What were you expecting?

So, you’re aggressive enough to get the roof… You cut the hole… You punch through the ceiling… The fire vents out…

 

Why are you surprised? That’s what it’s supposed to do! That’s why we vent! Why on earth would you stay on the roof, wait for a hoseline, and open the line into the vent? I sure hope no one was interior at the time. -Jimm-

Photos by Robb Ware

 

31 thoughts on “What were you expecting?

  1. Jeff says:

    “But it’s fire…we have to put water on it!!!!!!”

  2. flame29fighter says:

    AMEN AMEN I Wish some of our mutual aid depts could read this. They all freak right out when fire blows out the vent hole. We had a house fire and 2nd crews were inside while the first crew got new bottles and had a little rehab. in the 2nd crew was 3 mutual aid guys. when the fire started to come through the vent whole the mutual aid chief got on the air and ordered all of his guys out. PEOPLE NEED TO UNDERSTAND WHEN FIRE IS COMING OUT OF THE VENT HOLE IT IS WORKING !!! HEAT,SMOKE,AND FIRE ARE LEAVING THE BUILDING HELPING THE INTERIOR DO THERE JOB !!! THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST POST ON HERE. I LOVE THIS SITE !!!!

  3. AJ says:

    What I don’t like is no one is masked up. When you’re on the roof there is a chance of collapse. You would fair better on air if this were to occur. Your body might survive the fall but your lungs taking in the superheated gasses will not. Also a roof ladder could minimize this risk as well.

  4. Jason says:

    Get up, get it open, get down… It seems too easy for some people to forget that.

  5. Dave says:

    How many attic fires have we seen where the fire has vented through the roof (whether a vent hole or just plain burned through) and the IC or whoever orders elevated streams to go up and drown the building? Lets just force all this smoke, fire and other crap back down into the building. Up and out is better than down and in.

  6. Gary says:

    Guys, I was at the fire and this is why the pipe is on the roof. It was a large 1.5 stry garage with limited access to the “attic” area. We were having trouble gaining access and the entire attic area, LOADED with junk was pushing heavy. The truck crew opened the roof, and put the pipe in to “blitz” the fire. This was done with the co-ordination with the crews on the steps. They waited ont he steps until roof “hit it real quick”, shut down and exited the roof. Then the orders were given fo the interior crews to make the push. Hope this clears some things up.

    Gary

  7. Jimm says:

    Gary,
    Thanks for the info about the fire. I simply used the photo as a tool to start the discussion…. It’s always easier to Monday morning quarterback a call after the fact. Glad to hear it was a coordinated effort in response to a unique situation and not just a bad tactical decision. Nice cut! And thanks again for clarifying the situation. I knew there had to be an explanation. –Jimm-

  8. Tim says:

    wouldnt a piercing nozzle have been a better solution?

    maybe a cellar nozzle?

  9. Gary says:

    Jimm,

    No problem brother. I know what you mean when it comes to “second guessing” And no problem with using the pic to start discussions, we all can learn from open discussions like this. I hope to send a few photo’s myself.

    As for Tim, your right, and if we had a piercing nozzle or cellar nozzle, that would have been the call. We used the next best thing, SMOOTH BORE!!

    Be safe guys, Happy Holidays
    Gary

  10. Darrell says:

    I agree with Gary. We, as firefighters, sometimes become to quick to judge our fellow brethren without knowing all the facts. Indeed, a picture is worth a thousand words; however, it only depicts a single point of view or perspective. Hey, let’s attempt to be multidimensional in order to be fair before we cast any stones of judgement.

    Therefore, initiate an inquiry for the facts pertaining to a particular situation before you criticize the actions of our fellow colleagues who have the courage to perform the job we so call, “Our Profession”.

    Any gallant action is worth the nobility of dignity!

