Ch 20 - Basic Fire Attack

How much does water weigh?

8 lb per gallon (650).

The search and rescue plan - as a part of search and rescue

A standard search and rescue plan for a single-family dwelling uses the two-team approach. One team enters the front door and the second team attempts to enter nearest the victim. The preferred means of removal (taught by FDNY) is to remove the victims by interior stairs first, then through some horizontal exit or possibly an adjoining building, then fire escapes, then ladders, and last being by a life-saving rope. The condition of the victims will have a great deal to do with how they're removed. Persons with lesser injuries may be sheltered in place until conditions improve to move them out of the building. A rescue should not place an individual at a greater risk than the current conditions. An engine company with a charged hoseline can do more to effect the rescue of trapped or injured persons than any other small group of firefighters. Four common ways lives can be protected are: 1. Immediate removal 2. Placement of hoselines to protect means of egress 3. Protection in place in areas of refuge 4. Fire extinguishment Considerations for size-up in search and rescue: -Does the house look occupied? -Are there multiple mailboxes, utility meters, etc. that would indicate a multiple dwelling? -Are there bikes or kids' toys outside the house? -Are there cars in the driveway? -Are TVs, air conditioners, or heaters running? -Are there ramps that might indicate the presence of disabled people in wheelchairs? (606-607)

Standpipe stretch

A standpipe system is a fixed set of water supply piping with hose valves that's typically installed in high-rise and large area buildings. A Fire Department Connection (FDC), also known as a Siamese, is located at the street level for connection. The hookup location must be out of IDLH (the floor below). That stairway should be designated as the attack stair, whereas escaping occupants should use an alternative stairwell known as the evacuation stair. Equipment in the Standpipe kid can include: a pip wrench large enough to remove stubborn caps or pressure-reducing devices, spanner wrenches to tighten hoselines, adaptors, and door chocks. Must also include a pressure gauge or flow meter to ensure correct pressure or flow. Hook up gauge after standpipe has been tested so debris can be removed. Before flowing, do a final check to ensure no occupant are on the stairs above because they'll be subjected to the toxic smoke. A fire attack must never be commenced with civilians above the fire floor in the stairwell. You can flake line up the stairs so the weight will naturally help with the advancement. Buildings made of steel and concrete will produce hot fire and are known as "brick ovens" (618-620).

Exposure protection

Apply water directly on the exposed surface. Water curtains are not as effective as applying water directly on the structure because the water curtain is not dense enough (644-645).

Vacant buildings

Assume the structure is compromised. Concerns with vacant: -Elevators and dumb waiters may have been removed. Barrels of hazardous materials could be open inside. -Are heavy items on a shelf that could fall? -Were stairs and holes cut in the floor to allow the removal of large machinery? -Are windows and doors boarded up for security, thus limiting egress? Use search ropes and TIC if you have to go inside. Assume roof is not safe to be on. 2 1/2" and consider other large-caliber nozzles (643-644).

Groundcover fires

*Small brush fires* Often occur along roadways and railroads, sometimes sparked b improperly disposed cigarettes, hot exhaust, and campers. Small brush fires are usually controlled by small hose lines. Key to putting them out is to determine the direction of spread. Can be knocked down in a sweeping side-to-side attack (648). *Wildland fires* are large fires involving vegetation. Some of these fires occur in urban-wildland interface, which are locations where residential development has penetrated into forests and heavily vegetated areas. The *head* is the portion of the fire with the greatest rate of spread (the edge of the fire opposite from which the wind is blowing..a fire can have multiple heads). *Fingers* are long narrow strips that extend from the main body of fire. *Pockets* are unburned areas between the main body of fire and the fingers. *Rear* or *heel* is the end of the fire opposite from the head. *Flanks* the sides of the fire. *Islands* are unburned areas within the fire's perimeter. *Spot fires* are small fires started by flying embers far ahead of the main body of fire. Green is an area that ha snot been burned, whereas black is the burnt area. Creeping fires move slowly and a running fire spreads quickly. A backing fire moves against the wind. A *crown fire* consists of serious fires that move across the tops of trees or shrubs. Blowups occur where there is sustained, rapid increase in the rate of spread. A *flare-up* is any sudden acceleration in the rate of spread for a short period of time. *Control lines* are constructed to contain the fire. Fire lines are cleared strips or portions of a control lime where flammable material has been removed by scraping or digging down below vegetation to mineral soil. The anchor point is the start of the fire line. *Slopover* is fire that crosses the control line or natural barrier. The most common hand tool is the Pulaski, which is a combined axe and mattock. Specialized training is required for wildland firefighting. Safety procedures include: LCES - lookouts, communications, escape routes, safety zones; constructing and maintaining fire lines, wildland fire behavior, and tool use (648-650).

