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VES?
This building looks to be a very large residential home, or more likely a mutli-family dwelling.
It appears that the majority of fire is on the second floor.
It is night time and the chance that it is occupied is good.
This could be a good time to use interior crews to start an aggressive search with a hose line since we really can’t see any fire.
At the same time, we can have some outside vent guys laddering these windows and performing vent, enter, search tactics since the building appears to be large.
Now, this is somewhat controversial in some parts, like mine, but I think it is an effective tactic. The key here is to have adequately trained personnel who have experience and can make good decisions in the risk vs. benefit area.
Additionally, there needs to be coordination with the interior crew. And, hey, if you have enough on scene to send in an attack line and a search crew, good for you. That just isn’t always the case.
Just remember, if you are performing VES, know where you are, have a tool. You may only be able to sweep the room with a tool because of heat. If you do get in a room, your first bit of business is to shut the door to the adjoining spaces. Oh, make sure you have got a radio.
What do you think out there? Any other ideas? Let us know and share your knowledge.
As always, thanks for stopping by train everyday.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Doug on
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I believe this is a multifamily dwelling or duplex. I think I can make out two sets of utilities heading into the structure. Keep this in mind if pulling up to a structure like this on this side, look around the outside, it'll give you an indication of how you'll have to go about searching the building. In this case, you'll need at least two different entry points, to cover the entire structure. The only other thing I would add, is take a TIC with you, if you can. Rely on your fundamental search training first, but a TIC will help with VES. Much like this cluster of a home...
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Permalink Reply by Reg Mathis on
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The lack of curtains or blinds in any of the windows except for the upper right window makes me question occupancy. Possibly squatters?
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Permalink Reply by Jeff Cole on
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Searching with the hoseline, or OFF the hoseline is fine, as long as it doesn't impede the hosecrew's search for the fire. Searching the area as you advance to find the seat of fire is something that should always be done. But that's not to say that the hosecrew should break away from the line to seach each room.
The hose crew's priority is to locate, confine, control, and extinguish the fire. THAT provides the best possible chance for survival, and must be the priority.
VES is a tactic that does indeed require experience and solid training, especially when working above the fire. But performed properly, it can be done quickly, and provide occupants the best chance for rescue. The engine company has to protect the stairwell, if the fire cannot be immedietely located or confined. The firefighter entering the wndow must first clear the entire window out, of course sound the floor, and head to the compartment (room) door to shut it to by time to make the search.
The ladder should be placed in the 'rescue' position as well. Communications from both command, observing the exterior conditions, and the interior hose crew as to progress, or more importantley, the lack of progress is of primary importence.
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Permalink Reply by John Crabbe on
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What do you think out there? Any other idea?
Regarding VES, yes I do agree it can be a solid tool and should be done, however, it also depends upon info we get. I would NOT be sending people in to arbitrarily do a VES unless we have reports of people trapped and to have a general area to search.
I agree with a radio (personally I feel is a must for every FF), closing the door to keep fire out, but another thing we learned was to poke a hole in the cieling to check if fire is above you.
Now in this situation, I wouldn't be looking to VES upstairs, this can be done with either an attack team or an interior search. Taking a look at the smoke, the fire would appear to be upstairs, which a hose team should be able to get to quickly. The more dense smoke is coming from the middle window so the fire may be close to the middle of the structure. Windows are aligned nicely which leads me to believe this is a balloon frame structure....think possibilty of basement fire. However in this case the basement window appears clear, along with the first floor windows, so leads me to believe fire is on second floor and I don't see a reason to VES here.....UNLESS there is a confirmed report of someone still possibly inside.
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