Ch3 Engine Co Operations Flashcards
The primary function of engine companies
Get sufficient water on the fire area to extinguish the fire
Three stages of fire
- Incipient Stage
- Free-burning Stage
- Smoldering Stage
In this stage, the fire is still small. The heat and smoke conditions are light, and the fire is confined to the area of origin.
Incipient Stage
In this stage, the fire has greatly increased in intensity. The rooms are either approaching flashover or have passed it.
Free-burning Stage
Ceiling temps of a well-involved room
More than 1300 degrees
An indicator of dangerously rising temps at ceiling level
Rollover
The method of attack most used in the free-burning stage
Combination Method
Advantages of combination attack (3)
- Cools hot gases at ceiling level
- Minimal disruption of thermal balance
- Locates firefighters near the seat of the fire
Disadvantages of combination attack (2)
- Puts members in extremely hostile environment
- Requires live fire training to develop proficiency
In this stage, the fire is no longer burning freely.
Smoldering Stage
Conditions that cause smoldering fire (2)
- High fuel and low oxygen
- Low fuel with sufficient oxygen
Tactic crucial to preventing possible backdraft explosion
Vent highest portions of the fire affected area
Amount of steam created for every gallon of water when fully vaporized
1500-2000 gallons
Four key requirements for successful indirect attack
- No occupants
- Limited ventilation
- High heat
- Limited size of potential fire area
Responsible for most of the spread of fire to exposures (2)
- Radiation
- Direct flame exposure
