Firefighting In Basements

Question 1

What is the minimum weight of attack

Answer 1

45mm jet

Question 2

What setting should the branch be set at.

Answer 2

230lpm

Question 3

What should be in place before commiting crews into a basement.

Answer 3

2 x 45mm jets
1 x 45mm jet longer
Entrance and exit protected.
Secured water supply with twinned 70mm hose.

Question 4

Name 10 hazards with basements

Answer 4

Utilities 
Heat barrier
Fire loading
Rabbit warren layout
Heat stress
Cramped conditions
Flashover/backdraught
Engagement 
Hoarding
Communication

Question 5

Where will crews get information from on basements

Answer 5

7.2 ds

ORD

Question 6

What fixed installations can be present in basements

Answer 6

Sprinklers
 Automatic fire alarm
Falling main
Foam inlets
Mechanical ventilation or smoke extraction

Question 7

Where should the IC locate for a basement incident.

Answer 7

Surface level unless pre planning states otherwise such as fire control room.

Question 8

Who should the first IC try to locate.

Answer 8

Responsible person

Question 9

What considerations should the IC be thinking about.

Answer 9

Additional resources
Safety officer
Sectors

Question 10

Who can advise the IC on fixed installations

Answer 10

Senior Fire Safety Officer

Question 11

IC should also consider what with ducting.

Answer 11

Ducting and ventilation pipes and a full search of these done with TIC

Question 12

What can a Firefighting crew use to assist in searching and firefighting

Answer 12

TIC

Question 13

What stage of BA is used at basements

Answer 13

Stage 1

But consideration should be given to early use of stage 2 or criteria hit for stage 2

Question 14

When should Basement Procedure message be sent

Answer 14

When the IC has committed BA teams to the basement with a minimum of 45mm hose and branch set to 230lpm. A team protecting egress with 2nd 45mm jet at 230lpm.

Question 15

What does it mean when Basement Procedure implemented is sent

Answer 15

A DRA has been carried out and SSOW has been implemented

Question 16

What can be used to improve communication at Basement incidents

Answer 16

Leaky feeder channel 5

Question 17

If using open water for water supply what must it be

Answer 17

Virtually inexhaustible i.e river canel

Question 18

When can ventilation take place

Answer 18

Only on the IC order

Question 19

What must be in place before ventilation takes place

Answer 19

Covering jets adjacent to opening

These must not be directed directly into the fire as they will push flame back.

Question 20

Can ventilation take place before crews are committed

Answer 20

Yes, if no life is to be saved and it can improve conditions for crews prior to entry.

Question 21

What can incorrect use of ventilation sytems cause.

Answer 21

Worsen conditions for persons involved.
Increasr fire spread
Lead to a backdraught