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First Due Friday; Heavy Smoke from a Commercial

Share your strategies, tactics and experience! Every Friday we’ll post a picture or video and want to get your take on the situation.

THE SCENARIO: Check out this “soupy” commercial job in PG County, MD. Give us your RECEO breakdown, initial actions and initial rig placement. Ready…Go!

What is your initial report?
Rescue considerations?
Exposures?
Confinement issues?
Extinguishment strategies and tactics?
Overhaul, what areas will you focus initial searches for extension?
Rig placement?

NOTE: Thanks to JT for citing the source of this pic as being from the Berwyn Height VFD site @ http://www.bhvfd14.org/zarc1004.php via the Firehouse Guy.

~~I got this pic a while ago but now I can’t remember where I got it. Since Berwyn Heights is in the pic, I’ll give the credit to the Brothers at Co. 14.~~

Posted in Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, Emergency Communications, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Major Incidents, News, Technology & Communications, Training, Training & Development

Tagged 14, attack, attack line, Berwyn Heights, brotherhood, Command, crew, Engine, Engine Work, entry, fire, fire attack, firefighter, firefighters, firefighting, forcible entry, hose, irons, ladders, leadership, manpower, nozzle, PG, PG County, PGFD, radio, rescue, RIC, safe, safe firefighter, safety, saw, SCBA, search, staffing, strategy, streams, survival, tactics, Training, truck, Truck Work, ventilation

4 comments Posted by safefirefighter on January 13, 2012

First Due Friday; 2-Story Balloon Frame Rockin’ on the Peninsula

Share your strategies, tactics and experience! Every Friday we’ll post a picture or video and want to get your take on the situation.

THE SCENARIO: Watch the video of this heavily involved 2-story balloon frame house. Note the wind and the exposures. Give us your RECEO breakdown, initial actions and initial rig placement. Have fun…

What is your initial report?
Rescue considerations?
Exposures?
Confinement issues?
Extinguishment strategies and tactics?
Overhaul, what areas will you focus initial searches for extension?
Rig placement?

NOTE: This video was found at The Fire Critic, via YouTube. It shows a challenging fire for our Brothers in Charleston, SC.

Posted in Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, Dispatch & Communications, Fire Dispatch, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Funding & Staffing, Major Incidents, News, Technology & Communications, Training, Training & Development, Videos

Tagged attack, attack line, Charleston, charleston fire department, Command, crew, Engine, Engine Work, entry, exposure, exposures, fire, fire attack, firefighter, firefighters, firefighting, forcible entry, hose, irons, ladders, manpower, nozzle, radio, rescue, RIC, safe, safe firefighter, safety, saw, SCBA, search, staffing, strategy, streams, survival, tactics, tradition, Training, truck, Truck Work, ventilation, weather, wind

1 comment Posted by safefirefighter on January 6, 2012

Your Chance to be the Chief’s Aide (Cool Video)

As seen on YouTube and Facebook…

NOTE:

The Command presence
Notice the professionalism of the operating crews
Notice the window A/C unit falling to the street (around :40)
Notice the Outside Vent crew stopping floor below as the Engine starts getting a knock on the fire

Go to the Facebook conversation to get full details, accounts and reactions from brothers in cyberspace as well brother who were at the fire and know the area and operations… http://www.facebook.com/NateDeMarse/posts/292471494132640

Thanks and be safe!

Posted in Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, Dispatch & Communications, Emergency Communications, Fire Dispatch, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, News, Technology & Communications, Training, Training & Development, Videos

Tagged attack, attack line, Brooklyn, brotherhood, Command, crew, Engine, Engine Work, FDNY, fire attack, firefighter, firefighters, firefighting, forcible entry, hose, irons, leadership, pride, radio, rescue, safe, safe firefighter, safety, strategy, tactics, tradition, Training, truck, Truck Work, ventilation

1 comment Posted by safefirefighter on January 4, 2012

First Due Friday: Row House Fire

Share your strategies, tactics and experience! Every Friday we’ll post a picture or video and want to get your take on the situation.

