1 Garden Apartment Fires By Capt. David Polikoff Garden Apartment Fires By Capt. David Polikoff.

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Garden Apartment FiresBy Capt. David Polikoff

Garden Apartment FiresBy Capt. David Polikoff

22

ObjectivesObjectives

• Discuss construction of garden apartment

• Discuss tactics

• Discuss our rolls and functions on the fire ground

• Discuss command considerations

• Discuss construction of garden apartment

• Discuss tactics

• Discuss our rolls and functions on the fire ground

• Discuss command considerations

33

OverviewOverview

Building Construction

Layout and Design

Box Assignment

Strategy and Tactics

Command Considerations


Layout and Design

Box Assignment



44

Definitions Definitions • Aggressive: moving quickly to accomplish a

task. All the while keeping safety of you and your crew in mind. Aggressive firefighting is used in offensive or defensive modes.

• Forceful• Hard hitting• Assertive • Unyielding

• Attic: a story or room directly below the peaked roof of a building, especially a house.

• Aggressive: moving quickly to accomplish a task. All the while keeping safety of you and your crew in mind. Aggressive firefighting is used in offensive or defensive modes.

• Forceful• Hard hitting• Assertive • Unyielding

• Attic: a story or room directly below the peaked roof of a building, especially a house.

55

Definitions cont.Definitions cont.

• Cockloft: structural space above ceiling and below rafters of a flat roof building, often connecting adjacent occupancies and permitting fire to spread laterally, often unseen.

• Division: The organizational level that is responsible for operations within a

defined geographic area, or with functional responsibility. Radio designation:

Division xxx (Roof, Basement 1,2,3,4…)

• Cockloft: structural space above ceiling and below rafters of a flat roof building, often connecting adjacent occupancies and permitting fire to spread laterally, often unseen.

• Division: The organizational level that is responsible for operations within a

defined geographic area, or with functional responsibility. Radio designation:

Division xxx (Roof, Basement 1,2,3,4…)

66

Definitions cont.Definitions cont.

• Group: The organizational level that is responsible for a specified functional

assignment at an incident, e.g., ventilation, salvage, water resources, etc. Radio

designation: “specific function- (e.g., Salvage)”

• Poke through: A hole or opening in fire stopping material

• VES: Vent Enter Search

• Group: The organizational level that is responsible for a specified functional

assignment at an incident, e.g., ventilation, salvage, water resources, etc. Radio

designation: “specific function- (e.g., Salvage)”

• Poke through: A hole or opening in fire stopping material

• VES: Vent Enter Search

77

Key to SuccessKey to Success• Aggressive Truck and Engine Work

– Open walls and ceilings– Bring the correct GPM (min. 150 GPM), hose

length and size – Put the manpower in the correct place

• Plenty of Manpower

• Understand how fire spreads in Garden Apartments

• Aggressive Truck and Engine Work– Open walls and ceilings– Bring the correct GPM (min. 150 GPM), hose

length and size – Put the manpower in the correct place

• Plenty of Manpower

• Understand how fire spreads in Garden Apartments

88

Keys to Success cont.Keys to Success cont.

• Understand how Garden Apartments are built– Kitchens and

bathrooms stacked on top of each other from the bottom to the top

• Be prepared to stretch hose longer than 200 feet

• Preplan your area

• Understand how Garden Apartments are built– Kitchens and

bathrooms stacked on top of each other from the bottom to the top

• Be prepared to stretch hose longer than 200 feet

• Preplan your area

99

Always check the attic/cockloft on any fire regardless where in the building the fire started. Do this to ensure no fire has entered the walls and is traveling to the overhead spaces.

Always check the attic/cockloft on any fire regardless where in the building the fire started. Do this to ensure no fire has entered the walls and is traveling to the overhead spaces.

Keys to Success cont.Keys to Success cont.

