Electric Vehicle Fire Considerations for Second Due Company Response

Due to the nature and potential duration of a fire involving an electric vehicle, the second due company, whether it be a rescue or squad company play a vital role in the strategies and tactics of fire suppression operations.

Here are a few considerations for second due companies in response to an electric car fire.

• Upon arrival and not completed, establish a delineated Hot Zone and ensure all personnel are in full PPE and donned with their SCBA and on air.

• Consider ventilation. The buildup of vapors from an EV are potentially toxic, flammable and explosive. If deemed safe, the second due engine should consider and attempt to open two doors of the vehicle to allow and prevent buildup of vapors.

• Attempt to shut down the high voltage system of the EV, if it is not already on fire.

• Provide access for the suppression team to the location of the battery in order for water to be applied directly on it. This will help cool the battery and prevent thermal runaway.

• Ways to open the vehicle for access to the battery depending its location

• Remove the doors and rear seat top

• Open and remove the trunk lid

• Tilt the vehicle for access to the floor batteries. Consider using air bags, spreaders and cribbing, a comealong or winch to do so.

The main purpose of the second due company for electric vehicle fires is to provide safety for all personnel on scene and work in obtaining access to the EV battery location to help prevent further thermal runaway. Since cooling these batteries could take up to 30 minutes or more, it is vital there is a dedicated company on scene working to identifying and gaining access to this crucial piece of the vehicle.

Key Terms

High Voltage

For automotive applications, any voltage greater than 30 volts alternating current, or AC, or 60 volts direct current, or DC, is considered to be a high or hazardous voltage due to the potential to produce serious injury or death due to electric shock. Electric drive systems on commercial vehicles can operate at voltages as high as 800 volts, both AC and DC, and can produce peak currents as high as 100 amps, which make contact with high voltage components even more dangerous.

High Voltage Cables

Visible orange cables are another indication that a vehicle has a high voltage system. That is because there is a voluntary Society of Automotive Engineers, or SAE, recommended practice that specifies that all high voltage cables have an orange outer covering. While voluntary, this practice has been adopted by virtually all manufacturers.

Until next time, work hard, stay safe & live inspired.

Electric Vehicle Fire Considerations for the First Due Engine Company

Automotive technological advancements have evolved drastically over the years. Modern amenities of connectivity are found is every new car being brought onto the market today. Social media apps, real time traffic and weather updates to cameras not just for backing up but also for covering multiple blind spot areas of the car. Although the biggest advancement and great challenge for firefighters is in the invention of electric vehicles (EV).

Firefighters must be aware of the dangers of these vehicles and have steps in place when responding to vehicle fires involving electric vehicles. For purposes of this article, we are going to outline steps to take when responding to an electric vehicle fire as the first arriving engine company.

Secure a Water Supply

As any well-trained engine company, the first thing that must happen is to secure a water supply immediately upon arrival. This is a crucial step in a meaningful knock on the fire. When compared to an internal combustion vehicle (gas fueled), an electric vehicle can take up to ten times the amount of water to cool or extinguish.

Let's think about this. An internal combustion vehicle would normally take 500-1000 gallons of water to cool or extinguish while an EV would take a minimum of 10,0000 gallons of water alone to extinguish or cool the battery. Reports have shown that it has taken 30,000 - 40,000 gallons of water to do such fire suppression on EVs. 

Up to 150 000 liters of water needed to put out a fire in an electric car | CTIF - International Association of Fire Services for Safer Citizens through Skilled Firefighters

Once a water supply is established, the next best option is to treat this like a motor vehicle extrication and if possible, stabilize the car and initiate any victim removes if required. The silent movement of these vehicles could cause them to roll and cause for other hazards putting firefighters at higher risks of injuries from the moving vehicle.

Handline Selection

Due to the naturae of these vehicles and the amount of water needed to either cool or extinguish the fire, it is best to either stretch a 2 1/2-inch handline or if staffing permits, pull multiple 1 3/4-inch handlines. As suppression team(s) approach the  vehicle, it is important to utilize the reach of the straight stream of the nozzle and to take note of the reaction the vehicle is having with the water. The initial application of water may cause a flare up of fire due to the combustibles within the EV.

Locate the Battery

Upon extinguishment of the main body of fire, it is imperative that firefighters quickly locate and identify the location of the battery, and this is important for monitoring signs of thermal runaway using a thermal imaging camera (TIC), including: 

• Identify the heat signature present

• Vapors escaping from the battery pack

• Listen for popping sounds from the battery pack

• Locating visible fire around the battery pack 

*Note, the thermal runaway temperature for lithium-ion batteries is approximately 176 degrees Fahrenheit or 80 degrees Celsius. Beyond this, the risk of chemical reactions leading to thermal runaway increases drastically. The maximum temperature during thermal runaway can reach greater than 300 degrees Celsius or 572 degrees Fahrenheit.

If any of these signs are identified, the battery pack should begin to be cooled and performed in such manner: 

• The stream from the hose line should be directed to one area on the battery pack and applied for 3 to 5 minutes

• After the 3 to 5 minutes, firefighters should assess the battery again for thermal runaway and the items listed above.

• Should the signs of thermal runaway still be presentable or have seemed to be found on a new area of the battery, the stream should be again applied for another 3 to 5 minutes, followed by another assessment of the battery pack.

• This process should be repeated until the pack is no longer showing any elevated temperatures.

