Level up construction knowledge, build camaraderie & check out response areas with informal walkthroughs.

When I started my fire service journey, I worked for a three-station department with one training officer. We had limited formal training. (My definition of formal is training prepared and often presented by the training division.) Most of my training was passed down from the officers and senior firefighters. The “drills” I enjoyed the most were informal building walkthroughs. 

Because I did not come from a construction background, I enjoyed learning about building construction from those had that experience. We focused our tours on old buildings (early 1900s) in the downtown core or new construction our fire prevention division would bring to our attention. We would assure the building and business owners that we were not doing an inspection and asked if we could conduct a walkthrough to be better prepared should anything happen to their building.

Capt. John Davis was a great resource; he shared his extensive knowledge of building types and characteristics, explaining king rows, corbels, tie rods and steel bar joists. He answered all my rookie questions, often showing me an example to help me understand the concepts. As we walked through narrow alleys, Capt. Davis showed me access doors for attics, second floors or mezzanines that would prove crucial if the building were to have a fire. We discussed apparatus placement for engines and ladders, incorporating overhead lines, collapse zones, narrow streets and other challenges. These early lessons stuck with me and made me a big proponent of walkthroughs. 

As incident commanders, we often rely on the company officer’s knowledge, skills and abilities to set the scene for us. Walkthroughs increase their knowledge, ultimately improving our chances of success. When possible, ICs should join their crews for these walkthroughs. As you explore a new mega big box, assisted-living facility or a section of downtown, you can share your building knowledge, expectations for tactical priorities and war stories that reveal what worked and what did not. Although ICs might not respond on most emergency runs, we must encourage our company officers to perform walkthroughs whenever possible, especially after calls. Below, I share a few structural types/situations that warrant a closer look.