The ability to utilize ropes and knots is considered a fundamental skill for Firefighter 1. As part of NFPA 1001: Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications, firefighters must demonstrate proficiency in tying the most common knots used in fireground operations. These firefighter knots typically include overhand safety, figure of eight on a bight, bowline, becket/sheet bend, clove hitch, half hitch and water knot.
How to tie firefighter knots
All firefighters should have a basic understanding of how to tie common knots used in fire and rescue operations. Watch the full video above to learn how to tie all seven firefighter knots, or jump into a specific knot tutorial below.
1. How to tie an overhand safety knot
An overhand safety knot because is a simple, quick and reliable way to secure the tail of another knot, preventing it from slipping or coming untied under tension. Mastering this basic firefighter knot enhances overall rope work proficiency and contributes to operational safety, especially during high-risk activities like rope rescues or hoisting tools. Real-world scenario: When tying a figure-eight follow-through to secure a firefighter to a rope for a bailout or rappelling scenario, an overhand safety knot is often tied with the leftover tail to back up the primary knot, adding an extra layer of security.
2. How to for a figure eight on a bight
A figure eight on a bight is one of the most dependable and easy-to-recognize firefighter knots used to create a secure loop in the middle of a rope without access to the ends. This knot maintains a high percentage of the rope’s strength and is easy to inspect, making it ideal for life safety applications. A common example of using a figure eight on a bight is when attaching a rope to a carabiner for hoisting tools, air packs or other equipment during vertical operations, or when setting up an anchor point during a rescue scenario.
3. How to tie a bowline knot
A bowline knot because is a versatile and reliable firefighter knot that creates a fixed loop at the end of a rope, which won’t slip or tighten under load but can still be untied easily after being subjected to tension. This makes the bowline knot essential for rescue, rigging and utility tasks where a secure and quick loop is needed. For example, firefighters often use a bowline knot to tie a rope around a tool, hose, or even a person when performing a rescue drag or lifting equipment to an upper floor during fireground operations.
4. How to form a becket bend
A becket bend knot is a strong and dependable firefighter knot used to join two ropes of unequal diameter, making it a valuable skill in situations where extension or connection of ropes is necessary. The becket bend is easy to tie and untie, even after being loaded, and it maintains good strength without slipping, which is critical during emergency operations. A firefighter might use a becket bend to attach a utility rope to a rope bag line or to extend a lifeline when performing a search or victim removal in a large structure or confined space.
5. How to tie a clove hitch knot
A clove hitch knot is a fundamental and highly adaptable firefighter knot used to secure a rope to a post, pole or other cylindrical object quickly and effectively. The clove hitch is ideal for situations where the load may shift or where the knot might need to be adjusted or untied rapidly under light tension. For example, firefighters commonly use a clove hitch knot to secure a rope to a ladder rung or railing when hoisting tools, hoselines, or securing tag lines during vertical or elevated operations on the fireground.
6. How to tie a half hitch knot
A half hitch knot is a basic yet essential firefighter knot often used in combination with other knots to add security or control to a load. While a single half hitch on its own is not secure under tension, it becomes highly effective when used in multiples or with other knots, making it a critical component in rigging and hoisting operations. For example, firefighters commonly use a series of half hitch knots to stabilize a tool or hose line being hoisted vertically, helping to keep the load balanced and prevent it from shifting during the lift.
7. How to tie a water knot
A water knot is a strong and reliable firefighter knot used to join two ends of webbing together, creating secure loops or anchors essential in rescue and rigging operations. The water knot maintains strength under load and is ideal for use with flat webbing, which is commonly used in harness systems, anchor slings and patient packaging. For example, firefighters often use a water knot to tie webbing into a loop for a makeshift harness or to form an anchor around a structural support when setting up a rope rescue system or securing equipment on the fireground.
Learn more about NFPA codes and standards here.
Read next: How to buy rescue equipment (eBook)
This article, originally published in 2017, has been updated to include video tutorials and additional examples of when firefighters should use various knots.
