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Basic Tactics Used in Firefighting

and Ladder Operations
Basic Tactics Used
in Firefighting
Operation
Fog Attack
This technique is used particularly in closed
compartment fires, and it works by using the
fog nozzle of the hose, rather than a jet to
extinguish the fire. This technique can be very
effective in non-ventilated spaces, but where
there is wind, its effectiveness is greatly
reduced.
 Indirect Attack
Aimed at the ceiling, the water drops down and extinguishes the fire from
above. Like the fog attack, this method is most effective in closed
compartment fires, such as high rise environments. Instead of aiming the
stream of water directly at the fire, it is aimed at the ceiling or wall above
the flames, allowing the water to drop down and extinguish the blaze. It
works twofold:

1. The water will cool the ceiling, which disrupts the thermal balance, and
the vapor will absorb energy.

2. The rest of the water falls like rain, which helps to extinguish the fire.
Direct Attack

Perhaps the most widely known technique – this

suffocates the flames as the water is aimed at the base
of the fire. Aiming the stream of water at the base of the
fire, this technique works best using a concentrated,
powerful jet of water that suffocates the flames. In order
for this to work effectively, the firefighters must have a
clear and direct line of sight to the fire. If this method is
used on a fire in a non-vented area, then there will be
less steam and the fire will be extinguished faster.
Combination Attack

This method consists of using both indirect

and direct methods. One of the main benefits
of this technique is that it simultaneously
combats the overhead gases, as the indirect
method does, whilst directly attacking the
fire itself, extinguishing it quickly and
minimizing the risk of it spreading.
The ‘Two Lines in’ Method
This technique is used only for fires in high
energy (wind driven) situations. The technique
requires two teams of two, with each team
operating a different kind of hose. One team
operates a low pressure/high fog nozzle, and the
other uses a nozzle with a solid, concentrated
stream. As long as the two teams work in tandem
and communicate well, this method can be very
effective. One team should focus on attacking the
flame directly, while the other should concentrate
on preventing any advancing flame from
spreading.
 Ladder
Operations
Ladder Operation Procedures
1. Members must know what action to take when the ladder command is given to
ensure a smooth, coordinated movement in lifting, carrying, spotting, raising,
pivoting, extending, retracting and lowering a ladder.
2. Commands shall be given by the member in charge in a loud, clear, and concise
voice: prompt and exact response is required.
3. Members will be able to take charge of a ladder and issue all the commands and
directions necessary to accomplish needed movements of a ladder.
4. When using tormentor poles, the member in charge will be on the right pole.
5. When two or more members are carrying a ladder, the member in charge shall be in
the position noted below for correct spotting of the ladder:
6. -On the right beam, at the center, for a cradle carry.
7. -On the right beam, at the center or butt, for a three member flat carry.
8. -At the right butt on a 4 or 5 member flat carry.
9. -At the butt for all beam carries.
TYPES OF LADDERS
A. GROUND LADDER
1. Wall ladders
2. Extension ladders
3. Hook/straight ladders
4. Attic Ladders

B. ARIAL LADDER
1. Hydraulic aerial ladders
2. Elevating platform (articulated boom)
 A. GROUND LADDERS
Ground Ladders vary in sizes from 3.1 to 17 meters (10-55
feet) long. It is being carried on a pumper or firetrucks.

1. WALL LADDERS

This type
- Ground of vary
Ladders ladder best
in sizes fromused
3.1 to in rescue(10-55 feet) long. It is being carried on a
17 meters
where a ladder is place ispumper already falls
or firetrucks.
short of the endangered person. It allows
the user to climb up or down, one-storey
as at time (e.g. scaling or pompier, and
fire escape).
 A. GROUND LADDERS

2. EXTENSION LADDERS

This is consist of a bed and one more fly ladders. The fly ladder
slides through guides on the upper end of the bed ladder. It
contains locks (pawls or dogs) which hook over the rungs of the bed
- Ground Ladders vary in sizes from 3.1 to 17 meters (10-55 feet) long. It is being carried on a
ladder. The fly ladder is usually raised by a halyard fastened to the
pumper or firetrucks.
lower rung and operated over a pulley on the upper end of bed
ladder. The 24, 25 or 36 foot ladders are the types commonly found
and carried on the pumpers or firetrucks.
- An extension ladder that has a stay poles is called Tormentors.
- Extension ladders that are extended to more than 35 feet are
called Bangor Ladders.
 A. GROUND LADDERS

3. HOOK/STRAIGHT LADDERS

This is a type of ladder that contains only one

- Ground Ladders
section. vary inin
It rangers sizes fromfrom
length 3.1 to12
17to
meters (10-55 feet) long. It is being carried on a
16 feet.
pumper or firetrucks.
14-foot is the most common size of straight
ladder. The roof or hook ladder is a straight
ladder adapted for a special purpose. Hooks
are mounted on a movable socket that permits
them to fold inward when not in use.
 A. GROUND LADDERS

4. ATTIC LADDERS

It provides means of reaching through an

- Ground Ladders vary in sizes from 3.1 to 17 meters (10-55 feet) long. It is being carried on a
opening into attics, lofts, andpumper
other areas that
or firetrucks.
are somewhat difficult to reach without a
special ladder. It can be folded or collapsed for
a small room or closet works. They are usually
short because they are required to reach only
a short distance.
 1. HYDRAULIC AERIAL LADDERS

It provides means of reaching through an opening into

attics, lofts, and other areas that are somewhat
difficult to reach without a special ladder. It can be
- Ground Ladders vary in sizes from 3.1 to 17 meters (10-55 feet) long. It is being carried on a
folded or collapsed for a small room or closet works.
pumper or firetrucks.
They are usually short because they are required to
reach only a short distance.

This type of ladder that is mounted on a turntable, capable of extending up

to 30.5 meters (100 feet), may have three or four metal fly sections of
ladder that can be raised or lowered by hydraulically controlled cables.

B. AERIAL LADDERS
 2. ELEVATING PLATFORM (ARTICULATED BOOM)

An articulating boom lift, also known as a knuckle

boom, has a lift arm with multiple sections
separated by joints, or “knuckles”. The arm can
- Ground Ladders vary in sizes from 3.1 to 17 meters (10-55 feet) long. It is being carried on a
move the work platform over and around
pumper or firetrucks.
obstacles.

B. AERIAL LADDERS