Search Culture: Teaching Aggressiveness Without Carelessness

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In the fire service, few tasks are more urgent — or more misunderstood — than primary search. It’s a mission built on the belief that someone may still be savable, even in the most chaotic conditions. But as the call for “aggressive interior operations” grows louder, it’s critical that we define what that truly means. Aggressive doesn’t mean reckless. It means calculated, disciplined, and well-trained. Developing a strong search culture within your department starts with mindset, but it thrives through consistent, realistic training and leadership that values both speed and survivability. Lives depend on it — and so does the future of interior firefighting.

What Is 'Search Culture'?

Search culture refers to the mindset, expectations, and behaviors surrounding how a fire department approaches search operations. It’s not just a tactic — it’s a belief system. A good search culture believes that victims can be saved and that search must be prioritized. It’s shaped by everything from officer expectations and department SOPs to the realism of company-level training and post-fire critiques. If search is treated like an afterthought or something “someone else will handle,” it won’t happen with the urgency it demands.

Departments that embrace search culture build it from the ground up. They assign search responsibilities clearly. They train for it under realistic conditions. And they reinforce it during every fireground critique. Strong search culture becomes second nature, and that’s exactly what it needs to be when time is against you.

Aggressive Doesn’t Mean Dangerous

There’s a dangerous misconception in some circles that “aggressive” means “reckless.” That couldn’t be further from the truth. Aggressive means fast, purposeful, and trained. It means making smart decisions quickly, working under pressure, and executing tasks with urgency — not without thought.

Reckless search is entering without communication, coordination, or understanding of fire conditions. Aggressive search is a coordinated VES of a bedroom based on victim reports, isolating the room, controlling the door, and making a sweep. Aggressive search respects the risk while acknowledging the reward — lives saved. Firefighters must be trained to differentiate between the two. Courage is required, but so is judgment.

Training Is the Difference

You can’t build a strong search culture without training — and that training must go beyond the basics. Textbook searches in clean conditions don’t prepare members for what they’ll face on the job. Firefighters need scenario-based evolutions that involve heat, smoke, noise, stress, and unpredictability. They need to search under pressure. They need to make decisions quickly. And they need repetition.

In training, focus on:

  • Victim removal techniques (drag vs. carry)

  • Targeted VES with door control

  • Decision-making under time pressure

  • Split crew search tactics

  • Identifying searchable vs. non-survivable spaces

Discipline is key. Wandering through a structure with no plan or communication isn’t a search — it’s a liability. Firefighters must learn to move methodically, check conditions constantly, and operate with intention.

Teaching the Why

One of the most effective tools for reinforcing search culture is explaining why it matters. When firefighters know that their training directly impacts the ability to save lives, they commit on a deeper level.

Take the 2019 fire in Stockton, California, where two children were trapped inside a burning home. A truck company performing VES through a rear bedroom window found both children unconscious but alive. Their decision to act — fast, focused, and within their training — saved two lives. That’s the outcome search culture aims to produce.

Now consider a story from a fire department I know personally — one I often share with new recruits and officers alike. Crews arrived on scene to a working fire and were met by the family outside. Panicked but insistent, the family told firefighters that everyone was out of the house. Many departments would have taken that at face value and shifted focus entirely to suppression. But this crew knew better — they committed to a full primary search anyway. Tragically, they found a young male deceased in his bedroom. He was supposed to be at a friend’s house for a sleepover but had returned home late without anyone knowing.

Although the outcome was heartbreaking, the takeaway is clear: the building isn't confirmed clear until we confirm it ourselves. That crew did everything right — and their actions represent exactly what a strong search culture looks like. We search because lives depend on it. We search because people make mistakes. And we search because hope is worth risking for.

Leadership Sets the Tone

Strong search culture begins with leadership. Officers must emphasize it, assign it, and train it. It needs to be woven into riding assignments, operational briefings, and after-action reviews. Senior firefighters and company officers have a duty to mentor new members, not just on how to search, but why we do it.

This also means acknowledging our shortcomings and being willing to fix them. If your department doesn’t train on search routinely, start. If search isn’t part of your response model, build it in. If firefighters don’t feel comfortable executing VES or split search, create that comfort through repetition and education.

