Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5th Edition

1. Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5th Edition

2. Firefighter I 15–1 Chapter 15 Lesson Goal After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to attack various types of fires, using effective attack tactics, following the policies and procedures set forth by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).

3. Firefighter I 15–2 Specific Objectives 1. Describe initial factors to consider when suppressing structure fires. 2. Summarize considerations prior to entering a burning building. 3. Explain the gas cooling technique.

4. Firefighter I 15–3 Specific Objectives 4. Describe direct attack, indirect attack, and combination attack. 5. Discuss deploying master stream devices. 6. Describe aerial devices used to deliver elevated master streams.

5. Firefighter I 15–4 Specific Objectives 7. Describe actions and hazards associated with suppressing Class C fires. 8. List electrical hazards and guidelines for electrical emergencies. 9. Discuss responsibilities of companies in structural fires.

6. Firefighter I 15–5 Specific Objectives 10. Explain actions taken in attacking fires in upper levels of structures. 11. Explain actions taken in attacking fires belowground in structures. 12. Discuss structure fires in properties protected by fixed systems.

7. Firefighter I 15–6 Specific Objectives 13. Explain actions taken when attacking a vehicle fire. 14. Explain actions taken when attacking trash container fires. 15. Explain actions taken when attacking fires in confined spaces.

8. Firefighter I 15–7 Specific Objectives 16. Summarize influences on wildland fire behavior: fuel, weather, and topography. 17. Describe parts of a wildland fire. 18. List wildland protective clothing and equipment.

9. Firefighter I 15–8 Specific Objectives 19. Describe methods used to attack wildland fires. 20. List ten standard fire fighting orders when fighting wildland fires. 21. Attack a structure fire — Exterior attack. (Skill Sheet 15-I-1)

10. Firefighter I 15–9 Specific Objectives 22. Deploy and operate a master stream device. (Skill Sheet 15-I-2) 23. Turn off building utilities. (Skill Sheet 15-I-3) 24. Attack a structure fire (above, below, and grade level) — Interior attack. (Skill Sheet 15-I-4)

11. Firefighter I 15–10 Specific Objectives 25. Attack a passenger vehicle fire. (Skill Sheet 15-I-5) 26. Extinguish a fire in a trash container. (Skill Sheet 15-I-6) 27. Attack a fire in stacked/piled materials. (Skill Sheet 15-I-7) 28. Attack a ground cover fire. (Skill Sheet 15-I-8)

12. Firefighter I 15–11 Coordination When Suppressing Structure Fires Fire attack on burning structure must be coordinated When fighting any fire, firefighters should always work as a team under direction of a supervisor

13. Firefighter I 15–12 Actions to Take Advancing hoseline teams should carry equipment needed to perform a variety of tasks Certain equipment carried by teams advancing hoselines Person at nozzle has responsibilities before entering building/area

14. Firefighter I 15–13 Actions to Take When structure/major contents are involved in fire, firefighters should wait at entrance, staying low, out of doorway until fire officer gives order to advance Before entry, extinguish fires showing in exterior overhangs/around entry or egress points

15. Firefighter I 15–14 Actions to Take Whenever possible, approach and attack fire from unburned side to keep it from spreading throughout structure Once fire is contained, determine area of origin, protect evidence before overhaul and extinguishment

16. Firefighter I 15–15 Actions to Take Breathing apparatus must be worn during overhaul, extinguishment Valuables found during overhaul should be turned in to supervisor

17. Firefighter I 15–16 Pre-Entry Considerations Conduct quick size-up Maintain high level of situation awareness Read fire behavior indicators Understand crew’s tactical assignment

18. Firefighter I 15–17 Pre-Entry Considerations Identify potential emergency escape routes Assess forcible entry requirements Identify hazards Verify that radios are working, on right channel, being received

19. Firefighter I 15–18 Opening Doors If door to fire area must be opened, all members should stay low and to one side of doorway Check door for heat before opening

20. Firefighter I 15–19 Gas Cooling Not a fire extinguishment method; way of reducing hazard presented by hot gas layer Effective when faced with shielded fire

21. Firefighter I 15–20 Hot Gas Layer Hot gas layer accumulating in upper levels of compartment presents problems Cooling hot gas layer mitigates hazards by slowing transfer of heat to other combustibles

22. Firefighter I 15–21 Cooling Hot Gas Layer Apply short pulses of water fog onto it Repeat technique as necessary while hose team advances under gas layer toward fire

