The pike pole has a long history and it's not just related to fire fighting. The Navy and even armies used earlier versions of the pole to complete their tasks as well. It is a long pole with a sharp tip and small hook on the end. It's most often used for opening burning walls during a blaze. Here's use a fire fighting pike pole.
Instructions
1. Select the material for your pike pole. They can be made of wood, fiberglass, metal or other developing materials. Be sure that the pike pole you have selected or are keeping in your home to fight a fire will stand up to the blaze and is approved for high temperatures. Otherwise, it may not be of much use in an emergency.
2. Buy a pike pole with a D-handle. They are not only easier to grasp, but they also provide more leverage as you try and tear into a hole or structure, as they are "spreading the force" which you are providing, rather than keeping it at one central point.
3. Choose the size of your pole. They usually come in lengths from 6 to 16 feet. A short pike pole is used for a small non-threatening fire to break it up, while a large pike pole will be used to reach a second story or a hot blaze from a safe distance.
4. Wear your additional fire gear. That includes jacket, mask, breathing apparatus (if necessary), gloves, boots and more. If you are using a pike pole, that means you are certainly in the middle of the fire. Surround yourself with as much other protection as possible.
5. Make sure someone has your back. This is a must with fighting any fire. Do not work solo. Work as teams. Let your partner stay behind you and watch for developments as you push forward, tearing into the structure with the pike pole.
6. Poke and tear into the wall. Once a wall is burning, it will begin to crumble quite quickly. Poke the hole with the pointed end and then rip the wall down with the hook end. Be careful of sparks and other flames that may emerge.
7. Break up the fire. Once you have poked and hooked the wall and torn it down, several small fires may be present. Poke at them and dowse them with water until they are completely out.
Tags: pike pole, fire fighting, pole They, pole with, tear into