chapter 15 fire control. 15–2 chapter 15 lesson goal after completing this lesson, the student...
TRANSCRIPT
Chapter 15— Fire Control
15–2
Chapter 15 Lesson Goal
After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to attack various types of fires, using effective attack tactics & attack Class B fires & coordinate interior attacks
15–3
Coordination When Suppressing Structure Fires
• Fire attack on burning structure must be coordinated
• When fighting any fire, FFs should always work as a team under direction of a supervisor
15–4
Actions to Take
• Advancing hoseline teams should carry equipment needed to perform a variety of tasks
• Certain equipment carried by teams advancing hoselines
• Person at nozzle has responsibilities before entering building/area
15–5
Actions to Take
• When structure/major contents are involved in fire, FFs should wait at entrance, staying low, out of doorway until fire officer gives order to advance
• Before entry, extinguish fires showing in exterior overhangs/around entry or egress points
(Continued)
15–6
Actions to Take
• Whenever possible, approach & attack fire from unburned side to keep it from spreading throughout structure
• Once fire is contained, determine area of origin, protect evidence before overhaul & extinguishment
(Continued)
15–7
Actions to Take
• SCBA must be worn during overhaul, extinguishment
• Valuables found during overhaul should be turned in to supervisor
15–8
Hoseline Selection Factors
• Fire conditions
• Fire load & material involved
• Volume of water needed for extinguishment
• Stream reach needed
15–9
Hoseline Selection Factors
• Number of FFs available to advance hoselines
• Need for speed, mobility
• Tactical requirements
• Ease of hoseline deployment
• Potential fire spread
15–10
Stream Selection
• Dictated by fire situation, capabilities of nozzle being used
• Solid-stream nozzle projects water in more-or-less solid mass
(Continued)
15–11
Stream Selection
Combination (fog) nozzles project water in range of patterns
Straight Stream
• Used when ventilation holes are not big enough or ventilation is delayed
• Used in direct attack
15–12
Fog Patterns
• Provide streams that are effective at cooling hot gases
• Have less reach & penetration than straight or solid streams
• Wide fog patterns can protect FFs from radiant heat, but can be affected by wind
15–13
15–14
Converting Water to Steam
• Critical to heat absorption
• Excess steam production can obscure vision, inflict steam burns
• Appropriate water application methods critical
15–15
Pre-Entry Considerations
• Conduct quick size-up
• Maintain high level of situation awareness
• Read fire behavior indicators
• Understand crew’s tactical assignment
(Continued)
15–16
Pre-Entry Considerations
• Identify potential emergency escape routes
• Assess forcible entry requirements
• Identify hazards
• Verify that radios are working, on right channel, being received
15–17
Opening Doors
• If door to fire area must be opened, all FFs should stay low & to one side of doorway
• Check door for heat before opening
• Control the door when opening
15–18
DISCUSSION QUESTION
What should be done if smoke is escaping at the top of a doorway that is about to be opened?
15–19
Gas Cooling
• Not a fire extinguishment method; way of reducing hazard presented by hot gas layer
• Effective when faced with shielded fire
Shielded fire: FF cannot apply water directly to fire
15–20
Hot Gas Layer
• Hot gas layer accumulating in upper levels of compartment presents problems
Remember: Smoke is fuel!
• Cooling hot gas layer reduces chance of rollover or flashover
15–21
Cooling Hot Gas Layer
• Apply short bursts of water fog into it
• Repeat technique as necessary while hose team advances under gas layer toward fire
Fire Attack
• To achieve extinguishment , water must be applied to absorb heat faster than it is being generated
• Consider fire load & material involved
• Consider amount of water flow needed
15–22
Fire Attack
• Interior or compartment fires are oxygen or ventilation dependent
Must have sufficient oxygen to burn
• Outside or exterior fires are fuel dependent
Will burn as long as there is sufficient fuel available
15–23
15–24
Direct Attack
Most efficient use of water on free-burning fires made by direct attack
(Continued)
15–25
Direct Attack
• Usually from straight or solid stream
• Water applied in short bursts directly to base of fire
• Water should not be applied too long or the thermal layer is upset
Steam production forces smoke & heat to the floor
(Continued)
Indirect Attack
• Used when FFs unable to enter burning building/compartment
• Can be made from outside compartment through window or other small opening
15–26
(Continued)
Indirect Attack
• Once fire is darkened down & space has been ventilated & the hose advanced to extinguish hot spots
• Not ideal method of attack where building occupants may still be inside
15–27
(Continued)
15–28
Indirect Attack
• May be only method of attack until temperatures reduced
• Fog stream is directed at ceiling
• Heat converts water spray to steam, which fills room
• Water should not be applied too long or the thermal layer is upset
Steam production forces smoke & heat to the floor
15–29
DISCUSSION QUESTION
What is the difference between a direct & indirect attack?