23. Firefighter I 15–22 Direct Attack Most efficient use of water on free-burning fires made by direct attack

24. Firefighter I 15–23 Direct Attack Usually from straight or solid stream Techniques Water should not be applied long enough to upset thermal layering

25. Firefighter I 15–24 Indirect Attack Used when firefighters unable to enter burning building/compartment Can be made from outside compartment through window or other small opening

26. Firefighter I 15–25 Indirect Attack Not ideal method of attack where building occupants may still be inside May be only method of attack until temperatures reduced Procedures for making indirect attack

27. Firefighter I 15–26 Combination Attack Uses heat-absorbing technique of cooling hot gas layer followed by heat-reducing direct attack on materials burning near floor level

28. Firefighter I 15–27 Master Streams Usually deployed in situations where fire is beyond effectiveness of handlines or there is need for fire streams in areas that are unsafe for firefighters Main uses for master stream

29. Firefighter I 15–28 Positioning Master Stream Must be properly positioned to apply effective master stream on fire Master stream can be adjusted up, down and left, right Once line in operation, must be shut down if device is to be moved

30. Firefighter I 15–29 Positioning Master Stream Stream should be aimed so it enters structure at upward angle, deflects off ceiling or other overhead objects

31. Firefighter I 15–30 Positioning Master Stream Desirable to place master stream device in location that allows stream to cover most surface area of building

32. Firefighter I 15–31 Supplying Master Streams Master stream devices can have high friction loss in supply hose Because master stream devices used primarily in defensive fire fighting, desirable to shut down handlines to keep from reducing water supply available for master streams

33. Firefighter I 15–32 Supplying Master Streams Always follow SOPs in operation of master streams, handlines

34. Firefighter I 15–33 Staffing Master Stream Devices Usually takes minimum of two firefighters to deploy master stream device, supply water to it Once portable master stream device in place, can be operated by one firefighter

35. Firefighter I 15–34 Staffing Master Stream Devices Some situations may be too dangerous to have firefighters stationed at master stream device

36. Firefighter I 15–35 Elevated Master Stream Devices

37. Firefighter I 15–36 Quints Engines equipped with hydraulically operated extension ladder or aerial apparatus equipped with pump Main ladders range in length

38. Firefighter I 15–37 Quints Have waterways pre-plumbed to pumps Only external support — Water supply Main ladder can be used for rescuing people from exterior windows, ledges, and rooftops within reach of main ladder

39. Firefighter I 15–38 Aerial Ladders Apparatus equipped with hydraulically operated extension ladders

40. Firefighter I 15–39 Aerial Ladders In North America, usually 50-135 feet (15-41 m), but in Europe sometimes as much as 300 feet (100 m) Newer aerial ladders equipped with built-in waterways that supply master stream nozzle

41. Firefighter I 15–40 Aerial Ladders Master stream nozzles of both types of apparatus can be operated by firefighters at ladder tip/on ground Can be used for rescuing people from exterior windows, ledges, rooftops within reach

42. Firefighter I 15–41 Aerial Platforms Available in two configurations Aerial ladder platforms Articulating aerial platforms

43. Firefighter I 15–42 Aerial Platforms All equipped with built-in waterways, some with narrow escape ladders Can be used for rescuing people

44. Firefighter I 15–43 Water Towers Engines equipped with hydraulically operated booms that are dedicated to applying water Most range from 50-130 feet (15-40 m) in length

45. Firefighter I 15–44 Water Towers Some have narrow escape ladders attached to boom Not designed for rescue operations

46. Firefighter I 15–45 Class C Fires Involve energized electrical equipment Major safety hazard — Firefighters fail to recognize danger and take appropriate steps for protection Once electrical power turned off, may self-extinguish or fall into Class A or B

47. Firefighter I 15–46 Class C Fires In many commercial and high rise buildings, electrical power necessary to operate essential systems; not to be shut off until ordered When handling fires in delicate electronic/computer equipment, clean extinguishing agents should be used

48. Firefighter I 15–47 Class C Fires Multipurpose dry-chemical agents effective, but some chemically reactive with components Using water inappropriate because of shock hazard

49. Firefighter I 15–48 Class C Fires Fire suppression techniques needed for fires involving transmission lines and equipment, underground lines, commercial high-voltage installations Departmental operating procedures

