Attic Fire – Top Down Attack

Ground Ladder Access

Tactic:

• Deploy a ground ladder with safe footing.
• Throw a roof ladder if necessary.
• One firefighter ascends ladder with SpikeHammer™ and AttackSpike™ Nozzle.
• Advance to top 1/3 of roof.
• Use flat side of SpikeHammer™ to help locate space between rafters / trusses.
• Pierce roofing materials with the SpikeHammer.
• Insert the AttackSpike Nozzle fully and flow water.
• There is no need to tie off the nozzle or man the nozzle once inserted.
• Water can flow continuously and can be controlled with a gated wye from the ground.
• Additional AttackSpike Nozzles can be deployed or crews can be assigned to another task.

Tactical Consideration:

• Utilize multiple AttackSpike Nozzles in complicated rooflines with multiple peaks.

Tool Configuration:

• Standard length AttackSpike Nozzle with Shield Tip to suppress active fire in Attic.
• Standard length AttackSpike Nozzle with Mist Tip to protect space from advancing fire.

Access from Bucket or Stick:

• Place aerial in a safe location to provide the best access possible.
• Place the bucket/basket/stick within 2 feet from the roof in the top 1/3 portion from the peak.  Use a pick head axe, pike pole or HammerSpike to create a hole in the roofing material and sheathing.
• Insert the AttackSpikeXL™ Nozzle in far enough to clear rafters or trusses.
• Flow water from an 1¾ in. line off of the aerial waterway.
• The benefit of the 5 ft. reach is deploying the nozzle from the aerial device without having to be on the roof.  It is not necessary to insert the tip the full 5 ft. length. Ensure the tool is far enough in the compartment to clear rafters or trusses but not so far that stream reach is limited.
• The AttackSpikeXL™ can be stored on the boom or beam of the ladder for quick access.

Tool Configuration:

• Five foot length AttackSpikeXL Nozzle with Shield Tip to suppress active fire in Attic.
• Five foot length AttackSpikeXL Nozzle with Mist Tip to protect space from advancing fire.