Drop Bag vs Up the Open Stairwell

On this Fire Minute, we talk about a couple options on the open stairwell. Plenty of ways to get it done, but we look at a side by side comparison of the Drop bag method vs. taking the hoseline straight up the stairs. Get out there! Time yourselves with each method and see what works best for you in those conditions! Throw in another option or obstacle. Doing a similar training exercise never disappoints and the times might surprise you.
Thank you to the crew of Engine 30, A Division, for stepping up and taking the lead on this Fire Minute! Nice work!
hoselays, engine company operations, fire training, firefighter, fire engine, apartment fire

[@ereams3331]

I love the attitude you bring to these videos, its a refreshing take on firefighting. Keep it up.👍

[@thefireminute625]

Thank you!

[@dieterklugg]

When estimating the stretch take a look at; 1. how far from rig to stairs? 2. what floor is the fire on? 3. is it a stairwell stretch or a stairway stretch- if using the well (or drop bag) a 50' stick will get you 3-4 floors. If no well option, a 50' stick will get you about 1 floor- If you can fit a gloved hand between the railings, you can use the well, otherwise the couplings get stuck. 50' of working line is usually plenty for an apartment. Consider breaking your Mattydale -or use the hose pack -and dropping the coupling down ("1 3/4 down") instead of the using the drop bag...it's faster. Great video!!!

[@adventuresofvossman2549]

In quick observation, it appears regardless of open or closed stairwells, hugging the railing and feeding the hose up through the middle seems quicker all around and more practical. But that is just a quick observation, not a criticism.