Monitor the Battery 

After fire suppression team(s) have cooled the or extinguished the battery and all hot spots on the battery have cooled, it is best for an engine company to remain in place with an established water supply still in place for at least 30 minutes before the EV is moved from the hot zone.

Key definitions to take note of:

Thermal Runaway

Thermal runaway occurs when a lithium-ion battery becomes overheated and is often triggered by overcharging, a short circuit or other cell stress. A chain reaction in the cell that generates gas is triggered by excess heat. This can spread to the rest of the battery pack if not mitigated, which can cause other cells to overheat and then decompose. The runaway causes the release of flammable gasses as it takes hold and the battery cells break down. 

Lithium-ion Battery

A lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery is an advanced battery technology that uses lithium ions as a key component of its electrochemistry. During a discharge cycle, lithium atoms in the anode are ionized and separated from their electrons. The lithium-ions move from the anode and pass through the electrolyte until they reach the cathode, where they recombine with their electrons and electrically neutralize.

 As the fire service studies and investigates the complexity of electric vehicles fires, it is imperative that we continue to remain diligent when responding to EV fires and keeping up with the everlasting changes of how to approach and attack fires involving electric vehicles.

Until next time - work hard, stay safe & live inspired.

EV Rescue

https://autorescueapp.com/index.html

NFPA

https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/emergency-response/emergency-response-guides#aq=%40culture%3D%22en%22&cq=%40taglistingpage%3D%3D(%22EV%20Guides%22)%20%20&numberOfResults=12&sortCriteria=%40title%20ascending

The Front Bumper Line

An important line but at times overlooked is the front bumper line. This line has many advantages on the fire ground and allows for firefighters to operate for versatility. Each department has its own set of procedures on how to operate at an incident and thus having an option for the front bumper line will greatly increase each departments versatility on an incident.

Here are some advantages to the front bumper line.

Deployed from either side of the apparatus.

By having the advantage of being deployed from either side of the apparatus, it will allow firefighters better operability in stretching lines in various directions.

Nosed in Positioning

Sometimes the engine may need to be nosed in rather than having the ability to pull passed the structure such as operating at the end of a cul-de-sac. In having a fully equipped front bumper line of 1.75" diameter hose of 100 feet or greater, will allow the versatility in some instances on an incident where apparatus positioning is not ideal or limited.

Vehicle Fires and Motor Vehicle Accidents

The front bumper line allows for a quick deployment for vehicle fires since numerous lengths of hose are oftentimes not needed and also provides an ideal protection line when operating at an extrication incident. With extrication and stabilization teams working diligently to extricate a patient from a vehicle, a shorter hose length is ideal for safety and maneuverability on the scene.

Trash Fires

The front bumper provides a quick deployment for trash and dumpster fires rather than deploying a 200 foot cross lay option. For this type of incident, positioning the apparatus head on to the fire will provide the best tactical advantage and quickest means of hose deployment.

Department Preference

Each department has their preferred way of packing the bumper line and many utilize it for a different reason. No matter how it's packed or its initial use, the front bumper line provides another option when determining the weapon to attack the fire. To become proficient at the front bumper line, adequate training on the purpose of the line and scenario based training will help firefighters become comfortable to make this line an option if need be.

Until next time, work hard, stay safe & live inspired.

Preconnect & Static Handlines

Training. Pre planning. Apparatus knowledge. Crew Size. Crew limitations. 360 size up. Location of structure off the street. Location of fire (if known). All these and more play a role in deciding your initial attack line. It also plays a role in choosing a preconnect line vs. the static line or both. Both have their advantages and their disadvantages. For this discussion, we are not getting into hose sizes such as 1 3/4- inch vs. 2 1/2-inch but rather the 1 3/4-inch preconnect vs. the 1 3/4-inch static lay. I've outlined a few areas of consideration that should be looked at when making this decision.

1. Estimate the stretch. The majority of single family dwellings have average sidewalks of 5 feet wide with driveways of 12 feet wide by 25 feet long for a single vehicle and 20 feet wide by 25 feet long for double vehicles. This also implies the entry door is approximately 25 to 30 feet from the curb as well. Knowing these dimensions along with knowing the total length of the preconnect line (normally 200 feet) will help dictate which line should be pulled based on the location of the fire.

2. Setback houses. Above I mentioned dimensions for the standard single family home when estimating a stretch. Setback houses however, play to a different tune. What we would call a routine stretch of a preconnect may not necessarily work due to the feet from the curb to the door yet if it does, it could cause the initial line to come up short of the fire. In cases like this, consider using a static line as additional lengths to ensure a smooth initial stretch to reach the seat of the fire.

3. Backyard fires. Nowadays, people have outdoor kitchens and other living areas built into their backyards making it their own "island oasis" at home and others have storage sheds full of gas powered tools and appliances which are usually towards the far back of the yard. This could be a situation for considering a preconnect along with a static line to make the stretch. Again, this all depends on the initial estimate, location of fire and any obstacles that could cause a standard 200 feet of preconnect to come up short.

4. Garden Apartments & 3-4 story buildings. Depending on the area you're in, these may already have a standpipe. Yet older style garden apartments most like will not. Depending on the location and size of the fire as well as the stairwells will help dictate your line selection as well as if additional lines need to be added for maximum reach. One line to the door, one line per floor and another to cover the area.

