Florida residential firefighting

The construction and design of residential structures in this state present Florida’s firefighters with    challenges and dangers that may not be encountered by their brothers and sisters in Northern states.  This presentation will examine why Florida firefighters may have to adapt their tactics when fighting fires in modern lightweight “engineered” construction that is heavily insulated and required by code to withstand hurricane-force winds.  Most fire departments in this state are suburban, seriously understaffed and heavily involved with EMS; consequently they cannot perform some of the “text book” personnel-intensive tactics that big city fire departments use.   Learn how to conduct size-up before committing limited resources, water supply options, considerations for apparatus placement and where to position the first attack hose line.  Fire problems common in this state will be addressed; such as solar panels, impact-resistant “hurricane” glass, wind resistant garage doors and why basement fires, although very rare in this state,  can catch unsuspecting firefighters off guard. Tactics  for attic fires, fires in attached garages and large, “McMansion” homes will also be examined.   Attendees will learn how modern, energy-efficient construction, common throughout Florida, influences fire dynamics and why wind-driven fires are not just a high rise fire phenomenon.

The presentation will also examine methods to stretch and operate hose lines on the upper floors of garden apartments and other multiple dwellings that are common throughout Florida when there are insufficient personnel to perform a conventional stairway stretch.