Ch 2 pg 30-37 Fire Basics: Smoke Evaluation and Movement

Smoke color can provide clues about the type of material burning. Black smoke often indicates burning petroleum products, while lighter smoke might suggest an oil burner fire.

Smoke movement patterns can help firefighters determine the fire's origin and severity. The direction and density of smoke can indicate the fire's intensity and whether it's spreading rapidly.

A heavy, rolling smoke indicates a very hot and intense fire. It's a sign of a potential flashover, where the entire room or compartment bursts into flames.

Wispy, light smoke usually indicates a small, developing fire. This is an early stage fire that can be extinguished quickly.

Cold smoke, which settles in low areas, can be found in sprinklered fires or partially extinguished fires. This type of smoke can be dangerous because it usually indicates the presence of toxic gases.

This system allows you to quickly identify and communicate the locations of various hazards on the fireground, improving safety and response efficiency.

A method of quickly assessing and classifying the severity of exposures to a building fire.

A defensive posture during a fire response, focusing on protecting structures and people from the spreading fire, rather than attempting direct extinguishment.

The process of evaluating the response resources available at a fire scene, including the number of fire engines, the experience level of the firefighters, and the availability of water supplies.

Assessing the operational status of automatic sprinkler systems and other fire protection equipment.

Extreme weather conditions, such as high temperatures or freezing temperatures, can significantly impact firefighting operations.

Strong winds can easily spread fire and make it challenging and hazardous for firefighters to operate.

Obstacles like parked cars or construction sites can hinder fire trucks' access to the fire scene.

Hazmat incidents require careful evaluation and response due to the health risks and potential for fire escalation.

Common Class A materials, such as wood and paper, produce gray to light brown smoke when they burn in sufficient oxygen.

If the oxygen supply is restricted during the burning of Class A materials, the smoke becomes darker, indicating a potential backdraft hazard.

The strategy of prioritizing the protection of structures and individuals from a fire rather than directly attacking the flames.

A communication strategy that involves clearly conveying information about the environment and the importance of each exposure during a fire event.

The process of identifying and assessing the potential dangers of a fire, including the type of materials burning, the size of the fire, and the presence of hazardous materials.

The intentional cooling of a fire area to prevent a flashover or reduce the intensity of the fire.

A strategy that involves moving combustible materials away from the fire to prevent its spread.

The process of assessing the number and capabilities of the responding fire engines, the experience level of the firefighters, and the availability of water resources.

A system for identifying and classifying the locations of hazards on a fire scene, such as a building, or a warehouse.

A system for communicating the location of hazards on a fire scene, allowing firefighters to quickly and clearly inform each other about potential dangers.

A system for communicating the location and extent of a fire on a fire scene.

The strategic act of limiting the spread of a fire, often by using defensive tactics, such as creating firebreaks or directing water streams to protect exposed areas