Attic fires

Attic fires, a location which causes some unique challenges when operating at them. I've responded to numerous attic fires over the years and have found all of them to be difficult to extinguish. They have some unique operational considerations which add to the difficulty for members operating on the scene.

Access

Gaining access to attic fires is usually difficult with probably only basement fires being harder. Let's take a look as some of the entry points:

• Regular stairs- by far the easiest and preferred method. Stretching a line this way will always be "standard".
• Drop Down Stairs- usually found when the attic is used for storage purposes. I would question using these stairs for stretching lines as most will not support the weight of Firefighters and their equipment. One idea is to break the supporting hinges and take down these steps and use a ladder (Pencil or short roof one).
• Access panel- use a ladder as mentioned above.
• Outside windows- When gaining access proves to be too difficult from the inside, consider using ground ladders to an outside window. Running a line over a ladder is a great idea.

Ventilation

Vertical ventilation is crucial and can determine whether or not an interior attack will be successful. Roof members must open the roof, as close to over the fire as safely possible. Open up as many bays as you can. One long horizontal cut will do more than one that is vertically long, but doesn't vent as many bays. Make sure the cut is close to the ridge pole and not too low. Recently I responded to an attic fire that wasn't vented properly and as an effect the Engine Companies were forced to evacuate the attic when the fire wouldn't vent. More on this later.

Horizontal venting will help and sometimes will be the only option. Factors such as, wires, tree branches, house on a steep hill or the like might preclude using an Aerial Ladder to gain access. Take out any and all windows that service the attic.

Water

In the KISS style I'll repeat, Big Fire Big Line, Little Fire Little Line. Far too many times I see Engines stretching little lines with heavy smoke or fire showing. Now is not the time to want to get into a long bout with fuego. I say let's be like a young Mike Tyson and knocked the fire out fast. First round K.O. Another thing, DO NOT PLAY LINES UPON EACH OTHER. In other words, if there are companies inside the attic don't play the moth to the flame routine and play a line from the outside in on the interior companies. Recently an Engine in the rear of a building played their line into the attic window, pushing fire down on the companies attempting to gain access from an interior stairway. As one of the members who was forced to bail down the stairs, let's say we were not too happy about it.

Other interior companies

Have other Engines stretch and charge lines on the floor below the fire. Be prepared for fire to drop down. Here's where a little line can come in handy. Being able to move it around to hot spots, without fighting with a big line, is an option. Ladder Company members can use a Thermal Imaging Camera and rakes to open up where these hot spots will be found.

Keeping the access points clear is paramount to companies who are operating in the attic. Keep the way in Clear. Crowding the stairs, or bottom of a ladder is doing nothing but making a possible escape route cluttered. If companies have to bail, you want them to have a clear way out. If you have nothing to do go back outside and report to the IC.

These are just some basic considerations and there are probably several more out there. One is an "attic pipe". Sort of like an old Navy pipe which you can connect to a line and stick up into an attic. I have never seen one in operation but have read that other deparments use them. I certainly would like to see one operating. Another is using a cellar pipe, in the same way.

Anything that works is a good idea. Don't get caught up in trying to be a hero and getting your helmet salty.