Truck Room 18

www.truckroom18.blogspot.com



Happy New Year
 If you are trying to shed some pounds or get into firefighter shape try these workouts.  Don't just wear the Tshirts get to work.
Thanks,
Scotty J.

Another option for steep roofs

Another option for steep roof ops obviously this works only without a ridgepole.  We should be assessing if we have a ridgepole right away sound the roof let it talk to you.

5000 HITS!

Thanks to everyone for making this site happen. We just reached 5000 hits on our site with just 30 posts.  I want everyone to feel like this is YOUR site too, so send me videos. I'll post the videos, send me ideas and I will research them.  If you just want to train with us, become a follower, or just keep viewing.  Follow and view posts, lets get out and be STREETSMART...

steel roll up doors

This cut works great for steel slated rollup doors.  Notice the cut is towards the center if it was to close to the wall there would be no room to pull the slats.  If the door was all the way down and you had to cut the bottom bar do a pie cut to fit the saw head in there and cut the bottom bar.  These doors are usually riveted every other slat.  So if you pull with no movement pull the one above or below.  If the doors are riveted every slat cut on the sides thus defeating the rivet you don't have to make the cut all the way down but you can if you would like.  Remember the part of the door not cut will go upward into the drum making a loud sound it is normal.

Positive pressure attack

We use positive pressure attack and it works when applied correctly.  Know when and when not to use it and it can be effective.  Make sure you have an exit for the smoke.  If not you are just adding to the fire.  Also be careful if the attic is already involved.  As with all firefighting ppv attack is a tool if you try to use it assess if it worked if not try something else.  If you are just turning a fan in at every fire without even thinking of the consequences you are setting yourself up for disaster.
Talking points
wind driven fires (can the fan overcome)
exit holes
attic fires
entry point

minnesota ladder slide

This is a reason in itself to throw ladders anything over a single story should have ladders thrown to all sides.  This can be accomplished by anyone at the scene.  When I drive I don't babysit the pump throw ladders to the front side once one ladder goes up there will be four thrown. 
RIC teams should be doing this as a way to soften the structure.

Headfirst slide versus flipping over.
What do you think?

Steep Roof Ops Milwaukee

Steep  roof operations
Another way to combat steep roof ops. great job Milwaukee.  If you have multiple saws you can even complete this faster.  Very safe and effective. 

Attack

This is the Definition of ATTACK

at·tack

/əˈtæk/ Show SpelledTo set upon in a forceful violent or aggressive way, with or without a weapon.......


Success on the fireground is predicated on this word.     Big word double letter score 100 points.


                          UH TAK

Philly fire attack

This is a great video to show the capability of a single attack line.  Great job knocking it down. 

Vehicle Rescue Airbag Safety

 

Airbags

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interesting to see how violent airbags can be.  Make sure we are pulling all trim before cutting.  The Engine crew just the other day on a rescue had the vehicle stabilized battery disconnected and all the trim pulled before the Truck got there great job.  Thanks for the vids they are ssswweeetttt.   

Drop cut technique

This is a video of a drop cut technique.  Works well but the pitch of the roof has to be taken into account.  Also if your venting for contents fire and punching ceiling. The pieces that drop in may make it tough to punch.  What do you think?

Vertical Vent Gone Wrong

http://statter911.com/2012/12/03/must-see-video-ground-ladder-gives-way-dropping-vertical-vent-crew-to-the-ground/

This is not put up to bash not my style.
 I just would like to say though that size up of the ground you are using to hold your ladder is necessary.
Size up of roof conditions to put the proper hole in the right spot is necessary.
Size up is continuous and for every action we take lets hope it has the desired effect on the overall conditions.
Thanks Cap for the video you know who you are   :)

Attic Rescue

Thanks Dallas

 

Both videos are worth watching the first you make an opening and bring the downed firefighter back to your ladder for rescue.  Notice the constant air checks.





Video 2 is getting to the downed firefighter then cuting away part of the ceiling joist putting a ladder up and affecting rescue.  Notice the joist is cut away with a battery powered sawzaw this is because in the environment a chainsaw would not work (smoke).   This seemed faster.

1. Try to locate downed firefighter.
2. Get the ceiling pulled
3. Check air supply of FF
4. get FF out.
Think about this, having a plan for the worst case is always the best case.
Get them out of the attic fast, it is an oven up there and just because our gear can take it for seconds we will not last long. Temperatures of less than 400 degrees can cook you in minutes.

