It’s Not Their Fault, It’s Our Responsibility. What Drives You?
Motivation is hard and sustaining a high level can be difficult over a long career. There will be ups and downs in your involvement, passion, and dedication and that is to be expected. The most important aspect is to ensure our level of performance is not compromised during those lows and we share our passion and knowledge during the highs. When we are gone, the younger generation needs to carry on the culture of high performance, ultimate service to citizens, and the desire for continual improvement.
Find your why!
Aggressive Mindset Supports Weapon Development
Our ability to win on the fire ground is determined by our aggressive mindset, aggressive strategies and tactics, and weapon selection capabilities.
V.E.S…LMNOP
I am tired of acronyms, especially our desire or compulsive need to keep adding letters to the commonly accepted acronyms. People who develop these must think we are stupid. Want to talk about micromanagement, tell me every step I need to do to go through a window and search a room.
I’m done. VENT- ENTER- SEARCH. THAT’S IT!
(Don’t) Let it Rain: The Effective use of Low-Level Master Streams
Master stream devices should attack at or below the seat of the fire for direct fire suppression. The low-level master stream allows for water to avoid the thermal column and directly impact the burning surface. Aerial master streams should be equipped with smoothbore tips and operated close, at a plane, or below the fire for effective fire extinguishment.
The TWO and a QUARTER Line
I firmly believe the 2.25” hose should be the standard for high-rise operations because of the volume of flow with the reduction of weight of the hose, in addition to the increased ability to move the line. This line is a perfect match for high rise operations with a 1 1/8” and even more so when staffing is limited…For those that struggle with staffing and those that show up with 3 firefighters, the 2.25” can be an equalizer.
Smooth vs Fog: The Debate that Really Isn’t
I can also use my screwdriver to pound in a nail and gets the job but that doesn’t mean it’s the best tool for the job. Aggressive, craftsmen of the fire service has preferences for tools because they have experiences with many different ones. They choose the tools which sets them up for success, they know how to operate, and provides them with the best chance of winning.
TRANSITIONAL ATTACK
It has been proven by the UL and NIST research when a transitional attack occurs, the fire will rebound within several seconds. Our ability to put water adequately on the seat of the fire and surfaces of the room negates the water’s ability to work. This causes an increase in the internal pressure of the structure, forcing smoke, steam, and hot gases throughout the structure and right into our path of travel. The neutral plane, which can be so helpful for interior crews, is now voided. A transitional attack causes decreased visibility and spread steam throughout the building.
