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The Next 100 Feet of the Attack Line

Control FF at Door
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When discussing attack line tactics, one of the most important points to remember is for the Nozzle Firefighter to always show up at the door with, at least, 1 section of hose often referred to as the “working length”.  This working length is intended to ensure that the Nozzle Firefighter has sufficient line to advance into the fire area and accomplish extinguishment.  What about the 100 feet or so behind the working length? Who manages that hose and how?

Regardless of staffing, there are certain objectives, or good practices, that all engine companies should try to accomplish that will aid in advancing the attack line into the structure.

  • Load the line properly and neatly in the first place. A line loaded nicely will deploy nicely.
  • When stretching the line, the second firefighter on the line needs to either have the next 2 sections (100 ft.) on their shoulder or grab the next coupling behind the working length. By grabbing the coupling you eliminate the possibility of it becoming snagged during the advance as well as move 2 sections of line
  • Spread out on the line. The fire building should be crowded enough.  Implement a Control Firefighter position whose job it is move line from outside to inside the building and, once the line is in, chase kinks and snags to ensure the line keeps moving.
  • Train on ways to effectively move line with limited manpower and physical exertion. The pictures above demonstrate the “loop” method for moving extra hose into a building.  This method requires very little physical effort to move and you can “roll” the loops in the hallway instead of having to find somewhere to flake out line.

Often times, we focus on the end and forget about the means, getting water on the fire but not considering how to get water to fire.  This often results in either a scramble by the attack crew to find out why the line will not move or assigning additional resources to help get the line moving again.  In both cases time and/or resources are wasted and risk to operating crews and possible victims is increased.

There should be little debate that the most important tactic on the fireground is getting the first attack line in service and on the fire.  Keeping the line moving is the most important factor in making that happen. We have to train to be coordinated and proficient at every fire.  Use the smells-and-bells and the “bread and better fires” to hone skills like these so that the next challenging fire you run turns out the way we all want it to.

Practicing these concepts will get the next 100 feet of line through the door and give the Nozzle Firefighter the best chance to use his working length effectively.

 

Thanks and Be SAFE

Posted in Engine Work, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Training & Development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Uncategorized

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No comments Posted by on June 8, 2011

What Is Your Favorite Attack Line & Nozzle Setup and Why?

Please share with us your tool of choice. That setup that, when the S#!T hits the fan, is your GO-TO line.

OR… You can share your (constructive) opinions on someone else’s favorites.

My favorite setup is any line size and/or length in a minute-man w/ a smooth bore. I prefer it with a 100 ft. shoulder load a loops every 100 ft.   I like it because it gives you flexibility, gets the line away from the rig in a usable position to flake and advance and is easy to drain and repack.

My favorite setup on my FD’s rigs is our rear 2 1/2″ with a 1 1/8″ smooth bore. Ours is flat loaded in a single stack with loops at 50, 100 & 200 ft. This gives flexibility depending on staffing.  The abundance of loops also lets us “flip” the shoulder load wherever we need to depending on staffing.  We often find ourselves “John Wayne-ing” for a few minutes until backup arrives. This line has gotten us out of a jam quite a few times. It is not my favorite line because it’s the ever-popular 2 1/2″ with a 1 1/8″ tip. We train on it constantly and we can get it in service quicker than any other line (triple-stacks) on the rig and slings a lot of water.

Please share your setup with us. Also, comment on others. If you have pics you want to send in, email them to info@safefirefighter.com

Thanks and Be SAFE

Posted in Engine Work, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, Training & Development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Uncategorized

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No comments Posted by on April 18, 2011

Straight Stream vs. Fog: A Visual Aid

Among one of the greatest, and most historic debates in the fire service is the use of smooth bore versus fog nozzles.  What’s better and/or safer etc.?  A byproduct of that debate is hose stream selection for fire attack.  The question is, do you use a wide fog pattern, a narrow fog (a.k.a. power cone) or a straight (or solid) stream for offensive interior fire attack?  Watch this video and form your own conclusions.

At a recent training burn, great video was taken of many different people making interior attacks on pretty hot room and contents fires (nice, hot, smoky and confined areas where victims like to wait for us).  Jeff Kuehn, a firefighter and free-lance photographer created the video and provided great feedback on the conditions that he experienced as a “spectator” inside a room and contents fire.