Here is a basic louver cut on a standard roof. 

This video is just for people to get better idea of the time it actually takes to make a hole for vertical ventilation.  Notice the sounding technique plus the use of a tool to keep the sawyer aware of how close he is to the edge and working in safe areas without slowing the firefighter down.  This operation is fast and effective.  Ventilation is like any other event on the fireground, assess situation make a decision, complete the task and make sure what you did had the desired effect on the fire.

Safe operations come from being very good at your job, train every day.

Steep Roof Operations

This video shows the use of a roof ladder due to a steep roof (simulated). 

This video shows a way to actually work off a roof ladder in a safe and effective manner.
If the roof integrity is in question or the pitch is significant use this option.
A 4x4 hole is 16 square feet as is an 8x2 hole and a 7x3 hole is 21 square feet.

Steep Pitch operations

aggressive smoke conditions

Video link- http://youtu.be/S3Tw4FgKXXo

Look at the 4:18 mark when air is intorduced it flashes.  Just a good reminder for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Look at the smoke conditions gotta get it ventilated
The roof was compromised but was it still possible to work off a roof ladder with a technique where you lay down and reach the saw out never leaving the roof ladder? I will post a video of this soon it is cool works really well very safe.
We could also horizontally vent with or without an fan?  I would not put a fan in with attic fire personally.  Good discussion though.

Keep training and kicking but brothers

Hockey Puck Lock

Hockey Puck Lock

1) When you cut go two thirds back from the keyway.  Some people say cut behind the writing on the lock but I have seen locks that the writing was the wrong way.  So look for the lock and go two thirds back there is some play.  Look at the underside of the lock next time you see one there is some play in the cutting area.

2) Keep the saw at full rpms it is important. 

3) If there is a protective collar around the outside egde of the lock you can do a pie cut around the lock and bend it out of the way.  Next time I get a chance I will make a video of that.

Firefighter ventilation

Ladder 19 Ventilates video

1) Look at color of smoke, velocity, and equality of distribution throughout the eaves.

2) What is your roof construction?  People will automatically say I would or I would not have sent them to the roof.  I would say know the building construction in your still and beyond and make an informed decision.

3) What they did worked at the 3:00 mark you see the smoke lift out of the eaves and leave through the whole they cut.  Nice Work they lifted the heat off that engine company. 

4) Lets get out of the always and nevers.  Lets get educated to make good aggressive decisions.

Let me know what you think  

 

 

Through the Lock VS. Smashing Glass

 

 

 

The K tool is a great option this is just 1 video showing the speed with a little training we can gain access.  I have access to alot of locks for practice if anyone wants to see.  Remember structures settle if a door rubs or sticks while opening normally then you may have to take the pressure of that door by manually lifting up to take the weight off to manipulate the lock easier.

Great Fire Attack on Cookie Cutter Conditions

 

 

 

 

 

Notice the quick change in smoke color.  Look at the post flash conditions on the left with lack of smoke on the right signs of a compartmentalized fire.  These conditions call for Aggressive attack which is what they did good job Ft Worth. Let me Know what you Think..............

The PIG write up

Photos

Gear Test: Lonestar Axe’s Pig Hand Tool

Lonestar Axe’s Pig tool proves to be an ideal multi-use hand tool for various truck ops

inShare0

By Randy Frassetto
Published Tuesday, November 27, 2012 What do you get when you combine the functional attributes of a sledgehammer with those of flat- and pick-head axes? You get “the Pig,” a tool that’s advertised as “8 lbs. of total fireground domination.” Recently, I took this tool, which is produced by Lonestar Axe (www.lonestaraxellc.com), and put it through a number of tests to see if it lived up to the manufacturer’s claims.

The Pig’s claim to fame is that it can be used for forcible entry, ventilation and overhaul. It weighs 8 lbs., and can be purchased in handle lengths of 28, 32 or 36 inches. Each handle is made of fiberglass, and Lonestar offers customers the option of adding glow-in-the-dark technology, made by Fire Axe Inc., to the handle. The Pig also features a 4.5" pick on one end with grooves to hold a Halligan, and a flat portion on the opposite side that’s similar to the striking end of a flat-head axe.

