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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...

Now that we’re familiar with the tools and steps to perform conventional forcible entry we will discuss how to perform a proper size-up in todays “5 Minute Truck Company Clinic – Forcible Entry Size Up”. Step into the training room now. The 5 Minute Truck...

Opening the Roof We have discussed in depth the physics associated with ventilation; Flow path, heat transfer, air exchange, uniflow and bidirectional flows. All the stuff we need to know but has very little to do with actually “opening” a structure up! So, in this segment we are...

Over the last 20 years we have seen the use of Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV) in offensive structural firefighting evolve. This concept got it’s start in the United States back in the early 1980’s on the west coast. It was originally utilized to assist the attack crew with a...

Task/Position Assignments In the first part of this article we discussed the qualities that are necessary for a truck crew to become a well oiled machine. Those qualities and practices build the foundation for your team to arrive well educated, assess the needs of the incident,...

Size-up is all about gathering and evaluating information in order to make good fire ground decisions. In part 1 of this series I wrote about the size-up basics. At the scene of a fire we gather and evaluate information at a very rapid pace. This can create gaps in the decision...

Understanding the beginning…. During the last several years, a number of studies and theories have been explored in an attempt to understand, why and how fires today are “different” than fires from 25 years ago. The overwhelming evidence points to the chemicals and...

The Engines Primary Mission: Mode of Attack [Part 2 of 6] In my previous article we briefly discussed the engine company’s primary mission at the scene of a fire. If you have not read it, Click Here. This week we will dive into considerations for choosing the proper mode of...

Most recently the NPFA has issued changes to its’ standard for “Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus for Emergency Services”, aka NFPA 1981. As emergency service personnel we all should become familiar with this standard and how the...

  The “WHERE” Continues. Let’s Go Vertical As we explore the different structure types and sizes as they relate to ventilation needs, we must now discuss the benefits and risks associated with vertical ventilation. For those of us that are directionally challenged that’s...