Understanding Forcible Entry at Residential Structure Fires

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Firefighters face numerous challenges when responding to residential structure fires, and one of the most critical skills required in such situations is forcible entry. This technique enhances firefighters' safety and increases the chances of saving lives and minimizing property damage. Understanding the methods, tools, and protocols involved in forcible entry can significantly impact the effectiveness of fire response efforts.

The Nature of Residential Fires

Residential fires pose a significant and immediate threat, often igniting with alarming speed and escalating rapidly. A small flame can spread in as little as 30 seconds, creating a more substantial fire and making swift action critical. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that a fire department is dispatched to a house fire every 87 seconds in the United States. This equals out to a little over 358 thousand house fires a year. This constant demand underscores the urgency and prevalence of fire-related emergencies. Given the time-sensitive nature of these situations, firefighters face immense pressure to make rapid and informed decisions upon arrival. One of their first critical tasks is determining the optimal entry point into the burning structure. This assessment should be conducted quickly and effectively, especially when doors or windows are locked, obstructed by debris, or otherwise rendered unable to open through conventional means. Overcoming these obstacles is paramount to rescuing occupants, suppressing the fire, and minimizing property damage. Ultimately, the effectiveness of a firefighter's initial entry significantly impacts the outcome of a residential fire.

The Importance of Forcible Entry

When firefighters arrive at the scene of a structure fire, the situation's urgency dictates their primary objectives. Their foremost tasks are to rescue any occupants trapped within the burning building, effectively extinguish the fire, and prevent it from spreading to adjacent structures, which could complicate the incident. To achieve these critical goals efficiently and effectively, gaining access to the building becomes prominent. Forcible entry into a structure facilitates several crucial operations integral to the overall success of firefighting efforts.

Facilitate Rescue Operations: One of the most pressing concerns in any fire emergency is the safety and well-being of individuals trapped inside. Forcible entry should be performed quickly and efficiently. Quick entry can often make the difference between life and death, as it minimizes the time individuals are exposed to life-threatening smoke, heat, and flames.

Control the Fire: The quicker firefighters engage with the flames, the better they can limit the damage. Forcible entry allows firefighters to attack the fire directly, allowing them to initiate suppression efforts from the structure's interior rather than attacking from the outside and potentially missing fire areas. This proactive approach is crucial in mitigating damage to the structure and its contents and protecting the surrounding areas from catching fire.

Ventilate the Structure: When firefighters gain access through forcible entry, they can establish critical ventilation paths to alleviate the buildup of smoke and heat within the structure. Opening windows and doors or creating specific ventilation points improves the conditions inside. This enhanced airflow not only aids in the rescue effort by making it easier for those trapped to breathe but also increases the effectiveness of fire suppression activities. By controlling smoke movement, firefighters can more easily identify the seat of the fire and effectively extinguish it.

Common Techniques for Forcible Entry

These methods can generally be categorized into three main types: mechanical entry, hydraulic entry, and thermal entry. Each category encompasses various techniques and tools that firefighters utilize depending on the circumstances they encounter.

1. Mechanical Entry

Mechanical entry is the most common form of forcible entry and primarily involves the use of hand tools. These tools are straightforward but effective, allowing firefighters to create entry points into buildings quickly and efficiently. Several key tools are frequently employed in this category:

  • Ax and Sledgehammer: These standard tools are essential for breaking through doors or windows. The ax can be used for chopping and piercing, while the sledgehammer provides the power to deliver forceful blows, shattering barriers that might otherwise impede access.

  • Halligan Bar: Known for its versatility, the Halligan bar combines a pry bar, claw, and spike all in one tool. This multifunctional tool allows firefighters to gain leverage and effectively pop open doors, making it invaluable when quick access is necessary.

  • Irons: This term generally combines a Halligan bar and a flathead axe. The combination allows firefighters to perform a wide range of forcible entry tasks, from prying open doors to widening gaps for access. Their dual functionality makes irons a staple in the firefighting toolkit.

2. Hydraulic Entry

Firefighters turn to hydraulic entry techniques when mechanical tools are insufficient or when faced with incredibly sturdy barriers. Hydraulic tools, such as a Rabbit Tool or

"bunny tool," enables firefighters to force entry into doors designed to withstand impact. The bunny tool is not typically necessary for single-family homes, where access is easily managed by the residents. However, it can be a valuable asset for taxpayer buildings or urban apartment complexes with numerous units and complex access requirements. In these environments, the bunny tool could streamline emergency access for first responders. Allowing for quick entry with minimal damage can save time and resources. However, it is crucial to note that the bunny tool is specifically designed for inward-facing doors. Its effectiveness depends entirely on this door orientation and will not function on doors that swing outward.

