TFRD-Vent, Enter, Search (VES) Training

Toledo Fire Rescue Department training members on the search/rescue technique Vent-Enter-Search

http://www.13abc.com/global/category.asp?c=210531&autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=7612415

Knowing When to Pull the Plug

Semi-Offensive Operations

There are times when during an aggressive interior fire attack that the volume of fire involvement will overwhelm the initial handline.  During these times a coordinated with draw, while maintaining water flow, will be necessary.  Once the attack crew is safely out of the structure, crews can regroup and prepare to make a new push into the building.  Under most situations the new advance will require a larger gpm flow, either through increasing the tip size, or gallonage output, or by simply utilizing a larger hoseline.  Once the heavy fire is darkened down at the point of entry a new advance can be made.  However some incidents will require a shift in tactics to a fully defensive posture when the volume of fire is too much to be effectively extinguished or the structure has become weakened due to the uncontrolled fire involvement.

During this fire in a vacant single family private dwelling, the attack crew was forced to withdraw from the attack on the second floor due to the large volume of fire present.  The incident commander ordered a 1-3/4" hoseline positioned on the porch roof , which was a safe work platform to operate from, in an attempt to darken down some of the fire while a 2-1/2" hoseline was being readied at the front entrance.  The IC also ordered long pike poles to the porch roof to pull the ceiling in the front bedroom via the porch roof windows in an attempt to extinguish the fire that was taking hold in the attic space.  Ultimately the fire with transitioned to a defensive operation.

New-School Fire Research and Old-School Tactics: Who Do You Believe? - Fire Engineering

New-School Fire Research and Old-School Tactics: Who Do You Believe? - Fire Engineering

An excellent point is made by this author. If we don't have the staffing to compare with the "big city" departments, it's awful tough to emulate their tactics.

Can we use bits & pieces of them in our own operations? I believe we can.

There is a middle ground between "always go in & get it" and "squirt through the windows". It's up to you and your department to use your experiences, training and the huge amount of information available to us thanks to the internet to find that middle ground.

Safety and Aggression do not have to be mutually exclusive!

Close Calls

"The most over used term in the fire service has to be "close call"!! How is this a close call? you are assigned to open up the roof and when you do turbulent smoke and fire came out.... that would be what I would expect to come out of there! If 2000 Chipmunks came out of that hole I would be a little surprised..... but smoke and fire is kinda what I expected."-Andrew Brassard

What truly constitutes a close call?  Is it a near injury, does it have to be a preventable injury or are they just part of "the job"?  Is it only reserved for near death incidents?  How do we know if the incident would have resulted in death?  Really, close calls happen everyday on the fireground.  Just some go on to be reported in some way. 

The best firefighters look at those incidents as experiences, that most time, can not be learned in a classroom or from a book.  They examine the situation and search for ways to improve their safety during operations.  Also the best firefighters pass those experiences along to their crews and others so that they can benefit from their experiences. 

 

 

Ventilation Close Call

I was going to put up a post covering this but Jason over at the blog Working the Job has an excellent write up on it already.

http://www.workingthejob.blogspot.com/2012/03/close-one-on-roof.html

Searching for Life Without a Line

Here is another approach to the previous post on Engine Co. Rescue.  These firefighters opted to make an aggressive search without the protection of a handline.  Their size-up of the situation allowed them to make three successful rescues.  This type of decision can only be made based on your experience and the knowledge of building construction, fire behavior and the capabilities of your personnel. 

BEACON — Firefighters risked their lives to rescue the occupants of a house ravaged by fire that left one woman in critical condition and two others with burns at Westchester Medical Center.

Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the fire that engulfed the front of the three-apartment, two-story house on Ackerman Street on Monday night.

Beacon firefighter Mark Romanelli was the first to arrive at the fire after the call came at 9:14 p.m. to screams coming from inside the house. Romanelli hustled up the staircase where home health aide Daphne O’Connor, 55, was trying to get Lucy LeClaire, 86, to safety. Romanelli grabbed O’Connor by the arm and brought her out of the house and across the street.
Romanelli re-entered with Beacon firefighter Matthew Smith and aided LeClaire, who was slumped over in a chairlift at the top of the stairs. They carried her out of the house and gave her to Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corps for treatment.

Beacon firefighter Brian Davis entered the house and went up the stairs to search the back apartment. He was met by two Village of Fishkill firefighters, Danny Burke and Brandon Knapp, who discovered homeowner Dennis Meyer, 66, lying unconscious on the floor.

Davis and Village of Fishkill firefighter Brian Canero carried Meyer down a ladder in the back of the house with the assistance of Dean Scofield, Village of Fishkill fire chief. Meyer was turned over to Mobile Life Support.

Officials said they think the blaze is not suspicious but hope to have more information within a few days, Mike Witkowski, public information officer for the City of Beacon Fire Department and Emergency Management, said Wednesday.

An update on the victims’ condition was not available Wednesday night.

Halligan Bar Pro-Bar Wall Breach

Engine company rescue

The San Bernardino City, CA Fire Department responds to a structure fire with a victim trapped. This is a first hand look at how the engine company made the rescue. The footage was taken from both the engine captain's helmet camera as well as a local news reporter.

Thoughts on Modern Building Construction

"These things are built with math now, not mass. Used to be when you had to hold up a heavy load, you used a heavy piece of lumber beneath it. Now, they use protractors and compasses to hold these buildings up. They're just not as strong, and they fail on ya faster." -Lieutenant Fred Ill and Lieutenant Chris Reynolds (Andy Fredericks Training Days)

Modern building construction is here to stay, there is no changing that.  So does it mean that we need to change our tactics?  No...still the most effective method of extinguishing a structure fire is at it's seat on the inside.  However, to operate safely in a building of modern construction requires us to be even more diligent prior to and when advancing inside. 

Start by asking yourself some questions...Are we conducting a thorough size-up of the building and the fire conditions?  Are we maintaining situational awareness and constantly monitoring the interior for changes and adjusting accordingly?  Are we "making the push" carefully and probing ahead of our advance with a crouching outstretched leg or using a tool?  Do we follow our instincts when they are telling us to retreat?  Are we getting out of the firehouse and into our first and second due districts to see what types of construction and modifications are being done to buildings? 

There are a lot of questions here to think about with regards to working safely and effectively in a modern building.  Talk about these issues with your crew and look at how you are training to prepare for fires in these structures. 

