Fire Suppression Techniques IFSTA Chapter 14

Additional Reading Resources IFSTA Chapter 13 – Fire Streams Chapter 2 – Fire Behaviour Chapter 5 – Portable Fire Extinguishers In the context of Fire Suppression Techniques

Overview Fire Control. Roles & Coordination of Fire Crews. Tactics. Fire Attack Strategies. Suppressing Class A Structural Fires. Safety.

Overview Master Streams. Review extinguishing agents. Class B fire suppression. Bulk transport vehicle / passenger vehicle fires. Class C fire suppression. Class D fire suppression.

Fire Control Fire control is the 2nd tactical priority. Fire control involves activities required to confine the fire, stop its forward progress and bring it under control. Benchmark – “Under control.” Support activities that assist in fire control: Ventilation, forcible entry, provision of access, fire streams, etc. Discuss ventilation re: backdraft and flashover.

Fire Control - Offensive an aggressive well placed interior attack with related support activities to quickly bring the fire under control.

Fire Control - Defensive an exterior attack directed to first reduce fire spread and protect exposures, then bring the fire under control. Exterior & interior cannot be combined simultaneously. Marginal situations. HOSELINE & FIRE STREAM SELECTION (table 14.1 page 526)

What factor should be considered when choosing an Offensive vs What factor should be considered when choosing an Offensive vs. Defensive Strategy? Exterior & interior cannot be combined simultaneously. Marginal situations. HOSELINE & FIRE STREAM SELECTION (table 14.1 page 526)

OFFENSIVE AND DEFENSIVE ATTACKS CAN NOT TAKE PLACE SIMULATNEOUSLY! Exterior & interior cannot be combined simultaneously. Marginal situations. HOSELINE & FIRE STREAM SELECTION (table 14.1 page 526)

“MARGINAL” An INITIAL attack strategy ONLY Serious working fire Limited opportunity for offensive attack While offensive attack is in progress – hose lines are put in place to switch to a defensive attack When would you use this strategy?

Hose line selection Consider: Fire progress

Hose line selection Consider: Fire load – potential

Hose line selection Consider: Flow required

Hose line selection Consider: Reach required

Hose line selection Consider: Manpower available

Hose line selection Consider: Water available

Hose line selection Consider: Fire progress Fire load – potential Flow required Reach required Manpower available Water available

Hose line selection See chart page 536 table 14.1 38 mm 160-500 lpm (360) 8-15 m 1 or 2 45 mm 160-700 lpm 2 65 mm 500-1400 lpm (900 lpm) 15-30 m 2–4 (1) Master Stream 1400-8000 lpm (2000 lpm) 30-60 m 1

Fire Company Roles & Tactics Remember Incident Management system at all time IMS is a fluid, dynamic system Assigned roles can change based on situation As a crew (pair) complete your assigned task and report when you are done No freelancing EVER! SAFETY!

Fire Company Roles & Tactics First-in Pumper Assumes command Size up – tactical priorities Develops an attack plan (offensive/defensive/marginal strategy) Establishes a water supply Provides hose lines for fire control

Fire Company Roles & Tactics First in hand lines Support rescue (before or after) Between the victims & the fire Protect escape routes (stairs!) Cut off fire (interior exposures) Control hallways & stairs Initiate extinguishment from unburned side – when?

Fire Company Roles & Tactics Second Pumper Assist with water supply Crews back up initial lines Protects secondary means of egress Prevent fire extension Protects exposures Assists with extinguishments Aerial Assist with search & rescue Ventilation (PPV, vertical, etc.) Ladder building Provide elevated master streams (defensive) Salvage & overhaul STRESS IMPORTANCE OF VENTILATION

Fire Company Roles & Tactics Rescue Forcible entry (specialized equip) Search & rescue Assist with fire attack when required Ventilation Salvage & overhaul Lighting R.I.T. teams District Chief Assumes command Coordinates all fire ground activities Assigns crews tasks Evaluates strategy (and tactics?) Manages resources Liaison with other agencies & media

Safety Precautions Full PPE & SCBA, hose line, radio, forcible entry tool. IMS – appropriate strategy, tactics and tasks. Work in pairs or crews. Entry control. Back up crews and lines. R.I.T. crews. Structural conditions. Fire conditions.(backdraft, flashover, location) Building hazards (contents, electrical, construction) Do not let fire cut you off.

BREAK TIME

Fire Attack Methods Effective fire control is achieved by applying the right amount of water (or other medium), in the right form, in the right place.

Fire Attack Methods Prior to entering a structure, set the nozzle pattern, and bleed off air. Wait at doorway for order to advance. Stay to one side of any doors, nobody should block doorway, stay low. Fire crew should be between the fire & the exit.

Fire Attack Methods

Fire Attack Methods Direct Attack Indirect Attack Combination Attack Not to be confused with an attack strategy (offensive/defensive/marginal)

Fire Attack Methods - Direct Narrow or straight stream applied directly to the seat of the burning materials. Water is applied in short bursts. (5-10secs) This will darken down the fire, and will not upset the thermal layering.

Class A Structural Fire Direct Attack Solid / straight stream. Short bursts at base of fire. Close position.

Fire Attack Methods - Indirect Fire stream distributed throughout the heated upper portion of a room with a sweeping motion. Used when crews are unable to enter the area due to intense fire conditions.(doorway or window)

Fire Attack Methods - Indirect Generates steam production, ventilate area and advance line to extinguish hot spots with direct attack. DISTURBS THE THERMAL LAYERING RISK OF BURNS TO FIREFIGHTING TEAMS

Class A Structural Fire Indirect Attack Solid / straight / narrow fog pattern. Stream directed at ceiling. Sweeping motion.

Fire Attack Methods - Combination A narrow or straight fog pattern distributed throughout the fire area by a rapid clockwise rotating motion. This method quickly controls the fire and reduces the chance of flashover. Disrupts the thermal balance, limiting visibility.

Class A Structural Fire Combination Attack Solid / straight / narrow fog. Stream directed at ceiling, walls and burning materials in T, Z or O pattern.

Improper Fog Nozzle Attack

Proper Fog Nozzle Attack

Basement Fires

Highrise Fires

Highrise Fires

Trash / Dumpster Fires

Master Streams Defensive operations: (large fire beyond the control of handlines, can be used in an area that is unsafe for personnel) Direct fire attack Exposure protection Cooling for flammable gas/liquid storage tanks Elevated master streams – advantage of extra reach! SURROUND & DROWN!!!!