THE SCENARIO: You’re wearing all the hats today! You’re dispatched to a reported “structure” fire. It’s the middle of the week during Christmas vacation and the neighbors don’t know if the kids are there or not.

What is your initial report?
Where is the fire?
Where is it going?
How many lines do you anticipate for this fire?
What size AND length line would you use?
HOW MUCH OF A PRIORITY DO YOU PLACE ON SEARCH?
What search tactics would you use?
What type and where would you vent?
What tactics are a priority?
What are your assignments for YOUR crews?

NOTE: Source of photo unknown

Posted in Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, Dispatch & Communications, Emergency Communications, Fire Dispatch, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Major Incidents, News, Rescues, Technology & Communications, Training, Training & Development, Uncategorized

Tagged attack, attack line, brotherhood, classes, Command, crew, Engine, Engine Work, entry, fire, fire attack, firefighter, firefighters, firefighting, forcible entry, health, hose, irons, ladders, leadership, LODD, manpower, motivation, nozzle, ownership, pride, radio, rescue, RIC, row, rowhouse, safe, safe firefighter, safety, saw, SCBA, search, staffing, strategy, streams, survival, tactics, townhouse, tradition, Training, truck, Truck Work, ventilation

2 comments Posted by safefirefighter on December 23, 2011

2012 Class and Event Planning In Progress

Make training, professionalism and pride part of your New Year’s resolution! We’re in the process of building our 2012 calendar with intense, realistic hands-on training, interactive classroom events and good old-fashioned brotherhood. A couple of events already scheduled include:

Ventilation, Entry & Search Techniques – Southeastern Fire School @ SC Fire Academy – March 10, 11
SC State Firefighters/ Fire Chiefs Conference – Myrtle Beach, SC June 4-9

In the works we’ve got:

S.A.F.E. Firefighter- Smart, Aggressive, Fundamental, Efficient (Interactive Lecture, 2 Hour) – 2 in January – Dates in the Works
First Due Forcible Entry (Hands-On, 8 Hour) – Early February – Dates in the Works
Ventilation, Entry & Search Techniques (Hands-On, 16 Hour) – Mid February – Dates in the Works
First Due Forcible Entry (Hands-On, 8 Hour) – March- Dates TBD
Fireground Rescue (Advanced RIC) (Hands-On, 16 Hour) – April – Date TBD

This is just the beginning. We still have numerous other ENGINE & TRUCK classes available for to match to YOUR NEEDS!

Let us know if you want to SIGN UP for any of these classes OR SCHEDULE YOUR OWN CUSTOM CLASS!

For more information, call (843) 247-6044 or email info@safefirefighter.com.

Posted in Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Funding & Staffing, News, Rescues, Special Operations, Technology & Communications, Training, Training & Development

Tagged attack, attack line, brotherhood, classes, Command, crew, Engine, Engine Work, entry, fire, fire attack, firefighter, firefighters, firefighting, forcible entry, health, hose, irons, ladders, leadership, LODD, manpower, motivation, nozzle, ownership, pride, radio, rescue, RIC, safe, safe firefighter, safety, saw, SCBA, search, staffing, strategy, streams, survival, tactics, tradition, Training, truck, Truck Work, ventilation

No comments Posted by safefirefighter on December 19, 2011

First Due Friday; Truck Arrives First at a House Fire

Share your strategies, tactics and experience! Every Friday we’ll post a picture or video and want to get your take on the situation.

THE SCENARIO: You are the Officer on the 4 person TRUCK company who ARRIVES FIRST at this single-family house fire. Due to other call volume, the FIRST DUE ENGINE is 5 minutes away.

Where is the fire?
Where is it going?
As a TRUCK, what tactics can you perform ahead of, without, an Engine for 5 minutes?
What tactics are a priority?
What are your assignments to YOUR crew?

