Firefighting...a lost art?

[FFPCogs 863]

Recently on another site I put forth a topic about LDH and 3" or formerly "standard" supply lines. In that topic it is an almost universal belief that there is no longer a place for 3" as a viable tool in water supply. Fair enough, LDH has many virtues which prove it's value. But could it be that LDH, like many other facets of firefighting, have progressed us to the point where we are losing the "art" of firefighting?

I would argue that yes, in many ways "progress" in tools and tactics, and maybe more importantly attitude, is causing us to lose the art of firefighting. And make no mistake when done right firefighting is an art, a well choreagraphed ballet reliant on skill, brains, brawn and balls in equal measure.

Now I'll be the first to admit I'm a dinosaur in many respects when it comes to this job. That said, I think that some (or many) no longer even believe that firefighting is an art and we are the artists. Could it be we are becoming overly reliant on textbooks, technology and regulation (the brains) to offset the loss of experience (skill, brawn and balls) that have for years been the mainstays of this ballet, that are in fact the art of firefighting?

Cogs

Edited April 6, 2012 by FFPCogs