Summary: In Episode 2 of Fully Involved, Capt. Payton Owens of DeKalb County Fire (GA) explains why he prefers a fog nozzle over a smooth bore when attacking fire in attics. According to Owens, a fog pattern is more effective at catching attic fire before it spreads, whereas a solid stream from a smooth bore can miss its mark and water the grass instead. His focus: stop the fire where it isn’t yet—and that means reading smoke and anticipating attic involvement before it breaks out fully.
Why Capt. Payton Owens Uses a Fog Nozzle for Attic Fires
Attic fires are tricky. You’ve got limited access, uncertain extension, and no time to waste. For Capt. Payton Owens of DeKalb County Fire (GA), the best tool for this job is clear: a fog nozzle. In Episode 2 of Fully Involved, he breaks down a fireground scenario where picking the right nozzle type matters just as much as knowing where to aim it.
Smooth Bore vs. Fog: Why It Matters in an Attic
Owens puts it plainly—if you show up to an attic fire with a smooth bore, that solid stream might go right through the roof without touching a lick of flame. “It’s going to go through that hole and water the grass,” he says. In contrast, a fog nozzle creates a wider pattern that can actually fill the space and start cooling things down before the fire pushes out completely.
Read the Smoke, Not Just the Flames
One of Owens’ key points is about visual discipline. With fire already blowing out of windows, it’s tempting to get fixated on the dramatic stuff. But he trains his eyes elsewhere. He focuses on the eaves—where smoke is pushing out and giving away the fire’s next move. “I don’t need to get caught up in where the fire is. I need to get caught up in where the fire is not yet,” he says.
That’s how you stay ahead of the spread—and that’s where nozzle choice makes a real difference.
A Tactic, Not a Rule
While Owens prefers a fog nozzle in these situations, this isn’t about declaring a winner in the smooth bore vs. fog debate. His insight is about understanding your environment, reading the conditions, and choosing the right tool to stop fire from getting a stronger foothold.
To hear the full breakdown and see the fire footage he's talking through, check out Episode 2 of Fully Involved Podcast with Capt. Payton Owens.
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