State of Georgia BASIC FIRE FIGHTER TRAINING COURSE VENTILATION

VENTILATION The planned and systematic release and removal of heated air, smoke, and toxic gases from a confined area and the replacement of these products of combustion with a supply of cooler, fresh air. Ventilation

PROPER VENTILATION Advantages Simplifies rescue Reduces flashover hazards Reduces backdraft hazards Reduces mushrooming Speeds extinguishment Salvage operations Reduces damage Decreases danger Easier firefighting Confines the fire Ventilation

VENTILATION EFFECTS IMPROPER PROPER Fire may Spread Improved visibility Lower temperatures Safer working conditions IMPROPER Fire may Spread Potential Backdraft May delay rescue Potentially harmful to occupants Ventilation

TYPES OF VENTILATION Natural Vertical Horizontal Ventilation

TYPES OF VENTILATION Forced Mechanical Hydraulic Ventilation

TYPES OF FORCED VENTILATON Mechanical Depressurization Pressurization Ventilation

MECHANICAL VENTILATION Depressurization Advantages effective when others are not ensures positive control supplements other methods of ventilation may be faster than natural ventilation good public relations Disadvantages May cause fire to intensify and spread Needs a power source Special equipment is required Interferes with egress and ingress Ventilation

MECHANICAL VENTILATION Pressurization Advantages done without entering structure doesn’t interfere with ingress or egress Disadvantages Needs a power source Special equipment is required May cause fire to intensify and spread Ventilation

HYDRAULIC VENTILATION Advantages requires no special equipment can be performed by the same firefighter removes smoke faster than mechanical ventilation Disadvantages increase in water damage increases demand on water supply freezing of water time in is limited firefighters may remain in structure Ventilation

VENTILATION Considerations Life safety conditions Building conditions Fire conditions Ventilation

BACKDRAFT Effects Structural damage Serious injury Flying debris Additional heat or fire damage Ventilation

BACKDRAFT Prevention Control openings Open slowly Natural vertical ventilation Ventilation

ROOF TYPES Flat Ventilation

ROOF TYPES Pitched or Gable Ventilation

ROOF TYPES Arched Ventilation

VERTICAL VENTILATION Safety Precautions Wear full protective equipment Determine the safety of the building and roof IF UNSAFE … STAY OFF !!! Have a charged hose line ready and in position Coordinate ventilation with other crews Observe wind direction in relation to exposures Ventilation

VERTICAL VENTILATION Safety Precautions Note the existence of and avoid obstructions or excessive weight on the roof Extend ladder 3 to 5 rungs above the roof line Sound the roof for structural integrity before stepping on to it Provide two means of escape Use life lines, roof ladders or other means to prevent slipping or falling Ventilation

VERTICAL VENTILATION Safety Precautions Work in groups of two but no more than necessary Use caution around electrical wires Use tools with caution and beware of others Start power tools on the ground; and shut off before hoisting Avoid cutting main structural supports Ventilation

VERTICAL VENTILATION Safety Precautions The angle of cut should be away from the body Guard the opening in the roof Evacuate the roof when ventilation is complete Use support members of the structure for travel Ventilation

HORIZONTAL VENTILATION Safety Precautions Wear full protective equipment Determine the safety of the building Work in groups Provide two means of escape Have a charged hose line ready and in position to protect exposures Coordinate ventilation with other crews Use caution around electrical wires Use tools with caution. Ventilation

VENTILATION TOOLS Pike pole Pick-head axe Power Saw Ladders

NATURAL VERTICAL VENTILATION Procedure Determine where to ventilate Ladder 5 rungs above the roofline Deploy roof ladder Locate roof supports Make the opening at least 4’ X 4’ Remove roof materials Cut decking alongside joist Pry up boards Open ceiling below Ventilation

NATURAL HORIZONTAL VENTILATION Procedure Determine where air is to be channeled Determine where to ventilate Open structure on windward side as low as possible Open structure on leeward side as high as possible. Ventilation

NATURAL TRENCH VENTILATION Follow same safety precautions as for vertical ventilation Determine where the opening is to be made Ahead of the fire Cut trench from one exterior wall to the other 4 feet wide Use same procedures as for vertical ventilation Ventilation

DEPRESSURIZATION VENTILATION

PRESSURIZED VENTILATION

HYDRAULIC VENTILATION