1010

Keys to Success cont.Keys to Success cont.From this From this

To thisTo this

1111

Building ConstructionBuilding Construction

• New vs. Old

• Stack Design

• Pipe Chases

• Roof Design

• New vs. Old

• Stack Design

• Pipe Chases

• Roof Design

1212

ConstructionConstruction

• Buildings are usually – Wood frame– Brick veneer– Ordinary construction– Multiple buildings joined together– Common attic/cockloft– Lightweight building construction

• Roof and floor

• Buildings are usually – Wood frame– Brick veneer– Ordinary construction– Multiple buildings joined together– Common attic/cockloft– Lightweight building construction

• Roof and floor

1313

New ConstructionNew Construction• Lumber yards in the sky• Large open spaces• Large open cocklofts/attics • Light weight building materials• Light Weight Truss Construction• Wooden “I” Beams (with poke through in the

web)• Energy efficient • Flammable exterior siding

– Vinyl

• Lumber yards in the sky• Large open spaces• Large open cocklofts/attics • Light weight building materials• Light Weight Truss Construction• Wooden “I” Beams (with poke through in the

web)• Energy efficient • Flammable exterior siding

– Vinyl

1414

Old ConstructionOld Construction

• Nailed roof systems

• Masonry construction (brick and block)

• Metal “I” Beams

• Sturdy

• Not as energy efficient

• Nailed roof systems

• Masonry construction (brick and block)

• Metal “I” Beams

• Sturdy

• Not as energy efficient

1515

Stacked unitsStacked units

• Kitchen– Stove vents

• Bathrooms– Plumbing drains– Vent stacks

• Provides fire spread through convection and conduction

• Same floor plan plus or minus bedrooms

• Kitchen– Stove vents

• Bathrooms– Plumbing drains– Vent stacks

• Provides fire spread through convection and conduction

• Same floor plan plus or minus bedrooms

1616

Pipe ChasesPipe Chases

• Run vertical and horizontal

• Cut through fire stops

• Cut through wooden “I” Beams

• Provides avenue for fire and smoke travel

• Provides fire spread through conduction and convection

• Run vertical and horizontal

• Cut through fire stops

• Cut through wooden “I” Beams

• Provides avenue for fire and smoke travel

• Provides fire spread through conduction and convection

1717

RoofRoof• Light weight truss

– Fail very quickly– Gusset plates– Built off site– Each component relies on each other

• Solid sawn wood– More solid than truss– Solid wooden beams

• Sometimes larger than 2x4

– Built on site

• Light weight truss – Fail very quickly– Gusset plates– Built off site– Each component relies on each other

• Solid sawn wood– More solid than truss– Solid wooden beams

• Sometimes larger than 2x4

– Built on site

1818

Roof cont.Roof cont.

• Eaves– Direct access to the attic for venting fire

• Loads on roof– HVAC

• Plywood– Burns very fast as it delaminates

• Flat

• Pitched

• Eaves– Direct access to the attic for venting fire

• Loads on roof– HVAC

• Plywood– Burns very fast as it delaminates

• Flat

• Pitched

1919


Truss Construction

Pitched Roof

Broken Truss Component Broken Truss Component

Gusset Plates

2020


Flat Roof

Stairwell Hatch

2121

Layout Of BuildingLayout Of Building

• Side “A” vs. Side “C”

• Kitchens

• Bathrooms

• Hallway

• Building Access

• Building Size

• Side “A” vs. Side “C”

• Kitchens

• Bathrooms

• Hallway

• Building Access

• Building Size

2222

Side A vs. Side CSide A vs. Side C

• What are the differences– Number of stories

• Access– Truck Company

• Laddering– Ground

• Rear entrance• Terrain

• What are the differences– Number of stories

• Access– Truck Company

• Laddering– Ground

• Rear entrance• Terrain

2323

KitchensKitchens

• Same from bottom to top

• Fire travel

• Extension

• Overhaul


• Fire travel

• Extension

• Overhaul

2424

BathroomsBathrooms


• Fire travel

• Extension

• Overhaul


• Fire travel

• Extension

• Overhaul

2525

HallwaysHallways

• Side A

• Enclosed

• Open

• Court yard style

• Foyer style– Typical layout

• Side A

• Enclosed

• Open

• Court yard style

• Foyer style– Typical layout

2626

Hallway cont.Hallway cont.

Foyer Style

Most common

Foyer Style

Most common

Enclosed HallwayEnclosed Hallway

2727


Court Yard StyleCourt Yard Style

2828


Open Stairs no hallwayOpen Stairs no hallway

Is this old or new construction?