Backup position's duties in the stretch

1. Second firefighter in stretch 2. Carry second 50' of line and drop it at appropriate time and place 3. Communicate with nozzle operator 4. Relieve the nozzle reaction for nozzle operator during the advance 5. Watch the nozzle operator's body and head positions during the advance The backup is the second firefighter in the stretch, responsible for carrying 50' of hose and dropping the hose as the line is laid out. The primary responsibility of the backup firefighter is to relieve all the nozzle reaction from the nozzle operator. *Nozzle reaction* is as when water is discharged and flowing from the nozzle, an equal and opposite reaction is felt by the nozzle operator (612-613).

Steps to a successful fire attack

1. Size up (ongoing process of evaluating the situation before arrival, upon arrival, and during the incident. 2. Develop a strategic plan (the incident commander's job). 3. Establish a reliable water supply. 4. Force entry or exit into or out of the structure. 5. Conduct search and rescue operations. 6. Stretch and operate a hoseline confine and extinguish the fire. 7. Ventilate the fire building. 8. Protect exposures. 9. Fire control and overhaul. 10. Pick up and return (598).

Restaurants

An important factor for restaurant fires is how often the hood ventilation system is cleaned and serviced. Often built with lightweight material with minimal fire protection systems. This is a class of "disposable" buildings that should never be paid for by a firefighter's life. A common hazard is the HVAC on the roofs. You may be able to conduct a search from outside by looking through the windows. Activate built-in fire-extinguishing systems if there is one. Turn on the hood ventilation system to exhaust smoke from the building as a means of ventilation. Make sure the fire isn't in the cooking hood and duct system (642-643).

Resources available - as a part of size up

Be aware of other units also responding. Be aware of the staffing on your rig and the assignment once you pull up. Weather can play a part in your size-up. You will do well if you control your anxiety and follow orders (600).

On-scene information - as a part of size up

Bystanders, civilians and PD may have valuable information about the fire or occupants. A neighbor may report that the family is out of town. Not all civilian reports are reliable (599).

Junkyard fires

Cars stacked up can fall. Sharp metal, burning plastics, and piles of hot and possibly molten metal dripping down pose risks. Use the reach of the stream so you can stay back and away from the danger (647).

Foam use on stacked material

Class A foam can be used to increase the effectiveness of water on stacked material fires. The foam lowers the surface tension of water and therefore make it more effective. Essentially the water is allowed to penetrate deep in the material instead of beading up like raindrops on a car hood because the water's surface tension is reduced. Not designed for flammable liquids. When *aspirated* much like Class B foams, Class A foam has a cooling and smothering effect on Class A combustibles. Class A generally uses less concentration than Class B foam; 0.1-1% (651).

Common Terminology

Common terminology allows firefighters to quickly communicate about the strategy and tactics and to give orders. For National Incident Management System terminology, Division A, Division B, Division C, and Division D are used to define the geographic areas or parts of the fire area. The division chief is responsible for all activities in that area and how those activities impact the other sectors. Exposures are designated by letters corresponding to the side of the fire building they face (A, B, C, D side). The A side is usually the side of the building with the main entrance that faces a street. B, C, D sides continue clockwise from the A position. Divisions can also refer to floors (2nd floor). The IC will make the division designations (598).

