Compartment Fire-fighting Flashcards
What is the default weight of attack for entering a compartment fire?
45mm as a minimum
‘For all compartment fires a 45mm hose line should be considered as the initial preferred weight of attack, unless the IC has reliable info which indicates that the use of hose reels or hand held portable equipment is a suitable and sufficient alternative.’
Potential of unvented compartments?
Flashover/backdraught - IC should consider early ventilation.
Define a compartment
‘….an enclosed space within a structure, that is capable of allowing a fire to develop and is able to contain the products of combustion, such as heat, smoke and gases.’
Two principle types of tactical ventilation?
Defensive ventilation - undertaken away from the fire compartment
Offensive ventilation - undertaken within the fire compartment
Some hazards associated with compartment firefighting
Backdraught/Flashover Explosive atmosphere Steam Radiated heat Uncontrolled ventilation Structural deterioration Ceiling and ornate decoration collapse
Pre-planning for compartment fires..
Size of compartment including height Complexity and layout Fire loading? Potential for fire spread Quality of radio comms
If fixed installations are present the IC should consider use prior to committing a BA crew.
If in doubt the IC may consult with the___?
Senior Fire Safety Officer (SFSO)
Incidents that may require one or more 45mm (Compartment..)
Large or complex buildings
Where the fire is well established or if the compartment is large, complex or known to extend over more than one level
Compartment fire with high ceilings (over 5 metres)
Signs or backdraught/flashover
Structural fires where the fire has breached the original compartment
Main hose lines may consist of 70mm hose from the foreground pump in order to reduce frictional loss. The final two lengths should consist of 45mm.
The purpose of ventilation is to________?
Release the products of combustion from the compartment, to prevent fire spread and damage to property.
If the products of combustion have broken out of a building or compartment, the IC should_____?
Establish covering jets to prevent the fire spreading.
Wherever possible compartments showing signs and symptoms of backdraught, flashover and fire gas explosion should be fought externally.
What should be used to locate the fire compartment and determine the entry point?
TIC
‘Consideration should be given when forcing entry into a compartment as crews may need to rely on the integrity of the door/opening in order to contain the fire and enable the effects of water application to take place.’