Fallout Shelter Sign

2929

Building AccessBuilding Access• How does it sit

– Shotgun (sideways)– Rear facing– Up stairs– Down stairs– Across a bridge

• Distance from curb– Pre-connects– Leader line

• How does it sit– Shotgun (sideways)– Rear facing– Up stairs– Down stairs– Across a bridge

• Distance from curb– Pre-connects– Leader line

3030

Building AccessBuilding Access

Down StairsDown Stairs ShotgunShotgun

3131


Side CSide C UpstairsUpstairs

3232


Across a bridgeAcross a bridge

3333


200 feet pre-connect lines will not get there200 feet pre-connect lines will not get there

3434

Building SizeBuilding Size

• Small older building– Small hallway– Small entrance

• Large newer construction– Long hallways– Large lobby area

• Small older building– Small hallway– Small entrance

• Large newer construction– Long hallways– Large lobby area

One building

3535

Our Box AssignmentOur Box Assignment

• Minimum of 26 people

– 5 Engines– 2 Trucks– 1 Rescue Squad– 1 EMS unit

• Behind the “8 ball” from the dispatch

• Minimum of 26 people

– 5 Engines– 2 Trucks– 1 Rescue Squad– 1 EMS unit

• Behind the “8 ball” from the dispatch

3636

Apparatus PlacementApparatus Placement• 1st Engine secure water supply

– Side A

• 2nd Engine complete water supply for 1st Engine– Side A

• 3rd Engine secure 2nd water supply – Side C

• 4th Engine complete 3rd engines water supply– Side C

• 1st Engine secure water supply– Side A

• 2nd Engine complete water supply for 1st Engine– Side A

• 3rd Engine secure 2nd water supply – Side C

• 4th Engine complete 3rd engines water supply– Side C

3737

Apparatus Placement cont.Apparatus Placement cont.

• 5th Engine– Uncommitted

• 1st Truck Side A

• 2nd Truck Side C

• Rescue Squad don’t block engines or trucks

• EMS Unit Don’t block incoming units or hydrants

• 5th Engine– Uncommitted

• 1st Truck Side A

• 2nd Truck Side C

• Rescue Squad don’t block engines or trucks

• EMS Unit Don’t block incoming units or hydrants

3838

Crew AssignmentCrew Assignment• 1st Engine

– Size up side A– Fire floor attack fire

• 2nd Engine– back up 1st engine

Protect exits

• 3rd Engine– Size up side C– Attack fire floor above or

most threatened exposure

• 1st Engine

– Size up side A– Fire floor attack fire

• 2nd Engine– back up 1st engine

Protect exits

• 3rd Engine– Size up side C– Attack fire floor above or

most threatened exposure

3939

Crew Assignment cont.Crew Assignment cont.• 4th Engine

– RIC

• 5th Engine– Uncommitted – Report to the IC

• 1st Truck– Ladders Ladders

Ladders side A– Open up, vent and

search– Report to the fire floor

• 4th Engine– RIC

• 5th Engine– Uncommitted – Report to the IC

• 1st Truck– Ladders Ladders

Ladders side A– Open up, vent and

search– Report to the fire floor

4040

Crew Assignment cont.Crew Assignment cont.

• 2nd Truck – Ladders Ladders Ladders Side C

• Report to the floor above the fire– Open up, vent, search

• Rescue Squad– Search, utilities assist Truck with opening up

• EMS Unit– set up aid station become part of rehab

• 2nd Truck – Ladders Ladders Ladders Side C

• Report to the floor above the fire– Open up, vent, search

• Rescue Squad– Search, utilities assist Truck with opening up

• EMS Unit– set up aid station become part of rehab

4141

Strategy and Tactics Strategy and Tactics

• Engine Company• Truck Company• Rescue Squad• EMS Unit

• Engine Company• Truck Company• Rescue Squad• EMS Unit

4242

Assume that the 911 call has been

delayed!!

Assume that the 911 call has been

delayed!!

