PN 773 Firefighting in Basements

Question 1

Where should the IC be situated at a basement incident?

Answer 1

surface level

Question 2

When deciding to ventilate a basement what needs to be considered?

Answer 2

1. Potential adverse impact on persons involved

2. Potential benefits for entering FF’s or persons evacuating

Question 3

What is the minimum weight of attack for a basement fire?

Answer 3

45mm hose line with a branch set to 230lpm

Question 4

What jet should be used to protect egress at a basement incident?

Answer 4

45mm hose line with a branch set to 230lpm

Question 5

When can the message “basement procedure implemented” be sent?

Answer 5

once BA teams are committed and both 45mm jets (with branches set to 230lpm) are in place

Question 6

What are the potential adverse effects when using ventilation systems at a basement fire?

Answer 6

1. Adversely affecting persons involved
2. possible rapid/uncontrolled fire spread
3. potential for backdraught conditions

Question 7

What additional considerations are there when planning to commit BA crews to a basement incident?

Answer 7

1. Extended Duration Breathing Apparatus (EDBA)
2. Guidelines
3. Thermal Imaging Camera