fire control 2013 bmcc

Fire Control

Overall Objectives

Improve Size-up abilitiesIdentify and understand priorities and needs

at fires.Capturing the cues and clues in the situation

and comprehending them.Identify reasons for Transfer of command

Firefighter I

Specific Objectives

1.Describe initial factors to consider when suppressing structure fires. 2.Summarize considerations prior to entering a burning building. 3.Explain the gas cooling technique.

4.Describe direct attack, indirect attack, and combination attack. 5.Discuss deploying master stream devices. 6.Describe elevated master streams.

Firefighter I

Specific Objectives

7.Describe actions and hazards associated with suppressing Class C fires. 8.List electrical hazards and guidelines for electrical emergencies. 9.Discuss responsibilities of companies in structural fires.

10. Explain actions taken in attacking fires in upper levels of structures. 11. Explain actions taken in attacking fires belowground in structures. 12. Discuss structure fires in properties protected by fixed systems.

Firefighter I

Specific Objectives

13. Explain actions taken when attacking a vehicle fire. 14. Explain actions taken when attacking trash container fires.

15. Summarize influences on wildland fire behavior: fuel, weather, and topography. 16. Describe parts of a wildland fire. 17. List wildland protective clothing and equipment.

18. Describe methods used to attack wildland fires19. List ten standard fire fighting orders when fighting wildland

fires.

Firefighter I

Coordination When Suppressing Structure Fires

Fire attack on burning structure must be coordinated

When fighting any fire, firefighters should always work as a team under direction of a supervisor

Firefighter I

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

(Continued)

Firefighter I

Actions to Take

When structure/major contents are involved in fire, firefighters 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

Firefighter I

Actions to Take

Whenever possible, approach and attack fire from unburned side to keep it from spreading throughout structure

Once fire is contained, determine area of origin, protect evidence before overhaul and extinguishment

Firefighter I

Actions to Take

Breathing apparatus must be worn during overhaul, extinguishment

Valuables found during overhaul should be turned in to supervisor

Firefighter I

Pre-Entry Considerations

Conduct quick size-upMaintain high level of situation awarenessRead fire behavior indicatorsUnderstand crew’s tactical assignmentIdentify potential emergency escape routesAssess forcible entry requirementsIdentify hazards Verify that radios are working, on right

channel, being received

Firefighter I

Opening Doors

If door to fire area must be opened, all members should stay low and to one side of doorway

Check door for heat before opening

Firefighter I

Gas Cooling

Not a fire extinguishment method; way of reducing hazard presented by hot gas layer

Effective when faced with shielded fire

Firefighter I

Hot Gas Layer

Hot gas layer accumulating in upper levels of compartment presents problems

Cooling hot gas layer mitigates hazards by slowing transfer of heat to other combustibles

Limits the possibility of a Flashover

Firefighter I

Cooling Hot Gas Layer

Apply short pulses of water fog onto it

Repeat technique as necessary while hose team advances under gas layer toward fire

Penciling – Short pulses of water in a straight stream at the ceiling level.

Courtesy of Dick Giles.

Firefighter I

Direct Attack

Most efficient use of water on free-burning fires made by direct attack

Usually from straight or solid streamTechniquesWater should not be applied long enough to

upset thermal layering

What attack mode here?

Firefighter I

Indirect Attack

Used when firefighters unable to enter burning building/compartment

Can be made from outside compartment through window or other small opening

Firefighter I

Indirect Attack

Not ideal method of attack where building occupants may still be inside

May be only method of attack until temperatures reduced

Procedures for making indirect attack

Attack Mode?