I'll leave you with this...Remember speed is important but not at the sake of safety.  My father always told me "slow is steady and steady is fast".  What he meant is if you take your time and do it right you will accomplish your task quicker than if you try to go so fast that you make a mistake.

John Salka's speech at Andy Frederick's Training Days

Chief Salka's take on how the first due officer should operate when staffing is an issue.

Video at http://frederickstrainingdays.com/?p=257

Brotherhood

FDNY Firefighters and neighbors in Islap, Long Island welcome home FDNY Rescue 2's Robert Weidmann. Three Months in burn unit for firefighters whos dramatic escape was caught on video.

for additional info visit: http://statter911.com/

Roof Vent Operation

Toledo Fire Truck 13 vents house fire at 712 Buffalo Street in North Toledo.
click pic to enlarge

Anyone Know This Guy ????
Nice Job With Training Video

When Squad 7 became Truck 7, we used this video as a training
tool to develop our plan for roof vent operations

Overhaul-The Dangers Are Still There

By: Jason Poremba-www.firerescue1.com

You're tired. You fought hard. You have barely any energy left, but you still need to muster the strength to conduct overhaul.
This is the part of the job when fire suppression is complete. You are told to pull ceilings and open walls in search of hidden fire, embers, or signs of further extension. During this phase of fireground operations, firefighters have a tendency to let their guards down.

In reality this is the time we should have our guards up the most. During overhaul we must be aware of potential collapse hazards and overhaul related injuries. We also must learn to communicate and understand the dangers of operating in an IDLH (immediately dangerous to life or health) or unknown atmosphere.

If we remember the basics and understand that we must continue to assess and reassess the scene, we can prevent many of these hazards from becoming injuries.

When conducting overhaul, firefighters must remember that fire load weakens structural members. Beyond the weakened framing elements, we have most likely introduced thousands of gallons of water to the structure in question.

This leaves us with water load applied to compromised structural members. These weakened structural members were not likely designed to support these greater loads.

Take this information seriously and carefully consider how many members you are committing to the overhaul operation.

Tread lightly
Author, lecturer and retired FDNY Deputy Chief Vincent Dunn recommends that overhaul begin at the origin and work outward. In a typical residential building, one firefighter can easily overhaul a room. When two firefighters are working in close proximity of each other, an officer should always supervise and coordinate work to prevent injuries.

Continually assess the structural conditions. Check for signs of collapse, and continually sound or check the floor for signs of structural deterioration.

If there is any doubt of the structural integrity communicate immediately to the incident command and back your members out to safety. If an area is compromised, overhaul operations should be abandoned or relocated to a different area.

While working inside, firefighters must wear full PPE — including SCBA and eye protection. The potential for falling debris and collapse are the highest during overhaul.

When opening up walls and ceilings, firefighters will often come in contact with gypsum board, plaster, lathe, splinters, rusty nails, light fixtures, duct work, and many other sharp and hazardous objects. Without full protection we are setting ourselves up for body, hand, and facial injuries.

During this period of fireground operations toxic gases also can be at their highest levels. Firefighters must wear full SCBA until the area has been determined a non-IDHL atmosphere.

Assuming your department's meters clear the space, don't assume that the area is clear to breath freely. What about asbestos, dust particles, or new toxic gases disturbed during further overhaul operations?

Other dangers can include existing gas and electric utilities. Incident command will need to insure utilities are shut off or firefighters can be electrocuted, overtaken by toxic gases, or caught in an unexpected explosion.

Overhaul Close Call Video: http://flashovertv.firerescue1.com/media/3784-Firefighter-Hit-by-Window/

Previous Post on Overhaul: http://firerescuesafety.blogspot.com/2012/02/overhaul-dont-let-your-guard-down.html

Parapet Walls-Firefighter Killers

Firefighters are faced with many dangers when on the job. If we study past fatal firefighter incidents, history will tell us parapet walls are proven killers during fireground operations. A few basic concepts can protect firefighters from future parapet-related fatalities.
Here is a good article with video on the dangers of Parapet walls and other building construction considerations.


http://firefighterspot.com/#Parapet-Walls-Firefighter-Killers-FIRERESCUE1-Jason-Poremba

FDNY fire in Washington Heights

Great patience from OVM waiting for Engine Co to get into position.

THE INITIAL ATTACK HOSELINE - Fire Engineering by Jeff Shupe

THE INITIAL ATTACK HOSELINE

11/01/2005

BY JEFF SHUPE

Envision the following scenario: A large 21⁄2-story residential frame structure is on fire and has flames coming from the second-floor windows. The volume of fire and the building’s age and condition tell us the fire involves a couple of rooms and is extending to other areas within the structure. There are plenty of fire and smoke for everyone.
The first fire department unit, a four-member engine company, turns into the block. As the company arrives on-scene, the officer calls in a “working fire” and gives other information by apparatus radio. It is now the beginning of another American fire service bread-and-butter operation, the same scenario played out by our nation’s fire departments in cities and towns across the country.
The engine company chauffeur positions the engine past the fire building so the first-due ladder company can get its fireground position in front of the fire building. After the apparatus comes to a stop, the members go to work.
Our engine company members have their job assignments. On the fireground, members of the company perform their jobs independently of each other but as part of a disciplined team so that the initial attack line can be put in operation quickly. For many fire situations like this one, here is where the old fire service adage “As the first line goes, so goes the fire” applies.
The engine firefighters are now starting their stretch of the initial attack line from a static hosebed. It is a 13⁄4-inch hoseline equipped with a solid-bore nozzle capable of discharging more than 180 gallons per minute.

1) Fire is traveling throughout the second floor and attic area in this structure. Two lines are needed for extinguishment. The stairway to the second floor is straight ahead as you enter the front door. The drop point for the attack lines is the front yard. The nozzleman will take the nozzle to the stairway and call for water while the backup firefighter flakes and straightens the hose; he will then feed line to the attack team. (Photo by Steve Nedrich.) Click here to enlarge image

The firefighter with the nozzle has the “working length” of hose on his forearm and is heading to the “drop point,” where the hose will be prepared for attack. The officer heads toward the fire building, helping with the stretch as needed, equipped with his radio and hand light. The backup firefighter is playing hose from the bed. He will estimate the amount of hose needed, break the hoseline, and then hook the coupling to an already charged outlet. The pump operator/chauffeur has charged a preselected outlet with booster tank water and is now starting to hand lay his supply line to a nearby hydrant.
The whole operation of getting the initial attack line stretched out, charged, and made ready to go to work should take no more than 90 seconds if executed properly by company members.

