Lessons Reinforced
Initial strategic and tactical decisions must be based on the data at hand and not on routine or guesswork. Rapid and correct size-up enables first-arriving companies to transmit the facts, call for assistance, and initiate an offensive attack.
Proper protective clothing and equipment prevent firefighter injuries.
The quick and aggressive interior attack that’s necessary when occupants are in danger is more likely to succeed if full protective equipment is donned as quickly as possible, perhaps before arrival at the scene.
Interior stairs should be kept free of personnel and equipment. When stair design makes it possible, hose should be stretched straight up through the gap in the middle, which makes for a faster and shorter stretch.
In most situations, the first hose line should be placed in between the fire and the most severe exposure (the life hazard). In that position, it can confine the fire, isolate the civilians, protect the search team, and cool the hallway before the hose team advances to the seat of the fire for extinguishment.
Portable ladders at low-rise dwellings provide an alternative means of entry and egress for firefighters and a path for rapidly removing victims.
When ladders are placed at windows, the tip should be at or below the sill. Any extension into the window area can cause problems in exiting and in removing fire victims.
Firefighters stationed on ladders at windows can aid interior search efforts by acting as guides and helping to remove occupants.
Closing the door to a room being searched isolates the fire, retards extension, and increases the ventilation effect of an open window in the room.