3. Thermal Entry

Firefighters may resort to thermal entry techniques in specific scenarios where traditional physical entry tools may prove ineffective or cumbersome. These methods involve the use of heat-based tools to breach barriers. A couple of key techniques that fall under thermal entry include:

  • Sawing: Firefighters can employ reciprocating saws fitted with specialized blades that can cut through various materials, including wood, metal, and reinforced structures. This method allows them to create necessary openings in walls or to breach fortified entry points, enabling them to access affected areas swiftly.

  • Torching: In some cases, cutting torches are utilized to breach metal doors or barriers. This method is beneficial when other tools fail to provide adequate access, allowing for rapid penetration through rigid materials using a focused and intense heat source.

Challenges of Forcible Entry

Time Constraints: One of the most pressing challenges in forcible entry is the time constraint firefighters operate under. The need for rapid action can lead to rushed decisions, which poses risks not only to the firefighters themselves but also to any victims who may be trapped inside the structure. The pressure heightens the stakes, emphasizing the importance of rapid yet calculated responses.

Structural Integrity: As fire spreads throughout a building, it can significantly compromise its structural integrity. Firefighters need to be aware that the materials that once provided support may weaken under intense heat. Accordingly, they must make judicious assessments about the stability of the structure before breaching entry points. This often requires a keen understanding of architectural design and damage assessment to avoid situations that could lead to partial or complete collapses, putting rescuers and victims at risk.

Access Points: Modern structures increasingly utilize fortified doors, sophisticated locking mechanisms, and advanced security systems to deter unauthorized access. Such innovations pose additional obstacles for firefighters during forcible entry, as traditional methods of breaking down doors or windows may not suffice. Firefighters must be well-versed in various locks, hinges, and security devices.

Training and Preparedness: Given the complexities involved in forcible entry, continuous training on what most would consider a "basic skill" is needed. Fire departments must prioritize regular drills that simulate various forcible entry scenarios under diverse conditions. These training exercises provide firefighters with invaluable experience, enabling them to develop the necessary muscle memory to execute effective forcible entry tactics correctly and safely. This preparation enhances their skills and instills confidence in their ability to handle high-pressure situations.

Conclusion

Forcible entry during structure fires is a vital component of firefighting that necessitates quick decision-making, rigorous physical skill, and thoughtful strategic planning. As building construction evolves, so must the methods and tools available to firefighters. Continuous education, training, and heightened awareness are critical to equipping firefighters to confront the challenges inherent in forcible entry situations. Whether opening a locked door or navigating a smoke-filled corridor, each successful forcible entry contributes to the collective effort to protect and save lives from the effects of fire.


Understanding Flow Path for Engine and Truck Company Operations

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Understanding the flow path is crucial for safe and effective fireground decision-making and firefighting during a fire. Firefighters need to understand how and when to alter the flow path in order to perform a safer and more effective fire attack. Furthermore, in order to protect and save lives, it is imperative firefighters understand how to proper size-up the flow path and how it works.

In order to do this, firefighters and fire officers must size-up the structure upon arrival and have a solid understanding of our main firefighting objectives - RECEO_VS (rescue, exposure, confinement, extinguish, overhaul, ventilation and salvage). From this, understanding the building construction along with a solid understanding and working knowledge of fire behavior and reading smoke will allow firefighters to effectively build sound fire ground tactics for fire attack/suppression and search & rescue - both of which are critical to understanding flow path. All of this has been outlined and detailed in my book, "The 5-Tool Firefighter"

To stat this off, what is flow path?

Flow path is the movement of heat, smoke and air from high-pressure areas to low-pressure areas inside and outside of a building. When fire starts, it releases heat which increases the pressure near the fire. Since the pressure is mostly nearest to the seat of the fire causing a pressure difference in the atmosphere, the heated gases move upward and outward.

Here is a few examples of flow path:

If the fire is above with no opening for smoke and heat to escape, it will eventually bank down below the floor. When opening the door, the smoke will clear out.

If the fire is below you, the smoke is filling the house at entry level and above. When opening the door, smoke will begin to escape and thin out.

If the fire is on the same floor and there is no exit for smoke, you will end up with a bilateral flow. Smoke will then exit the upper half of the door and clean air will be pulled through the bottom half.

Definition: bilateral flow is smoke and heat moving out of a building through a single ventilation point, with fresh air being drawn in from the bottom.

Engine Companies

As we continually say, "as the line goes, the fire goes" and this is 100% factual when discussing flow path and determining the appropriate line size for the initial fire attack. This is also just as important as to determine the appropriate entry point for the initial attack crew. Even though the initial attack crew, just like the initial search crew, must be quick paced, there are various questions that this crew especially the engine company officer needs to keep in mind.

  • Reading smoke. What is the smoke telling me about the conditions in the room?