15–30
Combination Attack
Uses heat-absorbing technique of a ceiling level attack followed by application of fire stream near the floor on the materials burning
Combination Attack
• Straight or power cone fog stream
• Stream directed at ceiling in “T”, “Z”, or “O” pattern
15–31
15–32
Master Streams
• Used in situations where fire is beyond effectiveness of handlines or there is need for fire streams in areas unsafe for FFs
• Main uses for master streams:
Direct fire attack
Backup handlines that are already attacking fire from the exterior
Exposure protection
15–33
Positioning Master Stream
• Must be properly positioned to apply effective master stream on fire
• Master stream can be adjusted up, down & left, right
• Once in operation, must be shut down if device is to be moved
(Continued)
15–34
Positioning Master Stream
• Stream should be aimed so it enters structure at upward angle, deflects off ceiling or other overhead objects
• Desirable to place master stream device in location that allows stream to cover most surface area of building
(Continued)
15–35
Supplying Master Streams
• Master stream devices can have high friction loss in supply hose
• Because master streams are used mostly in defensive firefighting, shut down handlines to keep from reducing water supply for master streams
(Continued)
15–36
Staffing Master Stream Devices
• Usually takes minimum of 2 FFs to deploy master stream device, supply water to it
• Once portable master stream device in place, can be operated by 1 FF
• Some situations may be too dangerous to have FFs stationed at master stream device
(Continued)
15–37
DISCUSSION QUESTION
What should be done if a master stream device starts to move?
15–38
Elevated Master Stream Devices
• Used to apply water to upper stories of multistory buildings, either in direct attack or to supply handlines
• Delivered by aerial devices
15–39
Quints
• Engines equipped with hydraulically operated extension ladder or aerial apparatus equipped with pump
• Main ladders range in length
(Continued)
15–40
Quints
• Have waterways pre-plumbed to pumps
• Only external support needed is water supply
• Main ladder can be used for rescuing people from exterior windows, ledges, & rooftops within reach of main ladder
15–41
Aerial Ladders
Apparatus equipped w/ hydraulically operated extension ladders
(Continued)
Courtesy of District Chief Chris E. Mikal, NOFD Photo Unit.
15–42
Aerial Ladders
• In North America, usually 50-135 feet (15-41 m), but in Europe sometimes as much as 300 feet (100 m)
• Newer aerial ladders equipped with built-in waterways that supply master stream nozzle
(Continued)
15–43
Aerial Ladders
• Master stream nozzles of both types of apparatus can be operated by FFs at ladder tip/on ground
• Can be used for rescuing people from exterior windows, ledges, rooftops within reach
15–44
Aerial Platforms
Available in two configurations
• Aerial ladder platforms
• Articulating aerial platforms (Continued)
15–45
Aerial Platforms
• All equipped with built-in waterways
• Some articulating devices have narrow escape ladders
• Can be used for rescuing people
15–46
Water Towers
• Engines equipped with hydraulically operated booms that are dedicated to applying water
• Most range from 50-130 ft (15-40 m) in length
• Some have narrow escape ladders attached to boom
• Not designed for rescue operations
(Continued)
Courtesy of District Chief Chris E. Mikal, NOFD Photo Unit.
15–47
Class B Fires
• Those that involve flammable & combustible liquids, gases
• Flammable liquids — Flash points less than 100ºF (38ºC)
(Continued)
15–48
Class B Fires
• Combustible liquids — Flash points higher than 100ºF (38ºC)
• Divisions of flammable, combustible liquids
Hydrocarbons
Polar solvents
15–49
Actions and Precautions
• Avoid standing in pools of fuel/runoff water because there may be fuel floating on top of water
• Unburned flammable liquid vapors are heavier than air & collect in low areas
• PPE soaked with flammable/combustible liquids must be removed from service until cleaned
15–50
Actions and Precautions
5, 10, 15 minute rule
• In 5 minutes instrumentation fails
MOV, sight glasses, fin fan controls, etc.
