A collection of columns from Fire Engineering magazine by Andrew A. Fredericks, firefighter, noted expert on fire suppression methods, and victim of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. This book is a tribute to his work, collecting his expertise on hoselines, standpipe operations, and all the facets of attacking fire with water.

ForewordIntroduction: Remembering AndyI. FIRE ENGINEERING1 Fighting Fire with Water: Return of the Solid StreamPrinciples of Direct ExtinguishmentCritical FactorsSolid Streams versus Straight StreamsMisconceptions about Solid StreamsStandpipe Firefighting OperationsThe Proof Is in the Performance2 Standpipe System Operations: Engine Company BasicsTypes of Standpipe SystemsLocations of Standpipe SystemsSupplying Standpipe SystemsCommon Siamese Connection ProblemsLogisticsThe Standpipe KitOperating from Standpipe SystemsSelecting Hose and Nozzle3 Tactical Use of Fire HydrantsHydrant ReliabilityInspection and MaintenanceVandalism and Unauthorized UseUtilizing Hydrants—Single Engine CompanyUtilizing Hydrants—Two Engine CompaniesPositioning at HydrantsThe Two Minutes of Terror“Start Water”4 The 2½-Inch HandlineLimitations of 1¾-Inch HoseThe Two-Five SyndromeImpact of Reduced Staffing“Slippery Water”Advantages of 2½-Inch HoseTactical ConsiderationsHandling 2½-Inch HoseBig Fire, Big Water5 Stretching and Advancing Handlines, Part 1 Indisputable TruthsBasic Rules of Stretching HoseEstimating the StretchHose Stretch VariationsWhen Preconnected Lines Fall ShortStretching the HandlineModern Apparatus DesignOther ConsiderationsPreparing for the Advance6 Stretching and Advancing Handlines, Part 2 The Nozzle TeamThe Engine Company OfficerThe Nozzle FirefighterThe Backup FirefighterThe Door FirefighterFinal PreparationsDangers of KinksAdditional ConsiderationsA Lifesaving Tool7 Observations on the Engine CompanyVertical versus Horizontal StretchHaste, Aggressiveness, DisciplineApparatus DesignThe “Myth” of the Unburned SideStretching Handlines RevisitedOdds and EndsBack to Basics8 Standpipe System Operations: The Standpipe KitThe Handline Standpipe KitThe Chauffeur Standpipe KitSupply via a Lower-Floor OutletCauses of Pressure ProblemsTroubleshootingChauffeur SafetyExpect the Unexpected9 Long Handlines and Hose HeadersH-Type Apartment Building FireLessons LearnedAugmenting Sprinkler Systems10 Engine Company Support of RIT/FAST OperationsEngine Companies Save LivesFrom “Fat” Engines to “Fast” TrucksThe Rapid Intervention Engine CompanyTraining an Effective RICETools and EquipmentNozzle SelectionFireground OperationsMake a RICE Policy11 Y2K: Are You Prepared for Hidden Hazards?Preplanning Is KeyTips for Operational Safety12 Little Drops of Water: 50 Years Later, Part 1 Fog Nozzle HistoryLittle Drops of WaterThe National Exploratory CommitteeThe Combination AttackMisapplication and ConfusionWater Fog and Life SafetyLayman before FogThe Debate Continues13 Little Drops of Water: 50 Years Later, Part 2 The Modern EnvironmentBlack FireCompartment FiresFuel MaterialsEnergy-Efficient WindowsFirefighting ActionsFog, Fans, and FoamLittle Drops AgainInterior Direct Attack14 Improving the Quality of Your Solid StreamsFreeman ExperimentsFactorsTestingResultsHandline NozzlesNozzle Reaction15 Considerations for the Effective Use of Deck GunsDeck Pipes and Deck GunsSafety ConcernsOperational ProblemsChicago’s Long Deck GunExposure ProtectionOffensive AttackShift in StrategyTips and SuggestionsII. FIRENUGGETS16 Handline Selection17 Handline Placement18 Estimating the Stretch19 Stream Selection20 Advancing the First Handline, Part 121 Advancing the First Handline, Part 222 Advancing the First Handline, Part 323 Advancing the First Handline, Part 424 Why Fires Are More Dangerous Today25 Father’s DayIndex