By Scott Cook & Homer Robertson

Editor’s Note: In this year’s Big Fire Photo Essay, FireRescue’s technical editors based their tactical tips on four topics: apparatus positioning, defensive operations, fire attack and reading smoke—four key issues that must be addressed at every large fire.

See the March issue of FireRescue magazine for 16 more big fire photos.

Detroit firefighters responded to a fire in a vacant dwelling that extended slightly into the second exposure on the B side. A water curtain was set up in attempt to keep the exposure from igniting.
Apparatus Positioning Tip: This is a great example of apparatus positioning that supports overall scene function. The engine company appears to have arrived first and left the front of the structure open for the aerial to start master stream operations. Note that the engine is positioned to allow the ladder to get into the scene. Apparatus positioning at this incident should focus on holding the fire to the lot of origin. If space allows in front of the ladder, spot the aerial’s rear-mounted turntable in line between the two buildings, allowing you to direct your streams both on the exposures for cooling and on the main body of fire to reduce the amount of radiant heat being produced and threatening the B-side exposure. —H.R.
Photo Scott LaPrade

The Wayne (N.J.) Fire Department found a rear, second-story attached dwelling fully involved. The fire also involved a portion of an attached first-story commercial building that was occupied, as well as several sheds and brush in the side yard. Crews quickly put handlines into operation, but required the use of a deck gun to knock down the heavy volume of fire showing out the second-floor windows. As the rear building was being knocked down, additional companies entered the commercial building and began an aggressive interior attack to prevent the fire from extending.
Fire Attack Tip: Coordinating interior and exterior operations requires communication and timing. After starting with handlines, this building required a deck gun to be placed into service due to the large volumes of fire on the second floor. Also, companies made attacks from both the front and rear of the structure. An aggressive fire attack that accounts for safety, communication, timing and teamwork reduces the potential for injuries due to uncoordinated efforts. —S.C.
Photo Michael J. Coppola

Contributors
Scott Cook is the former chief of the Granbury (Texas) Volunteer Fire Department and a member of the FireRescue Editorial Board.

Captain Homer Robertson has been involved in the fire service since 1978, starting as a volunteer with the Granbury (Texas) Fire Department, of which he is a life member. He has served with the Fort Worth Fire Department since 1985 and is currently in charge of the fire equipment division, which includes the apparatus fleet.

Got Fire?
If you have an amazing photo of a huge blaze that you’d like to see in
the pages of FireRescue’s annual Big Fire Photo Essay, contact us at
frm.editor@elsevier.com. All submissions will be considered.