Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is a backdraft?
What is a backdraft?
- A rapid cooling of superheated gases in a confined space
- A controlled burning of superheated gases
- An instantaneous explosion of superheated gases when oxygen is introduced into an oxygen-depleted confined space (correct)
- A slow and gradual release of heat and gases in a confined space
What is the potential consequence of a backdraft for firefighters?
What is the potential consequence of a backdraft for firefighters?
- Disorientation (correct)
- Feeling cold
- Minor burns
- Improved visibility
According to NFPA 555, what may directly engulf firefighters during fires occurring in normal scenarios?
According to NFPA 555, what may directly engulf firefighters during fires occurring in normal scenarios?
- Flashover (correct)
- Water
- Carbon monoxide
- Smoke
What happens to the oxygen concentration during the course of interior fires in tightly closed spaces?
What happens to the oxygen concentration during the course of interior fires in tightly closed spaces?
At what oxygen concentration does an ideal condition for a violent backdraft occur?
At what oxygen concentration does an ideal condition for a violent backdraft occur?
What can cause a violent backdraft to occur in a confined space?
What can cause a violent backdraft to occur in a confined space?
What were some contributing factors identified in the investigation of the restaurant and adjoining buildings explosion?
What were some contributing factors identified in the investigation of the restaurant and adjoining buildings explosion?
What were the interior signs of imminent backdraft observed during the Crooksville incident?
What were the interior signs of imminent backdraft observed during the Crooksville incident?
What may be considered as a tactic when interior backdraft signs of "lazy flames" and/or "puffing smoke" are seen along suspended ceilings or from walls on the interior of a basement?
What may be considered as a tactic when interior backdraft signs of "lazy flames" and/or "puffing smoke" are seen along suspended ceilings or from walls on the interior of a basement?
What was the objective of the tactic suggested when signs of imminent backdraft are observed along suspended ceilings or from walls on the interior of a basement?
What was the objective of the tactic suggested when signs of imminent backdraft are observed along suspended ceilings or from walls on the interior of a basement?
What may be prevented by using an alternative approach to the traditional fast and aggressive interior attack during a fire?
What may be prevented by using an alternative approach to the traditional fast and aggressive interior attack during a fire?
What was notable about the Memphis backdraft incident?
What was notable about the Memphis backdraft incident?
What may have been signs of a reduced oxygen concentration within the enclosed ceiling space during the Crooksville incident?
What may have been signs of a reduced oxygen concentration within the enclosed ceiling space during the Crooksville incident?
What did two of five firefighters observe before a backdraft occurred during the Crooksville incident?
What did two of five firefighters observe before a backdraft occurred during the Crooksville incident?
What may be considered when interior backdraft signs are observed along suspended ceilings or from walls on the interior of a basement?
What may be considered when interior backdraft signs are observed along suspended ceilings or from walls on the interior of a basement?
What was observed by surviving firefighters just before a backdraft event during certain past enclosed structure fires?
What was observed by surviving firefighters just before a backdraft event during certain past enclosed structure fires?
What was notable about certain past enclosed structure fires in relation to predicting a backdraft?
What was notable about certain past enclosed structure fires in relation to predicting a backdraft?
What is a potential hazard when reintroducing air into an oxygen-depleted space?
What is a potential hazard when reintroducing air into an oxygen-depleted space?
What happened in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 2004 as a result of an electrical fire in the ceiling space of a basement?
What happened in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 2004 as a result of an electrical fire in the ceiling space of a basement?
What organizations offer recommendations to prevent life-threatening hazards such as backdrafts?
What organizations offer recommendations to prevent life-threatening hazards such as backdrafts?
What is a key indicator of an imminent backdraft explosion that firefighters should be aware of?
What is a key indicator of an imminent backdraft explosion that firefighters should be aware of?
What should firefighters do if they observe exterior signs that indicate a potential backdraft?
What should firefighters do if they observe exterior signs that indicate a potential backdraft?
What occurred during the Colorado explosion incident in 2008?
What occurred during the Colorado explosion incident in 2008?
What action is advised by the IAFC's Rules of Engagement for Structural Firefighting?