GETTING THE INITIAL ATTACK LINE IN SERVICE

Let’s examine a couple of items that may help our engine crew get the initial attack line in service easily and quickly.

Attack Hose

The engine company is the basic unit for fire extinguishment in the fire service. The firefighters-the end-users-should determine the type of equipment the department should buy. Engine apparatus hosebeds, as you have heard before, should be designed to be user friendly. That means attack hoselines should be easy to put in operation, with only a minimum of personnel. Complex hose loads or other loads that may work for some departments may not work for yours.

(2) The reverse horseshoe fold can be used to create a "working length." It gives the nozzleman 50 feet of workable hoseline at the threshold of the fire. This fold can be used for wide or narrow hosebeds. (Photos 2-4 by Greg Ricker.) Click here to enlarge image

In the above scenario, the attack hose is coming from a static hosebed, meaning the hose is not preconnected to any outlet. With this type of hosebed, there is no limited or fixed amount of hose, as in the case of a preconnected line. Many fire departments rely exclusively on preconnected hoselines for fire attack and feel they are quick and easy to get in service. This is true to an extent. And there is nothing wrong with having a preconnected hoseline on an engine.

(3) A narrow 21⁄2-inch preconnected attack hosebed. In this configuration, a reverse horseshoe is laid on its side so it will fit. Click here to enlarge image

However, many fire departments have had fires where they have come up short in their fireground stretches because of the limited amount of hose in their beds. Some departments have only two preconnected beds of 13⁄4-inch hose and one bed of two 21⁄2-inch hose for attack. Others have three or more preconnected hosebeds of 13⁄4-inch hose on an engine, each with a different amount of hose. For example, one bed may have 150 feet, another 200 feet, and the third 250 feet. Let’s say there’s a fire in a location where the longest preconnected hose (250 feet in length) is needed. The initial hoseline is stretched to the fire, and a second line is needed to help the first line. Do you see a problem here?
The belief that preconnected hoselines save time in getting in service is not going to prove true here because the firefighters assigned to the second line will have to break the hose and add a length or two so it can meet with the initial attack line. No time saved.

(4) The working length, after having been folded on the ground, is loaded on its side into a narrow hosebed. Click here to enlarge image

Using a static hosebed gives the engine crew the versatility to stretch a little bit or a lot, depending on the amount of hose needed for the stretch. This hose load also creates a user-friendly load that works fine even with only two firefighters making the stretch. It is quickly deployed and put in service, and it works with small- and large-diameter attack handlines.
The type of hose load used in our scenario is a flat load. Many departments across the country use this load. It is the kind of load that will play out easily in a single straight line when it is deployed. Some hose-load arrangements are loaded so that two or three pieces of hose come out of the bed together when the attack line is pulled, whereas other loads have all the hose in the bed being unloaded or “dumped” next to the engine. Doing this is not going to get this hoseline in operation any more quickly than hose from a static bed, simply because no water will be able to flow through it until the hose is straightened and all kinks are removed.
The keys here are simplicity and ease of stretching. Attack hoselines should be loaded and finished so they play out easily by the least number of firefighters available for the operation.

Working Length

After the attack hose is loaded, the hosebed is finished with the last section of hose folded in such a way so that when the hose is deployed, the firefighter with the nozzle will also have 50 feet of hose with him. This amount of hose is called the “working length.” This will guarantee that the attack crew will have enough hose to reach the fire area and more and will not be confronted with a short stretch-an embarrassing and frustrating occurrence that can let a fire gain headway because the attack crew cannot move in on it.
The type of fold used to make a working length can vary, and this can be determined by inspecting the height, width, and depth of your engine’s hosebeds. It does not matter if the hosebeds are crosslay type (transverse) or come from the rear of the apparatus. The working length can also be used on 13⁄4-inch or 21⁄2-inch attack hose. If your department uses preconnected hosebeds exclusively, the working length can also be used in this application.
There are several types of folds:
• The reverse horseshoe with the nozzle tucked in the center of the shoe when finished.
• Flat loops that hang approximately a foot or so over the edge of the hosebed.
• The continuous loop of hose on edge with the nozzle stored in the center of the loops.
In all three folds, the nozzle is put in the center of the working length. When the nozzle firefighter pulls the working length toward him, the nozzle comes along with the hose. Now, the nozzle firefighter can have the nozzle in one hand and carry the working length of hose on his forearm. It is preferable to carry the working length of hose on the forearm instead of over the shoulder for a number of reasons:

(5) These three attack hosebeds all employ static hose loads. The 13⁄4-inch hosebed on the far right contains a working length made from loops of hose about six or seven feet long, laid on edge. The 21⁄2-inch attack hose load employs a reverse horseshoe working length. When a 13⁄4-inch hoseline is used, firefighters stretch the amount needed, break the coupling, and hook it into the rear outlet. While the hose is being stretched, the pump operator/chauffeur charges the outlet with booster tank water. The hoseline is then ready to be charged. Pump discharge pressure is adjusted for the line�s length. A supply line is now stretched to a nearby hydrant. If a second line of 13⁄4-inch hose is needed, the second-due engine or crew assigned to the line has another bed ready to be stretched. Since both beds carry equal amounts of hose, a short stretch should be avoided. This line gets its water supply from the wye also. (Photo by author.) Click here to enlarge image

The 50-foot working length of hose, whether 13⁄4 inch or 21⁄2 inch, is light enough to be carried comfortably on the forearm.

(6) The nozzleman carries the working length of 21⁄2-inch hose on his forearm. (Note the compact size of the folds.) The backup firefighter stands at a distance from the engine hosebed and plays out additional hose for the stretch. His positioning helps to keep hose from piling up near the engine, keep it moving straight to the nozzleman, and minimize kinking. (Photo by John Whitinger.) Click here to enlarge image

As a firefighter carries the hose on his shoulder and makes a couple of turns around stairways and corners, the hose has a tendency to fall between the firefighter’s air tank and his neck or back. When it’s time to “drop the line,” the firefighter has to twist his body around trying to get all the hose on the ground.
The working length, when folded properly, creates a neat, compact hose load six or seven feet long a firefighter can carry on his forearm. This is important especially when the hose must be stretched down narrow hallways, stairways, alleys, or corridors.

(7) For upper-floor fires in large buildings, the drop point should be the floor below the fire floor. Here, the working length is dropped along with extra hose. The nozzleman will advance the nozzle up the stairs midway between the fire floor and the drop point and call for water, thus ensuring that the attack team will have a water supply before entering the fire floor or area. (Photo by Greg Ricker.) Click here to enlarge image

The working length carried in this fashion avoids the “wedding-train” effect, in which a couple of long pieces of hose are being pulled behind the firefighter, they do not play out well, and they get caught while going around corners and under doorways.

