Been busy around here fella's, lost 2 kids in a fire 2 weeks ago , then this one the other night. We were at a fire on a loading dock when we got the call for this one, 1st and second floors were cranking when we got there, unfortunately no water on my ladder truck, we had to wait for other apparatus to clear other incidents.

http://www.wwlp.com/Global/story.asp?s=8198951


Tim

 

hang in there and be careful.

 

Being on a ladder without any water sucks.....They should all have a fire pump, and at least 250 gallons of water. But I guess that would add to the weight and expense.

 

I know how you feel, slightly. We have a 3000gallon tanker and two engines, and when we get on scene to a taller building fire, its useless to spray any water as we gotta wait for a ladder to get on scene to get water where its needed.

Mike

 

Wow baby, thats fully involved!! Be safe.

 

Our standard opperating proceedure was to follow the ladder in, as the placement of the ladder was more critical than the engines. It's easier to move hose than a ladder. But judgeing from the vidio that was on the link, the ladder was better used as exposure protection than venting or rescue. That fire sure had some "pucker power" better to stay safe and surround and drown on that one.

 

They should use wrecking ***** for firefighting.

Really, the buildings toast, why not just watch the neighboring buildings and take a wrecking ball to it while its on fire. get it all down to one nice smoldering pile.

Maybe that can be my business... Anti-Fire Demolitions. Save the city tons of $ on time, water, and equipment.. hmmm...

 

pushing an involved structure in on itself would create an intensely hot pile of burning material, that would burn for days (if not longer), requiring 1 or more engine companies to baby sit it, and create a greater risk of extension to adjoining structures. the debris pile at the WTC site remained boot melting hot for weeks after they fell, even with numerous engines throwing water on the pile, day and night.

 

plus you couldn't get the water to the seat of the fire, too much debris would be ontop of itself. Makes for a yucky, and physically draining situation

 

The A side collapsed straight out across the street, then it pancaked shortly after the video I posted, no wrecking ball needed. We babysat it till shift change at 0700, just another parking lot now.


Tim