Conclusion

Search isn’t just a task — it’s a belief system rooted in the idea that someone may still be alive, waiting, hoping, trapped behind a door in the dark. It demands urgency, but it also demands control. Aggressiveness must be backed by training. Speed must be balanced with safety. And most importantly, search must be taught with the mindset that lives depend on it — because they do.

A strong search culture doesn’t just make your company better. It makes your community safer.

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

The Intent of Training

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The definition of intent when related to the fire service is the underlying reason or purpose behind an action taken by a firefighter, officer, or department — particularly in fire ground decision-making. In the fire service, intent plays a crucial role in shaping decisions, actions, and leadership especially when it comes to training.

Training without intent is activity without impact. It burns time without building readiness — and that’s dangerous in a job where performance can mean life or death.

Training Intent:

“The intent behind this drill is to build muscle memory for a mayday scenario.”

Without clear intent, training can become just routine instead of purpose-driven. Then what happens?

Training without the purpose becomes a checkbox activity leading to many areas that will lose firefighters drive, motivation and build a scary level of complacency.

Due to this, firefighters will only be going through the motions or focusing on completing the training rather than the competency of the training leading to complacency and loss of critical perishable skills needed for success as a firefighter on the job. Furthermore, firefighters not understanding the "why" behind the training may not fully engage in the training, therefore losing its sense of relevance. When firefighter lose the relevance in their training meaning the intent of the training is gone, the training lacks real-world applications and fails to prepare firefighters for actual incidents.

Inconsistent outcomes will begin to grow when training has to intent. Without a clear objective behind the training, performances will tend to vary and the ability to measure improvement or success can oftentimes be difficult. Why? Because you cannot execute a plan, without understanding what the end result should look like.

Firefighters as we all are aware, respect training that respects their time and sharpens their skills. When the intent behind the training is missing, the morale and motivation to perform drops and the question gets asks, "why are we even doing this?"

Training should be built upon decision-making, confidence and leadership in addition to the skills that are looking to be developed or sharpened.

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

You Can Never Know Enough

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"You can never know enough, but you never know too much" — especially in the context of the fire service.

Here is a quick breakdown of its meaning and value:

"You can never know enough". What does this mean?

In the fire service, continuous learning is essential. Tactics, building construction, fire behavior, medical response, leadership, and technology are always evolving. No firefighter can ever say they've learned everything — there's always more to understand, train for, and improve upon. As the old saying goes, "the day we know everything is the day we retire". If we keep the mentality of continuous learning as essential, the possibilities of our potential therefore become limitless in all we do.

"But you never know too much". How can we speak upon this?

In critical situations, knowledge is power. The more you know, the better decisions you can make under pressure. Being overly prepared is not a liability — it's a lifesaving asset. In fact, having too much knowledge in this field simply doesn't exist.

The more we learn and the more we can translate the classroom knowledge to real-life situations in the training room and the fire ground, the better we become in our situational awareness of the incidents and the confidence we have in trusting knowledge and skills in the critical situations of the job. This is all about TRUST.

Why it does this matter?

Lives depend on it. The fire service isn't just about strength and courage — it's also about making split-second decisions based on training and experience. Translating classroom work, hands-on training and carrying over prior real-life fire ground experiences will enhance our fire ground decision-making and heightening our sense of situational awareness.

Knowledge builds confidence. A firefighter who understands their tools, team dynamics, building layouts, and fire behavior is more effective — and safer.

It promotes humility. Recognizing that you can never know enough keeps firefighters grounded and always seeking growth.

Because every call, every fire, every life depends on knowledge. Train relentlessly. Stay sharp. Stay safe.

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

What Gets Measured Gets Managed in the Fire Service

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In the fire service, this principle emphasizes that by tracking and evaluating specific metrics, departments can improve performance, increase safety, allocate resources efficiently, and enhance community service. But it also comes with the caveat: measure the wrong thing, and you may manage the wrong priorities.

Speaking of measurements, let's briefly discuss NFPA 1710 and its impact on setting benchmarks for response times. NFPA 1710 is a standard developed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) that sets performance benchmarks for response times in career fire departments. It defines specific timeframes for each phase of emergency response—from the initial call receipt to the stabilization of the incident. The main objective of the standard is to promote effective and timely emergency response to protect public safety, providing clear guidelines on staffing levels and operational timelines.