  11. Smokeetr50 says:

    Gary,
    First off let me say thank you for your postings. This is in fact a great site and a huge learning tool for all of us. However, I am not sure if I understand your views on this fire. First I am not sure your position on this fire ground but the simple fact that you have men on the roof of a well involved structure with fire blowing out the roof with no masks on is just a bad call. Not to mention the fact that the fire IS DOING ITS JOB and you are defeating the purpose by pushing all the smoke and fire back into the structure. I sure hope that there was no crew interior while you felt it necessary to pull this stunt. Believe me they would not be around today. Second, you say you used a Smooth Bore Nozzle? I have looked at all the photos on Robbware and I am not seeing that type nozzle. What I do see is what looks to be some type of Fog Nozzle. So my question to you is this- At what point did you use this so called Smooth Bore Nozzle. I’m just not seeing it. I hate to sound negative because this is such a great learning tool but to me the tactical decisions that your dept. are using are simply UNSAFE!! I truly hope that you and your dept. re-evaluate your fireground tactics before you loose one of your own. Instead of sitting on the roof with a fog tip in hand with no mask on trying to see who can melt their helmet the fastest, maybe you should have been doing something else that would have helped the situation…
    Be Safe Brothers!! FF SKEEZ Orlando Florida (50-House)

  12. Jeff says:

    this looks like some florida firemen

     

    (This comment was not from Jeff of vententersearch.com -Jimm-)

  13. jeff A.K.A VentMaster says:

    After reading all of the post and viewing additional pictures from this fire here are a few of my thoughts for what its worth.
    Photo 1
    Gary has described this as being a 1.5 story garage which would indicate a detached garage with an in-law quarter or apartment on the right or a small sfd. If it’s a detached garage with apartment we must remember we are still in the mode of life safety and searches need to accomplished which I am sure had been. Based on the pictures I would think this is a 1 story with attic, concrete block (based on the windows) with a stucco finish. Judging by the age and condition I would assume the decking to be 1x materials such as 1×6 with asphalt shingles. ***** Remember renovations could mean the decking could have been patched or completely renovated with osb or ply decking materials*****. It is essential when we commit to vertical operations we know what the decking is constructed of and the conditions in the attic space below our work platform. With what appears to be a cable TV line coming into the front of the building once again we must consider this to be an occupied dwelling and appropriate searches would be needed. Due to the amount of windows in the structure I would view this as a smaller detached SFD. It appears that the first vent was made on the left hand side of the structure. Looking at the smoke conditions issuing from the gable ends it would be reasonably expected to be the area closest to the fire. ***** Remember we are only viewing the brief second of time to take this photo and once again a single sided view of a multi-dimensional building*****. It is very hard to accurately assess and critique anyone based on even these few pictures because we were not there.

    Ok On with my story…. It appears in the first few pictures that either active fire has been knocked down or there was nothing but smoke on arrival. An attic fire should be expected due to lack of smoke in the livable areas of the residence. Good choice on bringing the chainsaw for a wood based decking. Chainsaws are not only lighter but also place the cutter in a better cut position for fatigue and stability issues. Also chainsaws can be quicker and safer due to the lack of blade inertia and the ability to control the chain through the chain brake. Burying the blade on a rotary saw is an essential tactic however many times it is forgotten which adds to the inherent risk associated with its use. The roof ladder seems to be slightly off for use but considering an attic fire would have been a good choice no matter what the pitch is due to its ability to disperse point loading. After the cut had been made the fire appears to becoming from the long end or area over the livable portion. This would indicate either wrong vent placement which drew the fire to us or great placement drawing the fire back to the opening. Based on the amount of fire initially and its direction of travel from the long end it appears the cut should have been closer to over the apartment. As with line placement during tactical venting we allow for a little draw to place us in a safer area not working directly over the area involved in fire unless the fire has not extended to the attic space***** Once again it is very easy when you have time to study a photo verses that of having seconds on the scene to react*****. When assessing the roof it is good to view the concentration of smoke to locate your cut. In smoldering fires with no evidence of fire the more forceful and concentrated smoke would be the area for the vent. Also if available use the Thermal imager to scan the roof to find the hotter areas which would better place us where needed. ** Something we need to remember fire or extreme heat is what deteriorates the structural integrity of the building. I saw nothing in any of the photos I viewed that would show either condition to the extreme such as large volumes of pushing dense heated smoke or heavy volumes of fire.

