WHEN THE VOLUME OF FIRE IS TOO GREAT FOR THE USUAL FAST ATTACK BY ALBERT F. WEBBER
ALBERT F. WEBBER
I have conducted the following limited-use operation successfully many times when as the first officer on the scene I found a fully involved structure and realized that the volume of fire exceeded that which would respond to the normal fast attack (using a preconnected 134-inch line supplied by the pumper`s booster tank). This method does not take any longer to get water on the fire than it would if we had to remove two 212-inch hoselines from the pumper.
THE OPERATION
I once used it when I, as the officer of the first pumper on location, found a fully involved 212-story frame structure on arrival. Immediately realizing that the volume of fire exceeded that for the normal fast attack (using a preconnected 134-inch line supplied by the pumper`s booster tank), I radioed a quick size-up of conditions to aid the incoming companies.
I then directed my driver to stop directly in front of the building. My attack person (#2 in the diagram at right) and I (#1 in the diagram) proceeded to the back of the pumper and pulled the nozzle and three lengths of 212-inch hose from both beds.
Simultaneously, my driver (#4 in the diagram) put the pumper into pump mode and, with the water supplied by the pumper`s booster tank, obtained a pressure of 50 psi. My hookup person (#3 in the diagram) climbed atop the pumper and operated the preconnected deck gun. When ready, #3 signaled the driver, who then opened the deck gun valve, sending the contents of the booster tank into the fire building. Forty-five seconds later, with an empty booster tank and two dry 212-inch attack lines laid in and operated by the attack person and me, the driver and hookup person drove to a hydrant and established a water supply.
I was assigned to a company with an older pumper for a period of time. The deck gun, although carried atop the pumper, was not preconnected to the booster tank. I ordered a short length of three-inch hose with a 212-inch coupling from the department`s hose tower. This hose was then attached between the pumper`s outlet gate (#4 in the diagram) and the top of the deck gun. When used, the operation went smoothly. n
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ALBERT F. WEBBER is a captain in the Buffalo (NY) Fire Department, where he has served for 33 years. He has been decorated for bravery several times. He has an associate`s degree in fire science from Erie Community College and a bachelor`s degree in supervision from Empire State College.