Firefighter I

Combination Attack

Uses heat-absorbing technique of cooling hot gas layer followed by heat-reducing direct attack on materials burning near floor level

Firefighter I

Master Streams

Usually deployed in situations where fire is beyond effectiveness of handlines or there is need for fire streams in areas that are unsafe for firefighters

Main uses for master stream

Firefighter I

Positioning Master Stream

Must be properly positioned to apply effective master stream on fire

Master stream can be adjusted up, down and left, right

Once line in operation, must be shut down if device is to be moved

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w91F9zubvG8

Firefighter I

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

Firefighter I

Supplying Master Streams

Master stream devices can have high friction loss in supply hose

Because master stream devices used primarily in defensive fire fighting, desirable to shut down handlines to keep from reducing water supply available for master streams

Always follow SOPs in operation of master streams, handlines

Firefighter I

Staffing Master Stream Devices

Usually takes minimum of two firefighters to deploy master stream device, supply water to it

Once portable master stream device in place, can be operated by one firefighter

Some situations may be too dangerous to have firefighters stationed at master stream device

Firefighter I

DISCUSSION QUESTION

What should be done if a master stream device starts to move?

Firefighter I

Elevated Master Stream Devices

1. Used to apply water to upper stories of multistory buildings, either in direct attack or to supply handlines

2. Delivered by aerial devices

Firefighter I

15–29

Categories of Aerial Apparatus

1. Aerial Ladder2. Aerial Ladder Platform3. Telescoping Platform4. Articulating Platform5. Combination telescoping & Articulating

Platform6. Water Towers

Firefighter I

Quints

Have waterways pre-plumbed to pumps Only external support — Water supplyMain ladder can be used for rescuing people

from exterior windows, ledges, and rooftops within reach of main ladder

Firefighter I

Aerial Ladders

Apparatus equipped with hydraulically operated extension ladders

Courtesy of District Chief Chris E. Mikal, NOFD Photo Unit.

Firefighter I

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

Firefighter I

Aerial Ladders

Master stream nozzles of both types of apparatus can be operated by firefighters at ladder tip/on ground

Can be used for rescuing people from exterior windows, ledges, rooftops within reach

Firefighter I

Aerial Platforms

Available in two configurations Aerial ladder platforms Articulating aerial platforms

Firefighter I

Aerial Platforms

All equipped with built-in waterways, some with narrow escape ladders

Can be used for rescuing peopleEngines equipped with hydraulically operated

booms that are dedicated to applying waterMost range from 50-130 feet (15-40 m) in

length

Firefighter I

Water Towers

Some have narrow escape ladders attached to boom

Not designed for rescue operations

Firefighter I

Class C Fires

Involve energized electrical equipmentMajor safety hazard — Firefighters fail to

recognize danger and take appropriate steps for protection

Once electrical power turned off, may self-extinguish or fall into Class A or B

Firefighter I

DISCUSSION QUESTION

What are some examples of potential Class C fires?

Firefighter I

Class C Fires

In many commercial and 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

Multipurpose dry-chemical agents effective, but some chemically reactive with components

Firefighter I

Class C Fires

Using water inappropriate because of shock hazard

Fire suppression techniques needed for fires involving transmission lines and equipment, underground lines, commercial high-voltage installations

Departmental operating procedures

Firefighter I

Class C Fires: Transmission Lines and Equipment

Relatively small number of electrical emergencies involve fires in electrical substations, transmission lines, associated equipment

Firefighter I

Class C Fires: Transmission Lines and Equipment

Electrical power lines sometimes break, start fires in grass/other vegetation

Fires in electrical transformers common

Firefighter I

Class C Fires: Underground Transmission Lines

Consist of conduits, vaults below gradeMost serious hazards presented are

explosions caused by fuses blowing or short-circuit arcing that ignites accumulated gases

Electrical utility vault

Firefighter I

Class C Fires: Commercial High-Voltage Installations

Many commercial/industrial complexes have electrical equipment requiring 600+ volts

High-voltage signs may be on doorsSome transformers use flammable coolants that

are hazardousWater should not be used because of potential

damage to electrical equipment uninvolved in fire

Because of toxic chemicals, smoke is additional hazard

Firefighters should only enter for rescue

Firefighter I

Controlling Electrical Power

Advantageous for electrical power to remain on for lighting, fire pumps, other essential systems

