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 committing crews to a basement?

Answer 3

2 x 45mm jets (Back up jet at least one length longer)
Entrance and egress protected.
Secured water supply with twinned 70mm hose.

Question 4

Name 10 hazards with basements?

Answer 4

Heat barrier
Tight and restricted space
High fire loading
Utilities
Layout (Rabbit Warren)
Heat stress
Flashover/backdraught
Hoarding 
Communication
Engagement

Question 5

Where will crews get information from on basements?

Answer 5

7(2)D’s
ORD
MDT (if recorded)

Question 6

What fixed installations can be present in basements?

Answer 6

Sprinklers
Automatic fire alarm
Falling main
Foam inlets
Mechanical ventilation 
Smoke extraction

Question 7

Where should the IC locate for a basement incident?

Answer 7

Surface level unless pre planning states otherwise (such as a 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 officers
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

Fire spread through gaps/voids and Ill fitting and poorly maintained systems
Ducting/ventilation pipes require a full search of these with a TIC

Question 12

What can firefighting crews use to assist in searching and firefighting?

Answer 12

TIC

Question 13

What stage of BA is used at basements?

Answer 13

Stage 1

Consideration of stage 2 should be given to early implementation of stage 2/criteria hit for stage 2.

Question 14

When should basement procedure message be sent?

Answer 14

When IC has committed BA teams to the basement with a min 45mm jet set to 230lpm. A team protecting the egress with 2nd 45mm jet set to 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 used with Channel 5.

Question 17

If using open water for water supply what must it be?

Answer 17

Virtually inexhaustible (e.g River)

Question 18

When can ventilation take place?

Answer 18

Only on order of the IC

Question 19

What must be in place before ventilation takes place?

Answer 19

Covering jets adjacent to the opening

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

Question 20

Can ventilation take place before crews are committed?

Answer 20

Yes if no life is to be saved.

This action can improve conditions for crews prior to entry.

Question 21

What can incorrect use of ventilation systems cause?

Answer 21

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