On February 19th, 2018, Stockton Firefighters responded to reports of a fire in a garden-style apartment complex. Engine 4 arrived first on scene and investigated. Upon finding a working apartment fire, Engine 4 requested ‘Lead Lines.’ This is a 100 foot, 1 3/4 inch hose bundle designed to connect to the end of a 2 1/2 inch stretch.
The garden-style apartment complex is a specific scenario requiring a specific fire attack. Most complexes are sprawling- often with little access for apparatus, and high probability that the fire unit may be further than a pre-connected line usually used off the apparatus.
The order of ‘lead lines’ requires a coordinated and patient fire attack. A 2 1/2 inch hoseline must be pulled to the area of the fire unit, a set of ‘lead lines’ must be connected and flaked out, and finally the lines must be charged from the 2 1/2 wye connection. This is the epitome of ‘go slow to move fast,’ in that there are several challenges of both the fire and the hose deployment… but if you take the time to do it correctly, it will pay off in dividends.
Though many fires might extended to other units and common hidden spaces, this fire was extinguished quickly and without incident thanks to the quick (and well executed) actions and training of the Stockton Firefighters on scene. The fire was deemed ‘out’ in approximately 10 minutes after the initial 9-1-1 call.
We are proud to serve and protect the citizens and City of Stockton, California.
Simply one of the Best Departments in the Nation, except no one ran around breaking out every window they could find. At least, that's what they do "Back East". /s.
Perfect job, nice fast attack. You are doing it very well!
Impressive work as usual, Stockton FD. From the top notch work on the fire ground to the effort put into the videos on your channel.
We call them setback lines. 3” preconnect with a wye, and add a 2” attack line. Then if that does not reach we can take the tips off our smooth bore nozzle and extend the line without shutting the line down at the pump.