Firefighter training drill by Forest Reeder
Safe fire attack is accomplished by correct line choice and placement along with the staffing and placement of backup or additional lines. The backup line reinforces the initial attack line and may be defined as a hoseline of equal or preferably larger size, supplied by a separate water source. This means if we are attacking with an 1 3/4-inch hoseline, the backup line minimally should be an 1 3/4-inch or preferably a 2 1/2-inch handline. The use of a second water source is an important safeguard in the event of pump or other supply system failure. Review your procedures for placing and staffing this important life safety line.
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Forest Reeder began his fire service career in 1978 and retired as fire chief of the Tinley Park (IL) Fire Department in 2021. He has worked extensively in the areas of instruction, firefighter safety, and officer development and earned his Master of Science Degree in Public Safety Administration in 2004. He is the author of Fire Department Incident Safety Officer 4th edition (2025) and co-author of Fire Service Instructor Principles and Practices, now in its 3rd edition. Forest presents nationally on fire service leadership, safety, and instructor development. He was inducted into the Moraine Valley Community College Alumni Hall of Fame in 2020 and awarded the Distinguished Alumnus award in 2021. In 2008, he received the ISFSI George D. Post Instructor of the Year, considered to be the highest recognition for fire service instructors in the nation.
