Toronto Fire Services Training Note: Backup Line vs. Second Line (PDF)

Fire Services Training Division Training Note FROM: Fire Chief EFFECTIVE DATE: May 2020 FILE IN TFS TRAINING MANUAL UNDER: GROUP: 100 Firefighting Knowledge and Skills...

Fire Services Training Division Training Note FROM: Fire Chief EFFECTIVE DATE: May 2020 FILE IN TFS TRAINING MANUAL UNDER: GROUP: 100 Firefighting Knowledge and Skills SECTION: 106 Fireground Operations SUB-SECTION: UNIT: 106.6 Backup Line vs. Second Line TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION............................................................................... 2 2. BACKUP LINE.................................................................................. 2 3. SECOND LINE.................................................................................. 2 4. SUMMARY........................................................................................ 2 Toronto Fire Services Training Note: 106.6 Backup Line vs Second Line Training Division Date Prepared: May 2020 Page 1 of 2 1. INTRODUCTION Some incidents may require the use of multiple hose lines to bring a fire under control. A backup line and a second line are two distinct things on the fireground. Communication on the fireground should be specific when calling for additional hose lines to suppress the fire, or to protect egress and be available, if needed. 2. BACKUP LINE A backup line is stretched at every fire. A ‘backup line’ is a hose line that is meant to protect the egress of crews operating within a structure. A backup line should be at least one length longer than the line it is protecting. as well as have the same flow, or greater. The longer length is in case the initial line has stretched short of the seat of the fire, the backup line will then be able to reach further and prevent fire growth. The backup line should flow the same, or greater in case the initial line does not have enough volume of water to suppress the fire. 3. SECOND LINE A ‘second line’ is a hose line that is needed to help suppress the fire rather than protect egress of the initial line. 4. SUMMARY The two terms ‘backup line’ and ‘second line’ should not be used interchangeably and should be communicated clearly on the fireground, so that firefighters know their role and can provide suppression or protection, when needed. Toronto Fire Services Training Note: 106.6 Backup Line vs Second Line Training Division Date Prepared: May 2020 Page 2 of 2