Compartment firefighting

Question 1

What is a compartment?

Answer 1

An enclosed space within a structure, capable of allowing a fire to develop and is able to contain the products of combustion.

Question 2

When using water as an extinguishing media, how does water reduce fuel? (3)

Answer 2

• Steam dilutes flammable gasses
• Reduction in heat reduces further production of flammable gasses through pyrolysis
• Expansion of water to steam drives out some fire gasses

Question 3

When using water as an extinguishing media, how does water reduce heat? (2)

Answer 3

• Absorbs heat from the fire

- Absorbs latent heat when turning water into steam

Question 4

When using water as extinguishing media, how does it reduce oxygen?

Answer 4

-The steam limits the amount of oxygen reaching the fire by smothering it.

Question 5

What negative effect can steam have on the neutral plane?

Answer 5

Steam expansion within the over pressure can lower the neutral plane, worsening conditions.

Question 6

What is considered the minimum weight of attack for compartment fires?

Answer 6

45mm hose

RB 101

Question 7

What are the three water application techniques?

Answer 7

• Indirect
• Direct
• Gas cooling

Question 8

Explain indirect water application

Answer 8

Directing water from outside the compartment into flammable gasses and onto the compartment boundaries

Question 9

What are the branch settings for an indirect attack?

Answer 9

-Medium spray.

The branch must be moved around to ensure maximum coverage.

Question 10

Explain direct water application

Answer 10

Water being applied directly to the seat of the fire, with the purpose of extinguishing it.

Question 11

What should the branch setting be when applying water directly to the seat of the fire?

Answer 11

Either a solid jet, or a narrow jet.

Question 12

What is the purpose of gas cooling?

Answer 12

To control environmental conditions within a fire compartment.

Question 13

What are the two pulsing techniques?

Answer 13

• Short pulse (safety)- Cools and dilutes flammable gasses

- Long pulse- Extinguish flaming combustion in the gas layer.

Question 14

What is the purpose of painting?

Answer 14

To suppress pyrolysis and extinguish the fire.

Question 15

Why would the TIC be used on door procedure?

Answer 15

To assess the temperature of the door and the door surround

Question 16

How would fire gasses that have leaked from the fire compartment be controlled?

Answer 16

• Pulse spray into the gas layer

- Vent the gasses outside

Question 17

Before entering a compartment through a closed door, what must the teams do?

Answer 17

1-Stay low
2-Set the branch to narrow spray
3-Position the branch in readiness for door opening

Question 18

Why is it important to move out of the door’s threshold?

Answer 18

To stay clear of any escaping fire gasses.

Question 19

Who can decide to ventilate?

Answer 19

Only the IC

Question 20

What 5 conditions may indicate that a team must withdraw?

Answer 20

1- Rising temperatures (check the TIC)
2- Unable to extinguish flames in the gas layer
3- Descending neutral plain
4- Increased fire development
5- Reduced visibility