哟u arrive at the scene of abelow-gradefirein a multiple dwelling. Heavy smoke is showing. No other information is available. The million-dollar question is: Where does the first line go?
Some strategists will say to always stretch the first line between the fire and the main path of egress, that being the interior stairs. This strategy will be right only 50 percent of the time in these buildings. Others will say to get the first line into the basement because unless you get some water on the fire, all other problems will multiply. These strategists will also be right only 50 percent of the time. In the sports world, such as baseball, if you get a hit 50 percent of the time, you will not only wind up in the Hall of Fame, you will arguably be the greatest player of all time. On the fireground, if you are right only 50 percent of the time, you will probably be run out of town.
How does the strategist improve his average to meet an acceptable standard? The answer is to know your buildings. The answer to the line placement question above is solely dependent on whether the building is an old-law building or a new-law building. The terms “old law” and “new law” in this article refer to more generalized definitions of specific types of buildings found in different editions of New York City’s building codes. However, these buildings are not limited to New York City and may be found in many urban areas nationwide.
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