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July-August 2010 |
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Laddering Lightwells/Shafts In previous issues several laddering challenges were examined. The varying situations that arise are never ending and require firefighters to remain ever vigilant. Locating and removing or rescuing occupants from burning buildings is a primary consideration and methods of accomplishing that goal need to be practiced on a continuing basis. A location often overlooked during fires in multiple dwellings is the lightwell or shaft. More information on lightwells can be found in the Know Your Enemy section of Fire Nuggets and Chief Anthony Avillo’s Bigger Picture January and February 2010 columns. Because of its perceived inaccessibility firefighters often regard laddering a lightwell as impossible or not worth the effort. On the contrary, many lightwells can be accessed by ground ladders. Lightwells, particularly those shared by more than one building and that contain utility shut offs can be accessed through a service or tradesman entrance located at the front of the building. See Photo 1.
In Photo 2, utility shut offs are visible inside the tradesman entrance as is the bottom of the shaft, indicated by the arrow. While many tradesman entrances do not pass completely through the building in this case it continues to the backyard .
Raising a ladder in such a confined space can be difficult. The San Francisco Fire Department built simulated tradesman entrances with lightwells at their Treasure Island Training Facility to give companies an opportunity to train. (See Photo 3.)
Ladders can be raised in lightwells on the beam or flat just as they are under “normal” circumstances. Because of limited space, it may be necessary to raise the ladder on the beam. If using the beam technique, understand that this is the more difficult evolution. RAISING ON THE BEAM When raising it on the beam, firefighters carry the ladder into the tradesman entrance with the top of the ladder leading the way. (See Photo 4.) In the following photos, a two section, 35-foot wood extension ladder is used.
As the top approaches the bottom of the lightwell, the foot of the ladder is placed with one beam on the ground. It is important that the firefighter positioned at the base of the ladder maintain constant pressure as the ladder slides forward and up. (See Photo 5.) Firefighters at the top of the ladder position themselves underneath the beam and push the ladder up into the lightwell. (See Photo 6.)
During this evolution, the transition from being raised (one beam being slid on the ground) to raised (both beams on the ground), will be momentarily unstable. It is at this time that firefighters, particularly the one at the base, need to pay close attention to keep the ladder grounded. (See Photo 7.)
Once the ladder is raised it can be positioned and extended to the desired location. (See Photo 8.)
RAISING FLAT Raising a ground ladder flat in a lightwell is another option to consider. In this evolution, the use of a ceiling hook will aid the process. Firefighters enter the tradesman entrance with the top of the ladder leading the way. As they approach the bottom of the lightwell, it is placed flat. In the following photos a 24 foot straight ladder is used. The firefighter positioned at the base of the ladder maintains constant pressure as the ladder slides forward and up into the shaft. (See Photo 9.)
Firefighters positioned at the top of the ladder push the ladder up into the shaft while another firefighter uses a ceiling hook to assist. (See Photos 10 and 11.)
Because the flat raise has both spurs of the ladder on the ground during the raising process, there is no instability during the transition phase. Once the ladder is raised it can be placed to the desired position. (See Photo 12.)
Raising ladders in a lightwell is no easy task but one that must be performed by firefighters if the situation dictates. Finding a rescue situation in a lightwell should not come as a surprise or accident. Because of the potential of people becoming trapped in this location it is mandatory that they be checked in all instances of a reported fire. Finally, if rescue by ladder or removal from within is not possible, then a rope rescue should be the last resort. © Copyright Firenuggets.com 2010 • Click here for Terms and Conditions of Use
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