How to Raise a Fire Axe
Firefighters often must raise their axes through windows or to higher levels of buildings. Obviously, carrying an ax up a ladder is not safe or practical, so hoisting an ax is the best and safest method of getting an ax to hard-to-reach places. It involves knowing the proper method of tying an ax with rope, insuring that it wall not drop on the way up, and then using a pulley to raise the ax to firefighters who need it.
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Instructions
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Instruct a firefighter in the building to lower a fire rope from a window or opening to you or a waiting fire team on the ground.
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Tie the end of the lowered rope (the hoisting rope) near the head of the ax, just before the blade, using a figure-eight knot (looping the rope over and under itself in a figure eight, then passing the end of the rope through the first loop) or a clove hitch (make two loops next to each other with the rope, lay one loop over the other and putting the ax through both loops). (See Resources)
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Slide the knot to the handle of the base of the ax head.
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Loop the standing portion (the loose end) of the rope under the head. This will keep the handle parallel to the rope so when it is raised the firefighters will receive the ax handle first.
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Tie one or two half-hitches (the most basic knot) on the handle of the ax to stabilize the ax. (See Resources)
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Signal the firefighters above to being raising the ax.
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Tips & Warnings
Firefighters have a lot of equipment to carry. Make sure fire kits are properly kept and stocked with rope. Make sure to check all fire kits before placing them on the truck.
Test that the knots are tight enough and that the ax is secure before attempting to hoist it up to a window.
Always secure and clear the area where the ax is being raised to ensure safety.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit fire truck image by charles taylor from Fotolia.com