Some points to ponder:

  1. During the video, pay particular attention to the knockdown time and visibility.  In the first attack, visibility never really changes and knockdown is very quick.
  2. You should always check your stream shape either during charging (you have to bleed the air anyway) and/or before making entry into fire area.
  3. With a straight stream, cool the ceiling first, this will cool the upper atmosphere and help to limit steam production.  Hitting the base first can “swirl” the thermal layering and push the heat to the floor (ask Jeff).

A special thanks to Jeff Kuehn for use of the video and for taking so many great pictures.

Check out more of Jeff’s stuff at www.jeffkuehn.com

FTM-PTB and Be Safe

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Posted in Engine Work, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Training & Development, Videos

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14 comments Posted by on February 16, 2011

The What, Where & Why of the First Line

Nothing does more to improve safety on the fireground than correctly stretching, positioning and using the first attack line (sorry Truckies).  The question is, do we take our most effective life and property saving skill for granted?  Do you know the WHAT, WHERE & WHY before and/or during the initial attack line stretch? This post asks these questions and offers some discussion to the most fundamental fireground tactic.

1. Does the first line always have to go through the front door?  Why or why not?

Always, no… preferably, yes!  The most basic reason to (almost) always take the first line through the front door is our number one priority, life safety.  We are taught in rookie school to “think like a civilian” when searching and that civilians will try to exit through primary means of entry.  If that’s true, and we truly are there to protect lives, then the first line should be positioned through the front door by default; if not to search for victims than to protect their means of egress.

2. Does the first line always have to go to the fire?  Why or why not?

Often times we, especially new firefighters, forget that there is more to fighting a fire than putting out the flames.  There are considerations for ventilation (hopefully coordinated), victim search and additional lines.  Sometimes the first line may better serve as a protection line for a search crew, they may have to hold the stairs in a basement fire (or protect the interior of a home for an attached garage fire) or may need to allow some of the conditions to be controlled prior to making an advance (i.e. flashover or backdraft conditions or unique hazards).

3. What information is needed when sizing up the stretch for the initial attack line?

Since preconnected attack lines are the norm these days, sometimes the mentality (truthfully) is “IN CASE OF FIRE, PULL HERE” with little or no thought to the adequacy of the size, length and/or nozzle of the preconnect.   We risk becoming desensitized to adequately sizing up not only the first line but all attack lines.

Poorly sizing up the first line could result in not enough line to reach and/or extinguish the fire, too much line that is cumbersome to move and constantly kinks or maybe stretching the wrong size line.   All of these scenarios will require the second engine, usually assigned to the second/backup line, to assist the first engine with making their line effective.  All three scenarios expose all crews involved to unnecessary risk.

Let us know what your thoughts and experiences are.  Thanks and be SAFE!

Posted in Engine Work, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Strategy and Tactics, Training & Development

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3 comments Posted by on December 6, 2010

How Do You Carry the Irons?

I was always taught that the irons (aka married set) were supposed to be carried by one person and that everyone else still needed to carry their own tool.

This is also my belief, and common practice. However, I see (a lot of) people splitting up the set, carrying the set between two people OR only carrying one or the other. My questions are these:

1) Does your FD have a standard for carrying the irons?
2) If carried together, what are the PROS and CONS?
3) If carried apart, what are the PROS and CONS?
4) Does your FD have a different “standard” forcible entry tool setup instead of the irons?

To answer my own questions… my FD has riding assignments that specify who carries the irons.

For a 4-firefighter Engine Company, the Backup Firefighter carries the irons, the Officer brings a hook and the Nozzle FF brings the line.

For a 3-firefighter Engine Company where NO line is stretched, the Nozzle Firefighter carries the irons and a can and the Officer carries a hook. If a line is stretched, the Nozzle FF brings the line and the Officer has the option of carrying the irons, carrying the hook irons (6′ hook and Halligan) or any one part of those sets depending on occupancy type and construction.

Our Truck is always staffed with four firefighters and the Irons Firefighter (w/ a can) sits behind the Officer. Our other standard positions are the Officer with a Hook, Outside Vent FF with the hook irons (and a ladder) and the Driver equips as needed.

We train on carrying the irons together because of limited manpower and to maintain a universal compliment of tools on the interior. We have a lot of subleased housing with “rooms ” for rent inside existing apartments and houses. These doors, though inside of house/apt are fortified as well, if not more so, than the front door. We also train on using the irons with one firefighter. Carrying a tool in each hand also gives the Irons FF more reach during searches (see picture).

