Using Big Water at Fires: Deck Guns, Master Streams, and Fire Attack

When a structure fire is growing rapidly, delivering a high volume of water can make a critical difference. In this episode, Eric Dreiman examines the importance of big water tactics, including the use of deck guns and portable monitors to knock down large fires quickly. Dreiman explains why firefighters need to train on these tactics, understand what a high volume fire stream can accomplish, and recognize how quickly it can affect fire conditions. He also discusses the value of big water for departments operating with limited staffing. From understanding fire stream effectiveness to building the skills needed to deploy deck guns and portable monitors with confidence, this episode challenges firefighters to train beyond their usual routines and consider the full range of tools available for fire attack. Listen to Fire Engineering podcasts for practical fireground tactics, engine company operations, training, and lessons for today’s fire service. This episode is brought to you by The Fire Store: TheFireStore.com