5. Additional Lines. The main priority of the backup line is to back up the initial attack line should they run into any problems. What also are priorities after providing support to the initial line is to protect the stairways and means of egress along with protecting the truck company performing ventilation and search operations (most likely a job for a third line). A good practice to consider for this operation, is to advance a line that is at minimum equal in diameter to the initial attack line or go one size larger. As most engines are set up, the 2 preconnects are the same in diameter and in length yet by adding an additional length off the static line, this will allow for greater advantage especially in larger occupancies, multi dwellings and should the backup line need to assist the search team on a floor above. Should a third be needed, it's best place to enter a structure is through a side or back door to keep the main egress door free from obstructions should a rescue need to take place or for crews and residents to exit the structure.

These 5 considerations are only a few of many considerations that can be made when considering a preconnect over a static or should there be a need to utilize both lines in a hybrid fashion. Remember, always train on the ideas first before putting them to work and most importantly - know your district, know your crew, their capabilities and know your engine.

Until next time; work hard, stay safe & live inspired.

Saws on the Engine

All fire apparatus carry a plethora of tools to assist us on the jobs. Saws are one of them, even on an engine. When we think engine company we don’t think of saws but there comes a time where the truck company may not be available or on scene and time is critical. 

Here are a few uses for saws as an engine company.

1. Forcible Entry. Not all the time will it be as simple as forcing the door with the irons or other hands tools. Sometimes, we may face instances of security gates around doors and windows that are needed for entry or ventilation. Other times, it could be commercial or residential garage doors. Nine out of ten times, your primary response district has commercial and/or residential garage doors. 

2. Ventilation and roof operations. Just like engines carry saws, they also carry ladders. As mentioned, the truck company may be delayed or unavailable at the moment and roof or exterior wall cuts might be needed. This operation could be done by the second arriving engine on scene as the first had pulled the initial attack line and truck work is needed without the availability of a truck. This isn't the primary work of an engine company but some situations or department protocols may require this to take place.

3. Engine compartment access on car fires.  Depending on the situation sometimes getting to the engine compartment isn't has simple as using a halligan to pop hood latch. Sometimes it may take some extra power and a rotary saw might be the best option to get to the latch in order to make a knock on the fire.

4. A backup saw. Sometimes saws fail. No matter how many times it's been checked and maintained mechanical tools sometimes fail, whether it be caused by human error or a mechanical failure, things don't always work when they are needed to work.

There you have it, a few quick uses for saws on the engine. Oftentimes, they're overlooked but should be a valuable tool should the situation call for it.

Until next time; work hard, stay safe & live inspired.

The Engine Company Chauffeur

Arguably one of the most critical assignments in the fire service is transporting firefighters to and from a call…safely. The firefighters in the back of the cab and the officer riding next to you rely on you to get them there safe and sound. Further, should this be the engine company chauffeur they rely on you to provide them water during fire suppression. Not only do these brother and sister firefighters rely on you, so does the other crews responding as well, the IC, the people who called for help and above all the families of yourself and your crew your chauffeuring to the call. If you want to be a chauffeur or are currently one here's a few tips I've learned and utilized when driving the engine.

1. Know your apparatus inside and out. Knowing where tools are, how to operate all equipment and how to maintain the apparatus go a long way. This tells the crew you're confident in your job and can support them while they're at work should anything go bad.
2. Know your district. Knowing your district shows the difference between a "driver" and a "chauffeur". One is someone who is simply driving the firefighters and apparatus to a scene while the other is knowing the inner circle of the role and making it their livelihood.
3. Drive with a purpose but drive safely. There's no rush to get there, take your time but be alert. Just because there's lights and sirens doesn't mean everyone else will move over or see you. Follow all traffic laws to ensure a safe arrival to the scene and back.
4. Know your hydrant locations or have a good understanding of where they might be. This will help with establishing a water supply quickly. Also, with today's modern technology, a lot of departments have tablets with maps showing hydrant locations. Take a look at them so it isn't a scramble while enroute.
5. Know your place. Proper engine apparatus is vital and should be passed the building leaving room for the first due truck. Also, this helps the officer and firefighters going in to see 3 sides of the structure for size ups and fire attack purposes.
6. When on scene, ensure a secure water supply is properly in place.
7. Ensure cross-lay is fully flaked out of the hose bed or static lay is connected.
8. Monitor the radio for instructions from the engine company officer to charge the line(s)
9. Monitor the radio for all radio traffic. This will help assist the IC should any urgent messages be missed.
10. Secondary eyes. Perform a size up of your own and as conditions change let the IC know. Remember, the IC is one person and can only see so much, as a first due engine this is a way to assist with valuable information to help crews on the fire ground.
11. Monitor the panel. Communicate water and fuel levels to the IC as they change.

It may be a lot of tips but this role calls for a lot of work, effort, knowledge and leadership. Remember, for that call, that shift, that moment, all trust and reliability relies on you. It's your apparatus and the trust is all in you. Get them there safe.

Until next time; work hard, stay safe & live inspired.

About the Author

NICHOLAS J. HIGGINS is a firefighter with 18 years in the fire service in Piscataway, NJ, a NJ State certified level 2 fire instructor, a State of New Jersey Advocate for the National Fallen Firefighter’s Foundation and is the founder/contributor of the Firehouse Tribune website. A martial arts practitioner and former collegiate athlete in baseball, Nick is also a National Exercise & Sports Trainer Association Battle Ropes Instructor, Functional Fitness Instructor and Nutrition Coach. He holds a B.S. in Accounting from Kean University, and a A.A.S in Liberal Arts - Business from Middlesex County College. Nick has spoken at the 2017 & 2018 Firehouse Expo in Nashville, TN as well as at numerous fire departments within NJ and fire service podcasts.