    Smokeetr50: “First I am not sure your position on this fire ground but the simple fact that you have men on the roof of a well involved structure with fire blowing out the roof with no masks on is just a bad call” Smokeetr50. Sorry smokeetr 50 but I have to disagree with this statement totally. In none of the 84 pictures I viewed did I ever see a well involved structure that would give us reason to not commit to vertical operations. The fire I saw was simply a flare up due to the vent being made and supplying the correct air to fuel mixture and achieving the gases flammable range. ***** Remember anytime we vent and complete this interaction we will have active fire conditions.***** in many cases this is a great thing. Smokeetr50”I hate to sound negative because this is such a great learning tool but to me the tactical decisions that your dept. are using are simply UNSAFE!! I truly hope that you and your dept. re-evaluate your fire ground tactics before you loose one of your own. Instead of sitting on the roof with a fog tip in hand with no mask on trying to see who can melt their helmet the fastest, maybe you should have been doing something else that would have helped the situation” Smokeetr50 I have to disagree with you here. As I stated I feel aggressive and justified operations such as vertical venting in this case is a great decision that ended with saving this structure. Just because we are aggressive doesn’t mean we are being unsafe which is a common thought process in the fire service today. Being Aggressive does not mean being unsafe such as when using vertical ops. I don’t feel that at any point these guys were as you say sitting around seeing who could toast their lids fastest… but Instead I see these guys making a great tactical decision to vent but as with any fire some things could have been improved. ******Remember In Florida Vertical operations are rare and unfamiliar to many agencies do to our teaching us to fear them verses that of the need and how to accomplish them as safe as possible which can be done as it was for many years here******** I Personally can think of quite a few incidents locally that vertical operations could have made a tremendous difference in the overall results of the operations.

    Flame29fighter: I can not agree with you more. This is nothing to get worked up over the vent is doing exactly what we intend it to do. ***** Notice I stated WE intended. This is firefighting and making the building and fire do just as we intend it to do not us chasing it around eventually ending in the loss of or excessive damage to the building****. The decision to commit to vertical operations was not only indicated based on the pictures but a great call. The decision to vent and control the fire is a major reason the scene ended like this and not a complete loss.
    Photo 2
    Once again how many times have you seen a building with the roof burnt off with little to no fire damage (except Extensive Water Damage) to the inside of the structure?
    AJ: ” What I don’t like is no one is masked up. When you’re on the roof there is a chance of collapse. You would fair better on air if this were to occur. Your body might survive the fall but your lungs taking in the superheated gasses will not. Also a roof ladder could minimize this risk as well.” AJ. I could not agree with you more when the situation dictates. Protective equipment does add to the safety on many instances but it can also contribute to injuries (I will explain that in future articles). Based on the conditions or lack there of I probably would have been in the same position***** Remember the fire we are seeing we created by the vent which is sudden and not large volumes which were quickly controlled by application of water.

