Rain/double roofs 

🔥Only days after @newtonr1 tagged us in a story on a rain roof they found, here we are… 

🔥Fire originally started on the rear porches and extended into a 2 story addition on a 2 1/2 story wood-frame. Crews began to open up the flat roof on the 2 story addition using a rotary saw and flathead axes. Fire began to vent from the first hole and command was notified that they would need to hit it from down below. As fast as companies could open the roof the fire was traveling straight beneath us to the 2 1/2 story section. As conditions deteriorated and no progress was being made below a 1 3/4” line was brought out and used in conjunction with the roof operation. As we tried to punch through we realized we had another layer of “something” that was not giving up, as conditions improved we could see that we had a second roof with shingles and boards below us, plus a ceiling below that. This immediately told why the companies down below were improving conditions up above… 

🔥On the top roof we had two to three layers of asphalt shingles followed by plywood and 2x4’s. On the original roof below we had two layers of shingles followed by plank decking and rafters. Below that was a lath and plaster ceiling. 

🔥It may not be obvious from the outside to start but once you have companies on the roof and below working with no progress, keep this in the back of your head. To open up the second roof we used a chainsaw which gave us more maneuverability and more versatility with the saw as well as depth. 99% of the time people are not pulling permits to do small jobs or renovations, so what you think is code or should be there may not be the case… 

🔥These types of operations are labor intensive, ask yourself if you have sufficient manpower and tools for the job! 

Saw Blades…

🔥When are you replacing them? 

🔥What dictates you replacing them? 

🔥For some it may be budget and for others the condition of the blade/material you were cutting. Personally, I don’t want to operate with a saw or blade that’s not 100% ready for the job. In our case we run both cheap aluminum oxide and carbide blades so swapping them out isn’t going to break the bank. For those that are on a strict budget, don’t push the limits too far, recognize the signs of degradation and failure. 

🔥 Visual indications that will dictate a swap

▪️Fraying on any portion of the blade

▪️Gouges or chunks missing 

▪️The blade is cracked 

▪️Excessively worn down 

▪️Fuel or oil stains on aluminum oxide 

▪️Tar or rubber buildup that will reduce effectiveness 

▪️ANY missing teeth 

🔥Each department is going to have their own policy or SOP as to when a blade goes OOS, no matter what go over that saw before bringing it to a roof in the middle of the night. Ensure it’s the correct blade, RPM’s, arbor, direction and that’s it’s tight in good working condition. 

“The fire goes as the first line goes” 

🔥Seven years ago a good friend walked into a room where senior chiefs were discussing upcoming RIT training and various evolutions, when asked what he thought, he said “Put the Fucking Fire Out”. This was not meant to put the RIT training down, as valuable as it is, but more so prioritize getting water on the fire. Shortly after the Chief took these words to heart and wrote PTFFO on the white board as a reminder. 

🔥Through numerous UL studies we know that residential fires have changed drastically over the last 40 years. They are in fact burning hotter and reaching flashover much quicker than before. This is going to increase fire spread and  decrease the amount of time someone has to escape. The longer we spend not applying water the more the fire gains the upper hand. A one room fire quickly turns into burning the roof off and there is no excuse! 

🔥Get off the floor quickly, stretch effectively and efficiently, and get water on the fire. Most engines are being spec’d with minimum 500-750 gallon tanks, this is more than enough to start knocking down fire until your chauffeur has a hydrant. 

Anyone interested in a sticker contact 

Uneven ground… 

🔥No matter where you there’s a chance you could run into even surfaces while throwing ground ladders, are you prepared? From slopes and pitches to construction and holes, you need to have plan and finding that random piece of wood or rock isn’t always an option! 

🔥Although the fire service has tried to go the direction of fancy acronyms and gadgets, most of the time a quick and affordable firehouse project will solve our issue. There are dozens of options out there use what works for you. Above you’ll see single wedges with straps, dual wedges and a combination of cribbing and wedges. Sometimes something as small as a door chock will do the trick just ensure whatever you use will not slide on the surface. 

🔥Much like @boogiedown we carry two 4x4 wedges tethered together and can easily be draped over the beam while getting the ladder to the building. As you’ll see in the second and third photos this wedge can be used parallel to take up that gap on the low side or perpendicular to lock the butt spur in. 

