1. THE OUTSIDE VENT POSITION for Suburban Fire Departments

2. 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.

3. 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!

4. “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

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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

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

9. 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.

10. Assigning/Terminating/Restoring the OV

11. Assigned immediately on all structure fire calls

12. 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.

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

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

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

16. Mixture Triggers Too Rich . . . Too Lean . . . Just Right . . .
Courtesy of

19. 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

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

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

22. Tool Selection Commercial Irons All purpose hook Saw Radio
Thermal imager

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

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

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

26. Breaking Windows Review

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

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

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

30. 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.

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

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

33. 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.

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

35. 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.

36. 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

37. 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.

39. 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

40. 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.

41. Mayday Training

42. 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

43. Questions