Note: criticisms and notes made in this post are for the purposes of learning and do not intend to target any one particular company, nor are they representative of opinions of any particular fire department.

Take a moment to view the video shown above. If you’d like, you can see or download it in high quality mp4 format (16.5MB).

The basic situation is an abandoned house on fire. We know it is abandoned from the “Build Your Own Lot” (for sale) sign right outside the doorway. The initial response seems to be a defensive attack, exposures are minimal, if any. The bulk of the flames are in the B side of the building.

Where things begin to be questionable
Notice how the situation changes into an offensive, interior attack, even while the exterior fire is not being dealt with. The immediate danger is that of a roof collapse, especially since fire is seen in the roof section of the low-profile structure. A lone firefighter is seen outside, presumably on standby for RIT (rapid intervention team). Notice also how the firefighters enter the building - a standard where I am, particularly in a one-story structure, is a low crouch. Also, a handline is stretched to the rear of the building, where I can only hope that water is not being forced upon the fire when crews are entering from the front.

In short, there is absolutely no use endangering the lives of firefighters in a structure that is not worth saving.

Categories: Fighting Fire, Video
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