Tagged attack, attack line, brotherhood, classes, Command, crew, Engine, Engine Work, entry, fire, fire attack, firefighter, firefighting, forcible entry, hose, irons, ladders, manpower, nozzle, rescue, RIC, safe, safe firefighter, safety, saw, SCBA, search, staffing, strategy, streams, survival, tactics, Training, truck, Truck Work, ventilation

3 comments Posted by safefirefighter on December 16, 2011

First Due Friday: “Big Box” Search

Share your strategies, tactics and experience! Every Friday we’ll post a picture or video and want to get your take on the situation.

THE SCENARIO: You are on duty with your usual crew on your usual rig. You arrive at this working fire in Lowe’s. The fire is in the rear loading dock area and spreading into the store. The manager reports at least 2 employees still inside. They were last seen in the rear (close to but not in the area of the fire). YOU CREW IS ASSIGNED PRIMARY SEARCH FOR THE VICTIMS. Smoke conditions diminish as you go deeper into the building until they are almost zero visibility w/ low to moderate heat. You encounter the typical “big box” layout (as pictured).

What are the known hazards?
What are the unknown hazards?
What resources would your FD assign to accomplish the necessary strategy or tactic?
What tactics would you use to accomplish your assignment?

Posted in Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, Emergency Communications, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Rescues, Special Operations, Technology & Communications, Training, Training & Development

Tagged attack, attack line, brotherhood, Command, crew, Engine, Engine Work, entry, fire, fire attack, firefighter, firefighters, firefighting, forcible entry, hose, irons, ladders, leadership, manpower, motivation, nozzle, ownership, pride, rescue, RIC, safe, safe firefighter, safety, saw, SCBA, search, staffing, strategy, streams, survival, tactics, tradition, Training, truck, Truck Work, ventilation

3 comments Posted by safefirefighter on December 9, 2011

I Have Always Done Victim Survivability Profiling

VSP is one of the hottest topics of conversation in the fire service today. Captain Marsar’s research has taken the fire service by storm and has created an interesting “new” flavor of the month for those who feed on “firefighter safety through spectatorship”. Maybe it was because of my animosity for the “let it burn” folks within our profession that I was initially against the concept of deciding if a building is searchable from the front yard and was unfairly biased. However, the more I read about and discuss it the more I realize that I HAVE ALWAYS PERFORMED VSP!

What conditions do I have, where are they and where are they going?
What time is it and where are the people inside?
Where and how can I get in to this building?
How do I get out of this building?
Do I have enough resources to do what I need to do now?
What can I do now?
Is this an offensive or defensive fire?

Is this a size-up or Victim Survivability Profiling (VSP)?

Our priorities of life safety, incident stabilization and property conservation (LIP) are one of the first things that you learn when you get into this job. As our training continues, we learn about phases of fire, flashover and how to “read” smoke. Then, hopefully, someone taught you about Lloyd Layman’s tactical considerations of RECEO VS (rescue, exposures, confinement, extinguishment, overhaul… vent and salvage… in that order). What is supposed to happen is, you take all this knowledge, fight a few fires, learn from them, reapply as necessary then repeat.

As this process continues over years, you hone your skills, learn from your misreads, mistakes and close calls (or better yet someone else’s) and get better and smarter. After time, you become the “senior man” or the officer in charge and get to use that knowledge and experience. YOU decide mode of operation, where and how to position the first line and where/how to start a search. NOW YOU GET TO DECIDE WHO LIVES AND WHO DIES. If a civilian dies at one of “your” fires, DID YOU AND YOUR CREW (as an extension of you) DO EVERYTHING IN YOUR POWER TO PROTECT THEIR LIFE in the manner you were taught your first week of fire training?

TENABLE versus VIABLE, THERE IS A DIFFERENCE. Tenable may depend on smoke, heat, flame and interior layout of the occupancy or any combination. Things are NOT always as they appear from the exterior. Viability MAY be related to tenability, however occupant age, health and relative location to the fire all impact how long someone may be “viable”. For that matter, our actions may directly impact tenability and how long someone may be viable.

How efficiently the first line gets stretched, advanced and water gets on the fire will have the greatest impact on tenability. The time it takes us to get the smoke out of the building will also directly and greatly drive how long someone may be viable. However, the only location on the fireground that is the most tenable AND protects viability is OUTSIDE. Getting IN, searching tenable areas and pulling people OUT of the buildings is the only true way of holding up our end of the deal.

