Both axes have their pros and cons, abilities and limitations, but it really depends on the application. Me personally, I believe a flat head axe married with a halligan will accomplish most fireground tasks. A pick head axe also has it's abilities, but also limitations.
Yep. We get taught this at my department. We also teach it to people when we have our training clinic(DCFD Training Days) in the Fall if you're in the area for that. It actually works very well.
A flat head is much more versatile, but as mentioned before I too feel that a “set of Irons” is the only way to go….. Also another good tool is the TNT (5 in 1) www.tnttool.com. Check it out. But as long as you have a tool in your hand, you will be better prepared.
(only book worm and observing experience)
the station i ride has a pick axe but it is mostly used in brush
fires i have seen that the flat was used a lot more in the structural
fire ex. breaking off door handles in a sledge manner, in extreme cases a lever tool,
and also as shown below in one of the other comments ventilation when done quickly
the butt of a flathead axe can also be used for overhaul as mentioned above. using the butt of a flathead axe will allow you to break through the roof without getting the blade stuck. thats the meathod we were taught in FF1 and it goes a lot faster.
Depends on what the job is that needs to be done.Like a pickhead for pulling window trim and baseboards,but can also do that with a set of irons.Like a flathead for the heavy stuff though.