Engine Company Ventilation Assignments
In this edition of “KTW” Captains Garfield, Haas and Rosario will discuss (1) engine company ventilation training and (2) mezzanine watch-outs during fire attack operations. These topics and experienced-based opinions should be points of discussion among all of us.
Leadership Question: Engine Co. ventilation assignments are more prevalent now than ever, as such, how do you train your command in what is typically a Truck Co. assignment?
CI Jody Garfield, FS 104-C: All officers have a responsibility to ensure the development and safety of their members by providing the skills to succeed on the fireground. Ventilation is one of these skills. Today more than ever ventilation instruction should be incorporated into everyone’s training agenda, as it is no longer just a Truck Co. responsibility.
The best way to do this is through a hands-on approach. Outside drills, walking roofs and providing “saw time” instills confidence to better fulfill these assignments. I’ve experienced first-hand the benefits of vertical ventilation as it relates to handline advancement and getting water on the fire. As an officer I can use this knowledge to clearly communicate my operational expectations and the importance of ventilation to my crew.
If you have limited ventilation experience, take advantage of neighboring Truck Co’s and SME’s to enhance your company’s skill level. As an example, A/O Stratton (FS-10) spent an entire day training my members on various Truck responsibilities. His passion, knowledge and experience strengthened their skills. It’s essential Engine Co’s have the pluck to be safe and effective with any fireground assignment they’re tasked with.
CI Jeff Haas, FS 97-A: It doesn’t matter whether you’re assigned to a Downtown Task Force or an Engine on “The Hill” – buy-in starts with you! Attitude and enthusiasm is infectious and will have a direct impact on those you command. Remember, everyone wants to be a part of a “well-oiled machine,” but it takes focused training to achieve this.
The possibility of being tasked with an Engine Co vent assignment is very real, so you better prepare. It’s not a matter of if you’ll be assigned ventilation, but when. Train your crew by utilizing all available resources such as neighboring Truck Co’s, line-up discussions and video footage to reinforce awareness and SOG’s.
District familiarity is a must. Discussing tactics while shopping, after calls or on move-ups is extremely helpful. Utilizing fire prevention to ID construction trends, roof types and laddering scenarios is also effective. On weekends throw ladders, walk roofs, discuss thermal flow-paths, utilize roof props and look at every fire you can. The key to ventilation is confidence; by properly preparing your crew you’ll ensure this. As goes the commander, so go the troops.
CI Bob Rosario, FS 27-B: For an engine captain at a task force this is a no brainer as we can train with the truck all day/night. As an officer it’s imperative that you have credibility within your command – experience and knowledge aid greatly in this regard. In my opinion there’s no better motivator than your crew knowing you not only “talk the talk” but can “walk the walk” – You’ve been there, done that.
As a captain at a single engine the same applies; you must set the example. Arrange training days with local Task Forces to build confidence in your crew’s ability safely and effectively operate various ventilation tools and equipment. Also, be an active participant at the ventilation exercises offered through In-Service and in your own battalion. Your crew’s ventilation confidence and effectiveness starts with you.
Take command and stress the importance of absolute readiness when called upon to initiate ventilation. When assigned ventilation, your crew must have the confidence they can perform safely and effectively; your training agenda will have a direct impact on this.
Operational Question: In 1972 the LAFD experienced two LODD’s (FF’s Curry & Widrig) after a mezzanine collapsed. What are your operational considerations when attacking fires with mezzanines?
Garfield: Fires involving mezzanines are an “Interior Watch-out” and a very serious safety hazard as their collapse with F/A teams underneath can be tragic. Although mezzanines are often located above front office areas in commercials, this is not always the case. Identifying construction trends in your district coupled with a thorough personal size-up can assist in your decision-making when mezzanines are potentially present.
If there is a mezzanine concern, an alternate tactic may be to advance initial handlines through a large entrance (rolling steel) on the B or D side of the structure, thus avoiding working underneath a mezzanine. This handline placement also provides a larger entrance/exit and fewer corners to pull hose around.
If you sense you’re underneath a mezzanine, this can often be confirmed by an inability to pull ceiling due to the decking above. Also, if the vent team above has fire venting from their hole and you have yet to locate it, chances are you’re below a mezzanine. In such cases, inform your company and immediately radio the IC; it may be necessary to withdraw and reposition your handlines.
Haas: The starting point for my personal size-up begins with the age and type of building. From there I assess construction, layout, access, water, indicators, fire load and mezzanine potential. In assessing for mezzanines we should not ignore routine firefighting considerations such as: time of day, delayed alarm, assignment, illegal construction, access stairs, radio messages from roof, etc.
My operational considerations are derived from the following equation: (type/age of building) x (color, temperature and density of the smoke). My greatest concern is what is over our heads. Therefore, we can play the odds by advancing through a large loading dock door and not an “A-side” man door.
As the door opens, allow the environment to balance-out. This will afford an opportunity to look for a mezzanine, overhead hazards and possibly the seat of the fire. Additionally, we need to make an early risk/gain assessment that’ll support our actions.
This brings us to line selection. Have guidelines on whether to deploy for gpm and reach (2½”) or for the added maneuverability of a smaller 1¾”.
Rosario: Fire involvement in the front of any warehouse, older commercial or automotive repair shop should raise the hair on your neck, as they’re all likely candidates for a mezzanine. Many warehouses (tilt-ups) are large open boxes until the new tenants alter them by incorporating offices toward the main entrance. Within time, storage accumulates thus prompting an overhead mezzanine to be built.
As the initial officer on these structures, my interior and exterior size-ups are equally critical. I’ll radio to incoming companies fire spread, location and attack points as well as any hazards (mezzanine) I may encounter. Maintaining escape routes during an interior fire attack is also critical, so if an overhead mezzanine has been identified, immediately communicate this to your crew and IC.
Pre-fire planning and fire preventing are great ways to identify construction hazards such as mezzanines. You should develop alternate methods of attack when a mezzanine is above your attack point, or when you identify a mezzanine while already engaged in F/A operations. If fire is overhead and you can’t find it, chances are you’re under a mezzanine.
In next months article Captains Erik Schneider, Rick Denning and Ron Harmon will discuss (1) attic fires in SFD’s and (2) leadership examples of how to motivate/inspire your commands.
Facilitated by Jerry Bedoya, Capt II, FS 10