Part C: Class D Fires and Tactical Considerations

 Combustible metals burn at extremely high temperatures  Many are reactive to water  If not reactive to water, may require applications of large enough quantities of water to cool metal below its ignition temperature

 Application of water on extremely hot burning metals may cause a “steam explosion”.  Usual method is to protect exposures and let fire burn itself out  Firefighters cannot assume fire is out just because flame is absent

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 First due engine company  Establishes/initiates incident command  Advises dispatch and incoming companies of:  Exact location  Condition at scene  Exposures  Plan of action  Request for additional resources  Establishment of two-out team, or need for establishment of two-out team if in rescue mode

 Initiates fire attack and promotes rescue  Establish a supply line and initial attack line, if smoke or fire is visible  Perform search and rescue, if needed  Intervene between trapped occupants and fire or protect firefighters  Protect primary means of egress  Protect exterior exposures  Initiate extinguishment from the unburned side  Operate master streams

Initiate extinguishment from the unburned side

 Second due engine company  Establish additional supply/attack lines, if needed  Back up the initial attack line  Protect secondary means of egress  Prevent fire extension (confinement)  Assist in extinguishment  Assist with truck/rescue company operations

 Truck/rescue company considerations  Forcible entry  Conduct search and rescue  Perform ventilation  Control utilities, if needed  Place ladders  Conduct salvage (property considerations)  Check for fire extension  Place elevated fire streams  Conduct overhaul

 Teams of at least two firefighters, in full protective gear, to assist other firefighters in emergency situations  Determined and assigned by Incident Commander

 Coordinates the overall activities at the scene  Assume command  Responsible for constant evaluation of scene  Resources are properly assigned and coordinated  Calling for additional resources, if necessary  Properly terminates the incident

 Upper level/high rise fires  Requires additional resources  Initial personnel usually responsible for carrying equipment to level of fire  Fire attack should be initiated from floor below fire floor

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 Staging area for extra equipment and personnel usually established two floors below fire floor  Safety zone established around outside perimeter of building  Accountability system

 Below grade fires  Descending stairs simulate chimneys for superheated air and fire gases  Ground level floor should be vented to remove heat and smoke from below grade fire  Should have other engine/truck company locate heavy objects above fire  Consider vertical means of fire spread

 Select facts about Class D fire control. Write the correct numbers on the blanks. 1. What dual problems do combustible metals present? a. Burning at extremely high temperatures; being reactive to water b. Being reactive to water; spattering burning bits of debris several yards. c. Burning at extremely high temperatures; spattering burning bits of debris several yards. d. Creating blindingly brilliant white light; being reactive to water 2. What is the usual (most often used) method of controlling Class D fires? a. Protecting exposures and permitting the metal to burn out b. Cooling to below ignition temperatures with water streams c. Covering with special extinguishing agents from portable extinguishers d. Removing the metal from its ignition source and covering with sand or AFFF 3. What gas may be released when water streams are directed at combustible metal fires? a. Carbon dioxide b. Nitrous oxide c. Phosgene d. Hydrogen

 Select facts about Class D fire control. Write the correct numbers on the blanks. 4. Firefighter A says that small metal chips are more reactive to water than are ingots or finished products.  Firefighter B says that combustible metals burn with a brilliant white light.  Who is right? a. Firefighter A b. Firefighter B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B 5. Combustible metals are very hot, greater than ___, even when they appear to be suppressed. a. 2,000°F b. 3,000°F c. 4,000°F d. 5,000°F

6. ___ Initiate attack from floor below fire floor. 7. ___ Flake extra hose up the stairs to the floor above the fire floor. 8. ___ Ventilate highest floor of building to prevent accumulation of heat and fire gases. 9. ___ Connect standpipe pack hoselines on floor below fire floor. 10. ___ Descend stairs as quickly as possible. Identify above as either a tactic for (A) High Rise or (B) Below Grade Fires.

11. ___ Do not rely on elevators for transport to fire level. 12. ___ Ventilate ground-level floor to remove smoke and heat from basement. 13. ___ Enter basement behind a wide-angle, protective fog stream if proper ventilation has been performed away from the stairs. 14. ___ Establish a staging area for extra equipment and personnel two floors below fire floor. 15. ___ Cool steel beams and size up hazards presented by other heavy objects above fire fighting teams. 16. ___ Check floors above fire floor for fire extension and victims. 17. ___ Cordon off a falling debris zone around the perimeter of the structure Identify above as either a tactic for (A) High Rise or (B) Below Grade Fires.