ffp vent 2019 Flashcards
Back draft
Backdraft Occurs when a fire burns in a closed compartment with a limited amount of ventilation.
Suddenly, when a ventilation opening introduces fresh air into the hot environment, a mixing of gases will occur. An ignition source inside the compartment will initiate combustion and propagation (burning) of the gases, resulting in a turbulent explosion (deflagration) causing an increase of pressure, forcing the expanding gases out of available ventilation openings. These expanding gasses on the exterior may ignite and burn.
*Generally, backdrafts will occur in proximity to the main body of fire and require a sudden change in ventilation. Backdrafts can cause significant structural damage and potential collapse.
Smoke explosion
Smoke Explosion
Occurs when a fire burns in a closed compartment with a minimum amount of ventilation. The flammable products of combustion form a mixture with sufficient oxygen and are ignited either internally or externally which can result in a turbulent explosion (deflagration) of greater or lesser degree. These expanding gasses may ignite and burn on the exterior.
- Generally, they occur remote from the fire area and may not necessarily be a high heat condition. They tend to initiate in a void space between floors or in a remote portion of the cockloft.
Typically, a light smoke condition may be present in the compartment below the void space prior to the smoke explosion.
No additional ventilation is needed to occur for a smoke explosion to occur.
FLASH OVER
Flashover A transition in the development of a compartment fire when surfaces exposed to thermal radiation feedback from fire gases in excess of 1100°F reach their auto-ignition temperature more or less simultaneously. This causes the fire to spread rapidly throughout the space, resulting in fire involvement of the entire compartment or enclosed space.
This transition can only occur if there is sufficient heat, air and fuel to support combustion.
FULLY DEVELOPED
Fully Developed Stage
The stage of fire development which has reached its peak heat release rate within a compartment.
*This usually occurs after flashover, resulting in floor to ceiling burning within the compartment, creating heat conditions untenable for civilians and members.
FLOW PATH
Flow Path The movement of heat and smoke from the higher pressure within the fire area towards the lower pressure areas accessible via doors, window openings and roof structures.
As the heated, expanding fire gases are moving towards the low pressure areas, the thermal updraft of the fire is pulling in additional oxygen from the low pressure areas.
*This can be a bidirectional or unidirectional flow dependent on the location of the main body of fire in relation to the ventilation opening and the neutral plane. Based on varying building designs and available ventilation openings (doors, windows, etc.), there may be multiple flow paths within a structure.
- Any operations conducted in the flow path will place members at significant risk due to the increased flow of fire, convective heat and smoke toward their position.
DOOR CONTROL
Door Control The process of ensuring the entrance door providing access to the fire area is controlled and closed as much as possible until water is applied to the main body of fire.
Steps must be taken to prevent the door from locking behind the entering members.
By controlling the door, we are controlling the flow path of fire conditions from the high pressure of the fire area towards the low pressure area on the other side of the door.
**Door control limits fire development by controlling the flow path of fresh air at the lower level of the open door towards the seat of the fire, and limits the movement of smoke and heat to unaffected areas of the structure.
VENTILATION PROFILE
Ventilation Profile
The appearance of the fire building’s ventilation points showing the flow paths of heat and smoke out of the structure as well as any air movement into the structure. This is an evaluation of fire behavior.
Examples of ventilation profile indicators include:
• Changes (increase or decrease) in volume, pressure or velocity of smoke and/or fire venting from an opening.
• Smoke under pressure from an opening converting to flame.
***Changes of ventilation profile indicators MUST be communicated via handie-talkie to the Ladder Co. Officer operating inside the fire area AND the IC.
VENTILATION FOR EXTINGUISHMENT
Ventilation for Extinguishment
The controlled and coordinated ventilation tactic which should coincide with the Engine Company extinguishment of the fire.
VENTILATION FOR SEARCH
Ventilation for Search
The controlled and coordinated ventilation tactic performed to facilitate the movement of a firefighter into an area to conduct a search for victims.
VEIS
VEIS VEIS (Vent, Entry, Isolate, Search) is the approved tactic when entering a structure through an opening (door or window) to search an area for the location of the fire or to locate possible victims.
**The priority upon entering the area via a window is to close the door to the room or area in order to isolate that area being searched from the fire area.
When entering a fire area via a doorway entrance, the door needs to be controlled until the fire area is further isolated or a charged hoseline is advancing on the fire. *By isolating the area, we are controlling the flow path of the fire, heat and smoke towards the ventilation point as well as controlling the air flow from the ventilation point towards the fire area.
ROLLOVER
Rollover Occurs in the GROWTH stage when sufficient fuel, heat and oxygen are available to allow flame spread in the upper, hot gas layer inside the compartment. When observed at the ceiling level, rollover shall be taken as an indicator that fire conditions are rapidly deteriorating and FLASHOVER MAY BE IMMINENT
***Note: Members encountering rollover conditions must immediately open the hoseline to cool the environment, or exit the fire area and control the door until the arrival of the hoseline.
