Advanced Truck Ops - Vertical Ventilation Ridge Cut

[paramarini]

To perform advanced vertical ventilation techniques as seen in this video it is vital that the fireman and the crew have a grasp on building construction. After reading some of the comments below it is evedant that some of you need to study.

[paramarini]

On a light weight truss roof there is not a ridge board, but ridge blocks used to space light weight trusses apart during roof construction. Almost like a nailing block. The strength comes from the design and amount of trusses used on a light weight roof combined with surface area covered with sheeting/decking. Cutting out a bay or two will not compromise the integrity of the surrounding roof.

[paramarini]

Now a conventional cut and stack roof with true dimensional lumber will not only have a true ridge board, but may also have galvanized hangers and true rafters (from load bearing wall to ridge board). The later roof type is the strongest, so cutting out a piece of the ridge within a bay will not turn the ridge into a diving board, nor will it comprimise the remaining ridge

[paramarini]

There is no "shift" danger. Please remember what this technique is used for, unable to hit it with aerial or a roof ladder on that extreme pitch (10-12 , 12-12) with the need for vertical ventilation and workible fire conditions bellow. Go out and cut some holes, try some new stuff and continue to learn.

John - SBFD

[trkmant46]

I like the cut. Its just another tool in the tool box for us to use. I love how everyone is quick to judge these guys..too funny.

This So.Ca. Dept gets more fire in a week than most in a yr. So I have a lot of respect for the work they do. Not only that, a good majority of the building in their city are of old construction, just like L.a. City.

While I may never use this cut, its does give me alternatives. And as Co. Officers we should always have at least two if not three back up plans

[Avsalom]

@trkmant46 - I've seen the work load in San Bernardino -mostly walkable pitched roofs,apartments buildings and single story homes.They do some nice work.-But that doesn't mean everything they do is correct,this training just happens to be one of them.Besides maybe the ghetto I work in burns all the time and is mostly composed of 100 yr old homes with very steeply pitched roofs ,maybe we operate on these types of roof a lot ,just maybe I actually know what i'm talking about.

[skiter444]

What if there is a ridge board, cutting thru it would create a diving board.

[Avsalom]

It's good to think outside the box but that is exactly where this one should have stayed-IN THE BOX.Certainly not as a viable alternative to smart aggressive roof tactics.On a steeply pitched roof you need to take the time to reposition your roof ladders. (it won't take that long),because in the end it will pay off in time,effort and safety.If the hole lights up with this method you are in a world of S***.Just because you CAN do something doesn't mean you Should.

[firebong96]

This method should only be used on steep roof. With the current methods of construction (lightweight, trust), anyone instructing you to work from the ridge is unaware or have no idea of truck work or advance truck OPS is. There is no ridge pole in lightweight construction plus we always want to work back towards or baring walls after making our cuts. Stay safe, be safe work off baring walls.

[suzukiman8408]

id still rather do a standard cut working off a roof ladder on a steep pitch like that

[gp1624]

That is great stuff, but I must caution that if sitting on a ridge that is of joist and rafter construction, and not trusses, may cause you to fall through.

[cahonas]

I was going to be nice about this video until I went on your website and viewed your other videos. Stop. We are finally getting buy in across the Nation that Vertical Ventilation is increasingly more important today than it was in the past. Stick to Center Rafter Cuts and Dicing and stop making puny 3x3's make 4x8 feet the minimum.

[jkern78]

By looking at the video obviously this is a traditional cut and stack roof. If you would have read the description you would notice that the video publisher states that "this is just another option for vertical ventilation". Get off of your high horse and know what your talking about before you make a fool of yourself publicly

[ff1gunzel]

why wouldnt you just get a roof ladder and cut off of it. what is the advatage of doing this. just curious ive never seen this technique

[WestCoast911dotcom]

You may initially intend to cut from your roof ladder but then realize that you may not be in the ideal position. You may want to cut a few bays over. At that point, it may take too long to reposition.

Or maybe you just plain old misjudged from the street, didn't throw a roof ladder and need to recover.

Or maybe you laddered a valley and made easy access to the ridge, but the roof pitch causes walking the ridge to be too precarious.

Fraternally,

West Coast 911

[poncedeleon61]

That's a pretty cool way to cut when the pitch is that steep. Respect The Jumari Jean Decloux Nephew!!!