As I look at some of the residential buildings in my fire district, I realize the difficulties associated with access for firefighting activities. With homes that have been built on elevations, hill sides, tall retaining walls, and in alleyways; access for apparatus, hoselines and ladders are sometimes difficult. Other problems encountered could include access to the scene, water supply, additional lighting, air supply/rehab location and a generally difficult working area for firefighters. These problems are not limited to fire incidents, but can also pose problems for patient removal in emergency medical situations.
These structures are not only older style homes; but can be found as new homes in modern subdivisions, and multi-family dwellings. I have included pictures and some of the associated problems with access to structures in my district.
This is a Multi-Family apartment building that is stacked two buildings deep; the bottom picture shows the access to these buildings
These two residential structures are located across the street from each other. The top picture shows natural rocks that have been used as a retainer; the driveway is too steep to access with a pumper.
The bottom picture is a 2-story house built on a steep hill; the roof is eye level with the street. The driveway is steep and doesn’t provide much room to deploy lines. The basement on the rear of the house is also a walk-out with steep terrain. This could also be a problem with access for RIT operations and placing ladders on the rear and sides of the structure. Don’t forget; just because you entered the front door at ground level does not mean the back door will be at ground level.
Older buildings with limited access to the front of the structure may have an alley to access from the rear (top picture). The bottom picture is a structure that has a drive-way that goes under the house to access the garage and front of the building.
Some buildings with limited access to the front of the structure may have walls, vegetation, or other obstacles to overcome . These houses not only pose an access problem; the driveway makes it difficult to deploy lines and there is not a lot of room at the front door to pre-load a hose line. Both sides of the driveway is surrounded by natural vegetation and limited access around your apparatus.
I challenge you to go out and find these buildings in your area. After you find them share the information with everyone: shift members, co-workers, and mutual aid companies. The life you save could be your own!