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Class Announcement! VES @ SC Fire Academy

Safe Firefighter, LLC will be teaching it’s 16-hour “Ventilation, Entry & Search (VES)  Techniques” during Southeastern Fire School at the South Carolina Fire Academy.

NOTE: In the catalog, they are calling it “Tools in your Hands: Truck Company Operations” but it’s our VES class.  Below is a class description & registration to print out…

This hands-on based class will provide participants with life saving skills needed to effectively force entry, ventilate and search fire buildings using multiple different truck company tactics and skills.  Participants will get high repetition training on critical skills using realistic props and scenarios.  These skills include: conventional forcible entry, power saw (K12) forcible entry, rope search, vent-enter-search (VES), vertical and horizontal ventilation and advanced ground ladders.  Participants can take the skills from this class home and have an immediate impact on fireground safety. 

SIGN UP HERE: SoutheasternFireSchool_Registration

GOT QUESTIONS?  Call us (843) 247-6044 or email us at info@safefirefighter.com

Posted in Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, Emergency Communications, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, News, Rescues, Safety and Health, Special Operations, Strategy and Tactics, Technology & Communications, The Brotherhood, Training, Training & Development

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No comments Posted by on January 23, 2012

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

The Initial On Scene Report

Most in the fire service would agree that our success at any building fire is determined by the actions of the initial arriving units (first alarm assignment).  The ability of the first arriving unit to provide a sufficient initial on-scene report will provide other incoming units with the information and direction they need to position and operate in the most efficient manner and, hopefully, take care of the fire safely and quickly.

To be effective, the initial on-scene report needs to be clear, concise and relevant.  Relevant information in this case would be information directly related to initial operations.  There are many acronyms that can be used to create a size-up.  However, most are very long, involve non-critical information and are subsequently difficult to remember.  Though important for on-going size-up after units are on-scene and operating, they may not practical for an initial report with the cavalry charging in.

A very useful and effective acronym that I have used is the A-B-C-D Size-up.  It provides clear and concise information in a uniform sequence that can be adopted by all to provide a standardized initial on-scene reporting method.  The breakdown is as follows:

A- Address

B- Building Description

C- Conditions

D- Deployment and directives

First, confirm the address of the incident.  Many fires are called in by witnesses, neighbors or homeowners with cell phones.  Accurately determining the incident location can affect running routes, layout instructions and apparatus placement.  We responded to a house fire where, based on the dispatch information, the second due would have to pass the incident street (1st St.) and layout from 2nd St. to complete a split lay to us (1st Due).  However, the actual incident location was across the street from a hydrant and we made our own water supply.  This allowed the 2nd due to continue directly to the scene and provide much needed manpower.

Next, provide a useful description of the building.  How many times have you heard someone mark on-scene with a “working house fire” and that’s it!  That does nobody any good.  An adequate description of the building will help incoming engine companies determine line size and length, trucks companies plan their searches, ladders and ventilation and chiefs’ consideration for additional resources.

Going hand in hand with the building description is a report of conditions.  Announcing that you have a “working house fire” is useless to incoming units for determining strategy and tactics.  When describing conditions, paint a picture for incoming units.  Describe how much smoke and/or fire you have and give a specific location within the building. The following provides a vivid mental picture that can be useful to incoming units, “I have heavy smoke showing from the second floor, Alpha/ Delta corner”.

Finally, announce what you are doing and what needs to done (deployment and directives).  This begins with identifying the operational mode (investigating, rescue, offensive or defensive).  This automatically tells incoming units what mindset to be in.  Next, provide any additional instructions to specific units or to dispatch.  This may include layout or placement instructions, announcement of special hazards or requesting additional alarms.

Below are a couple of examples to help you get started:

“Engine 1 is on-scene at 1 Main St.  I have a 1-story single family dwelling with light smoke showing from the Charlie/Delta corner. This will be a working fire, Engine 1 has it’s own water supply and will be going offensive, Command will be passed to Battalion 1,”

“Battalion 1 is on-scene at 321 Terrace Drive with a 2-story commercial dwelling with fire showing from the Second division side Alpha.  This will be an offensive working fire.  Engine 1 will be attack on Division 2, Engine 2 will pull a back up line and Truck 1 will report to the roof for ventilation and give me ladders for egress.  I also need a Second Alarm.”

The A-B-C-D Size-up is ideal for providing relevant information in a short and sweet radio message. Hopefully this will help you give solid initial on scene reports that lead to successful operations.

Thanks and be SAFE

Posted in Command & Leadership, Discussions, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, Strategy and Tactics, Training & Development

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1 comment Posted by on November 9, 2010

Tips for Advancing the Attack Line

Control FF at Door
Burned Through Attack Line
Nail In Attack Line
advancinghoseline


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

Commercial Forcible Entry for Residential Doors

New Door
New Security Door

I caught this on vententersearch.com the other day and then was forwarded a link to additional info by LT Derek Franks (BTFD T375).  This door is pretty intense and, if not identified recognized on scene, could waste time and energy should we have to gain entry into a building.

Essentially, they are high security, reinforced steel doors with up to six (6) dead bolts (controlled by a single lock) and dressed to look like standard residential wooden doors.  Though it’s deceiving, shocking the door prior to attempting to force it should help you identify its construction as well as strong, and not-as-strong, points.

After seeing pictures and watching the video, it seems that either a K12 or solid through-the-lock techniques may be the best option if you find yourself up against this door.  Since all of the throws are controlled by one lock, pulling or spinning the lock and using key tools should be pretty quick.