Decision made by IC and Incident Safety Officer

When power turned off, should be turned off at main panel by power utility employee

Firefighter I

Controlling Electrical Power

Always follow departmental SOPRemoving meter may not completely stop

flow of electricity because of emergency power capabilities

Considerations for clandestine drug labs, indoor marijuana-growing operations

Firefighter I

Electrical Shock

Consequences of electrical shockFactors most affecting seriousness of

electrical shock

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NaEfU47QY_k

Firefighter I

Guidelines for Electrical Emergencies

Establish exclusion zone equal to one span all directions from downed power lines

Firefighter I


Be aware other wires may have been weakened by short circuit, may fall at any time

Wear full protective clothing, use only tested and approved tools with insulated handles

Guard against electrical shocks, burns, eye injuries from electrical arcs

Wait for utility workers to cut power lines

Firefighter I


Use lockout/tagout devices when working on electrical equipment

Be very careful when raising/lowering ladders near power lines

(Continued)

Firefighter I


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

Firefighter I


Use fog streams with 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

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

Firefighter I

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

Firefighter I

Responsibilities — First Due Engine Company

If smoke/fire visible, may be departmental SOP to stop, lay supply line from hydrant or end of driveway into scene

Company officer will conduct rapid initial size-up

Assessment determines further actions taken by first-due engine company

If by taking immediate action company can save 1+ lives, will do so even if not enough firefighters on scene to form rapid intervention crew (RIC)

Size-up

Definition

Arrival & Size-up

What are the issues or items to convey to Dispatch? Type of building/occupancy involved Specific condition found (smoke, fire, victims) Initial attack mode

Transitional Offensive Defensive

Designate ALPHA side Initiate Command Any Additional resources needed

Size-up

Critical Needs: 360 walk-around for structures and good recon for

larger natural cover fires.

Firefighter I

Responsibilities — First Due Engine Company

If no obvious, immediate life-safety concerns, and fire threatening to extend to another nearby structure, officer may order lines pulled to apply water to exposure

Officer may call for more resourcesGiven a small interior fire, company officer

usually assumes Command of incidentOnce location of fire known, first-due engine

company will position initial attack hoseline to cover priorities

Prioritize incoming information

Smoke

Construction

Speed of the Incident

Realistic assessment of savable lives

Resources enroute

Color, volume, velocity, and density

Light weight vs non-comb, multiple story

Progression of fire & risk to personnel

GO or No GOQuality & quanity of

resources.

Smoke

Where is the seat of the Fire?

What is the smoke telling us?

What SOG would we follow?

Attic Fires

Construction

Speed of the Fire

Where is the fire?Time of the building?What’s going wrong

in the picture?

Savable Lives?

Resources

6 Problems at Fires

Fire Offensive Defensive Transitional

Smoke Ventilate (vertical,

horizontal) Positive pressure

Poss. Victim(s) Search Assess situation of

viable victims

Confirmed Victim(s) Rescue Hold in place Direct them

Access Forcible entry Alternate route

Exposures Protect Pressurize Nothing

Firefighter I

Responsibilities — Second Due Engine Company

Must make sure adequate water supply established to the fireground,

May finish hose lay, lay additional line, connect to hydrant

Proceeds according to priorities

Firefighter I

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

Firefighter I

Responsibilities — Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC)

Consists of 2+ members wearing appropriate PPE, radio; equipped with special rescue tools, equipment necessary to effect rescue of other emergency personnel

Firefighter I

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

How many is enough?

Firefighter I

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

If original IC has incident well organized, progress toward incident stabilization being made, chief officer may assume another role

Transfer of Command

Command can be transferred to a person with a higher level of expertise or authority

Command can be transferred face-to-face or over the radio

Preferably command can be transferred only to someone who is on-scene

The person relinquishing command should provide any needed information to the assuming command.

