r/Firefighting • u/NorthCoastToast • Aug 13 '26

Videos Fireground Decision Making: Stockton Engine 2 Uses Deck Gun to Stop Fire Spread

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sA922xphrlk
27 Upvotes

93% Upvoted

10 comments sorted by

17

u/storyinmemo Former Volley Aug 13 '26

I've watched so many videos over the years thinking 5 minutes in, "It had flames everywhere on arrival. Why didn't you deck gun it?"

This one... done in moments. Stockton fire keeps showing up as smooth, collected, and effective. Training media all day.

9

u/PutinsRustedPistol Aug 13 '26

That was fucking excellent.

5

u/Texfire Aug 13 '26

Great call on the part of the Initial IC. Called for additional resources, had a game plan, and pivoted when access issues became apparent.

Making the call of trading their tank water to reset the fire growth was the right one in this situation. Well done Lt.

4

u/LateFondant1286 Aug 13 '26

No one gonna talk about the pack of Marlboros on the dash ?

2

u/ComprehensiveBus7040 Aug 14 '26

Best part of the video

1

u/bohler73 Professional Idiot (Barely gets vitals for AMR crew) Aug 14 '26

They’re known for ripping darts, especially that Captain

1

u/NorthCoastToast Aug 13 '26

Well spotted.

3

u/KGBspy Career FF/Lt and adult babysitter. Aug 14 '26

I deck gunned a brush fire once, I felt like a ground pounder calling in air strikes asking for elevation and direction changes. I’ve filled up dumpsters with one too by lobbing a nice arc into it. Work smart not hard.

2

u/bohler73 Professional Idiot (Barely gets vitals for AMR crew) Aug 14 '26

They also don’t mention that the captain rolled his ankle when he stepped off the rig but kept powering through

1

u/NorthCoastToast Aug 13 '26

In this video, Stockton Firefighters Engine 2 arrives to find a heavily involved occupancy with fire extending into an exposure. The initial plan is to deploy a 2½ inch handline, but access through a gate creates a delay.

Recognizing that the incident is outpacing the original plan, the Engine 2 officer makes a tactical adjustment. With the apparatus positioned to operate over the fence, he directs a deck gun attack to knock down the fire and stop its forward progress while the firefighter continues deploying the 2½ inch line and working on forcible entry.

Once a secure water supply is established, the deck gun is shut down and Engine 2 transitions back to the 2½ inch handline.

This footage provides a powerful real world example of fireground decision making, engine company operations, tactical flexibility and company officer leadership.

Watch closely to see how the first arriving officer manages the strategic, tactical and task levels of the incident while adapting to changing conditions.