Often times firefighters miss the opportunity to get it right on the drill ground by failing to work on steps in small segments. In order to be able to gain proficiency we must start at understanding why we are using the hose load we are using and the pros/cons when stretching in your response area. What are the streets like? What are the dwelling sizes? What are the building types? Are you prepared for extended stretch?
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Making the Basics, Basic!
One of the highlights of my profession is the networking you are allowed to do. A person I consider a Ture Brother, Mentor, and Friend has always maintained that where we missed the mark in the fire service is to break training down into smaller segments. We must began to recognize that training firefighters does not have to be a clubbing over the head, death by powerpoint, but yet it must meet the requirements of being Realistic, and Relevant. There are a few points when injury or death occurs that can be pointed out an Ineffective command system, and firefighters who were trying to operate outside Basics. I understand that accidents happen as well based off of decisions made by others, but that too can be linked back to a failed understanding of the Basics!
For new and aspiring fire officers remember training does not have to take all day, but has to be effective and have a measurable outcome at the end. Remember to take nothing for granted when training. A great place to start is by taking your policy manuals and ensuring the policies are truly understood and you become amazed it what drill s you can pull just out of them. If you do not have a policy manual then start with your expectations and your desired fire ground performance. The hardest part will be consistancy.
Posted in Drills, Training, training-fire-rescue-topics
Residential Search Drill Part I
For this drill you will need
- Full turnout gear w/o SCBA
- Room setup like a bedroom
- Hand tools
- Department SOP’s for search
Remember to cover the basics
- Check the door for heat before opening
- when you enter the room check behind the door. Even though it may not stop there could be a decent pocket for a small person or child
- Pick a pattern left or right
- Use tool to keep you oriented to wall depending on the search you are doing
- Ensure that you are actually finding the windows and doors
- Communicate size of room. No point in crowding into a small room
We will provide different illustrations of various techniques. If you are looking for books or videos Fire Engineering and Fire Department Training Network
We Honor our Fallen Brothers and Those Who Perished On This Day
We thank you for your service and lives you touched! You will Forever live on in our Hearts
Posted in line-of-duty, Motivation
Fire Ops
We want you to Identify basic functions by putting yourself in the position of our brother and sisters in the videos. Remember these are videos and you could be the next week. We want to learn and grow not critcize.
Five basic points to consider.
•Size-Up
•Command
•Hose Lines ( Deployment, Number )
•Truck Functions
•Water Supply
Estimating hose line length tips or drill you make the call
Often times fire departments will arrive on the scene of a building or dwelling fire and have to over come the obstacle of a long stretch when trying to reach the front door, not even including making it to the fire.
- Go out and stretch the lines repeatedly so that you start getting the muscle memory and are able to develop a vision for aprroximate length.
- Take a measuring wheel and count it out. This will also be good to add to a pre-plan during those times.
Note: Hose lines should be setup to reflect your response area and departmental policies, and not because that is what we have always done
If any has any drills or tips they use feel
Fire Ops
We want you to Identify basic functions by putting yourself in the position of our brother and sisters in the videos. Remember these are videos and you could be the next week. We want to learn and grow not critcize.
Five basic points to consider.
•Size-Up
•Command
•Hose Lines ( Deployment, Number )
•Truck Functions
•Water Supply
Fire Ops
We want you to Identify basic functions by putting yourself in the position of our brother and sisters in the videos. Remember these are videos and you could be the next week. We want to learn and grow not critcize.
Five basic points to consider.
•Size-Up
•Command
•Hose Lines ( Deployment, Number )
•Truck Functions
•Water Supply
Introducing EMAGUY
A 26 year veteran of the fire service. Has experience as a paid and volunteer professional. Has also served as director of Emergency Management at the local, state, and federal levels. He has also worked as a Healthcare Safety specialist, as well as a Hazardous material and Radiation Specialist. He now conducts programs all over the country on Emergency Management, Haz-Mat, Radiation, and Health care safety. While still continue to Volunteer and having held all ranks from Firefighter thru Asst. Chief he is a proponet of firefighter safety and understanding the basics. Please help us welcome him to
Posted in news
Fire Ops
We want you to Identify basic functions by putting yourself in the position of our brother and sisters in the videos. Remember these are videos and you could be the next week. We want to learn and grow not critcize.
Five basic points to consider.
•Size-Up
•Command
•Hose Lines ( Deployment, Number )
•Truck Functions
•Water Supply
Fire Ops
We want you to Identify basic functions by putting yourself in the position of our brother and sisters in the videos. Remember these are videos and you could be the next week. We want to learn and grow not critcize.
Five basic points to consider.
•Size-Up
•Command
•Hose Lines ( Deployment, Number )
•Truck Functions
•Water Supply
Truck Positioning
When positioning your aerial truck square up with your objective, there will be a lot less twisting and negative force on your truck.
