It is our greatest hope that firefighters will recognize trouble and exit the roof or upper floors before it becomes too late.  The use of thermal image devices and training in flash-over simulators are giving firefighters better ‘intel’ concerning changing conditions on the fire-ground. Unfortunately, “Situational Awareness” is still lacking severely.

Loss of or limited egress options are causing firefighters to use personal escape rope or  personal escape devices/systems.  Firefighters must review indicators indicators and the decision list  for deployment.

Firefighters must also become completely familiar and train with their specific system to become comfortable and confident in its use.