🔥If you’re going to throw a ground ladder, throw it correctly under the sill, for rescue, ingress or egress. It doesn’t do any good three feet below the window, three rings into the window, or listing to one side ready to fall over! 

Porches, porches, porches… 

🔥From coast to coast we see stories and videos of porch fires spreading to other homes or victims trapped in their area of last refuge. Depending on how many stories the residential home is may dictate how many and where the porches are. On a 2 1/2 story woodframe you’ll normally find a 1st & 2nd floor porch front and back, on your traditional three decker you could have three rear porches only or three front and back. 

🔥With the northeast having much older construction, once these porches get going they look very impressive. A column of smoke may be seen from miles away, and the volume of fire may look like you’re loosing the battle already, but let’s think a little more. There are a lot of variables that will determine how these fires go, how long it’s been burning, how close the homes are, and what time of year it is (windows open or closed). 

🔥Whether you have one, two, or three porches heavily involved, the first line should be placed into operation to knock them down. This will prevent any further extension to adjacent buildings and will give us a good look as to if the fire has progressed inside. A lot of times if doors and windows are closed you’re fire may be contained to just the porches. The truck companies must still check each floor for extension using the TIC. If an area appears hot an inspection hole in the rear wall will tell you whether you have extension or not. Around window frames, vents and into the soffit is where we expect to find extension first. Do NOT get complacent on opening up and checking for extension! If the fire has extended in a line will be placed in service on each floor with trucks to open up. 

🔥Just because the first line is knocking down the bill of the fire and protecting exposures does not mean you’re out of the fight. A breakdown line, additional length or additional line by the pump operator keeps you in the game and allows you to stretch inside and continue to operate. Always be thinking ahead of your next move and never count yourself out! 

Fully Involved…

🔥The phrase fully involved seems to be used very freely in todays fire service. What has caused this? Lack of knowledge, lack of experience or exaggeration? Whether you’re a chief or a first arriving officer your report paints a picture for the arriving companies and will dictate their initial setup and operations. 

🔥What is fully involved? Fire out two or three windows? Fire on two floors? Fire going up the side of a house? Fully involved describes when the fire has complete control of the structure and entry cannot be made immediately without applying water. Whether brick or wood this is typically fire showing from every door and window and through the roof. Type of construction, water supply and time of involvement are all factors that will dictate if an interior attack can be made further into the operation. The above photo shows a fully involved house minutes away from collapse. This particular house was wood frame and built in 1900 but modified to an open floor plan. Fire quickly extended across the first floor and upwards in only minutes. 

🔥Paint a picture of what you see in a few words. 

Ie. “2 1/2 story woodframe, fire showing floor 2”

     “3 story woodframe, fire showing floors 1 & 2”

Just because you have fire showing from two floors does NOT mean those floors or the building are fully involved. Fire showing from 3 windows and extending up could be a one room fire extending up! 

Multitasking… 

🔥Get comfortable with your controls, know which one is which without looking! Under pressure we want to be able to position that aerial to the window, porch, or roof as fast as possible, especially in the event of civilians or firefighters trapped. While is fast idle work on utilizing two controls at once, typically we can raise and turn the aerial simultaneously to save time, once closer we can also extend and lower into position as well. Challenge yourself on your morning check, practice makes perfect! 

#secondsmatter #them #citizensfirst #makeadifference #operatormindset #truckwork #aerial #laddercompany #chauffeur #roofman #turntable #controls #eone #rearmount 

Rubber roofs… 

🔥They may be found on flat roofs of both commercial and residential buildings within your district. Due to the flammability of this material, heavy black smoke will be visible once it is involved. 

🔥Whether it’s as we are pulling up or after we have made our hole, it can look very impressive. Don’t be fooled as most times it is simply the thin layer of membrane burning away, but it still must be addressed. 

🔥Upon recognition of a rubber roof advise command and if they haven’t already request a line. Whenever possible I try to cut away the rubber material before cutting. This will prevent our saw from gumming up and give us a buffer between the fire and flammable material. 

