Stretching fire lines into a structure should be a basic “bread and butter” operation that everyone should be able to perform on any fireground, at any time. As firefighters we can vent the building all we want, and search it all we want, but the only way to extinguish the fire is to stretch that line and put the fire out. Stretching lines into multi-dwellings is a bit more complicated than stretching a line into a single family dwelling, but don’t let that fool you. Both tasks can be difficult to complete dependent on the type of structure and the manpower available to you on the scene.
When stretching into a building, single family, multi-dwelling, or commercial, we want to take a second or two to look at the building, look at what’s presented to us (i.e. number of stories, smoke or no smoke showing, multiple entrances), and try to determine the best route for getting the hose line in service.
A simple way to get a leg up on this is your inspection program, or the BI as our brothers in FDNY call it. Many of us would prefer to be spending time at the firehouse, watching TV or playing on the computer, but those are the people who are looking at the inspections the wrong way. You should be looking at the inspection of a building as being for your safety. An inspection is giving you a clear view of what’s in the building and what kind of obstacles you might run into if you have a fire in that occupancy. There’s nothing worse than trying to find your way around an area in smoke so thick you can’t see your glove in front of your mask. Having made an inspection of the building before making a fire there is going to give you a little leg up on what’s in that building. Hopefully your going to remember certain things that were in the building, or what kind of rooms where there. An inspection is going to let you know ahead of time how many stories there really are in a building. It’s going to let you know how many apartments are on a floor in an apartment building. It’s going to let you know if you can stretch up a well hole for upper floor fires, or if you’re going to have to wrap the stairs. You’ll be able to see if there are sprinklers, or a standpipe. Perhaps a fire escape to be put into use, if the main stairs are untenable. You’ll be able to determine what kind of stairs are in the building and how they might help or hinder you during your stretch.
Some size up points and considerations apply to all types of occupancies and can be put to use all the time. Using the DOSE method to size up your stretch is one of those. DOSE stands for Distance Obstacles Stairs Elevation. Another consideration for all occupancies is not committing the first engine company without being certain you are where you need to be. One other factor to consider is the amount of manpower with you to stretch that line and get it in service.
Please See D.O.S.E.
