Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jay Lowry on October 29, 2008 at 12:37pm

I'll be first and everyone can correct me.

* The house is stable in the front part of the structure going by the pictures. The rear will suffer structural damage.

* Life safety - There are two people on the front porch. They could have self evacuated, be neighbors or workers or possibly arsonists. The car in the driveway and the size of the house (perhaps multiple apartments) could mean additional people inside.

*Life Safety Part II - The best way to save lives is to put water between the victims and the fire AND protect the stairwell to allow for easier evacuation. So my first due engine will stretch an attack line through the front and upstairs to halt fire spread.

* Have the RIT(s) provide proactive RIT tasks (ladders, etc.)

*Life Safety Part III - My crews are my most important resources. They need multiple ways out of the building. Ladders need to be thrown on three sides.

* Incidents in these types of structures require a primary search. My first due ladder will supply the search.

* Incidents like this need fast truck work: 1. Ventilation 2. Removal of windows as part of a coordinated attack. 3. Vertical ventilation once access is gained (power lines overhead)

* Incident management is critical. Several alarms will be used upon arrival.

* Fire spread will be via the roof and attic space. Extra crews will be used to confine and extinguish.

Permalink Reply by Christopher J. Naum, SFPE on October 29, 2008 at 8:26pm

Apparently Jay, you scared everyone away with your insights (LOL)...
Thanks for taking the first shot...Let's see if we have any other leaders out there....