Familiarizing the Unfamiliar
After the range has been secured, the trainers light a small wind-driven fire that the trainees suppress using fire swatters, a common tool on every German engine. This exercise teaches firefighters how to use their everyday tools for the most benefit with the least effort. The trainers then light different areas of the field for the firefighters to fight with 1- and 1½-inch lines, comparing them in maneuverability and water use. Many of the participants are astonished to see how effective a 1-inch spray is on crop field fires, as well as how long a tank can last when using such small amounts of water.
| Related Articles | ||
|
The final exercise explores the use of pump-and-roll by lighting a bigger area to allow for tandem and envelope tactics. This requires a lot of watch-outs for the overhead and engine security men to avoid burning an engine by driving over a hotspot, relighting it with the motor fan. The nozzle operator in front of the vehicle also needs to think about personal safety, as well as that of the truck. The firefighters quickly learn the best distance for attacking such a fire.
After the live burn, the trainers and trainees conduct an after-action review at a barbecue. They evaluate the situation and what happened, discussing the lessons learned and the findings of the day. Because the participants don't want to stop the practical learning, training often is expanded.
The @fire team's next step was to bring together fire departments and forestry experts at a state fire academy in Bavaria to teach them more about tactical instruments so they can lead crews safely in case of major fires in mountainous terrain. The team also is encouraging those in command to consider using "fire against fire" in non-traditional settings. For example, wildfire tactics could be useful on World War II battlefields filled with unexploded ordnance.
There is still much work to be done, but @fire is eager to fill the gap and make wildland firefighting in Germany a lot safer.
The safety team supports operations, making sure nothing ignites the TSF-W itself while driving over burned ground.
|
With no designated brush trucks apart from certain single solutions, German fire departments have to rely on structure rigs for wildland tasks, which is difficult considering the need for off-road capacities and pump-and-roll operations.
German fire departments are usually equipped with engines carrying 125 to 600 gallons of water, plus some multipurpose foam solution. The number of personnel on each rig ranges from three to nine, with six being the norm on a TSF-W (Tragkraftspritzenfahrzeug-Wasser, a medium engine with portable pump and water).
Pump capacities range from 250 to 1,000gpm, with pressures being the same as in the United States. Most engines are not capable of doing pump and roll because the PTO systems are not designed to do driving and PTO at the same time. The TSF-W and forest tank trucks in eastern Germany seem to be the most useful apparatus for this task.
Detlef Maushake has been a lieutenant/paramedic for the Salzgitter Fire Department in northern Germany since 1995. Maushake, 38, also is chief of wildland training for @fire, a volunteer, non-profit, nongovernmental organization engaged in wildland firefighting for southern Europe and beyond. The team is always interested in new training contacts, as well as in developing bilateral aid contracts for wildfire-prone areas. For more information about @fire, visit www.at-fire.de or e-mail the author at Maushake@at-fire.de.
Acceptable Use Policy blog comments powered by Disqus