• In 10 minutes structural steel begins to fail
• In 15 minutes tanks & piping will BLEVE
15–51
Actions and Precautions
• Do not extinguish fire on pressure relief valve until PRV is fully reseated
• Try to contain pooling liquid until flow can be stopped
(Continued)
15–52
Actions and Precautions
• Class B fire fighting techniques also needed for fires in gas utility facilities/highway incidents involving fuel tankers
• Crew Protection
Position apparatus uphill & upwind of flammable liquid spills
Control ignition sources: important at spills
Three-Dimensional Fires
• Has length, width, & depth
• Burning liquid is dripping, spraying, or flowing over edges of container
• Difficult to extinguish w/ foam
• Dry extinguishing agents are more effective
• Avoid standing in pools or contaminated runoff
15–53
BLEVE
• Occurs in a closed, liquid container
• Heating by direct flame contact causes vessel to fail, suddenly releasing its contents
• Produces a violent explosion
• Most common cause is when flames contact vessel above the liquid level or when insufficient water is applied to keep vessel cool
15–54
BLEVE
• Dozens of emergency services personnel have been killed by BLEVEs
• Horizontal tanks Designed to fail at the
ends
Be at 45▫ angle to tank ends
Pieces may travel in all directions
• Pieces may travel great distances
15–55
Kingman, Arizona – Killed an entire fire crew
15–56
BLEVE
• Direct heavy streams of water onto tank using unmanned master streams from safe distance 500 GPM minimum flow at
point of flame contact
Cool vapor the space
• If you cannot flow at least 500 GPM onto the container that has direct flame contact, you should evacuate to a safe area
BLEVE
Signs of a BLEVE:
• Relief valve increases in pitch
• Relief valve flame grows
• Fire impinges vapor space freely
• Insufficient cooling water
• Popping, pinging sounds from welds breaking (You’re way too close!)
15–57
15–58
Using Water to Control Class B Fires
• Water alone ineffective extinguishing agent
• Use water as acooling agent
15–59
Bulk Transport Vehicle Fires
• Follow pre-incident plans
• Techniques of extinguishment similar to fires in flammable fuel facilities
• Major differences in vehicles transporting flammable fuels, storage facilities
15–60
Traffic Guidelines
• Close at least one lane of traffic in addition to incident lane during initial emergency operations
• Avoid using road flares because of possible ignition
• When ISO or police are unavailable, FFs should be assigned to direct traffic, control scene access
(Continued)
15–61
Traffic Guidelines
Position fire apparatus uphill, upwind
(Continued)
15–62
Traffic Guidelines
• Exit apparatus, work from the side away from traffic as much as possible
• Turn wheels of vehicles parked to protect FFs so apparatus cannot be pushed into them if struck by another vehicle
(Continued)
15–63
Techniques
• Be aware of possibility of vehicle tires failing
• Know status/limitations of water supply
• Protect trapped victims w/ hose streams until rescue
• Determine exact nature of cargos
15–64
DISCUSSION QUESTION
What should be done if you cannot determine the exact nature of the cargo?
15–65
Control of Gas Utilities
FFs should have working knowledge of hazards, correct procedures for handling incidents involving liquefied petroleum gas
(Continued)
Control of Plant Gas Utilities
• Gas used forheating & industrial processes
• Call plant operations to control gas
• Petroleum gases are odorless
Methyl mercaptan added to give it odor
15–66
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)
• Butane & propane
• Packaged in gas cylinders for consumer use
• Gases stored as a liquid under pressure
15–67
(Continued)
15–68
DISCUSSION QUESTION
What are some common locations where LPG is used?
15–69
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)
• About 1.5 times as heavy as air
• Expands 240:1 from liquid to vapor
• Explosive in concentrations between 1.5 & 10%
• Shipped from distribution point of usage in cylinders & tanks on cargo trucks (Continued)
15–70
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)
• Stored in cylinders, tanks near point of use for consumer use
• On tanks & cylinders, supply of gas may be stopped by shutting valve at tank
• In the plants, gas can shut off by valves in piping or at pumps
• Do not shut off valves in plants on your own
(Continued)
15–71
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)
• LPG leak will produce visible cloud of vapor that hugs ground
• Cloud of unburned gas may be dispersed by fog stream
LPG bonds with water
• All LPG containers, regardless of size, can BLEVE
15–72
DISCUSSION QUESTION
How can a BLEVE be prevented?
