Vertical Vent – practical evolution

Purpose:

To put into practice: vertical vent / laddering a building / raising tools / communications

Setup:

  • In old fire hall on bay 3 & 4 roof
  • location for vent (over “fire” ie. “in Alpha-Bravo corner of 3 bay roof”)
  • upper gate removed
  • requires wind indicator

Requirements:

  • #61
    • ladders (extension + roof for 2 points of access)
    • chainsaw
    • SCBAs
    • pike-pole and/or ceiling hook
    • fire-axe / halligon
    • radio’s (Tac1)

As a team, perform the following:

  • In BA on air when appropriate (climbing ladder and on roof)
  • Ladder building x2 (2nd ladder from hill to 4 bay roof)
  • Sounding (safe + find joists and direction)
  • Raise tools (chainsaw started by rookie prior to raise and then shutdown)
  • Start saw on roof (then turn off)
  • Radio to command ready for vent / await directive to begin
  • Demonstrate the cuts you would make (don’t cut roof / saw is off) and depth of cut. Describe what you see inside.
  • Notify command vent is complete and what you see (heavy smoke / flames / etc)

2nd team, if available:

  • Place 2nd ladder (roof ladder to Bravo side to access deck from the hill)
  • Stage for entry to 4-bay Alpha man-door as Attack 1
    • SCBA
    • Door unlocked (tools for forcible entry)
    • Hose line (uncharged / not
    • Radio’s
    • Call for water (will not actually charge)
  • Radio when ready to make entry
  • Co-ordinates entry with Vent crew
  • Do NOT make entry, but position to attack scene through door way.

Points to evaluate / clarify:

  • Team work & timing
  • Communication – clear understanding of what you are asked to do / getting permission to proceed / notify when assignment is complete
  • Safety – escape routes / sounding / calling-the-mayday / SCBA air levels + fit / structural soundness
  • Fire / smoke flow

Additional reading: