Basic Procedures

The fire engine typically arrives at the scene of a fire to stretch out hose lines that direct water at the seat of the fire. Progress or forward movement of the engine company is dependent on the amount and volume of fire, as well as the condition of the building. In addition, engine companies are used at large fires to pump water into snorkel and tower ladders implemented to deliver large amounts of water to a fire.

A truck, or hook and ladder company is staffed by a company officer and four firefighters. At the scene of a fire, the members of a truck company typically are involved in raising ladders to windows and making entrance to the structure in the primary search and rescue operation.

A very important job of the truck company is to provide ventilation of the fire building by breaking windows, doors and sawing through the roof. It often is misunderstood by the public what purpose is served by taking these actions; ventilation is extremely important in the successful extinguishment of fire. As fire burns fuel, it releases a variety of toxic gases that remain aloft in ceiling or attic spaces and open areas of the structure. These gases are incompletely burned, but may be reignited and present a dangerous and explosive condition when oxygen is reintroduced to the space which they occupy. When these gases do explode, the phenomenon is referred to as a "back draft." Ventilation allows the evacuation of these gases and the accompanying smoke, lessening the danger of a potential explosion and allowing the firefighter to see and complete the primary goal of search and rescue.

Although firefighters are trained to operate in such circumstances, these conditions prohibit the success of a rescue while endangering the life of the rescue personnel. By cutting a hole in the roof and venting smoke and gas from windows, fire damage can be minimized and the fire companies are able to attack and extinguish the fire more rapidly, as well as halting further fire spread.

The use of Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) is a mandatory policy of the department for all internal fire fighting procedures. The SCBA is a vital piece of equipment which allows the firefighter to operate in the presence of toxic-filled environments. The SCBA's are filled with 2216 p.s.i. of compressed air and will last for 20 to 30 minutes before a refill is required.

For more info go to Home Fire Safety Checklist, Smoke Detectors, Protecting You and your family, Seat Belts

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