Engine Company Fireground Operations

Book excerpt: The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Jones & Bartlett Learning are pleased to bring you the fourth edition of Engine Company Fireground Operations. This expanded edition incorporates the latest recommendations from UL and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) into every aspect of fire attack and ventilation and presents an extensive study of engine company fire ground operations.This new edition is an ideal resource for fire service personnel preparing for promotion or studying for a civil service examination.Firefighters and company officers will gain knowledge in fire science, building construction, and the effects of burning modern fuels that result in extreme fire behavior.Specific features include:Detailed illustrations that show the tactics and approaches described in each chapterCase studies of strategies and tactics that resulted in firefighter line of duty deaths, as well as those that were successful, incorporated into the recommended practices of engine company fire attack, rescue, and ventilationDetailed information on size-up that applies risk management principles to the Value-Time-Size method, which considers survivability profiling and threshold limits, identifying problems, selecting strategies and tactics, developing a quick incident action plan, and applying a functional accountability system for safetyA significant emphasis on attacking residential and commercial basement firesA one-of-its-kind chapter on fireground operations and responsibilities for company level high-rise firefighting, with special attention paid to fire behavior within high-rise buildingsIn-depth coverage of all the basic engine company responsibilities, including:EquipmentInitial hose lays and water suppliesThe deployment of attack, back-up, and exposure hose linesRapid intervention teamsSearch and rescueMaster streamsFire protection systemsStandpipe operationsSalvage and overhaul