One of my favorite quotes from Chief John Salka is “You don’t know what you don’t know.” We live and work in the unknown and OUR REALITY is making decision based on limited or unknown information. Sometimes a situation leads us into some dangerous areas based on conditions, information and YOUR gut feeling. These factors may lead you through or around “untenable” areas into those “voids” where panicked civilians seek refuge when faced with no exit and certain death. They are not condemned to death; they are just waiting for us to come in a get them. That’s where our training, experience, discipline and professionalism are put to the test. It is not our job to decide who lives and who dies. It is our job to do our job by getting water on the fire, letting the smoke and heat out and helping the helpless.

“Can They Be Saved? Utilizing Civilian Survivability Profiling to Enhance Size-Up and Reduce Firefighter Fatalities in the Fire Department, City of New York.” , Stephen Marsar
“Survivability Profiling: Applying What We’ve Learned”, Stephen Marsar, Fire Engineering July 2011
“‘Survivability Profiling’ is Key to Ending Preventable LODDs”, Stephen Marsar, FireRescue Magazine November 2011
“Muliple Rescues in Fatal Lewisdale Fire”, from www.hvfd.com
“…Report Critical of Pasadena Fire Department’s Failure to Find Woman’s Body After Fire”, from Pasadena Star News Online
“Sometimes It’s Not So Simple”, from www.backstepfirefighter.com

Posted in Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, Fire Prevention & Education, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Funding & Staffing, In the Line of Duty, Line of Duty, Major Incidents, News, Rescues, Technology & Communications, Training, Training & Development, Videos

Tagged attack, backstep firefighter, brotherhood, Command, crew, dave leblanc, efo, Engine Work, fire, fire attack, fire engineering, firefighter, firefighters, firefighting, firerescue, health, hvfd, leadership, LODD, manpower, motivation, nfa, nozzle, ownership, rescue, RIC, safe, safe firefighter, safety, SCBA, search, staffing, stephen marsar, strategy, streams, survival, tactics, tradition, Training, truck, Truck Work, ventilation, victim survivability profiling

2 comments Posted by safefirefighter on December 1, 2011

Bread & Butter in DC (Video)

Below is a great video of bread and butter firefighting at a DC house fire. I originally caught this video on www.backstepfirefighter.com. Over there, Bill Carey pointed out how efficiently the engine crews got the lines to the Charlie side.

Typically, the Charlie side of a structure is an after thought (or an uh-oh thought) until something back their grabs our attention. Always remember there are six sides to every fire.

Speaking of which, also notice the number and placement of ground ladders (all visible sides are laddered).

Enough of the blabber, enjoy the video.

Posted in Command & Leadership, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, News, Training & Development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Videos

Tagged attack, attack line, brotherhood, Command, Engine, Engine Work, fire, fire attack, firefighter, firefighters, firefighting, hose, ladders, manpower, motivation, nozzle, rescue, safe, safe firefighter, saw, staffing, strategy, streams, tactics, Training, truck, Truck Work, ventilation

No comments Posted by safefirefighter on November 5, 2011

Taking Saws and Blades to the Next Level!

Safe Firefighter, LLC is proud to announce it’s newest sponsor/ partner Desert Diamond Industries. DDI began manufacturing cutting blades for the construction industry and has found a new, and growing home, in the fire service.

Their key fire/rescue products include the “Safety Blade”, the new industry standard in multipurpose diamond blades currently in use by some the largest and busiest department’s in the U.S. and endorsed by Brotherhood Instructors. Some of their other FD products include the 12 and 24 tooth carbide tip blades, the ideal option for vertical ventilation operations, the multipurpose “Chunk” blade and countless other tools for rescue/ US&R applications.

Backed by a “Lifetime Operator Error Warranty”… “When lives are on the line, the last thing you need to worry about is your blade!”

To see their full line of products click here: Desert Diamond Industries

You can see these products in action during any of our Truck Company and/or Forcible Entry Classes!