    TIM: “wouldn’t a piercing nozzle have been a better solution? Maybe a cellar nozzle?” I would much rather vent and make attacks knowing exactly where and what the effects are than blindly operating. By not cutting the vent we are only hoping that this type of attack works without really knowing until we open up. By opening first we have given the fire a place to go(controlled) that we control and we readily see the effectiveness of our efforts and tactics. **** I do not agree at any point of putting water in the vent hole verses that of attacking from underneath. Everyone has seen it but one thing to consider is what is the difference of this vs. that of placing a knob in a gable end is it not the same except for a different location while not committing to the roof. Same steam, same heat, same attic, same openings underneath we blow everything back into. Neither tactic is optimal but sometimes there may be no other choice but either should be last resort and coordination is essential*******
    As for the smooth bore. I am a big advocate of using this nozzle which will be discussed in the near future through articles and postings. Based on the pictures and the stream exiting the nozzle I only see a fog nozzle. I assume that Gary’s preference and the next best thing is a smooth bore but he might have meant to indicate they utilized a combination on straight stream which would be third in line after the solid bore nozzle. ******** Everyone PLEASE REMEMBER VentEnterSearch.com was not developed to critique agencies and from what I have read nobody has but rather let’s discuss and learn from each other in a productive and informal chat. Thanks to everyone for making this a great resource for all who visit and your valuable input. I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and the best of best new years. Stay safe JP

  14. Jeff says:

    I agree, look at pic 23 of 82 on the site. That stream is definitely from a fog nozzle….

    Stay Safe…

  15. Walt Lewis says:

    I would like to echo JP’s comments. To locate ideally where the piercing nozzle or distributor nozzle would need to go, some sort of inspection hole is needed, unless you do it blindly (which is not so effective). In the effort being done, you might as well make it effort worth having rather than wasted. Knowing the whole story (now- thanks Gary), it seems the prudent attack after hooking from underneath and the vent were not effective because of Collyer’s Mansion conditions (even if it were only confined to the attic).

    A few points about the different nozzles-
    1. Piercing nozzle- not commonly available, but could have been applied prior to bringing the line to the roof. But in pounding it into place, you will need to overhaul the fire anyhow, ensure you hit the proper spots, opening up is still warranted- the sooner the better.

    2. Distributor nozzle- usually this nozzle has a 2 1/2″ connection and is pumped at a decent pressure. It’s not impossible, but it would be very tough work for the 2 ffs to control from their vantage point. For them to control it, they would need an in-line gate valve (or similar means) at a reasonable spot in the line. To put this into play, a hole would need to be cut and the nozzle, 2 1/2″ line pulled and/or necessary additional appliances would need to be combined and employed. Timely.

    I agree with everyone else in NOT directing a stream down into a vent hole where crews operate underneath, but it sounds like they did it properly. Enough to get the content and vapor fire knocked down and buy time for the crews underneath to finish opening up and make access and overhaul.

    Just an engine guys point of view…

  16. HF says:

    Having looked at the other pictures it looks like this was indeed a stubborn fire. The second floor from the pictures appears to be a storage area with the only living area next to the garage. This area did not look invovled in fire and could be easily searched for victims which is our number one priority. After searches are completed the next priority is property conservation which by the way is not worth killing a firefighter for. In my humble opinion these crews took unecessary risks to save property, we need to wear breathing apparatus and breath air when working on a roof over fire, we need to stay on roof ladders when possible, more than one roof ladder is ok, and we do not need to stay on a roof after a hole is cut period. Let those vent holes work to the best of their ability, open the gable ends, sit on the ground relax and fill it up using 2 1/2’s. I am not perfect and have done stupid things on the fire ground from which I have learned, and I am glad that we can all use these pictures for learning how not to put ourselves in danger, ultimately we are the number one priority.

    Thanks HF

  17. Concerned FL Fireman says:

    In regards to the previous comment. I am fearful of the attitude that says relax on the ground and fill it up with your deuce and a halfs. Our job is a risk. With propper training we can learn how to combat those risks. That vent hole was not just made to save the building, it was made to improve conditions for the members inside. So in my opinion those “unecessary risks” you talk about were very necessary for the protection of our brothers. Instead of buyin the load of crap that the IFSTA instructors are teachin us today about the dangers of light weight construction, maybe we should research for ourselves just how dangerous they really aren’t. Better yet, if Florida is so right in the way we do it, maybe we should tell the rest of the country how wrong they are. Concerned fireman

  18. Darrell says:

    Concerned Fireman,

    I must commend you for your humble, honest opinion. If, I may paraphrase what you’ve previously mentioned – “ Research for ourselves to determine all the pertinent considerations of lightweight construction.” Wow! What a concept.

