Summary: According to Capt. Sean Gray of Cobb County Fire (GA), entering through a window—commonly known as VES or Window-Initiated Search—can be a safe and effective rescue tactic when executed with proper training and discipline. In his view, understanding fire dynamics, flow path control, and size-up strategies are key to making this approach work. This perspective, featured in Episode 7 of Fully Involved, aims to spark conversation among firefighters about the risks and realities of VES.
Is Window-Initiated Search Really That Dangerous?
Capt. Sean Gray of Cobb County Fire (GA) doesn’t think so. In Episode 7 of Fully Involved, he shares his perspective that Vent-Enter-Search (VES)—also called VEIS or EVIS—is often misunderstood as reckless, when in reality, he believes it can be a calculated and lifesaving tactic. According to Gray, their department uses it regularly to bring civilians out of windows and down ladders, and they’ve found success through strict training and adherence to fireground fundamentals.
Why Capt. Gray Believes VES Can Be Safe
In Gray’s view, the key to safe VES operations lies in education and execution. He explains that his crews are trained extensively in:
-
Fire dynamics
-
Identifying and controlling flow paths
-
Reading smoke conditions
-
Conducting thorough search and fire attack size-ups
According to Gray, when these elements are in place, VES becomes more of a disciplined maneuver than a risky gamble. He emphasizes that his firefighters are “dialed in” and that this approach has yielded positive outcomes in their department.
VES as a Coordinated Tactic, Not a Freelance Move
Gray is clear that this isn’t a solo act or improvisation. His perspective is that Window-Initiated Search demands clear decision-making based on conditions, not impulse. He describes it as a system that involves:
Controlling the environment
-
Closing doors behind the search team to isolate the fire
-
Managing flow paths to avoid drawing heat or smoke toward the entry point
Targeting the search
-
Focusing on likely victim areas
-
Making decisions based on size-up and interior conditions
When done right, Gray believes it creates a controlled entry point rather than introducing chaos.
A Conversation Starter for the Fire Service
Capt. Gray’s approach to VES may not be universal, but it’s a window into how one department views and uses the tactic. Whether or not it aligns with your training or department’s philosophy, it’s meant to spark discussion and reevaluation. Is VES inherently risky—or does it depend on how and when it’s done?
Hear more from Capt. Sean Gray in Episode 7 of Fully Involved and decide for yourself.
Comments