🔥As seen in the last photo I have used this style flooring knife for years. It has a great point that allows for a purchase into the rubber and a curve which keeps the rubber on the blade and allows for a smooth cut rather than chopping away at it. Some roofs especially newer ones the membrane may be glued or adhered with heat, if not removable we must take this into account when cutting. 

The Half Story… 

🔥Just over a week ago I posted a photo of a woodframe residential building with two full floors and a pitched roof, the majority chose 2 1/2 stories which is correct. 2 stories came in second and I understand why, but let’s dive in. 

🔥Often times we follow what we have been taught, what we hear, and the path of least resistance, but that doesn’t always make it the right. Sizeup is huge and paints a picture to both the incoming companies or the incident commander if not already on scene. This puts into motions plans of attack, necessary tools and factors to think about, especially extension. 

🔥The half story itself is a construction term and in itself tells us that we do not have a full floor, we have lost space due to roof construction and the possibility of knee walls. I know if I hear some give a sizeup with 1/2 story included that I will see a pitched roof on arrival. This 1/2 story can be a fully furnished living space or simply storage, BUT it’s up there and we need to know how to access it, search it, and extinguish it. 

🔥Some clues that will help us determine whether it is a living space or storage/dead space is the presence of newer windows, A/C units and curtains. In today’s society we know that people can living or sleeping just about anywhere, so as the presence of a hatch or drop down stairs would normally tell us storage, that space must be searched as well. 

🔥The half story can be found in buildings ranging from 1 1/2 to 3 1/2 and sometimes larger apartment and condo buildings. These half stories pose many challenges from access to opening up and fire spread via chases and knee walls. They are labor intensive and need to be recognized immediately.

🔥A building with a flat roof (pitched for rain) is going to have flat ceilings that meet the wall at 90 degrees and allow for an entire open floor. It will have a void or cockloft area with insulation and wiring that can vary in size. Think about your size up and practice it in your district, set the troops up for success. 

Hockey Puck Locks… 

🔥 Shackle-less locks, more commonly known as the hockey puck lock, have become increasingly popular in recent years. The largest manufacturer we would encounter was American Lock, but now dozens of others have jumped on board. These generic locks may look similar but the company’s trademark could be anywhere on the lock or no writing at all. 

🔥 Our mental note is to always cut 3/4 from the keyway, starting slow and allowing our blade to create a nice channel and then bringing the saw up to full RPM and back into the channel to complete the cut. Once through, the lock pieces should be easily removed with a gloved hand. 

🔥If found on a roll up door and attached to the rail, two simple rail cuts can be made, one above and one below the lock. Then remove the small portion of rail with the lock as one. This is very quick and allows the lock to be used again elsewhere. 

🔥Where are we seeing them? 

-Work vans

-Tractor trailers

-Commercial doors 

-Rollup doors 

-Garages 

-Containers 

🔥Get out and train with what you carry! Start with your gas powered rotary, followed by battery operated rotary or angle grinder. You can try the old pipe wrench but newer locks and brackets may prevent that and it will be time consuming. My goal on the fireground is to work quickly and effectively, no matter the operation. 

The not so obvious… 

🔥 Even through a solid size-up will we know exactly how many locks are on a door? Not always… After sizing it up and trying the knob I like to try and get a boot gap by applying pressure to the bottom portion of the door, followed by the top portion with my hand. Within seconds I knew we had a metal door set into a metal frame with multiple locks. 

🔥 Like every door, we started with the basics Gap, Set, Force with little success. At that time we fully set an aluminum wedge giving us a gap and a view of multiple locks and a couch on the other side. From here our plan was to place the battery operated spreaders in the gap we had made with the hopes of the screws on the homemade “slide locks” failing. We also had our Stihl battery operated rotary saw at the door as Plan C, as we didn’t have enough of a gap to slide the blade in yet. 

🔥Just as we grabbed the spreaders the PT finally opened the adjacent door which was also reinforced. Once in we were able to see exactly what was on the other side and how we were progressing. The initial GSF defeated the key in knob and small slide bolt. The two larger slide bolts appeared to be 6-8” solid cast iron which were holding their ground. Looking from the inside you would think the frame is wood but if you take a look on the outside you can see where the paint cracked around the entire metal frame. 

