ROOF VENTILATION - CHECK SHEET

Size up the fire with the basic decision being are we offensive or defensive?
a. Select the optimum location for the ladder.
b. Be able to use landmarks to systematically find the fire while on the roof.
c. Place primary ladder considering: fire path, window, doors, wind direction, and escape route.

Determine the building construction type.
a. From previous knowledge or preplan.
b. Cut an inspection hole next to the ladder away from the travel direction -DO NOT PROCEED UNTIL YOU KNOW THE TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION.

Hole location
a. All ventilation to be 10% of the involved area. (can be more than one hole)
b. offensive holes that cannot be placed directed over the involved area shall be located so as to draw or pull the fire away from that part of the structure we consider most valuable.

Roof travel
a. Do not proceed unless you understand the type of roof construction.
b. Order a second ladder if the situation dictates.
c. Sounding shall be a 2' - 3' path - strike roof with considerable force. Tether sounding man to next member with hose strap.
d. Ventilation group to travel single file approximately 6' apart.
e. Group leader to order kerf and/or indicator holes along travel route to evaluate fire intensity and location. (every 15' to 20')
f. Group to advance to optimum hole location based on fire conditions and building construction.

Cutting and evaluating the hole.
a. Selection of a tactical cutting method is dependent upon the construction type.
(louvering, pull back, dicing, drop through, etc.)
b. Start hole with an inspection hole/cut then proceed - hole to be 10% of involved area or projected area of involvement.
c. Tether saw man using hose strap.
d. Coordinate the groups actions with Fire Attack Group
e. After opening hole punch through ceilings etc. (DO NOT 'CAP" HOLE WITH HOSE LINES)
f. Evaluate hole effectiveness for 30 seconds. If the pressure and intensity does not subside - check with fire attack and either enlarge the hole or reposition for a second effort.
g. When completed - GET OFF THE ROOF.

Equipment selection
a. Use a ladder that can be extended 6' - 8' above the roof line so you can easily locate it in the smoke.
b. chain or rotary saw appropriate to task - place tool kit, extra chain/blades, and fuel on the roof
next to the ladder.
c. Sounding tool - rubbish hook or D handle pike pole.
d. Axes with belts
e. Lights as needed
f. Drop bags - used to mark second ladder location or for raising equipment or hose lines.

Safety
a. Extend ladders 6' to 8' above wall line - secure
b. Verify communication plan and tactical frequency
c. Use hose strap as tether to protect saw and sounding man.
d. Start saws on the ground to verify operational.
e. Conduct PPE check and safety briefing prior to deployment.