FF in basements

Question 1

Hazards associated with basement Firefighting

Answer 1

Metabolic heat stress
Backdraft/flashover
Difficulties with ventilation
Crew disorientation
Difficulty with comms
Contents of basement

Question 2

Operational procedure at a basement job, things to consider..

Answer 2

IC remains at surface level, unless preplanning dictates otherwise (Located the Fire Control Centre)
Fixed installations
Senior Fire Safety officer (to advise on above..)
Locate seat of fire from outside building
PRIOR to committing crews consider ventilation
Prior to ventilation position jets
Basement must NOT be ventilated once crews are inside
Min number of crews committed
Ensure both 45mm in place prior to committal
Thermal barrier
TIC
Ducting
Leaky feeder

Question 3

Early consideration should be given to ______ at basement incidents?

Answer 3

Early request for additional machines
Apt of safety officers
Sectorisation

Question 4

Prior to using ventilation systems who could you request?

Answer 4

SFSO

Senior fire safety officer

Question 5

Prior to sending ‘basement procedure implemented’ what must you have in place?

Answer 5

BA teams committed with a min of 45mm plus a support crew with the same to protect the access/egress

Question 6

Why should you not vent when a BA team is inside?

Answer 6

The influx of oxygen may lead to rapid fire spread and possible backdraft…