The volume of water needed for an expansive structural fire and reach of the stream will dictate how far you’ll need to stretch a 2 ½" hoseline.
The size of the fire will indicate proper selection of a hoseline, most likely a 1 ¾" or 2 ½". Area: Large areas may produce hotter and smokier fires. For example, in a mixed occupancy containing commercial areas below and residential areas above, an increased fire load in the commercial occupancy on the first floor would increase the danger during a fire for residents living on the floors above.ģ. Occupancy: This part of the size-up may determine the severity of the hazard and the intensity of the fire.
#Fire officer sizeup command windows#
Wood laminate “I” beams, energy-efficient windows and many other building features can affect the outcome of the operation and become a concern when conducting an aggressive interior attack.Ģ.
Alterations to these buildings may produce larger voids that may spread fire vertically as well as horizontally. Some of these buildings will contain voids that may allow for fire extension. Fireproof, fire-resistive and wood-frame are just a few of the categories of construction types. Construction: Construction dictates actions at all fires. Next month, I’ll cover the remaining six points.ġ. The acronym “COAL WAS WEALTH” covers 13 points you can include in your size-up to enhance operations for everyone on the fireground, from the probationary firefighter at their first fire, up to and including the highest ranking chief of your department.Ī detailed description of each of the first seven points is listed below. (Of course, nothing beats good fire prevention, but we still have to be ready to respond on a daily basis.) 13 Points With that said, I’d like to discuss some size-up basics using an acronym for a strategic size-up that seems antiquated, but still holds up in modern-day firefighting. Decisions you make and actions you take as a commanding officer will always affect the outcome of the operation-possibly in a negative way, which is why a thorough size-up is essential.
#Fire officer sizeup command plus#
Command size-up includes the above considerations, plus your primary concern as a commander: the safety of the firefighters operating on scene. If assigned to a ladder company, my assigned position would dictate whether I’d operate in the interior or on the exterior of the building.Īs my career progressed, size-up became routine and expanded tenfold. If I was on the engine and assigned suppression, my assignment on the hoseline would be pre-determined.
At most fires, your riding position dictates your position at the fire scene according to building design or occupancy and/or how your unit arrived at the fire. One thing in particular that I’d think about: my riding assignment for that tour. Using any information available, such as dispatch information, prior fires or fire prevention inspection activities, I’d try to figure out where I’d be positioned at the fire to perform my duties. Whether I was checking the apparatus prior to a tour, checking tools or responding to an incident, I’d always perform a mini size-up in my head. FireRescue magazine's Fireground Operations columnĬOAL WAS WEALTH: The basics of size-up, part 1 By Freddie LaFeminaĪs a young firefighter, I’d always run fire scenarios through my mind.
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