  • Location. From out entry point, how far are we in the structure to the seat of the fire?

  • Neutral plane. Where is the neutral plane?

Engine companies must understand the science behind the fire to adequately work within the flow path but should also remain aggressive in the approach to fire suppression.

Truck Companies

Performing the initial search at any fire is like taking one step forward and two steps back. It is quick, aggressive and highly dangerous. However, it is a critical first step to protecting and saving life. Here are a few things to keep in mind when operating in this capacity.

  • Where is the last known location or best possible location of the victim in this structure?

  • From that location, what is the best route of travel to locating and extricating that victim (quickest route)?

  • What if there is no hoseline in place?

Unfortunately, there are times when search crews may need to operate without a hoseline in place or being put into place based on the situation at hand, arrival times and the list goes on. In order to do this, search crews must understand how to operate within the flow path, isolate the search room based on the building and what the smoke and fire are telling you. Without this understanding, the success of the assignment is slim.

To understand all of this takes time, practice and hours of dedication to your craft. Each incident is different no matter how many times you respond to a fire, each fire will behave differently from the others. Fire officers and firefighter must take the time to understand what the incident is telling you and be ready with proactive decision-making in order to respond ahead of the curve and operate safe and efficiently within the parameters of the incident.

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

Are You an Asset or a Liability?

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There are a few questions many of us as ourselves as we advance in our careers and go through life when leading or directing others:

- Am I an asset or liability to the team?

- As a leader, am I giving more than I am taking or am I taking too much?

- Is this role for me?

Each time we step into the firehouse we have a choice. The choice we have is how we are going to show up for ourselves, our crew, our department and our community. Surely, that is a lot of groups we have to show up for but the choice to do so lies within our own self.

So, what is the choice?

The choice is simple, we can be the pillar of strength and positivity that leads the team to serve to the best possible potential or it can be the pillar of negativity and defeat that merely goes with the flow just to get through the shift. Either way, that choice of which pillar you take lies solely with you. Ask yourself, what do you as a leader of today's fire service bring to the table? Am I showing up with the energy to positively impact and motivate the room or am I showing up with the energy that drains the room of all potential and drive?

If you're adding impact and motivating the room, you are an asset. If you're draining the room of potential and drive, you are a liability. I get it, we'll never be 100% energized all the time and will naturally have off days. It's common and part of the ebbs and flows of life. However, the long-term goal is what we need to strive for. The impact to leave on others when your time comes to hang it up, is to strive to be the asset and not the liability.

To be the asset or in order words, to be the firefighter you always wanted to look up to is this. Be consistent in your actions. Mentor, train and guide fellow firefighters when the time presents itself and show them you care. Lead by example with everything you do. From cleaning the station, to on-shift training, be the one who steps up and makes it happen without ever making a show out of it. This matters most even when no one is watching.

Think about your mood and the mood you're bringing to the station, to the kitchen table and onto the fire ground. That mood is contagious. Are you prioritizing your health before shift through proper sleep, hydration and recovery the night before? How you take care of your body and mind plays into how your mood and energy show up at the firehouse.

Lastly, encourage those around you, support them and position yourself to be the cornerstone of the team. So go out there continue training hard and striving to become the best version of yourself you could possibly be.

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

The After Action Review: Post-Incident Size-Up

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The size-up is for all intents and purposes, our game plan or battle plan, if you will, against the structure we are working at. The size-up is where firefighters and fire officers gather information in order to make safe, efficient, and effective fire ground decisions. Fire ground decision making, as we know, is meant to be quick, but with an emphasis on safety and ensuring the tactics are done efficiently and effectively.

One aspect we do not stress enough is the fact we do not consider the culmination of the incident. After fire command is terminated and all units are back in quarters and in service. We must remember the pre-planning is not over just because we cleared the incident and everyone is back in the station and safe. This is where the add-value work is put into place and now it is time for the after-action review or post-incident size-up.

During the after-action review (AAR), firefighters and fire officers can discuss and share information obtained from the alarm and also discuss the success and failures they have experienced during the alarm. This is a time to ask a few question:

• What did we expect to happen?

• What actually occurred?

• What went well and why?

• What can we improve upon and how?

The benefit of asking these questions allow for strengths to be easily identifiable making it easier to uncover areas of weakness. By uncovering areas of weakness, you can develop ways to improve them! If you do not identify what went wrong, how could you ever expect to improve? On the contrary, if you do not understand what went right and why, duplicating that same success in the future will not be easy. Ensure necessary changes discussed in the AAR are implemented sooner than later as the longer it is on hold, the greater the likelihood of any changes being implemented diminish.

