THE OUTSIDE VENT POSITION for Suburban Fire Departments

Many larger fire departments have successfully utilized an outside vent position for years, however for many smaller suburban departments the use of this valuable position has never been explored.

Opinion: Ventilation has never been more important and needs to be our #1 tactical priority (make the building behave!*) *Tom Brennan – we’ll never forget you!

“The immediate assignment of one or more members to vent the fire-area windows from the outside is an extremely important assignment to be made. After the placement of the initial attack hose line and designation of an interior search team, quite possibly the next most important position to be covered is the OV position.” John Norman – FDNY Retired

Key Fireground Improvements Lewisville & The Colony, Texas The addition of an outside vent person. The addition of a field incident technician. Pre assigned fireground roles and responsibilities. Emphasis on the basics. Immediate feedback. Reality training.

The Role of the OV Immediate exterior survey. Locating victims. Locating the seat of the fire. Creating firefighter escape routes. Assisting with horizontal ventilation. Addressing utilities.

Prerequisites for an OV Fire experience. Ability to read smoke. Understands fire behavior. Knowledge of building construction. Understanding of ventilation principles and practices. HIGHLY DISCIPLINED

You don’t want the guy with the melted helmet or the No Fear stickers on his helmet as your OV.

The OV position IS NOT a free lance position The OV position IS NOT a free lance position. The OV is an assignment authorized by the IC with specific tactical objectives, operating guidelines and strict communication and accountability standards.

Assigning/Terminating/Restoring the OV

Assigned immediately on all structure fire calls

If staffing is limited, the OV may be re assigned once the OV’s tactical objectives have been completed, hose lines have reached the seat of the fire, the extent of the fire has been determined and an all-clear transmitted.

Priority should be given to maintaining the OV position, especially if no other officer has been assigned to Division C.

In the event of a MAYDAY, the IC must give serious consideration to re activating the OV position.

The OV Size Up Victims Egress points Fire/smoke conditions/extension Ventilation needs Utilities Any other hazards

Mixture Triggers Too Rich . . . Too Lean . . . Just Right . . . Courtesy of www.firefighterclosecalls.com

Reading Smoke Short Cuts (HINTS ONLY) Black/Thick/Fast = heat and explosive Black/Thin/Fast = flame near White w/Speed = hot – but fire is distant Uniform speed/color (steady flow & light color)from many places = deep seated fire Brown = unfinished wood being heated Turbulent = Flashover Courtesy of Dave Dodson: firegihtersclosecalls.com

Important Clues Toys Handicap ramps Security doors and windows Pool Dogs Multiple electric meters Multiple mail boxes

Tool Selection Residential Irons 6’ all purpose hook Radio Thermal imager

Tool Selection Commercial Irons All purpose hook Saw Radio Thermal imager

Ladder Needs Ground Second story (rescue, FF egress) Roof (vent team 2nd means of egress)

Communications The OV MUST have a radio and be able to communicate with: IC Eng. Officer Truck Officer RIT Divisions

Division C - OV Duties Doors and windows Controlling the door Throwing ladders

Breaking Windows Review

Assess the value of braking windows for: Life safety Fire control

Breaking Windows How will breaking windows impact: Victims Search crew Fire attack crew Fire/ smoke conditions Exposures

Fire travels the path of least resistance, up, across, down to oxygen supply. Breaking a window will intensify and draw the fire.

Breaking Windows Pay very close attention to wind conditions. Coordinate with search, hose and other vent crews. Take all of broken windows. Take fire room windows. Take windows opposite hoselines, never behind. Take windows when you hear fire streams.

USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN venting windows remote from the fire room.

DO NOT TAKE WINDOWS between the fire and search/attack crew’s point of entry.

DO NOT TAKE WINDOWS UNTIL READY if fire is in smoldering stage DO NOT TAKE WINDOWS UNTIL READY if fire is in smoldering stage. The introduction of air may cause a backdraft or rapid fire extension.

Incidents to Review Charleston – Breaking windows and fire behavior Baytown – Broken windows and wind Dallas Fire Rescue – Firefighter rescue Lake Cities Training – Firefighter rescue

Focus on taking windows in the fire room and the area around not involving search. Be aware of the status of water, attack and search crews.

Rescue and the OV Review Check inside doors and windows with senses and tools (TIC, hook, irons, personal rope) Use tools to extend reach, maintain contact with door/window Communicate findings with IC ASAP Perform VES only if trained and after notifying IC

Vent Enter Search Is the OV allowed to perform VES? Are there SOGs and training to support VES? Must be conducted by a smart, experienced firefighter ONLY.

VES Review Must apply risk management plan Must communicate with IC Must have SCBA / radio / tools Must control the room Close door Navigate quickly Be able to exit quickly MUST STAY IN ROOM OF ENTRY…NO EXCEPTIONS

The OVM and the Mayday Can perform “hot laps”. Continually monitor conditions. Listen / look for evidence of the lost firefighter(s). Tract progress of interior crews from an exterior position. Vent / open-up as needed. Assist with removal from exterior position.

Mayday Training

Skills/ Knowledge/ Experience / Attitude Experienced Remains calm Highly disciplined Able to read smoke Understands fire behavior Knowledge of building construction Experienced in forcible entry Understands risk management Ability to throw ladders Ability to control utilities Trained in VES Proficient with FF rescue/survival skills

Questions