1. State of Georgia BASIC FIRE FIGHTER TRAINING COURSE
VENTILATION

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. TYPES OF VENTILATION Natural
Vertical
Horizontal
Ventilation

6. TYPES OF VENTILATION Forced
Mechanical
Hydraulic
Ventilation

7. TYPES OF FORCED VENTILATON
Mechanical
Depressurization
Pressurization
Ventilation

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. VENTILATION Considerations
Life safety conditions
Building conditions
Fire conditions
Ventilation

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

13. BACKDRAFT Prevention Control openings Open slowly
Natural vertical ventilation
Ventilation

14. ROOF TYPES
Flat
Ventilation

15. ROOF TYPES
Pitched or
Gable
Ventilation

16. ROOF TYPES
Arched
Ventilation

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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

22. VENTILATION TOOLS Pike pole Pick-head axe Power Saw Ladders

23. 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

24. 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

25. 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

26. DEPRESSURIZATION VENTILATION

27. PRESSURIZED VENTILATION

28. HYDRAULIC VENTILATION