This cut station is a simple prop that can be made for less than $100. The prop simulates cutting window security bars, allowing practice using the rotary saw at different heights and in different positions. As shown in the picture below, the prop was made from galvanized pipe fittings that are available at the local hardware store. Each “clamp” is made from a flange, two short sections of threaded pipe, a Tee, and an inline valve. Although ½” fittings may work it is suggested to use ¾” instead, giving you more flexibility in the material you use to cut. The assembly is then used to clamp rebar, or Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT.) Ideally the clamps would be screwed into the building at windows height. In these pictures, the clamps were simply screwed into a concrete light pole. Either way, it’s an effective prop that can be made relatively cheap in a less than an hour.

Chris Wilson from Bloomingdale (IL) Fire District sent in these pictures of an interesting two story residential. Originally they thought this set-up was created during a re-model, however, similar homes were found throughout the neighborhood. The primary access points to this structure are wooden staircases on sides A and C. This particular set-up would certainly be a pain for the engine guys, but it changes things up for the truck company too. The odds are that the bedrooms are on the “first” floor, so VESing the bedrooms would be a breeze. The inside team is going to be in tight spot when trying to force the door up on the landing. Upon closer look, Chris and the crew noticed that the wooden porch and staircase on side A of the building were actually pulling away from the structure.

Here’s another interesting situation recently found on a strip mall. At first glance it appears like a normal strip mall; however a closer look reveals something you may not expect.

Apparently the restaurant was built first and the strip mall was build around it. The restaurant’s main entry was on side B, the B side was also lined with windows. Like any other type of overhang, this overhang needs to be opened up in order to check for extension. The desire to “prevent damage” and not open up can only lead to embarrassment later in the fire.

In a post a few weeks ago titled “Set It Don’t Forget It” there seemed to be some misunderstandings on the capabilities of lift bags that we felt should be cleared up. We apologize in advance for the heavy use of math that is contained in this post.

Click Here for the supplemental page containing the information.

Scott Lyons from FDNY Tower Ladder 79 sent this photo of a set-up on carried on his rig. Keep in mind a FDNY Tower ladder has no pump or water on it. Now before we get into the “pumps and hoses have no place on the truck company” debate, settle down and read on.

Imagine returning from a run (in your rig with no pump or tank) and coming across a car fire or rubbish fire. How silly would it look if we dumped two water cans and a few extinguishers and the fire still continued to grow as the Truck crew just stood there waiting for the Engine? Not only the public perception, but we don’t need to hear it from the Engine guys…

They have used this setup on a few car fires quite effectively. The package is one length of 2 1/2 with a 2 1/2 hydrant gate and a 2 1/2 shut off and stacked tip arrangement. Scott points out that they have additional lengths of 2 1/2 and 1 3/4 on the rig per department orders giving them the ability to reach just about anything on the street. All it takes is connecting to the hydrant and making the stretch. Since the smooth bore tips only need 50 psi, most municipal water systems could easily create a usable stream directly off the hydrant. Obviously the gate can be used to back the pressure off if needed.

This idea may not work in every ones area, but it’s just another option. Besides, nothing sounds better than transmitting “Truck can handle, cancel the Engine.”

It’s that time of the year again, it’s hard to believe that time goes by so quickly. Three years ago this website was created as a neutral, unbiased and un-intimidating medium were we could share ideas, methods, and techniques of this great profession. We truly believe that Truck Company functions are an art, and have become The Lost Art of The Fire Service. It is imperative that we protect this art for generations to come. The avenue to a safer fire service is by being proactive rather than reactive in both our training and our tactics. We need to bring back the aggressive yet safe attitude to the fire service, in order to continue to protect each other on the fire ground. This can only be accomplished through sharing the knowledge and educating each other.

We can honestly say this site has been much more of a success then we could have ever possibly imagined. This website was started with the intentions of sharing some information on the local level. Thanks to each of you, it quickly became so much more than that. We have gotten emails, comments, and material from people all over the world! The overwhelming success of this site would not be possible without each and every one of you. No amount of thanks could possibly be enough. It is because of you, our loyal readers, that this site is what it is!

Here are some of the statistics from first three years:
We have had 222 posts, with 4191 comments.
We have had over 950,000 visits to the site, with an average of over 3,800 per day.
We have had over 24,000,000 “hits.”
We are accessed regularly in more than 30 different countries.

We have some big things in the works for the future. Thank you for your continued support an understanding as we continue to expand the site. Stay safe, and train hard!