Read articles from the October 2024 issue of Fire Engineering magazine, which focuses on engine company work.
The cover: The Spearfish (SD) Fire Department assisted the Beulah Volunteer Fire Department and Crook County Fire Service with a fully involved semi-trailer carrying polystyrene beads. A Type 1 engine and two water tenders responded from Spearfish to assist Beulah, Crook County, and U.S. Forest Service units already on scene. Units were on scene for approximately two hours. The driver of the semi was able to disconnect the tractor from the trailer before the fire spread to the front of the trailer. No injuries were reported. Responders should always attempt to identify the cargo by checking placards and material safety data sheets of any over-the-road containers when possible. The driver is often the best source of this information. Having accurate information will be essential in identifying the product and will allow you to select the proper strategy and tactics and determine what additional resources are needed.
Features
Size-Up Considerations for the First-Due Engine
A good size-up is concise, paints an accurate picture of the incident, identifies key hazards, and declares the initial strategy and tactical needs to other incoming companies. NICK PEPPARD
The Importance of RIT Culture and the Positive Outcome
West Metro (CO) Fire Rescue has an aggressive rapid intervention team (RIT) culture that places a strong emphasis on RIT preparedness and proactivity. The priority is maintaining crew safety through a proactive, prepared, and communicative RIT operation on all working structure fires.
SETH MAJOR
Tactics for Deck Gun Blitz Attacks
This article examines situations that present a fire officer with a blitz attack opportunity as well as the tactical considerations that should influence whether a blitz attack is ultimately the best option for any given fire. CHANDLER MOORE
Considerations for Interior and Exterior Vertical Hoseline Stretches
Fireground success is determined by your knowledge of your district and the building construction and occupancies in it, which is accomplished through preplanning. During preplanning, your engine company’s members must focus on the speed and ease of the stretch. You must also look at all interior and exterior options for both the initial attack line and the backup/second line. DAVE QUICK
Engine Operations Then and Now
The U.S. fire service has worked hard over time on strategic and tactical improvements to achieve today’s tactical successes. In short, we need to know where we have come from to know how we got here. JEFF SHUPE
Rural Water Supply in a Long-Lane Setting
The Elburn & Countryside (IL) Fire Protection District protects a wide array of properties in challenging geographical settings. Its firefighters must be excellent in rural water supply and train to deliver necessary gallons per minute. Faced with the challenge of deploying aggressive fire attacks in long-lane rural homes (with driveways longer than 500 feet), the department came up with a solution. MATT HANSON
Deparments
EDITOR’S OPINION: The Unexpected Influence of a Renaissance Man
TRAINING NOTEBOOK: Strategies for Conducting a Well-Hole Stretch
VOLUNTEERS CORNER: The Power of Camaraderie and How It Can Help Your Department