4343

Avoid Unnecessary Radio TrafficAvoid Unnecessary Radio Traffic

4444

Engine CompanyEngine Company• Arrive on the scene

– ENSURE A WATER SUPPLY!!– Leave room for the truck

• Most ladders come off the rear of trucks• Pull past the address, or stop short if truck is coming from

opposite direction (you can stretch hose not ladders)– Initial command Mode

• Investigative • Attack

• Crew Placement– Aggressive

• Initial hose stretch – Leader line– Size of attack line should be based on the amount of fire– Protect the interior stairs

– Work with the Truck Company

• Arrive on the scene– ENSURE A WATER SUPPLY!!– Leave room for the truck

• Most ladders come off the rear of trucks• Pull past the address, or stop short if truck is coming from

opposite direction (you can stretch hose not ladders)– Initial command Mode

• Investigative • Attack

• Crew Placement– Aggressive

• Initial hose stretch – Leader line– Size of attack line should be based on the amount of fire– Protect the interior stairs

– Work with the Truck Company

4545

Engine Company cont.Engine Company cont.• Size up

– Where is the smoke coming from

• 1st floor and/or roof line

– Color of the smoke

– Smell of smoke (food vs. working fire)

– Circle check • Nothing from front what

about the rear?

– Rescues• Front and/or rear

• Size up– Where is the smoke

coming from• 1st floor and/or roof line

– Color of the smoke

– Smell of smoke (food vs. working fire)

– Circle check • Nothing from front what

about the rear?

– Rescues• Front and/or rear

4646

Engine Company Size Up cont.Engine Company Size Up cont.

• Where is the fire going

• Building construction– New or old

• Interior status report ASAP– What you have – Are you getting it– Do you need more

resources

• Where is the fire going

• Building construction– New or old

• Interior status report ASAP– What you have – Are you getting it– Do you need more

resources

4747

Engine Company cont.Engine Company cont.

• Hose line placement– 1st line– 2nd line– 3rd line– 4th line

• Lines 3 and 4 – consider another way

into the building (ladder into window)

– But avoid:

• Hose line placement– 1st line– 2nd line– 3rd line– 4th line

• Lines 3 and 4 – consider another way

into the building (ladder into window)

– But avoid:

4848

Engine Company cont.Engine Company cont.

• opposing hose lines

• fighting fire from an apartment into a hallway; may jeopardize the stairwell

• Drivers – Ensure the hose is smooth from the engine to

the entrance of the fire building– Monitor radio– Assist Truck driver with ladders

• opposing hose lines

• fighting fire from an apartment into a hallway; may jeopardize the stairwell

• Drivers – Ensure the hose is smooth from the engine to

the entrance of the fire building– Monitor radio– Assist Truck driver with ladders

4949

Truck CompanyTruck Company

• Placement on the fire ground– Type of apparatus

• TDA (tiller)• Rear mount Stick• Rear mount Tower• Mid-Ship Tower

• Placement on the fire ground– Type of apparatus

• TDA (tiller)• Rear mount Stick• Rear mount Tower• Mid-Ship Tower

5050

Truck Company cont.Truck Company cont.• Crew placement• Tasks

– Ground ladders– Forcible Entry– Search

• Vent enter search (VES) may be a consideration for heavy fire conditions

– Get walls and ceiling opened up• Ensure there is a charged hose line

– Check the Attic/cockloft– Overhaul

• Crew placement• Tasks

– Ground ladders– Forcible Entry– Search

• Vent enter search (VES) may be a consideration for heavy fire conditions

– Get walls and ceiling opened up• Ensure there is a charged hose line

– Check the Attic/cockloft– Overhaul

5151

Truck Company cont.Truck Company cont.• Aggressive work

– Quickly, but with purpose– Get the place open for the engine– Get the place open (ventilation) – Get ladders in position to effect rescues (VES if

applicable)– Make the building ready to enter

• Bring the proper tools (all the time)– Open walls and ceilings– Windows– Doors

• Aggressive work– Quickly, but with purpose– Get the place open for the engine– Get the place open (ventilation) – Get ladders in position to effect rescues (VES if

applicable)– Make the building ready to enter


5252

Truck Company cont.Truck Company cont.

