Drill of the day (Engine): Advancing the 250-foot and 400-foot attack lines

Todays drill topic was the Engine Company. Members first spoke about the uses in our response area for both the 250-foot and the 400-foot pre-connects. Uses in our area for the 250-foot pre-connect are the numerous garden style apartment buildings we encounter both three and four stories in height. We also have some row type dwellings that sit a distance from the street side. Uses in our area for the 400-foot pre-connect are for commercial type occupancies, some set back apartment buildings and to provide a back-up line from an independent pumping source (safety) when second and fourth due on a box alarm or street assignment.

The 250-foot line is a one person line. It is racked in a minute man fashion with a 150-foot drag load and a 100-foot shoulder load. The firefighter deploying this line shoulders the 100-foot load, turns with his empty side and grabs a looped “ear” to finish pulling the 150-foot drag load from the engine. This line is packed to run off of the rear step, to the left of the supply line beds.

The 400-foot line is a three person line. It is racked utilizing three stacks of loads. The first load (attached to discharge) is racked in a flat loaded fashion, with a looped “ear” in the beginning and an additional looped “ear” after the first one hundred foot mark. It consists of 200-feet total. The second stacked load is racked in a minuteman fashion and is comprised of 100-feet. The third load is also racked in a minuteman fashion and contains the nozzle. It too is 100-feet of hose. This makes 200ft+100ft+100ft= 400ft.  The lineman takes the nozzle load, the OIC takes the middle load and the layout man deploys the 200-foot drag load. It is a quick line, but not a FAST line. This line is deployed correctly by practicing and communication among the members pulling it.

400-foot line deployed, 250-foot line being deployed (alternating turns)

Members also practice the front bumper pre-connect again

Afternoon Drill: Cutting chains and padlocks

The area we serve is one that has a lot of security features. Especially when responding to commercial building fires, etc. Today members drilled on techniques used to cut padlocks and chains when utilizing a saw. Members were taught to use a pair of vise grips to steady the chain. This allows the firefighter cutting to have a smooth operation. It also makes for quick work of the chain or lock by reducing the cut time. Time is always crucial, especially when dealing with metal “I” beam roof supports. The longer it takes us to gain access, the more chance of structural (roof) failure. This has been the unfortunate demise of firefighters killed in the line of duty across the United States.

As one blogger brought to our attention, when dealing with small gauge chain or lock, it is normally only necessary to utilize one person with a set of bolt cutters. However, the object of todays drill was to simulate a heavy duty lock and or large gauge chain securing a roll down gate/door.

Firefighters use a K1200 saw to cut through metal chain

Firefighter 1 cuts, while firefighter 2 holds the item being cut

Members stand-by while they are being instructed

Drill of the day: Advancing the front bumper pre-connect

Today members drilled on the proper technique of advancing the 150-foot pre-connected bumber line. Our bumper line takes the place of the common cross pull or cross lay. It is comprised of 150-feet of 1 1/2 attack line and is racked with the first 100-feet in a horseshoe load and the remaining 50-feet in a traditional doughnut roll. It is placed on the apparatus this way for quick deployment. Usually the line can be fully advanced and ready for water in under 25-seconds. But, the only way to ensure this line will be pulled correctly is by continuously training the members, both probationary and senior. Most people ask why we have opted to utilize this not so common hose load and length. Almost all of our single family homes (first due and surrounding areas) are within 15-feet of the roadway and it normally only takes 150-feet of line to successfully extinguish fires at any location within the structure. We utilize our 250-foot and 400-foot pre-connects if the situation warrants a different need. Today, members spent approx. one and a half hours, continuously practicing the deployment of the bumper line. Although it may seem repetitive to continuously pull this line over and over again, it is our belief that practice makes perfect and the basics of our job are what most firefighter (especially in current times) usually lack perfection in. None of us at 33 (or anywhere for that matter) are perfect and must continue to strive for deep knowledge of our fundamentals.

Members re-rack the front bumper line