Drop Point

This is the point before the fire where the working length is dropped, flaked out/straightened, and charged. It is generally as close to the fire as safely possible without the fire’s endangering firefighters (after all, there is no water in the hose yet).
The drop point location is generally the floor below the fire floor. This gives firefighters a safe area to play out the line, charge it, and bleed the air. It is also a refuge area should the fire intensify, extend into the hallway, and push firefighters back.
For first-floor, ground-level, basement, and lower-level fires, the drop point is usually outside the structure, especially if access to the fire area is close to the building’s entrance. However, the location of the drop point can vary according to the fire’s location, the type of building occupancy/construction, the intensity of the fire, and what the fire building is giving you to work with. An example of this would be a fire in the lower level or basement of a large commercial building. In this scenario, the drop point is the floor above the fire’s location. The building, because of its construction, is confining the fire at this point. Here, the working length is brought inside and dropped, stretched out, charged, and made ready for attack.
Should there be heavy smoke or high-heat conditions on the floor above, and there is a possibility of the fire’s extending upward quickly through the structure, then, for the safety of the firefighters, the drop point probably would be in a more predictable area-perhaps even outside the structure if necessary. (Remember, although it’s not always possible, it is preferable to locate the fire and the best access to the fire area before committing your attack line.)
Another illustration of a drop-point location is when a fire is on the upper floor of an apartment or office building that is five stories or less in height. The stretch might be made from the apparatus hosebed, depending on the fire’s location and access. Again, the drop point should be the floor below the fire floor. The hose is stretched out down the hallway, and the nozzle is taken part way up the stairs to the fire floor and then charged. Firefighters should not drop extra hose on the stairs; this will only lead to kinking of the line as it is “pulled” instead of fed to the attack crew. It will be a tripping hazard, and the hose will not be any easier to move up to the fire floor.
A secret to successfully advancing hoselines from one floor to another is to keep the hoseline as straight as possible and to have firefighters spaced at intervals along the line, especially at the “bend points,” such as around stairway railings. Doing this will minimize kinks and keep the hoseline straight, making it easier to manage and advance. Firefighters should feed hose to the attack crew only when more hoseline is called for. Simply pushing hose toward them will cause kinking and make for an unmanageable line. Firefighters wanting a “piece of the action” and crowding toward the nozzle will try to pull the hose with them; this will not work either, as someone will have to go back and feed the line.
A frequently asked question is, When is the right time to charge the hoseline with water? Keep in mind that in this fire situation, where we are stretching from our engine hosebed, our goal is to get this line “working” quickly, preferably within our chosen time frame. As soon as the hose is dropped, the officer or acting officer should call to the pump operator to charge the hoseline. This will start water going into the line quickly. At the same time, the hoseline is also being flaked and straightened. The pump operator should acknowledge that water is on the way. Once water is received, the line should be bled and the line pressure and stream checked.
Again, it is a smart practice to find the fire’s location and the best access path to the fire area before stretching any hoselines. Premature stretching or committing of hoselines without knowing the fire’s location can lead to operational problems. There have been cases where firefighters have rushed in blindly with the hoseline, not knowing where the fire was, only to have the fire “light up” between them and their egress.
Determine the best location for the nozzle. It should be placed with three criteria in mind: locate, confine, and extinguish.

(8) Firefighters, wearing their face pieces, make their stretch. Notice one firefighter is hooking up his regulator. The firefighters need to keep air management in mind. The attack crews should don face pieces together at the drop point, after the call for water has been made and acknowledged. This practice helps firefighters consume their air supply at roughly the same rate. (Photo by Greg Gettens.) Click here to enlarge image

• Locate. As was mentioned before, it is best for the attack crew to know where the fire is. This will help determine things like access to the fire area and issues related to getting to the fire, such as forcible entry and hazards to personnel. Knowing the fire’s location helps protect attack personnel, since hazards sometimes can be identified along with the fire’s potential. Locating the fire and determining its size, volume, potential for extension, and hazards can help firefighters choose the proper size of attack.
• Confine. After locating the fire, try to determine its boundaries. By identifying the fire area and estimating the volume of fire, you can choose the proper size of attack, one that will enable you to confine the fire to as small an area as possible. Sometimes, in our haste to get a working hoseline on a fire, we select a line that is easy to put in service but has no extinguishing capability because it is undersized. User-friendly hosebeds and hose loads common to the firefighter will help you get the necessary flow whatever the size of the fire.
• Extinguish. Put out the fire! Regardless of the size or type of the fire department, all firefighters should be taught about the extinguishment process. When it comes to fire attack, size does matter. Minimum “target flows” for 13⁄4- and 21⁄2-inch attack handlines need to be established and trained on; you must know your department’s extinguishment capabilities. The fireground is not the place to find out what it is like to use a large-diameter handline at a big fire. Quick extinguishment, not playing the fire-like game, should be the goal of attack personnel. This process will save property; make firefighters safer; and, most importantly, give anyone trapped in a burning building a better chance for survival.

