4th ed. — PennWell Corporation, 2012. XIX, 634 p. (1-311 p.) — ISBN 978-1-59370-279-3.John Norman has updated his best-selling book, a guide for the firefighter and fire officer who, having learned the basic mechanics of the trade, are looking for specific methods for handling specific situations. In this new fourth edition, readers will find a new chapter on lightweight construction, a new chapter on electrical fires and emergencies, updates to many chapters including such topics as wind-driven fires, and many new illustrations.Contents
Foreword
Acknowledgments
About the AuthorGeneral Firefighting TacticsGeneral Principles of Firefighting
Sequence of Actions to Be TakenSize-up
Life Hazard
Occupancy
Time
Construction
Area and Height
Location and Extent of Fire
Exposures
Apparatus and Personnel
Water Supply
Auxiliary Appliances
Weather Conditions
Street Conditions/Special Matters
HazmatsEngine Company Operations
Fire Behavior and Methods of Attack
Choose the Proper Operating Mode—Offensive, Defensive, or No Attack
When Human Life Is at Stake, an Offensive (Interior) Attack Is Mandatory
Begin Suppression as Soon as Possible
Get the First Hoseline in Operation to Cover the Worst Case
before Stretching Additional Lines
When an Attack Is Stalled, Increase Ventilation, Water Flow, or Both; if Unsuccessful, Change Tactics
When an Effective Offensive Attack Isn’t Possible or Hasn’t Succeeded within 20 Minutes, Prepare Defensive Positions
When Forced into a Defensive Mode, Consider the Possible Effects of Total
Involvement of the StructureHoseline Selection, Stretching, and Placement
Factors Affecting Hoseline Choices
Selecting Attack Lines
How Long a Line
Stretching Hoselines
The Placement of Hoselines
Nozzles and Appliances
Types of Fog Nozzles: Constant Gallonage Versus Constant Pressure
Specialized Nozzles and Appliances
High-Expansion Foam
Class A and Compressed Air Foam Systems
Special Nozzles: Applicators, Piercing Nozzles, and Bent TipsWater Supply
Basic Principles of Pressure
Knowledge of Water Supply
Terms Used in Water Supply
Large-Diameter Hose
Applying Heavy Streams
Flow Meters Sprinkler Systems and Standpipe Operations
Operations in Sprinklered Buildings
Fire Departments versus Sprinklers
Fire Department Operations
Problems with Sprinklers
A Suggested Strategy
Types of Systems
Size-up at Sprinklered Buildings
Locating and Operating Controls
Restoration of Protection
Standpipe Systems
Classes of Systems
Operations
Selecting the Attack Stair Ladder Company Operations
Ladder Company Functions at Structural Fires
Ladders
Laddering
Factors Affecting Ladder Selection
Proper Climbing Angle
Proper Tip Placement
Materials of Construction
Guidelines for the Safe Use of Ladders
Aerial Devices
Vent, Enter, Search
Overhaul
Salvage
Control of UtilitiesForcible Entry
Forcible-Entry Size-up
Conventional Forcible Entry
Through-the-Lock Forcible Entry
The Mul-T-Lock Door
Forcing Metal Gates and Roll-Up Doors Ventilation
Reasons for Ventilation
Types of Ventilation
Negative Versus Positive Pressure
Advantages of Positive Pressure Ventilation
Disadvantages of PPV
Vertical Ventilation—Taking the Lid Off
Venting Flat Roofs
Insulspan Panels
Trench Cuts
Some Additional Considerations when Venting
Roof-Venting Hazards Search and Rescue
Primary and Secondary Search
Search Safety
Thermal Imaging Cameras (TICs)
Emergency Maneuvers
Gathering Information
Search Techniques
Concentrate Search Efforts at Probable Locations of Victims
The Secondary Search
Guide Ropes