What action is advised by the IAFC's Rules of Engagement for Structural Firefighting?
What is one of the exterior signs indicating conditions associated with a backdraft?
What is one of the exterior signs indicating conditions associated with a backdraft?
"Whistling sounds around doors and windows" is an indicator of a potential:
"Whistling sounds around doors and windows" is an indicator of a potential:
What should firefighters be empowered to do according to Initiative 4 of the NEFF's 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives?
What should firefighters be empowered to do according to Initiative 4 of the NEFF's 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives?
What is the main purpose of achieving safety during backdraft conditions?
What is the main purpose of achieving safety during backdraft conditions?
What is highlighted as necessary for achieving safety during backdraft conditions?
What is highlighted as necessary for achieving safety during backdraft conditions?
What is the approximate time a firefighter has following flashover exposure before sustaining second-degree burns?
What is the approximate time a firefighter has following flashover exposure before sustaining second-degree burns?
Why is it important to have charged backup lines advanced into the structure as soon as possible?
Why is it important to have charged backup lines advanced into the structure as soon as possible?
What condition serves as a real-time warning to firefighters that an impending life-threatening flashover is imminent?
What condition serves as a real-time warning to firefighters that an impending life-threatening flashover is imminent?
What makes an emergency evacuation difficult even from a small opened structure and almost impossible from an enclosed structure of any size?
What makes an emergency evacuation difficult even from a small opened structure and almost impossible from an enclosed structure of any size?
What must be understood, used, and periodically reviewed by all crew members for survival?
What must be understood, used, and periodically reviewed by all crew members for survival?
What is the approximate duration for a firefighter to react and survive in the event of loss of vision due to the blinding effects of fire?
What is the approximate duration for a firefighter to react and survive in the event of loss of vision due to the blinding effects of fire?
What type of structures should be viewed as death traps for overly aggressive and untrained firefighters?
What type of structures should be viewed as death traps for overly aggressive and untrained firefighters?
What signifies that a flashover is about to take place during firefighting operations?
What signifies that a flashover is about to take place during firefighting operations?
What should be considered the highest priority for firefighter safety?
What should be considered the highest priority for firefighter safety?
What action could increase the likelihood of survival in case of disorientation secondary to prolonged zero visibility?
What action could increase the likelihood of survival in case of disorientation secondary to prolonged zero visibility?
What is the purpose of providing protective cover for the first-arriving engine and/or truck company in the event of flashover?
What is the purpose of providing protective cover for the first-arriving engine and/or truck company in the event of flashover?
What is the main interior sign that a possible backdraft could occur?
What is the main interior sign that a possible backdraft could occur?
What should be done when an enclosed ceiling space is encountered?
What should be done when an enclosed ceiling space is encountered?
What did the Boston firefighters see as a danger sign of potential backdraft?
What did the Boston firefighters see as a danger sign of potential backdraft?
What should be initially done if mushrooming or banking of smoke is encountered at the scene of similar fires?
What should be initially done if mushrooming or banking of smoke is encountered at the scene of similar fires?
What should be noted and communicated to command when examining the entire ceiling space?
What should be noted and communicated to command when examining the entire ceiling space?
What action might help prevent potential weakening of the roof assembly?
What action might help prevent potential weakening of the roof assembly?
What should be avoided to prevent air entrainment during a potential backdraft situation?
What should be avoided to prevent air entrainment during a potential backdraft situation?
Why is it important to check a ceiling space at the point of entry?
Why is it important to check a ceiling space at the point of entry?
What action should be taken if fire is seen in the ceiling space from the point of entry?
What action should be taken if fire is seen in the ceiling space from the point of entry?
What might indicate a risk of a backdraft during a similar incident?
What might indicate a risk of a backdraft during a similar incident?
What's an additional sign indicating the risk of a backdraft?
What's an additional sign indicating the risk of a backdraft?
What is flashover in the context of firefighting?
What is flashover in the context of firefighting?
What should firefighters do when they observe signs of imminent flashover during firefighting operations?
What should firefighters do when they observe signs of imminent flashover during firefighting operations?
What is a potential consequence of a backdraft for firefighters?
What is a potential consequence of a backdraft for firefighters?