50. Firefighter I 15–49 Class C Fires: Transmission Lines and Equipment Relatively small number of electrical emergencies involve fires in electrical substations, transmission lines, associated equipment

51. Firefighter I 15–50 Class C Fires: Transmission Lines and Equipment Electrical power lines sometimes break, start fires in grass/other vegetation Fires in electrical transformers common

52. Firefighter I 15–51 Class C Fires: Underground Transmission Lines Consist of conduits, vaults below grade Most serious hazards presented are explosions caused by fuses blowing or short-circuit arcing that ignites accumulated gases Electrical utility vault

53. Firefighter I 15–52 Class C Fires: Commercial High-Voltage Installations Many commercial/industrial complexes have electrical equipment requiring 600+ volts High-voltage signs may be on doors Some transformers use flammable coolants that are hazardous

54. Firefighter I 15–53 Class C Fires: Commercial High-Voltage Installations Water should not be used because of potential damage to electrical equipment uninvolved in fire Because of toxic chemicals, smoke is additional hazard Firefighters should only enter for rescue

55. Firefighter I 15–54 Controlling Electrical Power Advantageous for electrical power to remain on for lighting, fire pumps, other essential systems Decision made by IC and Incident Safety Officer

56. Firefighter I 15–55 Controlling Electrical Power When power turned off, should be turned off at main panel by power utility employee Always follow departmental SOP

57. Firefighter I 15–56 Controlling Electrical Power Removing meter may not completely stop flow of electricity because of emergency power capabilities Considerations for clandestine drug labs, indoor marijuana-growing operations

58. Firefighter I 15–57 Electrical Shock Consequences of electrical shock Factors most affecting seriousness of electrical shock

59. Firefighter I 15–58 Guidelines for Electrical Emergencies Establish exclusion zone equal to one span all directions from downed power lines

60. Firefighter I 15–59 Guidelines for Electrical Emergencies Be aware other wires may have been weakened by short circuit, may fall at any time Wear full protective clothing, use only tested and approved tools with insulated handles

61. Firefighter I 15–60 Guidelines for Electrical Emergencies Guard against electrical shocks, burns, eye injuries from electrical arcs Wait for utility workers to cut power lines

62. Firefighter I 15–61 Guidelines for Electrical Emergencies Use lockout/tagout devices when working on electrical equipment Be very careful when raising/lowering ladders near power lines

63. Firefighter I 15–62 Guidelines for Electrical Emergencies Do not touch any vehicle/apparatus in contact with electrical wires Jump clear of apparatus that may be energized by contact with power lines Do not use solid, straight streams on fires in energized electrical equipment

64. Firefighter I 15–63 Guidelines for Electrical Emergencies Use fog streams with at least 100 psi (700 kPa) nozzle pressure Be aware wire mesh or steel rail fences can be energized by wires outside field of view

65. Firefighter I 15–64 Guidelines for Electrical Emergencies Where wires are down, heed any tingling sensation felt in feet, back away Avoid ground gradient hazards by maintaining large safety zone around downed electrical wires

66. Firefighter I 15–65 Company-Level Fire Tactics Standard tactical priorities — Life safety, incident stabilization, property conservation Order of priorities same, but actions taken on fireground may/may not be performed in that order

67. Firefighter I 15–66 Responsibilities — First Due Engine Company If smoke/fire visible, may be departmental SOP to stop, lay supply line from hydrant or end of driveway into scene Company officer will conduct rapid initial assessment of situation

68. Firefighter I 15–67 Responsibilities — First Due Engine Company Assessment determines further actions taken by first-due engine company If by taking immediate action company can save 1+ lives, will do so even if not enough firefighters on scene to form rapid intervention crew (RIC)

69. Firefighter I 15–68 Responsibilities — First Due Engine Company If no obvious, immediate life-safety concerns, and fire threatening to extend to another nearby structure, officer may order lines pulled to apply water to exposure Officer may call for more resources

70. Firefighter I 15–69 Responsibilities — First Due Engine Company Given a small interior fire, company officer usually assumes Command of incident Once location of fire known, first-due engine company will position initial attack hoseline to cover priorities

71. Firefighter I 15–70 Responsibilities — Second Due Engine Company Must make sure adequate water supply established to the fireground, May finish hose lay, lay additional line, connect to hydrant Proceeds according to priorities

