Firefighting Techniques: Offensive and Defensive Attacks

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary responsibility of the first pumper on the scene?

To search for victims immediately

To establish a defensive position only

To secure all exits before entering

To try to contain and extinguish the fire (correct)

What does the term '252' refer to in firefighting operations?

A set of safety protocols for high-rise fires

A 5” feed line and 2 - 2½” hand lines (correct)

A hydrant connection protocol

A 5” feed line and 2 - 1¾” hand lines

During a defensive attack, what is the initial step to ensure adequate water supply?

Use a booster tank to charge the pump panel side line first (correct)

Charge the second 2½” line before laying off the 5” line

Immediately establish a connection to the nearest hydrant

Connect all hoses to the pumper before proceeding

Why may a 1¾” line be considered less advantageous compared to a 2½” line during a defensive operation?

It can only provide a flow rate of up to 150 gpm Signup and view all the answers

When attempting a fire control operation, which sequence of actions should be prioritized?

Locate, confine, and then extinguish the fire Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical factor when laying off a '252' for a defensive attack?

Properly positioning hand lines to cover exposures Signup and view all the answers

What is one major advantage of using a '252' configuration during firefighting?

Four times the amount of water available Signup and view all the answers

What should be done before charging any hose line on the scene?

Verify all hose is out of the bed Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended minimum flow rate for a 2½” line?

250 gpm Signup and view all the answers

Which approach should be taken if conditions indicate a defensive attack upon arrival?

Drop a '252' and position to cover exposures Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the second-in pumpers during an offensive interior attack?

To hook up to the hydrant for direct feed Signup and view all the answers

How many lengths of 5” hose should be used to take advantage of a nearby hydrant in an offensive attack?

One or two lengths Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consideration when placing the initial apparatus for an offensive interior attack?

Ensuring unobstructed access for incoming trucks Signup and view all the answers

During a defensive exterior attack, what should be done once hydrant water is established?

Immediately deploy the second line to protect exposures Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum amount of interior hose lengths recommended for an effective initial attack?

Four lengths Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a critical step when positioning hand lines for defensive attack?

Using the longest hose available for coverage Signup and view all the answers

When laying hose for interior attacks, where should the hose ideally be stationed?

Outside fanned and ready to advance Signup and view all the answers

What should the first line do if rescue operations are required?

Protect those conducting the search and cover escape routes Signup and view all the answers

What is the ideal strategy for line placement during an interior fire attack?

To fan out lines and take only enough hose into the structure Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with the 5” line in defensive operations according to the Chiefs discretion?

Feed either a pumper or aerial Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

### L.U.N.A.R. Acronym

L.U.N.A.R. stands for Last known location, Unit assignment, Member's name, Assignments, and Resources needed

Offensive Interior Attack

Initial apparatus placement should allow space for incoming trucks
Rig should be positioned for a 3-sided view of the building.
Check for obstructions, such as wires or fire coming from windows.
Check for hydrants - a nearby hydrant can be used if all parts of the structure can be reached without adding additional hose.
One or two lengths of 5-inch hose can easily take advantage of a close hydrant (direct feed).
Inform other companies about the hydrant via radio. The second arriving pumper will be responsible for hooking up the hydrant (direct feed).

Defensive Exterior Attack

If conditions require a defensive attack, deploy a “252” (1 - 5-inch and 2 - 2 ½-inch hose lines) and proceed to the nearest hydrant.
Position hand lines to adequately cover exposures (ensure enough hose is laid out).
The driver should charge the pump panel side line first using booster tank water while the hook-up member connects to the hydrant. After hydrant water is established, the second 2 ½-inch line can be charged. Place the pump panel side line at the most advantageous spot.
The 5-inch line can be used to feed either a pumper or aerial, per the Chief's discretion.

Hose Lengths

Four lengths of hose for the first floor
Five lengths for the second floor
Six lengths for the attic

Hose Line Use

Interior hose use - minimum of 4 lengths
Exterior 2 ½-inch hose - must reach around the building
Higher-rise or commercial fires utilize 2 ½-inch hose

Line Placement

If a rescue is needed, use the first line to protect members during search and cover victim's escape route.
Direct the first line towards the fire’s seat to extinguish it.
Consider which entry point (front or side door) would be most advantageous.
Utilize the first line to protect the most endangered exposures from an exterior defensive position.
Fan out the line to open up kinks.
Only take enough line into the building to reach the fire, leave the remaining hose outside fanned and ready to advance.

Interior Line Deployment

Attempt to locate the staircase from the basement to the attic and deploy the hose from there.
"Gain control of the staircase, gain control of the building.”
The officer determines the line length and entry point. Assists the attack member with the stretch.
The attack member takes the nozzle, folds it three times, and proceeds to the entry point.
The hook-up member removes the remaining hose from the bed and fans it out.
Constantly advance the hose line, checking for kinks and pinch points.
The driver verifies all hose is out of the bed before charging, charges the hose, and checks for kinks.

First Engine on Location Responsibilities

The first pumper's responsibility is to contain the fire.
Whether it's an aggressive interior attack or a defensive position, the primary objective is to cut off and extinguish the fire.
The goal may be to confine the fire to the room of origin, protecting the stairs while a truck crew searches for victims.
Laying off a “252” (5-inch feed line and 2 - 2 ½-inch hand lines) to protect exposures may also be the initial objective, depending on the situation.
Remember, locate, confine, and extinguish are the core operations; prioritize safe operations for the crew.
Flexibility and good judgment are crucial for a successful and safe firefight.

Defensive Exterior Attack (Reiterated)

If conditions dictate a defensive attack, drop a “252”, 1 -5” and 2-2 ½” hose lines and proceed to the nearest hydrant.
Position hand lines to adequately cover exposures (lay in enough hose).
Driver will charge pump panel side line first with booster tank water while hook-up member is hooking up to the hydrant.Once hydrant water is established the second 2 ½” line can be charged.Place the pump panel side line at the most advantageous spot.
The 5” line will be used to feed either a pumper or aerial.This is at the Chiefs discretion.

2 ½-inch vs. 1 ¾-inch Lines Advantage

The advantage of using 2 - 2½” lines vs 1 – 1¾”.The 1¾” line may be more versatile then a 2½” but the flow rate is almost half.If you are deciding to go defensive upon arrival dropping a “252” will put you at a better advantage of controlling the fire and keeping it out of the exposures.Remember confining the fire first is the main objective before extinguishment.The only delay putting the “252” into operation compared to a 1¾” is the travel time to the hydrant.The big advantage is you will have almost four times the amount of water and a continual water source.

Minimum Suggested Flow Rates

1¾” lines 150 – 185 gpm.
2½” lines 250 -325 gpm.

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Description

Test your knowledge on critical firefighting tactics with this quiz, focusing on the L.U.N.A.R. acronym and both offensive and defensive attack strategies. Understand the importance of apparatus placement, hydrant usage, and effective communication during emergencies.