What is a common indicator of an imminent backdraft that firefighters should be aware of?
What is a common indicator of an imminent backdraft that firefighters should be aware of?
What is the main purpose of achieving safety during backdraft conditions?
What is the main purpose of achieving safety during backdraft conditions?
What action could increase the likelihood of survival in case of disorientation secondary to prolonged zero visibility?
What action could increase the likelihood of survival in case of disorientation secondary to prolonged zero visibility?
What is one associated problem that firefighters should be aware of when advancing through heavy smoke during firefighting operations?
What is one associated problem that firefighters should be aware of when advancing through heavy smoke during firefighting operations?
What is one warning sign of flashover referred to as in firefighting operations?
What is one warning sign of flashover referred to as in firefighting operations?
What is the recommended action for the nozzle operator when heavy smoke and hot temperature cause bunkered firefighters to drop to the floor due to an imminent flashover?
What is the recommended action for the nozzle operator when heavy smoke and hot temperature cause bunkered firefighters to drop to the floor due to an imminent flashover?
What should be done to prevent a premature shutdown of the nozzle during a flashover contingency plan?
What should be done to prevent a premature shutdown of the nozzle during a flashover contingency plan?
What sense are firefighters relying on when they have no visibility within the structure during an imminent flashover situation?
What sense are firefighters relying on when they have no visibility within the structure during an imminent flashover situation?
What is the main purpose of fully opening the nozzle and directing the stream to the ceiling during an imminent flashover?
What is the main purpose of fully opening the nozzle and directing the stream to the ceiling during an imminent flashover?
What action should be taken if fire is seen in the ceiling space from the point of entry during a flashover contingency plan?
What action should be taken if fire is seen in the ceiling space from the point of entry during a flashover contingency plan?
What should be done until the company officer orders the line to be shut down during a flashover contingency plan?
What should be done until the company officer orders the line to be shut down during a flashover contingency plan?
What is the purpose of fully opening a nozzle in an imminent flashover situation?
What is the purpose of fully opening a nozzle in an imminent flashover situation?
What should firefighters do when encountering rooms in imminent flashover conditions without automatic sprinkler systems?
What should firefighters do when encountering rooms in imminent flashover conditions without automatic sprinkler systems?
What is the result of opening doors or windows while a fire is still burning?
What is the result of opening doors or windows while a fire is still burning?
What is initially accomplished on the fireground to control the fire, according to the text?
What is initially accomplished on the fireground to control the fire, according to the text?
What warning does Madrzykowski stress regarding door or window openings while the fire is still burning?
What warning does Madrzykowski stress regarding door or window openings while the fire is still burning?
Why is it important to delay ventilation and entry until charged handlines are positioned for attack?
Why is it important to delay ventilation and entry until charged handlines are positioned for attack?
What is an important concept of fire dynamics mentioned in the text?
What is an important concept of fire dynamics mentioned in the text?
What type of homes are mentioned as retaining heat and burning gaseous fuels better than old homes?
What type of homes are mentioned as retaining heat and burning gaseous fuels better than old homes?
What has increased the probability of arriving to a preheated, fuel-rich fire environment in recent years?
What has increased the probability of arriving to a preheated, fuel-rich fire environment in recent years?
What should be accomplished on the fireground before safely ventilating a structure, as per Madrzykowski's warning?
What should be accomplished on the fireground before safely ventilating a structure, as per Madrzykowski's warning?
According to Madrzykowski, what controls fires under modern conditions?
According to Madrzykowski, what controls fires under modern conditions?
Why is it initially important to prevent firefighters from opening doors or windows during firefighting operations?
Why is it initially important to prevent firefighters from opening doors or windows during firefighting operations?
What tactic is recommended by NIST-UL during 'fire showing in room and contents' scenarios?
What tactic is recommended by NIST-UL during 'fire showing in room and contents' scenarios?
What did Madrzykowski's experiments demonstrate about self-venting and wind-driven fires?
What did Madrzykowski's experiments demonstrate about self-venting and wind-driven fires?
What is the purpose of wind control devices (WCDs) such as fire curtains or fire blankets?