The Engine Company Doorman

As we know each position on the engine company is an integral role to the success or failure of the job at hand. Each role is unique and plays an important part in the grand scheme. Like chess each firefighter is just as important as the other and how they're utilized is most important. In this case, it's the Door Man. A role that isn't spoken about much and like many departments today, is often times combined with the roles of back-up firefighter due to staffing limitations yet the responsibilities are crucial and play large parts during fires.
Here are some quick tips for the door man.

1. Back-up the hydrant firefighter. Ensure the cross-lay is emptied from the bed or assist with the static lay connection.
2. Know your hose estimates. Should the static lay be used, estimate the amount needed before connecting to the engine (better to go more than not enough)
3. If there is a back-up firefighter, assist in flaking out the line from the front to the back-up firefighter.
4. Prevent kinks in line. Choke doors as the line goes through.
5. Eyes on the structure. Monitor fire conditions at the doorway(s) and/or stairwell(s) and report any deteriorating conditions.
6. Next man up. Should the nozzle firefighter need to be relived, it's your job to step up.

There it is, quick tips for an often overlooked position on the fire ground however a role that plays dividends to the success of the fire suppression team.

Until next time; work hard, stay say & live inspired. 

About the Author

NICHOLAS J. HIGGINS is a firefighter with 17 years in the fire service in Piscataway, NJ, a NJ State certified level 2 fire instructor, a State of New Jersey Advocate for the National Fallen Firefighter’s Foundation and is the founder/contributor of the Firehouse Tribune website. A martial arts practitioner and former collegiate athlete in baseball, Nick is also a National Exercise & Sports Trainer Association Battle Ropes Instructor, Functional Fitness Instructor and Nutrition Coach. He holds a B.S. in Accounting from Kean University, and a A.A.S in Liberal Arts - Business from Middlesex County College. Nick has spoken at the 2017 & 2018 Firehouse Expo in Nashville, TN as well as at numerous fire departments within NJ and fire service podcasts.

The Hydrant Firefighter

 As an engine company firefighter, we all want the nozzle. Nothing is more rewarding then going in, attacking the fire and hopefully preventing any fire spread. However, there are many other roles that without them the nozzle firefighter cannot do their job as efficiently putting strain not only on their job but all the other jobs on the fire ground. One job that goes mostly unrecognized but highly important to the effectiveness of the engine company and success of all crews on the fire ground is a strong and valuable Control Man or also known as Hydrant Man. 

The role of the hydrant man isn't exactly the most glorious but probably one of the most crucial next to the engine company driver. The firefighter assigned to the hydrant is tasked with establishing a water supply to the engine. Seems simple right? Well, under normal circumstances this role is relatively easy yet under stressful situations this job can become a bit nerve-racking. If you want to be a proficient hydrant man here are a few steps in doing so.

1. Practice, practice, practice.

2. Don't take this role for granted. Know your tools, know the hydrants in your first due response area and have an understanding for the hydrants in your secondary areas as well should they be different.

3. Before establishing your connection to the hydrant, open the steamer and cap(s) and check for debris inside the hydrant and flush it.

4. For forward lays, secure the supply line to the hydrant and open the hydrant once instructed by the driver.

5. Follow department policies for what type of connection will take place (off the steamer or side connection).

6. Once complete assist in removing kinks from the attack line starting at the apparatus to the front door and assist with hose advancement

7. Should for any reason the backup firefighter need to be relived, assume the role.

Tools:

1. Radio

2. Flashlight

3. Hydrant bag (hydrant wrench, spanner wrench, gated ball value (if part of policy)).

Until next time; work hard, stay safe & live inspired

About the Author

NICHOLAS J. HIGGINS is a firefighter with 18 years in the fire service in Piscataway, NJ, a NJ State certified level 2 fire instructor, a State of New Jersey Advocate for the National Fallen Firefighter’s Foundation and is the founder/contributor of the Firehouse Tribune website. A martial arts practitioner and former collegiate athlete in baseball, Nick is also a National Exercise & Sports Trainer Association Battle Ropes Instructor, Functional Fitness Instructor and Nutrition Coach. He holds a B.S. in Accounting from Kean University, and a A.A.S in Liberal Arts - Business from Middlesex County College. Nick has spoken at the 2017 & 2018 Firehouse Expo in Nashville, TN as well as at numerous fire departments within NJ and fire service podcasts.

The Nozzle Firefighter

As a firefighter on the engine, we all want to be "that guy" - the one on the nozzle leading the charge and putting the knock on the fire. However, not everyone can be tasked with this role and should understand that each firefighter on the line has a critical role to the successes of the nozzle firefighter. In general, the firefighter on the nozzle is considered to be the most senior firefighter of the crew during the initial attack and is tasked with numerous responsibilities.

First and foremost, the nozzle firefighter is considered one of the most challenging yet rewarding jobs on the fire ground but it doesn't come without some punishment. This role is exposed to the most heat and fire than any other firefighter so having a solid understanding of fire behavior and fire suppression is vital for this role. Here are some quick tips for the nozzle firefighter.

