Kenn Fontenot,
Chief,
LeBlanc (LA) Volunteer Fire Department
I am an instructor of strategy and tactics at the local community college`s fire science program. In our small, rural volunteer fire department, PPV is an integral part of our initial fire attack. We have one-minute evolutions in which we pull an attack line and get the irons, radio, handlight, and PPV fan. This is done with a three-person crew (driver, officer, and firefighter). The time starts when the brakes are set on the engine and stops when the line is charged and the fan is running. The fan is placed pointing to one side awaiting the operations incident commander`s (OIC) order to ventilate and advance. The OIC waits for the vent crew`s confirmation that a ventilation opening has been made at the proper place at the other end of the structure. We find that this gives us very quick access to the seat of the fire and makes the journey less hazardous for our personnel. We also practice this drill from “street clothes” to final readiness and use three minutes for our benchmark time.
