By Joseph M. Rock
Photos by author
Mansard Roofs: These possess long vertical void spaces behind them and must be exposed early, if suspicion of fire extension exists (Pic 1). The rescue company identified the extension in the mansard with a thermal imaging camera and began opening-up the Bravo side of the fire building (Pic 2). The fire ran up the mansard on the Delta side and took hold of the attic from the Alpha to the Charlie sides. If you believe fire is behind the mansard roof, open it up conservatively until you get a charged handline in place for extinguishment. Air to the fire without water is bad and allows it to grow rapidly!
Ground Ladder Placement: In picture 2 you’ll see a ground ladder placed flat on the outside wall of a pitched roof. In this position, the ladder isn’t as stable as it could be due to the beams contacting the fascia and roof at different points. In this situation, repositioning the ground ladder at an angle toward the ridge allows the beams to contact the fascia and roof equally. This provides an increase in stability for climbing (Pic 3). Whenever operating on soft ground, remember that digging the earth out below the ladder’s butt end and lowest rung can help level a ladder out.
Position on Corners: Positioning your ladder truck’s turntable on the corners of the building, when possible, allows for an offensive position on at least two sides of the building. Thus, it allows for more access points for vent, enter, and search; rescue; overhaul; or water delivery operations. At times, it can give you three sides depending on the building’s set back and aerial length etc. Positioning on the corners provides the ability to overhaul from the aerial or platform on multiple sides, as well. It’s often easier to overhaul, at height especially, from an aerial or a platform than from a ground ladder (Pic 4 and 5). Always ensure you’re wearing an approved ladder belt and secured into the ladder to prevent falling off a device.
Joseph M. Rock is a captain with the Virginia Beach (VA) Fire Department.
