Downsizing
Jim Johnston
Firefighter, Engine 60
City of New York (NY) Fire Department
Assistant Chief
Wantagh (NY) Volunteer Fire Department
I have enjoyed reading your magazine for many years. I read them with interest and manage to obtain valuable information and insight from each “issue.” Although I have thought about responding to some letters to the editor, I never did so until I saw the letter from Firefighter/EMT Sandy DeBacco of the Ravena (NY) Hose Co. #1 in the December 1997 issue.
DeBacco describes a recent incident at which he arrived as the first-due engine officer. The structure involved was a three-story, wood-frame, multiple dwelling that had fire in the rear of the first-floor apartment. Fire was extending down the hallway to other apartments on the first floor.
He was assigned to take the first handline (134-inch) to the second floor to attempt a search and possible fire attack. As he and his company “made” the second floor, he was able to conduct a quick primary search before the intense heat caused them to drop down to the first floor and help the second line that had been subsequently put into operation. He reports that the intense unbearable heat on the second floor was the “warning” of an impending flashover and that his order to back down to the first floor was the safe and proper decision.
DeBacco and his company are fortunate they escaped serious injury. Line placement is undoubtedly the most important aspect of fire suppression. Successful and safe fire operations depend on the right size line being placed in the right position. This not only helps to ensure fire confinement and rapid extinguishment but also is paramount to the search and removal of possible trapped occupants.
With the scenario presented, it is imperative that the first handline be positioned between the fire and stairway to apartments on the above floors. This, depending on the severity and extension of the fire, can accomplish two crucial functions: the “line” with solid tip nozzle can confine the fire and at the same time darken down the fire. When you confine the fire from extending to an open staircase, you keep the integrity of one of the means of egress for the occupants. Naturally, if the fire gains control of a stairway, it might be necessary to remove the occupants via tower, aerial, or ground ladders.
I can`t think of a situation in which an incident commander would order the first attack line to the second floor when the fire originated on and is extending to the entire first floor. You must gain control of the original fire floor before firefighters are committed to any floors above. My comments are in reference to first-arriving engine operations, not first-arriving ladder operations. Unfortunately, first-arriving truck companies have assignments that consist of members` going above the fire in an effort to conduct a search.