1. Stretch the first length of hose and nozzle off the engine

2. Prior to making your initial attack, ensure the line is properly flaked out

3. Never forget to bleed the line after it's charged

4. Advance the line in coordination with the engine company officer and the rest of the crew

5. Keep the nozzle out in front. This makes easier motion when hitting the ceiling or sweeping the floor as well as advancement

6. Knock any fire as you advance to the main body of fire

7. Move out of the doorway when entering the fire room. By doing this it'll take some burden off of you as heat and smoke makes its way out

8. Stay low (duck walk, crawl or stay in a crouch position) 

9. Know when, why and how to hydraulic vent and ensure it's in coordination with the truck and IC.

 Please remember, the nozzle firefighter is responsible for not only their own crew but for all crews working inside the structure especially on the floor(s) above the fire so know your job and know it well. Never stop training.

Until next time; work hard, stay safe & live inspired.

About the Author

NICHOLAS J. HIGGINS is a firefighter with 18 years in the fire service in Piscataway, NJ, a NJ State certified level 2 fire instructor, a State of New Jersey Advocate for the National Fallen Firefighter’s Foundation and is the founder/contributor of the Firehouse Tribune website. A martial arts practitioner and former collegiate athlete in baseball, Nick is also a National Exercise & Sports Trainer Association Battle Ropes Instructor, Functional Fitness Instructor and Nutrition Coach.  He holds a B.S. in Accounting from Kean University, and a A.A.S in Liberal Arts - Business from Middlesex County College. Nick has spoken at the 2017 & 2018 Firehouse Expo in Nashville, TN as well as at numerous fire departments within NJ and fire service podcasts.

The Back Up Firefighter

As a firefighter riding in the engine we all want to be on the nozzle, fighting the fire head on, producing a solid fire attack to the fire and getting cheers from our fellow firefighters for a quick solid knock. However, not everyone can always be the nozzle man and get to be face to face with the fire. Sometimes we need to be the backup or the setup man if you will. It's not pretty or glorified but in this line of business someone has to do it and at one point in time many of us get that assignment. The assignments may be cumbersome but a solid, ready to fight backup firefighter is critical to a successful and aggressive interior fire attack.  

As the old saying goes, "the fire goes as the fire line goes" and without an experienced backup firefighter, the advancement, fire suppression and a long day at the office will prevail; not to mention a not too happy nozzle man. 

Here's a few tips every backup firefighter on the line should consider.

   1. Ensure there are no kinks in the line, especially the first 50 feet behind the nozzle. Kinks will be detrimental to a sufficient fire flow and delay hose advancement.
2. Hit the hydrant and establish a water supply to the engine. If there is a short crew, this may be the job of the backup firefighter. Ensure your hydrant skills are efficient and ready to go. Timing is everything.
3. Force the door. If the engine is first on scene, ensure the line is stretched and be prepared to possibly force the door if needed.
4. Search off the line. Perform a primary search if no truck company is in place yet. 
5. If needed, be the second or third set of eyes and ears for the nozzle man. Watch the fire's behavior and carefully monitor conditions in the room and update the nozzle man and officer if there's a sense conditions are deteriorating and a flashover and/or collapse is imminent.

If you're assigned as the backup firefighter get ready before the call comes in (physically/mentally)and ensure all PPE and equipment is ready to go. A successful fire attack is counting on it so get ready and stay ready.

Until next time; work hard, stay safe & live inspired.

About the Author

NICHOLAS J. HIGGINS is a firefighter with 17 years in the fire service in Piscataway, NJ, a NJ State certified level 2 fire instructor, a State of New Jersey Advocate for the National Fallen Firefighter’s Foundation and is the founder/contributor of the Firehouse Tribune website. A martial arts practitioner and former collegiate athlete in baseball, Nick is also a National Exercise & Sports Trainer Association Battle Ropes Instructor, Functional Fitness Instructor and Nutrition Coach.  He holds a B.S. in Accounting from Kean University, and a A.A.S in Liberal Arts - Business from Middlesex County College. Nick has spoken at the 2017 & 2018 Firehouse Expo in Nashville, TN as well as at numerous fire departments within NJ and fire service podcasts.

Quick Tips for the Initial Hoseline Deployment

We are the first arriving engine on scene to a working fire and our job is to get water on the fire, right? Absolutely, truth be told that once the fire goes out the problems go away. However, determining the methods of attack and weapons of choice are a whole other ballgame. As we know, the first line pulled is the most important line coming off the first engine. Failure in making the right (critical) decision could make for a long night at the office and require more manpower and more work than originally required. On the flip side, having a not so sufficient crew with the correct line in place could also make for a long night.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself as the initial arriving engine to consider when stretching the initial line in:

1. Consider the size up A.D.U.L.T.S (Advanced Fire on Arrival. Defensive Fire Ops. Unknown Location & Extent. Large Uncompartmented Area. Tons of Water Needed. Standpipe Ops.

2. Structure is 60 feet for more from the curb. Will 200 feet of preconnect work?

3. What’s the dimensions of the structure? Will 200 feet of preconnect still work even if the structure is greater than 60' plus feet from the curb?