What is the purpose of wind control devices (WCDs) such as fire curtains or fire blankets?
In which type of construction should operating above the fire to deploy wind control devices (WCDs) be conducted according to safety guidelines?
In which type of construction should operating above the fire to deploy wind control devices (WCDs) be conducted according to safety guidelines?
What is the suggested course of action for the first-arriving officer in scenarios where too many windows may be venting on the pressurized side of a residence?
What is the suggested course of action for the first-arriving officer in scenarios where too many windows may be venting on the pressurized side of a residence?
What did Madrzykowski express about wind conditions during testing phase?
What did Madrzykowski express about wind conditions during testing phase?
What was observed in test I conducted by Madrzykowski with no external wind imposed on the apartment?
What was observed in test I conducted by Madrzykowski with no external wind imposed on the apartment?
What is one tactical option available to firefighters during self-venting scenarios?
What is one tactical option available to firefighters during self-venting scenarios?
'Lazy flames' and 'puffing smoke' along suspended ceilings or from walls on the interior of a basement are signs of what?
'Lazy flames' and 'puffing smoke' along suspended ceilings or from walls on the interior of a basement are signs of what?
What is a potential hazard when reintroducing air into an oxygen-depleted space?
What is a potential hazard when reintroducing air into an oxygen-depleted space?
What is one potential consequence of a backdraft for firefighters?
What is one potential consequence of a backdraft for firefighters?
What is the flow path in the context of firefighting?
What is the flow path in the context of firefighting?
What is the risk for firefighters working in the flow path during wind-driven fire conditions?
What is the risk for firefighters working in the flow path during wind-driven fire conditions?
What could cause a ventilation-induced flashover during firefighting?
What could cause a ventilation-induced flashover during firefighting?
What does 'softening the target' refer to in the context of firefighting?
What does 'softening the target' refer to in the context of firefighting?
What is the recommended water flow for an initial exterior attack on a single-room and contents fire?
What is the recommended water flow for an initial exterior attack on a single-room and contents fire?
What does Stephen Kerber recommend in relation to applying water during a residential structure fire?
What does Stephen Kerber recommend in relation to applying water during a residential structure fire?
What type of nozzle pattern is recommended for an initial exterior attack on a single-room and contents fire?
What type of nozzle pattern is recommended for an initial exterior attack on a single-room and contents fire?
What was observed regarding fire knockdown during experiments in two-story residential structures?
What was observed regarding fire knockdown during experiments in two-story residential structures?
What was noted about the application of water for approximately 15 seconds into a door or window during UL experiments?
What was noted about the application of water for approximately 15 seconds into a door or window during UL experiments?
"Whistling sounds around doors and windows" could potentially indicate:
"Whistling sounds around doors and windows" could potentially indicate:
"Mushrooming or banking of smoke" at the scene of fires could indicate:
"Mushrooming or banking of smoke" at the scene of fires could indicate:
According to Madrzykowski's research, what initiates room flashover during ventilation-induced flashovers?
According to Madrzykowski's research, what initiates room flashover during ventilation-induced flashovers?
What is the purpose of keeping stairwell and bulkhead doors closed during a wind-driven fire?
What is the purpose of keeping stairwell and bulkhead doors closed during a wind-driven fire?
What serves as barriers against the rapid spread of fire caused by the wind in a structure?
What serves as barriers against the rapid spread of fire caused by the wind in a structure?
What is the function of positive pressure ventilators (PPVS) in the stairwell during a wind-driven fire?
What is the function of positive pressure ventilators (PPVS) in the stairwell during a wind-driven fire?
What is the suggested tactic if conditions on the fire floor remain untenable after WCD application during a wind-driven fire?
What is the suggested tactic if conditions on the fire floor remain untenable after WCD application during a wind-driven fire?
What is the purpose of using wind control devices (WCDs) during a wind-driven fire?
What is the purpose of using wind control devices (WCDs) during a wind-driven fire?
What is the approximate water flows used to reduce fire gas temperatures in residential wind-driven fires?
What is the approximate water flows used to reduce fire gas temperatures in residential wind-driven fires?
What nozzle system has been designed to flow at 625 gpm and 80 psi from the floor below during commercial wind-driven fires?