The size-up as a whole is a valuable step by step process for all firefighters, to obtain knowledge of their response district, riding assignments, and strategy and tactic implementation. By beginning this process formally or informally early on, it will allow for continual growth for each firefighter and fire officer. The key to success as an individual and team is to get ahead of the game and prevent ourselves from being reactive, rather proactive.

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

 

The History of the Pike Pole

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One of the most versatile tools for firefighters along with its long history in the fire service is the pike pole. Next to the axe, the pike pole is one of the most recognizable tools of the fire service. In fact, this tool was used for thousands of years prior to entering itself into the fire service. This tool has been used in fishing, forestry and construction yet originated in the 12th century in Europe as a weapon for soldiers.

Once adapted into the fire service, the pike pole has been used to pull down interior and exterior walls, ceilings and roofs to help stop fire spread, through various phases of an incident.

During the initial fire attack, firefighters use this tool to tear away structural elements of the building in order to prevent the advancement of fire by exposing hidden fire for suppression and by removing upper windows for ventilation.

The pike pole is also used during the overhaul stage of the incident for the same functions previously mentioned in the initial attack stage allowing firefighters to open up to uncover and extinguish any hidden pockets of fire.

The versatility of this tool is not spoke to as much as it was, thanks to the advancements in modern technology with respect to fire service equipment. For years prior, this tool along with another pike or a tool of similar length and a tarp was used in creating makeshift stretchers to remove injured victims or down firefighters.

A typical pike pole normally measures from 4 feet - often referred to as a closet hook for its ability to be used in closets or other confined spaces where longer pikes wouldn't fit - to 12 feet in length and was traditionally made of hardwood. Today, many of these are made from fiberglass and other composite materials which are lighter and easier to maneuver.

The modern version of the pike poll came to the fire service in the 1960s and 1970s In New York City (the War Years). During this time, FDNY Captain Bob Farrell and the New York City Fire Department's Research & Development Division developed their version of the pike pole, often referred to as the New York Hook. This variant of the pike pole has two hooks at the head as opposed to the traditional one hook to help firefighters pull down metal roofing and drywall. An advantage of this tool is also its ability to remove roof cross-boards from joists by sliding the hook along the joist to quickly pop the boards during ventilation. Another thing to note about the New York Style hook is the flathead at the top as opposed to the point on the traditional pike pole. This function has the ability to use the hook as a hammer and hook combined - sounding floors, roofs and purchase points for opening walls.

New York Style Hook

Around this same time, various other fire specific hooks have been developed such as the Chicago Hook, the Denver hook, the San Francisco Hook and the Boston Rake Hook. All developed to efficiently tear apart the type of building construction most often encountered by firefighters in those areas - mainly plaster and lath or tongue and groove.

Above: Denver Hook, Boston Rake Hook & the San Francisco Hook

Nowadays, apparatus riding assignments are used and the pike pole is often paired with two firefighter riding assignments on the truck company, the hook & can firefighter and the outside vent firefighter. Both firefighters are assigned a 6 foot pike pole (most common size used) along with a water can (hook & can) and a halligan (outside vent).

The pike pole, rich is in storied history as a once weapon used by European soldiers, to its uses in fishing and construction is now a go-to versatile tool for the fire service.

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

Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST) - Know What You're Dealing With

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Corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) is not a new product and has been installed in natural gas systems for quite some time. Although I have always been familiar with it, I've never specified it on project that I have designed. It's primarily used in residential construction and doesn't suit the commercial projects that I work on. I was not aware of any issues with this tubing from the engineering side and was surprised when I became aware of the hazards associated with CSST from the firefighting side.

Brothers Gone Too Soon

Sadly, I became aware of the issues with CSST following two LODD's. Both tragedies took place in a neighboring state and one of the lives lost was known by firefighters that I know from training and/or social media. If you are not familiar with the circumstances around their final calls, I encourage you to honor their memory by reading the reports and educating yourself. Their stories prompted me to do some research as a designer and as a firefighter. I was quite surprised at what I learned.

For those that are not familiar with CSST, it is a flexible, thin wall tubing used to distribute natural gas or propane typically in residential occupancies. Most people associate CSST with yellow, corrugated tubing because that is probably what is most commonly found. The shape and color of the tubing can vary based on the age of the tubing and whether it is meant for distribution or as an appliance connector. It is preferred because it typically results in less joints that can leak and is easier to install than more traditional steel piping. However, it can be damaged easier and is more susceptible to failure from contact with electricity which is a serious liability to firefighters.

Newer versions have a black coating and are provided with arc shielding. The coating does has a flame and smoke spread rating. Although the newest versions are ANSI and Lighting Code rated, there are concerns that the testing is not sufficient because the tested ratings do not reach a high enough current level to match what is experienced in common lighting strikes. This is what has caused the most recent LODD's.

