RANDOM THOUGHTS ON… TRUCK SIZE-UP, CONTINUED
Last month we began to discuss the thought process—size-up—that must be in place for those firefighters performing extinguishing support functions —truck work. Those responsibilities, we said, are everything other than stretching and operating hoselines.
Building construction. How much time do you have to operate? Is the building supported by lightweight wood or metal truss assemblies? If the fire is exposing these you have only five to 10 minutes before failure. That’s five to 10 minutes since the fire got there, not since you got there.
How fast will the fire spread? Is it a frame structure? Is it balloon-frame or platform (and fire-stopped) construction?
What is the collapse potential based only on the construction characteristics? The most dangerous is lightweight wood truss-supported structures and the least dangerous is fireprotected construction. In between, from higher to lower degrees of danger, are roll-bar metal truss-supported roof structures, wood frame, ordinary brick-and-joist, and heavy timber.
What are your exposures? Are they a problem (maybe a worse life exposure than the fire building itself)? Are the roots of the attached buildings the same height?
Do we have any special operating procedures for buildings of this construction or occupancy?
Building use. Are there hazardous materials present indicated either by preplanning, building or storage labels, or just the type of business? Is this building designed to contain or support the use group in it now? Will there be any ventilation problems?
Fire location. What floor is the fire on? Can we get to that floor and the floors above it from outside for alternative entry, search and removal, and horizontal ventilation? Is it a top-floor fire that will tie up the roof team with extensive vertical ventilation procedures for long periods of time? Is it a lower-floor fire that has a significant life load above it? Is it a cellar fire? This location is usually a delayed alarm. The open construction in these locations added to the delay in discovery increases the potential for early collapse.
Logistics. What are the personnel levels available? Are they sufficient? What type of apparatus do you have? Can it do the job you need to do? Do you need an additional or special piece? Call for it now!
Does the pumping engine have a continuous supply of water or are you operating off the booster tank? What position has the aerial device taken? Is it the best for the objectives at hand? It may be better to reposition or go around the other way now—you won’t be able to do that later.
Where is the additional apparatus coming from? Should their response patterns be altered by radio depending on fire location, apparatus positions, and street conditions to gain the best advantage? Is there a sufficient number of portable ladders? What size(s) do you need and where are the best locations to set them up? Is there sufficient manpower to do what you want? If not, call them now. Don’t play catch-up.
Water supply. Have you blocked your engine company’s access to the hydrant or any other continuous water supply? Have you parked on top of any operating hoseline? Will your hydraulic leg jacks, outriggers, or tormentors clear any and all hoselines that are stretched?
Auxiliary fire protection systems. Are the fire department connections blocked by illegal accumulations of material? What can you do about it? Are there any automatic systems installed in the premises? Can you operate effectively and safely in total flooding carbon dioxide or halon extinguishing systems?
Security. Is entry a problem? What access routes do you have? Are they blocked by fencing or other objects? Are there any heavy security systems, such as electrified fencing or window assemblies or razor or barbed wire?
Are there dogs on the premises? How do you handle them?
Weather conditions. Will humidity have a negative effect on ventilation? Is there any wind? How will it affect horizontal ventilation tactics, and roof operations? Will it affect portable ladder placement and stability? Is there snow? Can you effectively ventilate a top-floor fire by cutting the roof with a snow load? Take a shovel with you for extensive operations.
While there are many more facts that need to be assessed on all firegrounds dependent on local conditions, these are the most common. It looks like an exhaustive process, but believe me—with a little practice and experience it takes only a moment and does not affect your ability to function just as quickly. It only makes those quick actions more effective and purposeful.
