Apparatus Positioning

A follower of StreetSmart sent this drawing in of a recent fire (E1 represents the first in, E2 second in etc.).  As you can see the engine companies took the front of the address and the ladders were boxed out to the side.  I was not at this fire and I don't know exactly how it all happened, this is just the end result.

This fire, along with previous fire where the engines took the front of the address, started a lot of discussion at my station on ways to improve our positioning.  The general thought in our department is to get the engines moved down to give the front of the address to the first in ladder.

The picture below shows a fire that happened after the discussion.  The first in engine pulled past the house viewing all three sides.  The second in engine pulled passed the first in engine leaving the front of the house open (1st and 2nd engines go straight to the scene in our department).  The truck pulled in front of the house.  The third in engine (water supply) came to the scene and pulled 200' of 5" to a hydrant.  The second ladder had to park about three houses down.  The rescue parked down the street with the 4th in engine.

 

View facing east

View facing west

In general this is what we look for in positioning apparatus at a house fire but every situation can be improved upon.  What could have been done better?  How would your department have handled this situation?

Drill for estimating your hose stretches

http://goo.gl/aFQZFW

Check out this link to the New Fire Officer Training.  Easy drill to do with your company when time is limited. 

Firefighter Orientation and Mobility Training

https://www3.ci.austin.tx.us/omtraining/

This is a study that has never been done.  Working with the Texas School for the Blind on how they orient themselves.  Very interesting video and great training tool.  Thanks Capt Williams he has well over 30 years of Fire experience and was my first Lt.  at AFD. 

Pawn Shop Parapet Collapse

Thank you Ruben Menchaca (E25B) for the following write up and video from a pawn shop parapet/awning collapse.

 

Jollyville E38 arrived 3rd in to an AFD fire at a pawn shop. It was a very humid night with a slight breeze blowing from the charlie/delta corner to the alpha/bravo corner. Smoke condition was very heavy and hugging the ground. AFD units were attempting to force entry at the front door and had a attack line ready (these units were barely visible due to the smoke). Jollyville E38 was assigned to cut off utilities (on the bravo side). Another AFD unit was forcing entry at the rear door near the charlie/delta corner as E38 finished with utilities. I remember hearing "we have forced entry at the rear" on the radio, shortly after that a mayday was transmitted indicating firefighters down at the alpha side. E38 came back to the front to find the collapse and intensifying fire conditions. The down firefighters were pulled out by their crews. A PAR was immediately initiated and a defensive operation ensued.

 

If the video does not play, click here http://youtu.be/8A_bDQMPtTk

 



 

Rolling a vehicle back over

 

We are rolling a vehicle back over here to avoid any more fluids from leaking.  Works good less work for the tow truck driver.

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.