DONNING FACE PIECES

In some areas there seems to be some confusion about when and where firefighters should don their face pieces. One of the more common misconceptions is that firefighters need to have their face pieces on their face, ready to go, as they step out of the cab at a fire. Some departments want their people to have the face piece donned but not “on air” at that point. (Fire departments that don’t monitor this practice may find their members breathing from their air supply as they are responding.) In some situations, we have observed firefighters with their face pieces donned, trying to see their way through the regulator hole where their mask-mounted regulator hooks up. In some cases, firefighters have tripped over things because they were excited or told to hurry up. In other cases, their face pieces fogged over on the inside. All of this can create an atmosphere of excitement and chaos. This is where fireground injuries can manifest themselves, and you haven’t gotten into the fire yet.
Another situation I have witnessed is firefighters’ from the same company “going on air” at different times. For example, one firefighter starts breathing his air supply as he steps from the cab, another firefighter goes on air while carrying hose to the fire building, and a third company member waits to get to the fire threshold to go on air. Our firefighters (all from the same company) are using their air at different times on the fireground so that we should expect each member to run out of air at different times. This could lead to the breakup of the company (or team) or the breakdown of accountability for that particular unit.
Generally, engine company firefighters “stretching in” should not don their face pieces until they have reached the drop point. If there is a large amount of smoke or toxicity, or if the fire is rapidly gaining in size, the danger of the situation will define where the drop point should be.
The officer or acting officer should be responsible for calling the pump operator/chauffeur by portable radio asking that the attack line be charged while the hose is being flaked out and straightened. This call should be made without a face piece on so that the radio transmissions are clear and easy to understand.
Another reason is that the attack crew should receive an acknowledgement/reply from the pump operator/chauffeur that water is “on the way.” If no reply is received, there may be a pumping or water supply problem, and that message should be transmitted to the attack crew. Save your air when you can.
After acknowledgement that water is on the way, don your face piece. While doing this, observe the immediate area of your location, study any details of importance, look back at the hoseline, check each team member to see if the team is ready, and so on. These last-second observations should slow down the crew and help them to control their breathing rate-they know they are moving in together, as a team.
When all company members go “on air” together, it can be assumed that they will have nearly the same consumption rates. In a serious fire situation, the incident commander can have another company or crew ready to replace the whole crew if it is important to keep the line working. This will improve company accountability in that individual crew members will not have to leave by themselves.
This all takes just a few seconds to accomplish, but it helps to slow down that “rush” to barge right in. Many firefighters have a thing about hurrying as much as possible to get in quickly. That’s good. However, many firefighters have had the fire overpower them or have gone through a hole in the floor or had something else they might have prevented happen if they had taken a moment or two to slow down, collect their minds, and observe the conditions of the fire and the building.

TRAINING AND DISCIPLINE REQUIRED

The role of the first-due engine company at a typical bread-and-butter fire operation should be to get the initial attack line in service within an acceptable time frame-preferably under 90 seconds. Regardless of the type or kind of fire department working at a fire, this is an achievable goal, but it does require training, education, and discipline.
Fire departments should do their homework and look at their operations to see if they can meet certain goals on the fireground. In today’s fire service, it is common to work with fewer resources than in the past, as many cities and towns are taking fire companies out of service or reducing company staffing because of budget constraints. Because of these and other problems, it is more important than ever that fire departments make training their number-one goal and ensure that every member understands the basics of engine company work and what is required of each assigned position. Many departments have researched their operations and improved their procedures, which have paid big dividends in how they now perform on the fireground.
Things like company position assignments and classroom training involving strategy, tactics, and company operations give fire officers and firefighters a better knowledge of fireground operations, accountability, communications, and personal responsibility for completing the jobs on the fireground.
Simple things like changing the way hose is packed and finished can increase personnel’s efficiency and speed and dramatically improve a company’s time for getting water on the fire. Training is the most important component for developing the caliber of teamwork necessary for successful fire department operations. ■
■ JEFF SHUPE is a career firefighter with more than 30 years of service. He is a firefighter in Cleveland, Ohio, and a former volunteer firefighter. He is a certified fire instructor for the State of Ohio and has served as training coordinator for volunteer and full-time fire departments. He has an associate’s degree in fire technology from a local community college and attended the University of Cincinnati fire protection engineering program. He is an FDIC H.O.T. team member for Engine Company Operations and an FDIC classroom presenter.

Engine Co. Ops Seminar

Upcoming Training
Central Ohios Fools Training
Please join us for this training oppurtunity on April 2nd 2012.
See the attached flyer for details
You can also download a flyer to hang up at your firehouse from this link:  

NOVFA Fire School will be held this weekend March 10th-11th. Our training group will be hosting the course " Successful and Safe Structural Firefighting 1 and 2". We look forward to seeing you there. If you attended we welcome your feedback on our course. We are always looking to improve our class to meet the needs of our area firefighters. Please post your comments here or on our facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/fire.tactics.training

We welcome all area firefighters to visit and participate in this training blog dedicated to the training of firefighters in the NW Ohio area. Training info and training classes will be posted on this site as a means to network and share information dedicated to safe and successful firefighting.

WELCOME TO OUR BLOG SITE !!

Dedicated to Fire-Safety-Training of area firefighters

Become a member and take part



BACKDRAFT

Backdraft

 Eddie Crombie

FireServiceWarrior.com


On March 28, 1994 the Fire Department of New York responded to reports of heavy sparks and smoke coming from a chimney in an apartment located at 62 Watts Street1. Upon arrival companies found light smoke showing and prepared for an offensive attack. Crews positioned themselves outside the apartment door to mount an attack. When the apartment door was forced open a blow torch of fire rushed out and extended up the entire staircase killing 3 members of the FDNY. What occurred that day was the rare, extreme event we know as a backdraft. To give ourselves the best chance on the fire ground we must understand this event, know what signs help us predict a backdraft, and be able to safely mitigate this turbulent environment.

A backdraft can be defined as an unsustained explosion of hot pyrolysis and flammable products of combustion upon mixing with air. This occurs during a ventilation controlled fire where oxygen levels are extremely low and flaming combustion is limited. If you recall the previous article about ventilated controlled flashover, you may notice similarities between these two phenomena. Both triggered with an increase in ventilation. However, there is a difference in the speed and level of the heat release rate (Fig 1).

Backdraft is an explosion that may not transition into a fully developed fire. A flashover is a transitioning event that always results in sustained fire.

Photographer Glen Ellman of the Fort Worth Fire Department captured these series of photos that explicitly demonstrates the nature of backdrafts.

Glen Ellman www.fortworthfire.com

As the crews forced entry there was a slight inward tract of air followed quickly by a push of dark, silver smoke. Also note the ignition of the pyrolysis gases in this oxygen starved compartment.

Glen Ellman www.fortworthfire.com

As the heat release rate increases the hot gases expand. The growing flame front pushes the fuel rich gases out through the ventilation opening. (Note the thick black smoke to the left.) This excess, fuel rich gas ignites into a explosive fire ball after exiting the compartment in the right photo. This is an excellent example of why it is important to stay low when making entry.

Glen Ellman www.fortworthfire.com

As quickly as it developed, the explosion consumed most of the unburnt pyrolysis gases showing that backdrafts often do not sustain and transition into a fully developed fire. Normally they simply diminish into a manageable fire.


Next, we need to examine what conditions produce these dangerous events. The slide shown in Fig. 2 shows the contributing factors present prior to a backdraft occurring.

