Raul Angulo

Waiting for “2 In, 2 Out”

For two years now, it seems that at every class or conference I attend, the topic of “2 in, 2 out” still comes up. It’s still a passionate discussion; it’s still controversial around any firehouse kitchen table: and for some firefighters, it’s still a frustrating and confusing dilemma. But it’s the law, and if you are a full-time, paid department in a major city, you have to comply. Basically the standard states that the minimum number of firefighters on an attack team for interior fire fighting is two (the buddy system). But before that crew can enter a burning structure for an offensive attack, there has to be at least two firefighters in complete bunker gear with SCBA in the standby position ready to assist or rescue should the first team get into trouble. This is extremely challenging for some volunteer fire departments that have trouble getting firefighters to respond for a variety of reasons. The only exception to the rule is if there is a confirmed trapped occupant who needs rescue. Then two firefighters may enter the burning structure.

However, not every fire is considered to have trapped occupants, and that’s where the controversy lies. How do you know there isn’t anybody inside? You have to have reason to believe there is someone trapped inside the structure before you make the decision to ignore the “2-in, 2-out” rule. Now, there are countless “what if…” scenarios we can think of, and the response from firefighters usually sounds like, “I’m not just going to stand there and do nothing while the house burns down! Whatta ya crazy?” I agree. We don’t expect you to just stand around. Let’s look at some of the immediate actions we can take to improve the existing emergency conditions.

The last two house fires I had where Engine 33 was first in had confirmation that everyone was out. I verified this upon arrival. To ignore the “2-in, 2-out” rule here would be a deliberate violation of the Seattle Fire Department’s safety policy. The only life hazard I have right now is my own crew. If anything were to happen, like a sudden collapse or flashover that resulted in an injury or fatality, I’d be in big trouble. Not only would I be a captain for life, but, I could even be demoted and held personally liable for this decision.

Here’s what you can do while waiting for “2 in, 2 out” when there is no one trapped inside. Consider laying forward to the fire. Wrap the hydrant with a strap around the barrel instead of leaving a firefighter to anchor the supply hose. Make sure you spot the engine to leave room for the truck. Remember, you can always grab an extra 100 feet of hose, but you can’t get an extra 100 feet from an aerial. With modern engines having 500-gallon tanks or more, a forward lay is almost always the best option; but as I see it, if you are first in with a crew of four, the “2-in, 2-out” rule makes a forward lay your only option.

The officer has time to do a 360-degree walkaround to see all four sides of the building. Use the time to give a complete and thorough size-up report on the radio. “Paint the picture” of what you are seeing for the incoming companies. Designate the locations for the command post, base, and staging. Establish your strategy and tactics and take command. Call for police, water and power and any other support agencies.

RECEOS-V (Rescue, Exposures, Confinement, Extinguishment, Overhaul, Salvage and Ventilation) can still be performed to some extent without violating the rule. Certainly any visible occupants within reach can be rescued by putting up ground ladders. Most engines have a 26-foot extension ladder and a 14-foot roof ladder. One member can handle this. Two 1¾-inch attack lines can be laid and charged — one for the attack line and the other as a back up or RIT line. One firefighter can handle this with two trips to the engine. Another firefighter can lay two 2½-inch exposure lines for side “B” and side “D” of the building with two trips to the engine and charge them. Firefighters can also set up the portable monitor for exposure protection or a transitional attack. The driver can secure a water supply, connect to sprinkler and standpipe connections and lay a decon line. He can also use spotlights to illuminate the fire ground.

Forcible entry can be performed to gain access without going in. Tools and tarps can be laid out for entry teams, like Halligans, axes, pike poles and baby ladders. All these tools will be used for search and rescue, to check for extension and for overhaul. Members can position and start up PPV fans, as well as warm up chain saws, making them ready for ventilation as soon as additional firefighters arrive on scene. One firefighter can administer first aid to fire victims while another protects exposures. Why, a firefighter can even break out a window, shove the nozzle inside, whip it around and extinguish the fire! And all without violating the “2-in, 2-out” rule.

As you can see, there is actually quite a bit your crew can do while waiting for your second unit to arrive. Perhaps you can think of more. This beats “just standing around.” Have a drill with your company and see how long it takes for two members to accomplish these tasks. Then time it using three members. You will be amazed how quickly two or three firefighters can set up the fire ground.

Firefighting is dangerous. We will risk a lot to save a life. We are willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice, but not for property. Wait for your second unit to back you up when you know the only life hazard is you. Once you have the two out, then you can give your favorite order: “Mask up, we’re going in!” Stay safe.

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