Fire Suppression

Fire Suppression operations involve utilizing the Fire Department's resources to combat a fire. The success of any firefighting operation depends on the ability of the department to use it's available resources effectively and efficiently to protect lives and property.

Adequate preparation is necessary for effective fire suppression, from assuring adequate water supplies for extinguishment, and items such as pre-fire planning, to the constant training of personnel in the basic methods of fire attack.

Basically, fire suppression is divided into two areas, Engine and Truck Operations.

The primary responsibility of Engine Company personnel is to extinguish the fire. This is accomplished by using water that is carried on the Engine or by connecting the Engine to a fire hydrant.

Members then take hose lines into the involved structure, attempting to get as close as possible to the fire before applying water.

Truck (or Ladder) operations consist of forcing entry into a fire building (when necessary), searching for fire victims, making openings in the roof or removing windows to ventilate a fire, checking for hidden flames after the main body of fire is extinguished, and covering or removing the fire building's contents to protect against smoke and water damage.

The Farmington Fire Department prides itself on being able to provide an aggressive interior fire attack, to make a rapid search for victims, and prevent additional property damage, all while keeping the safety of its firefighters in mind.