Let’s play “Guess that Occupancy”.
OK, more fun with pictures. Occupancies change, and they can be deceiving from the from the outside. Preplan, Preplan, Preplan. These are just a couple examples of why you should check out what’s going on in your district. Step 1, select the pictures that are from the same house 1a, 2b etc… Step 2, guess […]
Big Box Search
A few weeks ago some of our guys had the opportunity to attend a class by Chief John Coleman that was titled “Incident Command for the Street Smart Fire Officer.” One of the topics Chief Coleman talked about, was the “Oriented Method of Search.” This method can be used to perform a big box search.There are several […]
Truck Work: Do you really know
While at a fire the other night I observed some truckies at work. These guys were carrying multiple ladders by themselves and throwing them. Venting the windows it was fantastic. It lead me to think, what if that apparatus is not here. Do firefighters have the mentality to understand it is not about the apparatus […]
What’s inside that wall?
Building codes are great, they provide a standard for everyone to follow. What is the result? Buildings that are all built the same? Not so much. Realistically, people do whatever they want, additions here, and alterations there. Many buildings predate modern codes, others have changed occupancy multiple times in their history. You have no idea […]
Drill: Size-Up
Go out in your district and stop at different buildings. Look for muilt-story, L-shaped U Shaped buildings in your district. Also go through your residential communities and practice sizing up different styles and sizes of homes. Key Points to emphasize when doing size-up 1. What side are you on ( Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta ) […]
View from the front.
Has someone ever told you to run around the back and tell them what you see? Or, as in my area, the second in ladder has this responsibility. How would you describe these front and back pictures to Command? Would they require a radio transmission? What do these “additions” tell you about what my be […]
Blog Information
In defense of the Senior man
"Education without experience is only theory" - great point, Shawn. We need to listen to the men (and women) who've been there when things got tough.
2019-07-25 01:25:35
In defense of the Senior man
This was wonderful. Thank you Shawn. I am pretty lucky to have a great senior man, and I use a lot of these tricks. Just Simply showing him the respect he’s earned over 25 years. He doesn’t have to jump Into the training, just be around and give perspective. It’s great to have a senior…
2019-06-22 03:05:41
Engine Company Series
We are a basically rural volunteer (paid per call) dept. 22 Firefighters on the roster. Interested in Engine Basics, Engine Operations, Rural Firefighting, and anything you may have on SCBA's. Kent
2018-09-13 02:36:33
Laying A Supply Line
Succinct and clear: objectives and parameters. "Keep It Simple, Specialist!" applies especially to combat, and no combat is more vital than on the fire scene. Fire cannot be bluffed, intimidated, or distracted. It can only be outmaneuvered and knocked down, and speed with decisiveness, not haste and mistakes, nor hesitation and muddling, is key to…
2018-03-12 03:01:24
