8/25/15 Station-17

*** This will be in area 17 Delta 30127 N United Drive for Station-17, County Engine-84, County Truck-108. Structure fire. Multiple calls reporting a single story house with visible flames showing from windows. Unknown victims. Units responding your time out is 0630 and you will respond on Ops-1 ***

" Engine-17 on Ops 1. "

* I hear the county units all switching to our frequencies and I begin to look around at the scenery as the city starts to wake up. There are a little more cars on the road now and the sunrise is peeking in over the ocean. *

' Gonna be a beautiful day gentlemen. Hell of a day to work. '

*I look up from finishing up a report in my office and hear the call. When I hear that its a structure fire, I immediately speed up. Soon, I arrive at the rig where I put on my bunker pants and throw my bunker coat on. I glance to the rear of the truck and I see McGarrett climbing into the tiller's seat. I climb in and mark us responding. As the gate opens, I key the mic.*

"Fire, Truck 17's responding."

*I get ready to roll as I pull out my hood, lay it on my leg, and feel us lurch into motion. We let the engine head out first since they are smaller and they beat us out of the door. I grab my portable and turn the dial until the display reads "Ops 1." I then get the truck's radio and pull my hood over my baseball cap. I snap my bunker coat up and get ready to start giving out assignments. I look over the call info and key the PTT on my headset.*

'All right guy and gal. We've got a worker. It's a one story, with fire coming from multiple windows. We're either going up to the roof and venting or we're heading in for SAR with the engine. We could also be doing RIT, but I doubt that. Let's be ready. We'll head in with a set of irons, a pike pole, and the can. I'll take the pike pole, Chuck's got the irons, and McGarrett's got the can. If we're on the roof, McGarret and I are heading up to the roof and we'll vent. We're gonna each bring a ax, K-12, pike pole, and a chainsaw. Any questions?'

*The alarm goes off for another call. I get myself down to the truck with my bunker gear on. I see Nick come by and I hop into the tiller seat. We wait a bit and then move out. During the ride Nick gives us instructions. I listen carefully to what he says and hear I'll get the can. I nod in response and then hear we might vent. I've never vented before but I've seen it done many times.*

'Got it.'

*I say as pull up on scene.*

*As we turn off of Crenshaw, I start getting my air pack straps set up. As we turn onto Los Alamitos, I see a large plume of black smoke and then hear the engine call it into Fire.*

'Well guys, I guess that Black plume would confirm, it's a worker.'

*I get my straps set up as we arrive on the scene and I see that we are the first two units to arrive. Chuck parks us just behind the engine, directly in front of the house as Floan calls both of us on the scene and confirms the size-up with Fire, I hit the release on the SCBA bracket and climb out of the rig. I listen in the background where I hear two Q's winding their way to us, so I'm guessing it must be the county crews. I look to Chuck.*

'Chuck, let's ladder it!'

*I look to Floan who is looking over the scene as the engine stretches an attack line. I chuckle as I see Floan, calm, cool, and collected without his mask on. I shake my head and then start grabbing equipment from the truck. I look over to see Chuck getting the outriggers out as I look to McGarrett who looks ready to head up the ladder.*

'McGarrett, you're first on the roof. Make sure it's sound before you step off. If it isn't sound, don't worry about it; we'll go defensive. You good?'

*As I ask if she's good, I pass the married set of irons up to her. I head to the rear of the rig and stay out of Chuck's way while I pull a Pike pole and a trash hook out of their compartment. Finally, I get the Husquvarnia chain saw. I make sure that I have everything and then put it on the top of the truck so we can grab it once we head up. I look at the building and see that a 15 foot ladder should do fine. I pull one out of the rear of the truck with McGarrett's help and bring it over to the Bravo side of the building. We ladder the building so that we'll have another means of egress for safety. As I turn back to the truck, I see Chuck finished with the outriggers and he's getting ready to ladder the building. I step up the rear ladder and head up to McGarrett.*

'You've got the flathead ax. I'll take the trash hook. When we get on the roof, we'll find an area where the fire is and I'll do a cut or two and then show you how to do it. Chuck, you've got the hooks to get the sheet rock out. Everyone good?'

*While I wait for any questions, I take my helmet off and key the mic.*

"Engine 17 from Truck 17, we're heading up to the roof at this time."

*As I wait for a response from both, I get my mask on and then my hood. I replace my helmet and walk back to the tip. I make sure that I'm out of the way of the ladder so Chuck does not hit me. I wait to click into my regulator as Chuck goes to move the ladder.*

'All right Chuck, we're ready when you are.'

*I get my SCBA gear and jump out of the rig. Hearing we're going to vent, I get ready to climb the ladder. As I get to the top, I check to make sure everything is okay. I use the flathead ax to hit the roof a couple times. I keep doing that for a good path and signal to Nick that everything's secure.*

* I look out the window as we fly down the road. My gloves on, coat and gear ready. I stare at the smoke in the air as we near the fire. *

* As we pull up on scene we see the truck already starting their attack. *

" Fire, Medic-17 on scene. "

* I come to a stop and Jamie and I get out. I go to the door behind the drivers door and get my bunker coat out. Jamie and I both get our coats on and we stand by the squad waiting for an assignment. *

" Engine-17 on scene....Break, Engine-17 to truck-17, continue your venting. Engine-17 to fire. single story residence with working fire. Continue all units in code 3 and start a ground ambulance. "

* I step out of the engine and grab my SCBA, Being as late as we are I have yet to put it on and secure myself. Brian and ty grab a 1 1/2" line and rich starts the charging process. I walk over to the homeowner who is frantic. *

' Sir, is there anybody else in there?'

