Attic Fire Tactics

Why not pull more ceiling and attack the fire with a straight stream?  This fog stream didn't put the fire out not sure what the point is.  This stream looks to me to never reach the seat of the fire.  What do you think?

Hydraulic Vent........

How is your department teaching hydraulic ventilation? Emphasize the power of the stream and how it can be used from far away.  Some of this video shows techniques of being close to the window in a compromising position where products of combustion are being drawn past you to get out the window this is not the best way to complete this task.  Practice this smooth bore technique it works awesome.  What do you think?

NIST Presentation Coming to Austin

Dan Madrzykowski with NIST is coming to Austin for a FREE 8 hour class. This class will cover recent NIST/UL studies, discuss recent local area fires, and end with a question and answer session.

Come see for yourself what it's all about. I guarantee you will leave with some new things to think about and the ability to form your own opinion. The online videos are great but seeing this in person with an opportunity to ask questions is much more powerful.

See below for registration links.

register for the September, 22nd Austin FSTAR Townhall event please visit: http://fstaratxsept22.eventbrite.com
To register for the September, 23rd Austin FSTAR Townhall event please visit: https://fstaratxsept23.eventbrite.com 

Rescue Chain Grades

Do you know the grades of the chains you carry? Are they rated for towing or overhead lifting? If you are unsure (like I was), read this quick write up by FS Mike Reush (18C). 

Nice work Reush!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0e8eH2sjsatVkRvWFFxa2ZmTWs/edit?usp=sharing

Elizabeth firefighter's heroic rescue of woman

Interesting rescue anyone know more about this?  Watch the smoke change as we make openings.  What can we do to control that smoke or buy us time? I like the use of 2 ladders side by side also. 

San Bernardino Fire Attack

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=LMPRa8dMk1w

Good video to practice size up on. Look at the lack of smoke from the bside versus heavy fire from the front.

Machine Rescue Class

Here are a few pictures from a machine rescue class with E14, R14 and E6.

Portable Band Saw vs. Reciprocating Saw

Do you have a portable band saw on the rig?  If so, do you prefer battery powered or corded?  Any other preferences?

We found that the portable band saw cut smooth with little vibration.  Also the blade dissipated the heat well.

Building Size-Ups

Stop by a building or strip center after your next call and size it up.  This random strip center had a drop bar, slide bolts, a piano hinge, a sliding door and a welded door.  In addition it can spark a conversation on FDC's, gas meters, electric meters, power drops, access, ventilation etc.

Stockton Fire Initial Attack, PAR, & Shift To Defensive

Well advanced fire in a Victorian home.

Read the Door

This is helpful. "Read the door."

Forcible Entry Prop- Door Brace

Forcible Entry Prop- This was designed by Chief Bailey of Travis County Fire Rescue. He built a rack for punching through or cutting bolts. You cut sections of commercial doors or metal and slide into the brace. This allows you to use every inch of the door and you choose the height. The rack clamps to any solid object and hit away.

Forcible Entry Prop- Magnetic Bolts

Forcible entry prop idea- magnetic bolts for size-up discussion. We cut the bolt heads off and drilled them out for a magnet. The magnets were from a local hardware store. Bolts can be moved around on any metal door.

Bryan, TX LODD Report- February 13, 2013

Here are two reports from the Bryan FD LODD from February 13, 2013.

NIOSH
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/pdfs/face201304.pdf

State Fire Marshal
http://www.tdi.texas.gov/reports/fire/documents/fmloddbryan.pdf

Uniondale house fire

http://www.statter911.com/2014/05/14/pre-arrival-video-house-fire-uniondale-ny/

Sorry for the pictures and bad music at the end. Good video for size up school. This house had lot's of viable search areas especially earlier on in the fire. I'm going in the front door to get it with 1 3/4. Great opportunity for a roof vent also, especially as the incident progresses.

Dallas Interior Attack

I would have loved to see all sides of this but good job on the knockdown. Listen to the radio traffic it was coordinated and effective. Was that a task force tip in his hand?  Not a fan of those nozzles...

Watch this fire Huff and Puff

Good video of smoke reading and watch especially the 1 to 2 minute mark where it is breathing.

High lift jack

https://www.dropbox.com/s/sb4qbc8u2y50hs9/Video Apr 06%2C 2 10 26 PM.mov

Great video of the high lift jack held in place by the PIG.

Pinned vehicle

Scenario

1 victim trapped.

What do you have as a department to lift and stabilize this operation?

Lifting the vehicle off the victim

What do you think about the lugnut maneuver.  I like living outside the box.