Fire Escapes I

 Fire Escapes, when should you use them and some ideas on using them.A different access point for search & rescue,ventilation ops,advancing additional hose lines, and possibly another way to the roof.

•  Search & Rescue- usually initial lines are getting stretched through the main entrance,occupants are fleeing, creating a logjam.Ladder company members can use fire escapes to enter through the side or rear,depending on location.Clear out the window or force entry to the door you chose and now you have an access point.Now would be a good time to use a personal or search rope.Tie off and go about your search.The rope will assist you if conditions deteriorate and you need assistance in finding the way you entered.
  
•  Ventilation- Venting windows opposite the advancing lines, especially in other than top floor fires.This will greatly help relieve conditions facing the Engines and help improve conditions in the main stairway.
•  Advancing lines- Incident Commanders should consider having later arriving Engine Co's stretch additional lines from different access points.Lines over fire escapes is an option.If you are going to use this option make sure you tie off the line with hose line ropes.This will prevent back pressure from possibly causing members to fall off.
•  Additional means of access to the roof- when other options aren't feasible,building set back,trees in the way, or whatever situation that prevents normal roof access.If the fire escape has an access ladder to the roof, one thing you want to do before ascending is pull on the ladder to see if it's secure.
  

 Realize though, there's NO guarantee that a fire escape is safe.These options are only if the use of department aerials or ground ladders are NOT feasable.Your weight can be the straw that breaks the camels back.Always use department ladders if you can.

 We'll get into different types of fire escapes another time.