So you're sitting in the firehouse wondering just how many more medicals you're gonna run before the first fire call of the day. Then as luck would have it the house bells ring and you're on your way first due for the house on fire. Normally those words in general will pretty much have most firefighters with a pulse in a flat out sprint for the engine usually only to be let down once you're on the street when communications advises you that you're responding for the electrical outlet smoking. Somedays are better than others. Every now and then the fire god is looking down on us and were met with a room off. But normally you'd be lucky to have a smoldering mattress. It is the routine fire calls that we handle daily that we are use to but the question is when communications reports "fire in the basement of a house" Will you be ready ?

Basement fires plain and simple can and will kill you if you don't use your head. Some departments have standard SOP's when it comes to operating at basement fires. You would be surprised at how many that don't. For the most part the departments that have an SOP regarding basement/cellar fires it is fairly simple. The first line goes to the first floor and locates the steps leading to the basement and they stand fast protecting the upper floors while the second due company stretches to the rear and makes entry and extinguishes the fire. This all sounds easy but it is amazing to how many times that crews fail to perform there assignment. Depending on what due you are, you have one of two places to be but more times than not and we've all been there somebody FAILS TO POST.

So in the perfect scenario the crews get into place. Let's talk about our first line, we have crawled in and located the steps and were holding it. We do this why ? 

#1 The first line placed in service at the top of the basement stairs limits the     fire spread.

#2 It allows the Truck and Rescue Companies the chance to search the upper floors for victims and coordinate ventilation efforts.

   As for our line going to the exterior basement entrance we must consider this:

#1 Line selection: Make sure you have enough line to get to the rear or to the exterior basement entrance. (This isn't the time to come up short)

#2 Use a smooth bore nozzle when possible or at the very least a straight stream, remember while you're getting the fire you have a crew at the top of the steps taking it on the chin, although it sometimes happens you don't want to push the fire on them.

#3 GO GET IT: You have to realize the amount of time it has taken you and your crew to get your line in place and remember while all this is happening the crews operating on the upper floors are taking the beating of there life. This is not the time for Buddy Check in the backyard. Its your fire, you're looking right at it, go in the door and put it out.

   Now that we have talked about a line at the top of the steps and a line to the exterior basement entrance we must discuss how we attack the basement fire with no exterior access. As much as were taught not to go down the basement steps we sometimes have no choice. The best advice here is just use commom sense. If you've been in this business for any amount of time you know when to go and when not. When you don't have an exterior entrance your options are very limited. When you're making your lap around the house this is when you will generally know that you have no access. This is also when you have to decide based on the conditions if this is a fire we can go get or as much as I hate to say it, is this a fire we have to knock down from the outside. This is a critical time because if you decide to man up and take one for the team and you try to make the basement steps when conditions are bad it may be the last time you try. Quite simply if the whole basement is going you have to be smart and disciplined and just make a quick knock via the exterior and then go get it. This doesn't make you a coward it is your only option. You will most likely know by the smoke condition whether you can make the steps. Generally speaking a room off is one you can take on by interior steps and feel pretty good about your odds. It all comes back to the what you see on the outside.

In closing basement fires should never be an operation taken lightly. In my career I have seen basement fires go out without a hitch and in recent years I've seen them nearly kill a fellow brother. In depth training and SOP's are the first steps to being prepared for the next basement job. Like any fireground operation common sense goes a long way even more so on a basement fire. Take your assigned position,think, and do the right thing !

About the Author: 

James has been in the fire service for 14 years. He started his career with the District of Columbia Fire and EMS Department as a Dispatcher and served as a Firefighter at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D.C. He currently works for the Quantico Va. Fire Department assigned to Truck Company 31.ames is an active member with the Manassas Va. Volunteer Fire Company and is a former member of the Kentland Volunteer Fire Department in Prince Georges County Md. James has an AA in Fire Science Administration from the Northern Virginia Community College and is working towards his BS in Fire Science through the University of Florida.

James frequently speaks on the topic of Engine Company Operations and Rapid Intervention and can be reached via email at kentlandfirefighter@yahoo.com