Engine Company Operations

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Hester James
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Select the source of water supply that is sufficient for the

1 Engine Company Operations Rule 1 There are 20 basic rules that we consider in Engine company operations: Rule 1- Select the source of water supply that is sufficient for the job intended, the nearest hydrant may not always be the best choice. 1

2 Rule 2 Use the proper hose layout Consider friction losses and the volume of water that may be needed on the fire. Plan just in case the fire grows in size. One way to plan for the future is to place a Siamese connection with a clapper valve, so additional lines can be added if needed. The friction loss in the Siamese hose will be reduced by about 75 %. Rule 3 Get the line inside the structure The most important time in a fire, if it has not accelerated itself is the first few minutes. It is important that the first lines get to the seat of the fire. These line must be advanced into the fire s heart. 2

3 Rule 4 Do not open the nozzle to cool or clear the smoke. In doing so you cool the smoke which causes it to lose its buoyancy, making the ventilation even more difficult. Also opening the nozzle before reaching the fire causes unnecessary water damage and uses water that may be needed when you reach the heart of the fire. Rule 5 Always open and close nozzles slowly. opening the nozzle to quickly may cause you and your back-up to fall or lose control of the nozzle, Firefighters have been killed from nozzles under pressure that Whip around. Always close the nozzle slowly, while the governor on the engine is designed to drop the pressure it may not work. 3

4 Rule 6 Don t charge the line before moving up a stairway or ladder. The hose once charged may become very difficult to handle as you will probably not be ready for both the weight and the pressure. Charge the line only when you are in position and ready to advance the line. Rule 7 Don t open the line directly on the fire. Bled the entrapped air off first or you may blow the fire and embers into areas not affected by the fire. 4

5 Rule 8 If the hose line is under considerable pressure make sure that it is straight behind you. This will assist you in holding the nozzle as it exerts the force of the back pressure in a rearward direction rather then sideways where it could work against you. Engine Company Operation Rule 9 While advancing a line up a stairway toward a fire don t try to move with the nozzle all the way open. The problem you may encounter, is that when you lift a foot to move forward the pressure may push you back down the stairs. Open the nozzle shortly to cool the fire down, shut the nozzle down then move. 5

6 Rule 10 Always pull ahead hose so that when you are ready to move ahead the hose will not kink. Also if you a advancing on a stairwell make sure you pull enough free hose so you will not be stopped in the middle of the stairwell while you are advancing the line. Rule 11 Do not allow yourself to stand in front of the fire door before it is opened for fire entry. Step to one side and crouch low as fire may flashover near the ceiling as the door is opened. Always wait a few moments after the door is first opened to make sure the opening will not be followed by an flashover or explosion. 6

7 Rule 12 Do not crowd the nozzleperson. Allow enough room for that person to work the nozzle, follow the persons lead. Remember, that in most cases you will direct the pressure on the hose in the opposite direction the nozzleperson wants to direct the stream. Rule 13 If you cannot see the flames, crouch down low and listen, more then likely you will be able to hear the crackling and then you can continue with your forward advance. In a large area, aim the nozzle at the ceiling and cool the overhead down to advance further. 7

8 Rule 14 If you are at the nozzle and are having difficulty breathing, remember all nozzles will carry some trapped air. Open the nozzle, get your face close to it, you will be able to pick-up a few breaths of air. Rule 15 In a extremely difficult hot smoky fire, do the following - crouch low or if necessary get on the floor and inch your way along, there will be a chance for cooler air on the floor then in the higher levels. Sometimes, there may be leakage into the area as the fresh air from the outside is pulled in at the lowest levels. 8

9 Rule 16 In overhaul operations, when taking hose form the upper stories, disconnect the hose first (outside of the building) then begin to move it down the building. This will relieve much of the weight and will make the entire process safer and quicker. Rule 17 Fire hose that is frozen-- Don t bend- You will damage the fiber or separate the rubber lining from the outer jacket. Pick-up hose- take to station to allow the ice to unfreeze. 9

10 Rule 18 All hose and equipment must be inspected and tested if necessary before it is put back into service. The crew is counting on you to do your job as they may not get the opportunity to test or inspect the equipment before they need to use it. Rule 19 Always keep in touch with members of your crew. It is important to make sure all members of the crew know everyone's location in case of explosion, building collapse or other unforeseen event. Not knowing the location of one individual may get someone hurt while searching. 10

11 Rule 20 Fire fighting is a teamwork function. All members must do their part or the team fails. 11

ESCONDIDO FIRE DEPT TRAINING MANUAL Section ENGINE MODULE Page 1 of 12 Special Operations Revised

ESCONDIDO FIRE DEPT TRAINING MANUAL Section ENGINE MODULE Page 1 of 12 Special Operations Revised ENGINE MODULE Page 1 of 12 SPECIAL HOSE OPERATIONS The information presented in this section covers a variety of hose-handling methods. These special operations include: Connecting hoses to fire department