CELLAR PIPES AND BRESNAN DISTRIBUTORS: ACES IN THE HOLE
TRAINING NOTEBOOK
Cellar fires are among the most challenging fires an engine company faces. An aggressive interior attack often is very difficult and on some occasions impossible to undertake. The entrance often is the sole source of ventilation, and members are forced to climb down the “chimney” before advancing on the seat of the fire. If the fire is involving a large portion of the basement, other tactics may be necessary to bring it under control. Such tactics include using high-expansion foams, master streams, and cellar pipes and/or Bresnan distributors.
The engine company must be able to place these devices into service in a timely fashion. Failure to understand the basic operation and deployment of this equipment may lead to further fire loss and possible death and injury to firefighters. The incident commander also must have an understanding of how and when to use these devices.
The cellar pipe and the Bresnan distributor are two devices used for subgrade fires. Let’s discuss the tasks associated with their use.
BRESNAN DISTRIBUTORS
The Bresnan distributor is an unmanned device that deploys water streams in three directions—up, sideways, and down —and spins 360 degrees. The spinning effect causes the solid water stream to break up into large droplets, increasing the unit’s ability to reach the seat of the fire. The device covers a circular area with a radius of approximately 1 5 to 20 feet. The Bresnan device is capable of flowing 400-plus gpm, depending on the size of the supply line and the tip pressure. It is dropped into a hole cut over the seat of the fire and positioned midway between the floor and ceiling to achieve the greatest coverage of the pattern. A single gate, placed a length or two back, allows for control of the device without unduly exposing personnel.
The Bresnan is effective against tough cellar fires, hut also consider it when faced with fires in cocklofts, voids, and other inaccessible areas. Its small, compact size allows for deployment through a small opening, and its powerful flow will darken down a lot of fire very quickly.
CELLAR PIPES
The cellar pipe is a manned device that may be placed over the fire. However, its design gives you the added advantage of being able to place the device some distance from the fire and to direct the stream toward the seat of the fire. The construction of the device allows a range of motion of 360 degrees.
With a smooth-bore nozzle, it has an effective reach of approximately 50 feet, allowing it to sweep a large area. It flows approximately 350 gpm or more, depending on the supply line and size of tip used. It is particularly effective when conditions preclude forces from operating directly over the fire area. The cellar pipe is also effective on fires in large buildings where the seat of the fire is inaccessible from the ground floor but may be visible to personnel on the roof. Such personnel readily can apply large volumes of water on the fire to darken it down and allow for the advancement of interior forces. In addition, they are proven to be extremely effective in combatting pier fires.
There are several variations of both the Bresnan distributor and the cellar pipe, including a pipe that spins like a Bresnan device but dispenses a fog pattern and operates at a 100-psi tip pressure. Descriptions of this device and other variations can be found in various training manuals on the market.
DEPLOYING THE DEVICES
The two devices are deployed in almost the same manner, with some minor differences. The most notable difference is that the Bresnan is placed over the fire or as close to it as possible, whereas the cellar pipe is deployed some distance away from the seat of the fire.
To begin deployment, both devices require that a hole be cut in the floor. This can involve tools as simple as an ax or as complex as a jackhammer. In the case of the Bresnan distributor, the hole need not be much larger than 12 inches by 12 inches, but it should be as close to the seat of the fire as possible. Ventilation of the exposure floor and roof may be needed to alleviate conditions on that floor when the hole is cut.
As the truck company prepares to cut the hole, stretch a protection line. In addition, members should be readying the distributor so that it may be placed in service once the hole is ready. After cutting the hole and pulling the floor, the truck crew should check for any ceiling and push it down. If no smoke or fire is evident, sweep the hole with the pike pole to see if you cut over a closet or small room. Perhaps stock or equipment is piled close enough to the ceiling to prevent the water from reaching the fire. If so, move and cut another hole. Extending the pike pole into the hole may give you an idea of how deep the floor actually is, so you can estimate how far in to place the device. Another method is to lower the distributor in hand over hand until it hits the floor and then to back up half as many hands. Remember, in this case close enough is good enough.
Once in the hole, the distributor is charged and operated at 40 to 50 pounds of tip pressure. Greater pressures may cause it to whip uncontrollably and reduce the effectiveness of the device. In large areas, placing a distributor every 30 to 40 feet provides overlapping areas of coverage. After placing the device, members should retreat to a safe area. Check the walls of the exposure floor for fire extension and travel.
When deploying the cellar pipe, much the same procedure is followed except, as already noted, the initial hole may be cut some distance from the fire area, reducing the exposure of the members operating the device. The cellar pipe has to be directed at the fire and therefore must be staffed. Also, this device will be severely hampered by stock, walls, and other obstructions. It may be able to blow through some light obstructions with the force of its stream, but don’t count on that happening. If you encounter an obstruction, move the device to a new location.
When using either device, withdraw interior firefighting forces in the basement to prevent steam burns and other unnecessary injuries to personnel. Once the fire is darkened down, forces may return to the area if the incident commander deems it safe to do so.
Remember:
- Stretch a protection line.
- Cut the hole.
- Push down the ceiling.
- Check the hole for walls and stock.
- Place the device in the hole.
- Operate the device.
- Check for extension of fire.
Fires in cellars, voids, ship holds, cocklofts, confined spaces, and similar areas are a challenge to any fire department. The use of different strategies and tactics may be dictated by the fire conditions present on arrival. The department that includes the cellar pipe and Bresnan distributor in its arsenal is one step closer to resolving some of the more difficult problems it faces. Their use, especially in the earlier stages of the fire when the structure still may have a great deal of stability, may prevent a lot of problems later on. Their use is not limited to just cellars: Consider using them whenever you’re faced with a stubborn fire in an inaccessible area that otherw ise would require an intensive i effort by personnel to bring under ; control. If your company is not up to I date on the devices, spend some time during the next drill going over them”