First impressions are everything, and right away I could tell that the Pig is, simply put, a solid tool. The handle was mounted securely into the head, and the tool had a great feel to it; you could definitely tell that it was made to get down to business. The Pig is also well balanced, providing good momentum and a comfortable swing.

The first functional test involved taking the Pig to a roof to see if its functionality when completing vertical ventilation ops matched its good looks. We started by performing typical cutting operations. One common practice when cutting a roof is to use the striking side of a flat-head axe to avoid getting the cutting edge wedged into the cut. The Pig easily cut (read: bashed) through half-inch and three-quarter-inch OSB and plywood with asphalt shingles on top. The Pig’s blunt end, with a width of 1½ inches, kept the tool from getting caught, and the sheer weight of the head made the most of each swing.
Using the pick portion of the Pig, I was also able to easily penetrate a wood roof with built-up asphalt shingles. The 4½" pick portion is definitely thick enough to penetrate the decking and would be ideal in a residential setting where foam and/or insulation is attached to the roofing material.

Often on residential roofs, steep pitches require a footing device to be used to prevent the sawyer from losing traction on the roof. When it came to using the Pig for footing, the mass of the tool penetrated the OSB with ease, and the pick portion was long enough to offer a stable spot for the sawyer to place their foot without worrying about it coming loose.

For our next test, we wanted to see how the Pig performed on forcible entry tasks. I used obstacles commonly found on the fireground that could be forced using conventional forcible entry methods. The result: When married up with the Halligan, I found the Pig offers a smooth swing that carries enough force to drive the Halligan between the door and the jam.

When it comes to any tool designed to break things, one of the ultimate tests (and most fun) is putting it up against masonry walls commonly found in commercial and residential applications. I tested the Pig against masonry blocks and double-stacked bricks, and the Pig performed as expected, with the same breaching characteristics of an 8-lb. sledgehammer.

One nice feature of the Pig that isn’t offered on a sledgehammer is the ability to use the pick end to force open padlocks. The narrow pick on the Pig allows it to fit easily between the shackle and the case of the lock. In most tests, after finding the right fulcrum point, the lock broke just by using leverage on the Pig. When using locks built with more integrity, I was able to break the hasp with 1–2 strikes on the flat side of the Pig using another striking tool.

Another material we forced our way through (aka, smashed): drywall. When it comes to overhaul, firefighters are often faced with removing simple things, such as drywall, as well as more stubborn materials, such as lathe and plaster. To perform the overhaul test, I found some buildings that offered both modern and traditional materials to see how the Pig would function.

Needless to say, drywall wasn’t even close to being an obstacle for the Pig; it was like bringing a gun to a knife fight. In structures where drywall needs to be pulled for extensive overhaul, the Pig’s only downfall is that it may be just too much muscle and lead to early fatigue due to its weight.

Anyone who’s ever dealt with lathe and plaster knows that there’s absolutely nothing fun about it. Using the Pig for breaking plaster and pulling lathe made life a lot easier. The 32" handle made it compact enough to get good upward thrusts, and the heavy-duty weight of the head broke apart the plaster and fairly easily penetrated the lathe. Once I made a hole big enough to get the Pig’s head through, I was able to use the tool’s weight and momentum to my advantage, and, using the bottom part of the pick end, I pulled the remaining lathe and plaster downward. Once I created an even larger hole, I used a short, overhead, downward swing and the remaining ceiling dropped with ease.

Some of the most effective tools that have been around the longest in the fire service are simple, well-built and effective. The Pig meets all these criteria and I was really impressed with the tool.

And although I like more traditional coloring on a hand tool, the Fire Axe glow-in-the-dark technology worked exceptionally well; I was amazed at how quickly it recharged and how long it held a glow.

In short, the Pig is a low-maintenance, highly functional and practical tool that definitely has its place on the truck and purpose on the fireground.

Sidebar 1: The Pig Hand Tool
Pros

• Sturdy, secure construction
• Sledgehammer strength
• Functionality of a flat- or pick-head axe
• Well balanced
• Good swing, momentum
• Various handle lengths

Cons

• Too much muscle for pulling drywall, which can lead to early fatigue.

Sidebar 2
Lonestar Axe LLC
Tel: 512/689-6332
Web: www.lonestaraxellc.com

 

ROOF OPS

 

 

 

I was looking at this video and thought it could drum up some good topics to go over.

