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Working Off Ladders

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Lock in when working off a ladder.
Lock in when working off a ladder.

 

I know this is really basic stuff, but we forget very quickly about these basics.

When working off of a ladder use leg locks or a ladder belt.  Don’t forget that ladder belts are not just for aerial trucks.  They are very effective on any ladder.  Well, maybe not an attic ladder.

With some of the new harnesses being integrated into gear, some have ladder belts built into them, so use them.

Bottom line; stay safe and operate safely.  Sometimes it is easy to forget these basic skills.  We teach them in the academies and rookie schools, and we need to refresh every once in a while.

Posted by on January 20, 2010 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations • Tagged: , , , , ,

Vent, Enter and Search

9 comments
Is this a situation that VES would be deployed?

Is this a situation that VES would be deployed?

This building looks to be a very large residential home, or more likely a mutli-family dwelling.

It appears that the majority of fire is on the second floor.

It is night time and the chance that it is occupied is good.

This could be a good time to use interior crews to start an aggressive search with a hose line since we really can’t see any fire.

At the same time, we can have some outside vent guys laddering these windows and performing vent, enter, search tactics since the building appears to be large.

Now, this is somewhat controversial in some parts, like mine, but I think it is an effective tactic.  The key here is to have adequately trained personnel who have experience and can make good decisions in the risk vs. benefit area.

Additionally, there needs to be coordination with the interior crew. And, hey, if you have enough on scene to send in an attack line and a search crew, good for you.  That just isn’t always the case.

Just remember, if you are performing VES, know where you are, have a tool. You may only be able to sweep the room with a tool because of heat.  If you do get in a room, your first bit of business is to shut the door to the adjoining spaces. Oh, make sure you have got  a radio.

What do you think out there?  Any other ideas?  Let us know and share your knowledge.

As always, thanks for stopping by train everyday.

Photo by: http://www.eurekafirerescue.org/2010Pictures.html

Posted by on January 20, 2010 • Filed under: enter, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, rescues, search, training-fire-rescue-topics, vent, ventilation, VES • Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Wood Trusses Can Be Killers!

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This is a great video of wood trusses in fire conditions versus dimensional, stick-built lumber under fire conditions.

We all know about the hazards associated with wood truss roof systems, but it is worth looking at again, and again and again.

Training and recognition are key in keeping ourselves and our crews safe.

Check it out and pass on to others, it really is a cool video.

Posted by on January 19, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, engineered lumber, i joists, trusses • Tagged: , , , , ,

Fire Growth vs. Resources

1 comment

This is a good example of the need for more resources. It concerns me when I see lines in a building and there is nobody at the entry point for a back up.

In addition, we are constantly training on coordinated attacks. We have no available crews for ventilation or search and rescue that I can see.

There are no crews for RIT or to secure utilities. How about keeping the civilians out of harms way?

There are other issues with this scene, but I will let you discuss the tactical side of things.

Let’s look at this video in two ways. First, how would your department tackle this fire with your typical response? Let’s pretend that we don’t know the status of occupants. Whatever your department gets is what you get.

Second, discuss your concerns with how this went down. I am not going to beat up on any department, this department looks to be short staffed and doing the best with what they have. But, I am willing use it as a learning tool. So, where is there room for improvement?

Thanks for taking a look. Stay safe and train hard.

Posted by on January 19, 2010 • Filed under: administration-leadership, command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, funding-staffing • Tagged: , , , , , ,

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

19 comments

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: , , , , , ,

How to Deploy

5 comments
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: , , , , , , ,

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: , , , , , , , ,

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: , , , , , ,

Chief on Scene and In the Smoke

2 comments

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: , , , , ,

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

1 comment
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: , , , , , , , ,

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: , , , , ,

Kitchen Table Tactics 1-11-2010

2 comments

Where do you start?
Where do you start?

This fire is working, hard.  It seems pretty straight forward, but let’s take a look at it anyway.

You are the first arriving engine with a three person crew.

Your second due is 7 minutes away.  Water supply is limited but available about 250 from the home.  You have a report that the callers are not sure everyone is out of the home.  (Caller is down the block.)  Time of day is 6:30AM.

What do you do?

Are there any special considerations?

Post here and comment.  Get your morning coffee and pull the crew together and get a little Kitchen Table Tactics training in.

Stay safe and have a great day.

Posted by on January 11, 2010 • Filed under: Uncategorized • 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: , , , , ,

Roof Ops the Right Way

1 comment

This is a good look at how to vent a roof the safe way!
This is a good look at how to vent a roof the safe way!

Okay, I found it.  The last two roof ops posts have shown the way “not” to vent a roof. (see Roof Ops and More Roof Ops)

Now, I have found a picture of how to vent the roof.  I have to admit, though, it was not an easy task.

As we can see in this picture, they are using a roof ladder, all appear to be in full PPE including SCBA and face pieces.  They are actually operating off of the roof ladder.  It looks pretty good, nice job.

Posted by on January 9, 2010 • Filed under: command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations • Tagged: , , , ,

More Roof Ops

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Is there anything we are forgetting here?
Is there anything we are forgetting here?

First, let me make it clear, I was looking for a picture I have of a crew working on the roof the correct way when I came across this one.

