Objectives Identify and secure an adequate water supply. Perform a 360 degree Size Up. Develop an appropriate IAP. Make the appropriate hose line selection, hose stretch and water application based on the IAP. Define Operational Modes.
It is impossible for this lesson to address every possible fireground situation. DISCLAIMER TSS is simply providing current information so you can make sound tactical decisions.
The effective advancement of a hose line is critical for successful fireground operations. This includes proper decision making and effective motor skills.
It starts before the bell goes off.
An effective hose stretch starts with your morning check off: Adequate hose Properly loaded Correct nozzle pre-connected Fog nozzles on straight stream Right to Fight Commonly used fittings within reach
The bell has gone off. Considerations while enroute.
Occupancy type? Target Hazard?
Hydrant Map
or beyond the incident? Use the hydrant short of the incident.
Fittings needed? Type of hydrant?
The pre-stretch routine continues while enroute to a fire. Water supply: Lay in Wrap and go Mule
You ve arrived on scene. You need information before selecting the hose line to deploy.
Radio Size Up 1. Location (address/intersection) 123 2. Products of combustion 3. Numerical floor height & occupancy type 4. Special instructions (exposures, location of fire related to structure, operational mode)
Operational Modes Investigation Mode Offensive Mode Transitional Fire Attack Interior Fire Attack Defensive Mode
Known or potential rescue problem? Active or potential flow paths? Location and extent of the fire? Structural stability? Other hazards (electrical, exposures, access)? Size, age and construction type of building?
If available, utilize a TIC during your size up.
Portions of your 360 Size Up may have to be delegated due to access issues.
Other factors to consider during size up.
Time of day? Weather (WIND)? Savable lives and/or property? Resources on scene or en route? Water supply?
Time to process this information and make your hose selection.
Hose Selection Considerations Required gpm (hose size)? Existing fire conditions Potential fire conditions Commercial vs. Residential?
Hose Selection Considerations Where is the fire (hose length)? Where is the fire now? Where is the fire going? Obstacles, above ground?
Hose Selection Considerations Personnel available (pre-connect)? Operational Mode? Offensive Mode Transitional Fire Attack Interior Fire Attack Defensive Mode Incident Action Plan (IAP)?
Who makes the selection?
Who will make the hose selection can be based on several factors. Firefighter experience level Crew Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs) Crew Cohesion Training tempo of crew IAP
Regardless of who makes the line selection, it MUST match the objective(s) of the IAP established by the IC.
Hose Size Fire Flow
Fire Flow Formulas
National Fire Academy Formula Length x Width / 3 x % Involved = GPM Example: 30 x 50 building with 25% involvement 30 x 50 = 1500 divided by 3 = 500 x.25 = 125 GPM
Iowa Formula Length x Width x Height / 100 Example: 30 x 50 building, 10 high 30 x 50 x 10 = 15000 divided by 100 = 150 GPM
Will the GPMs from your hose overcome the Heat Release Rate (HRR) of the fire?
Simple Rule of Thumb.. If the fire is growing with proper water application..more GPM IS NEEDED!!!
Hose Length
Street to building Obstacles Elevation changes Multi-story Size of fire area Potential fire path
Personnel Available
Pre-connect: Quickly deployed Minimal personnel needed Maneuverable May lack gpm needed Large diameter: Increased gpm Length not predetermined Additional personnel may be needed to deploy
The Hose Stretch
When deploying pre-connects, ensure hose bed is cleared.
Remove unnecessary slack around obstacles to avoid kinks and maximize usable hose.
Kinks in line Kinks in your hose can have a significant effect on the effectiveness of your stream/flow rate. Sacramento (CA) Metropolitan Fire Department s Command Training Center Hands-On Training Team 2008 testing
Door Swing Ric-Rac C r e w Ric-Rac hose for easy deployment (minimum 50 at the door).
1. Shut nozzle 2. Call for water 3. Bleed air from line 4. Check nozzle pattern (straight stream/ right to fight )
Consider additional personnel at pinch points.
You ve selected your line based on the IAP. Now where does it go and how is it used?
Operational Mode Decision Tree Operational Mode Offensive Mode Defensive Mode Transitional Fire Attack Interior Fire Attack
Offensive Mode
Transitional Fire Attack
Firefighting operation where water is applied from an exterior position to the interior of a structure to reduce the thermal threat and cool the environment just prior to initiating interior operations.
Transitional Fire Attack is an Offensive Mode. You are slowing the fire s growth and reducing temperatures to allow for interior fire attack.
Exterior Water Application Straight Stream (right to fight) Close to window sill Allows gasses and smoke to escape from top of window Steep angle to ceiling Avoid moving the nozzle Moving nozzle or fog pattern will entrain air and not allow gasses/smoke to escape
When conditions warrant, initiate Interior Fire Attack. You ve addressed the thermal threat with exterior water application.
Interior Fire Attack
With door control in place, apply water to the upper 1/3 of the door.
If the water converts to steam, you will have high temperatures inside the door.
What temperatures am I seeing with the TIC? What is the smoke volume, velocity, density & color? Perform a heat check with short bursts of water. How is my water reacting with the upper atmosphere (turning to steam or falling to the floor?
If water converts to steam and fails to return as water, additional cooling is needed.
Apply longer bursts of water in a figure 8 pattern. Be aware that too much water may affect the thermal layers.
Your heat check returns water droplets. Time to advance the hose line.
Remember Door Control!
Pencil the smoke layer above and ahead of you with short bursts of water. This can help cool the atmosphere and continues the heat check process.
If at any time during your advance, water fails to return and vaporizes, apply longer bursts in a figure 8.
Too much water may collapse the neutral plane.
If conditions deteriorate or your water application is not effective, you have reached a decision point. Additional hose lines Coordinated ventilation Retreat
Work your way to the seat of the fire for direct water application in coordination with ventilation.
Defensive Mode
Operational mode initiated when fire conditions prevent an interior attack. Attack lines and all personnel operate outside the collapse zone using defensive tactics.
As stated previously, it is impossible to create a lesson that covers every possible scenario. We encourage you to become a student of the craft of firefighting. Research fire behavior, reading smoke, contemporary firefighting techniques, etc. You and your teammates will be better off for it.
Now get out there and apply what you ve learned. Time for hands-on training!
Director of Training Battalion Chief Derek Alkonis LACoFD Training Services Section (323) 881-2436