I have my own concept and views on an SOP I have researched and titled TACTICAL FIREFIGHTING and I want to run this by you for your views.
TACTICAL FIREFIGHTING is based upon a 26 year review of firefighting tactics around the world. It recognizes that some firefighters operate behind the principles of 'open and vent' whilst others prefer to 'close and hold' - ie; restrict venting until the fire has been suppressed. Other conflicts lie in the old smooth-bore versus water-fog debate. Some envisage using PPV as an attack tool whilst others prefer to save it for post-fire ops. Another unwritten rule is to take the fire before the rescue, although some oppose this view and operate the reverse. In general, there are many views, opinions and preferences. When I talk of these I am meaning departmental preferences and not those of the individual - ie; current SOPs often reflect what should be done.
However, I have strong views that we are missing the point in so many ways. We should be matching the tactics with the conditions presenting on arrival - with the structure's design, construction and geometrical layout - and in general, with the situation we are facing, and each one is different.
Why argue smooth-bore versus fog; or to vent or not to vent when each individual strategy has pros and cons - distinct advantages in certain situations. Why not be trained and equipped for all circumstances and choose the option that fits the conditions best.
Further still, we must ensure that our approaches are not in conflict with our objectives and that by varying and running different strategies in unison they do not counter each other - for example (one of many), can we use water-fog in a ventilated compartment?? Well YES we can - providing we are not attempting an 'indirect' application.
TACTICAL FIREFIGHTING is an SOP for selecting and combining the various tactical options for safe and effective use. Such options include straight-stream, indirect water-fog and 'new-wave' 'pulsing' water-fog applications; and horizontal, vertical and PPV tactical ventilation methods including isolation and 'close-down'. The 21st century firefighter will be trained and experienced to recognise the advantages of each specific tactical approach and match or combine tactics with specific fireground situations for optimal effect.
Could you operate under such an approach? ie; are you willing to accept that there many ways to fight a fire but there is generally only one way to gain optimum effect with maximum safety. Each situation is different - we shouldn't approach every routine fire the same!
TACTICAL FIREFIGHTING is based upon a 26 year review of firefighting tactics around the world. It recognizes that some firefighters operate behind the principles of 'open and vent' whilst others prefer to 'close and hold' - ie; restrict venting until the fire has been suppressed. Other conflicts lie in the old smooth-bore versus water-fog debate. Some envisage using PPV as an attack tool whilst others prefer to save it for post-fire ops. Another unwritten rule is to take the fire before the rescue, although some oppose this view and operate the reverse. In general, there are many views, opinions and preferences. When I talk of these I am meaning departmental preferences and not those of the individual - ie; current SOPs often reflect what should be done.
However, I have strong views that we are missing the point in so many ways. We should be matching the tactics with the conditions presenting on arrival - with the structure's design, construction and geometrical layout - and in general, with the situation we are facing, and each one is different.
Why argue smooth-bore versus fog; or to vent or not to vent when each individual strategy has pros and cons - distinct advantages in certain situations. Why not be trained and equipped for all circumstances and choose the option that fits the conditions best.
Further still, we must ensure that our approaches are not in conflict with our objectives and that by varying and running different strategies in unison they do not counter each other - for example (one of many), can we use water-fog in a ventilated compartment?? Well YES we can - providing we are not attempting an 'indirect' application.
TACTICAL FIREFIGHTING is an SOP for selecting and combining the various tactical options for safe and effective use. Such options include straight-stream, indirect water-fog and 'new-wave' 'pulsing' water-fog applications; and horizontal, vertical and PPV tactical ventilation methods including isolation and 'close-down'. The 21st century firefighter will be trained and experienced to recognise the advantages of each specific tactical approach and match or combine tactics with specific fireground situations for optimal effect.
Could you operate under such an approach? ie; are you willing to accept that there many ways to fight a fire but there is generally only one way to gain optimum effect with maximum safety. Each situation is different - we shouldn't approach every routine fire the same!
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