15–73
Flammable Gas Incidents
• Approach from upwind side especially if gas is not ignited
• First concerns are evacuation of area immediately around break, evacuation of area downwind, elimination of ignition sources
(Continued)
15–74
Flammable Gas Incidents
• If gas is burning, flame should not be extinguished
Causes uncontrolled vapor cloud that can explode
• Use hose streams to protect exposures
(Continued)
15–75
Flammable Gas Incidents
• Use two handlines working together to access valve & close it
• Provide a back-up line that is supplied by a different source of water
Supplied by different source so all lines do not fail at once
(Continued)
Flammable Gas Incidents
• For severe fires, use unmanned master streams
• Retreat w/ water flowing
15–76
15–77
DISCUSSION QUESTION
What should be done if gas is burning from a broken pipe?
15–78
Class C Fires
• Involve energized electrical equipment
• Major safety hazard — FFs fail to recognize danger & take appropriate steps for protection
• Once electrical power turned off, may self-extinguish or fall into Class A or B
(Continued)
15–79
DISCUSSION QUESTION
What are some examples of potential Class C fires?
15–80
Class C Fires
• In many commercial & high rise buildings, electrical power necessary to operate essential systems; not to be shut off until ordered
• When handling fires in delicate electronic/computer equipment, clean extinguishing agents should be used
(Continued)
15–81
Class C Fires
• Multipurpose dry-chemical agents effective, but some chemically reactive w/ components
Will corrode & damage electronics
• Using water inappropriate because of shock hazard
(Continued)
15–82
Class C Fires: Transmission Lines and Equipment
Relatively small number of electrical emergencies involve fires in electrical substations, transmission lines, associated equipment
(Continued)
15–83
Class C Fires: Transmission Lines and Equipment
• Electrical power lines sometimes break, start fires in grass/other vegetation
• Fires in electrical transformers common
Use dry chemical on ground level fires
Let pole mounted fires burn
15–84
Class C Fires: Underground Transmission Lines
• Consist of conduits, vaults below grade
• Most serious hazards presented are explosions caused by fuses blowing or short-circuit arcing that ignites accumulated gases
• Electrical utility vault
Do not enter for firefighting
15–85
Class C Fires: Commercial High-Voltage Installations
• Many commercial/industrial complexes have electrical equipment requiring 600+ volts
• High-voltage signs may be on doors
• Some transformers use flammable coolants that are hazardous
(Continued)
15–86
Class C Fires: Commercial High-Voltage Installations
• Water should not be used because of potential damage to electrical equipment uninvolved in fire
• Because of toxic chemicals, smoke is additional hazard
• FFs should only enter for rescue
15–87
Controlling Electrical Power
• In many situations, it is better for electrical power to remain on for lighting, fire pumps, other essential systems
• Decision to cut off power is made by IC & Incident Safety Officer
(Continued)
15–88
Controlling Electrical Power
• To turn off power call utility department
• Do not, on your own, cut off power in plants, or other locations
In homes, you may turn off power at the breaker box
Electrical service up to the breaker box is on
15–89
Controlling Electrical Power
• Many Saudi Aramco facilities are provided w/ emergency back-up power capabilities
• Considerations for illegal wiring outside of company facilities
15–90
DISCUSSION QUESTION
What should be done before cutting into walls & ceilings that may contain electrical wiring?