The well hose stretch

Commonly used in older apartment buildings. Can be used when you encounter a well hole in the stairwell. The well hole is the space between the stairs and the edge of landing of the public hall in a multiple dwelling. Using the well hole will reduce the number of lengths, speed of stretch and reduce friction loss. One length of hose will reach from the base to the fifth floor. You must have sufficient line at the point of attack to prevent the hose from falling back down. You can also use a utility rope stretch (617-618).

Communication

Communication is the lifeblood of any emergency operation. Without effective communication, the operation is doomed to failure. Messages received from dispatchers often hold clues to the fire condition. When a life hazard exists, all on-scene operation support the search and rescue operations.The on-scene report paints the picture for incoming units to begin considering what the priorities, actions, and tools will be necessary. Interpersonal communication among the company members and with the company officer are critical for success and safety (597).

Protecting exposures

Confine, then extinguish is the overall strategy to limit fire spread. Protecting exposures is the first step in confining and limiting the spread of fire and ultimately extinguishing the fire. *Exterior exposures* are a building that, left unprotected, will be ignited by radiant, convected or conducted heat from the original fire building or room. If a fire is defensive, the most common goals of hand lines are exposure protection. The rule to exposure protection is protecting the exposure with the greatest value, not necessarily where the fire is going to spread. Place a large-caliber hand line between the fire building and the exposure so it can be used alternately between the two. Apply water directly on the top of the wall so it cools the surface below (626-627).

Dispatch time - as a part of size up

Consider the time of the call and where possible victims may be. For example, they are likely sleeping in the bedroom in the middle of the night (599).

Defensive strategy - as a part of strategic plan

Defensive strategy is employed when it is determined that some or all of the following factors are present: -There is no savable human life present; it is not worth risking firefighters' lives for a futile rescue attempt. -The building is so heavily involved in fire that is is not salvageable (there's nothing left to save, neither the contents nor the building itself). -The building is unsafe due to heavy fire involvement. -The building is unsafe due to a fire load on the lightweight construction components (601).

Defensive/offensive strategy - as a part of strategic plan

Defensive/offensive strategy is used when the firefighter cannot immediately enter the building necause of an extremely heavy fire involvement or other hazards prevent you from getting close enough for an offensive attack. Used when the following factors are present: -Heavy fire upon arrival -Hazards that must be controlled before firefighters can gain entry. -When the fire is knocked down quickly, allowing the IC to consider changing to an offensive operation. The *Blitz attack* uses heavy streams from a safe distance until the fire is controlled enough to safely approach for complete extinguishment (602).

Location of fire building - as a part of size up

Developments are usually built with the same or similar style. This may help you understand the floor plan of the house (599).

Advancing charged hoseline - door position's duties

Door position remains at the door during advance and chases kinks (616-617).

ADULTS

FDNY has developed the acronym ADULTS, and can be remembered with the phrase "ADULTS use big hose". *A* Advanced fire on arrival. Any fire that's surpassed the extinguishment power of your standard 1 3/4" line calls for a larger attack line. Two ineffective lines will not have the reach and penetration as one large-caliber line. *D* Defensive position. Any line stretched for outside exposure protection should be capable of a large-caliber stream, allowing for water to be applied alternately between the fire building and the exposure. *U* Unable to determine the size of the fire area. If you can't tell how much or how large the area is that's burning, you should not be going in without the protection and capability of a large line. *L* Large and uncompartmentalized fires. The fire spread in large areas could easily overwhelm a small hand line. *T* Ton of water needed for the time to cool large amounts of burning material. Large fire loads or flammable gas tanks. For larger tanks you need a "ton" of water (500 gpm) to prevent a BLEVE (boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion). *S* Standpipe operations. All lines stretched from a standpipe are 2 1/2" with a 1 1/8" smoothbore nozzle. Most standpipes are not designed to supply the high pressures (100 psi) requires by a combination fog or automatic nozzle. The smoothbore and large-diameter hose will deliver superior flow at low pressure (607-609).

