1. Instructor: Dan Braitsch
Chimney Fires
Instructor: Dan Braitsch

2. Student Performance Objective
Given information from discussion, handouts, and reading materials, the student will be expected to describe the breakdown and anatomy of a chimney fire. The student will review causes of chimney fire inception, possible hazards associated with chimney fires and subsequent safety considerations, and methods of chimney fire extinguishment. The student will review the role of the fire ground personnel in mitigating a chimney fire incident.

3. Overview Characteristics of chimney fires
Chimney anatomy and assemblies
Causes and reasons for damaged chimneys
ICS and fireground operations at chimney fire incidents
Safety and accountability
Extinguishment
Salvage and overhaul

4. Chimney Fires Burns explosively Noisy, low rumble Turbulent Smoke
Very high temps
Cracks in thimble
Cracks in flue pipe
Smoke damage
Roof /Attic damage
Chimney damage

5. Anatomy of a Fireplace

6. Anatomy of a Pellet Stove

7. Anatomy of a Wood Burning Stove

8. Anatomy of a Wood Burning Stove Insert

9. Pre-Fab Chimneys Check for extension Top of stove
Along metal flue / welds
At Fire stop
Within Chase and Chase Cover
At the termination Cap

10. Creosote Formation

11. Damaged Chimneys 2000 degrees F will start to break down masonry work
Brick and mortar integrity will fail
Cracks in Terracotta lining will form
Metal Chimneys – high heat will warp seams and crack welds

12. Response Is it only a chimney fire? Don’t assume anything
THINK HOUSE FIRE!
Respond as house fire
Full assignment / box
Officer to do a complete 360
Pull charged line to front of house ready to go

13. Equipment Needed Chimney Brush Tarps / Runners Metal salvage bucket
D/C Extinguisher
Baggies with D/C
Small stove shovel
TI Camera
Mirror
Positive Pressure Fan
Heavy Chain with Metal Cable (old way)

14. Assignments Use ICS Incident Command Safety Officer Fire Attack Crew
Roof/Chimney Crew
Ventilation Crew
Exposure Crew

15. Job Duties Fire Attack Crew Put F/R tarps down Open damper
Use DC to subdue fire
Remove combustibles in metal can
Remove vent pipe if needed
Use D/C Extinguisher up chimney

16. Job Duties Chimney/Roof Crew Use Plastic bags with DC to put out fire
Check integrity of chimney
Check exposure to roof
Two means of egress
Full PPE and SCBA

17. Job Duties Ventilation Crew Sets up positive pressure fan
Creates appropriate openings for movement of dangerous materials

18. Job Duties Exposure Crew Check for extension along chimney area
Check attic/second
floor for extension
Pull back up handline
Support ladders
Help with ventilation

19. Safety Full Protective Equipment for everyone
Personnel working roof/chimney have SCBA
Use of Aerial Device
Use TI camera and look for hot spots
Accountability
Use radios for communications
Work in teams of two or as a group, no freelancing

20. Extinguishment Extinguish & remove fuel from firebox
D/C in bags dropped down chimney
D/C Extinguisher from the base of flue
PPV forced D/C up chimney
Chimney chain (old method)

21. Remove Fuel Extinguish fire in firebox, let steam rise
Carry fireplace contents in salvage bucket outside and ensure extinguished
Close draft stop

22. Dry Chemical Bags Dropped from top of chimney Bag melts as it descends
Releases powder into flue
Powder then carried upward

23. Extinguisher from base of flue
Open draft stop and insert nozzle, discharge upward
Heat / Natural Vent carries D/C up
May initially intensify fire with opening of draft stop
Messy

24. PPV forced D/C up chimney
Locate seat of fire in flue using mirror
Close other openings within structure
Cover firebox opening and start PPV fan
Create small opening and discharge D/C

25. What's Wrong with this Picture?

26. Termination Check for hot spots
Proper Overhaul, no rekindle. Make sure all fire is out. Cover open holes, Salvage
Account for personnel
Tell home occupant not to use fireplace until inspection.

27. Student Performance Objectives
Given information from discussion, handouts, and reading materials, the student will be expected to describe the breakdown and anatomy of a chimney fire. The student will review causes of chimney fire inception, possible hazards associated with chimney fires and subsequent safety considerations, and methods of chimney fire extinguishment. The student will review the role of the fire ground personnel in mitigating a chimney fire incident.

28. Review Characteristics of chimney fires Chimney anatomy and assemblies
Causes and reasons for damaged chimneys
ICS and fireground operations at chimney fire incidents
Safety and accountability
Extinguishment
Salvage and overhaul

29. Be Safe
Everyone Goes Home