It does seem to be relatively safe if it’s installed properly, but that's the problem. It's only as good as it was installed and it can be installed by the weekend warrior. There is a difference between distribution tubing and appliance connectors which may not be understood. They are not the same and not meant for the same application. There may be improvements to be made in its construction and some companies are proactive. Gastite has been improving its product over the years to make it safer and even tries to work with the fire service to make a safer product. 

The bottom line is that fire departments need to be educated. CSST is not flawless, but it's critical that the correct material is used and installed correctly. Some of the newer products are better, but still need to be improved. Firefighters need to beware of legacy installations as they will be less safe than newer installations and materials. Home owners should be encouraged to update older systems that aren’t as safe as newer systems. Local authorities having jurisdiction should mandate that installers submit certifications with permits to show that they are qualified to the latest standards and are installing the latest material technologies. Making sure that installations and the materials used are the best possible to ensure firefighter safety is crucial.

Resources

•Lightning Fire Research Google Form

•CSST Info



Be Smart - Stay Safe!

Electric Vehicle Fire Considerations for Second Due Company Response

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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

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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

Remembering the Southwest Inn Motel Fire - Houston, TX

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May 31, 2013 was the deadliest day in the history of Houston Fire Department. The Southwest Inn fire killed four Houston Fire Department members, injured many others with one additional firefighter who lost his life due to his injuries a few years later.

The Structure

The Southwest Inn Motel which was a well-known motel for many decades in the Houston area was located at 6855 Southwest Freeway in Houston, Texas. The property included the motel itself, with restaurant and bar spanning over 26,000 square feet. The layout consisted of the restaurant and bar being a single-story structure that was interconnected to the two-story structure that housed the motel's lobby, offices, banquet halls and meeting rooms. In addition to this facility, the property also housed seven individual two-story buildings of motel guest rooms, none of which were connected to the main interconnected building where the fire took place.

The motel was constructed of primarily wood-frame construction consisting of lightweight construction materials such as lightweight truss and combustible roof decking. The building did not contain a fire sprinkler or automatic fire alarm system. The one notable characteristic of this structure was the extruded concrete interlocking roof tiles over asphalt shingles used for the front-facing slopes over the banquet and restaurant areas.


The Incident

At 12:07PM, the Houston Fire Department was dispatched to the Southwest Inn for a reported fire. Engine 51 was located less than a mile from the motel and responded moments after the initial dispatch.

During their response in, Engine 51 (E51) officer reported heavy smoke visible and from there an immediate request by the Office of Emergency Communication to dispatch a working fire. Additional units reported dark grey and brown smoke coming from the structure will enroute to the scene.

Three and half minutes later upon arrival, E51 reported heavy smoke showing from the attic of the restaurant and will begin an offensive fire attack with a 2 1/2-inch line. This line was the rear preconnect from E51.

The district chief (D68) arrived on scene moments later and established command. The IC's first order was E51 evacuate the building because the operate of E51 advised the engine was down to a quarter tank of later. Engine 68 then arrived on scene and laid two 4-inch supply lines from E51 to a hydrant east of the structure and E51 from there was able to establish a water supply. E51's crew was then able to re-enter the structure with the back-up crew coming from E68 with another 2 1/2-inch line.

A fourth due engine company - Engine 82 was on scene advancing an 1 3/4-inch hoseline to the front door that was also entered by E51 when the roof collapsed occurred.

Within 12 minutes of Engine 51 (e51) arriving on scene and 15 and a half minutes of the initial dispatch the roof of the restaurant had collapsed. The captain of Engine 51 was at the front door during the collapse and pushed out of the building. The captain of Engine 82 called a "Mayday" and rapid intervention crew operations were initiated by Engine 60.

Due to the initial collapse of the roof and during the RIC operations taking place, a secondary wall collapsed occurred injuring several firefighter of the RIC team. The crew continued their efforts in located and removing the trapped firefighters. The captain of E68 was located and removed from the structure and transported to a local hospital. The engineer of E51 was removed from the structure as well however later died at a local hospital.

The search continued on for the captain of E51 and two remaining firefighters from E68. Approximately two hours had passed after the initial roof collapse and the body of the captain from E51 was located. The captain was found on top of the restaurant roof debris and the two missing firefighters from E68 were discovered underneath the debris. All three were pronounced dead at the scene.