🔥The size-up of any door starts with preplanning and knowing the type of building you’re going to. In most apartment buildings we are thinking inward swinging metal doors. As we walk up we are looking for locks, bolt patterns or any indications of a drop bar, fox lock etc. In this case we didn’t have much to go off of, we looked at the inside of the neighbors door (different) and then went to work getting our gap. Not every lock is going to hold you up the same, defeat one at a time and have multiple plans! 

New Year…

🔥I wanted to start 2023 with a little information about the page. More often than not you see a new page sharing videos, pictures or tactics and you have no idea who it is or what their background is. 

🔥In 2008 I joined the United States Coast and was assigned to the CGC Jarvis a 378’ high endurance cutter where I was assigned to the deck team, fire team, helicopter tie down and rescue. In 2009 I attended boatswain’s mate “A” and then reported to Station Brant Point. 

🔥In 2010 while finishing up active duty in the United States Coast Guard I became a call firefighter on the small island of Nantucket just off Cape Cod in Massachusetts. With no mutual aid and very little staffing it was eye opening, especially after growing up in a city. At the same time I began to ride and eventually joined the Christiana Fire Company in Delaware. Both departments provided great experience especially when it comes to doing more with less. 

🔥I was blessed to join the Boston Fire Department in 2012, being assigned to Ladder Company 6 in the Ashmont (Dorchester) section of Boston. The last 10 years have flown by, I’ve been lucky to have amazing bosses, senior men and coworkers which makes going to work easy. Within those ten years I joined MATF-1 a national USAR team, began teaching for On Scene Training & the New England FOOLS and joined our Honor Guard and burn foundation.

🔥A few years ago I was lucky enough to meet @boogiedown in PA while we were both teaching, since then we have collaborated and taught both lectures and hands on classes all over the country. Our passion for truckwork, prioritizing victims and bettering the fire service as a whole always seems to align. 

🔥 In 2016 I started this page but was mostly posting photos, in 2019 I started to post tips and tactics. The purpose of the page is to stress the importance of the basics, give various methods of overcoming obstacles in the field as well as support trusted conferences, companies, instructors and the brothers and sisters of the fire service. This is a page to share what you come across, how you operate and how you overcome obstacles. You are always welcome to send over pictures or questions, if I don’t have the answer I’ll get it for you! 

🔥I truly would not be where I am without hundreds of people along the way, from family and friends to bosses and Chiefs, thank you all for steering me on the right path and passing the knowledge on! 

🔥There may be issues in the fire service or in your department, be the one to make a change and right the ship. Never forget that the citizens come first and this job owes you nothing! I look forward to 2023 and what the future holds. 

                             ~Dan MacAuley 

RIT…

🔥Whether it’s your pockets or the RIT bag, traveling light is imperative. Carrying the kitchen sink will weigh you down, increase fatigue and potentially slow the progress of your search or removal.

🔥Our MSA RIT Pak has traditionally been a 1 hour bottle, mask and UAC. We recently added a pair of wire cutters with webbing as not every member may have a pair on them. 

🔥Our RIT Tag Line, carried in a small separate bag, consists of 200’ of Kevlar rope with quarter turn carabiners and Company ID as well as a magnetic flashlight w/ hook. 

🔥A TIC will be carried by the Officer, a set of irons by the open up position, a 6’ rake by the rake position (if truck) and any other tools requested by Command. 

🔥A FAST board or stokes basket are a great addition that may be taken off the closest company if carried. 

🔥What is your company carrying? 

Size-up 

🔥One of the most important and sometimes debated aspect of our job is sizeup. Different departments in different geographical may be slightly different, but as long as the troops showing up have a picture painted then it works! We are trying to set them up for success… 

🔥Above are only a few photos from my district, none of them being the exact same. Each one posing specific challenges and tactics.

🔥Whether it’s how the building is positioned on the lot or the amount of smoke we may not be able to see certain windows or certain sides, but I know if I see a pitched roof we must look for access to check for life and for fire. If it is a “flat” roof I know we must check the cockloft and void area for any extension.

