Blog Archives
-
So, You Want to Flow More Water on Your Attack Line?
By Capt. Dave Fornell - Thursday October 14, 2010
Back in July, I discussed the importance of selecting an initial attack hose line that actually has the capability of knocking down the fire at hand. In all too many cases, we see departments stretch an "all purpose" 1-3/4" line on fires, the volume of which is well beyond the line's flow capabilities, most likely because it is easy to stretch and operate. "Fyredup" commented that his department uses 2" attack lines for flows up to 300-GPM, and for those faced with wanting to apply more water with limited personnel, this might prove a good solution. Two-inch hose has been widely used for years in the marine and snow making industries. With the advent of the three-part coupling that provides 1-1/2" threads its use in the fire service... -
So, you think you're ready for the "big one."
By Capt. Dave Fornell - Friday September 10, 2010
A week ago, most of us sat around decrying the lack of fire activity, but major fire events that have occurred in the past several days are rapidly making this the week of the "big one" – actually, make that the "really big one." It started in Detroit on Tuesday when winds toppled power lines and started 85 fires within a four hour period. As residents complained that 911 calls were going unanswered, Detroit fire officials called on neighboring departments for help, something that hasn't happened since the riots of 1967. As residents and officials argue about how the fire storm was handled, Fire Commissioner James Mack said, that if he had a repeat of Tuesday's conditions, he would have called for help sooner. On Wednesday, brush... -
When Safety Shortcuts Backfire
By Capt. Dave Fornell - Friday September 3, 2010
A story that came across the wires the other day caught my eye. It seems that a relatively routine auto fire in Friday Harbor, WA turned into a major event in which the chief of the department was suspended after some of the department’s members sent a letter of no confidence to the town administrators, and then abruptly resigned. The primary reason? The chief allowed safety shortcuts to exist in the department. While some in the fire service argue that the myriad of safety regulations, protocols and guidelines that we now commonly work under are hampering their ability to function to their upmost at emergency scenes, the majority of us realize that we have to make friends with safety initiatives and incorporate them into our way... -
Fighting the Fire Below-Using Distributor Nozzles
By Capt. Dave Fornell - Saturday July 31, 2010
Last week at Firehouse Expo in Baltimore, I had the honor of participating in a podcast that discussed operations at basement fires . At one point, there was a question from the audience about the use of distributor nozzles, and judging from the response, I thought this might be a good time to review what the device does and go over some tips for its safe operation. The distributor or cellar nozzle (also called a Bresnan nozzle after one of its inventors) is designed to be used under the surface the operator is standing on. When their use is dictated, it's usually because an inaccessible location or the intensity of a below-grade fire is preventing a direct attack. When needed, nothing else will work as effectively to knock down the... -
Sizing the Initial Attack Hoseline
By Capt. Dave Fornell - Wednesday July 7, 2010
While much has been discussed and presented about proper size up and advancing the initial attack hose line, we sometimes loose sight of the fact that to be effective, the line not only must be stretched in the right place, but must also flow enough water to kill, or at least stop the spread of the fire. All too often, we see reports and photos of fires where the first line stretched was the “all purpose”, 200’ 1-3/4” handline with ineffective, and in some cases, disastrous results. Will the 1-3/4” hose line put out fire—of course. But, keep in mind that it might be (and has been) overwhelmed by a large body of fire, and 200’ may find you far short of your objective. It’s a matter of physics that to reduce the... -
The Class of 2010
By Capt. Dave Fornell - Monday June 14, 2010As I was teaching a first arriving officer development class in northwest Pennsylvania a few weeks ago, I noticed a few points about the students that seem to reflect a growing trend within the fire service that is becoming a bit unsettling. The group was extremely diverse: paid and volunteer, young and old, male and female, probys and officers. The common thread that they shared was their hunger for practical information on safe first arrival operations with two or three people. The paid department in the city where the class was held has two firefighters per 24-hour shift—three during the day when the chief is on duty. They are expected to handle building alarms, rubbish and car fires and EMS assists. If there is a report...