Factors

• Unreported fire burning for 3 hours

• Delay in notifying the fire department

• Building construction

• Wind driven fire

• Scene size-up

• Accountability

• Fireground communications

• Lack of fire sprinkler system

Key Recommendations

• Based upon fire department procedures, the strategy and tactics for an occupancy should be defined by the organization for fire-fighting operations. The Incident Commander should ensure that the strategy and tactics match the conditions encountered during initial operations and throughout the incident

• Fire departments should review and update standard operating procedures on wind-driven fires which are incorporated into fireground tactics

• Fire departments should integrate current fire behavior research findings developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and Underwriter’s Laboratories (U.L.) into operational procedures by developing standard operating procedures, conducting live fire training, and revising fireground tactics

We Remember…

Captain Matthew Renaud, 35, Engine 51

Engineer Operator Robert Bebee, 41, Engine 58

Firefighter Robert Garner, 29, Engine 68

Probationary Firefighter Anne Sullivan, 24 Engine 68

Captain William "Iron Bill" Dowling, Engine 68, retired after the incident and passed away on March 7, 2017 due to injuries sustained from the incident.


The Importance of the 360 Size-Up

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The importance of performing a 360 size up makes a huge difference in the operation of a structure. Keep in mind size up can be performed by simply walking around your first due area and checking out new construction. Let’s look at some simple factors I came across in a new residential community.

Picture #1

  • Two story wood frame single family home

  • Appears it could be balloon frame (although weird for new construction)

  • Only one door is in plain sight

  • Bottom window of the 1/2 corner is a bit raised appearing there may be a basement level or storage area below

Picture #2

  • House is actually a three story residential

  • Basement is designed to be fully furnished

  • Basement level could possibly be used as an apartment (could cause a hazard if the stairway between the basement and first floor is illegally blocked for privacy)

  • Two additional means of egress located off the first floor balcony on the #2 side and the basement level door

  • From the rear it’s clear it’s not balloon frame

Again, just a few small factors to hit on. Do you notice anything else?

Understand the Cause and Effect of Burnout

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Anyone who has listened to any podcast I'm on or seen me speak in person has heard me say, "To bring our A-game, we have to be on our A-game mentally. Burnout in first responders has been witnessed for years, but it was taboo to discuss due to the stigma of being unfit for duty. Fast forward to 2023, burnout is being discussed more often. We already know burnout is terrible, and the job can cause it, but what aspects of the job lead to burnout? More importantly, what can we do to lessen the blow of burnout, if not prevent it overall?

I created a short survey with questions about the participants' personal and work lives. There were 75 participants in the following areas: fifty-two firefighters, twelve EMS, two Law Enforcement, and nine classified as other, including 911 dispatchers, mental health crisis workers, and ER Nurses.

It is essential to highlight that all participants noted that their work has impacted their personal lives. When participants were asked what they felt the biggest morale killer was for their department, 57.3% identified it as leadership. Other factors included staffing at 20% and policies at 6.7%. Shockingly, 43.3% of individuals found that they lacked access to professional support at work. Participants were also asked if they find it difficult to go to work, which 31.1% agreed to. An overwhelming amount of individuals (64%) reported feeling underappreciated or undervalued at work. These statistics call into question how these numbers are impacting someone's livelihood. Out of the 75 participants, 64% of individuals found themselves to be more irritable or losing patience with others. We must then question how the patience of workers impacts their quality of work with others, whether colleagues or patients. 

When discussing personal lives, 29.7% of individuals reported they felt they were withdrawing from friends and family. I was curious as well if participants noticed an increase in using drugs or alcohol more frequently, which 29.3% of individuals agreed to an increase in substance use. I also proposed the question of whether individuals feel less motivated to do things they enjoy, and a shocking amount of 58.6% of individuals agreed. When individuals lose motivation for something they enjoy, their work ethic declines, often because they are too burned out to use their regular leisure activities. The word burnout holds weight to it in this line of work, but the question must be asked, "Do you feel burned out from your job?". In response to this question, 52% of individuals agreed or strongly agreed. As a leader, I questioned what departments can do to relieve some of the feelings and concerns that each individual expressed in the survey. Some responses on how to improve morale within a department included team building (26.7%), more frequent input on department policies (29.3%), and more frequent meetings with leadership (25.3%).

All three responses can prove effective, but how do you implement them? Team building is a favorite tactic of mine. What exactly is team building? Team building is an ongoing process that helps a work group evolve into a cohesive unit. The team members share expectations for accomplishing group tasks and trust, support, and respect one another's differences. A leader can hold team building on shift or off shift. One of the best techniques to do on shift is hands-on training. I've often found that morale is high when we hold department training events in my department. What about taking team building away from work? Group outings to sporting events, concerts, days on a golf course, or even a night out can boost morale. It encourages your crew/workers to socialize about things other than work, creating a more relaxing environment and allowing them to understand each other personally. 

While it's often challenging to fit in team building, more frequently due to busy schedules, calls, meetings, etc., we must find the time to avoid losing the most essential piece of our departments: our crew/workers. When individuals feel appreciated, valued, and refreshed, they are more likely to be on their A-game mentally and physically, which society relies on us for. A good leader must understand burnout and feel comfortable approaching our crew/workers and asking, "How can I support you?" or "Are you doing okay?". Sometimes, while this is not an easy question to ask, and we may not hear easy answers, it's how to ensure that workers/crew members feel listened to and supported. Overall, we must maintain the insight into how burnout affects the livelihood of our workers/members. 

