[...]
All of you know that the majority of fires to which we respond
are of minor importance.
But none of us can foretell at what moment that big one is liable to occur.
The fire that will tax our efforts and equipment to their limits and force us to
apply all the tricks of our trade if we're to make a successful stop.
Constant drilling is a necessity if top line efficiency is to
be maintained in the fire service.
There is no substitute for practice. It is the only way we have of knowing our
equipment and developing the ability to use it efficiently under fire.
In routine company drilling, the detailed procedures normally associated with
response are frequently overlooked. And this very oversight could easily result
in an otherwise well-trained company looking like rank amateurs. Most of these
procedures of which I speak are fundamental. The responsibility of seeing that
they're carried out lies with any man in charge of a firefighting unit. Suppose
we consider these details of response one by one.
The best place to start is at morning lineup every day. Ask yourself, what is the
numerical strength of my company? How many men do I have? Does
everybody know what they are to do?
Do I have a relief driver or engineer who needs instructions? Who lays the line?
Who takes over if we are first in and I'm in charge of the fire? This is the time
to get organized. An hour later may be too late.
On receipt of a long ring, get to that phone in a hurry.
Identify your station, determine who goes and where, repeat the address, write it
down, and take it with you.
Other units must know where they are going,
as well as your auto
firemen, your engineer,
and other members of your company.
On receipt of a box alarm, the location is your first concern.
After double checking the box number by reading the tape, the location
can be quickly determined by checking the convenient list at the printer case.
But if you have not memorized the other companies who will respond to the same
location, check the proper running card and jot
them down for a knowledge of what help you will have is
vital to good firefighting.
And don't forget, push the answer back button.
How else can the dispatcher know you've received the alarm and are on your way?
Those still alarms are rare. You may receive one
at any time. When you do, be short of the address and determine what is burning
if possible. Alert your crew with a long ring.
Then notify the fire dispatcher before leaving quarters.
As a last precaution, in fact, any time you leave quarters with your
apparatus, check to see that every member of your crew is present.
Let me repeat. Regardless of the type of alarm received, it is sound practice to
let every member know the location. That way, there's less possibility of going
wrong and more assurance that every member will be thinking about what might be
involved and what job each must perform in the probable lines of attack.
After you get rolling, there are many things to be considered.
If you are a two-piece company, is your pump following?
Motor trouble may have prevented it leaving quarters, in which case you will be
forced to operate alone unless proper radio notification is
immediately given to the signal office.
The speed of your response should always be consistent with safety. It must vary
with traffic conditions, visibility,
and weather. To rely on green lights is
foolhardy. Cross intersections
under control. Other companies may be responding also.
Anticipate their line of travel
and watch for other emergency vehicles. Their
sirens may be synchronizing with your own.
Speed and traffic conditions are not your only problems
when responding to an emergency.
Besides making sure you're taking the most direct route, are you positive that
house moving activities are not blocking your line of travel?
Or that street repair work will not lead you into a dead end and costly delay?
Notice of street closings, hydrants out of service, water shutoffs, and
fumigations are of little value unless you plan ahead of time how you'll prevent
such conditions from interfering with your operations.
The procedures I've pointed out are not complete by any
means. You'll think of others of importance.
Put them into practical use to accomplish the most important objective. Your
apparatus is needed at the scene of emergency. See that it gets there safely.
And when you do get there, try to get keep from blocking streets,
hydrants, or other apparatus.
Pose lines across streets and over tracks are to be avoided whenever possible. If
this is not practical, remember to clear the street as soon as it
is possible to do so.
While still traveling to the location given, start thinking about the
possible nature of the emergency.
Is it a fire?
An explosion?
Or a rescue operation?
If special equipment is needed, do you have it? If not, do
you know how to get it?
A thorough knowledge of your first in-district is essential. How else will you be
able to estimate possible conditions at any given location in the area which you
serve? Does the location consist mainly of single dwellings, multiple
occupancies, mercantile,
or industrial establishments?
Is there a potential life hazard to be considered?
And have you acquainted yourself with the location of auxiliary firefighting
appliances that will help in bringing a fire under control, or help prevent
excessive water damage?
Will you need heavy streams?
If so, what hydrants will support them?
If the fire is of any magnitude and automatic sprinklers are operating, will
the nearest water main supply fire pumps as well as the sprinklers, or must you
use a hydrant on an adjacent main?
All of these problems are important to you regardless of the type of apparatus
you may be in charge of. Truck companies will be faced with problems of
laddering, forcible
entry, rescue,
ventilation, and the probability that your crew will be called upon to
lay additional lines,
or help with salvage operations.
And, of course, the priority of operations of regular salvage companies must be
governed by the property values to be protected. Do you know where these values
are located in the occupancies in your district?
In any event, I think you'll agree that no definite plan of action can be
determined until you actually see what the emergency is. At any rate, a
preliminary size up upon arrival is important. If you have a fire, first you've
got to quickly consider its size and extent, the possible life hazard, the
exposures both exterior and interior, building construction, wind and weather
conditions, and any special hazards such as
chemicals, explosive dust, high voltage equipment, and noxious gases.
The skull work you do en route will go far in helping you make your decisions
with greater accuracy and speed, both of which are highly important during the
first few minutes at any emergency.
Doing the right thing and doing it quickly is the key to successful firefighting,
and your success or failure will be in direct proportion to the amount of
planning you have done before your wheels start rolling.