The fire at 62 Watts Street had all these conditions making conditions perfect for a backdraft. First, like most residential fires, there was an excessive amount of fuel within the apartment. The furnishings and personal belongings alone creates a massive fuel load that we normally take for granted. Second, originally built in 1800, this building underwent numerous renovations including extensively insulating and sealing any openings to increase it’s emergency efficiency. This essentially eliminated any natural air movement causing the fire to have an inadequate air supply. Third, the cause of the fire was a plastic bag left on the stove. This smoldering, incomplete combustion created a hot, fuel rich environment. This volatile powder keg of conditions only needed a spark in the form of increased ventilation to set it off which it received when companies forced the door open.

Once open, crews noted seeing signs of extreme fire behavior just prior to the backdraft much like the Fort Worth incident. They reported seeing a pulsing air track consisting of an inward rush of air followed by an outward flow of smoke. This single pulsation was followed by a large volume of flame that rushed out the doorway and up the stairwell. This intense fire lasted nearly 7 minutes. Upon further investigation the NIST was unable to recreate this event with their computer models. This was truly a perfect storm.
Finally, now that we understand and can identify the signs of a backdraft we need to know how to safely manage this situation.

Remember this:

Vent – Quench – Flank

Venting vertically is perhaps the most effective method. When conditions permit, vertical ventilation lets the superheated, volatile gases escape without introducing excessive amounts of oxygen. Even if an explosion occurs the force will be directed upward away from the vent crew and attack company. If vertical ventilation is not an option horizontal can be preformed using a long pike pole and positioning yourself to the side near the corner of the building. Also place all companies outside the collapse zone.

Next we need to quench the gases. Before entering a superheated room where a backdraft is expected quenching the compartment with short blasts near the ceiling (penciling) can provide enough cooling to stop an explosion from happening. Remember if we control the heat release rate we can control the severity of the fire.

Lastly, when vertical ventilation and quenching is not an option, flank the fire. Position crews to the side of the doorway so they can flank and cool the compartment with their hose streams. This protects the firefighters from the possible explosive pressure wave. Note the location of windows because a mere 0.5 psi will break glass.

Like flashover, backdraft is a dynamic event that has the capability of injuring or killing us. To be efficient and effective as a company we need to understand the conditions needed for a backdraft to occur, recognize the signs, and safely mitigate the situation before we over commit our personnel.


1 Bukowski, Richard W. “Modeling A Backdraft: The Fire At 62 Watts St.” NIST.gov. NIST, Dec. 1995. Web. 12 Feb. 2012. http://fire.nist.gov/bfrlpubs/fire95/PDF/f95090.pdf

2 Hartin, E. (2005),Extreme Fire Behavior: Understanding the Hazard. Retrieved November 9, 2010 from www.cftb-us.com

Rossford FD Highway Safety

The Rossford FD has come up with an idea to increase firefighter safety while working out on the roadway/highway at accident scenes. A lighted sign board has been mounted on E-794 to be viewed by on-coming traffic to worn motorists of an accident. A palm pilot is used in the rig to type any message on the lighted sign board. One flip of a switch and the board comes up into position. The idea came from the ODOT First Truck which also uses a lighted sign at the back of truck. Visit the Rossford Firefighters at www.rossfordfire.com

Submitted by Rossford Fire Chief Jim Verbosky

click pictures to enlarge

For more information on first responder highway safety visit:

www.respondersafety.com

A safety service website committed to reducing deaths and injuries to America's emergency responders. Every day, our nation's firefighters, EMTs/paramedics, state troopers, police officers, sheriff's deputies, tow operators, and departments of transportation responders are exposed to the grave hazards inherent in emergency responses on the nation's highways and roadways. ERSI is dedicated to the safety of these men and women by engaging in and promoting activities that include developing educational material to support responder safety training; promoting the National Unified Goal (NUG) for Traffic Incident Management (TIM) including responder safety; safe, quick clearance and interoperable communications; encouraging the development of TIM Teams, promoting collaboration, communication and cooperation among the nation’s emergency responders and keeping emergency responders up to date on national rules, regulations and trends related to safe roadway incident operations.

USFA Coffee Break Training



Fire and emergency medical services personnel with busy daily schedules often don't have time to attend valuable skill-enhancing training sessions, so the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) is providing Coffee Break Training bulletins for you to read and enjoy during your daily break. These one-page training notices, with a new one posted every week, provide technical training and administrative tips. Each notice includes a photograph or drawing that illustrates the point of the training lesson. You can also earn valuable Continuing Education Units (CEU) by completing the quarterly Coffee Break Training self-assessments.

http://www.usfa.fema.gov/nfa/coffee-break/index.shtm

Time vs. Products of Combustion

The illustration demonstrates the relationship between time and how a fire grows. Various warnings and interventions, such as smoke alarms, fire sprinklers and the fire department are depicted along the timeline.

http://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/coffee-break/time-vs-products-of-combustion.pdf

Basement Window Cut for RIT

This video from Fire Rescue 1 demonstrates one technique for enlarging a basement window to facilitate victim removal.

 http://flashovertv.firerescue1.com/Media/3751-Thinking-Out-of-the-Box-Basement-Rescue/

The orgin of F.A.S.T.

F.A.S.T stands for Firefighter Assist Search Team.  This is the same concept for R.I.T.

The following is taken from FDNY Rescue Co. 4, as written by a well respected, retired chief:

March 5th, 1991 a NYC firefighter was killed in the line of duty. FF Al Ronaldson, Rescue Company 3 died after a collapse at a three alarm Bronx fire. The building was a two story commercial occupancy with a row of stores on the first floor and a large second floor ballroom type occupancy.

All of the following is public record.

A number of years ago I went to a fire service trade show. At this show there was a booth selling FAST truck equipment. I asked one of the salesmen if he knew the origin of the FAST truck. He laughed and said what version do you have, there are so many. The origin of the FAST truck should be known, and remembered. A firefighter died giving it birth.

Prior to 1991 the FDNY had a response call for firefighter assistance at an incident. This was an engine company which could be called, it was acronym ed the FAT, Firefighter Assist Team, engine. It was seldom called for or ever used. I had been a chief officer for 15 years at this time and had never called for a FAT engine at any of my fires.

During the Bronx fire on 3/5/91 a large section (10'X10') of floor collapsed over the first floor store of origin. Several minutes later the body of a firefighter was seen in the collapse debris by other members. It was not known at that time if Ronaldson had rode the collapse down or had fallen into the hole to the floor below. At the LOD investigation several days later it was found and determined that Ronaldson had fallen into the collapse hole suffering fatal injuries. This determination was made on the testimony at this hearing by Lt. Puggy Walsh, Field Communications Unit. Puggy is a well liked and well respected member (now retired) of the FDNY. Puggy ran classes for residents wishing to become FDNY members and was coach of the FDNY football team. Puggy testified that on his arrival at the fire as he was exiting the rig he heard a loud noise which was the collapse, followed by HT chatter of the collapse. As he was doing his building walk-by for his size-up reports he heard someone call his name. He looked up and saw Ronaldson at a second floor window waving hello, they were friends. He waved back and continued his walk-by. A few minutes later he heard the HT mayday of a firefighter down. After the hello Ronaldson in a heavy smoke condition continued his second floor search for fire extension or trapped occupants.