Holding quarterly individual or small-scale meetings with your crew can be an easy way to maintain the insight. These meetings can often be utilized as a way to get ideas for the workplace but also to assure your firefighters, EMTs, police officers, etc., are doing okay both at work and home. Fire officers and other leaders say, "Their home life is not my concern." I can't entirely agree. The issue is not the leader's problem; however, its effect on the individual is an issue for the leader. You must ensure your employee prevents home issues from affecting decision-making on an emergency scene. Most importantly, if it affects them, take care of them; humans are allowed to have bad days and should not be punished. 

This article is just a tiny look into the effects of burnout in the workplace. Whether responding to a structure fire, heart attack victim, active shooter, answering and or dispatching 911 calls, assisting someone during a mental health crisis, or rushing patient to patient in an emergency room, our communities expect superhumans when they need help. It's our job as leaders to provide the best team for those in need and provide our first responders with the support to ensure they are physically and mentally on their A-game. I like the term superhuman. First responders are remarkable, and the mental and physical stress their bodies can handle is a super-hero quality. A better way to write it is superHUMAN, ensuring we acknowledge that even being considered "super," we are still human.



The Size-Up

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Let’s Talk Size Up! 

Talk. If you just talk is anyone listening? Well, they should be. But if you don’t send the message properly, not only will they not listen, but they will also not get the picture you are painting. So, what is size up? To me, it is much more than just talk. It is giving others the image you are seeing right now. It is giving them vital information about whatever the incident is at hand. Let’s just base this conversation on House fires. What are you looking for? Is it just the building? NOPE! There is so much more. What is the exterior telling you about the possible battles you may face? I recently read a post from OJ Kolodziej, a Fire Captain from Birmingham AL and the owner at Magic City Truck Academy, a Fire based training company similar to mine. If you don’t follow him, you should!  But he made a recent post on size up. It was a short post about vehicle size up at a house fire!  Yup vehicle size up. This simple method will help you find clues of what may be inside this home.  How? Glad ya asked, look into that vehicle instead of running past it!! Well, if you have a visible victim then yeah go past it. For the sake of this article, there are no visible victims. Look at the car, are there any car seats or booster seats, how many? What are the license plates? Handicap, or is there a handicap tag hanging on the mirror? What is the general condition of the car? Is it in shambles and full of stuff and things, this may give insight of the interior of the home. Is the hood warm? What does the back window have for stick figure stickers?? A vehicle can tell you a lot!  


Photo by Ryan Johnston, training burn Greenville Maine 

Now we have looked at the vehicle, what does the door yard look like? SQUIRREL!! Did you notice I didn’t talk about time of day? Yeah, I’m not going to. Now several years ago I might have. But as our world changes so does our size up factors. The lack of or having a vehicle in the driveway at any point day or night is not really a reason (in my opinion) to search more or less. Today’s culture has taught me that it doesn’t matter what time of day it or if a vehicle is present or not that I should not base my search on either of these items. They may direct me towards a targeted search, but not swaying my decision to search. With COVID and just the amount of people working from home, we are likely going to find victims regardless of the time of day.  

OK back to my original thought. You have taken note of the vehicle, and you are likely doing a 360.  What are you seeing? Building type, number of floors, is there the same number of floors in the front as there are in the rear? What are you smelling? What are the conditions? Smoke, Fire,  Nothing? If you do have smoke or fire, from where and how much? You can even get into the smoke volume, color, speed and density. Do you know what your water source is going to be?  What mode of attack will you be in? Offensive, Defensive, Investigation? Once you announce this info over the radio to the incoming units establish command. I am the worst person for a stationary command, but it is important. So, announce the location of command, rely on you officer staff to relay pertinent information to you as needed and once a command post is established stay there, if possible, see what I did there? In the fire service Never and Always are two bad words. The thing about size up is that it is always on going. As the incident changes the resources that you may need or not need changes. I try to reassess the incident every 10 to 15 minutes in the first hour.  After that the incident will dictate my time line. This article is no means the end all to size up. It is  just some of the things I do. Hopefully this will trigger you to look at how you size up your fires and  as always, if you have any questions or comments please reach out! I really enjoy it when we have  feedback, I learn so much from all of you, either when I am out strutting or if it is through this article sparking conversations. SO, how do you size up?  

Ryan Johnston

Owner, Maine-Iac Training

www.maineiactraining.org

ryan@maineiactraining.org

Forcing Trident Security Doors

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Higher capacity security doors are becoming more and more prevalent in all commercial and now residential homes for maximum break-in protection. The Trident Multi-Point lock provides a multipoint deadbolt locking mechanism with maximum resistance to break-ins. Here's the breakdown of the Trident system. 