4. If not, how many feet of hose will it take to make the fire from the door?

5. Is the line being stretched up or down a stairwell? This will add an additional 50 feet to the line.

6. Where is the crew calling for water? Before the door or inside the structure?

7. Are there any obstructions overhead if a dry line is being deployed?

8. Is there an adequate water supply coming in?

9. Most importantly, what’s the level of manpower?

These questions could all be answered prior to the call during pre-planning and made efficient during training. As we know each situation is different and when things become routine, it sometimes can be dangerous. Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box and explore non convention ways to solving the problem. Knowing our limitations but also knowing the best ways to use the equipment on the engine is a key role in successful fire suppression. The reason I say that is this, the engine carries water, hose (preconnected and not preconnected), tools of all kinds and firefighters for a reason and by knowing how to use the engine in ways other than always pulling preconnected handlines can make for sufficient, smooth and outside the box thinking firefighters. So next time you’re sitting around the kitchen table or on the bumper of the engine, give an address in your area and ask these questions to the firefighters on the crew and lets see how you’re all thinking. A thinking mind is a valuable mind. 

Until next time; work hard, stay safe & live inspired.

 About the Author

NICHOLAS J. HIGGINS is a firefighter with 17 years in the fire service in Piscataway, NJ, a NJ State certified level 2 fire instructor, a State of New Jersey Advocate for the National Fallen Firefighter’s Foundation and is the founder/contributor of the Firehouse Tribune website. A martial arts practitioner and former collegiate athlete in baseball, Nick is also a National Exercise & Sports Trainer Association Battle Ropes Instructor, Functional Fitness Instructor and Nutrition Coach.  He holds a B.S. in Accounting from Kean University, and a A.A.S in Liberal Arts - Business from Middlesex County College. Nick has spoken at the 2017 & 2018 Firehouse Expo in Nashville, TN as well as at numerous fire departments within NJ and fire service podcasts. 

The Engine Company Search

A critical role and sometimes often overlooked or undervalued is the engine company performing a search. Normally, the truck company is assigned to search and rescue operations however due to limited staffing in many departments across the country, it’s not surprising to be on a hoseline and performing a search (also, a value added role).

Before we can discuss ways to search off a hoseline, here are a few considerations for conducting search and rescue operations.

Questions to consider when determining search operations

1. What areas of the building are being determined as primary search areas?

2. Are there any factors or clues from the incident that are assisting you in determining which areas the search is to begin? (i.e. Possible victims, location of fire, type of structure etc..)

The Primary Search

1. Make it quick. This a quick attempt to remove victim or if on a hoseline, remove the fire and protect the victim.

2. Be quick yet thorough. Check all areas where victims may be even ones that are tenable and safe for a quick search.

3. Trust your senses. Use your eyes, ears and touch.

4. We carry in hand tools for a variety of reasons, use them. Using hand tools to extend your reach off the wall or off your partner can help extend the area of the search and cover more ground in less time. This is especially true for residential homes and small to medium size spaces.

As we just discussed the key points of a primary search, here are 2 ways we can search while operating off a hoseline.

2 Man Hoseline Search

One way the engine company can search a room is allowing the nozzleman into the search room while the backup completes a search of the room. In some instances, the officer and the backup are the same person. If this is the case, the nozzleman will guide the searcher through the room as if it was a quick oriented search. It is to be noted that the nozzleman should place themselves just inside of the doorway. This will allow the searcher a point of orientation and smoother hose advancement once the search of the room is complete. If this is the fire room, it will allow the searcher to move the victim to a safe place of refuge (if need be) while the nozzleman advances in and suppresses the fire.

3 or 4 Man Oriented Search

Same rules apply as if an oriented search was being completed by the truck company. However, this time the nozzleman will advance down the hallway between the adjunct room(s) allowing the searcher(s) and the officer (oriented person) clear access to the room(s). This operation must be predetermined prior to putting in place and practiced before use.  From here, the officer will monitor conditions of the room along with the location and status of the searcher. Searchers will use traditional search methods (right or left hand quick primary sweeps of the room). Once completed, the nozzleman and crew will advance.

Keys to remember when searching as an engine company

1. NEVER pass up fire!

2. Use the TIC to ASSIST the search. Never allow it to take OVER the search.

3. The search should be systematic and towards the fire

4. Communication of doorways AND victims are key

5. Chase and remove all kinks in the hose

Until next time; work hard, stay safe & live inspired

The Initial Stretch

The engine company’s main job is to go in and put the fire out, right? Well yes but there’s a lot more to it than just that. For starters, without a thorough size up and hose selection, the task of fire suppression may be a bit more difficult than you think not to mention a preplan of your first due structures and strategic and tactical decisions prior to arrival but those topics are for another time and another day. Let’s also not forget any SOGs or SOPs the department has in place regarding fire attack and hose line operations as each department does things a little differently based on factors known to their department.

The engine company officer on the first arriving engine they have the job of determining the hose line used for the initial fire attack. This decision is critical to how the operation goes from this point on. Determine your hose line is determine by a few areas.

1. Size/type of structure

2. Size, location and extent of fire (if known)

3. Manpower

4. Needed fire flow

5. Method of attack

These items listed are critical in determining which hose line is chosen for any given job but not always used based on the job.

So, the engine company officer determined which line they want pulled for their initial attack; now it’s time to make the stretch. Simple right? Well not, exactly. First off, practice and coordination with your own crew along with other crews going in will make for a smooth or bumpy initial attack. Determining your length of hose will be based on these areas but remember not all are for each job.

