The Official Book of Andy

Introduction: Remembering Andy 

I. Fire Engineering 

• Principles of Direct Extinguishment 
• Critical Factors 
• Solid Streams versus Straight Streams 
• Misconceptions about Solid Streams 
• Standpipe Firefighting Operations 
• The Proof Is in the Performance 

• Types of Standpipe Systems 
• Locations of Standpipe Systems 
• Supplying Standpipe Systems 
• Common Siamese Connection Problems 
• Logistics 
• The Standpipe Kit 
• Operating from Standpipe Systems 
• Selecting Hose and Nozzle 

• Hydrant Reliability 
• Inspection and Maintenance 
• Vandalism and Unauthorized Use 
• Utilizing Hydrants—Single Engine Company 
• Utilizing Hydrants—Two Engine Companies 
• Positioning at Hydrants 
• The Two Minutes of Terror 
• “Start Water” 
• 4The 2½-Inch Handline 
• Limitations of 1¾-Inch Hose 
• The Two-Five Syndrome 
• Impact of Reduced Staffing 
• “Slippery Water” 
• Advantages of 2½-Inch Hose 
• Tactical Considerations 
• Handling 2½-Inch Hose 
• Big Fire, Big Water 
• 5Stretching and Advancing Handlines, Part 1 
• Indisputable Truths 
• Basic Rules of Stretching Hose 
• Estimating the Stretch 
• Hose Stretch Variations 
• When Preconnected Lines Fall Short 
• Stretching the Handline 
• Modern Apparatus Design 
• Other Considerations 
• Preparing for the Advance 
• 6Stretching and Advancing Handlines, Part 2 
• The Nozzle Team 
• The Engine Company Officer 
• The Nozzle Firefighter 
• The Backup Firefighter 
• The Door Firefighter 
• Final Preparations 
• Dangers of Kinks 
• Additional Considerations 
• A Lifesaving Tool 
• 7Observations on the Engine Company 
• Vertical versus Horizontal Stretch 
• Haste, Aggressiveness, Discipline 
• Apparatus Design 
• The “Myth” of the Unburned Side 
• Stretching Handlines Revisited 
• Odds and Ends 
• Back to Basics 
• 8Standpipe System Operations: The Standpipe Kit 
• The Handline Standpipe Kit 
• The Chauffeur Standpipe Kit 
• Supply via a Lower-Floor Outlet 
• Causes of Pressure Problems 
• Troubleshooting 
• Chauffeur Safety 
• Expect the Unexpected 
• 9Long Handlines and Hose Headers 
• H-Type Apartment Building Fire 
• Lessons Learned 
• Augmenting Sprinkler Systems 
• 10Engine Company Support of RIT/FAST Operations 
• Engine Companies Save Lives 
• From “Fat” Engines to “Fast” Trucks 
• The Rapid Intervention Engine Company 
• Training an Effective RICE 
• Tools and Equipment 
• Nozzle Selection 
• Fireground Operations 
• Make a RICE Policy 
• 11Y2K: Are You Prepared for Hidden Hazards? 
• Preplanning Is Key 
• Tips for Operational Safety 
• 12Little Drops of Water: 50 Years Later, Part 1 
• Fog Nozzle History 
• Little Drops of Water 
• The National Exploratory Committee 
• The Combination Attack 
• Misapplication and Confusion 
• Water Fog and Life Safety 
• Layman before Fog 
• The Debate Continues 
• 13Little Drops of Water: 50 Years Later, Part 2 
• The Modern Environment 
• Black Fire 
• Compartment Fires 
• Fuel Materials 
• Energy-Efficient Windows 
• Firefighting Actions 
• Fog, Fans, and Foam 
• Little Drops Again 
• Interior Direct Attack 
• 14Improving the Quality of Your Solid Streams 
• Freeman Experiments 
• Factors 
• Testing 
• Results 
• Handline Nozzles 
• Nozzle Reaction 
• 15Considerations for the Effective Use of Deck Guns 
• Deck Pipes and Deck Guns 
• Safety Concerns 
• Operational Problems 
• Chicago’s Long Deck Gun 
• Exposure Protection 
• Offensive Attack 
• Shift in Strategy 
• Tips and Suggestions 
  
  

II. FireNuggets 

• 16Handline Selection 
• 17Handline Placement 
• 18Estimating the Stretch 
• 19Stream Selection 
• 20Advancing the First Handline, Part 1 
• 21Advancing the First Handline, Part 2 
• 22Advancing the First Handline, Part 3 
• 23Advancing the First Handline, Part 4 
• 24Why Fires Are More Dangerous Today 
• 25Father’s Day