* he says no that he is the only person who lives there. I walk back to the engine and grab my halligan then head to the front door to wait for my crew. *

" Engine-17 to all units, the building is clear of occupants and vacant. Focus efforts on ventilation and suppression. *

*As McGarrett sounds the area surrounding the tip of the ladder, I nod to her to head onto the roof and then key the mic.*

“Truck 17 to United units- we’re on the roof.”

*I follow McGarrett with the trash hook, sounding the roof off to my right while Chuck takes the left, trying to expand the corridor that we have to get off of the roof.  As we walk up to the top of the roof, I see smoke coming from the Chimney, so I head sound about five feet away from our little safe corridor and turn to Chuck.*

‘Saw.’

*Chuck hands me the saw, and I get it started with a pull of the choke and then key the mic, making sure to keep the running saw blade away from me.*

“Roof to United Units, we’re beginning vertical ventilation operations on the Bravo-Charlie side of the building.  The Northeast Corner- Charlie-Delta.”

*I take the saw and make a back cut by making a quick incision into the roof.  I feel the saw slice through the roof, and it takes a second before I bounce between the two rafters, to figure out the roof structure.  I then step to the side where I’ve sounded, standing on two rafters and make a quick, triangle shaped cut, trying to check the fire and smoke conditions where we are.  I find that there is smoke, but there is no fire, so we should be good.  I look to McGarrett as I get ready to make my first cut.*

‘All right, McGarrett.  Watch how I’m doing this.  You’re going to duplicate it when we’re finished.’

*I step close to the edge of the roof, but not completely so that I’ll be pretty much directly over the first room in the Northeast corner.  I stand on two studs and then insert the saw next to another stud and begin cutting.  When I get to the first rafter, I roll the saw over it, cutting it as well.  I get to the second rafter and stop, allowing me to move to the next two studs.  I roll the second rafter and stop at the third.  I then move to outside of the cut and begin to cut back towards the egress ladders along the still intact rafter.  Once I get about a square cut, I walk to the original side of the first cut and cut back again, forming three sides of the square.  I then head to the second cut and cut back to the third cut, rolling the rafters the same way that I did before.  Once I get to the third side, much of the roof begins to sag in the traditional “diving board” manner.  I step back and let Chuck take the trash hook I brought to push the extra insulation down to allow for the smoke to escape.  I step back as the blast of smoke and gases escape the roof.  I keep the saw on idle and then turn to McGarrett.*

‘You got that?  You’re gonna cut back where we started at, the Alpha-bravo side of the building.’

*I follow McGarrett back toward the egress ladder as I watch as she begins the progress.*

* I grab the line chosen and start walking to the door where the captain is, I get down to a knee then get my gloves on as he gives the charge signal to Rich. All at once we see the hose begin to fatten up as brian gives us a nod that he is ready. Cpt floan stands up, and pops the front door. The smoke billows out of the opening and almost instantly we see flames. *

' Ready cap. '

* He gives me the thumbs up and we start attacking the fire. Slowly we move into the house and sweep left to right in full stream. *

*After Nick cuts the first hole, I grab the trash hook and follow them to the next area for ventilation. I watch and McGarrett now takes the saw and tries her first time at ventilation. The smoke is still billowing heavily from the first hole and I wait with Nick until McGarrett cuts a second.*

* the smoke is still heavy, it is still quite hard to see yet the glow of the fire all but lights our way. *

" Engine-17 to Truck-17, Status of ventilation, The smoke is still extremely heavy in the entrance. "

' alright dammit lets take this. we cant wait forever for the truck to vent. '

* I tap ty on the shoulder and point in the direction of the orange glow. With brian bringing up 2nd position we press on toward the fire. I hear the county engine unit call that they have arrived and are starting a 2nd internal attack. *

' well at least this could help a bit. '

* Engine-17 to County 84 smoke is very heavy inside still, truck company is venting. use caution with your attack. Engine-17 will head toward the center of the house then sweep into the South Bedroom. *

*I watch as McGarrett starts venting when I hear Floan call for a status.*

"Truck 17 to Interior, we've cut out a 10x10 hole on the Charlie-Delta corner, the Northeast corner.  We're beginning a second hole, another 10x10 on the the Southwest corner, the Alpha-bravo side."

*I let the mic rest as McGarrett looks at me as she beings her first large cut.*

'You got it.  Just make sure to keep your footing on the rafters. You'll be fine.'