Fire attack

Fire attack is the heart of what we do. Officers will make decisions, such as: size of hoseline, positioning of hoseline, and coordinating the hoseline attack with ventilation operations. Once hoseline is in place, chief officer will direct the ventilation team to break out, or *take the windows* ahead of the hoseline, then direct the hose team to advance to the seat of the fire. VES makes up the fire service doctrine in North America. This doctrine provides the greatest opportunity for firefighters to make a successful rescue, it's also very dangerous. Rapid and effective fire attack operations are the responsibility and mission of the engine company and are argued to be the most important of all we do in terms of firefighter safety. Knowing where to stretch the line is as important as what line to stretch. Large-caliber streams are produced by deluge guns, either apparatus-mounted or ground-based, ground-based rapid attack monitors or the use of a 2 1/2" hand line with a large tip to generate flows of 250 gpm or larger (607-608).

True or False:

Firefighter is 1/3 training, 1/3 experience, and 1/3 art and science? True (629).

Forcible entry

Firefighters conducting forcible entry are usually the first team to the building because they only have hand tools with them. Common tools include the flat-head axe, Halligan, and/or a hydraulic door opener. The occupancy and characteristics of the response area will dictate other appropriate tools (a rotary saw or even a hydraulic spreader for industrial occupancies). The front door at house fires is usually the most appropriate place to enter. Choosing where to enter is an important tactical decision. Where you enter the building may have significant consequences in terms of your effectiveness and safety. This is significant because: -The front door is generally the fastest and most used way into and out of the home. -Victims may be found near the door if they were overcome and unable to escape. -Opening the door may allow victims to escape. -Opening the door will allow the engine company member to move quickly to the seat of the fire. Two safety factors to consider when conducting forcible-entry operations. 1) consider forcible exit - how are you going to get out if conditions worsen. 2) when forcing the door, be able to control the door with a rope, webbing or tool. The sudden inrush of air could cause the fire to flashover or back draft (603-604).

Fog streams: combination and indirect attacks

Fog stream tests concluded air volumes of 2,000 cfm from 1 3/4" fog nozzles, moving air from as high as 6,000-10,000 cfm. 30°-60° fog pattern from a combo nozzle moves enough air to disrupt the thermal balance. Liquid water expands into steam at an expansion ratio of 1,700:1. Fog nozzles also create massive amounts of steam. Fog streams can push the fire with the massive amounts of air they introduce. The "parking lot experience" does not actually push the fire and heat away, instead it does the opposite. "Breathe off the nozzle" is a myth that said you could breath air coming through the nozzle. The indirect method was developed for shipboard firefighter where it was just cargo and no lives at risk. The indirect and combination methods doom anyone still inside to certain death by scalding steam and toxic products of combustion (622-623).

Garden apartments

Garden apartments are simply a group of single family homes put together both horizontally and vertically. They're dealt with similarly to single family homes. Usually set back off the road or parking lot. Built with lightweight construction. Requires more firefighters for search and rescue due to multiple people living there. High fire load, and contents can cause hose to get stuck. Consider large hose. May need to breach room next door and stick nozzle inside hole to help knock down fire. Many departments use a *thief line* for garden apartments, which are 200'-300' of 2 1/2" hose with a wye or water thief at the end to reduce the friction loss and supply the required volume. Multiple reliable and high-volume sources of water are necessary for these structures (636-637).

Big box retail

Higher ceilings and undivided. 2 1/2" hose. Sprinkler systems are your best option (640-641).

Horizontal ventilation

Horizontal ventilation is more efficient when doors and windows are opened opposite the advancing hoseline (623).

Vertical ventilation

If the fire has penetrated the attic space, opening the roof will allow the fire to escape rather than mushrooming and spreading horizontally inside the attic. Do not place ladders over windows in case fire comes out of the windows it can block that means of egress (624).

