I know that I may be getting in on this a little late, but I figure better late than never.
What type of attic? The methods listed previously would work very well for your standard attic that is one open area under the roof. But what if it was a half-story attic/living space, you know the ones where some genius thought it would be a great idea to put in some knee walls to get move living space out of their house. If this is the case you would also have to open up the open spaces behind the knee walls to check them for fire or you could be chasing the fire for hours (I know I have seen it). This is just my two cents.
Go UGLY early!