On Tuesday West Mead #1 met with the on-duty firefighters at Meadville Central to review the use of high-rise standpipe systems. Engines 28-13, 28-12, and 28-11 were brought to the parking garage between Water and Market Streets. After a quick refresher on standpipe systems, Engine 28-11 was used to charge the fire department connection, initially with 65 PSI but increasing to 95 PSI. Engine 28-13 supplied additional water to 11 for the exercise. Crews broke down an 1 3/4″ crosslay from 28-12 into two 75′ sections and brought them with a standpipe tool bag to the floor below the simulated fire floor. Working in teams of two and three, Dept 28 personnel completed several evolutions connecting to the standpipe, making the dry hose stretch up the stairwell, and charging and advancing the attack line. The last evolution simulated a heavily-involved fire floor, requiring the attack hoseline to be charged in the stairwell before making entry.

West Mead #1 thanks Meadville Central for the opportunity to develop and refresh some skills in high-rise firefighting.