Factors that may affect response time are geographic layout, traffic conditions, staffing levels, equipment readiness and call volume.

The 2020 edition of NFPA 1710 introduced key updates to reflect the evolving demands on modern fire departments. One major change was an increased emphasis on emergency medical services (EMS), acknowledging the growing number of medical calls. The standard now requires EMS units to arrive within 8 minutes, 90% of the time, underscoring the critical need for timely medical response.

Another significant revision includes detailed response benchmarks based on occupancy types—such as high-rise buildings, single-family homes, and open-air strip malls—ensuring departments tailor resource deployment to specific incident scenarios with greater scalability and adaptability.

The updated standard also expanded crew size recommendations, particularly for high-risk or complex incidents, to improve firefighter safety and operational efficiency. In addition, it addressed emerging technologies, encouraging the adoption of tools like digital communication systems and real-time tracking to enhance coordination and situational awareness.

Overall, the 2020 updates strengthen NFPA 1710 as a comprehensive, modern framework designed to support effective emergency response and meet public safety expectations.

Below are key areas not specifically impacted by NFPA 1710 but areas of management that departments can identify to improve performance, increase safety, allocate resources efficiently, and enhance community service.

Response Times

Measured: Time from dispatch to arrival on scene.

Managed: Departments may adjust station locations, shift staffing, or invest in traffic preemption systems to reduce response times.

Example: A department notices longer response times in a growing suburban area. By tracking this consistently, leadership advocates for a new station in that zone to improve coverage.

Call Processing Time: No more than 64 seconds, 95% of the time.

Turnout Time: Firefighters should be suited and in their apparatus within 80 seconds for fire responses and 60 seconds for EMS calls.

Travel Time: First responders should arrive on the scene within 240 seconds (4 minutes) for fire suppression and EMS incidents, 90% of the time.

Call Volume by Type and Location

Measured: Number of EMS, fire, hazmat, and false alarm calls per area.

Managed: Resources (staffing, apparatus, training) are tailored to meet actual demand.

Example: If 80% of calls are EMS-related, the department may prioritize EMT training and consider deploying smaller, faster response vehicles for medical calls.

Firefighter Injuries and Near Misses

Measured: Frequency, type, and causes of injuries or close calls.

Managed: Safety protocols, PPE standards, and training are improved based on trends.

Example: A spike in ladder-related injuries leads to updated SOPs and targeted training sessions.

Training Hours and Competency

Measured: Training hours completed per firefighter, and performance on practical assessments.

Managed: Ensures compliance with standards (e.g., NFPA), identifies gaps, and supports skill development.

Example: If quarterly evaluations show low performance in RIT (Rapid Intervention Team) drills, the department schedules additional hands-on and classroom training to assist in improving RIT performance.

Fire Prevention Activities

Measured: Number of inspections, public education sessions, or code violations found.

Managed: Prevention programs and staffing are adjusted to reduce fire risk.

Example: Data shows increased violations in commercial kitchens, prompting a targeted inspection blitz and education campaign.

Community Risk Reduction (CRR)

Measured: Data on fire incidents, demographics, and high-risk properties.

Managed: Outreach and mitigation strategies are focused on vulnerable populations or high-risk buildings.

Example: Elderly residents in a mobile home park experience frequent cooking fires. The department installs stovetop fire suppressors and offers safety classes.

The Caution: Measure What Matters

If a department only measures response time, it might push crews to speed at the cost of safety. If it only tracks number of calls, it may ignore quality of service or fire prevention success. That’s why contextual, balanced measurement is key.

In the fire service, measuring the right things leads to better management—more effective responses, safer firefighters, better-trained personnel, and stronger community outcomes. But success depends not just on measuring, but on measuring what truly matters to mission effectiveness and public safety.

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

Beyond the Firehouse - The Value of Outside Training

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If you’re reading this, odds are you care about sharpening your skills. You take training seriously, and you know that in this job, complacency kills. But even the most motivated firefighters can fall into routines that lead to stagnation. That’s why stepping outside your firehouse for training isn’t just beneficial—it’s necessary. Exposure to new techniques, tactics, and perspectives makes us sharper, more adaptable, and ultimately safer on the fireground. And if you’re wondering how to find quality training, stick around—there’s a great resource at the end of this article that makes it easier than ever.

