Part C: Class D Fires and Tactical Considerations

Combustible metals burn at extremely high temperatures

Many are reactive to water If not reactive to water, may require

applications of large enough quantities of water to cool metal below its ignition temperature

Application of water on extremely hot burning metals may cause a “steam explosion”.

Usual method is to protect exposures and let fire burn itself out

Firefighters cannot assume fire is out just because flame is absent

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First due engine company Establishes/initiates incident command

Advises dispatch and incoming companies of:

Exact location Condition at scene Exposures Plan of action Request for additional resources Establishment of two-out team, or need for

establishment of two-out team if in rescue mode

Initiates fire attack and promotes rescue Establish a supply line and initial

attack line, if smoke or fire is visible Perform search and rescue, if needed Intervene between trapped

occupants and fire or protect firefighters

Protect primary means of egress Protect exterior exposures Initiate extinguishment from the

unburned side Operate master streams

Initiate extinguishment from the unburned side

Second due engine company Establish additional

supply/attack lines, if needed Back up the initial attack line Protect secondary means of

egress Prevent fire extension

(confinement) Assist in extinguishment Assist with truck/rescue

company operations

Truck/rescue company considerations Forcible entry Conduct search and rescue Perform ventilation Control utilities, if needed Place ladders Conduct salvage (property

considerations) Check for fire extension Place elevated fire streams Conduct overhaul

Teams of at least two firefighters, in full protective gear, to assist other firefighters in emergency situations

Determined and assigned by Incident Commander

Coordinates the overall activities at the scene

Assume command Responsible for constant

evaluation of scene Resources are properly

assigned and coordinated Calling for additional

resources, if necessary Properly terminates the

incident

Upper level/high rise fires Requires additional

resources Initial personnel usually

responsible for carrying equipment to level of fire

Fire attack should be initiated from floor below fire floor

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Staging area for extra equipment and personnel usually established two floors below fire floor

Safety zone established around outside perimeter of building

Accountability system

Below grade fires Descending stairs simulate chimneys for

superheated air and fire gases Ground level floor should be vented to

remove heat and smoke from below grade fire

Should have other engine/truck company locate heavy objects above fire

Consider vertical means of fire spread

Select facts about Class D fire control. Write the correct numbers on the blanks.

1. What dual problems do combustible metals present?a. Burning at extremely high temperatures; being reactive to waterb. Being reactive to water; spattering burning bits of debris several

yards.c. Burning at extremely high temperatures; spattering burning bits of

debris several yards.d. Creating blindingly brilliant white light; being reactive to water2. What is the usual (most often used) method of controlling Class D

fires?a. Protecting exposures and permitting the metal to burn outb. Cooling to below ignition temperatures with water streamsc. Covering with special extinguishing agents from portable

extinguishersd. Removing the metal from its ignition source and covering with sand

or AFFF3. What gas may be released when water streams are directed at

combustible metal fires?a. Carbon dioxide b. Nitrous oxide c. Phosgene d. Hydrogen

Select facts about Class D fire control. Write the correct numbers on the blanks.

4. Firefighter A says that small metal chips are more reactive to water than are ingots or finished products.

Firefighter B says that combustible metals burn with a brilliant white light.

Who is right?a. Firefighter A b. Firefighter B c. Both A and B d.

Neither A nor B5. Combustible metals are very hot, greater than ___,

even when they appear to be suppressed.a. 2,000°F b. 3,000°F c. 4,000°F d. 5,000°F

6. ___ Initiate attack from floor below fire floor.

7. ___ Flake extra hose up the stairs to the floor above the fire floor.

8. ___ Ventilate highest floor of building to prevent accumulation of heat and fire gases.

9. ___ Connect standpipe pack hoselines on floor below fire floor.

10. ___ Descend stairs as quickly as possible.

Identify above as either a tactic for (A) High Rise or (B) Below Grade Fires.

11. ___ Do not rely on elevators for transport to fire level.

12. ___ Ventilate ground-level floor to remove smoke and heat from basement.

13. ___ Enter basement behind a wide-angle, protective fog stream if proper ventilation has been performed away from the stairs.

14. ___ Establish a staging area for extra equipment and personnel two floors below fire floor.

15. ___ Cool steel beams and size up hazards presented by other heavy objects above fire fighting teams.

16. ___ Check floors above fire floor for fire extension and victims.17. ___ Cordon off a falling debris zone around the perimeter of the

structure

Identify above as either a tactic for (A) High Rise or (B) Below Grade Fires.