... a chain saw?

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It was the Seattle Fire Department, conducting a training exercise on the roof of a house about to be demolished. I could see their hook and ladder parked in the alley beyond the houses. From the sidewalk, I couldn't see what the guy with the chain saw was cutting.

Jerry, one of the firemen, came over to talk to me. He explained that they were practicing cutting a hole in the roof to "enlarge the chimney." This wasn't a rescue exercise; the ladder I saw them carrying on the roof was just to get up there--not to put into the hole they'd made.

The owner had donated use of the house for training to the Fire Department prior to demolishing it--a rare privilege, he told me. The Fire Department has props for training firefighters to cut holes in roofs, but they aren't very realistic. Preparation for the exercise had included asbestos mitigation.

They weren't going to use the inside of the house for training, because homeless people had broken into it; it had broken glass and other problems.

vertical ventilation training.

when there is a fire inside a bldg or home the truck company will ladder the roof and make their way up top. they cut holes in the roof in order for the smoke and heat to vent in order to make firefighting easier for the interior engine companies.

Engines and Trucks are 2 different things. Engines carry water and hose, Truck companies carry ladders and are considered a giant "toolbox", they are also search and rescue capable.


without ventilation above, the interior would become superheated and the smoke will eventually flashover and ignite everything and everyone on the interior

Posted by RescueMe1060 ... without ventilation above, the interior would become superheated...

I was wondering why firemen would want to make a "larger chimney." Thanks!

Posted by Ganesha They weren't going to use the inside of the house for training, because homeless people had broken into it; it had broken glass and other problems.

Can't have firefighters who are trained to enter burning buildings with the associated floor hazards stepping on broken glass now can we....!