    Too many times, we, the fire service, become trendsetters or trend believers. So, if another organization performs some valid research and disseminates their beliefs, do we jump aboard the vessel of conclusion promulgated from their perspective? (Is this a written law of emulation)

    Well, I’d rather ponder the issues of their trials being conducted with an unbiased analysis. In elementary terms, did they perform specific tests that conform to their particular beliefs of thought; rather than from a multitude of possibilities? Obviously,testing is one way to resolve certain concerns; however, it has to be equitable for everyone’s concerns.

    “ If, Florida is so right in the way we perform certain tasks on the fire ground, why don’t we share our immaculate ways with the rest of the country”. Well, there’s validity in your statement. But, I don’t think we’re driving the correct apparatus in the appropriate direction for that one.

    Florida firefighting apparently is like any other tactical fire suppression form within the continental Unites States. We do things they way we see them; subsequently, following a trend based on another’s adamant beliefs. Is this a good thing or bad thing? Well, I’ll let you or your organization be the judge and jury on that issue.

    Personally, I agree with everyone taking their own stand in resolving certain concerns that coincide with their beliefs, but confront them from all perspectives. Don’t allow your thoughts be the best way to do business without considering the business of others.

    Be safe.

  19. kyle says:

    I like this idea alot, I dont think vertical bentilation is done nearly enough. What I dont like about this photo is where is there roof ladder, seconday means of egress and why arent they on air? It is a hostile enviroment.

  20. AF says:

    I’m not sure but I think to the right of the vent hole I see a roof ladder. Personally I’d want to stay within reach of it at all times. I also echo the other poster above in asking where the secondary means of egress from that roof is. I know that up here the ground ladder is a forgotten art. I tell my guys to keep throwing ladders until there are none left. I will however defend the stance of not being masked up while doing roof work. I find that while on a peaked roof I need all the visibility I can get as well as the ability to hear and communicate. If the atmosphere becomes such that I can’t stay on that roof without being on air then maybe we have already properly vented the fire and it’s time to leave now. Please keep in mind this is in no way scientific, or out of an IFSTA text book, just what I have experienced and learned from my own time on the job up here in the north east.

  21. Keep Back 200ft. says:

    Education guys; education is the key to our job. The things that we are being taught by NFPA, IFTSA, etc. are poisoning our profession. Unfortunately a lot of depts. have reached a point where the old timers are leaving faster than we can learn their methods so all we have to go by is the book. Now, we are no longer learning the art of fighting fire the way it has been perfected over many years, and we are not learning the pride in saving lives AND PROPERTY. We are becoming complacent with the fact that “the insurance company will just knock it down anyways.”

    By its very nature our job will never be a safe one: If you are looking for a safe job go crunch numbers in a cubicle. Don’t criticize our brothers that have the balls to do the job the way firemen have learned to fight fire.

    In no way do I wish myself or any of our brothers to become martyrs for the old traditions; but if you learn things like reading smoke and fire behavior and building construction (not just from a book but also from the 30yr. fireman in your house) you can make educated decisions to perform a risky task as safely as possible, rather than performing a surround and drown operation.

    As far as the mask situation, we need to learn the importance of our SCBA. Yes, they are to protect our repertory system, but don’t waste your air. When I NEED my air I want to know that I have as much as possible. God forbid the roof crew does go through, if the vent hole is doing its job there won’t be “superheated gasses” to contend with. Then that crew has a full bottle worth of air to un-ass the structure. Just because it is a fire ground it is not necessarily a “hazardous environment”. Again, educate yourselves about our job; knowledge and sense are the best tools we have.

    -Thanks for the site guys, OCFRD Sta.51

  22. jake says:

    HEY 50 HOUSE…RELAX….RELAX!! AND FOR ALL YOU MASK GUYS, I DONT SEE ANY REASON TO HAVE A FACE PIECE ON ON THAT ROOF, LOOKS PRETTY CLEAR TO ME…..CAN ANYBODY SEE THERE TOES WHEN THE HAVE THERE MASK ON??? AGAIN, GET UP THERE, OPEN IT UP OVER THE FIRE AND GET OFF! THE STUFF IS GOING UP AND AWAY, AND I WOULDNT BE HANGING AROUND UP WAITING FOR IT TO BANK DOWN, MOST TRUCKIES UP THIS WAY DONT BRING MASKS TO PEAK ROOFS, IF I NEEDED A MASK THEN I BETTER BE MAKING MY CUT FROM A BUCKET OR STICK….EASY DOES IT!!!

  23. 11truck says:

    The fact is yes we should all look out for our brothers and safety is always a factor, but lets face it you are not going to “safety” a fire out, and our job is always going to be dangerous, so you still have to get in there or up there and get the job done. So lets not continue to waste time and space on such a kick-ass site. Shall we move on?

  24. john devlin says:

    why aren’t they using a roof ladder?

  25. ak says:

    I was going to the same question. Regardless of what they were doing up on the roof, they should always be on a roof ladder to disburse their weight across the roof and minimize the risk of falling through.

  26. 22truckie says:

    Understand about unusual conditions, they always seem to happen when you’re on duty! I agree with the thoughts; get up , cut the hole, make sure you have accomplished your goal (talk to the guys inside/look at the smoke), and get off. Just a thought, If the guys inside were having a tough time accessing the “attic” from underneith, what about a top gabel cut on the side of the building just below the peak, with a line directed into the opening (interior obviously comunicated with and out and vent team off). A short attack to buy time. This way the guys could be off the roof quicker. Hard to tell from the pic. but it looks like the attic is accessable from the side. Just a thought, was not there, just looking at one picture. Be safe and remember: if one hole is good then two are…. job security for the roofers!!

  27. Ryan says:

    I’m not sure but our department S.O.G is that when we ventalate the roof we work off of a roof ladder and a hose line will be in place. Not that we are going to extinguish the fire through the vent opening but its there as a protection in case things go bad. Obviously the ladder displaces the wieght of the firemen and the air packs are there for a reason,not just to satisfy a certian Chief, S.O.G. or OSHA.We (all firemen) wear the SCBA’s for protection. I know its makes the job a little harder but it is worth it in the long run. I love discussions like this. this website is a great learning tool for everyone. Please do not misunderstand me and don’t think that I’m judging I’m here to learn like everyone else. Please be safe.

  28. Probie Dave says:

    We’re always taught to keep ourselves between the fire and the ladder.

    These guys are clearly on the wrong side of the vent hole.

  29. 4 Roof says:

    I guess this was a great photo to put up for some discussion.

    In looking at the photo posted on the screen, I noticed what appears to be a roof ladder to the right of the roof team with a saw resting on it. From what the member involved in the operation said, it sounded like these guys were operating within the framework of the plan. That’s key.

    My own perspective of the job is completely from the view- and experience- point of a New England firefighter, since that’s where I’m from and where I’ve spent my fire service career to date. I really enjoyed reading the comments from folks from outside of New England as it seems that some tactics and general philosophies are differnt. It’s been thought provoking.

    From the standpoint of how we generally work here (and I’m not saying it’s right, wrong or otherwise), roof teams in my city usually work without their mask in place. Personally, I’ll throw mine (Scott 4.5) across my back so it rests behind my right shoulder. This keeps it out of the way and all I have to do to retrieve it is throw my left shoulder forward. The mask will swing around and as soon as I feel the low pressure line, I follow it down to the mask.

