Compartment firefighting Flashcards
What is a compartment?
An enclosed space within a structure, capable of allowing a fire to develop and is able to contain the products of combustion.
When using water as an extinguishing media, how does water reduce fuel? (3)
- 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
When using water as an extinguishing media, how does water reduce heat? (2)
- Absorbs heat from the fire
- Absorbs latent heat when turning water into steam
When using water as extinguishing media, how does it reduce oxygen?
-The steam limits the amount of oxygen reaching the fire by smothering it.
What negative effect can steam have on the neutral plane?
Steam expansion within the over pressure can lower the neutral plane, worsening conditions.
What is considered the minimum weight of attack for compartment fires?
45mm hose
RB 101
What are the three water application techniques?
- Indirect
- Direct
- Gas cooling
Explain indirect water application
Directing water from outside the compartment into flammable gasses and onto the compartment boundaries
What are the branch settings for an indirect attack?
-Medium spray.
The branch must be moved around to ensure maximum coverage.
Explain direct water application
Water being applied directly to the seat of the fire, with the purpose of extinguishing it.
What should the branch setting be when applying water directly to the seat of the fire?
Either a solid jet, or a narrow jet.
What is the purpose of gas cooling?
To control environmental conditions within a fire compartment.
What are the two pulsing techniques?
- Short pulse (safety)- Cools and dilutes flammable gasses
- Long pulse- Extinguish flaming combustion in the gas layer.
What is the purpose of painting?
To suppress pyrolysis and extinguish the fire.
Why would the TIC be used on door procedure?
To assess the temperature of the door and the door surround
How would fire gasses that have leaked from the fire compartment be controlled?
- Pulse spray into the gas layer
- Vent the gasses outside
Before entering a compartment through a closed door, what must the teams do?
1-Stay low
2-Set the branch to narrow spray
3-Position the branch in readiness for door opening
Why is it important to move out of the door’s threshold?
To stay clear of any escaping fire gasses.
Who can decide to ventilate?
Only the IC
What 5 conditions may indicate that a team must withdraw?
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