That’s my two cents… I’d love to hear yours, please feel free to share.

Thanks and Be SAFE!

Posted in Engine Work, Firefighting Operations, Training & Development, Truck Work

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1 comment Posted by on October 6, 2010

Tips for Advancing the Attack Line

Control FF at Door
Burned Through Attack Line
Nail In Attack Line
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Nothing is more fundamental, or important, when extinguishing a fire than stretching an attack line and putting water on the fire.  Yet, as fundamental as it is, there are some things to keep in mind that will help keep your attack line moving through a structure and keep you and your crew from having a really bad day.

  1. Know your equipment: your hoseloads, nozzles, etc.
  2. Know the strengths and weaknesses of your hoseloads (i.e. triple stacks are not great for stairs)
  3. Make sure everyone knows their role within the crew
  4. Spread out on the line. Assign Backup FF and Control FF positions w/ additional manpower.  The Backup FF helps the Nozzle FF advance during fire attack.  The Control FF stays at (or near) the point of entry, feeds hose from the exterior and chases kinks.
  5. During the attack and advance on the fire, or whenever necessary, spray the floor ahead of the line to move debris, cool the floor and/or embers and check for “surprises”

These are just a few tips to help keep the line moving and make your attack on the fire a little easier, quicker and safer.  If you have any other ideas or suggestions, please feel free to leave your comments.

Thanks and Be SAFE

Posted in Engine Work, Firefighting Operations, Strategy and Tactics

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3 comments Posted by on August 5, 2010

Food for Thought: Pump Pressures for Attack Lines

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Becoming a driver/operator can be a fairly intimidating step in one’s career.  No matter how much training and/or experience you had as a firefighter, the pressure of being the one responsible for the safety of an attack crew causes some to question what they know is right.

Over the past few years, I have discussed the following question numerous times with driver/operators of varying experience levels.  I am going to share the question, and my answer/opinion, with you.  Please feel free to share your thoughts.

The question is…

When pumping an attack line, should the operator pump what they are supposed to have by the numbers (length, size, flow, friction loss) or give them enough to start with (so as not to “beat up” the crew) and rely on radio communications to adjust?

My answer/opinion is…

Give them what the numbers say they are supposed to have.  It is the pump operator’s job to make sure that the attack crew has what they are supposed to have because…

  • The safety and trust of the attack crew rests with their confidence in the operator to get them the water they need, when they need it.
  • Radios are usually the weakest link in the fireground communications process and are unreliable for numerous reasons.
  • Line size, length and nozzle selection is based on the numbers
  • Neither the attack officer nor the IC can determine the effectiveness of the attack if they are not putting the CORRECT gpm on the fire to begin with.
  • Any reductions in flow could/should indicate a kink in the line, burst or damaged section, or mechanical problem with the pump. It should never be a result of operator error.

Though noble is theory, the most common reasoning I’ve heard behind lower pressures initially is to make it easier on the attack crew.  However, there is a fundamental breakdown with this theory.  If the nozzle firefighter cannot handle the nozzle, it may be due to lack of training, improper nozzle positioning (i.e. pistol grips), lack of adequate backup on the line or any combination of these.

Though it’s drivers who usually bring up the question of attack line pressure, the issue is really  brought about by firefighters who express concern about nozzle pressure (having too much).  I stand by my opinion and would encourage crews to practice nozzle tactic training, especially the teamwork between the nozzle and backup firefighters.  Most fires are controlled with the first attack line.  There is also a cliche that “as the first line goes, so goes the fire.”  With that being said, let’s get it right the first time and take the fight to the fire.

Below are a few links to give you some training ideas.

Thanks and Be SAFE


Video from Brotherhood Instructors- Engine Company Ops

Article/Post from Traditions Training- “Play Like You Practice…”

Posted in Engine Work, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, Training & Development

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24 comments Posted by on July 12, 2010

BTFD Standpipe Hose Pack Demo

A few months ago, a group of Bluffton firefighters was asked to re-evaluate the Bluffton Township Fire District’s “high-Rise Packs”.  They were tasked with creating a standardized and cost-effective portable hose pack system that is user friendly, flexible and meets the current needs and future demands of the ever growing and changing fire district.