Here are some links to info about the doors and to some tactics for forcible entry:

Residential Security Door – from vententersearch.com

Master Security Doors – Manufacturer’s website

How It’s Made – Master Security Door YouTube Video

Shocking Doors – YouTube video from Brotherhood Instructors

Through-the-Lock – YouTube video from Bellingham Fire Department

Posted in Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, Strategy and Tactics, Training & Development, Truck Work, Videos

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No comments Posted by on May 26, 2010

Lessons Learned: Solid Truck Work Makes for Easy Engine Work

The following is an article contributed by Chris Garniewicz, a Truck Captain for the Bluffton Township Fire District.  He was the first due truck officer at the following incident and these are his accounts and lessons learned from that fire:

On September 11th, 2009 at 2107 hours, Bluffton Fire responded to a reported (building) fire at 154 Bluffton Road.  While companies were enroute, Dispatch advised there were multiple calls for the fire.  The first due company was delayed, so the truck and the second due engine arrived first together with the Battalion Chief.  A thermal column was seen on approach, and on arrival there was heavy smoke pushing from the eaves and doors of a 5000 square foot, 13-unit storage facility.  Apparatus positioning was a challenge, due to very narrow and obstructed driveways, requiring the engine to position on the Alpha side for fire attack while the truck positioned on the Charlie/Delta corner and split crews, establishing two forcible entry teams.

The building was type 2B construction, with no fire stops between units (overhaul revealed an approximately 6” gap at ceiling level, allowing fire and heat to spread between all units).  Due to the mixture of combustibles within the units, the smoke was thick and dark.  First arriving companies identified the unit of origin by the warping and discoloration of the steel doors and metal siding.

The decision was made by the engine officer to aggressively attack the unit of origin, then the units on all sides working out from the fire.  Truck crews were assigned to open all the doors to facilitate attack and overhaul. During forcible entry operations, truck members were met with a few challenging lock configurations and locations.  The number of locks and lock types created a time issue.  As a result, crews decided to cut the door instead of wasting time with removing multiple locks.

In order to access the fire units and exposure units quickly, the truck crew initially made “A” cuts to allow for knockdown, then came back during overhaul and made full height and width horizontal cuts to allow safer operations within the units.  The initial cut into the fire units allowed the engine crew to stop the fire spread rapidly and minimize damage to the other units. In all, 13 overhead doors were cut and/or forced and the fire was extinguished with two handlines. The aggressive tactics and coordinated efforts of the companies allowed for a large

Horizontal Cut
Delta Side (Unit of Origin)
Unit of Origin

Leftovers of an "A" cut
Triple Locks
Added Bottom Lock


and challenging fire to be contained to the area of origin,

Sizing up commercial building for forcible entry problems gives companies a heads up when faced with a fire like that at Taylor Warehouse.  Crews were able to make decisions that allowed for quick access and a good stop.  Like anything in the fire service, we can’t be proficient at something we don’t practice.  Take out the saws, find something to cut (scrap, old locks, etc.) and know what you are capable of accomplishing prior to the emergency.

Posted in Firefighting Operations, Fires, Lessons Learned, Strategy and Tactics, Training & Development, Truck Work, Uncategorized

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1 comment Posted by on October 26, 2009

Understaffed Truck Work: Forcible Entry

Most fire departments, if they are even lucky enough to staff a truck company, often struggle with how to maximize the tasks that the truck can accomplish on the fireground.  Since times are tough and budgets are tougher, increasing staffing is unlikely. Below are some ideas to consider when trying to get the most from your truckies.

Our truck company will be staffed with three: an officer, driver and one firefighter.  We’re going to talk about fundamental truck functions like ladders, gaining entry, search and rescue and ventilation.  This article will focus on Forcible entry techniques.  We’re going to keep it simple and talk about conventional forcible entry and a touch of through the lock.

We can’t talk about forcible entry without talking tools, primarily the irons.  What separates any good crew from another is the mastering of the fundamentals.  What separates one truck company from the others is irons work.  The axe and Halligan are arguably the most versatile and reliable combination of tools available.  Since we can’t fight the fire unless we can get to it, irons work may also be the most important “x-factor” on the fireground.

A growing trend that I’ve seen is splitting up the irons, where the officer will carry the axe and the firefighter carries the halligan (or visa versa).  The problem with this  is that now you’ve taken an already limited crew and given it even fewer options.  The irons are ideal Because they can be married together and carried by ONE Firefighter.  This enables the officer to carry another tool such as a hook or sledge (or whatever) depending on the occupancy and FD SOG’s. Below are some tips for maximizing efficiency when forcing entry.  At the bottom are some videos showing great training ideas and efficient operations.

  • You don’t need fancy props to practice your irons work.
  • Striking the tool from any position and in any conditions is often the first skill lost. To fix this, get a hold of tow landscape timbers, place them together vertically and ratchet strap them to any immovable object in the firehouse.  Use the seem in between the timbers as your jamb and strike away.
  • The other “issue” is that the irons are too cumbersome or heavy to carry.  The best remedy for this is to carry the irons more often.  Carry them together on all Fires, fire alarms, MVA’s, gas leaks, around the firehouse or whatever it takes to get used to it.
  • Learn about door construction, lock construction and their strengths and weaknesses.  Half the battle of forcible entry is knowing how and where to begin the operation.
  • Shock (a.k.a. sound) the doors by striking them with a tool at all 4 corners, at/around the lock(s).  This will not only indicate door construction, but help to locate additional locks and weaken any hardware that may be secured to the door and door frame.
  • Going through-the-lock after spinning the cylinder on commercial mortise locks may be the quickest way to gain entry without a K12.

In the end, a successful forcible entry operation will depend on the crew’s ability to not only use the irons, but size-up, evaluate and adjust with the situation as well.

FTM-PTB and Be Safe

Posted in Discussions, Strategy and Tactics, Truck Work

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2 comments Posted by on March 3, 2009