  1. Instant self-locking deadbolt protection on each close or manual locking

  2. 4-point locking system

  3. Anti-pry protection

  4. Maximum door reinforcement kits - door strengthening bars and lower module reinforcement kit

As firefighters sometimes our jobs are going through the door in order to perform our interior fire operations and it is imperative we have an understanding on how to force this type of door should we have no other option or this is our best option for a quick knock on the fire or a rescue effort.

Let’s force the door 

All hand tools approach - IRONS - Method 1 

  1. Starting on the hinge side, using the Adz end of the halligan, gap/crush the door to gain access to the backside of the door by placing the Adz behind the door and begin prying the standalone pin away. By getting the standalone pin out of the way early on will help with the conventional door pop.

  2. Now, attack the lock side of the door starting with the top pin followed by the bottom pin and pry them away.

  3. From here, once the three pins have been pried away, force the center of the door conventionally.

Please note, this will be time consuming and energy depleting. Have a K-12 or spreaders on hand if need be.

All hand tools approach - IRONS - Method 2

  1. Attack the lock side of the door by gaping and crushing the door and start by prying away top pin followed by the bottom pin.

  2. From here, once the two pins have been pried away, force the center of the door conventionally.

  3. The door should go and entry can be made.

From my experience, these doors have been found mostly on rear pharmacy doors and other businesses with highly valuable goods. The best way to approach these doors is to study their makeup and understand their strong and weak links in order to force them in less time and reduce the amount of strain on the crew forcing the door.

Keep your eyes open and stay diligent out there. 

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



We Remember: Black Sunday FDNY

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January 23rd, 2005.  One of the darkest days in FDNY history. A day the department lost multiple firefighters in two different incidents. Known to first responders worldwide as "Black Sunday."

Bronx: While performing a search during a three-alarm fire, Lieutenant John Bellew of Ladder 27, firefighter Joseph DiBernardo of Rescue 3, and  Lieutenant Curtis Meyran of Battalion 26 became trapped on the fourth floor of a four-story apartment. Due to the increased heat and fire, all three firefighters were forced to jump from the window to the ground. The apartment building was an older building from the late 1920s. The apartments involved were made into single-room occupancies (SRO). Each shares a common bathroom and kitchen. According to the NIOSH report, each SRO had a padlock on the bedroom doors. There was also limited access at the rear fire escape due to a partition with wood framing and sheetrock. In addition, there were no permits issued for construction in the building, and there were also no automatic sprinklers making the construction project a violation of local building codes. In addition to the three firefighters mentioned earlier, Brendan Cawley, Jeff Cool, and Gene Stolowski were severely injured in the jump. Later that day, Lieutenants John Bellew and Curtis Meyran succumbed to their injuries. Firefighter DiBernardo was promoted to Lieutenant in the spring of 2005. Unfortunately, Lt. DiBernardo passed away in 2011 due to complications with injuries sustained on January 23rd, 2005.

Brooklyn: Sometime just before 2 pm that same day, FDNY units were dispatched to a basement fire in a private dwelling. One of the first arriving units was Ladder Company 103. Part of the crew was firefighter Richard Sclafani who was assigned to search the basement. Due to fire conditions changing, firefighter Sclafani became separated from his company during the search. Minutes after being separated, Sclafani was located unconscious and in respiratory arrest. The NIOSH report stated firefighters worked on removing him from the building for 20 minutes. Firefighter Sclafani succumbed to his injuries, and the official cause of death was smoke inhalation and burns. January 23rd, 2005 marked the first time since 1918 that the FDNY lost firefighters in separate incidents.

Following the incident, the FDNY completed its internal investigation, and personal escape systems were purchased for all firefighters. Had the systems been available to the firefighters on Black Sunday, it would have saved the lives of Lieutenants Bellew, DiBernardo, and Meyran and prevented injuries to firefighters Cawley, Cool, and Stolowski. Black Sunday is a day that will be remembered forever in fire history. There is plenty of material on multiple sites providing information. I encourage new and veteran firefighters to remain educated on this day and learn from it.

In 2013, the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation, also known as the Joey D Foundation, was started to help train and equip firefighters in need. I have personally attended the yearly seminar they hold on Long Island. The training weekend is filled with two days of hands-on training followed by a day of great lectures. World-class instructors and firefighters teach all classes and lessons. The foundation raises money to provide fire departments with funding for personal escape systems, helping ensure an incident such as "Black Sunday" doesn't happen again.

NIOSH report for the Bronx fire

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200503.html

NIOSH report for the Brooklyn fire

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200504.html

Photos from firerescue1.com