Introduction

It is the coordinated effort of multiple fire companies working together that result in a successful fire attack. Every task at a fire is critical to overall success. *Strategy* is the development and implementation of a plan, incorporating specific goals, to bring a fire under control. *Tactics* are specific actions taken to accomplish the goals identified in an overall strategy. A few additional concepts include: -*Size-up*: An evaluation of what is happening. -*Doctrine for an aggressive interior fire attack*: Critical steps used across the country for structural fire attack. -*Type of fire attack operations*: Offensive, defensive, defensive/offensive, offensive/defensive. -*Command, control, and communications*: On the fire scene and why they are important. -*Fire-extinguishment methods*: Direct, indirect, and combination methods of fire extinguishment. -Coordination of engine and truck company functions (596).

Floor plan - as a part of size up

Knowing the layout of the fire building is one of the most important factors in a successful operation (599).

Office buildings

Location of the fire is important because it's divided up into smaller offices. Use of life lines and large area search procedures may be necessary. There may also be areas of resuce assistance for disabled people, which are called "areas of refuge". These areas have rooms with 1-hour fire walls and communications with the lobby. Most will be protected with sprinklers (641-642).

Nozzle operator duties in the stretch

Nozzle operator duties: 1. Carry the nozzle and the first 50' of hoseline 2. Work under command of the officer 3. Know department SOPs 4. Get information from the officer 5. Stop and wait for the backup position to shoulder the assigned hose 6. Bleed air at door, check the flow, don facepiece 7. Communicate with the officer and backup position during stretch and advance The nozzle operator is responsible for the first 50' of hose (remove from hose bed and carry to point of attack). This length of hose is called the *working line* or *lead length*. This is the length you'll take inside to the fire area. Grab 50', walk 40' and wait for backup guy to grab hose from hosebed and walk together in unison. The door position clears the bed of any remaining hose and/or will connect the hose to the pump discharge. The *point of attack* is the point at which you as the nozzle operator will drop your working length, flake it out, and request to your officer that the line be charged with water. This term is *calling for water*. Don facepiece and water for water. Open nozzle to bleed air and flow to ensure the pump operator sets the correct pressure and volume of water. Flow the line for about 10 seconds to ensure correct pressure, full flow and pattern selection on a combo nozzle. Keep helmet between legs when donning mask, and be able to don SCBA facepiece and hoods with gloves on. Listen for commands, sound of glass breaking, ventilation saw running, reports from search and rescue, and the sound of line (is it bouncing off something, and openings like doors and windows and also holes in floors) (610-612).

Offensive strategy - as a part of strategic plan

Offensive strategy is used when an aggressive interior search or attack can save lives or property, and some of the following factors are present: -Lives can be saved by rapid interior search and fire attack operations. -The building has a limited amount of fire and has areas that are salvageable. -The building is safe for firefighters to operate in for a short period of time or until complete extinguishment (601).

Offensive/defensive strategy - as a part of strategic plan

Offensive/defensive strategy is used when initial interior fire attack is used then requires teams to exit due to the following reasons: -Could be the intention of the IC. Mount an interior attack until a search can be completed, then back out due to the severe risks to firefighters. -No headway has been made on the fire and extinguishments with interior line will not be possible. -If the fire is progressing faster than our ability to put water on it, we many need to shift to a defensive position (proper use of a limited water supply) (602).

Fire control and overhaul

Once fire is knocked down, allow structure to vent from heat and smoke. A hoseline set to a fog pattern, 4-5' away from the window and directed out, will move heat and smoke out. Same can be done with a solid stream nozzle by using a broken stream. Overhaul can occur, which includes opening the interior wall, ceiling and other burned surfaces. Expose all concealed spaces until the unburned areas are exposed. Do not remove structural members, but soak with water until completely cool. Can be done without SCBA if the CO levels are low and based on physical condition of the firefighters (627-628).

