Dan Shaw's Blog – January 2016 Archive (3)

"Residential Recognition - Take off the blinders!"

"All our senses must be on alert. We must use all our five senses to gather intelligence about the bigger picture, then attempt to validate the smaller tactical pieces to make sure the outcome is what is anticipated. We must absolutely resist the temptation

to put the blinders on and run like a moth to a flame in our tactical decision making." Chapter 21, Page…

Make Your Ladders Happy!

“Portable ladders want to be used at fires. They want to get out of their ladder racks and be used, see the light of day, be near the heat and smoke, and help you do your job more quickly and easily. They live to be thrown against residential building fires. It makes them happy. They love to be carried or dragged into place by one firefighter. They want to be placed at the level of the residential windowsill for best overall operations.” Chapter 22,…

“Beware of smoke from everywhere”

 Basement fires, and their tell-tale sign of smoke from everywhere, is arguably the most dangerous fire we encounter. Sadly, this was made evident by the recent LODD of Patrick Wolterman in Hamilton, Ohio and the close call in Toledo with FF Dorner last month. The latter has taken the time to share his story, which is imperative for us to read and share to learn. The former, sadly cannot share his story, but yet we must learn…