NEUTRAL PLANE
Neutral Plane The boundary layer in a structure fire where below it, air will be drawn into the structure, and above it, combustion gasses will be exhausted.
*The neutral plane can be an indicator of the stage the fire is in, and will drop down towards the floor as the fire grows in intensity
WHO COORDINATES VENTILATION AND SUPPRESSION TACTICS?
When ventilation and suppression tactics are controlled and communicated between interior and exterior members, and COORDINATED BY THE LADDER COMPANY OFFICER INSIDE THE FIRE AREA, we dramatically increase the survivability of trapped civilians. In addition, this can increase the safety of our members and improve the effectiveness of overall operations.
FFP VENT 1.2
WHAT TYPE OF HEAT IS ABSORBED BY MEMBERS PPE QUICKER?
CONVECTIVE HEAT OR RADIANT HEAT?
CONVECTIVE HEAT
• Energy efficient building construction (such as energy efficient windows, additional insulation) coupled with modern building contents (hydrocarbon-based products versus natural fibers) expose firefighters to more rapid heat development and intense thermal conditions. The increased heat release rates of modern fires create more convective heat along the flow path from the fire area. This convective heat is absorbed by the member’s personal protective equipment (PPE) at a faster rate than radiant heat, putting members at greater risk of burns.
FFP VENT 3.1
WAS OUR PPE DEVELOPED TO ALLOW US TO GO FURTHER WITHIN A FIRE AREA?
NO ( FFP VENT 3.1 )
• Due to the potential for rapid fire growth, our PPE has evolved to provide greater overall thermal protection; however, this can often make it difficult to detect deteriorating and unsafe conditions; resulting in members penetrating further into, and remaining longer in, an untenable area. It is critical for members to conduct a proper size-up of the fire conditions prior to entering an IDLH environment. PPE was not designed to allow members to go further within a fire area; IT WAS DESIGNED TO PROTECT MEMBERS IN THE EVENT THAT CONDITIONS QUICKLY TRANSITIONED TO AN UNTENABLE SITUATION. Units need to operate in a controlled manner, continually assessing conditions and stages of the fire, and coordinate and communicate ventilation and suppression within, and between, units.
WHAT IS CRITICAL THAT A LADDER COMPANY GAINING ACCESS TO THE FIRE AREA MUST DO UNTIL A CHARGED HOSELINE IS AVAILABLE TO ADVANCE ON THE FIRE?
MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE ENTRANCE DOORWAY TO THE FIRE AREA AND COORDINATE HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL VENTILATION
FFP VENT 3.1 4TH BULLET
• Hydraulic forcible entry tools allow quicker access to the fire area resulting in an increase in the time gap between the Ladder Company gaining access to the fire area and the extinguishment of the fire. Prior to the use of hydraulic forcible entry tools, it was common for a hoseline to be in position at the door while the Ladder Company was still forcing entry into the occupancy. Until a charged hoseline is available to advance on the fire, it is critical to control the flow path of fire conditions by maintaining control of the entrance doorway to the fire area and coordinate horizontal and vertical ventilation.
What must be done when upon size up, heavy smoke venting from an opening transitions into visible flame
NOTIFY THE LADDER CO. OFFICER INSIDE THE FIRE AREA AND THE IC.
FFP VENT 4.1
Any change to the fire conditions as the incident progresses, or as the result of ventilation tactics performed by members, must be communicated to the Ladder Company Officer inside the fire area to be vented and the IC.
Example: When heavy smoke venting from an opening transitions to visible fire.
What does fire and smoke venting downward indicate?
This indicates the fire conditions may be wind impacted
ffp vent 4.1
• Fire and smoke should be venting outwards and upwards. If the smoke and fire are venting downward, horizontally or pulsing from an opening in the building, this indicates the fire conditions may be wind impacted. Any unusual ventilation profile must be immediately communicated to the Ladder Company Officer inside the fire area to be vented and the IC. Indications of a wind impacted fire require the consideration and implementation of alternate strategies.
T or F
Heavy flames out a window are observed on arrival indicating the fire has self vented. This is considered favorable conditions therefore horizontal ventilation communication shall be considered granted.
FALSE
ffp vent 4.1
o Heavy flames out of a window are usually an indicator of high heat and smoke conditions within a structure, including areas remote from the main body of fire. On arrival, a vented fire should not be considered a favorable condition; we must still control, communicate and coordinate all ventilation tactics.
What should the Ladder company Officer consider if he encounters high heat and heavy smoke conditions without a charged hoseline?
ffp vent 8.1.1
• If the officer encounters a high heat and heavy smoke condition without a charged hoseline, he/she should consider the following:
▪ Direct members to immediately exit the fire area.
▪ Limit additional ventilation; horizontal ventilation prior to extinguishment will not sufficiently cool or improve conditions but will allow the fire to grow, potentially placing members in an untenable environment.
* A charged hoseline is needed to provide the required cooling of the area and extinguishment of the fire.