I know, we have beat the first Roof Ops post to death and if you don’t want to post on this one, I understand.  I just figured while we were on the topic I would throw this one out there while I had it.

I know that there is not a lot of smoke, and the pitch is shallow and it doesn’t look like a great deal is going on.  I know I am going to hear about how this is nit-picking and whatever.  But, this is how we get hurt and killed.

It’s when we let our guard down and get complacent that bad things happen.  How many times have read a line of duty death or injury report and asked, “what were they thinking?”

I will find the picture with the correct way to operate on a roof safely and post it to show I am not just showing the bad stuff.  It’s just so easy to find.

Anyway, stay safe and be careful.

Posted by on January 9, 2010 • Filed under: command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, fires, trusses • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Is It Real? Or Is It Something Worse?

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Would you be able to tell that these tiles were solar panels or not?
Would you be able to tell that these tiles were solar panels or not?

Here is a picture of a roof with slate tiles for the roof covering. Nothing really to note here, right?

Looks like an area had been repaired or replaced but is still the same slate tile, right?

The slight color difference is probably from being newly installed or repaired.  But, would it look any different at night? In the rain? How about snow covered?

The truth is, those different colored panels are solar tiles for solar enegry. Yes, they are energized and could cover an entire roof.  If your wondaring, yes, they come in different colors too.

These solar panels aren’t that new to building contruction, but they always stuck out like a sore thumb. Now, with new technology, companies are able to make these panels “blend in” and look very much like the rest of the house and roof.

If you pulled up on one of these houses would you know how to operate safely on this roof?

What is the primary concern with these types of roofs?

Post your experiences and/or ideas about this new challenge that we will all someday see.

Stay safe and be careful out there. Train hard and often.

Posted by on January 8, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire-prevention-education, fires, green construction, i joists, inspections, trusses • Tagged: , , , , , , , , ,

TIC–Some Food for Thought

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We wont always see the correct temperature from the TIC from the upper floor.

We wont always see the correct temperature from the TIC from the upper floor.

I posted a couple of pictures  a few days ago that showed a living room taped off.  The room looked normal and unaffected by whatever had gone on there.

There is a great deal of information about using thermal imaging cameras to locate fires in basements.  This is a good practice to get in when entering a house with a basement.

However, don’t be solely reliant on the readings you get from the camera.

Here is an excerpt from an article detailing some of the tests and uses where a  TIC could have or did make a difference. You can see the entire article here.

“It is interesting to see that the difference in the temperature reading of the TIC at the top assembly compared to the inferno below. In one test, after five minutes, the TIC temperature showed a comfortable 73 degrees on the floor level above the fire; meanwhile, the temperature below was 1,378 degrees. This was not because TIC was not working or reading inaccurate temperatures; but because the flooring and carpets do not transfer that temperature, so the TIC doesn’t see it.”

So, don’t be totally reliant on the TIC, it has it’s limitations. Situational awareness is paramount and a 360 is a must.  Train frequently with your respective camera and learn it’s abilities and limitations.

Stay safe and train hard.

Posted by on January 8, 2010 • Filed under: administration-leadership, buildling construction, command-leadership, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, i joists • Tagged: , , , , , , ,

TV vs. Emergency Lights

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Let's put the TV here, we don't really need these anyway.

Let's put the TV here, we don't really need these anyway.

You may have to look hard and wide to find the emergency systems during your inspections.

This occupancy decided that the television was more important than the emergency lighting.

Things will get pushed in front of fire extinguishers, fire alarm pull stations and of course exits.  If the place is pretty junked up, take some extra time to find these items and ensure that they are freed from obstacles.

Be safe and stay warm out there, most of are freezing.

Posted by on January 8, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire-prevention-education, firefighter-safety-health, inspections • Tagged: , , , , ,

Kitchen Table Tactics 1-7-10

5 comments
What is your tactic?
What is your tactic?

This a lot of fire.  It looks to be a large residential property in an urban-suburban area.

With what you can see, discuss your tactics and what you are thinking as you pull up on this job.

  • Where is your primary life safety?

  • Where and what size is your first line?

  • What about your second line?
  • Options for venting?
  • Search and rescue?
  • What about exposures?
  • Do you have a plan B is Plan A doesn’t work and what is it?

Discuss this with your crews and share your thoughts. It is really good to hear other’s ideas and thoughts on these fires.  Stay safe and be careful.

Posted by on January 7, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Kitchen Table Tactics 01/05/10

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Look familliar? Let's discuss!

Look familiar? Let's discuss!

This is a building that most of us have in our jurisdictions somewhere. Let’s discuss and debate.

  • What can we determine by just pulling up to the building about the occupancy type?
  • From this side, where is the hallway and possible stairs location?
  • What can we say about the fire and any extension?
  • Where do we need to place the primary concern for life safety?
  • Where are you going to place your first attack lines and additional lines after that?
  • Are there any other concerns or issues we need to think about that haven’t been asked here?

Have fun and get your crew involved.  Post your comments so everyone can see all of the great ideas out there.  As always, stay safe and be careful.

Posted by on January 5, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, fires, rescues, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , ,