These days, firefighters too often confuse an aggressive attack with a reckless attack. The two may bear similar characteristics at times, but are not remotely synonymous.
For one, an aggressive attack is well planned and trained for in advance.
Online videos often give a bad name to aggressive fire attack by showing firefighters entering a large volume of fire at a rapid rate, often with equipment that doesn’t match the job. The key components of an aggressive attack are highlighted by size-up, full PPE, proper hose line handling, and an attack that is compatible with the pace of the fire.
Is this video showing an aggressive or a reckless attack?
A true aggressive attack is often the result of great initial size-up. Because of this, the line officer is a critical component of a successful attack. In the first few moments of arrival, an officer can potentially locate the fire from the exterior, and determine if the fight is winnable. The officer will then select the proper hose line, length, and path of attack.
The officer will utilize the information gathered in the preliminary size-up to assist the crew in rapidly and accurately deploying. This information is often communicated to the IC to paint a picture to arriving units and members already operating on scene. In many engine company operation publications they recommend that the officer should gain door control. Door control is often critical to firefighter safety and potential occupants inside.
If there are confirmed occupants, the first due engine and officer must consider performing the following:
- Position a hose line between the fire and occupants in harm
- Potential ventilation to draw fire, heat and smoke away from occupants in danger
- Close door to contain fire or limit spread of smoke
- Communicate to IC the location and status of occupants
- Communicate to occupants within
Once a plan is in motion, an officer must inspect each firefighter to make sure they are fully protected and equipped with the appropriate PPE. The officer will then verify the proper hose line and lengths have been deployed. The team at this point should have properly flaked out the required lengths and should be in position to enter with an attack length at the door. The line will often be in a “U” shape pointing directly into the access door. This allows a rapid attack with minimal friction between the hose line and the door jamb.
Once water has been called, the nozzle man will ready line for attack by:
- Fully opening and clearing the line of air
- Checking water pressure, and stream break-off point (shoot out, not down)
- Checking volume and pattern setting if using a variable fog nozzle
This video highlights multiple issues with hose handling, nozzle control, and water pressure issues.
Once the line is determined to be ready, the direct, timely, egress, or entrance attack will commence. The nozzle man should never enter the fire area without water. The officer position will remain fluid. As soon as the officer commits to something other then evaluating the fire and overseeing the crew, the safety of the members on the line are compromised.
IC will also continually assess the crew and the progress of knock down and eventual extinguishment. IC may determine that the risk to personnel is not worth the current interior attack, and the plan may be suspended or adjusted to adapt to the evolving situation. The good thing about an aggressive attack is that the progress is often very clearly demonstrated outside the fire building by changes in smoke, fire, and heat from windows, doors, and openings.
Review the following April 2009 Bronx two-alarm fire for signs of an interior aggressive attack
Assuming we have entered a dwelling and have contained the fire behind an interior door, the hose team will be positioned low in a way that they are on the entrance side of the door and protected when they are ready to open the door to the fire room. Once the door is opened, the fire should be allowed to clear from the room and an attack will commence.
As a general rule you should not be opening the nozzle on smoke. There are occasions though when high heat levels will force you to use rapid side to side motions towards the ceiling to knock back the gases towards the fire area. We also want to ensure the team is out the doorway. Assuming the door has been opened and there is no vent in place, all of the heat and smoke is going to be drawn to the door opening like it would in a chimney flue.
Remember hose handling basics, and line position as you make your attack. The nozzle can be utilized as a size-up tool. Sweeping the floor not only clears the floor of potential hazards, it can tip you off to obstructions, and potential structural failures. The nozzle can also be used to locate other openings in the room such as windows or additional doors and openings. Remember when operating in a multiple room fire, you should never advance past fire.
The following video demonstrates the flue-like behavior of an opened door as well as nozzle, line positions, and attack considerations
As discussed in previous articles, size-up is critical. Having an understanding of building construction, fire behavior, and fire suppression tactics will dramatically improve your chances of a safe and successful aggressive attack. Train often in hose line handling, positioning, and nozzle techniques. Chaos is often brought on by a lack of confidence and training, poor teamwork, and poor leadership.
Rapid deployment of fully equipped and trained firefighters with properly sized hand lines will dramatically increase your odds of winning the war. Technology, construction, and oil-based products are contributing to hotter fires and shorter timelines for successful attacks. So do your homework and come prepared.
A key part of a successful aggressive attack is line selection. The next video reminds us that although a 1¾ is easy to move, a 2½ is sometimes the better option.