Members of Buckhannon and surrounding fire departments participated in training exercises designed to teach and practice fire scene utility knots. Most people know how to tie granny and square knots but these are not recommended for use on the fire ground. A granny knot may not hold under load and the configuration of a square knot reduces the strength of the rope.Standard fire ground knots are the bowline, 8 on a bit, clove hitch, half hitch, butterfly and Becket's bend. Each knot or combination of knots have specific uses that include raising or lowering tools, chain saws, ladders and charged and uncharged hoses. Using proper knots assures the safety of the firefighters and protection of equipment and property.
Next time you see a firefighter, ask him or her if they know how to tie a Becket's bend?
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