By: Gary Lane I was shown something by another fireman that I really think should be shared. It is so simple that I am actually embarrassed to admit I never thought of doing it. Before I share it with you, I wanted to just talk for a quick minute about what that means, “To share”. …
Tag: FSWTraining
Backdraft
By: Eddie Crombie On March 28, 1994 the Fire Department of New York responded to reports of heavy sparks and smoke coming from a chimney in an apartment located at 62 Watts Street Upon arrival companies found light smoke showing and prepared for an offensive attack. Crews positioned themselves outside the apartment door to mount…
Extreme Fire Phenomena
By: Eddie Crombie Over the last two articles we have examined event we call flashover and heat release rate, the dynamic measure of energy that partially defines why the traditional fire behavior curve is changing. The next step in expanding our understanding of the modern fire ground requires us to delve…
Heat Release Rate
By: Eddie Crombie In the last post we extensively covered flashover. Specifically what has changed in the modern environment we operate in. We all know we fight explosive fires in disposable buildings because of the widespread use of synthetic materials in our daily lives. This translates to rapid fire development due…
Flashover
By: Eddie Crombie From the first days in academy we begin to learn about fire behavior, specifically flashover. We are taught that flashover is an event in every fire when everything combustible in a room ignites instantly creating a non-survivable environment for both victims and rescue personnel. Unfortunately, this is an…
NY Roof Hook
The New York Roof Hook is one of the most versatile fireground prying tools there is. This essay by FSW Contributors Brian Brush, Gary Lane, and Jason Jefferies provides critical info on using this tool. Download the FREE PDF from the Adult Academy Store! The New York Roof Hook
Removing Fire Victims
By: Jason Jefferies The day we were awarded our badge we all had grand notions of the countless numbers of rescues we would perform. We also practiced our look of smug satisfaction we would exhibit on our stoic faces the day we were awarded medals for our harrowing and death-defying action. It did not take…
Firefighter Occupational Cancer
By: Christopher Brennan On July 31st, my friend and Brother Tony Volpe passed away from Colon Cancer. While “the jury is still out” so to speak, I believe that Tony’s cancer was as a result of Occupational Exposure. Firefighters have been regularly identified as having higher than the normal occurrences of cancer. “Researchers found…
More Decision Making Thoughts
By: Christopher Brennan A structure fire is a dynamic microcosm; a world in and of itself, where the properties of Chemistry and Physics develop by consuming the structure. As Fire Service Warriors it is our Duty to quench this unrestrained chemical chain reaction. The fireground is a chaotic environment and we must make critical tactical…
Situational Awareness Part 2
By: Christopher Brennan It’s a Team Sport Firefighting is a team sport. We are not operating as individuals, and as such the actions of the Team are vital in our ability to maintain Situational Awareness. We accomplish this through the use of our SOGs, knowing what our teammates are doing based upon the situation. Think…