Summary: Stairwell fires challenge even experienced firefighters with rapidly changing conditions, limited visibility, and high-risk decision points. For probies, it’s where foundational tactics are put to the test. From nozzle selection to water supply strategy, this article breaks down critical stairwell questions every new firefighter should be asking—based on fireground realities, not textbook hypotheticals.
The stairwell isn't just a pathway—it’s a pressure cooker. Heat rises, smoke banks down, and every step changes your angle, visibility, and water reach. For a probie, this space can feel like a vertical hallway, but the decisions get harder and the risks rise fast. So, what should a new firefighter keep in mind when the call takes them to the stairs?
It's tempting to stare at your feet—or the flames—but the stairwell demands broader awareness. Are you clocking conditions above and below? Watching for changing smoke, doorways, or signs of structural fatigue? It’s not just about seeing—it’s about interpreting. Knowing where to look can be the difference between a clean advance and a missed threat.
Nozzle choice isn’t about what’s “right”—it’s about what’s right for that stairwell. A fog burst might cool a space fast but ruin visibility. A smooth bore or straight stream can punch deeper but requires tighter control. Which works better in a tight, enclosed stairwell? The answer depends on your crew’s training, your water supply, and your visibility needs in the moment.
Some departments stretch dry to make the stairwell climb easier—especially when it’s long or winding. Others prefer to have water in the line before they step foot on the first stair. Which is safer? Which is faster? And what happens if that decision costs you seconds when fire conditions change? Again, it's not about always choosing one—it’s about knowing when and why your department does.
Every probie hears “water supply” and thinks hydrants. But in the stairwell game, water supply is about keeping that line charged, pressurized, and ready for the floor above. Are you ready to pump? Do you know your department's stairwell water supply SOPs? If you're first in, do you understand your role in making sure water is there when the attack team needs it?
This one’s tactical and personal. Are you advancing toward the seat? Holding a floor below for containment? Protecting the stairs as an egress route? Understanding your assignment matters more in stairwell ops than almost anywhere else. You can’t just follow the hose—you need to know the strategy.
Maybe it's zero visibility and a mayday. Maybe it’s flashover halfway up. Maybe it’s losing water in the middle of the attack. Whatever it is, have you talked it through with your crew? Have you run it in training? The worst time to figure it out is when you're already halfway to the top.
Probie or not, stairwell fires don’t leave much room for second-guessing. That’s why the best advice is to ask more questions before the heat’s on. If you're unsure—ask. If you’re leading—share. Stairwells may be vertical, but fireground learning is always level. Everyone's got something to teach.
Got a tip for stairwell fire attack? Pass it on at the kitchen table or drop it in the comments.