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Row Houses
This is a great scenario for us to look at. It has a great deal that needs to be addressed.
Now, I understand that not every jurisdiction has this type of occupancy, but let’s use our imaginations.
We can gather a pretty good deal of information just from the picture.
Now, let’s go to work. I’m not going to ask specific questions of what you would do, you all have a pretty good idea of what we are looking for. List your tactical considerations and how your going to use your crews.
Since it is Sunday, I am going to give you all the resources you need.
Get started and share you knowledge.
Stay safe and train hard.
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Doug on
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Oooh, a Middle Of Row, fun stuff! First, don't forget your 360, you never know what's lurking on the other side. But, I'm just going to go with what I can see from this picture. Instead of the 1 3/4 that appears to be being deployed here, I would use a 2 1/2 with a smooth bore on this one, due to the amount of fire blowing from the 2nd story window. Big fire = big water. I would also wait to charge the line until the interior crew is about to make their attack. I would deploy the 1 3/4(charged making entry) as a back-up line in this instance though, and to cover a search crew. Two teams are going to the roof, on either side of the fire, not to vent, this fire has already auto-ventilated, but to check for extension. Or, to make a trench cut if this is a fast moving fire. Ladders, ladders, ladders! I would deploy a couple more ladders, both of the ground and truck variety, on the C side as well, and possibly one on each far end of the row(B and D sides), for the safety and emergency egress of the guys on the roof and if an interior crew has to bail in a hurry. Lastly, those aluminum awnings have to go. They do nothing but contain smoke, heat and fire, impede our job, and make emergency egress virtually impossible.
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Permalink Reply by Jeff Cole on
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It's obvious to me what city this incident occured in. Given the construction of that city, this is considered routine. Looks to be what it looks to be. The front of division 2, most likely the master bedroom involved. Pretty straight-forward. Usually these jobs are contained with one, maybe two 1.75" lines at best. However I have no problem with stretching a 2.5" either. As for the "smooth bore" I feel that this is always the best choice for a 2.5" hose that is to be used as a handline for interior/offensive attack.
First engine secures a water supply, stretches to the fire. First truck forces the door, if needed, and two truckies go with the engine to start the primary search. Truck driver throws the first ladder. However, with this construction, you HAVE TO get the roof. That is the most likely avenue of extention, especially with presence of a cockloft. - In fact, checking the picture again, they are doing just that, one property down, as they may have extention. Consider with flat roofs, roof ventilation should be a priority. It is the best way to remove the heat, smoke, and especially the build-up of combustible gases. And it will help in slowing the spread of fire as it gives it what it wants...an avenue to get fresh air, and grow upwards. If it cannot grow upwards, it will spread horizontally, and that's bad!
Second truck to the rear. Most of these rows have an alley access, and that's the best point for VES. Most of these inner-city urban streets are narrow, so the aerials may be raised from the street intersections, at the ends of the row. Caution taken on roofs and extra vigilence in looking for previous fire damage and deteriorating construction and collapse hazards.
Hoselines to each exposure as well, with aggressive truck work in searching for extension.
Again, it's pretty much standard row construction tactics. First line to the fire, second as back up, or to above, considering the conditions found, and reported by the first-in companies. Pre-assigned positions for the first two engines and two trucks make these routine incidents progress smoothly. Considering these are the most common fire situations in older cities with thousands of these row homes, you will rarely see confusion or chaos reign rampant.
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Permalink Reply by Jason Hoevelmann on
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Ralph, thanks for adding a different perspective on these post. It is much appreciated. Much of what we do is EMS related, so thanks.
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Do you have the Stryker stairchairs that basically use a track system that takes most of the starin off you?
Probabaly nothing new to you, but if your not familiar with them...they are great.
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