Outside fires

One of the most common types of outside fires are dumpster or trash fires. Consider hazardous materials and the toxic fumes they put off. 20 lb propane tanks are often thrown in the trash. Fill the dumpster with water. They often have a drain hole that you can plug (646-647).

Search and rescue tools - as a part of search and rescue

PPE, SCBA, a portable radio and a hand light are critically important when conducting search and rescue. A thermal imaging camera (TIC) will make your search much more rapid, effective and safer for you and your crew. Handtools should be selected based on department's SOPs. Partner will have a 6' hook and possibly a water extinguisher. The axe can be used to chock open a door after it's forced. Be suspicious of hooks shorter than 6' (605).

Positive pressure ventilation

Positive pressure venilation (PPV) is the use of large fans (30,000 cpm) positioned outside the building to create an increased or positive pressure inside the building. For years firefighters used smoke ejectors to create a suction or negative pressure from inside the building to move contaminates from inside to outside the building. PPV can be used during fire attack, however it can force the fire to grow rapidly. You can also use PPV once the fire has been knocked down. PPV can be used in high-rise buildings to keep floors clear and clear stairwells (625-626).

Fires in stacked materials

Present two major challenges: water application and collapse hazards. Commonly found in lumberyards, junkyards, recycling plants, and warehouse or storage areas. Water must be put on all six sides, proving to be difficult. Wooden pallets will burn, become unstable and collapse. Stay out of the collapse zone for stacked materials (650-651).

Size-up upon arrival - as a part of size up

Seven size-up points that must be considered to complete your size-up upon arrival: 1. Location of the fire and type of construction 2. Life hazard 3. Fire control 4. Forcing entry 5. Ventilation 6. Stretching considerations 7. Water supply Size-up begins with receipt of the alarm and until you leave the scene. Everyone on scene must conduct a size-up. Continual size-ups are necessary as incidents change rapidly (600).

Outbuilding fires

Shed and small storage buildings are also common types of outside fires. May contain products, chemicals and processes that people don't want in their main house or building. Common hazards found in outbuildings include pesticides, pool chemicals, herbicides, flammable liquids, and gases (648).

Size-up

Size up is the first step in any emergency situation, and is critical for gaining awareness to develop an action plan. The ISFISI's 2013 Position Statement of Fire Dynamics Research states "Size-up must occur at every fire...A tactical plan for that fire must be developed, communicated, and implemented." Size-up is the ongoing evaluation of what has happened, what is likely to happen, and the available resources (in what priority order) needed to resolve the situation. Everyone on the fireground does an initial size-up and a continuing size-up as the situation changes. Conduct your own size up. Determine what you know, what you don't know and what you think the situation really is, despite unknown factors (599).

Stretching

Stretching positions include the officer, the nozzle operator, the backup position, and the door position. Each position is critical for a successful hose stretch (609).

Strip malls

Strip malls are the modern taxpayers. Contain stores on the first floor. Either ordinary construction or non-combustible construction. Fire control from outside the structure is ideal in case the fire has weakened the steel beams overhead. Stay off the roof for vent. 2 1/2" hose (638-640).

Pick up and return

Take time to reset equipment for the next alarm. When hose is repacked it's important to remember it's not how it goes back on but how it'll come off. *Tools* Inspect all tools. *After action review (AAR)* Conduct an after action review with your officer before leaving the scene and possibly before recovering equipment and repacking hose and ladders. Look for three things you did well and three things you would change. Ask for three "ups" first then three "downs". This should not be a critique of personal actions (628-629).

Taxpayers

Taxpayers are buildings with businesses on the first floor and apartments or living space on the upper floors. Typically main-street buildings. Usually built with ordinary construction. Occupants on upper floors can become trapped. Use 2 1/2" hose. Ventilation at front and rear is essential for first floor fires. You can stretch a line through a building next door to gain access to the rear (637-638).