72. Firefighter I 15–71 Responsibilities — Fireground Support Company Responsible for performing tasks in order dictated by situation Functions may be performed by engine personnel when support companies not available May assist in making fire attack

73. Firefighter I 15–72 Responsibilities — Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) Consists of 2+ members wearing appropriate PPE, radio; equipped with special rescue tools, equipment necessary to effect rescue of other emergency personnel

74. Firefighter I 15–73 Responsibilities — Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) May be assigned other emergency scene duties; must be prepared to drop those immediately if needed Exact number determined by IC

75. Firefighter I 15–74 Responsibilities — Chief Officer/Incident Commander Upon arriving at scene, chief officer may choose to assume Command from original IC, take responsibility for all on-scene operations

76. Firefighter I 15–75 Responsibilities — Chief Officer/Incident Commander If original IC has incident well organized, progress toward incident stabilization being made, chief officer may assume another role

77. Firefighter I 15–76 Fires in Upper Levels of Structures Typical residential response consisting of 2-3 engines; one truck usually inadequate Large number of firefighters needed

78. Firefighter I 15–77 Attacking Fires in Upper Levels Fire attack typically initiated from floor below fire floor Crews should check floors above main fire floor for fire extension, victims

79. Firefighter I 15–78 Attacking Fires in Upper Levels Staging usually established two floors below fire floor Personnel must exercise caution in streets around outside perimeter of high-rise building

80. Firefighter I 15–79 Fires Belowground in Structures Can expose firefighters to extremely hostile conditions May be possible to control fire without entering basement

81. Firefighter I 15–80 Fires Belowground in Structures If cellar nozzle unavailable, firefighters may have to enter burning basement Good ventilation techniques extremely important Heavy objects on floor above fire floor can increase chance of floor collapse

82. Firefighter I 15–81 Fixed Fire Extinguishing Systems Firefighters should be familiar with systems in buildings protected by their department Supporting systems critical during fire

83. Firefighter I 15–82 Fixed Fire Extinguishing Systems Types of systems Dangers involved with fires in occupancies with fixed systems

84. Firefighter I 15–83 Preincident Plans Often contain SOPs used at these occupancies Include detailed descriptions of construction features, contents, protection systems, surrounding properties

85. Firefighter I 15–84 Preincident Plans May specify procedures for each company Contain building map Must be updated regularly

86. Firefighter I 15–85 Sprinklered Buildings Support company personnel often used to manage system’s operation Must always follow departmental SOPs regarding actions taken Some possible actions

87. Firefighter I 15–86 Fires in Small Passenger Vehicles Among most common types of fires to which firefighters called Dictate firefighters wear full PPE, SCBA

88. Firefighter I 15–87 Fires in Small Passenger Vehicles Attack line at least 1½-inch (38 mm) hoseline Booster lines do not provide protection of rapid cooling needed to effectively, safely fight vehicle fire

89. Firefighter I 15–88 Fires in Small Passenger Vehicles Attack fire from the side and upwind, uphill when possible Portable extinguishers can suppress some fires in vehicle’s engine compartment/electrical system

90. Firefighter I 15–89 Basic Procedures One of first actions is to establish safe working zone following U.S. DOT guidelines Once scene safety established, firefighters can focus on saving vehicle occupants, fighting fire

91. Firefighter I 15–90 Basic Procedures Firefighters should stay out of potential travel path of front, rear bumpers Basic firefighting procedures

92. Firefighter I 15–91 Basic Procedures When attacking fire in passenger compartment, use most appropriate nozzle/pattern for situation Fires in undercarriage Overhaul

93. Firefighter I 15–92 Hazards In addition to hazards associated with other fires, there are hazards specific to vehicle fires Catalytic converters can act as ignition source to dry grass/other fuels under vehicle

94. Firefighter I 15–93 Hazards Interior components on vehicle mainly plastic, which burns rapidly at high temperatures and emits toxic gases Air bags can deploy from steering wheel, dashboard, door of vehicle

95. Firefighter I 15–94 Hazards Hybrid vehicles incorporate high-voltage cables, components Do not assume any vehicle is without extraordinary hazards

96. Firefighter I 15–95 Trash Container Fires Possibility of exposure to toxic products of combustion ever-present May include hazardous materials or plastics Full PPE, SCBA should be worn when attacking any trash container fire

97. Firefighter I 15–96 Attacking Trash Container Fires Size of attack line depends on size of fire and proximity to exposures Fires in small piles of trash, garbage cans, small containers can often be extinguished with booster line

