popeyefireman
03-10-2006, 09:25 PM
Hello all out there on the other coast. I have got a question for you. My career dept. in VA has been mostly suburban for the better part of its existince.
Recently it was decided that the rate of consumption for land was running out so the county big wigs decided to relax our highrise policy and to allow mixed use occupancies. This has caused us to reevaulate our tactics as it pertains to highrise firefighting. Prior to this the largest building in the county was 8 stories. within the next 3-5 years out tallest building will have 15 floors with a 7 floor parking deck beneath it.
Currently our highrise pack consists of 200 feet of 1 3/4 with a 15/16 smooth bore nozzle. We have begun experimenting with 2 1/2 inch for highrise fires we are still very much in the training phase.
We have seen alot of east coast ways of doing things. Most east coast dept. are using 150 feet with a smooth bore nozzle. Most have a staffing level of 4 on the engine ( driver officer 2 firefighters).
Our problem is that we are staffed with only 3 firefighter ( driver officer firefighter) we have been pre planning and we feel its vital to carry 150 feet with us in order to directly attack any fire. we have discovered through training that with gear scba and tools it is only possible for a firefighter to carry 50 feet of 2 1/2.
My question is how are you guys on the west coast doing things???? any help would be great.
Thanks
Robby Owens
Henrico County Virginia Division of Fire
Engine 6/B
Recently it was decided that the rate of consumption for land was running out so the county big wigs decided to relax our highrise policy and to allow mixed use occupancies. This has caused us to reevaulate our tactics as it pertains to highrise firefighting. Prior to this the largest building in the county was 8 stories. within the next 3-5 years out tallest building will have 15 floors with a 7 floor parking deck beneath it.
Currently our highrise pack consists of 200 feet of 1 3/4 with a 15/16 smooth bore nozzle. We have begun experimenting with 2 1/2 inch for highrise fires we are still very much in the training phase.
We have seen alot of east coast ways of doing things. Most east coast dept. are using 150 feet with a smooth bore nozzle. Most have a staffing level of 4 on the engine ( driver officer 2 firefighters).
Our problem is that we are staffed with only 3 firefighter ( driver officer firefighter) we have been pre planning and we feel its vital to carry 150 feet with us in order to directly attack any fire. we have discovered through training that with gear scba and tools it is only possible for a firefighter to carry 50 feet of 2 1/2.
My question is how are you guys on the west coast doing things???? any help would be great.
Thanks
Robby Owens
Henrico County Virginia Division of Fire
Engine 6/B