I’m going to disagree. When you open up the ceiling and see active fire you should open up the line early through a 3x3 opening. This will cause the steam in the enclosed space with minimal O2 introduced. It is a very effective tactic. Trucks can then open and if more fire is exposed more water is introduced. I have seen many fires go to multiple alarms because the Engine “let the truck work”. Water puts out the fire not hooks. I was a truck firemen for 10 years and now have been an Engine boss for 6 in one of the busiest houses in the FDNY. This is only my opinion I’ve developed from my own experience. Quick water, quick water, quick water. Aggressive Engine work saves lives and buildings.
Thanks for weighing in and I appreciate you sharing your wealth of experience. I couldn't agree more about aggressive engine work! This video is by no means telling people to unnecessarily delay extinguishment or recklessly pull ceilings. The point of letting the truck work, is simply to not open the nozzle the second the flame becomes visible and allowing the hooks to open up just enough to determine the extent of involvement and allow the engine to get good water into the space above, especially when you need to get the stream into the individual joist bays. As you well know, the second the line opens up, the visibility that you were benefitting from can be lost as soon as the line is put into service.
