Brennan Q&A March 2002

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TOM BRENNAN has more than 35 years of fire service experience having responded to 33,000 fire alarms. His career spans more than 20 years with the Fire Department of New York as well as four years as chief of the Waterbury (Conn.) Fire Department. He has a bachelor of science degree, summa cum laude, John Jay College; Alumnus of the Year Award, John Jay College; chairman of the Connecticut Fire Chiefs Association and a charter member of the National Fire Protection Association, Fire Service Section. He has delivered courses and seminars throughout the United States and has instructed at the National Fire Academy. He was the editor of Fire Engineering Magazine for eight years, is currently a technical editor, and his column “Random Thoughts,” is a regular monthly feature. He is co-editor of The Fire Chief’s Handbook, Fifth Edition. He is the recipient of the 1998 Fire Engineering Lifetime Achievement Award.

MARCH 2002

Question: We have a combination fire department, Chief. How do you feel about a prepipe waterway on a ladder (quint) truck being set up with a water thief to serve as an outside standpipe, as opposed to the line being on the aerial ladder the “old and traditional” way? I hope you understand the question. — Pennsylvania Fire Service Member.

Answer: I understand, I understand LOL. The problem is that you have a lot of underlying questions here, but we will concentrate on the one that is in the sentence structure.

To put this issue to “bed” from my perspective, opinion, attitude, and commitment to firefighting information, the answer is NO! Now with that said, “Let’s talk.”

First, you never (silver bullet coming...) tie an aerial device to the building by stretching a hose line from it to some fire team on the inside of the structure. To put it another way, if the troops are still inside the building and operating in an aggressive, offensive, interior strategy, that aerial device must be maneuverable either to move the ladder vertically or horizontally to another objective OR to move the truck itself to another location — rekindle, unplanned extension, medical emergency, evacuation, access, egress and more.

Next, if the line to be stretched on the aerial device is to be used as a third line into the building on fire, overhauling, as a RIT line, or other special operations, your choice should be:

1. Send a fire team to the point in question (floor opening or roof or extension) with all equipment and a Utility Line. Upon exiting the ladder the team lowers the rope to the awaiting line below them. Hoist the line in the window, fire escape etc and tie it off below the highest outside coupling (? Ask). Free the ladder!

2. Take the line up the ladder with you – enter the window or roof – pull sufficient etc, etc. Now free the ladder of the loose hose!

3. Bucket? Take a loop of 1 3/4 inch hose (100 feet) in the bucket and stretch up the outside of the building to the location of operation. Hand the loop into the window and go about your truck work.

Aerial devices MUST remain maneuverable! Period! Once the line is in operation within the structure and is attached to the waterway or useless control gate the ladder is out of service for any other location including the next window. You are taking a 3/4 million dollar firefighting investment and using it as a piece of rope.

Purchasing a ladder with a fixed pipe up to the tip of the top sliding section on which is mounted a remote controlled fireboat connection in another silly matter for discussion. Later brother.

Write if you agree or don’t agree or on anything. Tbrennan@firenuggets.com

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