By Raul A. Angulo
For the past few years, it seems that at every class or conference I attend, the topic of two in/two out has still come up. There’s always passionate discussion, and the issue remains controversial around fire station kitchen tables throughout the country. Many firefighters find it a frustrating and confusing dilemma. But it’s the law, and if you are in a full-time paid fire department in a major city, you have to comply.
Basically, the standard states that the minimum number of firefighters on an attack team for interior firefighting is two (the buddy system). But before that crew can enter a burning structure for an offensive attack, there have to be at least two other firefighters in full bunker gear with SCBA in the standby position ready to assist or rescue should the first team get into trouble.
This is extremely challenging for some volunteer fire departments that have trouble getting enough firefighters to respond to a call for a variety of reasons. The only exception to the rule is if there is a confirmed trapped occupant who needs rescue. Then the two firefighters may enter the burning structure.
However, not every fire is considered to have trapped occupants, and that’s where the controversy lies. How do you know there isn’t anybody inside? You have to have reason to believe there is someone trapped inside the burning structure before you make the decision to ignore the two-in /two-out rule.
Now, there are countless “What if …” scenarios you can think of, and the response from firefighters usually is, “I’m not just going to stand there and do nothing while the house burns down! What are you, crazy?”
I agree. You don’t have you to just stand around. Let’s look at some immediate actions you can take to improve the existing emergency conditions.
At the past two house fires where my engine was first in, we had confirmation that everyone was out. I verified that on arrival. To ignore the two-in/two-out rule here would be a deliberate violation of the Seattle (WA) Fire Department’s safety policy. The only life hazard I had was my own crew. If anything were to happen like a sudden collapse or flashover that resulted in an injury or fatality, I’d be in big trouble. Not only would I be a captain for life, but also I could risk demotion and be held legally liable for this decision.
Here’s what you can do while waiting for two in/two out when there is no one trapped inside. Consider laying forward to the fire. Wrap the hydrant with a strap around the barrel instead of leaving a firefighter behind to anchor the supply line and make the hookup. The second-in driver can take care of the supply. Take the time to position the engine correctly. Leave room for the truck. Remember, you can always grab an extra 100 feet of hose, but you can’t extend an extra 100 feet from an aerial. With modern engines having water tank capacities of 500 gallons or more, a forward lay is almost always the best option; but as I see it, if you are first-in with a crew of four, the two in/two out rule makes a forward lay your only option.
The officer has time to perform a 360-degree walk-around to see all four sides of the building. Use this time to give a complete and thorough size-up report on the radio. “Paint the picture” of what you are seeing, and identify any problems for incoming companies. Designate the locations for the command post, base, and staging. Take command. Establish and announce your strategy and tactics. Call for police, water, and power and any other support agencies. Request any additional fire department resources you may need.
You can still perform rescue, exposures, confinement, extinguishment, overhaul, salvage, and ventilation to some extent without violating the rule. Certainly you can rescue any visible occupants within reach by putting up ground ladders. Most engine companies have a 26-foot extension ladder and a 14-foot roof ladder. One member can throw up a ladder and handle this. You can lay and charge two 13/4-inch attack lines–one for the attack line and the other for a backup or RIT line. One firefighter can handle this with two trips to the engine. Another firefighter can lay and charge two 21/2-inch exposure lines for side “B” and side “D” of the building with two trips to the engine. Firefighters can also set up the portable monitor for exposure protection or a transitional attack. The driver can secure a water supply, connect to sprinkler and standpipe connections, and lay a decon line. He can also use spotlights to illuminate the fireground.
You can perform forcible entry to gain access without going in. Lay out tarps and tools such as halligans, axes, pike poles, and small ladders for entry, RIT, and salvage teams to perform search and rescue, to check for extension, and to conduct overhaul operations. Members can position and start up positive-pressure ventilation fans (pointed away from the building) as well as warm up chain saws, making them ready for ventilation as soon as additional firefighters arrive on the scene. One firefighter can administer first aid to fire victims while another firefighter protects exposures.
Don’t be afraid to leave the pump panel once you set it up. In my 23 years of service, I have never seen a first-in engine break down, malfunction, or run out of gas during the first few minutes of a fire. I’m not saying it can’t happen. I’m saying you do not have firefighters inside on the end of a hoseline. If something happens, you can run back to the panel. Once firefighters make entry, you need someone at the pump. But remember, I am talking about what you can accomplish in the first few minutes while waiting for additional units to arrive. A firefighter can even break out a window, shove a nozzle inside, whip it around, and extinguish the fire–all without violating the two-in/two-out rule.
As you can see, there are a number of options your crew can initiate while waiting for additional units to arrive. Obviously, certain combinations may not work for your department, but perhaps you can think of different tactics that will. This beats just standing around. Have a drill with your company, and see how long it takes for two members to accomplish these tasks. Then, time it using three firefighters. Practice to improve your speed. You will be amazed at how quickly two or three firefighters can safely set up the fireground.
Raul A. Angulo is a captain of Seattle (WA) Fire Department Engine Company 33 and a 23-year veteran of the fire service. He is on the Educational Advisory Board for FDIC WEST. He teaches and writes on fire service leadership, company officer development, and fireground strategy and tactics. He is also president of the Fellowship of Christian Firefighters, Seattle-Puget Sound Chapter.