Contact Safe Firefighter, LLC @ info@safefirefighter.com for more information

Posted in Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, News, Rescues, Special Operations, Technology & Communications, technology-communications-ems-topics, Training & Development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Truck Work, Uncategorized, Videos

Tagged classes, entry, fire, firefighter, firefighting, forcible entry, rescue, safe, safe firefighter, safety, saw, strategy, tactics, Training, truck, Truck Work, ventilation, vertical ventilation

No comments Posted by safefirefighter on October 3, 2011

Video- Detroit’s 9th Fire in One Hour!

Found this 2-part video of a serious fire in Detroit. This fire originated in the obvious dwelling, then spread to the neighboring duplex.

Some background of this incident and some of the things people will notice:

According to the description, this was the 9th arson fire in THIS NEIGHBORHOOD in ONE HOUR.
The minimal use of SCBA. According to the comments, these crews had run FOUR fires continuously and their was no more air available when this fire was dispatched.
The Officer at the exposure performing “Das Boot” forcible entry. Remember, bringing a tool (especially a Halligan or set of irons) can accomplish in one try what his boot took four. This will hold true in MOST residential setting barring any security “surprises”.

Some of the interesting points about this operation:

The initial rig placement w/ the truck front and center
The flawless layout of the notorious “Detroit Bundle” AND an exposure line from the first Engine, putting two lines in service simultaneously
The immediate attention given to the exposure (both residences) despite heavy fire from the main dwelling. No one had “moth to the flame”. Granted in Detroit, I’m sure they’re pretty much past that stage.
As a result of the above, very quick knockdown of both the exposures and the main dwelling fire
An overall very professional operation by some of the hardest working fireman in the country. Great job.

Enjoy the videos and be SAFE!

Posted in Command & Leadership, fire, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Funding & Staffing, Major Incidents, News, Training & Development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Truck Work, Vehicle Operations & Apparatus, Videos

Tagged attack, attack line, brotherhood, Command, crew, Engine, Engine Work, entry, fire, fire attack, firefighter, firefighting, forcible entry, irons, manpower, safe, safe firefighter, safety, SCBA, staffing, strategy, tactics, Training, truck, Truck Work

2 comments Posted by safefirefighter on October 2, 2011

Through-the-Lock: A NEED to Know Skill

I recently updated the through-the-lock setup that I carry in my gear (see pics below). For years I had used a modified set of locking pliers (ViseGrip style) with separate key tools and shove knife. This setup has proven extremely effective at both alarm runs and working fires.

I’ve decided to change my setup to a modified “Channelok” setup. It’s going to allow me merge 2 tools into 1 and I’ll be able to store it in a smaller pocket. I am actually using an Irwin/ Vise Grip brand plier that slide-locks into place (no more finding the right notch) that is modified to match the Kerry Key from Fire Hooks Unlimited (see pic).

Though I was taught early in my career the importance of door and lock knowledge and “alternate” means of gaining access, it is apparent that this is a lost art in the fire service.

Below are some links to great articles, videos and pics.

Happy training and Be SAFE.

Photo by author

ARTICLES:

“History of Lock Pulling Tools”, www.midwesternfirefighter.com

“Through the Lock Forcible Entry: Key in the Knob Locks”, www.blog.brotherhoodinstructors.com

Video of Brotherhood Instructors, LLC via YouTube

Video from Wichita FD via www.VentEnterSearch.com

Posted in Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Training & Development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Uncategorized, Videos

Tagged classes, Engine, Engine Work, entry, fire, firefighting, forcible entry, irons, manpower, safe, safe firefighter, strategy, tactics, Training, truck, Truck Work

No comments Posted by safefirefighter on September 15, 2011

Preplanning During EMS Runs

Snapped this picture during an EMS run. Invaluable lessons can be learned by paying attention during non-fire runs.

Some of the things we noted:
1. The additional slide bolt lock on the front door
2. No door knob on the bedroom door
3. Open light fixtures
4. Only one smoke detector (in the kitchen, not pictured) but it was 3 feet down the wall.

What hazards and/or fire behavior can we expect from these pictures?