1) Obvious attic fire look at all the windows and read the smoke.

2) Multiple holes vs. 1 hole  I do believe you draw fire to unburned areas if you open multiple holes.
    Although it is necessary sometimes ie. a cut up house.  What are your thoughts?
3) Multiple ladders in place and they are easily visible.

All in all truckies removing smoke engine guys lines deployed getting it knocked down :)

Double Horseshoe Rescue Technique

Check out this down firefighter rescue technique.  We tryed it before works well.
Look at technique on sounding the floor
This is not everyday but a tool for the box let me know what you think.

Aggressive Fire Attack

This video is from Stockton Fire

   This is a good video of an aggressive fire attack on a well involved fire.  An 1 3/4 line will put out alot of fire.  Notice as they go in they are standing,  this allows you to feel your environment and get as low as you need too.  Starting off crawling makes you move slower and there could be a bad situation your not assessing.    Get low when necessary be aggressive always!!!!                                                                                                                          

POST COMMENTS



The value of the trash hook

For several years I didn't see much use for the trash hook.  I would use it to move trash around after a putting out a dumpster fire, but it didn't really do a good job at that.  The best use I found at the time was to push or pull around debris after a structure fire.

A while back we attended a truck company class put on by TC ESD 11, and learned the huge value of a good trash hook.

 The trash hook is great for sounding a roof.  You can hunch over an axe or you can stand up-right with a trash hook and sound a few feet in front of you.

It can be used to pry.

It can be used to punch ceiling.  If you purchase one with a good solid handle it has two working ends.  The handle can be used to deliver a lot of power and it won't get tangled in wires and duct work.

 This handle will not last long if used to punch ceiling.

                                                                               

If getting tangled is not a concern, the forked end will do major damage to a sheet rock ceiling.

It can also be used to give an additional warning of a roof edge.

If you are not accustom to using your trash hook, go grab it and check it out.

Do you use your trash hook?  What else do you use it for?

Highway Traffic Safety

Highway safety is not as cool and exciting as smashing doors and cutting roofs but it is still important. The following video compares different levels on PPE on a traffic accident.
(This is the raw video, I will edit it later and repost)

How many firefighters do you see?

There are five firefighters in this video.  From left to right they are wearing the following PPE.

1) New bunker gear with a new style or reflective (far left)

2) New bunker gear with the previous style of reflective

3) Station wear, traffic vest and helmet

4) Station wear and traffic vest

5) Station wear

Quick view of the set-up

A big thanks to those who helped out making the video, you know who you are.

35' Ladder Throws

These videos are 35' ladder throws performed by multiple firefighters at Station 8 .  There is a 2 person 35' throw,  a 1 person 35' throw using the wall,  and  a 1 person 35' throw free standing.  There is some technique to completing these throws so watch the videos a couple of times.

•  The 2 person throw is a staple in the FD and can be completed quickly with or without a wall to stabilize.  Watch the foot placement of the firefighters creating stability for the ladders, it is important.  Look at how the ladder is straight up in the air, the butts have four feet so use them.  Let me know what you think.

• The 1 firefighter using the wall is for say a commercial occupancy or apartment with no eaves.  It is important to use the wall for stability.  Again check foot placement.  This is an easy throw if you take your time.  Watch your step when you bring it down.

• The last video is the freestanding 35 foot raise.  We are doing it on slick concrete to show you worst case scenario. If the apartment has grass throw it there.  The rope we are using is attached to the airpacks we carry.  I used this rope because it will be with you all the time. It would not be practical to go all the way back to the unit to get rope.  It is also easy to step on and more than adequate for the job.  This throw was completed by everyone at 8's and the single firefighter using the wall was completed by stations 8, 23, and 30.  Give them a shot let me know, it may save a life some day. 

Please send your videos to me with a message of what your trying to accomplish.  I will post all training.  If you know a quick tip for plumbing, send it...high rise ops, send it.