If there is one thing I have learned in my career, it’s that there is always more to learn. And a saying I heard some time ago rings true, “Once you get outside the four walls of your fire house, you realize that the fire service has no walls.” Fire tactics, and strategies vary across the country, and being exposed to different approaches help build safer, sharper, and more well-rounded firefighters. Additionally, engaging in outside training on a consistent basis prevents stagnation, enhances skills and knowledge, and ultimately improves emergency response.

Although I believe that everyone has something to teach, and you can learn something from everybody; some of the most valuable insights come from experienced professionals who have dedicated their lives to advancing the fire service. I can personally attest to this, having had the opportunity to learn from fire service legends like Mike Lombardo, Aaron Fields, Bob Pressler, and Dennis LeGear. The knowledge and skills I’ve gained from their classes have been invaluable. As the fire service continues to become younger across the nation, how can today’s firefighters gain access to this wealth of experience and knowledge?

Beyond Your Department’s Walls

We’ve all been there; stuck in a rut, in-house training has become repetitive, uninspiring and everyone is just going through the motions. Outside training can break this cycle, challenge and expand firefighters skill sets and reinvigorate firefighter’s passion for the job. Many firefighters leave outside training feeling motivated and eager to apply and share what they’ve learned. That said, not everything taught in an outside course will fit neatly into every department’s operations. The key is to take what works, discard what doesn’t, and adapt what might be useful down the road.

Another huge advantage? Networking. Attending outside training puts you in the same room with firefighters from across the region — sometimes even the country. These connections become a priceless resource for sharing ideas, solving problems, and gaining fresh perspectives when you need them most. We’re lucky to live in an era where quality training and conferences are available almost everywhere. But with so many options, how do you decide which ones are actually worth your time?

Owning the Learning Process

Firefighters who want to grow can’t simply wait for their department to hand them opportunities—they have to seek them out. When looking for outside training, keep these key points in mind:

Identify training needs – Pinpoint areas that could use improvement. This doesn’t mean the department is struggling, but some skills get rusty without variety. For example, if extrication drills have looked the same for years, an outside class could introduce a new approach to training on it.

Choose relevant training – Choose training that aligns with your department’s goals, and capabilities. While training on a technical rescue discipline like high-angle rescue might sound exciting, it isn’t practical if the department doesn’t have the gear or capability to perform those operations. Stick to training that aligns with real-world needs.

Find budget-friendly options – Training can be expensive, but plenty of free or low-cost opportunities do exist. Government programs, industry-sponsored courses, and online offerings provide solid education without breaking the bank. Additionally, consider seeking alternative funding opportunities like engaging local organizations, or raising money through an event to help sponsor or support training initiatives.

Do your research – This is an absolute must! The fire service is full of self-proclaimed experts, but not all training is created equal. Research instructors, read course reviews, and ask fellow firefighters about their experiences before committing.

Share the Knowledge

A friend of mine once said, “Knowledge is power, but only if it’s shared”

If the department funded your training, it’s not just an opportunity — it’s a responsibility. Maximize the return on that investment by bringing the lessons back home. Take good notes, create handouts, and step up to lead an in-house training to pass along what you learned.

Taking the initiative to build a training plan and handle the prep work eases the burden on the training division, making it far more likely your new knowledge gets shared with the rest of the crew. The more value the department sees from sending you to outside training, the more likely they’ll support future opportunities — for you and others.

A word of caution however, how you share the information often matters more than the information itself. Humbly presenting new techniques as “a way” encourages productive discussion and creates buy-in amongst members. Conversely, arrogantly presenting the same information as “the way” will likely be met with resistance with little buy-in. Additionally, be sure to explain the “why” behind the technique, tactic, etc. and be open to member’s scrutiny–in fact, welcome it! Respectful debates around techniques and tactics lead to better decisions on the emergency scene, and when they hold up to scrutiny, credibility is created.

FireTrainingDirectory.com

As stated earlier, I am a proponent for outside training, but I found that when firefighters asked me, “Where do you hear about all these training events?” my typical response was “social media,” and that wasn’t exactly helpful. That’s why FireTrainingDirectory.com was created—a centralized database designed to make it easier to find upcoming training opportunities.

Building and maintaining a directory like this is no small task, so the project takes a crowdsourced approach.Similar to FirefighterRescueSurvey.com, where firefighters log civilian rescues, this site relies on submissions from the fire service community through the “Submit a Training” form found on the website. Once submitted, each listing is verified to ensure accurate dates, locations, and working URLs before training details go live. With any crowdsourced platform, there’s always a risk of errors, so users can easily report errors they find, no matter how small, allowing them to be fixed quickly.

The directory is up and running now! Currently, it offers basic search filters, but if firefighters find it valuable, more features and functionality will be rolled out over time. I encourage you to peruse the database and if you know of an upcoming training, please submit it.

In conclusion, outside training isn’t just about learning new techniques—it’s a cornerstone of staying sharp, safe, and engaged in the fire service. It prevents stagnation, broadens perspectives, and builds a network of like-minded firefighters who want to keep getting better. Whether just starting out or well into a career, investing in outside training is one of the best ways to stay at the top of the game. And now, with FireTrainingDirectory.com, finding those opportunities has never been easier.

Fire Training Directory

About the Author

Cole Kleinwolterink is a dedicated husband, father, and passionate firefighter/paramedic. After a fulfilling career as a middle school teacher and coach, he transitioned to the fire service in 2019. He now serves full-time with the Waukee Fire Department (IA) as a firefighter/paramedic and Field Training Officer, where he is deeply committed to mentorship, training, and service. Beyond his full-time role, Cole volunteers with the Granger Fire Department and teaches EMT and fire science at Des Moines Area Community College.

The World’s Worst Dispatcher

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Dispatch is often overlooked despite its critical role in public safety. If fire engines, squad cars, and ambulances are chess pieces and the community is the board, dispatchers are the chess players—strategically observing the larger picture, placing each piece with precision, and anticipating Murphy's next move. Dispatchers are a responder's closest ally when an incident begins to escalate. Firefighters call for police to secure the scene, police request medics when a child is injured, and ambulances call for firefighters when extra hands are needed. All of these crucial decisions are made through radio communications, orchestrated by the chess-masters in dispatch.

A smooth shift often depends on a well-trained, focused dispatcher watching over the scene. Conversely, when operators ask incomplete questions or hastily deploy resources, even a routine shift can devolve into chaos. The solution to this is nearly always better training, provided the dispatcher is committed to doing their job with diligence.

Yet, we often overlook a similar system operating within us. Hidden away in its own black box, the brain acts as our personal dispatch center. It takes in data from our senses—sight, sound, touch, and beyond (proprioception, equilibrioception, and interoception, to name a few)—and uses these inputs to construct a worldview. This system generates our beliefs, impulses, moods, and behaviors, ultimately shaping the person we become.

Most of us go through life unaware of this process, convinced we are the sole authors of our thoughts. But left unchecked, this mental dispatcher can run wild, sending us on endless, unnecessary calls—false alarms and emergencies of our own making. It is as if the world's worst dispatcher lives between our ears. We get dispatched to the past, replaying and rehashing events long since concluded. We respond to the future, anxiously accelerating through worst-case scenarios and imaginary conversations that rarely unfold as we expect. The mind’s dispatch center can become so untethered that we find ourselves responding to problems that don’t exist—while ignoring events right in front of us. For first responders, this can mean staying on duty mentally, physically, and emotionally long after the uniform comes off.

But it doesn't have to be this way.

Mindfulness meditation offers a way to break free from this reactive loop. It teaches us to first notice the mental chaos—to recognize when our inner dispatcher is sounding false alarms. With continued practice, we learn to distinguish between urgent signals and distracting noise, to reset our responses, and to cancel ourselves en route to unnecessary dispatches.

Unlike the immediate duty to act in uniform, we can cultivate the ability to notice which events truly deserve our attention. We can choose our "assignments" with greater freedom, bringing a sense of peace and clarity. Over time, the dispatch center within our minds can quiet down, allowing us to be more present and connected to the things we value most, both on duty and off.

• Josh Grandinetti - Fire Captain & Founder of Foundation Fortified

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?