15–91
Electrical Shock
Consequences of electrical shock
• Cardiac arrest
• Paralysis
• Surface or internal burns
• Damage to joints
• Burns to eyes
15–92
Electrical Shock
Factors most affecting seriousness of electrical shock
• Path of electricity through body
• Degree of skin resistance – wet (low) or dry (high)
• Length of exposure
• Available current
• Available voltage
15–93
Guidelines for Electrical Emergencies
Establish exclusion zone equal to one span all directions from downed power lines
(Continued)
15–94
Guidelines for Electrical Emergencies
• Be aware other wires may have been weakened by short circuit, may fall at any time
• Wear full protective clothing, use only tested & approved tools w/ insulated handles
• Guard against electrical shocks, burns, eye injuries from electrical arcs
• Wait for utility workers to cut power lines
(Continued)
15–95
Guidelines for Electrical Emergencies
• Use lockout/tagout devices when working on electrical equipment
• Be very careful when raising/lowering ladders near power lines
Get no closer than 10’ (3m)
(Continued)
Guidelines for Electrical Emergencies
• Do not touch any vehicle/apparatus in contact with electrical wires
• Jump clear of apparatus that may be energized by contact with power lines
• Do not use solid, straight streams on fires in energized electrical equipment
15–96
(Continued)
15–97
Guidelines for Electrical Emergencies
• Use fog streams w/ at least 100 psi (700 kPa) nozzle pressure
• Be aware wire mesh or steel rail fences can be energized by wires outside field of view
(Continued)
Guidelines for Electrical Emergencies
• Where wires are down, heed any tingling sensation felt in feet, back away
• Avoid ground gradient hazards by maintaining large safety zone around downed electrical wires
15–98
Voltage drops as it spreads away from source
15–99
DISCUSSION QUESTION
How should you back out of a ground gradient area?
15–100
Company-Level Fire Tactics
• Standard tactical priorities — Life safety, incident stabilization, property conservation
• Order of priorities same, but actions taken on fireground may/may not be performed in that order
Rescue consideration is always 1st
15–101
Responsibilities — First-in Engine Company
• If smoke/fire visible, lay supply line from hydrant
• Company officer will conduct rapid size-up
• Size-up determines further actions taken by first-in engine company
15–102
Responsibilities — First In Engine Company
• If by taking immediate action, the company can save a life, they should do so
Even if not enough FFs on scene to form rapid intervention crew (RIC)
(Continued)
15–103
Responsibilities — First In Engine Company
• If no immediate life-safety concerns, & fire might extend to nearby structures, officer may order lines pulled to apply water to exposure
• Officer may call for more resources
(Continued)
15–104
Responsibilities — First In Engine Company
• Given a small interior fire, company officer usually assumes Command of incident
Until arrival a more senior chief officer who will assume command in most cases
Called transfer of command
Takes place face-to-face
• Cannot take place over the radio
• Once location of fire known, first-due engine company will position initial attack hoseline to cover priorities
15–105
Responsibilities — Second In Engine Company
• Must make sure adequate water supply established to fireground
• May finish hose lay, lay additional line, connect to hydrant
• Protects secondary means of egress & exit of first-in company
15–106
Responsibilities — Second In Engine Company
• Backs up initial attack line
• Prevents extension & protects exposures
• Assist in extinguishment
• Assists with support activities
15–107
Responsibilities — Fireground Support Company
• Responsible for performing tasks in order dictated by situation
• Functions may be performed by engine personnel when support companies not available
• May assist in making fire attack
15–108
Responsibilities — Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC)
• Consists of 2+ members wearing appropriate PPE, radio
• Equipped w/ special rescue tools, equipment necessary to effect rescue of other emergency personnel
(Continued)
15–109
Responsibilities — Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC)
• May be assigned other emergency scene duties; must be prepared to drop those immediately if needed
• Exact number determined by IC
Courtesy of District Chief Chris E. Mickal, NOFD Photo Unit.
15–110
Responsibilities — Chief Officer/Incident Commander
Upon arriving at scene, chief officer may choose to assume Command from original IC & take responsibility for all on-scene operations
(Continued)
15–111
Responsibilities — Chief Officer/Incident Commander
• If original IC has incident well organized, progress toward incident stabilization being made, chief officer may assume another role
• IC should plan ahead for future resources, i.e. fresh crews, rehab, air
15–112
Fires in Upper Levels of Structures
• Typical residential response consisting of 2-3 engines & one truck is usually not enough
• A large number of FFs are needed
15–113
DISCUSSION QUESTION
Should elevators ever be used during fire operations?
