M' Ave

We use a system designed partly in house and in conjunction with Petzl. I don't know if this exact system is available commercially, but I would think that some variation is out there. It works in conjunction with the Gemtor harness that is worn over our bunker pants.
Seems like a good system as far as it's being simple, straightforward and easily deployed. It uses a hook, which I've seen placed in MANY different locations in and around a window, or used as a tie off point when wrapped around a heat riser or radiator (Personally, I think the odds of having time to tie off before using this last resort system, are poor). The hook works great as long as it is held in place until constant tension is put on it, meaning, you are out the window and it is holding your whole weight. You have to hold it with the trailing hand as you roll out of the window, but with repetition, this becomes second nature. The descender device pays out quite nicely, as long as you packed it correctly with enough tail to get it past the window sill. Once out and hanging, you grab the EXO descender and it will lower you as you pull the lever. It takes some getting used to as pulling too hard will cause you to drop VERY fast.
Currently, the whole device and 50 feet of rope are stored in a pouch on our right hip. It's not the greatest thing. It's about 8 more pounds and it's location makes you a few inches wider.....not good. As I understand it, an alternative location and bag design is working it's way through R&D, but who knows how long that will take. Talk is that it will be located somewhere around or just below the lumbar region. Not exactly sure how that's going to work with the mask, but we'll see.
One thing that I cannot stress enough with this and (I assume) every system is; you need to train on this device at great length. I know that in the academy, a proby will slide from low platforms, hight platforms and do it repetitiously. I believe that this system is very good and reasonably safe, but it is definitely a last resort and you need to know how to use it when it's getting so hot that your best option is to go out the window. Do it blind, do it while timed and under pressure. This is not the kind of thing you talk about and slide once or twice. You should go through several scenarios with the device and have slid more times than you can count before you consider yourself comfortable. Maintenance and care is another issue and you need to keep the rope clean and you need to repack and inspect this device regularly. Think about it like this, this is mountain climbing equipment. Do you think anyone climbs a rock face without checking their gear? We do not use our own system for drilling (we use a spare), but we do repack it 4 times a year as a company. As an individual, you should check it at the start of every tour, or whenever you can (drill periods and such for volunteers).

We use a system designed partly in house and in conjunction with Petzl. I don't know if this exact system is available commercially, but I would think that some variation is out there. It works in conjunction with the Gemtor harness that is worn over our bunker pants.
Seems like a good system as far as it's being simple, straightforward and easily deployed. It uses a hook, which I've seen placed in MANY different locations in and around a window, or used as a tie off point when wrapped around a heat riser or radiator (Personally, I think the odds of having time to tie off before using this last resort system, are poor). The hook works great as long as it is held in place until constant tension is put on it, meaning, you are out the window and it is holding your whole weight. You have to hold it with the trailing hand as you roll out of the window, but with repetition, this becomes second nature. The descender device pays out quite nicely, as long as you packed it correctly with enough tail to get it past the window sill. Once out and hanging, you grab the EXO descender and it will lower you as you pull the lever. It takes some getting used to as pulling too hard will cause you to drop VERY fast.
Currently, the whole device and 50 feet of rope are stored in a pouch on our right hip. It's not the greatest thing. It's about 8 more pounds and it's location makes you a few inches wider.....not good. As I understand it, an alternative location and bag design is working it's way through R&D, but who knows how long that will take. Talk is that it will be located somewhere around or just below the lumbar region. Not exactly sure how that's going to work with the mask, but we'll see.
One thing that I cannot stress enough with this and (I assume) every system is; you need to train on this device at great length. I know that in the academy, a proby will slide from low platforms, hight platforms and do it repetitiously. I believe that this system is very good and reasonably safe, but it is definitely a last resort and you need to know how to use it when it's getting so hot that your best option is to go out the window. Do it blind, do it while timed and under pressure. This is not the kind of thing you talk about and slide once or twice. You should go through several scenarios with the device and have slid more times than you can count before you consider yourself comfortable. Maintenance and care is another issue and you need to keep the rope clean and you need to repack and inspect this device regularly. Think about it like this, this is mountain climbing equipment. Do you think anyone climbs a rock face without checking their gear? We do not use our own system for drilling (we use a spare), but we do repack it 4 times a year as a company. As an individual, you should check it at the start of every tour, or whenever you can (drill periods and such for volunteers).

Something to keep in mind was the point mentioned by M'Ave. Devices such as the Exo, F4 and a bunch of others will hold you in place while you are hanging out the window. Pull on the lever without a brake hand on the rope and you will drop really fast. Anyone looking into some sort of system should consider a device with a double brake. It will hold you in place until you pull the lever like the others but if you panic and pull it to much and you will once again stop. This was pointed out to me by members of my job that are currently evaluating different systems and devices. The CMC Escape Artist comes in a double brake model and appears to be one they are liking the most so far. Just something else to consider in your quest for the right system.

Ok group, what bailout system if any, is your dept using. Likes / dislikes so far, would you change if YOU had the say. Thanks for any input.

The rig is a 2007, not new- we just updated the lettering in honor of Pat. Thanx for stopping by yesterday, Joe !

Great Tribute to an outstanding Fireman. Nice work Rescue 1 YFD

Well done and well thought out. Excellent tribute.

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And far more to do than slogans. Actions speak louder than words.

i hate slogans like that..... people don't care if your dept is volley or not, they want protection 24/7. that's it, and to put that on the truck is stupid, because there will be a time when that truck cant roll due to lack of manpower.... its a volley dept, it will happen.

