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As stated in Part 1 of this series the application rate (Flow Rate) and the type of stream used are the two critical factors that determine the speed of extinguishment. So far we have focused solely on the application rate but if we are to have a clear and thorough understanding...

It has become very obvious to me from seeing the changes take place on the fire ground and from reading all of the research available that fires are hotter and more unpredictable than any time in the history of the fire service. The main reason for this problem is the heat...

    In a previous article I wrote titled  The Engine Company’s Primary Mission I stated that the engine company officer will have to make rapid and accurate decisions to quickly identify and initiate the appropriate course of action at the scene of a fire. After...

When we first joined the fire department one of the first things we learned about was the apparatus we would be staffing. One of the most important items was learning the equipment locations on each of the apparatus. Once initial recruit/probationary training is completed it is...

The Right Place Now we have the right line for our fire conditions and we have determined the correct length that will enable us to reach the seat of the fire. Now we must determine the right place to put that line into operation. We can ask ourselves three questions… 1)...

Last week I introduced you to the theory of the 3 R’s and we reviewed the first R  the right line. Today I will discuss selecting and stretching the “right length”. The Right Length In order for us to reach the seat of the fire we must ensure that we have...

“As the first line goes, so goes the fire” As an officer or crew member of an engine company the extinguishment of the fire is the backbone of your mission. The initial line you choose to stretch will determine how well the overall operation goes. When you roll up on your next...

One of the most important positions/roles on the fire ground and the one that gets the least praise is the Back up Nozzle Firefighter Period! As the Back-up Nozzle Firefighter(BNF), you are given the task of assisting the Nozzle Firefighter(NF) to successfully stretch, deploy and...

One of the key components to an engine company’s success at the scene of a fire is a coordinated and consistent effort. You must have a plan of attack and be trained and prepared to carry out the plan every time you hit the street. Many departments have written standard operating...

This article is the last of a 6 part series about the engine company’s primary mission and ironically  about establishing a water supply; a tactic that should happen early in the fire. The decision…. There has been much controversy about the 1st engine securing a...