Chris DelBello

Training & Tactics

Chris DelBello is a 31-year veteran of the fire service. He currently holds the rank of senior captain with the Houston Fire Department, working in the Midtown District. He is also the district training officer, which encompasses all the stations in downtown and midtown, and holds a Training Officer II certification. DelBello also serves as a captain with the Fort Bend County (Texas) Emergency Service District. Connect with DelBello via email.

LATET ARTICLES

The Ultimate Guide to Ventilation

Where to cut: The building construction impact on vertical ventilation

Know the construction methods, decking types and design approach that could impact your rooftop operations

February 26, 2024 10:59 AM

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Fireground Operations

Vertical ventilation: Proposing a new way to cut a big hole

This simple method for a quick cut on a pitched roof allows for fewer cuts and safer operations

February 25, 2024 11:18 AM

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Fireground Operations

Horizontal ventilation and PPV: Back-to-basics tactics

While not the preferred method of ventilation in the modern era, horizontal ventilation remains a valid option in some circumstances

February 24, 2024 11:20 AM

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Making the cut: The definitive guide to firefighting tools

Get inside your forcible entry and search tools

Your go-to options include a Halligan, roof hook, flathead ax, force wedge, thermal imager and flashlight

November 13, 2023 05:15 PM

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Fireground Operations

The leader line: When you need fast water

While not a replacement for the gated wye, the leader line is a great option at fires that require longer stretches

July 20, 2023 11:10 AM

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Go or No-Go: Incident Command Decision-Making

POV: Go/no-go decisions simply can’t be litigated on social media

If you have a problem with the tactics in another organization, get over it, get over yourself and move on

May 18, 2023 02:37 PM

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Firefighting Tools

Understanding the wedge: A simple machine for forcible entry

When wedges are used correctly, there’s often very little force needed to create a large enough door gap

October 04, 2022 02:24 PM

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Building Construction

Mid-rise and low-rise buildings: An operational nightmare for fire crews

Part 2: A detailed look at standpipe and attack options, building systems, and fireground communications

July 28, 2022 02:40 AM

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Building Construction

Mid-rise and low-rise: The unassuming buildings you ignore every day

Part 1: Inside the maze-like hallways, confusing access areas and stairwells, void spaces and other puzzling features that hamper operations

July 28, 2022 02:16 AM

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Fire Service Culture

An open letter to the haters: Who are you to judge another firefighter’s level of passion?

I’m normally quiet about my passion, but you’re stirring up a hornet’s nest with all your chatter about who has it and who doesn’t

July 25, 2022 11:25 AM

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