Oct. 17, 2007 - On the Roof
Firefighting isn't just about running into burning buildings. One of the most challenging jobs a Firefighter has to perform happens up on the roof.
These two brave souls are from Six Truck, and they are cutting a hole in the roof of a burning house. Why cut a hole, you ask? As you can imagine, things are pretty hot and smokey inside the house right now, and the Engine crew is doing their best to get the fire hose to the seat of the fire. Water doesn't put a fire out by blindly spraying it around inside the house, it has to be placed precisely on what is burning. By cutting a hole in the roof, much of the heat and smoke will be able to escape, which will make the house a LOT cooler and improve visibility for the Engine crew. That will enable them to get close enough to the fire to place their water accurately. Every Firefighter that's advancing a nozzle (on his hands and knees, if not his belly) listens for the sound of a saw running up on the roof. That is a welcome sound indeed!
Once the Engine crew has the bulk of the fire knocked down, overhaul begins. Pick head axes have been a Firefighter's favorite handtool since the days when horses pulled the fire engine. Mario is chopping away at the smouldering roof to uncover hidden hot spots. Nobody leaves until the last spark is extinguished!
Jeff is using the circular saw to cut away the eave. The whole roof is going to be replaced on this house. The fire is out now, and the first thing to come off is the breathing apparatus and our heavy coats.
As an experiment, try doing hard work ouside on a hot day while wearing your warmest winter coat. It won't take long to understand why Firefighters prefer to work in their tee-shirts.
Mario and Ryan asked me to take their picture, which I am always happy to oblige. The number on their helmets identify which apparatus they are working on that day. The four digit number is part of a state-wide numbering system. 25 means Oakland, 76 is Six Truck, and 58 is Eighteen Engine. Confused yet?
Captain Dino takes a well deserved breather. Well done, Dino!
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