" Interior copies truck and confirm positive ventilation. "

* The smoke starts pouring out of the house rapidly. Im able to look up and see it like a tornado fly our of the house. I nod my head yes and we press on to the heart of the fire. Behind us we are able to see the county engine crew coming up. I signal them to head into the bedrooms while we take the kitchen. *

' Ty, head to the kitchen, this shouldn't take much longer. '

* we start walking forward opening the nozzle to a very wide pattern and circling our sprays to get any fire on the walls. Upon entering the kitchen we see what can e assumed as the source. the stove is fully involved and is spouting four large headers of fire out of the burners. *

" Engine-17 to 17-Rojas, Rich confirm utilities have been handled, the stove is hot and working. "

* we open our line to hit the walls and ceiling. until rich comes back that utilities are confirmed eliminated. When Ty hears that he redirects his line to the stove almost instantly putting out the main body of the fire. Hot steam is now all that is left from this kitchen fire as the county engine confirms no working fire left in their area of operation. *

" 17 copies. Truck crews you can come down off the roof after your overhaul is complete.....Break....Engine-17 to fire, confirm fire is out....All units will be entering overhaul. "

* I take my mask off and take my first deep breath of an extinguished fire. *
(( Yes I know its terrible for me but the smell for me is intoxicating. )).

' Alright u guys, set the line down and lets start overhaul yea?. '

*I watch as McGarrett cuts her square. As she does, I watch the smoke change to a much lighter color, telling me that the engine crews are knocking down the fire inside. After McGarrett gets her second cut out, we let the smoke out. I watch as the smoke rolls itself upward, now in two large chimneys that we cut in the roof. When I hear Floan's statement that we're done on the roof, I key the mic.*

"Roof copies. We'll be heading down to the ground level."

*I turn to the guys and sigh.*

'All right guys. Let's get down there and see what we can open up for them.'

*As we walk to the edge, we continue sounding, just to be sure that no fire trapped in the ceiling ate away at the roof structure. I let Chuck and McGarrett get onto the ladder before I key the mic.*

"Roof to United Units, we're off of the roof at this time."

*While I wait for the crew to get on the ladder and enough spacing, I take my mask off and then I take step onto the ladder to head down with everyone. When we get to the ground level, I sigh and put the saw back in its compartment. I get another pike pole and the TIC from the rig and put the trash hook away. I see that Chuck and I have the pike poles and McGarrett's got the halligan. I sigh again, tired, but knowing that the most monotonous part of the job is coming up. I key the mic as we head inside. I see Floan in the kitchen breathing in the smell of the room. I chuckle and shake my head.*

'Man, you really are sick in the head... What do you need us to pull for you guys?'

* After the guys come off the roof I start walking around with Nicole looking at the guys and checking for signs of exhaustion or smoke. After finding none I give Nikki the wrap up sign and we both walk back to the squad. I put my turnout with hers in the back seat of the squad and climb in. *

" Fire, Medic-17 is clear, returning to station. "

* The sun is fully up now and its starting to get a little hot. Nikki starts the engine and we pull away heading back to the house. *

' Hey Nik, I can sure go for some breakfast, why don't we stop somewhere and grab a bite. '

' You got it boss. '

* I walk outside and take off my SCBA, Setting it on the ground outside my door. I walk to the back left side of the truck and grab a Pike pole then walk back in. I notice the other engine crew doing their overhaul work and start heading to Ty and John. *

' Whats up boys, lets tear this bitch apart. '

* We all start laughing, then I start poking holes in the ceiling. *

* With the overhaul going well I step out of the house and remove my cover finally. I walk over to the homeowner and pat him on the shoulder. *

' Hey buddy don't be too down. at least you made it out ok. Everything else can be taken care of. '

* He nods and I walk over to my engine. I open my door and toss my cover on the dash, take off my SCBA and put it back in its place then take off my turnout coat and set it on the floor in front of my seat. The county engine captain comes up to me and we start talking or a few minutes. *

*As we pull down ceiling and walls to allow the engine guys to hit the fire behind it, I continue to have some fun with the pike pole. Once we finish the fun but tiring work, I turn to the engine guys as we're done. The county truck looks to us and we do a final scan with the TIC and don't see anything. Once we're done, I sigh. I head outside and to the truck. I take off my bunker coat, helmet, and gloves before I put on my sunglasses and baseball cap. I grab a water bottle from the truck and kill it. Once it's done, I walk over to the homeowner who is looking at his wreck of a house.*

'Sorry man. You guys got out. That's all that matters.'

*I walk back to Floan and the two county officers. Being tired myself, I nod to the county guys.*

'Nice to see y'all. Thanks for coming guys. I think we're gonna blast outta here once we finish putting the stuff on the rig.'

' Yea no worries Nick, we are gonna clear in a minute. '

* I shake hands with the county guy and head back to my engine in time for my crew to meet me there. I step into the truck and get myself situated. After putting my headset on I roll down my window as Rich starts the truck. *

" Fire....Engine-17 is clear returning to station. "

*I do one last walk around the truck with my SCBA mask still hanging from my neck to make sure that all the equipment is put away. Then I head back to the cab, take off my SCBA mask and pack, but them in the back seat, and close the door. I go to the driver's door, open it, and climb in. I shut off all the lights except the directionals and watch as the engine pulls away. Then I yell to Nick.*

'Hey man, you ready to go?'