This feature is intended to spark the sharing of ideas, information and techniques to make firefighters safer and more effective. The following video and discussion points must not be used to berate, belittle or criticize those firefighters. Rather, in the spirit of near-miss reporting, please use this feature as another teaching tool to help you better do your job. Please leave your comments below and use this material in your own department. I hope you find this Reality Training valuable; stay safe and keep learning.
Fire suppression for fires in row house occupancies present unique challenges to firefighters that include: multiple avenues for fire travel within the structure; direct exposures on sides B and D; and older building construction features such as plaster-over-wood-lath.
The incident command must select an appropriate strategy and tactics for implementation based on incident conditions; this is especially necessary for row-house fires. The aforementioned characteristics can enable fire to quickly travel within concealed spaces, rapidly changing the size and scope of the fire. Commanders must constantly be asking themselves: Is my strategy still appropriate for the conditions? Are my tactical operations having a positive effect on the fire?
Size-up of the fire must continue until the conclusion of the incident.
- If you were going to assume command of this incident, what is your assessment of the incident conditions when the video begins?
- What would be your on-going assessment as the video continues?
- The ability to read smoke is a key incident commander skill. What information can you derive from the smoke conditions during this fire?
- Based upon your initial size-up, what would be your strategy and tactics?
- Based upon your continuing size-up, are the tasks being performed by the firefighters in the video in line with your strategy and tactics?
- If not, what adjustments would you make?
- You’ve been appointed as the safety officer for this fire. What’s your safety assessment of the incident scene?
- What recommendations would you make to the incident commander?