

Posted by on February 1, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, fires, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , ,

Secondary Means of Escape

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Have a second means of escape when operating on the roof.

Have a second means of escape when operating on the roof.

When operating on the roof, make sure as the crew operating on it, and/or the officer on the ground, that there is a secondary means of escape.

As we can see in this picture, the primary means could get cut off by fire.

It is prudent and appropriate to put an additional ladder on the opposite side of this building for the crews to exit from.

When this crew made the roof that fire over the front stoop may not have been there nor suspected.  While making the cut they could have lost their primary escape route.

Speak up if you see things like this, it could make all the difference in the world.  This has to be done to keep everyone safe.

Is there anything else you see that might need to be addressed?

Most importantly, this is to illustrate the need for a secondary escape.

Take care, think, and stay safe.

Posted by on January 30, 2010 • Filed under: command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, vent • Tagged: , , , , , , , , ,

More Than Just an Electrical Problem

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There are two issues with this picture that we need to address.

There are two issues with this picture that we need to address.

In this picture you can see the electrical service and that it is not appropriate.  In the dark or in heavy smoke, this could cause a real bad situation.  Not to mention it could have started the fire.

But, as I looked at this picture, I noticed something else that we need to think about.  Can you see it?  I have no doubt you have noticed it.

The basement doors are boarded up.  We mentioned this in an earlier post about boarded up windows.  This is no different.  Trapped or lost firefighters trying to find a way out may miss this door because it is boarded up.

There isn’t a whole lot we can do about it except to do our 360 and use good situational awareness.  Doing that 360 will tell us a great deal and could save our lives.

Just stay aware and alert.  Take the extra time to do your 360, it makes a difference and as an officer it is a must to keep your people safe.

Posted by on January 28, 2010 • Filed under: Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , ,

Company Discussion

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How do you attack this fire?
How do you attack this fire?

 

This is fairly good sized single-family home. Fire has vented at the ridge, at least appears as such.

We have not confirmed that everyone is out in this late night fire.

There is a basement and most of the bedrooms are on the upper floors. Those are not fake dormers.

How do you procede and what are your main concerns and why?

What is your size up and as the first officer, what is your first action?

Get your company together and hammer this one out.

Stay safe and train hard.

Posted by on January 27, 2010 • Filed under: administration-leadership, command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , ,

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: , , , , , , ,

Water and Fire, Oh MY!

6 comments
Do you have a plan for this?

Do you have a plan for this?

Update:

Let me clear something up. I know this fire is a write off no matter what.

The intention here is to explore what we would do if this fire was one that victims were present in and was only smoke showing.

I am curious about how to handle an event where we are faced with adversity: inaccessibility and conditions that deem a rescue possible.

I have to tell you that when I saw this picture many thoughts ran through my head.

With the recent events in regards to natural disasters, this picture got my attention.

This is a picture from Hurricane Ike.  I know this building is pretty well involved and as you can see, the street is flooded.

But, what if this was your area and you had this situation with confirmed victims? Now, let’s pretend for the sake of discussion you are the first arriving unit.

For those that deal with this, how do you pre-plan this kind of event and what would you do?

I have to admit, this situation is very remote in my area, but possible and we have never discussed a scenario like this.  So, I’m flying by the seat of pants on this one as well.

Let’s hear what you all have to say.

(Thanks for all of the support and great replies so far, it is very humbling and appreciated.)   Now back to business, how do we handle this situation?

Posted by on January 22, 2010 • Filed under: administration-leadership, command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, fires • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , ,

Burnt Breakers

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Check the panel boxes, you never know what you will find.

Check the panel boxes, you never know what you will find.

Take a look inside the breaker boxes if you get a chance. Especially if something seems “not right.”

These two breakers are melted and still have wires connected.  In certain instances they will fail and be overloaded and instead of being removed, get left on the bar.

These are no longer on the bar, but we need to know what, if anything, is powering whatever was connected to these breakers.

Just be aware that if a panel box looks bad, you may need to look a little harder and take off the panel cover.

Be careful and stay safe out there.

Posted by on January 22, 2010 • Filed under: electrical, fire codes, fire-prevention-education, inspections • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,