Transition of Command

When does this happen or when should it happen? Complexity of Incident Current IC requests

transfer Incident

stabilization/mitigation is compromised by current strategy & tactics Coaching Suggestions

5 Common Command Mistakes

1. Failing to process the meaning of the cues /clues

2. Misunderstanding the speed of the incident

3. Over-estimating abilities of their crews4. Taking heroic actions without conducting a

risk-benefit assessment5. Focusing on the wrong things or trying to

process to much information

Best Practices

Size-up must be on-goingStay focused on big pictureNever miss commo from at-risk companiesControl your distractions and interruptionsEstablish strong command presence

Keep track of your people Control your emotions Clear and concise orders

Develop good habits and routinesPre-load your experiences

Incident Action Plan

Does every incident have an Incident Action Plan?

YES! IC’s head or Written

Scene Mitigation Personnel safety

Environmental issuesForward planning

Firefighter I

Attacking Fires in Upper Levels

Fire attack typically initiated from floor below fire floor

Crews should check floors above main fire floor for fire extension, victims

Staging usually established two floors below fire floor

Personnel must exercise caution in streets around outside perimeter of high-rise building

Firefighter I

Fires Belowground in Structures

Can expose firefighters to extremely hostile conditions

May be possible to control fire without entering basement

Firefighter I

Fires Belowground in Structures

If cellar nozzle unavailable, firefighters may have to enter burning basement

Good ventilation techniques extremely important

Heavy objects on floor above fire floor can increase chance of floor collapse

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVGQwLeeJx0

Firefighter I

Fixed Fire Extinguishing Systems

Firefighters should be familiar with systems in buildings protected by their department

Supporting systems critical during fire

Types of systemsDangers involved with

fires in occupancies with fixed systems

Firefighter I

Preincident Plans

Often contain SOPs used at these occupancies

Include detailed descriptions of construction features, contents, protection systems, surrounding properties

May specify procedures for each companyContain building mapMust be updated regularly

Firefighter I

Sprinklered Buildings

Support company personnel often used to manage system’s operation

Must always follow departmental SOPs regarding actions taken

Some possible actions

Car Fires

Firefighter I

Fires in Small Passenger Vehicles

Among most common types of fires to which firefighters called

Dictate firefighters wear full PPE, SCBA

Courtesy of Bob Esposito

Hazards

Interior components on vehicle mainly plastic, which burns rapidly at high temperatures and emits toxic gases

Gas-filled componentsFlammable LiquidsAir BagsHybrid vehicles

incorporate high-voltage cables, components

Do not assume any vehicle is without extraordinary hazards

Attacking Vehicle Fires

Fires under the Hood Direct water into

wheel wells & Front grill.

Chock Wheels Check for occupants Engine Compartment

access Extinguishment

Flammable Liquids Fire Exinguisher Class B Foam


Fires in passenger area Direct water on fire

with straight stream, sweeping motion. Start at 50’ from vehicle.

Advance on vehicle and observe under the vehicle for leaking flammable liquids

Semi-fog pattern for final knock down.


Trunk FiresRear of VehiclesTrailers

RV’sSemi-Trucks

Alternate fuel fires LPG CNG Ethanol Hybrids

Nickel metal hydride batteries

High-voltage –Orange cables

Firefighter I

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

Firefighter I

Attacking Trash Container Fires

Size of attack line depends on size of fire and proximity to exposures

Fires in small piles of trash, garbage cans, small containers can often be extinguished with booster line

Firefighter I

Attacking Trash Container Fires

Larger piles, larger containers, fires close to exposures should be attacked with at least 1½-inch (38 mm) line

Master streams may be needed to keep trash container fires from spreading

Once fire has been controlled, may be possible to use standard overhaul techniques to complete extinguishment

May be advantageous to attack fire using Class A foam

Firefighter I

Confined Spaces

Below grade or otherwise without natural/forced ventilation

Atmospheric hazardsPhysical hazards

Firefighter I

Confined Spaces

Where to find information on fireHazard mitigation plansBecause of hazards, command post and

staging area must be established outside hot zone

Firefighter I

Fire Attack

Fires may also be attacked indirectly with penetrating nozzles, cellar nozzles, distributor nozzles

Effective air-management system should be part of IAP

Firefighter I

DISCUSSION QUESTION

When is it safe for firefighters to enter these confined spaces?