1. Method of entry (front, side or rear of structure)

2. Location and extent of fire (if known)

3. Building size (1 length per floor with vertical distance of 10-12 feet)

4. Apparatus distance to the front door

5. Pulling from a preconnecthosebed?

The method of entry is key since there are cases the front door may not be an option and a long stretch is needed to the rear of the structure or even a side door or window. In these cases, a preconnect may not be the best option. However, using a high-rise pack can help increase the lengths to your hose line. The location and extent of fire goes hand and hand with the method of entry since a smoother and quicker attack may be warranted by a different means of entry. This will all depend on an initial size up and 360 of the structure which can be done by the chief officer, if on scene before the engine.

Normally, residential structures are around 2,600 sq. ft. and most are 2 - 2 ½ stories. The first stretch will determine the rest so make sure the stretch from the apparatus to the FRONT DOOR is estimated properly.  After making the front door, it’s now time to determine your stretch to the seat of the fire and knowing where the location and if it is close to a stairwell will help determine this stretch. Keep in mind the rule of thumb for hose stretches is 1 length per floor. Oh, and don’t forget the stairwell if you’re advancing up to a second floor or down to a basement, each flight of stairs will require 1 length of hose.

So, we made the stretch and found the fire room, we did it! Well not so fast, there’s still more work to be done. What’s our nozzle?

Combination Fog Nozzle:

1. Constant Flow Adjustable Gallon Nozzle

2. Low psi Hi Volume Auto Fog Nozzle

3. Automatic

4. Adjustable GPM

5. Fix Variable

Constant Flow Adjustable Gallon Nozzle:

1. Stream is from wide to narrow fog patterns and a compact straight stream

2. GPM setting: 95-120-150-200 when pumped at 100psi

3. Adjustable GPM

Low psi Hi Volume Auto Fog Nozzle:

1. Stream rang from wide to narrow fog and a compact stream

2. Nozzle flows at 200 GPM when pumped at 75psi

3. Fixed GPM

Smooth Bore:

1. Flows unimpeded from the hose through the bail and out the tip and moves at high velocity.

2. Allows for better reach and deeper penetration before it loses mass and breaks apart.

3. Excellent thermal penetration due to increased mass & velocity of the stream and rapidly cools all radiant heat sources along with the primary fuel source simultaneously.

4. Under heavy fire conditions, it allows for fire knock ahead of you rather than having to move closer to it.

Determining the hose size, hose stretch and reach is vital to a successful fire attack. These can be practiced prior to the call in the firehouse, at department burns and through preplanning. These determinations can also be practiced without even pulling hose. Setup cones distances apart and make each cone part of a scene. Make 1 the apparatus, 1 the front door and 1 the seat of the fire. Firefighters will now have to visualize a structure and estimate the lengths of hose needed to make each cone. Granted nothing is better than going out and pulling hose but for quick indoor training to get each other thinking, it does the job.

Let’s get out there, train and remember to never forget the basics.

Until next time; work hard, stay safe & live inspired.

 About the Author      

 NICHOLAS J. HIGGINS is a firefighter with 16 years in the fire service in Piscataway, NJ as well as NJ State certified level 2 fire instructor and currently a State of New Jersey Advocate for the National Fallen Firefighter’s Foundation. A martial arts practitioner in Taekwondo, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai as well as a former collegiate athlete in baseball, Nick is also a National Exercise & Sports Trainer Association Battle Ropes Instructor and studying for the Functional Fitness Instructor certification.  He holds a B.S. in Accounting from Kean University and is the founder/contributor of the Firehouse Tribune website.

Engine Company Operations: Perfection in the Attention to Detail

Friends of mine who are members of area truck companies aka ladder companies love to bust my chops being that I am an engine company guy. We get used to hearing the sayings like “You can train a monkey to advance a hose by throwing bananas down the hall” or “If the engine company is blocking the stairs just say (move important truck company coming through)”. 

The job of the engine company seems simple enough, “put the wet stuff on the red stuff”.   It takes a well-trained crew and apparatus to fulfill that saying.  Simplicity of the engine company comes with experience.  Hose kinks, pressure losses, lines not reaching the fire room and lack of supply line are what make engine company member’s head boil. Why is this? 

It may be as simple as another fire service saying “as the first line goes, so does the fire”. 

On the engine company it takes an ounce of prevention and detail to make a ton of difference on the fireground. How often do you stretch your handlines? When was the last time you pulled the 2 ½” handline? When was the last time you flowed your handlines? Pulled a draft? Conducted relay pumping and tender shuttles?  There is never such a thing as stretching and flowing lines too many times. The public doesn’t want to hear excuses when the line doesn’t reach the fire floor or the line wasn’t pulled correctly and the block was lost. 

When you’re re-racking lines, does your crew second guess how to rerack the lines, or has it become second nature?  The saying “looks pretty, pulls pretty” comes to mind. It may take an extra few minutes to rerack it correctly at zero dark thirty but when the alarm rings for the next job, you are going to want that line to pull nice and smooth each and every time.  Do you have riding positions on your engines, for when each member gets off the apparatus do they know their assignment? This helps keep accountability and cut down on confusion when arriving on scene. 

There is much that can be discussed later about engine company tactics. For the time being we will give in to the truck company guys and keep the engine tactics simple.  Steady is smooth, and smooth is fast. Summer is here, keep stretching and flowing those handlines. Get creative and start timing your company from drop of the supply line to water on the training prop. 

The more you work at it, the smoother your engine company tactics will become. 

