Iowa Firefighter Training Article Archive

Engine Company Fundamentals

October 2023

Before starting this month’s training article, I wanted to take a minute to introduce myself. My name is Cole Kleinwolterink. I am a passionate firefighter that started my career in 2019 after leaving a rewarding career in teaching and coaching. I am currently a member of the Waukee Fire Department and Granger Fire Department.

Initially when Scott Meinecke contacted me about writing the monthly training article for Iowa Firefighter, I felt a mixture of apprehension and excitement. I am a firm believer that we make the fire service better by hiring (or on the volunteer side, recruiting) good people and properly training them to respond. If writing this monthly column helps with the latter half of that equation, I welcome the responsibility and am eager to carry on what Scott started in 2004. Although Scott is handing me the pen to the training column, I’ve asked him to keep his phone on as I will be calling upon his wisdom and advice whenever I have questions.

I would like to take a minute to let you know what to expect from future training articles. Firefighting is inherently local. I recognize the variability in tactics that arise from the unique circumstances faced by departments on a day-to-day basis. Thus, the Iowa Firefighter training article’s aim is to delve into drills and techniques that transcend these variables, equipping firefighters with knowledge and skills that will lead to high level performance on all emergency scenes.

I am humbled to be given an opportunity to write for the esteemed Iowa Firefighter and am excited for us to grow together as firefighters! With that, let’s get to this month’s drill.

"There’s no advanced-level training. There’s only advanced-level performance."

This wisdom, shared by Lieutenant Jim McCormack of the Indianapolis Fire Department, underscores the critical importance of mastering the basics so they can be performed instinctively under stress.

At the heart of an effective engine company response lies the skillful deployment of hoselines. Regardless of the loading method, where it’s located on the engine, or whether it’s preconnected or not, what truly matters is being able to properly deploy it swiftly upon arrival. This initial action is crucial, as a well-stretched hoseline readies the extinguishment effort for success, while a poorly deployed line can quickly lead to adverse outcomes.

Lieutenant McCormack's words echo the sentiment that successful firefighting isn't about elaborate training regimens; it's about honing the fundamental skills that form the bedrock of effective firefighting. This month's training drill, focusing on engine company evolutions 1 through 5 from NFPA 1410, the national standard for fire service training reports and records, reiterates this principle. These engine-specific evolutions revolve around hand line deployment. This month, pick one or two evolutions to drill on.

In preparation for this month’s drill, lining-up real addresses within your district is ideal. This will allow members to make real-world decisions and overcome challenges in an authentic setting. One way to achieve this is by coordinating with department members to conduct drills outside their homes. It’s wise to assign 1 observer (or an entire company) to follow the hose deployment and ensure that property (ex. downspouts, cars, fences, doors, etc.) are not accidentally damaged during the evolution. An added benefit is that the neighborhood children enjoy watching firefighters train, thus doubling as a great public relations opportunity.

It’s important to keep everyone engaged and avoid having a small group performing the evolution while a large group idly watches for a majority of the training. This challenge can be overcome several ways depending on your department’s resources and number of personnel in attendance, but here are a few suggestions to consider...

Assign two groups/companies per apparatus for the 1410 to allow for a faster reload. A successful stretch is dependent on the hose being properly loaded on the truck. Thus reloading hose is an essential skill that everyone needs to master.

If your department utilizes bundles, pre-package several bundles before the training for faster resets.

For large groups, consider setting up skill stations. Rotate groups through them until it’s their turn to run the 1410 evolution. Pick stations that are suitable for your department’s needs (for example: stretching hose in the parking lot from another apparatus, reviewing knots, throwing ladders, SOP review, etc.)

Training Objectives

Upon completion the firefighter should be able to….

Effectively stretch the appropriate hoseline, to a predetermined target within the prescribed time outlined in NFPA 1410.
Establish a water supply and flow 300 gallons per minute per the national standard.

Cole Kleinwolterink is a member of the Waukee Fire Department, Granger Fire Department, and a Fire Science Instructor at Des Moines Area Community College. He can be contacted by email at kleinwolterinkc@gmail.com