Developing a strategic plan

The Chief or first-in officer will determine the overall strategy based on their size-up. Strategy is the overall rescue and fire attack game plan for this call. Strategy is determined by command level officers. Tactics are the supporting tasks necessary to accomplish the overall strategy. There are four basic fire attack strategies: offensive, defensive, defensive/offensive, offensive/defensive. (600).

Door position duties in the stretch

The door position is the third firefighter in the stretch. Door position is responsible for ensuring the hose is clear of the preconnect bed, removing kinks, and feeding hose to the nozzle operator and the backup firefighter. The door position needs to be mobile to ensure there's no kinks in the hoseline and that he can quickly supply the team with the necessary amount of hose. The third person can relieve the nozzle operator or officer because they have conserved air by being outside the IDLH environment. Don't push too much hose into the structure as it can push the nozzle into areas they don't want to go. Create a bow of hose onto the door frame so they can pull as needed (613).

Officer duties in the stretch

The engine company officer is responsible for getting water on the fire as quickly as possible. There are subtasks that ensure water is put on the fire as soon as possible: 1. Size up the fire (size and number of lines) 2. Clearly order changes from the SOP 3. Locate fire and tell the crew the best route to it 4. Determine goal of line: exposure protection, fire attack, personnel protection, etc. 5. Be sure the line will not endanger others 6. Keep members out of the doorway "flue" 7. Keep members at the floor level, below dangerous heat levels 8. Coordinate timing of ventilation 9. Be the eyes and ears of attack team 10. Supervise the nozzle operator 11. Call for relief when necessary 12. Be responsible for the lives of the team (610).

House fire statistics

The house fire is the most dangerous and deadly type of fire for both civilians and firefighters. Annual civilian injuries - 14,000 % of all structure fires - 78% # of civilian deaths - 2,865 Annual fire loss - $7.4 billion % of firefighter deaths - 50% (596).

Modified direct method of attack

The modified direct method of fire attack is the most common type of attack used. Used when the fire has gone through the flasover phase or extended beyond one room to several rooms or fire areas, heavy smoke has obscured vicibility, and/or conditions are impossible to make a direct attack. A good sign these conditions are present is fire pushing out a door or window or heavy smoke throughout the fire area. When a room reaches flashover it can reach 2,000°F at the ceiling. This is an aggressive interior fire attack. The nozzle operator operates the nozzle in a straight stream or "zero degree fog" position if using a fog nozzle. A smoothbore nozzle is preferred. Direct the stream in circles, starting at the ceiling and moving the nozzle in a clockwise or side-to-side motion. Cooling the fire area does not extinguish the fire. The United States National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) report NBSIR 80-2120, Fire Development in Residential Basement Rooms, tests conducted on 17 full scale burn tests of living room fires resulted in ceiling temperatures reaching 2,000°F. Thus, it's vital to maintain the thermal balance of the fire room during the attack (620-621).

Smell of smoke calls

The most important consideration for these calls is: is there significant fire in the void spaces of the building that's hidden? Food on the stove runs are common with multi-family residential buildings. Electrical appliances or lighting fixtures are frequent sources of odors. Check the breaker for clues (645-646).

Conduct search and rescue operations

The most important operation on the fireground is search and rescue. Saving the occupants of the building is always our first priority. When a search and rescue operations is in progress, all operations must support the search and rescue. For example, the first hoseline must protect the means of egress for the search team crew. Search and rescue are two separate events. When an entry team finds the fire, it should be communicated to command so they can get a line to the exact location. When a team finds a victim, that ends the search and the rescue begins. This does not mean the search is completed as there may be more victims still inside (604-605).

Nozzle choice for modified direct attack

The most proven and safest stream for interior attack is a solid stream from a smoothbore nozzle or a combination nozzle set to a straight stream pattern from a fog nozzle. A straight stream provides the most fire-killing power and the least danger proven by experience and laboratory testing. All fire streams will move air into the fire area due to water movement. A straight stream or solid bore nozzle moves about 725 cubic feet per minute (cfm) into the fire area. This small volume of air can be vented via a window or door ahead of the nozzle team. This results in the thermal balance being maintained as much as possible (621-622).