• Size Up– Same as Engine

Company– Give status report– Ladders

• Where – Cover all sides– Drivers work

together• What size

– Where is the fire/where is it going

• Size Up– Same as Engine

Company– Give status report– Ladders

• Where – Cover all sides– Drivers work

together• What size

– Where is the fire/where is it going

5353

Truck Company cont.Truck Company cont.

• Ventilation– Type needed

• Vertical or horizontal • Coordinated with

interior crews

• PPV vs. Natural• When to vent• Where to vent• Drivers monitor the

radio

• Ventilation– Type needed

• Vertical or horizontal • Coordinated with

interior crews

• PPV vs. Natural• When to vent• Where to vent• Drivers monitor the

radio

5454

Rescue SquadRescue Squad

• Unit placement– Does it need to be up front?

• Crew Placement– Tasks

• In a position to ensure all the searches are done• Sometimes the whole building• Utilities• Support Truck crew

– Ladders– Vent

• Unit placement– Does it need to be up front?

• Crew Placement– Tasks

• In a position to ensure all the searches are done• Sometimes the whole building• Utilities• Support Truck crew

– Ladders– Vent

5555

Rescue Squad cont.Rescue Squad cont.

• Size Up– Same as Engine and Truck


• Size Up– Same as Engine and Truck


5656

Rescue Squad cont.Rescue Squad cont.

• Rescue– Time of day– Size of building– Type of occupancy – Fire conditions

• Rescue– Time of day– Size of building– Type of occupancy – Fire conditions

5757

EMS UnitEMS Unit• Unit placement

– Well away from the front– Don’t block hydrants– Allow room to leave if you must

• Crew – Set up Aid Station – Be the 2 out if designated (must be certified)– Full PPE and SCBA– Assist with hose stretch– Assist with laddering– Assist with vent

• Unit placement– Well away from the front– Don’t block hydrants– Allow room to leave if you must

• Crew – Set up Aid Station – Be the 2 out if designated (must be certified)– Full PPE and SCBA– Assist with hose stretch– Assist with laddering– Assist with vent

5858

EMS Unit cont.EMS Unit cont.

• Size Up– Same as Engine– Report changing conditions– Report location of Aid Station– Become part of Rehab.

• Size Up– Same as Engine– Report changing conditions– Report location of Aid Station– Become part of Rehab.

5959

Command Considerations Command Considerations

• Establish Command– Ensure PSCC announces your command and

location

• Utilize Site maps or preplans– Get them from your stations in your Batt. In

advance

• Ensure all units are in correct position per SOP

• Call for RID

• Establish Command– Ensure PSCC announces your command and

location

• Utilize Site maps or preplans– Get them from your stations in your Batt. In

advance

• Ensure all units are in correct position per SOP

• Call for RID

6060

Command Considerations cont.Command Considerations cont.

• Decide on incident action plan– Offensive

• If decision is made to go offensive Allow crews to get in place and do the job

• Get updates ASAP

• Decide on incident action plan– Offensive

• If decision is made to go offensive Allow crews to get in place and do the job

• Get updates ASAP

6161


– Offensive cont.• Ensure RIC is in place • Set up appropriate Group/Sectors• Set up appropriate Divisions

– Defensive• Ensure exposures are covered first• Establish collapse zones. • Limit exposure damage• Ensure all sides are covered • Set up appropriate Groups/Sectors

– Get up dates often

– Offensive cont.• Ensure RIC is in place • Set up appropriate Group/Sectors• Set up appropriate Divisions

– Defensive• Ensure exposures are covered first• Establish collapse zones. • Limit exposure damage• Ensure all sides are covered • Set up appropriate Groups/Sectors

– Get up dates often

6262


• More manpower– Taskforce– Extra alarms

Establish appropriate Groups/Divisions– Get this done quickly– When referring to exposures use terminology set forth

in Policy 20-02/NIMS (Exposure Axxx)

• Maintain accountability– Use your Groups/Divisions

• This will reduce radio traffic

• More manpower– Taskforce– Extra alarms

Establish appropriate Groups/Divisions– Get this done quickly– When referring to exposures use terminology set forth

in Policy 20-02/NIMS (Exposure Axxx)

• Maintain accountability– Use your Groups/Divisions

• This will reduce radio traffic

6363


• When giving orders ensure the receiving unit understands the order– Have them repeat your order back to you

• Ensure your Group/Division Supervisors know who is assigned to them.

