LONG HANDLINES AND HOSE HEADERS
BY ANDREW A. FREDERICKS
This column consists of two parts. First, let`s take a look at how one volunteer fire department has met the challenge of long, complex handline stretches. In "Observations on the Engine Company" (Fire Engineering, April 1998, pp. 83-96), I differentiated between horizontal and vertical handline stretches. I also discussed two separate five-story apartment building fires that in each case caused extensive fire, smoke, and water damage to the upper floors. Previous experience at these types of fires suggested that a delay in placing handlines into service was largely to blame. Reading this, members of the Dobbs Ferry (NY) Fire Department (one of the departments involved) took exception, since members were well practiced in the vertical handline stretch. The problems they encountered at this fire were not due (as is often the case) to a lack of preparation, training, or sufficient personnel. They had all their "ducks in a row" but were met with exceptionally difficult fire conditions and numerous extenuating circumstances.
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