 2 FF 35' against a wall
If video does not play click here http://youtu.be/a_mLkzQYeKs

1 FF 35' against a wall
If video does not play click here http://youtu.be/os7YBb7c46M



 1 FF 35' freestanding

If video does not play click here http://youtu.be/7uonogIi_zk and http://youtu.be/dv2BcSP7HLs

Forcible Entry Prop

This prop was created to teach (or refresh) the fundamentals of striking without risking an injury.  I think we all know someone who has been hit while holding the haligan, and teaching proper technique can prevent that from happening.  The idea behind this was to use it during cadet PT and various other times to teach proper technique before wasting forcible entry consumables or doors on a rare acquired structure.  Although it is easy to use for cadets there are plenty of us in the fire service that could brush up our skills before we run into the next door to force.

The prop was made by bolting together two treated 6x6's with 2x4's connecting the two.  The fork end of the haligan was cut square and placed in a chiseled hole.  We placed a thick piece of rubber in the hole to cushion the blow a little and protect the prop.

We purposely used an old three piece haligan because there was no real benefit in using a one piece drop forged haligan.  The first haligan used was broken by The Pig and highlights the weakness of a three piece haligan.

Do you know anyone who has been hit while holding the haligan?

Vertical Ventilation Diagnostics

Inspection Hole

The inspection hole is a diagnostic tool used by the truck company to assess the roof they are about to encounter.  This cut tells you how many layers of roof material there is and the types.  It also tells you the size of the rafters you will be working on.  These are very important to know when going to the roof.  The hole will never be bigger than your boot.  If it was it could be a dangerous hole for firefighters to fall into.  The first cut is at a 45 degree angle to the bearing wall.  This will be your longest cut because it goes until you find a rafter and roll it.  Then make the other 2 cuts to complete the triangle.  This video is on a pitched roof but it works for flat also.                                                                                                                 

Smoke Indicator Hole

The smoke indicator hole is another diagnostic I use to asses smoke conditions for my egress to my ladder  off the roof.  It has replaced the kerf cut in my eyes because it more accurately will assess smoke conditions.  It is simple just drop the tip of the saw in 3 times creating a triangle.                                         

Kerf Cut

The kerf cut is less effective because if the roof tar starts to melt it will seal off the kerf cut not allowing you to assess the roof conditions or more dangerous lead you to believe conditions are not deteriorating when they are rapidly                                                                                                                                       

Bundle turned into coil load

 Bundle Into A Coil Method

These are a couple of training videos on how to turn the standard Austin Fire Dept. bundle into a coil for confined space deployment. This is not an every time method, but if you get in a bind it may bail you out some day. We had a lot of success with it. 

The first 75 feet goes back to the wye appliance and you coil the other 75 feet. It does not have to be perfect. 

The last video shows some hose rolls and also shows how quickly you can move with the coils once the line is charged.

Give it a try and post results. 

                                                                                                                     

Choosing the Right Saw Blade for the Job

From time to time we receive a new tool at the station with limited info. A while back we received two saw blades, the diamond blade and the "nugget" blade. We all had our opinions about what we thought they'd be good for but we took them out for a test run anyway.  

 Diamond Blade

 Aggressive Random Carbide "Nugget" Blade

 Close-up

This video compares the diamond blade and the nugget blade on various roofing materials. The first blade in the video is the diamond followed by the nugget. The diamond blade was about 20 seconds slower and seemed to slow down in the wood. The nugget blade slowed down on the thicker metal but was more effective overall.

 

Here we tested both blades on thick metal. The nugget blade bounced around a lot but got the job done.  The diamond blade was much more smooth and efficient though. The nugget blade is really designed for thinner metal. It will cut thicker metal, but throws large chucks of debris and can damage the blade. The cool thing is if the blade dulls you can flip it over and you have a new blade.

In conclusion, we decided to keep the saws as we had them. One with the diamond blade for forcible entry (outboard) and the other with a nugget blade for taking to the roof (inboard).  

The diamond blade is great for almost all metal and masonry but not wood. 

The nugget blade is great for wood and thin metal (up to 3/16") but not masonry.

 Roof Saw- Inboard

Forcible Entry Saw- Outboard

What is your experience with these or any other saw blades?

Yager Lane Fire

This is a picture of the floor above the fire apartment in 40's territory.  This is lightweight cement covering a wood OSB floor.  This is common in new construction apartments.

The fire ran up an outside wall and burned all the fooring away leaving the lightweight nonbearing cement.  Luckily, when firefighters entered the room they were moving slowly because of smoke conditions or they would have fallen through.

This is a case of new style "through the door through the floor" collapse. Yet another reason to be familiar with your territory.

Have you experienced this before? Where?