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged behavior, ems, Engine, fire, fire attack, firefighting, forcible entry, irons, medical, Preplan, safe, safety, strategy, tactics, truck

3 comments Posted by safefirefighter on August 8, 2011

Great Video: Understaffed Truck Work

Here is a terrific and detailed video of ways to accomplish fundamental, yet critical, truck tactics with one firefighter.

I took some classes with Trey (and some other huge, knuckle-dragging guy from 3 Truck) roughly 10 years ago in Indy. He’s a firemen’s fireman and loves to share ideas (obviously).

Enjoy and Be SAFE!

Posted in Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Training & Development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Truck Work, Videos

Tagged 3 truck, firefigher, firefighting, hook, ladders, nashville, nashville fire department, roof, safe, safe firefighter, saw, truck, truck 3, ventilation, vertical ventilation, video, videos

No comments Posted by safefirefighter on July 9, 2011

Not So Vacant, Vacants (Part 2)… What Would You Do?

Notice Anything Strange w/ These “Vacant” Under Construction Rowhomes?

In last weeks post, “Not So Vacant, Vacants”, we showed some pictures of a vacant, under construction, row with signs of occupants. Now we want to hear from you.

What would you do given the following scenario?

You are dispatched to “smoke in the area”. Dispatch is reporting multiple calls. You arrive on the block to find heavy smoke pushing from the second floor, middle of the row.

Do you suspect life hazard? Why or why not?
What is your operational mode?
What are your tactical priorities?
How would you deploy your crew and how would you assign other resources?

Take this scenario as far as you want. If you run with 1 on a rig, go with it. Tell us how you would accomplish your suppression goals. If you have 16 firefighters on a First Alarm and want to take it to 3-alarms, awesome, tell us how you would use the resources. We look forward to your feedback.

Be SAFE

Posted in Command & Leadership, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Training & Development

Tagged Command, Engine, fire, firefighters, fireground, life hazard, safe firefighter, safety, search, strategy, survival, tactics, truck

3 comments Posted by safefirefighter on July 6, 2011

30% Club… Wanna Join? Pay Your Dues

This article is being posted, with permission from the author Jake Rixner

In everyone’s career, things are said or done that make the “light bulb turn on”. This article was one of the things that I read early in my career that had a tremendous impact on me. Immediately after reading it, I knew I had to be a member of the 30% Club, that a 30 percenter was the type of fireman I wanted to be. Though I ‘ve had this article tucked away for a long time, now seems like a great time to talk about some good ‘ol hard-nosed firefighting… enjoy!

The 30% Club, by Jake Rixner

“In the early 1980’s, all three shifts at the nickel were taking in about 80 to 100 working fires a year, most of which were in the first due. To really learn how to be a good fireman, one has to go to fires. The action didn’t get any better than 5 Engine.

Some of the best officers, and firemen were assigned to the busy house on Leigh Street. Lessons of previous battles were passed down from the senior members. Friendships were forged that will be taken to the grave. We also worked with 18 other men assigned to 1 Truck that shared the cramped quarters. Many of them were also members of the 30% club.

What is the 30% club?

Pitch black smoke, the sound of crackling fire, a campfire noise amplified 100 times by being confined inside a building. Who is that? It’s Buzzy, it’s Pinky, it’s Radar, it’s Mikey, it’s Bryan, it’s Grayson and the list goes on. Richmond has always been blessed with great firemen; it has been passed down from generation to generation. It always felt good to be crawling down that long dark, hot hallway with these men.

Upon finding the fire, the pipe is opened and the steam seams to find every opening in your clothing, making an uncomfortable situation even worse. Thru clenched jaws you “stick it out” that extra 30 seconds that it takes to turn a second alarm fire into just another all-hands job.

The members of the 30% club know that their work will not be featured on the news, the public will never see what they do. That small burns to the ears, & neck are part of the trade. They know that many second and third alarm fires (which can generate intense media coverage) would have been put out for want of a thirty percenter on the pipe. Members of the club also know that once the fire is knocked down, there will be a wave of firemen on scene wanting to help pull ceilings and walls, making sure to rub a little soot on themselves. At times it gets so tight you can’t move.

