This is actually a fairly common tactic on defensive fires. A ladder pipe or tower ladder/snorkel turret gun can flow the same amount of water as a deck gun or portable monitor, but it's way more maneuverable.
The maneuverability is the primary reason for using an aerial master stream from the horizontal position.
It can also keep some hose out of that nasty runoff.
Pretty easy question, truckies don't like to pick up hose. When we use the ladder master stream or bucket stream, all we have to do is shut the pump off. No picking up hose, that's for the engine boys.
Permalink Reply by Doug on February 7, 2009 at 3:09pm
It could, but it's not always necessary to be elevated. And really, that tactic of an elevated master stream is only good when the fire is already burned through the roof. This is a common tactic in the north east U.S.
Aerial ladders and elevating platforms are designed to be used in a wide range of positions, including horizontally. Some are designed for use in situations up to 15 degrees below horizontal.
Aerial devices that are operating in any position approved by the manufacturer are in the position it's "supposed to" be in. There's not rule that says that an aerial has to be elevated high up, particularly when operating at a single-story defensive fire.
Permalink Reply by Doug on February 8, 2009 at 12:59pm
I know, I was trying to explain to the original poster, who at the bottom of page two said something to the effect that they should only be used in an elevated position. Nevermind......I see now you weren't replying directly to me.
why waste someone manning a deuce and a half when you have a truck/tower?
Or a protable deck gun that could potentially injure someone?
We have trucks for a reason... use them.
Plus they flow more water than any other device fixed or portable-- its just like using a deck gun except you have portability and takes less crew to man