Queens Ann/Victorian Houses are trough. No two are exactly alike and contain a whole lot of wood and many hidden voids to spread fire hidden behind the walls. Balloon Framing is often found, and as it this case similar buildings often surround the fire building. The fire loading in these Queen Ann/Victorian homes, that were once single-family dwellings for wealthy families, is often very heavy. Now often they are legal or illegal multiple dwellings. If you see sprinkler systems in the public hallway &/or Exterior fire escapes, in NYC, you can bet that it is a LEGAL Multiple Dwelling or was one at one time. Fire venting through the roof or siding calls for a 2nd Alarm upon arrival and also ensure an adequate number of Tower Ladders are on the scene pr responding. Ladder pipes are Ok but the increased mobility of a Tower Ladder or Snorkel stream in better. The only reason to aim a stream at fire or smoke venting through the roof is, if you need to protect an exposure especially a taller exposure. The Sky does not burn. We want the fire, heat and smoke to escape from the building so don't drive in back into the building with a stream. Use the stream into the top floor widows to open the ceiling, to expose the cockloft and the underside of the roof and extinguish the fire from below.
Captain Bob Rainey FDNY Engine 26 retired. Formerly of FDNY TL-18 "Fort Pitt" & TL-21 "Hell's Kitchen.