One thing we can do as firefighters is know our enemy. In most aspects, the enemy is the building or buildings we may be working in. Understanding building construction, including fire behavior within different construction types, will greatly help you, your crew and other firefighters on the fire ground. Adding this component into your preplanning and size up considerations is a great way to practice your building construction knowledge along with strategies and tactics. Next time you are in the firehouse, gather your crew, open Google Maps to an address in your primary response area, preplan and even go as far as putting scenarios together to practice ICS, strategies, and tactics. It’ll get you and your crew thinking together and also build conversation and camaraderie.

Until next time; work hard, stay safe and live inspired.  

About the Author

NICHOLAS J. HIGGINS is a firefighter with 15 years in the fire service all within departments in Piscataway, NJ. Nick has held the ranks of Lieutenant and Captain as well as being a township elected District Fire Commissioner for 1 term (3 years) in Piscataway, NJ. He is also a NJ State certified level 2 fire instructor. He holds a B.S. in Accounting from Kean University working in Corporate Taxation and is the founder/contributor of the Firehouse Tribune website.