How to Stretch Dry and Attack Smart with Low Staffing

When you're rolling out with just one or two firefighters, every second and every step counts. In Episode 4 of the Fully Involved Podcast, PJ Norwood breaks down real-world tactics for under-staffed companies facing fires in multi-story wood-frame dwellings. His focus? Making aggressive interior pushes smarter — not harder — through the strategic use of dry stretches and initial water placement.

The Dry Stretch Debate: When It Makes Sense

PJ cuts straight to the point: in his department, they often stretch hose dry as far as they can go before charging it — even to the second floor. While not widely accepted everywhere, this tactic works when manpower is tight. By moving hose dry, you're faster and less encumbered. Once at your position (often the first or second floor), you mask up, call for water, and push in for a full extinguishment.

Why Dry First?

• Speed: Carrying a charged line up stairs with one or two people slows the whole operation.

• Efficiency: It gets you into position quicker to assess conditions and make decisions.

• Tactical Flexibility: Once you're set, you're ready to transition quickly into attack mode.

Read the Smoke, Not the Flames

One of PJ’s key teaching points is to stop fixating on flames. Fire venting out the third floor might look dramatic, but it’s telling you what’s already burned. Instead, read the smoke — that’s your forecast of what’s next. Understanding smoke behavior helps crews anticipate fire movement and apply water where it’ll do the most good.

Is Exterior Water a Cop-Out? Not Exactly.

For many aggressive interior firefighters, hitting fire from the outside feels like giving up ground. PJ challenges that mindset. In scenarios like a three-story stretch with visible flame from a top-floor window, it’s smart to give it a quick exterior knockdown — just enough to slow the fire’s roll while the interior crew gets into position. It’s not about replacing interior attack; it’s about buying time and making the push safer.

Questions to Size It Up Right

To make these tactics work, your size-up has to be sharp. PJ recommends asking:

• What's the staffing on scene?

• What floor is the fire on?

• How much hose do we need for that stretch?

• Can we stretch dry to that floor without delaying water too long?

These questions frame your approach before boots even hit the ground.

Final Takeaway: It’s About Smart Aggression

PJ Norwood isn’t advocating for less aggressive firefighting — he’s advocating for smarter aggression. Whether it’s stretching dry to get ahead of the game, hitting fire from outside while your crew positions inside, or reading smoke instead of chasing flames, these tactics are all about doing more with less — and doing it safer.

For more on nozzle choices, ground monitors, and water mapping for low-staffed teams, check out the full episode of Fully Involved Podcast with PJ Norwood.