15–114
Attacking Fires in Upper Levels
• Fire attack is started from floor below fire floor
• Crews should check floors above main fire floor for fire extension, victims
(Continued)
Attacking Fires in Upper Levels
• Look at other floors to get an idea of the layout of the fire floor
• Elevators can be used if they are controlled by the FFs
Elevator controls may be damaged by fire
Requires override key or do not use
• Any fire in the upper levels requires extra manpower & equipment
15–115
15–116
Attacking Fires in Upper Levels
• Staging areas are established two floors below fire floor
• Personnel must exercise caution in streets around outside perimeter of high-rise building
Falling glass, debris, people
Fires in Basements
• Can expose FFs to extremely hostile conditions
• FFs must travel through superheated gases & smoke to reach fire area
• May be possible to control fire without entering basement
15–117
(Continued)
15–118
Fires Belowground in Structures
• If cellar nozzle unavailable, FFs may have to enter burning basement
• Good ventilation techniques extremely important
• Heavy objects on floor above fire floor can increase chance of floor collapse
15–119
Fixed Fire Extinguishing Systems
• FFs should be familiar with systems in buildings protected by their department
• Supporting systems critical during fire
(Continued)
Fixed Fire Extinguishing Systems
Types of systems
• Sprinkler systems
• Carbon dioxide systems
• Standpipe systems
• Foam systems
• Clean-agent systems
• Dry-chemical hood systems
• Wet-chemical systems
15–120
15–121
Fixed Fire Extinguishing Systems
Dangers involved w/ fires in occupancies w/ fixed systems
• Oxygen depletion following activation of carbon dioxide flooding systems
• Poor visibility
• Energized electrical equipment
• Toxic environments
(Continued)
15–122
Pre-incident Plans
• Include detailed descriptions of construction features, contents, protection systems, surrounding properties
• May specify procedures for each system
• Contain building map
• Must be updated regularly
(Continued)
15–123
Sprinklered Buildings
Some possible actions
• Assign a radio-equipped FF at OS&Y valve
• Install wedges to stop flow of water
• Replace sprinkler heads
• Restore the system
• Monitor the building
15–124
Fires in Small Passenger Vehicles
• Among the most common types of fires
• FFs must wear full PPE, SCBA
(Continued)
15–125
Fires in Small Passenger Vehicles
• Attack line should be 1½-inch minimum
• Piercing nozzle can be used on hoods, fenders, trunk & wheel wells
• Halligan tool or pick head axe can be used to force hood or trunk
• Booster lines must not be used
(Continued)
15–126
Fires in Small Passenger Vehicles
• Safest way to attack fire is from upwind & uphill
• Portable extinguishers can suppress some fires in vehicle’s engine compartment/electrical system
15–127
DISCUSSION QUESTION
Why should vehicle fires be attacked from upwind & uphill?
15–128
Basic Procedures
• One of first actions is to establish safe working zone
• Once scene safety established, FFs can focus on saving vehicle occupants, fighting fire
• FFs should stay out of potential travel path of front, rear bumpers
• Trunk lid & hood supports can explode (Continued)
15–129
Basic Procedures
Occupied Vehicle
• Position hoseline between burning vehicle & any exposure
• Attack fire from 45° angle
• Extinguish fire near occupants first
• Issue all clear when occupants are out of vehicle
• Extinguish ground fire
• Overhaul
15–130
Basic Procedures
Unoccupied Vehicle
• Position hoseline between burning vehicle & any exposure
• Attack fire from 45° angle
• Extinguish any ground fire
• Overhaul
15–131
Basic Procedures
Fires in undercarriage
• Straight stream from a distance
• Straight steam deflect off of pavement
• Open hood & direct stream through engine compartment
15–132
Hazards
• In addition to hazards associated w/ other fires, there are hazards specific to vehicle fires
• Catalytic converters can act as ignition source to dry grass/other fuels under vehicle
(Continued)
15–133
Hazards
• Interior components on vehicle mainly plastic, which burns rapidly at high temperatures & emits toxic gases
• Air bags are a relatively new hazard & can deploy from steering wheel, dashboard, or door of vehicle
(Continued)
15–134
Hazards
• Hybrid vehicles incorporate high-voltage cables, components
• DO NOT cut into high voltage components/wires
Orange wire
15–135
Trash Container Fires
• Possibility of exposure to toxic products of combustion ever-present
• May include hazardous materials or plastics
• Full PPE, SCBA should be worn when attacking any trash container fire
15–136
Attacking Trash Container Fires
• Size of attack line depends on size of fire & proximity to exposures
• Fires in small piles of trash, garbage cans, small containers can often be extinguished w/ booster line
(Continued)
15–137
Attacking Trash Container Fires
• Larger piles, larger containers, fires close to exposures should be attacked w/ at least 1½-inch (38 mm) line
• Master streams may be needed to keep trash container fires from spreading
(Continued)
15–138
Attacking Trash Container Fires
• Once fire is controlled, may be possible to use standard overhaul techniques to complete extinguishment
• May be advantageous to attack fire using Class A foam
15–139
Confined Spaces
• Below grade or otherwise w/o natural/forced ventilation
• Atmospheric hazards
Toxic/heat/oxygen deficient
• Physical hazards
Limited egress
Liquids/loose materials
Equipment/trays
(Continued)
15–140
Confined Spaces
• Where to find information on the fire
Plant/building supervisors
Pre-incident plans
• Hazard control plans
• Because of hazards, command post & staging area must be established outside hot zone
15–141
DISCUSSION QUESTION
When is it safe for FFs to enter these confined spaces?