• Ensure you get progressive reports continually • Ensure SOP’s are followed• Ensure there is minimum unnecessary radio

traffic– Use other talk groups or Nextel to get info from PSCC

• When giving orders ensure the receiving unit understands the order– Have them repeat your order back to you

• Ensure your Group/Division Supervisors know who is assigned to them.

• Ensure you get progressive reports continually • Ensure SOP’s are followed• Ensure there is minimum unnecessary radio

traffic– Use other talk groups or Nextel to get info from PSCC

6464

Command Considerations cont.Command Considerations cont.• As incident grows utilize other talk groups• Maintain a sense of duration in relation to fire volume

and type of construction• Older Construction

– Last longer than new– May sustain longer firefighting operations

• Line placement– 1st to the fire floor– 2nd back up 1st line– 3rd floor above (consider other entry than front door)– 4th to attic/cockloft (consider the 5th Engine)

• As incident grows utilize other talk groups• Maintain a sense of duration in relation to fire volume

and type of construction• Older Construction

– Last longer than new– May sustain longer firefighting operations

• Line placement– 1st to the fire floor– 2nd back up 1st line– 3rd floor above (consider other entry than front door)– 4th to attic/cockloft (consider the 5th Engine)

6565

Command Considerations cont.Command Considerations cont.• Ensure crews operate aggressive• Ensure all crews have/use proper tools

– Hand tools– PPE and SCBA– Engine crew

• Using correct size line(150 GPM or more)• Ensure to get interior up-date ASAP

– Truck crew • Open up • Vent• Ladders all over

• Ensure crews operate aggressive• Ensure all crews have/use proper tools

– Hand tools– PPE and SCBA– Engine crew

• Using correct size line(150 GPM or more)• Ensure to get interior up-date ASAP

– Truck crew • Open up • Vent• Ladders all over

6666

Command Considerations cont. Command Considerations cont.

– Rescue Squad• Utilities• Searches• Assist truck crews

– Rescue Squad• Utilities• Searches• Assist truck crews

6767

Engine Company Benchmarks

6868

Truck Company Benchmark

6969

Rescue Squad Benchmarks

7070

ReviewReview


Layout and Design

Box Assignment




Layout and Design

Box Assignment



7171

References UsedReferences Used1.Street Smart Firefighting by Robert C Bingham

2.Building Construction for the Fire Service 3rd Edition by Francis Brannigan

3.Fire Officers Hand Book of Tactics 2nd Edition by John Norman

4.Truck Company Operations by John Mittendorf

5.Montgomery County Safe Structural Firefighting Policy 24-07

6.Strategic and Tactical Considerations on the Fireground by James Smith

1.Street Smart Firefighting by Robert C Bingham

2.Building Construction for the Fire Service 3rd Edition by Francis Brannigan

3.Fire Officers Hand Book of Tactics 2nd Edition by John Norman

4.Truck Company Operations by John Mittendorf

5.Montgomery County Safe Structural Firefighting Policy 24-07

6.Strategic and Tactical Considerations on the Fireground by James Smith

7272

Photos Courtesy ofPhotos Courtesy of

1. The Firefighters Page

2. Firehouse Magazine

3. Kentland Vol. Fire Dept.

4. Laurel Vol. Fire Dept.

5. Capt. Derrick Anthony

6. Beltsville Vol. Fire Dept.

7. Station 15 B Shift

8. Shawn R. Fitzpatrick Station 15

1. The Firefighters Page

2. Firehouse Magazine

3. Kentland Vol. Fire Dept.

4. Laurel Vol. Fire Dept.

5. Capt. Derrick Anthony

6. Beltsville Vol. Fire Dept.

7. Station 15 B Shift

8. Shawn R. Fitzpatrick Station 15

7373

Questions/Comments Questions/Comments

1 Garden Apartment Fires By Capt. David Polikoff Garden Apartment Fires By Capt. David Polikoff.

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