About the Author

NICHOLAS WITCZAK is the lieutenant of Brookside Engine Co. 1 and volunteer EMT for the Mendham Township First Aid Squad. Additionally he serves as the Mendham Borough OEM Coordinator. Nick has served in a multitude of departments and positions over the last 8 years including Past Captain of Morristown Ambulance Squad, volunteer firefighter/EMT in combination fire departments including the Wallingford and Allingtown Connecticut fire departments. He has wealth of experience working and volunteering in emergency medical services including municipal, commercial, fire based EMS and 911 fire dispatching. He currently holds a B.S. in Fire Administration from the University of New Haven. Nick works full time in the fire protection industry specializing in safety, sales and project management. He works part time as the NJ Client Development Coordinator for Emergency Resource Management. 

Fire Fact #2: The 2 1/2" Line: A Mainstay of the American Fire Service

The 2 ½” hose line has been in the fire service for decades. This is especially true for urban fire departments with big fires (large factories, high-rise office buildings and crowded residential neighborhoods) and abundance of manpower. Although some departments had retired the use of the 2 ½” the New York City Fire Department required it for all structural firefighting up until the late 1960s. During the 1960s and 1970s the country was hit with a financial crisis leading departments to abandon the use and also questioned the usefulness of the hose and began downsizing to small hose lines for heavy fire attack. 
Well as we all know the 2 ½” hose line is still alive and kicking today; so let’s learning more about the hose line. Using a 2 ½” Attack Line may be a daunting task and very difficult to maneuver throughout a structure.

Here are some benefits of using a 2 ½” line:
1.    Lower friction loss
2.    High fire flows
3.    Exceptional reach & penetration
4.    Heavy knockdown power

When to use:
1.    Heavy fire conditions regardless of occupancy
2.    Offensive attack isn’t safe or able to be conducted
3.    Large un-compartmentalized structures
4.    Unable to determine location, size or extent of fire
5.    High-rise buildings
6.    Large brush or trash fires

Something to consider: 
50 feet of a charged 2 ½” line weighs 106lbs and 50 feet of a charged 1 ¾” weighs 52lbs. Take into account your manpower as well when deciding your initial attack line. 

Until next time; work hard, stay safe and live inspired. 

About the Author

NICHOLAS J. HIGGINS is a firefighter with 15 years in the service all within departments in Piscataway, NJ. Nick has held the ranks of Lieutenant and Captain as well as being a township elected District Fire Commissioner for 1 term (3 years) in Piscataway, NJ. He is also a NJ State certified level 2 fire instructor. He holds a B.S. in Accounting from Kean University working in Corporate Taxation and is the founder/contributor of the Firehouse Tribune website.

The Importance of Fire Flow in Today's Fire Service

We have all heard the saying “put the wet stuff on the red stuff” and as true and basic as it sounds there is a lot more that goes into than that. Every firefighter on the fire ground – from the nozzle man, to the company officer making tactical decisions on how to attack the fire, all the way to the chief officer overseeing and defending these operations  – should have a basic understanding of fire flow and ways to determine fire flow requirements based on the building they are operating in.

When determining fire flow our main goal is simple; cool the involved combustibles dropping them below the temperature at which they produce ignitable vapors and heat to support fire growth. This as we all know is done by fire suppression and can be accomplished in 2 ways. Directly attacking the fire and indirectly attacking the fire. Without going in to detail on this it is simply put that direct attack is flowing water directly on burning solid materials and indirect is flowing water onto the overhead smoke layer and thermal layer to disrupt the flow of heat and combustible gases.

So with that being said, why do we need to understand the importance of fire flow?

For starters, a lot has changed in the fire service over the last 15-20 years and let’s begin with defining heat release rate. This is the amount of time needed for a given fuel depending on its mass to produce enough energy, also known as heat, to influence combustion. Fifteen to twenty years ago our fire flow was calculated at 95 & 125 GPM (gallons per minute) for a safe and efficient flow. Nowadays due to changes in society a safe an efficient fire flow is now calculated at 150 & 200 GPM. In those years back fires would reach flashover conditions within an estimated 10 minutes of ignition. Today, they are reaching flashovers in less than 4 minutes.

Without talking building construction and the transition from legacy construction into the development of the modern day lightweight construction (truss) as well as hybrid construction, and we can save that discussion for another day, one other reason fire flow is said to be important is due to more plastic products being developed. These have a combustion rate of 3 times of traditional Class-A combustibles. Plastics are derived from petrochemicals (hydrocarbons) and are found in almost every consumer product on the market today. With the creation and advancements in modern computer aided dispatching systems, fire departments are arriving sooner to alarms and at times making entry the same time the fire is reaching flashover conditions.

To determine your ever so important fire flow, these factors come in to play:

• Size & type of structure (residential/commercial/industrial)

• What and where is your water supply?

• Apparatus tank size and pump capacity

• Hose and nozzle configuration

• What’s your crew size and their average response times?

With that being said remember this, the minimum fire flow must be capable of absorbing the maximum potential heat release rate to immediately prevent the fire from transitioning to the flashover stage.

Until next time; work hard, stay safe and live inspired.  

About the Author

NICHOLAS J. HIGGINS is a firefighter with 14 years of service all within departments in Piscataway, NJ. Nick has held the ranks of Lieutenant and Captain as well as being a township elected District Fire Commissioner for 1 term (3 years) in Piscataway, NJ. He is also a NJ State certified level 2 fire instructor. He holds a B.S. in Accounting from Kean University working in Corporate Taxation and is the founder/contributor of the Firehouse Tribune website.