🔥Again how you’re giving you’re initial sizeup should be painting a clear picture to all incoming companies. Depending on where you work after the size of the building you may add some of the following: 

“PD” Private Dwelling 

“MD” Multiple Dwelling 

“OMD” Occupied Multiple Dwelling

“Duplex” Two Units 

“Three Family” Three Units

“Six Family” Three Units Side by Side

“Three Decker” Three Units w/ Porches Front, Rear or Both

“Row” Multiple Attached Houses

“Garden Style” Three to Four Floors w/ Balconies and Green Space

“Cape Cod” Single Family w/ Low Pitch, Central Chimney & Dormers

“Ranch” Single Family w/Open Floor Plan & Little Attic Space 

And many more throughout the country! Questions on tactics in these types of construction? Send them over! 

Displine: a. orderly or prescribed conduct or pattern of behavior

                b. to train or develop by instruction and exercise especially in self-control

For a firefighter who loves the job, loves doing work and loves to push themselves to new limits, it can be very hard as the chauffeur to not “go in and work” especially as a multiple alarm truck. It may be that you’ve driven and been on the roof four the last three to four fires, or maybe it’s a really good fire with a ton of work. I get it, I have been there! That constant is what keeps us on the level and keeps the operation going like a well oiled machine. Each repetition and roof builds muscle memory and verifies the importance of the other chauffeurs. Will there be times we have to climb someone else’s stick? Yes. Will there be times we are RIT or given a direct order? Yes. Give the other chauffeur a heads up. 

Couldn’t be prouder of the work that our ladder companies and chauffeurs put in daily. You are on a pedestal and revered by thousands throughout of firefighters throughout the country, keep up the amazing work! 

Ring removal… 

🔥Sometimes you can go months to a year without one, then you get two or three right in a row. Each of our companies are issued a basic brass/chrome ring cutter believed to be developed by Rudolph Bever in Waltham, MA, but these will only get you by with softer metals. Our rescue companies carry a plethora of tools and may be called to assist at any time. We used to carry a battery operated dremel but over time the batteries wore down and blades went missing. We recently put together the following basic kit to better serve the citizens in our area. 

🔥Some rings may have to be cracked vs cut but we still start off with basic techniques to try and remove the ring. Our biggest obstacle is the patient not knowing what the ring is made of, whether is was a gift or they were told something else at time of purchase.

1. Soap/Olive Oil 

2. Ice & Elevation 

3. Compression 

4. Dental Floss 

5. Ring Cutter 

6. Dremel 

7. Vice Grips 

🔥Ring Removal Kit 

-Dremel 4000 w/ flex shaft 

-Various cutting wheels for metal & plastic 

-Ring Cutter 

-Vice Grips 

-Needle nose pliers 

-Flathead screwdriver 

-Knife and spoon (can flatten) 

-Tongue depressors

-Dental floss 

-Dish soap 

-Two condiment bottles for water

-Metal hardness chart 

-Aluminum wedge (machinery) 

-Additional bag with various size screwdrivers, pliers, snips etc. 

Arbor spacing…

🔥These checks need to be thorough, for any company that carries saws this is one of your most powerful and vital tools on the fireground, treat them the same. 

🔥 Before starting the saw give the saw a good look over, lay it on its side, give the blade a good tug, does anything seem off? If the incorrect blade is installed it may not be centered, if started you will both feel and visibly notice a wobble in the blade. Immediately shut the saw off and ground the blade. Once apart you will most likely find the arbor hole on the blade is larger than the arbor.

🔥 Each manufacturer may have a different name for them but you will need a bushing, spacer, adapter or reducer ring to properly seat your blade. Having one of these on the rig and one in the locker can be crucial when changing blades. These are short money for a pack, just ensure you are purchasing what’s recommended by the saw brand. Most saws will have a 1” or 20mm arbor with ring. 

🔥 With no bushing, or loose but the blade may come apart from the saw causing injury or damage nearby. If it looks or seems off, it probably is! Getting comfortable with saws and their standard operating is half the battle…

Windows…

🔥When taking a window, take the WHOLE window! Whether it’s the 1st floor or the attic, we want a clear exit for US and the removal of victims. 