15–142
Fire Attack
• Fires may also be attacked indirectly w/ penetrating nozzles, cellar nozzles, distributor nozzles
• Effective air-management system should be part of IAP
15–143
Wildland Fires
• Fires in weeds, grass, field crops, brush, & forests
• Are different from fires in buildings
• Most important factors on wildland fire behavior:
Fuel
Weather
Topography
15–144
Wildland Fires — Fuel
• Subsurface fuels: Roots & peat
• Surface fuels: Needles, twigs, grass, brush
• Aerial fuels: Suspended & upright fuels over 6 feet (2 m) from ground
(Continued)
15–145
Wildland Fires — Fuel
Factors affecting burning characteristics of fuels:
• Fuel size: Small or light fuels burn faster
• Compactness: Tightly compacted fuels, such as hay bales, burn slower
• Continuity: Fuels close together burn faster
• Volume: The amount of fuel present
• Fuel moisture content: Drier fuels ignite easier & burn faster
(Continued)
15–146
Wildland Fires — Weather
• Wind: Fans the flames & spreads fire
• Temperature: Affects fuels by drying them
• Relative humidity: Affects moisture content of dead fuels; low humidity dries fuels
• Precipitation (Rain): Affects moisture content of live & dead fuels
• Wind & rain have the biggest effect
15–147
Wildland Fires — Topography
• Topography: layout of the ground
• Steepness of slope affects both rate & direction of fire spread
• Fires usually spread faster uphill than down; steeper the slope, faster fire spreads
(Continued)
15–148
Parts of Wildland Fire
(Continued)
15–149
Parts of Wildland Fire
Burned Unburned
15–150
Wildland PPE
• Structural turnout gear is inappropriate for big wildland fires
Can be dangerous
• Wildland FFs wear special PPE
• PPE should meet NFPA 1977
(Continued)
15–151
Attacking Wildland Fires
• Methods aimed at perimeter (fire boundary) control
• Control line may be at burning edge, next to it, or a distance away
• Objective is to make a control line that completely circles fire
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Wildland Firefighting Techniques
• Direct attack: Action taken directly against flames at burning edge or close to it
• Indirect attack: Used at a distance from the fire
• Wildland fires constantly change, so attack methods may change
15–153
Summary
• Attacking fires early in their development is an important aspect of a successful fire fighting operation
• Selecting & applying the most effective fire attack strategy & tactics are also important
(Continued)
15–154
Summary
• Failing to do any of these things can result in a fire growing out of control, an increase in fire damage & loss, & possibly in FF injuries
(Continued)
15–155
Summary
• FFs need to know how to use the firefighting tools & techniques adopted by FrPD
• They need to know how to safely & effectively attack & extinguish structure fires, vehicle fires, & trash fires
15–156
Skills
• Attack a structure fire — Exterior attack.
• Deploy & operate a master stream device.
• Extinguish a fire in a trash container.
• Attack a fire in stacked/piled materials.
• Turn off building utilities. (Skill Sheet FF-I-109)
• Attack a structure fire (above, below, & grade level) — Interior attack. (Skill Sheet FF-I-110)
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Skills
• Attack a passenger vehicle fire. (Skill Sheet FF-I-111)
• Extinguish an ignitable liquid fire.
• Control a pressurized flammable gas container fire. (Skill Sheet FF-II-217)
• Establish Incident Command & coordinate interior attack of a structure fire. (Skill Sheet FF-II-212, 213)
• Exercise 12 RIC Team