98. Firefighter I 15–97 Attacking Trash Container Fires Larger piles, larger containers, fires close to exposures should be attacked with at least 1½-inch (38 mm) line Master streams may be needed to keep trash container fires from spreading

99. Firefighter I 15–98 Attacking Trash Container Fires Once fire has been controlled, may be possible to use standard overhaul techniques to complete extinguishment May be advantageous to attack fire using Class A foam

100. Firefighter I 15–99 Confined Spaces Below grade or otherwise without natural/forced ventilation Atmospheric hazards Physical hazards

101. Firefighter I 15–100 Confined Spaces Where to find information on fire Hazard mitigation plans Because of hazards, command post and staging area must be established outside hot zone

102. Firefighter I 15–101 Fire Attack Fires may also be attacked indirectly with penetrating nozzles, cellar nozzles, distributor nozzles Effective air-management system should be part of IAP

103. Firefighter I 15–102 Wildland Fires Include those in weeds, grass, field crops, brush, forests, similar vegetation Have characteristics not comparable to fires in buildings Main influences on wildland fire behavior

104. Firefighter I 15–103 Wildland Fires — Fuel Classified by grouping those with similar burning characteristics together Factors affecting burning characteristics of fuels

105. Firefighter I 15–104 Wildland Fires — Fuel

106. Firefighter I 15–105 Wildland Fires — Weather Wind Temperature Relative humidity Precipitation

107. Firefighter I 15–106 Wildland Fires — Topography Steepness of slope affects both rate, direction of wildland fire’s spread Fires will usually spread faster uphill than down; steeper the slope, faster fire spreads

108. Firefighter I 15–107 Wildland Fires — Topography Aspect Local terrain features Drainages

109. Firefighter I 15–108 Parts of Wildland Fire

110. Firefighter I 15–109 Wildland PPE Firefighters need to wear wildland fire protective clothing because standard structural turnout clothing inappropriate; can be dangerous

111. Firefighter I 15–110 Wildland PPE PPE should meet NFPA® 1977 NFPA® 1500 specifies minimum PPE Most wildland fire agencies provide additional materials

112. Firefighter I 15–111 Attacking Wildland Fires Methods revolve around perimeter control Control line may be at burning edge, next to it, or a distance away Objective is to establish control line that completely encircles fire

113. Firefighter I 15–112 Wildland Fire Approaches Direct attack is action taken directly against flames at edge or closely parallel Indirect attack used at varying distances from advancing fire

114. Firefighter I 15–113 Wildland Fire Approaches Because wildland fire constantly changing, attack methods may change

115. Firefighter I 15–114 Standard Fire Fighting Orders When Fighting Wildland Fires Keep informed on fire weather conditions, forecasts Know what fire doing at all times Base all actions on current, expected behavior of fire

116. Firefighter I 15–115 Standard Fire Fighting Orders When Fighting Wildland Fires Identify escape routes and safety zones, make them known Post lookouts when possible danger Be alert, keep calm, think clearly, act decisively

117. Firefighter I 15–116 Standard Fire Fighting Orders When Fighting Wildland Fires Maintain prompt communications with your forces, your supervisor, adjoining forces Give clear instructions, ensure they are understood

118. Firefighter I 15–117 Standard Fire Fighting Orders When Fighting Wildland Fires Maintain control of forces at all times Fight fire aggressively, providing for safety first

119. Firefighter I 15–118 Summary Attacking fires early in their development is an important aspect of a successful fire fighting operation. Likewise, selecting and applying the most effective fire attack strategy and tactics are also important.

120. Firefighter I 15–119 Summary Failing to do any of these things can result in a fire growing out of control, an increase in fire damage and loss, and possibly in firefighter injuries.

121. Firefighter I 15–120 Summary Firefighters need to know how to use the fire fighting tools and techniques adopted by their departments. They need to know how to safely and effectively attack and extinguish structure fires, vehicle fires, refuse fires, and wildland fires.

122. Firefighter I 15–121 Review Questions 1. What initial actions should firefighters take when suppressing a structural fire? 2. What are the differences among a direct attack, an indirect attack, and a combination attack?

123. Firefighter I 15–122 Review Questions 3. When are master streams usually deployed? 4. What are three guidelines for electrical emergencies? 5. What are the parts of a wildland fire?