FDNY line of duty deaths are investigated by the Federal Governments OSHA, for possible safety violations. Several months after Ronaldson's death the FDNY was found by OSHA to be in violation of safety practices. These violations are serious as they can not only lead to hundred's of thousands dollar fines, but more importantly to mandated operational policies/orders. Several weeks after this notification a hearing was held at department headquarters with OSHA reps on the violation. On the FDNY side of the table was the Chief of Department, Chief of Operations and five of six staff chief's. As Manhattan/Bronx Commander I was at the table.OSHA was represented by a woman in her 40's who knew nothing about the fire service and a chief officer from a small mid-west Fire Department. The chief said nothing, she was a bulldog. She found that because Ronaldson's officer had no response back on the HT before the mayday and did nothing, that this was a serious safety violation. The officer did call Ronaldson twice on the HT a minute apart. After the second call he went looking for Ronaldson, hearing the man-down mayday as he went to do so. She wanted to mandate procedures in the FDNY that on no response HT response back the company officer must notify the IC of a missing man, and the IC MUST then order all members out of the fire building for a head count. We said that this in itself would jeopardize firefighter safety as it would allow increased fire involvement and extended extinguishment time. We stated HT transmissions may not be heard due to HT off, low volume, defects, noise (saws) in the area etc. To finally satisfy the violation the FAST truck concept was born. We agreed that at every working fire a truck company would be called over the assignment for firefighter assistance if/when needed. I myself thought that this was a mistake, that it would only add to another truck company being out of its assigned area for local fire response. I was wrong, the lady who knew nothing was right.

The FAST truck concept is now standard throughout the United States. FAST trucks have saved many firefighter lives, and will continue to do so. Twenty-one years ago today FF Al Ronaldson, Rescue Company 3, FDNY heroically gave his life in the service of his city. He gave his life that night and a lot of firefighters have gone home at the end of their tour because of him. The birth of the FAST truck should be known, and remembered.

Transitional Attack?

Transitional Attack is Whack

by John J. Salka, Jr.

I'm amazed by the number of scientific studies that are calling for firefighters to change the way we are doing things. Now I may not be the sharpest tool in the box but have you read about this "Transitional Attack" idea? I hope I am stating this all correctly but this is what I'm hearing;

Point #1- Have the first hoseline directed into the window of the involved room to slow down the fire, and don't worry, doing this will not push fire, heat and smoke into the other areas of the structure.

NONSENSE! Yes it will! I don't care what the scientists discovered at their test fires, I have been to plenty of fires where a hoseline either deliberately or accidently or momentarily was directed into a window or down a hall or into a room and it moved fire, and lots of it!

Point #2- The stream must be in the straight stream position and held motionless pointing at the ceiling.

RIGHT! Now the nozzle firefighter has to get to the window where the fire is venting and hold the nozzle without moving it, pointed at the ceiling, in the straight stream position. What happens if it is rotated? What happens if it is moved horizontally back and forth? What happens if it is in the narrow fog position? I'll bet the answers to those three questions are; House burns down!

Point #3 - While this first line is flowing into the window, a second line is stretched to the entrance door and prepares for the interior attack.

Sounds good but all I keep hearing from departments large and small is that there are not enough people on the fireground to perform all the tactics that are required. Now we are going to be able to just find a second hoseline team to stretch and advance that interior attack line. I don't think so!

Here are a few more issues I have with this idea;

How do we communicate and coordinate these two "opposing lines"? When does line #1 shut down at the window and who orders that?

Why don't we stretch the FIRST line to the front door, enter the building, locate the fire and close the door to the room that is on fire? Then have the outside line give a quick shot of water to slow down this room of fire that we are so afraid to enter, before the interior line enters and knocks the fire down the old fashioned way.

