Summary: When facing a challenging stretch to a working fire, the priority is rapid water application—whether it comes from a handline, ground monitor, or deck gun. As PJ Norwood emphasizes, speed matters more than position. A quick exterior hit using a smooth bore on an inch and three-quarter line, held steady into the target window, can knock down heat and improve conditions for the interior push. It's about fast water, smart nozzle choices, and maximizing every second on the fireground.
In the fire service, there's plenty of talk about aggression. But as PJ Norwood puts it, true aggression isn’t about where you stand—it’s about how quickly you can apply water to the fire. Whether you’re working with a handline, ground monitor, or deck gun, the goal is the same: cool the environment and improve conditions for the attack crew.
During a discussion on initial tactics, Norwood breaks down a scenario involving a tough stretch to a burning structure. His advice? Don’t waste time debating how to apply water—just do it. If you can get water into the compartment from the outside, do it. This early application can buy critical time and make entry safer.
As Norwood says, quoting fire researcher Keith Stakes: “The wetter, the better.” The faster you get water on the fire, the better the outcome—period.
When you’re choosing a line for this kind of attack, Norwood leans toward simplicity and effectiveness: a smooth bore nozzle on an inch and three-quarter handline. This setup delivers solid flow with minimal fuss. Once in position at the window, keep the stream steep and steady. Don’t wave it around. Hold the line in place until you see a clear change in fire behavior.
One of the biggest myths in the fire service is that hitting fire from the outside shows weakness or lack of aggression. Norwood flips that thinking. If you can cool the space and start knockdown from outside before committing crews, you’re setting up for a stronger, safer interior attack.
That quick exterior hit? It’s not a delay—it’s a tactical advantage.
In real-world operations—especially when staffing is low—the best tactic is the one that gets water moving quickly and effectively. A single firefighter with the right line and nozzle can make a big difference before the rest of the crew even gets to the door.
This clip from PJ Norwood’s appearance on the podcast is a reminder that aggressive firefighting isn’t about being the first through the door. It’s about being the first to make the fire react.
For more tactical breakdowns and gear advice from PJ, check out the full episode.