Natural Cover Fires

Firefighter I

Parts of Wildland Fire

Firefighter I

Wildland Fires

Include those in weeds, grass, field crops, brush, forests, similar vegetation

Have characteristics not comparable to fires in buildings

Main influences on wildland fire behavior

Wildland Fire Impacts

Fuels Grassy Brush Timber

Topography Steep hills Canyons

Weather Wind Relative Humidity Temperature Cold fronts/T-storms

Firefighter I

Wildland Fires — Fuel

Classified by grouping those with similar burning characteristics together

Factors affecting burning characteristics of fuels

Firefighter I

Wildland Fires — Fuel

Firefighter I

Wildland Fires — Topography

Steepness of slope affects both rate, direction of wildland fire’s spread

Fires will usually spread faster uphill than down; steeper the slope, faster fire spreads

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5eCA-TTJWI

Firefighter I

Wildland Fires — Weather

WindTemperatureRelative humidityPrecipitation

Methods of Extinguishment

Firefighter I

Attacking Wildland Fires

Methods revolve around perimeter control

Control line may be at burning edge, next to it, or a distance away

Objective is to establish control line that completely encircles fire

Firefighter I

Wildland Fire Approaches

Direct attack is action taken directly against flames at edge or closely parallel

Indirect attack used at varying distances from advancing fire

Because wildland fire constantly changing, attack methods may change

Direct Attack

Containing and extinguishing the fire at its burning edge.

Advantages Quick containment Used most often on

small firesDisadvantages

Working in smoke and heat. Close to the fire

Indirect Attack

Most often used for large Fires.

Building fireline along natural breaks

Used when not enough resources to mount direct attack

When topography is to rough that make direct attack dangerous or impossible.

Priorities of Attack

IC must assess & evaluate priorities for saving lives and property before determining attack mode.

Safety Hazards

Contain perimeter firstControl FireMop-up Standards

Size-up

Fire BehaviorSize of fireFuels & topography involvedStructures threatenedResource needsAttack mode*make sure to recon fire if significant size

Assign resources – flanks, divisions, anchor points

Establish escape routes and safety zones

Cont.

Make sure every unit gets a briefing Escape Routes and Safety Zones Assignment Supervisor Current Situation

Use Proper Span of Control Divisions Groups Task Forces

Remember other functions Safety, Logistics, Information, etc….

Firefighter I

Standard Fire Fighting Orders When Fighting Wildland Fires

Keep informed on fire weather conditions, forecasts

Know what fire doing at all times Base all actions on current, expected

behavior of fire

Firefighter I


Identify escape routes and safety zones, make them known

Post lookouts when possible dangerBe alert, keep calm, think clearly, act

decisively

Firefighter I


Maintain prompt communications with your forces, your supervisor, adjoining forces

Give clear instructions, ensure they are understood

Firefighter I


Maintain control of forces at all timesFight fire aggressively, providing for safety

first

Firefighter I

Summary

Attacking fires early in their development is an important aspect of a successful fire fighting operation. Likewise, selecting and applying the most effective fire attack strategy and tactics are also important.

Failing to do any of these things can result in a fire growing out of control, an increase in fire damage and loss, and possibly in firefighter injuries.

Firefighter I

Summary

Firefighters need to know how to use the fire fighting tools and techniques adopted by their departments. They need to know how to safely and effectively attack and extinguish structure fires, vehicle fires, refuse fires, and wildland fires.

Firefighter I

Review Questions

1.What initial actions should firefighters take when suppressing a structural fire?2.What are the differences among a direct attack, an indirect attack, and a combination attack?

Firefighter I

Review Questions

3.When are master streams usually deployed?4.What are three guidelines for electrical emergencies?5.What are the parts of a wildland fire?

fire control 2013 bmcc

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