Searching Without a Line

SEARCHING WITHOUT A LINE: WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

BY MIKE LOMBARDO

Risk analysis models influence much of the fireground decision making in the fire service today. But at times we are called to go against these models, act against the odds. The results of such actions are sometimes tragic and sometimes successful. Regardless of the outcome, the fire service must remember that we are a human service, and a standard set of rules or guidelines cannot always dictate the actions of the firefighters who serve the public.
On the evening of January 29, 1998, at approximately 6:30 p.m., a full first-alarm assignment was dispatched to a report of a fire on Townsend Street in Buffalo, New York. The assignment consisted of three engine companies, two truck companies, a rescue company, and a battalion chief.
Truck 11 arrived right behind Battalion 3; the fire was only two blocks from the unit`s quarters. It is a single unit stationed only with the chief; it carries no water and was staffed that evening with five firefighters and an officer. On arrival, the fire was observed venting from two doors and two windows on the number 4 side, from the first-floor rear apartment of this two-story wood-frame dwelling.
With very heavy fire venting from every opening on the number 4 side of the building except one and no engine company yet on location, the prudent decision would have been to await the arrival of an engine and the stretching of a line. However, there were also a frantic mother and father screaming that one of their children was not yet out of the apartment.
Battalion Chief Tom McNaughton also relayed to us that a child was indeed inside the building. He requested that we attempt to enter and search for the child.
There were no openings on the number 3 side of the structure, and windows on the number 2 side were immediately inaccessible by security bars (doors to the apartment were on the number 4 side).
I made the decision to enter the only remaining window into the apartment that was not venting fire. Heavy smoke pushed from the window. Firefighters Tom Jackson and Chuck Sardo and I entered the window into a bathroom. There was a high heat condition in this room. Ahead was a small hallway, where fire was rolling across the ceiling. Jackson crawled through the hallway and into the kitchen. Conditions were worsening rapidly. Fire was heavy in the kitchen.
Outside, Truck 11`s driver, Firefighter Tom Schmelzinger, handed a 212-gallon extinguisher into the bathroom window to me while Firefighters Tom Sullivan and Mike Taube went to the number 2 side of the building to force entry through the security bars on the windows there. (There were also scissor gates on the doors of this apartment house, though they were not a factor in the fire.)
Jackson traveled through the kitchen, with Sardo following. I tried to protect them as much as possible with the water can. Then Jackson entered a small bedroom off the kitchen. He searched a set of bunk beds in this room, with negative results. He came to a pile of clothes in front of the bedroom closet. He found a two-year-old boy.
The bedroom window was barred, providing no exit. Jackson rushed the baby out of the room and almost became trapped in the tiny space at the beginning of the hall between the kitchen sink and hallway wall, which measured less than 18 inches. His helmet was dislodged halfway off his head. He handed the baby to Sardo, who handed the child to me, and I passed him outside to firefighters. The child was in cardiac arrest, and the firefighters performed CPR as they rushed him to a waiting ambulance.
Meanwhile, I used the water can to protect Jackson and Sardo as they made their way forward to the bathroom. It did not extinguish much fire but slowed its progress. I ascertained from Chief McNaughton that this was the only person reported to be in the structure, and we exited the structure. Engine 3`s crew had advanced a line into the building by this time and pushed into the apartment, quickly controlling the fire.
WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
There was tremendous heat in the bathroom, where our team entered. The tub surround had melted into the bathtub, and a medicine cabinet had melted off the wall. Firefighter Jackson received minor burns to his head when his helmet was dislodged in the hallway. These types of conditions normally would indicate that entry should not be made without a handline.
However, with reliable reports such as those given that evening by the child`s family, an attempt must be made to enter and search. If a handline had been immediately available, it still may not have guaranteed success; it most likely would have been advanced in through the apartment door, and crews would have had to delay the search while this line was advanced.
About two months after this fire, a man and woman walked into the quarters of Truck 11. With them was their son, Elijah, the boy rescued from the fire. The child had a fairly large burn on his head that was still healing, but otherwise he was in great shape. If his parents were asked about the firefighting risk vs. benefit of the rescue of their child, there is no question what their answer would be. And with the successful rescue of the baby, I am sure that the collective fire service voice is in agreement.
At the time we entered, Elijah Hall`s life was in the balance, and the duration of that life would be decided within the next few seconds.
But what happens when the child does not survive, or a firefighter does not survive or is seriously injured? It seems, then, that the collective fire service voice is very muddled with armchair quarterbacks saying, "I told you so."
Decisions such as the one made on Townsend Street are not made by a computer or in a classroom with time to ponder. They are made in a split second and often without complete information. Elijah Hall`s life was saved primarily by the actions of Firefighter Tom Jackson, but also in part by all the members of the team of firefighters who responded that evening. He was saved because Tom--with his training and experience and his team behind him, fully recognizing the risk--"went out and did what he had to do." And that`s the essence of the fire service.
Events like this take place throughout the fire service. We seldom see names associated with these types of actions. They are not a component of ICS. What drives them cannot be taught in the classroom. Even with our ever-increasing reliance on technology and business management philosophies, the fire service must not lose sight of our primary mission--to save lives--and the fact that it is often the immeasurable personal qualities of individual firefighters that are the driving force behind the accomplishment of that mission.

International Fire/EMS Safety and Health Week is a joint initiative of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the National Volunteer Fire Council. The event is coordinated by the IAFC Safety, Health and Survival Section and the NVFC Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program, and is supported by national and international fire and emergency service organizations as well as health and safety-related organizations and agencies.
The 2012 event will take place from June 17-23. The theme is Rules You Can Live By, which focuses on the Rules of Engagement for Firefighter Safety, Survival, and Health. Fire departments are encouraged to suspend all non-emergency activity during Safety and Health Week in order to focus on safety and health training and education. An entire week is provided to ensure all shifts and duty crew can participate.
The 2012 International Fire/EMS Safety and Health Week marks the unifcation of the IAFC’s Fire/EMS Safety, Health and Survival Week with the NVFC’s National Firefighter Health Week. The goal of both organizations is to reduce the number of preventable injury and death in the fire and emergnecy services. Safety and Health Week focuses on the critical importance of responders taking care of themselves both on and off the emergency incident scene. The week is designed to increase awareness and action so that safety and health become a priority in all fire departments.
All area departments are encouraged to participate in this very important week dedicated to the health safety of firefighters. Please visit the new Safety & Health Week website for further information and start planning ahead and develop program for your department. The website has several links to many usefull links and information on firefighter safety.

 http://safetyandhealthweek.org/

Facebook Feed

New posts from this blog will now show up on our Facebook Page as well: facebook.com/fire.tactics.training

More ways to share information and updates on local training classes!

Urban Firefighter Magazine

Urban Firefighter Magazine is a revolution in fire service media, a vibrant new trade publication that will provide insightful profiles, training and journalism from a firefighting purist's perspective. Urban Firefighter is free and does not require a subscription offering readers access around the clock.

This magazine is brought to you by Fire Engineering Magazine and producers of FDIC, this quarterly digital magazine is written by firefighters for firefighters focusing on the culture, operations, training and people that make up the urban fire service.

www.urbanfirefighter.com

Become an “Occupational Athlete” - Fire Engineering

Become an “Occupational Athlete” - Fire Engineering

Preventing Deaths and Injuries of Fire Fighters Working Above Fire-Damaged Floors

Fire fighters are at risk of falling through fire-damaged floors. Fire burning underneath floors can significantly degrade the floor system with little indication to fire fighters working above. Floors can fail within minutes of fire exposure, and new construction technology such as engineered wood floor joists may fail sooner than traditional construction methods. NIOSH recommends that fire fighters use extreme caution when entering any structure that may have fire burning beneath the floor.

Engineered wood I-joist

Wood Floor I-Beam News Story

NIOSH Training Solutions

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/wp-solutions/2009-114/pdfs/2009-114.pdf

According to NIOSH firefighter fatality reports, lack of recognition to key aspects related to building construction are a common thread that lead to firefighter fatalities. Utilize this information to train your members the dangers of this type building construction that is very popular with today's modern construction.

As Firefighters We Must Know How The Fire Will Effect The Building

And How The Building Will Effect The Fire



Toledo Fire Rope Rescue Training

 Members of the Toledo Fire/Rescue Department's Rope Rescue Team practice inside the Huntington Center. Members from TFRD Station 5 and 18 participated in the training. Crews rappelled and set up raising and lowering systems. 



Rappelling Down Head First



Rappelling Down

Setting Up Lowering System

Setting Up Raising System


Link To Toledo Blade Photo Gallery
http://www.toledoblade.com/gallery/Firefighters-train-inside-Huntington-Center