LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Venting peaked roofs
In the Letters to the Editor column in the July 1990 issue of Fire Engineering, Chief John Mittendorf makes many valid points in regard to proper operating procedures when opening up peaked roofs. It does seem, however, that his remarks concerning the use of roof ladders need clarification.
The method of opening a peaked roof that Chief Mittendorf describes is fine if the wind is blowing parallel to the ridge of the roof section that is to be vented. If the wind is blowing at a right angle to the roof and a hole is made on the windward side of a peaked roof, the resulting effect will be the same as if we committed the unpardonable sin of introducing a hose stream into this ventilation hole. Not only will the wind act as a seal, it may well serve to spread the fire throughout the attic area and possibly drive the fire toward the firefighters who are operating within the building. Therefore, the firefighters venting via the roof must make the ventilation hole on the leeward side of the peaked roof in order to accomplish the desired goal. Although the firefighters will be downwind of the smoke and gases, if they work above their location and downward toward the bearing wall as described by Chief Mittendorf, they should not encounter too much discomfort since the roof will usually act as a windbreak.
John F. Maasz Deputy Eire Chief Mount Vernon (NY) Eire Department
Taking care of our own
I was moved when I read the Editor’s Opinion in the June 1990 issue of Eire Engineering about the terrible tragedy at the Happyland Social Club in New York City. Your editorial recounts the story of an officer who obviously cares for his people and the needless horrors that they were exposed to that night.
These tragedies unfortunately will continue in a society that seems to care little for others, and the fire service will undoubtedly continue to be exposed to the effects of these incidents. We cannot shield our personnel from these events but we have an obligation to take steps to insulate them from the aftereffects.
Critical incident stress debriefing is relatively new to the fire service but offers a great opportunity for a group of people who have historically taken it on the chin and kept on going. In the past the “tough guy” image was necessary in order to be accepted by your peers, but slowly things are changing.
Modern fire executives are realizing that psychological support of their troops is a good investment in the stability of their departments. Good personnel are becoming harder to keep in the rapidly changing emergency service. A substantial investment is made on the part of the department to recruit, train, and maintain these manpower resources. An active debriefing program can slow or halt the attrition in our ranks due to loss of people who never fully recover emotionally from just such tragedies as the social club fire.
1 encourage all fire and EMS departments to research the advantages of critical incident stress debriefing. If there is a team in your area, take advantage of their services. If not, consider forming one on a local, regional, or even state level. The excellent track record of these groups is growing with each major incident.
Traditionally the fire service has dedicated itself to taking care of others in need. That is what we are based on and dedicated to. It is time for us to begin taking care of our own as well.
Charles B. Hughes II
Maryland Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Team Hebron, Maryland
Where credit is due
You did an outstanding job highlighting the Farmington Hills Fire Department Fire Prevention Week open house in the June issue of Eire Engineering. However, I would like to give credit to the true author of the article. The information that you printed came from an application to the Michigan Municipal League for its awards program. Lieutenant Mike Garr of the Farmington Hills Fire Department was responsible for the text and also has served as our main catalyst in the transformation of this program from a very small parochial one to the successful open house event that it has become.
Again, I thank you for the support that you continue to give me and the Farmington Hills Fire Department. The article on our open house has done a great deal in helping us promote the value of public fire education and prevention to our members. Those that appeared in the article were pleasantly surprised and are very proud of their contributions.
Richard A. Marinucci Eire Chief Farmington Hills (MI) Fire Department
