See all posts in the network tagged with situational-awareness
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.
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.
This video has been around awhile, but, it is worth watching.
It is a little long, but worth the time. If you can, make your whole crew and all of your officers watch this. It really is something that will make you stop and think.
I know the first time I saw this I couldn’t figure out what they were doing and why they were taking their sweet time.
They were smart and hopefully you will be too. This is a great learning tool and please watch the whole video.
Thanks and stay safe. Please be careful out there.
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.
Apparatus placement is important.
This is a hard pushing fire and getting water on it fast is important.
But, be careful of where and how you place your apparatus.
The operator is very likely having a difficult time at the pump panel even if he is in a mask and tank.
In addition, if that fire would flash, that truck is now an exposure. If your department is like mine, it can’t afford to have a truck out of service for long waiting for a replacement. Not to mention the insurance probably wont buy a new one at what they cost these days.
Just take some time to think about where you are placing your apparatus. If your apparatus becomes disabled because of poor placement while you are inside, things could get bad real quick.
Be aware and stay safe.
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.
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?
This picture is something that needs to be noticed when you are pre-planning or doing inspections.
This is an old commercial building with a large basement. The sprinkler system is down here and there is a huge fire load.
What you are looking at in this picture are the windows boarded up in the basement. These windows exit directly to the outside and the bottom sill is even with the ground outside.
We are taught that when we get disoriented, to get to an outside wall and feel for doors and windows for escape. We might not recognize this as a way out with the plywood over the windows.
Additionally, this is a good example of why you should always have a tool with you when you make the interior. If you did recognize this for what it is, you could breach it and get out.
Remember, we need to train and plan for the unexpected and use sound, basic skills to keep us out of trouble. If we do these things, that is the best way to stay safe and still do our job effectively and as expected by the public.
Stay safe and be careful out there.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
We have posted pictures of “green” roofs and construction and I thought this was a great picture.
This is not a purposeful “green” roof. This is just a lack of maintenance on the homeowners part.
But, this can cause you some trouble if you get out on this roof, especially if it is wet.
Use those roof ladders. I know it takes a little time, but, it is worth it to keep from slipping on something like this and hitting the ground.
Try to get a good survey of the roof before you get on it. Be careful and use common sense.
Stay safe and be careful.
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?
Take a good look at this wiring job. What do you notice? The craftsmanship? The careful notice to detail? Or the ingenuity of making something out of nothing?
Well, it is creative, but safe, not so much. I would love to see where the main lines are coming in from.
As you can see, there is no weather head or protection for this main feed.
In addition, it is just out there for everyone to see and touch.
That box is open with contacts visible for someone to just walk by and put a pike pole in.
I’m sure if you look hard enough you will find something I haven’t listed, so feel free to add to the list.
Take care and stay safe.
The last post showed the RTU from the exterior. Most can be identfified that way from the outside or from getting on the roof through a hatch.
But, what if the building is very large and tall? In some instances the make up of the building doesn’t allow for easy viewing of the roof top. The return air can be seen going into the RTU possibly indicating that there is additional load on the trusses.
Just be aware of what is above you. Some of these large buildings will have several of these on the roof just waiting to come crashing down. Follow the duct work and see where it goes. If you don’t see the full unit, it is likely on the roof.
In addition, look at the roof system. Who can identify what the added danger is?
When inside, look for this type of situation.
Take care and stay safe.
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.
Here is another roof that you could come up on anywhere.
These tiles are solar tiles. These tiles do hold electric and feed it to the meter and the house.
Some information I have found states that at night they are relatively safe since there is no solar power to create the electricity. But I would still be cautious.
Just be careful with these roofs. You would hate to sink a chain saw, K-12 or an ax into this roof if it is energized.
Be careful and stay safe. Have someone check the meter for any placard-like stickers or kill switches for these types of systems.
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.
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.
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.
As I was searching for more information on green construction and fire supression tactics associated with that constrution, I came across this article.
This is a very informative article that touches on how the new Green Code can and will affect the fire service and fire protection systems. It doesn’t really cover tactics in dealing with fires in these buildings, but there is some really valuable information provided.
There is a link to another site that speaks on some of the suppression issues involved with green construction. It discusses the role that fire sprinklers have had in reducing greenhouse gases associated with building fires and the reduction in materials needed to rebuild after a fire. Again, not a lot on tactical considerations for firefighting, but interesting stuff none the less. The link is at http://www.green-fire.org/
Take a look and let us know what you think about this. I found it to be very interesting and speaks on issues that I had not considered before. I will keep looking for more information and posting when I find it, on green construction.
Take care and stay safe.
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.
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 and what size is your first line?
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.
 This blog is part of the Emergency Services Ad Network. For marketing opportunities, please click here |
I wrote a non-EMS related blog. It's about my vagina, and who doesn't want to read about my… (more)
FORCE MORE DOORS IN A DAY THAN YOU HAVE IN YEARS! The Bluffton Twp. Fire District will be hosting… (more)
There was a "life lesson" or some sort of Fire Department training in every task. They worked hard… (more)
Retired Norfolk (VA) firefighter Sara Jones "Jonesy" needs your help in her battle with cancer.… (more)
Recent Comments