New York Regional Firefighting Tactics — Episode 1: Transitional Attack in Westchester County
When the 6th floor is fully involved, what do you do first? In this episode of Fully Involved, we’re heading to Westchester County, New York, to learn their transitional attack tactics!
Location Profile: Westchester County, NY
Westchester County is a unique mix of urban density and suburban sprawl. From 100-story high-rises in nearby New York City to rural farmland, this region demands adaptable tactics.
WE’RE ON A MISSION TO CAPTURE REGIONAL OPINIONS
We’re showcasing the most debated firefighting tactics and the philosophies that drive each crew. Think your department has an aggressive fireground strategy to share?
How Does Westchester County Define Transitional Attack?
“Transitional attack is doing that traditional exterior defensive attack first and then moving to the inside. You’re knocking down the fire to make more favorable conditions inside so that when you make the interior attack, you’re not beaten up.”
— Chris Johnson, Deputy Chief, Westchester County Department of Emergency Services
Chief Johnson has been leading transitional attack operations for a long time, even if it wasn’t labeled as such or formally acknowledged.
“We know now that because of what’s going on in there that we have to do something to protect ourselves if we’re not able to get a quick knock on the fire.”
— Chief Johnson
Before any tactic is executed, Westchester County stresses the importance of scene size-up.
What are we dealing with?
What is my manpower issue?
Choosing Between a Ground Monitor, Deck Gun, or Aerial
In Westchester County, the decision to use a ground monitor, deck gun, or aerial depends on the fire. For transitional attack scenarios, Westchester County crews typically start with ground monitors or large-diameter handlines to knock down the bulk of the fire from the outside. This approach allows for fast deployment and effective cooling, creating safer conditions for interior crews.
Using the BlitzFire for Transitional Attack
With a 750-gallon tank, this Westchester County crew knows that 500 gallons disappears fast—so securing a hydrant connection is a top priority for sustained operations. Once hooked up, they have an unlimited water supply.
In this fully involved fire, the crew uses a 5-inch hose from the hydrant to the truck, with a ball intake valve for control. From there, they deploy a 3-inch hose to supply the BlitzFire ground monitor for the attack.
Can You Hit the 6th Floor with a Ground Monitor?
YES.
Most Popular BlitzFire Products
“You can see it hitting and just covering the entire hallway there. We’re getting full coverage.”
— Chief Johnson
When Is It Better to Aim Up vs. Aim Down?
Westchester County firefighters use both tactics—but the choice depends on the fire. There’s a huge difference in coverage between hitting the ceiling from below versus attacking the fire from an aerial.
When to Aim Up
In a fully involved fire, heat and gases are concentrated at the top. Aiming up cools the space down, preventing fire spread and reducing exposures. As the water falls, it also reaches fire below, creating better conditions for crews making an interior push.
“Hitting it from a lower position up into the ceiling and using the sprinkler effect that we created from mapping the water, we can really get good coverage of the floor and knock down the bulk of the fire.”
— Chief Johnson
When to Aim Down
Westchester County crews opt to aim down when fire access is compromised. If a roof collapse has occurred or the ceiling is no longer intact, Chief Johnson recommends hitting it from above.
When tower ladders are already in place, using an aerial master stream is often the most efficient choice. This allows them to deliver high water volume while maintaining firefighter safety, ensuring exposure protection and preventing further fire spread.
Does a Deck Gun or Aerial Make Sense for Transitional Attack?
When Westchester County crews turn to aerial master streams or deck guns, it’s often for large defensive operations. The building and its contents are often already a loss, and the focus shifts to containing the fire.
Most Popular Flex Products
What Are Your Thoughts?
Want To See Other Debates in the Fire Service?
BlitzFire®
The Best Ground Monitor Money Can Buy
Flex™
The Ultimate Master Stream Fixed Monitor
Intake Valves
Control your water supply
Smooth Bores
For Big Water
Related Content
Discover more about our products through detailed tactical education videos on our social media channels and Learning Hub pages.