Fire Ops
We want you to Identify basic functions by putting yourself in the position of our brother and sisters in the videos. Remember these are videos and you could be the next week. We want to learn and grow not critcize.
Five basic points to consider.
•Size-Up
•Command
•Hose Lines ( Deployment, Number )
•Truck Functions
•Water Supply
Do you know what the Markings Are?
Posted in Education/Training, firefighting-operations, Truck Tips
Fire Ops
We want you to Identify basic functions by putting yourself in the position of our brother and sisters in the videos. Remember these are videos and you could be the next week. We want to learn and grow not critcize.
Five basic points to consider.
•Size-Up
•Command
•Hose Lines ( Deployment, Number )
•Truck Functions
•Water Supply
Posted in command-leadership, firefighting-operations, Training, videos
Apparatus Check Off Procedures- Often over looked Drill
Often times we look for drills that will get the crew going and makes everyone say great job I would have never thought of that, but this site is geared towards the basics so we will offer some simple tips.
General tips for all apparatus
1. Get a general impression of the apparatus- Do a complete 360 looking at the tires, body, and any external equipment for damage and wear ( i.e. spotlights, telescoping lights, hand tools)
2. Check all fluids possible that need to be checked before the apparatus is started.
3. Check all signaling equipment to include warning devices
Engines
1. Start with the above points
2. Check all nozzles ensuring they are turned to the right and set to the gallonage your department or officer requires them to flow. If using smoothbore ( Great Choice ) make sure that your handles and ball valve inside are good to go. If using automatic or selectable gallonage ensure that you have all your teeth and the bumper is in good shape also.
3. Ensure your hose is packed properly and will deploy without any hang ups
4. visually check your water level and foam if you have it. We know guages would never lie or break
5.Before engaging the pump operate and lubricant if necessary all valves and drains before placing it in pump
6. Engage the pump and make sure all controls with the exception of the valves are working ( i.e. transfer valve, pressure relief valve, manual overrides for pumps, or master control valves.
7. Be sure to check all lighting equipment, generators, and etc. ensure they run properly and properly serviced before being secured
Aerial Apparatus
1. Start with general tips above
2. Check aerial ladder for damage, check the welds and if you have a pinnable waterway, ensure it has a pin and it is placed correctly.
3. Check your hydraulic fluid and ensure there are no leaks
4. Check the outriggers and ensure there are no damage and they are operating properly.
5. Raise the Aerial ladder and place it in every angle, extended it fully, rotate it 360 degrees. ensure all safety alarms are working
6. Inspect your ground ladders and hand tools to ensure they are operating smoothly and don’t require matainance
Rescue/Squad Units
Have fun all of the above apply to you!

Fire Ops
We want you to Identify basic functions by putting yourself in the position of our brother and sisters in the videos. Remember these are videos and you could be the next week. We want to learn and grow not critcize.
Five basic points to consider.
•Size-Up
•Command
•Hose Lines ( Deployment, Number )
•Truck Functions
•Water Supply
Five 4 Friday
- Don’t assume because a firefighters career has been prodominatly in the South that they are stupid
- When fighting commercial structures always secure two water supplies
- When you decide to promote up does not mean you have to be a jerk, but it does mean you have to do your job
- stay in the best physical condition possible or the stairs you have to climb will tell on you
- When you are truly the best running your mouth does not display, but performance will tell
Fell free to add to the list and vent. No names, but feel free to let go
Posted in firefighter-safety-health, Thoughts
All Haz-Mat Technicans here is a free opportunity for a great class! Click on link below
Posted in Education/Training, hazmat, Training
Fire Ops
We want you to Identify basic functions by putting yourself in the position of our brother and sisters in the videos. Remember these are videos and you could be the next week. We want to learn and grow not critcize. Five basic points to consider.
•Size-Up
•Command
•Hose Lines ( Deployment, Number )
•Truck Functions
•Water Supply
Fire Ground Operations # 4
We want you to Identify basic functions by putting yourself in the position of our brother and sisters in the videos. Remember these are videos and you could be the next week. We want to learn and grow not critcize. Five basic points to consider.
•Size-Up
•Command
•Hose Lines ( Deployment, Number )
•Truck Functions
•Water Supply
Five Years Ago SSS
The True Honor and the best Memorial will to be by Training and Never repeating what has already been done. Seek excellence in all you do. Don’t talk training, Live it! Live to Learn, and Learn to Live!
Fire Ground Basics # 3
We want you to Identify basic functions by putting yourself in the position of our brother and sisters in the videos. Remember these are videos and you could be the next week. We want to learn and grow not critcize. Five basic points to consider. This is three videos that need to be viewed altogehter. Learn all you can. Found this video at Statter911.com.
- Size-Up
- Command
- Hose Lines ( Deployment, Number )
- Truck Functions
- Water Supply



















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