FIRE FIGHTING

Introduction Fighting fire is not a tasking for RCM-SAR. However knowledge of how to deal with a fire is important, should there be a fire on the rescue vessel, or the rescue vessel is called upon to rescue survivors from a vessel on fire.

Fire

Fire Tetrahedron Most fires need at least four components to survive. These are : 1. Heat 2. Fuel 3. Oxygen 4. Chain reaction Fire extinguishing is based on removing or interfering with at least one of these items

Fire Tetrahedron For example: Remove the air by using a fire blanket or by putting a layer of foam. Remove the heat by using water to reduce the temperature. Remove the fuel, by turning off the fuel valve, or pulling combustibles away so there is nothing less to burn

Fire Tetrahedron There is a fourth section which is where a extinguishing chemical such as halon can interfere with the chemistry of combustion, and this produces the “fire tetrahedron”.

Fire Tetrahedron

In Case of Smoke or Fire FIND - the fire, location and size INFORM - inform everyone on board - make distress call to other vessels RESTRICT - stop air supply by closing doors, hatches, windows, air ventilation, fuel cocks, turn off batteries, and turn vessel to blow smoke and flames over the side EXTINGUISH - use appropriate fire fighting system available.

Fire Extinguishers

Objectives IDENTIFY 3 common classes of fires SELECT the proper type of extinguisher EVALUATE when it is safe to fight an “early-stage” fire, and; APPLY the “P.A.S.S. method to operate a portable extinguisher.

Untrained People cannot use a fire extinguisher safely because they are: UNABLE to evaluate a fire UNAWARE of DANGER due to... LACKING JUDGEMENT regarding: –Safe and correct use of, and –Limitations of portable extinguishers

Why Untrained People Can’t use a fire extinguisher safely (continued) : INEXPERIENCED Don’t know about the proper type of extinguisher Don’t know how to make a “Fight or Flight” analysis Unfamiliar with the “P.A.S.S. method”

Fire Classifications “Ordinary” combustibles P aper, wood, rubber, plastics and textiles. “Flammable liquids” Oil, gasoline, solvents “Energized circuits” Electrical equipment and computers

Fire Classifications “Combustible Metals” Certain combustible metals such as sodium, magnesium, potassium, etc. You should not generally meet this type of fire.

How They Work: Works by cooling. Numerical rating indicates amount of agent, duration, and range of discharge on test fires. Area of Class A fire which a “non-expert” can extinguish, with proper training 1-A is equivalent on Class-A fire to five liters of water. 2-A contains has twice as much extinguishing agent.

How They Work: Works by blanketing the fuel. Interrupts chemical reaction at fuel surface. Class B ratings signify the area in square feet of flammable liquid fire a unit will extinguish when used, by a trained, “non-expert.”

How They Work: Class “C” units have no numerical rating. A Class “C” rating doesn’t imply any capacity. Only indicates that the extinguishing agent is non- conductive, safe on energized equipment. Works by displacing oxygen, smothering fire.

How They Work: 2A10BC This is a comparison type of rating system and, in this case, it means that this extinguisher will put out 2 units of a class 'A' fire, 10 units of a class 'B' fire, and that it is rated for use on class 'C' fires. No value is assigned for class 'C', as it only implies that the extinguisher is safe and effective for use on live electrical fires.

Underwriter Laboratories of Canada All Canadian extinguishers will have the above symbol

Portable Fire Extinguishers LIMITED IN: Capacity to 25 lbs. of extinguishing agent Range - Typically 3 to 15 feet Duration - Discharge their contents in only 5 to 30 seconds!

Extinguisher Common Features Locking pin Carrying handle / operating lever Pressure gauge Label : –Type (Water, C02, Dry Chemical) –Classification (A, B, C) –Capacity Rating –Instructions Discharge nozzle or horn

Common Types Of Fire Extinguishers WATER DRY CHEMICAL CO 2 and Halon

Water Extinguisher Water + CO 2 propellant ONLY for Class firesONLY for Class fires –wood / paper, etc. Spreads burning liquids! DANGERDANGER of electric shock if used on on live circuits!

Dry Powder Multi-Purpose Rated Best for general use: Reduced risk of re-ignition A 10 lb. unit empties in 8-10 secs. –Effective range of 6 ft. to 15 ft. Either Or

Carbon Dioxide - Rated Best on burning liquids / electrical SHORT range - 3 to 8 ft. 10- pound unit empties in 5 to 10 seconds! –Use short spurts! DISPERSES QUICKLY! –Continue applying after the fire is out! Unit gets VERY cold - hold properly

Halon Extinguisher Best for computers / electronics Weight-for-weight TWICE as effective as C0 2 No residue, easy clean-up VERY SHORT range, 3 to 6 ft. Like C0 2, Discharges QUICKLY! Like C0 2, Disperses QUICKLY! –Continue after flames are extinguished

P.A.S.S.

P ULL A IM S QUEEZE S WEEP Remember 1) Keep your back to a clear escape route, 2) Stand back 6 to 8 feet from the fire, 3) Stay low below heat, 4) Then >>:

PULL the pin

AIM LOW at the base of the fire

SQUEEZE the lever

SWEEP from side to side

Servicing All extinguishers should be serviced annually

Approaching a Fire

Where the rescue vessel has been called to a burning vessel, conduct the Stop, Assess, Plan, looking for survivors, the source of the fire, and any items such as propane tanks, fuel tanks or diving tanks that are liable to explode.

Approaching a Fire

Always approach from windward of the casualty that is on fire, if circumstances permit, to stay out of the smoke. If survivors are still on board, urge them to don lifejackets, and jump off to windward to recover them from the water.

Water Wall It is not work of RCM-SAR to extinguish vessel fires, but to recover survivors. RHIBs are not designed for fire-fighting. If an approach has to be made to a burning vessel to recover a survivor, one use of the de- watering pump is to generate a “water wall”. The hose nozzle will be adjusted to form a spray pattern, also called "water wall" and will protect the tubes and the personnel from radiant heat).

Water Wall

WATCH the fire area –If the fire flares up, back out immediately and call the fire department! OK, It’s out… Now What?