Advancing charged hoseline - officer's duties

The officer will be the eyes and ears for the nozzle operator. The steam blocks the view of the nozzle operator so the officer can get a better view. Officer monitors level of fatigue, and requests additional firefighters, hose, companies if necessary (614).

Construction hazards - as a part of size up

The words "new construction" almost always mean "lightweight" construction. Lightweight construction often has little or no fire resistance. Expect early and catastrophic structural failures that will cause floors to collapse. Pre-fire intelligence and planning are your best survival tools (599-600).

Advancing charged hoseline - nozzle operator's duties

There's a variety of ways to position yourself when you advance. Fatigue, speed of fire control, and other conditions determine your speed of advance and subsequent positions while operating or backing up the nozzle operator. Keep nozzle in front at about arms length. The two-knee-down method has disadvantages: does not allow for rapid movement, can burn knees, the backup position has to hold the hose too high, causing a spring reaction for the nozzle operator. Consider the hose a straight pipe (for 12' from the nozzle back) and keep it in line to reduce fatigue on both the nozzle operator and the backup position. The backup is a key position. They take a firm grip on the hose and pushes forward to relieve all nozzle reaction. If the nozzle operator keeps both knees off the ground it's the most rapid advance and provides the highest degree of safety. This position is favored by experienced nozzle operators. Once door is forced, if the smokes is drawn back into the structure it's a sign of a backdraft. Listening to the sound of water splashing off the ceiling, walls and floor will indicate any openings, including windows, doors and holes in the floor. Sweeping the floor with the line will wash debris away from you - such as biological, sharp or other - and can also cool the floor. *Water hammer* is pressure that's created when a flow of water is rapidly stopped and the pressure is redirected to the path of least resistance. Water hammer can increase pressure by as much as 6x the pressure contained in the hose. Prevent water hammer by opening and closing the nozzle slowly (614-616).

Methods of aggressive interior fire attack

There's four methods of structural or aggressive interior fire attack: combination, indirect, direct, and modified direct. A few basic factors to consider: -Is the building safe to enter? -Are there salvageable human lives inside the building? -Is there any property left to save? (620).

Establishing a reliable water supply

There's one inescapable truth in the fire service - to extinguish the fire, you must apply more gallons per minute to overcome the total heat the fire is producing to ensure extinguishment. One of the first priorities is to establish a reliable water supply: forward lay from a hydrant or reserve lay to a hydrant. Fires in rural setting will require drafting from static sources such as a pool or lake using water from tenders. Establishing a reliable water supply is a critical step in the extinguishment process (603).

Outside tire fires

Tire fires are very difficult to extinguish. They produce huge quantities of heat and black smoke. These often burn for days. The best way to put them out is to physically separate the unburned tires from the burning tires which is done with heavy equipment already on scene. Class A foam may have to benefit also (647).

Random tidbits from the single-family-dwelling Scenarios

Two rooms of fire per hoseline. -A 500 gal tank gives driver about 2 minutes to hook up the supply line and get a reliable water supply from the hydrant. -Forward lay - laying a supply line from the hydrant. -Recommended water flow for an 1 3/4" hose is 180 gpm, which provides a margin of error for kings, inadequate pump pressure or other issues that may occur. -Attacking a basement fire by pushing the fire attack crew down the interior stairs is the least viable option and the most dangerous. -To vent a basement you can cut a hole on main level floor near a window. -If fire is present inside the basement and it's determined no one is inside, you can break a basement window and shoot a stream inside to help knock down the fire. Ensure no one or no firefighters are inside as it can be deadly (629-635).

Ventilate the fire building

Ventilation is described as the key to success for any aggressive interior attack fire operation. There's four types of ventilation: vertical, horizontal, positive pressure, and hydraulic ventilation (623).