The group has been busy discussing, researching and testing many hose and nozzle configurations, holding a couple of dealer demos and having a standpipe prop developed for realistic and mobile standpipe training during both research and throughout implementation and ongoing training.  We have narrowed down the configurations with the following considerations in mind:

Bluffton typically (99.9% of the time) uses hose packs to extend handlines at large-house fires and brush fires

Bluffton has no high rises as defined by building code.  As such,  drastic friction loss is not a major problem and Pressure reducing valves are not used (we still considered reducing nozzle pressures and the limitations of fire pumps)

The Multi-story commercial and hotel occupancies that we do have are all built to current or recent code, well protected and well compartmented (usually with block or metal stud walls and concrete ceilings)

Current (typical) hose packs are cumbersome to store and use as well as not very adaptable to our primary needs.

We need a standard nozzle configuration that is user friendly and versatile.

NOTE: The nozzle we are testing is a Task Force Tips Break-apart nozzle with and 200+ gpm @ 50 psi, 1” smooth bore tip integrated into the shutoff and a 150 gpm @ 75 psi fog tip with a separate integrated twist shutoff.  This offers standard water for our standard uses and bigger water if you need it.  You can also extend the line at the main shutoff and use the fog tip on the extended section.

Recently, the BTFD conducted live fire training and focused on standpipe operations.  the crews were encouraged to used the standpipe packs currently in- service on their rigs.  Once they finished their scenarios, members of the Hose Pack Committee gave a demo of the leading configuration that we are looking at.  Unfortunately some people missed the demo, so the above video is for them and everyone else.  On behalf of the hose pack committee, we appreciate everyone’s feedback and look forward to the implementation phase.

Hopefully, we’ll get some video of the nozzle operating and extending lines and post some pics and video later on.

A special thanks to the Hose Pack Committee (Jason Brahm, Shawn Fitzpatrick, Jeff Laszig and Matt McDowell), Carolina Fire Control for the development and donation of the standpipe prop, the Marine Corps Air Station Fire Department for the use of their burn building and to the members of the Bluffton Township Fire District for your dedication.

FTM-PTB and Be Safe

Video soundtracks: “Lowrider” by War, “Sleep now in the fire” by Rage against the machine & “All My Life” by Foo Fighters

Posted in Engine Work, News and New Stuff

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No comments Posted by on April 24, 2009

Fire Attack: Nozzle Firefighter Basics

Once you’ve scene the video from the “Straight Stream vs. Fog” post (January 13, 2009), you may have a new appreciation for using a straight stream during interior fire attack.  Next we’ll look at a few ways to make the interior fire attack more safe and effective from entry to ventilation.

We’re going to start at the door to the fire room.  Once you find the fire room and are able to make entry, you may need to close the door to double check your stream shape, give your crew time to back you up, make sure you have enough line to advance and finish the attack or get water (in a MFD or commercial) situation.  Once you open the door, everyone should stay low and let the smoke, heat and fire blow off prior to making entry.  In other words “stay low and let it blow”.

Once you make entry, get out of the doorway and inside the room preferably on or near a wall.  However, don’t go past the point of no return.  “The point of no return inside a doorway is the point beyond which there is no escape if the room flashes over.” (Vincent Dunn, Deputy Chief FDNY (ret.), April, May June 2005 Newsletter).

Now you’re inside the room, on the wall and ready to make your attack.  A great method for a safe fire attack is the “5-sided Fire Attack”.  This type of attack covers everything for controlling and/or advancing on a fire.  The fives sides include the ceiling (1), sidewalls (2&3), directly ahead (4) and the floor in front of you (5).  You can accomplish a 5-sided fire attack with either the “O” or “Z” combination patterns.  It is particularly important to hit the ceiling FIRST and to sweep the floor in front BEFORE advancing.

You have to cool the upper atmosphere to minimize steam and give victims the best chance for survival.  Then, by sweeping the floor with the stream, you can cool any embers, “wash away” debris and hear water falling through holes in the floor.

Once the fire is knocked, another forgotten tactic is for the nozzle firefighter to hydraulically ventilate the fire area (if possible).  This is especially important today since so many FD are understaffed and exterior truck work is slow to be accomplished.  Once the fire is out, the only thing left to kill victims is the heat, smoke and steam.  So hydraulically ventilate and GET IT OUT!

Now that the fire is under control, it’s cooler and everyone can see, now all we have to do is overhaul and critique the fire.

Remember the basics!  The only thing that is scarcer than fighting fire is being on the nozzle when fires happen.  The only thing you can do train and be ready.

FTM-PTB and Be Safe

Posted in Engine Work

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No comments Posted by on January 25, 2009