Upon arrival at the doorway to the apartment on the floor(s) above, the officer shall:
ffp vent 8.3.1
Upon arrival at the doorway to the apartment on the floor(s) above, the officer shall:
• Control, communicate and coordinate any required horizontal ventilation.
• Evaluate the ventilation profile, paying particular attention to the air being pulled in.
• Determine if fire has extended to this area and request a hoseline if needed.
• If the Ladder Company Officer determines the fire has not communicated to the floor above, limited ventilation is justifiable if it facilitates search operations, with the understanding of potentially pulling fire to that location.
• Communicate conditions encountered to the IC (i.e. heat, smoke and fire).
Does the Roof Firefighter need permission to perform vertical ventilation? (non fireproof)
NO
ffp vent 10.2
• Vertical ventilation shall be performed unless the Roof Firefighter is ordered to delay or withhold vertical ventilation.
Can the OV perform horizontal vent If he hears the following transmission?
“E-310 to Battalion 58, we have water on the main body of fire
NO
ffp vent 11.4
• The notification from the Engine Officer to the IC that water is being applied to the main body of fire. “E-310 to Battalion 58, we have water on the main body of fire.
The transmissions above are indications to the exterior member to prepare to conduct Ventilation for Extinguishment. Before venting the window(s), the member must communicate and coordinate with the Ladder Company Officer inside the fire area to be vented. “L-3 OV to L-3, ready to vent.” “L-3 to L-3 OV 10-4, vent the windows.”
Note: This horizontal Ventilation for Extinguishment tactic only applies to the window(s) in the immediate fire area (fire compartment) and only for the member venting the immediate fire area. Any additional horizontal ventilation tactics must be communicated with and coordinated by the Ladder Company Officer operating in that area prior to performing such ventilation. This communication and coordination with interior operations will reduce the likelihood of any negative impact on interior fire conditions.
What is considered a KNOWN LIFE HAZARD?
3 situations
ffp 12.3
A known life hazard is defined as follows:
• A victim can be seen by the rescuer.
• A victim can be heard by the rescuer.
• A member has information from a credible source or a person at the scene indicating the location of the life hazard.
VEIS
• After venting and entering, the priority action for the member is to isolate the area by closing a door before conducting the search (VEIS). By isolating the area, the conditions in the room should improve as the closed door will stop the flow of fire conditions and the window will provide an exhaust vent allowing a safer and more effective search.
If a victim is found prior to isolating the room, What shall be done?
ffp vent 12.6
The member shall isolate the room and proceed with the rescue effort.
NFPMD Roof ops
What ht transmissions indicate that vertical ventilation may be delayed?
ffp vent 13.1
• The Firefighter(s) operating on the roof of a Non-fireproof Multiple Dwelling should immediately begin vertical ventilation tactics unless this firefighter receives a transmission to withhold or delay vertical ventilation. While moving into position, it is important that the Roof Firefighter listen for handie-talkie transmissions that indicate A LACK OF DOOR CONTROL, OR A DELAY IN FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT which is an indication that vertical ventilation may be delayed. After initial vertical ventilation is completed, it shall be communicated to the Ladder Company Officer.
NFPMD
what should be a sign to an exterior member to prepare to conduct ventilation for extinguishment?
ffp vent 13.2
Engine company officer ordering ecc to start water
• The tactics for horizontal ventilation are different than vertical ventilation and always require permission from the Ladder Company Officer operating inside the fire area to be vented. Hearing transmissions from the Engine Company Officer, such as ordering the Chauffeur to start water or a transmission to the Incident Commander providing an update on the fire attack, does not alleviate the requirement to obtain permission to vent, but rather, should be a sign to the exterior member to prepare to conduct Ventilation for Extinguishment.
HRFPMD
Smoke and hot fire gases increase the air pressure inside the fire compartment. This higher air pressure will ALWAYS travel toward areas of lower air pressure, creating a flow path for smoke and fire to travel.
What are examples of low pressure areas?
ffp vent 14
These lower air pressure areas are the public hallways, vertical shafts, stairwells and elevators. Lower air pressure areas also include other open apartment doors and open windows, especially on the opposite side of the public hallway from the fire apartment.
HRFPMD
Who controls horizontal vent of the fire apartment?
The first Ladder company officer operating inside the fire apartment
ffp vent 14.1•
Horizontal ventilation of the fire apartment in the FDNY is limited and controlled by the first Ladder Company Officer operating inside the apartment. This officer will initiate and/or control (prevent) horizontal ventilation of the fire apartment. No other company officer or firefighter should attempt any ventilation of this apartment without the approval of this Ladder Company Officer.
• Entry and search of this apartment can be extremely hazardous based on the height of the building, weather, wind conditions, location of the apartment and by stack effect. The Ladder Company Officer may decide that the fire can best be extinguished without any horizontal exterior ventilation.
HRFPMD
Who controls all other forms of ventilation other than that of the fire apartment?
the Incident commander
ffp vent 14.1
The Incident Commander will control all other forms of ventilation other than that of the fire apartment.