What nozzle system has been designed to flow at 625 gpm and 80 psi from the floor below during commercial wind-driven fires?
What action should be taken once knockdown has been accomplished from below during a commercial wind-driven fire?
What action should be taken once knockdown has been accomplished from below during a commercial wind-driven fire?
What is one of the potential consequences of a backdraft for firefighters?
What is one of the potential consequences of a backdraft for firefighters?
What organization's tactics should be utilized and incorporated into existing high-rise wind-driven fire SOGs?
What organization's tactics should be utilized and incorporated into existing high-rise wind-driven fire SOGs?
What is the purpose of using WCDs that are resistive to temperatures up to 2,000 0F by firefighters?
What is the purpose of using WCDs that are resistive to temperatures up to 2,000 0F by firefighters?
What is one sign of possible wind-driven fire conditions according to the text?
What is one sign of possible wind-driven fire conditions according to the text?
What is the purpose of implementing door control during wind-driven fire experimentation?
What is the purpose of implementing door control during wind-driven fire experimentation?
What should be done to prevent exposure to rapidly spreading fire during wind-driven fires?
What should be done to prevent exposure to rapidly spreading fire during wind-driven fires?
What is the purpose of fully opening a nozzle in an imminent flashover situation?
What is the purpose of fully opening a nozzle in an imminent flashover situation?
What should firefighters do when encountering rooms in imminent flashover conditions without automatic sprinkler systems?
What should firefighters do when encountering rooms in imminent flashover conditions without automatic sprinkler systems?
What can indicate a risk of backdraft during a similar incident according to the text?
What can indicate a risk of backdraft during a similar incident according to the text?
What was the purpose of using a high-rise nozzle to attack the fire from the floor below in the 2008 study on wind-driven fires?
What was the purpose of using a high-rise nozzle to attack the fire from the floor below in the 2008 study on wind-driven fires?
Where were the wind-driven fire experiments conducted in 2008?
Where were the wind-driven fire experiments conducted in 2008?
What is highlighted as a potential hazard for firefighters during wind-driven fires?
What is highlighted as a potential hazard for firefighters during wind-driven fires?
What was one of the attack options added to the FDNY protocol for fire proof multiple dwelling unit fires?
What was one of the attack options added to the FDNY protocol for fire proof multiple dwelling unit fires?
What is highlighted as a potential consequence of a backdraft for firefighters?
What is highlighted as a potential consequence of a backdraft for firefighters?
What is one of the dramatic effects of a 25 mph wind on a venting fire with the assistance of a WCD?
What is one of the dramatic effects of a 25 mph wind on a venting fire with the assistance of a WCD?
What is the approximate wind speed represented by a smoke plume angle of 90 degrees?
What is the approximate wind speed represented by a smoke plume angle of 90 degrees?
What wind speed is approximately equivalent to a smoke plume angle of slightly less than 45 degrees?
What wind speed is approximately equivalent to a smoke plume angle of slightly less than 45 degrees?
What should dispatchers transmit to responding companies at the time of dispatch to consider a wind-driven fire condition?
What should dispatchers transmit to responding companies at the time of dispatch to consider a wind-driven fire condition?
What should engine companies quickly attack when encountering a wind-driven fire condition?
What should engine companies quickly attack when encountering a wind-driven fire condition?
When should dispatchers transmit the wind speed and direction during reports of working structures fires according to the wind-driven fire SOG?
When should dispatchers transmit the wind speed and direction during reports of working structures fires according to the wind-driven fire SOG?
What should firefighters be aware of when advancing through heavy smoke during firefighting operations in wind-driven fire conditions?
What should firefighters be aware of when advancing through heavy smoke during firefighting operations in wind-driven fire conditions?
What may shield the structure fire from the wind, affecting fire venting from the structure?
What may shield the structure fire from the wind, affecting fire venting from the structure?
What can engulf firefighters working below during a wind-driven attic fire?
What can engulf firefighters working below during a wind-driven attic fire?
What should be noted and communicated to command when examining the entire ceiling space?
What should be noted and communicated to command when examining the entire ceiling space?
