Size up

[fergy]

There's been a lot of talk about getting some training-related stuff on here, so I'll kick it off.

Give your size up, make some comments. (Maybe Hankins can go first?)

1)



2)

[HANKINS]

OK I will bite.

1) This appears to be a 1 1/2 story wood frame SFD with heavy fire showing from the upper floor. I would say it is a cut roof (not truss) so you've bought some time there. The fire seems to be vented by itself. Not seeing the back, I am not sure of the conditions but there should be a window in the rear that can be vented if it hasn't already done so itself. With fire starting to show out of the roof itself, I probably would not put anyone on it. It looks like there is two lines going in through the front door. I would say that the top floor is pretty much untenable for any occupants, so a good primary search of the first floor should be the inside trucks first job. The lines should make the stairs and try to get a quick knockdown. The second line should back up the first and assist with the advance as needed. With the fire through the roof I mentioned earlier, you need to watch out for possible collapse. The fire seems to be burning through the siding as well so after knockdown, the walls and ceiling will need to be pulled ASAP.

Thats my spin. I hope it doesn't sound too corny. as for #2 it is getting late so I will continue on tomorrow.

Fergy, Thanks for posting lets keep'em coming and continue to train as if our lives depend on it....

[baldy]

A couple of things to consider about this building that might change your tactics: (based on the pic)

1. Based on construction style it appears to be a Victorian. And if this is the case, balloon construction.

2. Note the 5-6 stairs that lead to the front door. Most often this is an indicator that there is some type of basement, or lower floor. Look for windows below porch or along side of house.

3. Quite often the "attic" space is converted to a bedroom with a window or sometimes a swamp cooler at the gable end of the roof. Clues that might help you determine if it's been converted to a living area.

4. Back to #1, basement fires in this type of construction typically runs the walls and is not discovered until it vents out the roof....dont forget to check below.

5. Not sure of the use of the PPV fan at the door. 1st, it's too close to the door, but more importantly what is it doing to the fire above?

6. Unless remodeled, expect to find lath and plaster walls and ceilings. Oh yea, usually 10-12' ceilings. Make sure you bring a longer hook.."don't take a 6' hook to a 10' fire".

7. If house is clear of smoke, and fire is above, and time permits, through a tarp or two before dropping ceiling. Big deal if you burn off the roof, don't forget that part about "protecting property".

[scruggs]

I'll give #2 a shot as long as all of you salts put in your 2 cents!
so I can learnwhat your looking at!

I'll call it a multiple story (for lack of seeing a roof line) brick commercial building. possibly a taxpayer. Smoke showing from first floor Business. Confirm address.

I would expect this building to be solid masonry with heavy timber interior. (Window arches, King rows and reinforcement)

What the smoke tells me is that it may just be starting to involve some of the structure. Not a lot of pressure and not dark. so lets kick it's ass.

First engine tank line attack, first truck vent, floor above search and check for for extension, incoming engines take exposures.

[Billy Lewis]

Good job Scruggs. Although I think the first line down you need to go big. 2 1/2 all the way.

[nate]

what do you think of the ladder placement? What purpose is it serving?