When should a deck gun be employed during a firefighting operation?

Employing a deck gun by the first-arriving engine company during a blitz attack is appropriate because the initial phase of firefighting often requires a rapid and aggressive approach to combat large or rapidly spreading fires. A blitz attack aims to apply large volumes of water quickly to suppress the fire before it has the chance to grow uncontrollably or put lives at risk.

The deck gun allows for a powerful and immediate response, enabling firefighters to deliver water from a safe distance, typically from a fixed position on the apparatus. By utilizing this tool during a blitz attack, responders can effectively target the base of the fire, cooling hotspots and preventing it from spreading further.

In contrast, employing a deck gun during a gradual attack may not utilize the full capabilities of the equipment, as this approach is generally more methodical and relies on lower-flow attack lines. Additionally, waiting for a request from the incident commander delays the tactical response needed in urgent situations, and utilizing the deck gun only after the fire has been contained negates its purpose as a frontline firefighting tool.