Summary: Window-initiated search (WIS), formerly known by various acronyms like VES or VEIS, is a proven, research-supported tactic according to Cobb County Captain Sean Gray and FSRI. Despite persistent myths, Gray emphasizes that directing water through a window during a search does not "steam" firefighters inside. As shown in Episode 7 of Fully Involved, a coordinated attack using smooth bore nozzles can improve safety for both victims and search crews by rapidly knocking back fire and creating survivable space.

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What Is Window-Initiated Search?

You may know it as VES, VEIS, or EVIS—but according to Sean Gray, window-initiated search is the clearest way to describe the tactic. It simply means entering a structure through a window when conditions or layout demand it. Gray notes this approach is fast, focused, and can be lifesaving.

Why Gray and FSRI Support This Tactic

Gray describes search and fire attack as the pillars of Cobb County's fireground strategy. In Episode 7, he walks through a high-heat scenario where WIS is employed as the best available tactic. He emphasizes that WIS is safe when done right—and that his department regularly brings civilians out through windows and down ladders. When fire conditions escalate mid-search, Gray says they don’t wait: they put water through the window to control the threat.

Does Water Through a Window Harm the Interior Crew?

According to Gray, the old belief that exterior streams will "steam" firefighters inside is a myth. Research from FSRI backs this up. Gray states that when exterior water is applied properly, the fire goes out, and the firefighter might get wet—nothing more.

Coordinated Streams + Search Crews = Safer Outcomes

Gray emphasizes that WIS requires coordination. He explains that Cobb County’s practice is to flood the building with people and water at the same time. If a search crew is inside and a room begins to flash, the tactic is to get water on it quickly. This, he says, creates survivable space for victims and safer conditions for the crew.

Why Gray Prefers Smooth Bore Nozzles for WIS

Gray points out two main reasons for using smooth bore nozzles:

• You don’t need to perform stream checks, so crews can focus on advancing the line and surface cooling.

• Smooth bores operate at 50 psi, which means lower reaction force and better handling under pressure.

He notes that while 260 GPM may not look dramatic, it’s highly effective through the right nozzle.

Equipment Tips and Coordination

Gray highlights the importance of:

• Training crews on flow path awareness.

• Applying water with purpose, not just blindly.

• Communicating clearly between nozzle teams and search crews to prevent accidental stream impacts.

Watch the Full Scenario

In Episode 7 of Fully Involved, Shawn Gray shows how Cobb County uses window-initiated search to locate victims fast and adapt when fire conditions shift. Curious—or skeptical? Gray encourages open discussion. "Disagree? Tell us in the comments."

Gray, window-initiated search is the clearest way to describe the tactic. It simply means entering a structure through a window when conditions or layout demand it. Gray notes this approach is fast, focused, and can be lifesaving.

Why Gray and FSRI Support This Tactic

Gray describes search and fire attack as the pillars of Cobb County's fireground strategy. In Episode 7, he walks through a high-heat scenario where WIS is employed as the best available tactic. He emphasizes that WIS is safe when done right—and that his department regularly brings civilians out through windows and down ladders. When fire conditions escalate mid-search, Gray says they don’t wait: they put water through the window to control the threat.

Does Water Through a Window Harm the Interior Crew?

According to Gray, the old belief that exterior streams will "steam" firefighters inside is a myth. Research from FSRI backs this up. Gray states that when exterior water is applied properly, the fire goes out, and the firefighter might get wet—nothing more.

Coordinated Streams + Search Crews = Safer Outcomes

Gray emphasizes that WIS requires coordination. He explains that Cobb County’s practice is to flood the building with people and water at the same time. If a search crew is inside and a room begins to flash, the tactic is to get water on it quickly. This, he says, creates survivable space for victims and safer conditions for the crew.

Why Gray Prefers Smooth Bore Nozzles for WIS

Gray points out two main reasons for using smooth bore nozzles:

• You don’t need to perform stream checks, so crews can focus on advancing the line and surface cooling.

• Smooth bores operate at 50 psi, which means lower reaction force and better handling under pressure.

He notes that while 260 GPM may not look dramatic, it’s highly effective through the right nozzle.

Equipment Tips and Coordination

Gray highlights the importance of:

• Training crews on flow path awareness.

• Applying water with purpose, not just blindly.

• Communicating clearly between nozzle teams and search crews to prevent accidental stream impacts.

Watch the Full Scenario

In Episode 7 of Fully Involved, Shawn Gray shows how Cobb County uses window-initiated search to locate victims fast and adapt when fire conditions shift. Curious—or skeptical? Gray encourages open discussion. "Disagree? Tell us in the comments."

 Gray, window-initiated search is the clearest way to describe the tactic. It simply means entering a structure through a window when conditions or layout demand it. Gray notes this approach is fast, focused, and can be lifesaving.

Why Gray and FSRI Support This Tactic

Gray describes search and fire attack as the pillars of Cobb County's fireground strategy. In Episode 7, he walks through a high-heat scenario where WIS is employed as the best available tactic. He emphasizes that WIS is safe when done right—and that his department regularly brings civilians out through windows and down ladders. When fire conditions escalate mid-search, Gray says they don’t wait: they put water through the window to control the threat.

Does Water Through a Window Harm the Interior Crew?

According to Gray, the old belief that exterior streams will "steam" firefighters inside is a myth. Research from FSRI backs this up. Gray states that when exterior water is applied properly, the fire goes out, and the firefighter might get wet—nothing more.

Coordinated Streams + Search Crews = Safer Outcomes

Gray emphasizes that WIS requires coordination. He explains that Cobb County’s practice is to flood the building with people and water at the same time. If a search crew is inside and a room begins to flash, the tactic is to get water on it quickly. This, he says, creates survivable space for victims and safer conditions for the crew.

Equipment Choice: Smooth Bore Nozzles for WIS?

Ben Lehman of the Fully Involved crew points out two main reasons to consider using smooth bore nozzles:

• You don’t need to perform stream checks, so crews can focus on advancing the line and surface cooling.

• Smooth bores operate at 50 psi, which means lower reaction force and better handling under pressure.

He notes that while 260 GPM may not look dramatic, it’s highly effective through the right nozzle.

Equipment Tips and Coordination

Gray highlights the importance of:

• Training crews on flow path awareness.

• Applying water with purpose, not just blindly.

• Communicating clearly between nozzle teams and search crews to prevent accidental stream impacts.

Watch the Full Scenario

In Episode 7 of Fully Involved, Sean Gray shows how Cobb County uses window-initiated search to locate victims fast and adapt when fire conditions shift. Curious—or skeptical? Gray encourages open discussion. "Disagree? Tell us in the comments."