I like the member rating feature. It helps to highlight who may or may not be a sound source of information.
Couple of guys getting close to 100, who's going to be first?!
However, I was thinking it might be nice if giving someone a rating was not anonymous. Let someone know who you are when you give them an atta-boy and, likewise, when you criticize. I think everyone can take some criticism and this might help avoid vindictive negetives.
Anyone's thoughts?

Both NYC and Yonkers have a nonresiedent payroll tax, if you work in either city you get to pay.
The MTA commuter tax is on the employeer not the employee in the Hudson valley (and ?) for the honor of being close to NYC and as a reward to the MTA for not being able to stay within its multi billion dollar budget.
Bloomberg proposed an additional commuter tax, but it was not approved by the state

Just one for firemen and cops. Oh wait it's not a tax it's a condition of employment.

And at home they are protected by big fire stations with lots of apparatus and more highly trained manpower......oh never mind....dont want to spoil the atmosphere.
Most commuters think they have the same coverage at home that they see in NYC

A lot of good points were made. Judging by the length of stretch and the position of the engine the companies may very well have operated alone. From what I see the first line when into the white PD. I think charging the second line in the street and trying to knock down some exterior fire and then into exposure 4 would be a good move. If I was stretching inside I would stick with 1 3/4" lines. The speed and manuverability are real important in PDs. I would guess that the line that goes into exposure 4 will probably need to address fire comming through a couple of windows and being able to move quickly is important. A 2 1/2" operated from the street along the exterior would be helpful but disipline is required so the line is not directed into any windows. The exposure problem is going to continue until the first line starts hitting the seat of the fire. Also if there are people trapped in the original fire building the possibility exists that the second line will be required there since it's entirely possible the first line will be committed to the first floor.
One thing that I would add is if the engine at this fire had been forced to backstretch because of hydrant positioning a real heads up move would be to drop the second line in the street.

Hello.
Im from Florida. I'm in the military. I'm also part of a volunteer fire company. I was wondering can I get my own VFF badge without having to worry about the laws and what not ? I'll really appreciate the input.
Thanks.

"Without worrying about the laws and what not" is fast way to find yourself on the wrong side of them and in hot water.
A badge by itself means nothing; they must have official department ID to go along with them. Without the ID, the badge is just a nice piece of tin or brass.
You should speak with the hierarchy of your department to figure out what is and isn't permissible so you don't run afoul of their rules too.

Due to length of stretches required into our multiple dwellings we pair the first and second due engines to get the 1st line into operation whether they are 4or5man units they pair up. In the situation on Decatur short stretches due to frame buildings 3story it may be 1st engine 1st line 2nd engine 2nd line due to amount of fire. We also pair up engines in high rise due to need for 4 or more lengths depending on building. In my area some stretches require 14 to 16 lengths to reach fire, we average 8 to 10 lengths and this depends on floor fire is on, access to entrance, distance from courtyard into entrance, size of building and so on. We have some buildings that require all first alarm engines to assist in placing 1st line into operation.

So you're committing between 6-8 firefighters to the first line? Huh, must be pretty important to get water on the fire!
I like to use you guys (FDNY) as an example when teaching/speaking about the importance of the first line. If FDNY uses the first two engines to ensure placement of the first line, why are much less staffed FD's stretching multiple lines before the first is even flowing? Far too often we see small career, combo or volunteer FD's assign two firefighters to the the first line. These guys beat themselves up in good shape if the fire is above the first floor and around ore than one corner from the entrance door, yet helping this line becomes secondary to the "all important" back-up line, who by now is more likely to be needed.

Two companies for each line is another thing you might have seen. First due, first line. Second due assists with the stretch of the 1st.

If you look carefully you see 2 handlines being stretched off E-79 both look like 1 3/4 lines. You can have 2 lines off 1 pumper. The newer 2000 gpm pumpers can handle more than 2 lines if needed, it is always a good idea to have another pumper ready to supply handlines in case of pump failure or hydrant issues.
Cannot tell from video if fire was in a building and spread to exposure or if fire started between buildings, if in a building the first line goes to the fire, the second could be used to give a quick exterior knockdown before advancing into the exposure being careful not to put any water into the original fire building, this could cause problems for members on first handline. It appears that the fire had already extended into the exposure so getting the line into this building was necessary. Ok so 1st line into original building 2nd line to exposure and if possible charge in street to knock down auto exposure otherwise in building, additional lines will be stretched to the area between buildings and other exposures.
1st truck has original fire building, 2nd due should take the exposure in this scenario due to rapid extension of fire. Additional trucks will be used in both buildings to assist.
From what i heard this fire was quickly contained and extinguished with no other extension to any buildings.

Just got word from the Vulcans that she starts on Monday

Cell phones aren't just for the nouveau riche any more. You'd be surprised how many "homeless" and "indigent" people seek public assistance from Social Services while on their cell phones...

One can only hope.
http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2010/01/30/2010-01-30_lets_pull_fireboxes_mike_says.html
Mayor Bloomberg wants to extinguish fire alarm boxes from city streets.
Bloomberg pitched the fiery move this week as part of his budget for fiscal year 2011, saying it would save FDNY $2.5 million.
Since 85% of calls made through the street boxes are false alarms, Bloomberg said, "In the days where everybody has cell phones ... the city would be just as safe without them."
Only 140 structural fires last year out of 26,666 were first called in through an alarm box - and phone calls on those fires came in after the boxes were pulled, according to the FDNY.