So what is it that drives these guys? Thirty percenters love the challenge of taking on a force of nature, and living to tell about it. They know that the true reward working in this business is what you give back to the community, the life you helped save, the building you helped save, the little boys baseball card collection, a little girl’s “American Girl” doll collection, the family photo album. Things that can never be replaced are some of the things that drive the “thirty percenter”. There is also a bond, a brotherhood that is formed by shared hardships, and shared danger. Respect, the respect you get from officers and co-workers. I can remember what it meant to me. The many times of “good job” or the eye contact from officers who know what you just went through, and what you’ve accomplished. The respect your company receives from the Battalion Chiefs. The respect you receive in the firehouse kitchen, etc. It feels good to be in the thirty percent club.

How do you join?

You join the club by taking all available training classes. Learn your business so you are not a danger to yourself or those around you. Then you must figure out who in your department is trustworthy, and stick with him at the next fire. Like any trade, you need a mentor to show you the ropes.

Be careful, the loudest talker at the kitchen table may not be the best fireman on the fireground; its often that quiet guy sitting at the table taking it all in, who just might surprise you at the next worker. One sure way to tell is to push the line in at the next fire and see who you bump into… I can promise you that it is right then that you will have become a candidate for the thirty percent club. And you may even be seen with a slight grin on your face when one of the pretenders rubs a dirty glove across his face…”

About the author

Jake Rixner is a fire Lieutenant with 20 years service in the Richmond, Virginia Fire Department. He previously worked as a firefighter in Washington DC. His fire service career started as a volunteer in Monroeville, Pennsylvania in 1978 at Company #5 (the busiest in Alleghany County).

He has had articles featured in Fire Engineering Magazine and has instructed at the FDIC. He is an instructor in Virginia. Lt. Rixner holds an associate’s degree in Fire Science. Lt. Rixner still volunteers in Kentland in Prince Georges County, MD.

Bread and Butter Vertical Ventilation Video! (Helmet Cam)

This video from FirefighterNation comes from a 1-story duplex fire in Durhan (NC) Fire Deparment. This great helmet cam video shows many good strategies and tactics being executed. You may also see some “tricks” for tool placement/mounting that may expedite your roof/OV operations. Some of the key points include:

Overall, a very fluid operation. Not much wasted time and/or movement. These are both signs of a well trained and experienced crew.
The hole placement was great, which resulted in rapid improvement of conditions at the eaves.
They made sure they opened up the hole adequately as well as made sure they “punched through” to the ceiling
Though first hole was good size, they extended it again very quickly.
Once their roof operation was completed, they quickly exited and continue to open the eaves at the soffits. Remember… there is always something else that needs to be done, so finish your assignment and get another one.

They’re called WORKING fires for a reason. This crew was very professional and was nice enough to give us a great tool to learn from (the music’s pretty cool too.)

Be SAFE

Posted in Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Lessons Learned, Training & Development, Videos

Tagged fire, firefighting, roof, saw, truck, ventilation, vertical, working fire

No comments Posted by safefirefighter on March 11, 2011

Forcible Entry: What Are You Doing?!?!

Forcible entry is always an interesting discussion around the service. On one side, you’ve got the forcible entry purists (myself included). These guys can force a door with a safety pin, a rock and a piece of duct tape. Despite their McGyver-esk skills, they prefer the irons.

On the other side of the discussion are the mule kickers. Often mistaken for SWAT Officers, these guys prefer the old size 10 for forcible entry. Kick… grimace… repeat. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.

SO WHICH SIDE ARE YOU ON?

“Back to basics”! That’s the buzz phrase of the last ten years. Here’s the problem… TO GET BACK TO BASICS, YOU HAVE TO GET THEM IN THE FIRST PLACE!

ALWAYS REMEMBER: YOU ARE A PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTER (no paycheck required)… DO YOUR ACTIONS REFLECT THIS?

No finger pointing whatsoever (now is the time for self-reflection). Below are some great videos and links of both methods:

www.backstepfirefighter.com/2011/03/07/the-mulekick/

www.traditionstraining.com/2011/02/setting-up-your-irons/

www.blog.brotherhoodinstructors.com/2011/03/08/forcible-entry-operation-in-zerolimited-visibility-by-andrew-brassard-nate-demarse/

Thanks to www.backstepfirefighter.com for the inspiration, Brotherhood Instructors and Traditions Training for the articles and videos, respectively.

Posted in Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, Training & Development, Videos

Tagged axe, Engine, forcible entry, halligan, irons, kick, mule, truck

No comments Posted by safefirefighter on March 8, 2011

Bluffton Is Burning!

Last night, the Bluffton Twp. Fire District (SC) responded to their fourth commercial building fire in the last week. All of the fires were quickly extinguished using solid strategy and tactics. Three of the fires were within a mile of each other with similarities between them.

The first fire occurred last week in a pawn shop and was quickly extinguished by the first arriving engine. As additional units arrived, they were diverted to a simultaneous working fire in a rent-to-own furniture store approximately a mile away. Units quickly brought that fire under control with a well coordinated vertical ventilation and fire attack.

A third similar fire occurred last night in a commercial strip center less than mile from the furniture store. Crews arrived to find heavy fire and smoke in a motorcycle retail/rental business. The fire was quickly brought under control and extensive ventilation efforts were necessary for moderate smoke throughout the multiple unit building.

A fourth smaller fire occurred over the weekend and is not believed to be related to the other incidents.

Great job to all BTFD crews. Keep up the good work and stay safe.

Posted in Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Major Incidents, News, Uncategorized

Tagged bluffton, commercial, Engine, fire, truck

No comments Posted by safefirefighter on November 11, 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 11^th, 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

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

Tagged Engine, forcible entry, saw, strategy, tactics, truck

1 comment Posted by safefirefighter 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

Tagged crew, entry, forcible entry, truck, Truck Work

2 comments Posted by safefirefighter on March 3, 2009

Understaffed Truck Work: Ladders

Over the next couple of weeks we’re going to talk about good ol’ fashioned truck work, but with realistic staffing for today’s fire service. Our truck company will be staffed with three: an officer, driver and one firefighter. We’re going to talk about fundamental truck functions like gaining entry, search and rescue and ventilation. We’re going to start with one of the most fundamental, but overlooked, of all truck functions…ladders.

Ironically, ladders are one of the most technical and time-consuming skills learned during initial training. On the fireground, however, they are routinely overlooked. Because of modern building construction, fire loads and subsequent fire behavior, both aerial and ground ladders may be more important now than they have been in recent history. Rapidly changing fire conditions and truss construction have made our ability to get out just as important as getting in. That being said, the more ladders you can get on a building the better.

The strategy for ground ladders should be every window of every floor.
Setting up the aerial is the driver’s job (and only the driver)
All windows should be laddered for rescue (tip at the sill
Ground ladders 28’ and shorter can and should be carried and raised by one firefighter
35’ ground ladders may need to be helped off the rig, but can be dragged and raised by one firefighter
Either 2 roof ladders or 1 roof and a 24’ can be carried (or dragged), bedded together, by one firefighter and raised.
Start laddering the fire floor (or floor above for first floor fires) and closest to the fire room. The higher the hazard, the higher the priority.
Break windows with the tips of the ladders (even the stick if need be). It will save you time and effort.
The officer and firefighter, if assigned to the interior, can each throw at least one ladder on their way to the front door. The added safety is worth the added time.

If you go by the helpful hints above, a crew of 3 can throw a at least 5 ladders at a 2 story single-family dwelling (one for the officer, one for the firefighter, two for the driver plus the aerial) and that’s a pretty good start.

On the Internet, countless videos of civilian rescues and firefighter close calls can be found that better demonstrate the importance of ladders on the fireground. I hope you found this information to be helpful, but nothing will help more than hands on training.

FTM-PTB and Be Safe

Resources:

Posted in Truck Work

Tagged ladders, rescue, safety, truck, Truck Work, VES