    Some of the troops will clip their mask to a coat buckle or a buckle supplied on the left shoulder strap of our SCBA. While this is a personal preference option and certainly effective in keeping the mask and line out of the way, it is difficult and time consuming to rapidly free the mask in clean air and good lighting. Throw no lighting and choking smoke into the mix and one could really be heading for trouble.

    Anyway, with the mask over one shoulder, my boss, as he backs me up, can simultaneously hold the line and my SCBA frame, giving me a measure of security while we open the roof. While there are times that we will either lean out into clean air or take a hit or two off the mask, in the majority of my experience, it’s more difficult to operate on the roof with the facepiece on. One tactic that we employ sometimes if we’re taking a little bit of a feed is to pull our hoods up over our mouth and nose. Are there exceptions where we definitely need to put them on to continue operating? Absolutely. Again, not saying that this is right, wrong, or otherwise. In the framework of most roof operations in my company, it is currently reality.

    Some of the more senior guys will leave their SCBA in the platform before going to work…this definitely makes things a LOT easier in terms of maneuvering around and working on the roof, but personally, I would much rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it. The way I figure it, with my cylinder turned on and all of the rest of my gear in place, if I happen to go through, I’ve got at least a fighting chance.

    One thing about looking at photographs – they all have a ton of ‘teachable moments’ in them if you’re willing to take the time, look and think about them. The big thing to remember is that what you’re seeing is less than one second’s worth of the operation. A lot of photos that everybody sees depict things that at least at face value might initially make you think – ‘what are these people doing?’

    Granted, there are, without question, various incidents where people may in fact be doing something that isn’t going to be safe, effective, or efficient. But, a lot of the time, what are we actually seeing?

    I think that the people in fire photographs are often well trained and experienced members that are in the middle of a situation where they usually are operating with insufficient staffing, equipment and support. What we often view in a photograph is a firefighter or firefighters that has/have taken into account the current situation, conditions, objective(s) and the personnel and equipment that they have, at the moment, to accomplish their task. Often times, we are seeing a photograph of somebody that is mentally agile enough to identify the reality of their situation. They have taken a second or two to run through the options they have available.

    What they have most likely done is chosen the least offensive of a list of less-than-great choices available to them. That’s reality for most people in the fire service. We can sit there and either wish for or wait for enough of whatever we need to show up, or we can figure out how to make the most efficient and effective use of what we have available to us. Often times a photo of this happening isn’t pretty and certainly isn’t available in most basic textbooks, but it often times is the lynchpin to a successful (and overall, a safer) operation.

    Most of us in truck companies have taken more than a couple of beatings on the roof (and various other places as well). But while we’re up there, we work as hard and as fast as we can because it isn’t about us. It’s about the engine that’s taking a far worse pounding under our feet, operating in a much more punishing environment without sufficient ventilation – the rescue company and/or inside truck team trying to get the searches done before it gets any worse, and about any victims that are on ‘borrowed time’. These folks don’t know and really don’t care if we’re off-balance or coughing or are doing things that are scary or will cause us to be sore tomorrow. All they know is either that it’s getting worse or it’s getting better. A Fire Department operation is like a house of cards, with each individual/position as one of those cards. if any one of them isn’t in the correct position, in the correct order and at the correct time, the entire thing comes down. We succeed or fail as a team. And when we’re working, particularly when things are bad, what gets us to ‘downshift’ – to dig in, suck it up and get it done, is the knowledge that everyone else present is operating on faith – faith in us and that we’ll cover our base and get our part of it done. We do the same with them.

    To me, that’s pretty much the job. Right, wrong or otherwise.

    Be safe.

  30. Truckie449 says:

    Definately looks like a TFT Fog Nozzle on the end of the line in the picture. Either way, a bvig part of the fire service is to adapt and to overcome. After reading the other posts, they did what they had to do with the situation that they were presented with. Bottomline, as long as Everyone Goes Home, that is all that matters. Put the wet stuff on the red stuff!!! PTB-EGH

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