🔥I have found success in taking the glass high and coming down on the center of the sash. A couple quick hits will usually deform it enough to be pushed out or pulled in. I will then run my tool around all four corners to clear any shards of glass still in place. 

🔥Depending on your geographic location or proximity to an airport, you may have hurricane or soundproof windows which will create additional challenges. 

🔥 Remember that if possible we want to pull or push in any window A/C units preventing anyone from getting hit below. If carrying a rake or hook after sounding the floor it can be laid from the sill outward into the room making it easier for us to get back to the window. Curtains and drapes or not usually secured by much, getting your tool high behind the curtain rod should drop them to the ground, if we can reach it and remove it that’s another option so we don’t get tangled up. 

“For the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them.”

            ~Aristotle

🔥 Calling in sick for training is doing both citizens you serve and the firefighters you work with a disservice. 

🔥Whether you’re not confident, worried about being embarrassed, think you’re perfect or just don’t want to train, you’re doing yourself a disservice. 

🔥Strive to master your craft. No matter what your chosen profession is, you need to dedicate time to developing your skills. This can mean taking classes, attending workshops, or simply reading books and articles related to your field. If you want to be a master of your craft, you need to keep learning and expanding your knowledge.

📷 Unknown 

Voids/Searches 

🔥Whether at their own house or visiting a family member or friend, kids know where every hiding and hangout spot is in the house. We must take this into account and like always ensure thorough searches are created. 

🔥In the first three photos you see a void area with carpet off a bedroom and behind the knee wall. Sports and playing cards can be seen left behind after the family moved out. In the next two photos you see a void or “spandrel” under the staircase with a door. This can be used as a closet, storage, or kids hang out. There are dozens of other potential areas such as walk in closets, lofts, basement “play rooms” as well as behind and under furniture. Take into account children with autism or special needs, if at the home talk to the parents about how their child reacts and what they need/where they like to hide. 

🔥This is all part of our continuous sizeup, while on those “routine” calls or waiting for EMS, take a look around and become familiar with the building. Knowing the obstacles we may face before it’s on fire is a huge advantage that we and they can benefit from. 

Saws On Flat Roofs…

🔥What saw are you bringing to a flat roof for initial cuts? 

63.9% rotary saw 

28.2% chainsaw 

4% we don’t go on roofs (few jokesters mixed in) 

3.9% sawzall 

🔥For myself and most firefighters zi know the rotary saw is the go to for initial operations, this does not rule out other saws in certain situations. The rotary saw is the least intricate and least likely to have a major equipment issue. On the rotary we have a 12” or 14” circular blade usually a carbide tip (my preferred) or a diamond blade. During firefighting operations, the only two big possibilities with this saw is it not starting, or throwing/breaking one or two teeth. Any saw can have a battery, power or fuel issue, but throwing a carbide tooth keeps us in the game, that blade will continue to cut even with missing teeth, hitting gravel and getting gummed up with rubber. 

🔥The chainsaw is a great second option due to the depth we achieve without the guard. The problems we run into are with tar and gravel, even once we’ve scraped away what we can these materials will wreak havoc on a chainsaw. Tar and gravel can become lodged between the chain and the bar eventually throwing the chain and rendering the saw inoperable for that immediate time. If conditions dictate a chain can be tightened or replaced but takes you out of the game temporarily. Be mindful that almost every flat roof has multiple layers of rubber or membrane to waterproof and keep the elements out. Other times we may have a (BUR) built up roof or a commercial roof with 1-2’ of insulation, we may need to start with the rotary and transition to a step cut with the chainsaw. We can also use it to open up dormers, soffits and attic floorboards. 

🔥Sawzall or reciprocating saws have improved drastically in recent years, much like the battery powered rotary and chain saws they have improved the battery life, power and blades to cater to the demolition companies and fire service. If using one on a flat roof remember to have a high end demolition blade on it, this will still be time consuming especially on larger buildings. 

🔥In our next post we’ll dive into the depths of saws and what you’re actually achieving

Fighting Fires in Large Wood Frame Buildings 

🔥Once or twice a year in the city, we have a fire that extends to multiple houses usually via rear porches. Sometimes they can be densely packed with C side exposures only feet away. In this case our exposures were on the Bravo and Delta Sides (2 & 4). 

