Street width/traffic flow:
Narrow car lined streets and one-way traffic flows are a fact of life that the fire service must deal with. Due to the need for speed and efficiency with fire department operations at a structure fire, this size-up factor becomes critical for the first due engine and ladder company. Driving down a one-way street against the flow of traffic because you think it’s quicker, can prove to be disastrous more times than not especially if it is not thought out.
Let’s think about it. First, civilian traffic will be moving one way. If you turn in to the block against them, where are they going to go? Backwards into a driveway? If so, you better hope it is only one car that needs to move and there is a driveway somewhere on the block. Second, if the first due engine company has a clean path down the street against the traffic flow, the first due truck company who is responding from a different location may be proceeding with the traffic flow and never get to the front of the building. In actuality they probably won’t get anywhere close. There will most likely be a line of cars stuck between the first due engine company and the first due ladder company. The ideal procedure with one-way streets is to have the first due engine company and ladder proceed into the block with the flow of traffic. By following this established route you will push civilian traffic up ahead and out of the way allowing for proper placement and positioning of the first due engine and ladder company. Once you gain control of the block, then additional equipment can move in any direction necessary.
This suggested procedure of the first due engine and ladder company comes with only one exception. If as the first due engine company you are responding to a reported fire and the address of the fire building is near the street corner you are approaching, or at the most a few doors down the block against the flow of traffic, stop and take a look. If you could see the building and have no vehicles between you and the fire building, proceed. Please note, that you must be able to see the building. With streets that have a low, high, then low grade again, you may head into a street against traffic and find as you climb the hill a line of vehicles approaching from the other side. Now you’re in trouble. We must add that your decision could be further enhanced if the first due ladder company is responding with you and they are right behind you. This will allow proper placement for the first due engine and the first due ladder, working on the concept of quick water, quick vents, with quick searches. It is also extremely important with this exception that you immediately alert other responding companies to your move so they can make the necessary changes to ensure augmented water supplies, placement of the second due ladder company, etc. The exception to the rule has to be a calculated move. Think about it and plan for it before you act. If you don’t have a procedure on streets with one-way traffic patterns, you should.
Stay Safe!
Mike Terpak
Deputy Chief-Jersey City
