FF in Basements: Policy 773 26.01.16

Question 1

List the hazards of basement FF?

Answer 1

• Metabolic heat stress.
• High temp/heat barrier.
• Unventilated so risk of flashover/backdraught.
• Uncontrolled ventilation affecting fire behaviour.
• Complex layout.
• Concealed heat and smoke travel through voids, ducting etc.
• Access/egress issues.
• Fire loading from poor housekeeping.
• Cable entanglement.
• Storage eg racking can collapse and block exit routes and trap hose.
• Storage of hazmat without signage.
• Utility intakes.
• Comms.

Question 2

Prior to committing BA ventilation must be considered. Any decision to ventilate must take into account what?

Answer 2

• the adverse impact this may have on persons involved.

* the benefits early ventilation for FF or persons evacuating.

Question 3

What is sufficient weight of attack for a basement fire?

Answer 3

1 x 45mm hose line with branch set at 230lpm and 1 x 45mm hose line set at 230lpm to protect egress route.

Question 4

When does the message ‘Basement Procedure Implemented’ need to be sent to control?

Answer 4

When BA teams have been committed with min 45mm jet @ 230lpm and a second 45mm jet at 230lpm.

Question 5

What should an IC do and consider regarding crew safety at basement incidents?

Answer 5

Consider early reliefs and BA team should not be re-committed to a basement unless in exceptional circumstances.

Question 6

Can you commit BA to a basement without a secured water supply?

Answer 6

No. It needs to be suitable, sufficient and sustained prior to committing. If open water it must be virtually inexhaustible eg river.

Question 7

Can you ventilate a basement fire?

Answer 7

Yes but only on orders of the IC and consideration must be given to impact on rescues at any persons reported incident. If decision made covering jets must be placed near openings where products of combustion will escape. It can help conditions when immediate rescue is not required.
Never ventilate when a BA team committed.

Question 8

Can crews use manual ventilation systems?

Answer 8

Only on orders of the IC. If unfamiliar then the responsible person should be consulted before use or SFSO requested for advice.

Question 9

Incorrect use of ventilation and ventilation systems may:

Answer 9

• adversely affect any persons involved.
• result in rapid or uncontrolled fire spread.
• lead to backdraught conditions.