🔥First due companies arrived to find heavy smoke and fire showing from two three story wood frames and a second alarm was ordered. Within minutes a third similar was involved, a third and fourth alarm would soon be ordered. 

🔥immediately companies began to deploy both 1 3/4” & 2 1/2” lines to knock down the exterior siding and porches as well interior fire on each floor. The first two ladder companies were faced with multiple overhead wires and threw a 40’ ground ladder to the roof of the main fire building, upon arrival of the second alarm ladder companies they threw an additional 40’ to the roof of the Bravo exposure. The first due ladder would eventually reposition and be able to get a throw under the wires to main fire building, providing a second means of egress. 

🔥With a total of nine floors with various amounts of fire and numerous void spaces for rapid spread, there was plenty of work for everyone. The initial line went down the Bravo alley and the  second line into the Alpha side main building. As companies arrived they looked for a floor that did not have a line and advanced it to that location. Due to the age of these houses the fire quickly spread inside as well as up and into the cockloft, making it imperative that the chauffuers get the roofs open to both cut it off and improve conditions below. 

🔥This fire was stopped and extinguished due to basic firefighting tactics using hand lines, hand tools, ground ladders and saws. Proficiency in these areas will lead to a successful fireground. The chiefs let the men and women do what they are trained to do and they performed outstanding, even being outgunned from the start. 

Challenges 

-Volume of Fire 

-Overhead Wires 

-Void Spaces 

-No Rear Access for Apparatus 

-One Dead Hydrant 

-Tight Streets 

Cutting Flat Roofs… 

🔥 When using a rotary saw on flat roofs, allowing the saw to dig in to full depth is imperative. The center flange will be riding the roofing material with the front of your guard either on the roof or just off of it depending on how you have it set. 

🔥With one hand on the trigger and at full RPM rock the saw forward and into the material, once at full depth slowly guide the saw back with your second hand resting on top of the handle in case of kickback. 

🔥If possible (not glued down) use a knife to cut back the rubber, intersect your cuts and allow the saw to do the work. If need be with presence of multiple layers of wood or insulation a chainsaw can be brought up to assist or make a step cut. Be mindful of the possibility of tar & gravel as well as Q decking if using a chainsaw. 

Porches… 

🔥Multiple porches on fire can often look spectacular while enroute or pulling up, but sometimes they look better than they appear, if doors and windows are closed it may be just that, porches. Whether in the front or the rear when heavy fire is encountered, the first line must go there and start knocking down fire. By doing so the first line can stop further extension and knock down fire on the exterior of the original building. 

🔥Whether you pull a 2 1/2”, 2” or 1 3/4” line is up to you, but just ensure it matches the volume of fire you have and you know how to use it effectively. A properly pumped 1 3/4” can do a lot of damage on 2-3 porches, but if I have 2-3 houses going I’m going to be looking at a bigger line or quick hit with the deck gun in the front.

🔥If a 2 1/2” line is stretched bring a 1 3/4” break down line, this will allow you to advance or push inside more manageable. For the trucks start your searches at the first floor that has fire, check for extension in the exterior walls and the attic or cockloft. 

🔥Be cautious of propane tanks, fuel cans and the possible collapse of porches. Most of these New England porches have never been maintained or replaced and are a hazard when not on fire. Across the country but especially in the Northeast, three to six family houses are built densely, often with porches in the front and rear, it is imperative that we get water on the fire to mitigate the spread and damage. 

Overhauling… 

🔥One of the most important but often overlooked tasks on the fireground is the art of overhauling. It’s not glorious but it’s professional, and if done right will prevent you from going back to the scene. 

🔥Each department may have different standards or SOP’s on overhauling but the goal will always be the same: open up, expose, and extinguish any smoldering hot spots. 

🔥Areas around window frames, door frames, lights, fans and other unsealed areas should be opened and checked closely. Use the TIC as a tool to find excessively warm areas that need to be opened up. For us the fire room and anywhere the fire traveled will be opened up to clean studs, followed by a thorough wash down. 

🔥Hopefully you can prove the arsonist came back but just remember it’s not a rekindle if you didn’t put it out the first time…