What nozzle system has been designed to flow at 625 gpm and 80 psi from the floor below during commercial wind-driven fires?
What nozzle system has been designed to flow at 625 gpm and 80 psi from the floor below during commercial wind-driven fires?
What are the known hazards that contribute to firefighter disorientation during high-rise incidents?
What are the known hazards that contribute to firefighter disorientation during high-rise incidents?
What is a recommended safety measure during wind-driven fire conditions or heavy fire showing from multiple windows?
What is a recommended safety measure during wind-driven fire conditions or heavy fire showing from multiple windows?
What is a significant barrier to rapid fire spread during wind-driven fire conditions?
What is a significant barrier to rapid fire spread during wind-driven fire conditions?
What is the purpose of routine use of fire-resistive WCDs during high-rise incidents?
What is the purpose of routine use of fire-resistive WCDs during high-rise incidents?
What is a safety measure that can be taken before and during high-rise fires to prevent firefighter disorientation?
What is a safety measure that can be taken before and during high-rise fires to prevent firefighter disorientation?
What should be done if a door to an involved high-rise room is open or has burned through during wind-driven fire conditions?
What should be done if a door to an involved high-rise room is open or has burned through during wind-driven fire conditions?
What may be conducted as an alternative tactic when it is too dangerous to send firefighters into a unit on fire during wind-driven fire conditions?
What may be conducted as an alternative tactic when it is too dangerous to send firefighters into a unit on fire during wind-driven fire conditions?
What should be avoided to prevent air entrainment during a potential backdraft situation?
What should be avoided to prevent air entrainment during a potential backdraft situation?
What tactic involves using penetrating nozzles from the floor directly above the unit on fire?
What tactic involves using penetrating nozzles from the floor directly above the unit on fire?
What can lead to disorientation and injuries due to inhalation of smoke or superheated gases during prolonged zero visibility conditions?
What can lead to disorientation and injuries due to inhalation of smoke or superheated gases during prolonged zero visibility conditions?
What should be avoided to prevent falling into involved basement fires or being exposed to life-threatening hazards during a fast and aggressive interior attack into a basement fire?
What should be avoided to prevent falling into involved basement fires or being exposed to life-threatening hazards during a fast and aggressive interior attack into a basement fire?
What is typically associated with the immediate production of heavy smoke and fire after a first-floor collapse caused by fire exposure?
What is typically associated with the immediate production of heavy smoke and fire after a first-floor collapse caused by fire exposure?
What are the attack rules that must be established and understood by members of individual fire companies before the fire and implemented on the fireground when needed?
What are the attack rules that must be established and understood by members of individual fire companies before the fire and implemented on the fireground when needed?
What is a potential hazard when reintroducing air into an oxygen-depleted space?
What is a potential hazard when reintroducing air into an oxygen-depleted space?
'Lazy flames' and 'puffing smoke' along suspended ceilings or from walls on the interior of a basement are signs of what?
'Lazy flames' and 'puffing smoke' along suspended ceilings or from walls on the interior of a basement are signs of what?
What should advancing firefighters look for in addition to signs of imminent flashover that may mushroom unseen overhead?
What should advancing firefighters look for in addition to signs of imminent flashover that may mushroom unseen overhead?
'Softening the target' in the context of firefighting refers to what?
'Softening the target' in the context of firefighting refers to what?
'Whistling sounds around doors and windows' is an indicator of a potential what?
'Whistling sounds around doors and windows' is an indicator of a potential what?
What is the approximate wind speed when the angle of the smoke plume from a structure fire is almost horizontal (90 degree angle)?
What is the approximate wind speed when the angle of the smoke plume from a structure fire is almost horizontal (90 degree angle)?
What was the result of opening doors or windows while a fire is still burning?
What was the result of opening doors or windows while a fire is still burning?
What should firefighters be empowered to do according to Initiative 4 of the NEFF's 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives?
What should firefighters be empowered to do according to Initiative 4 of the NEFF's 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives?
What could cause a ventilation-induced flashover during firefighting?
What could cause a ventilation-induced flashover during firefighting?
What is the purpose of using wind control devices (WCDs) during a wind-driven fire?
What is the purpose of using wind control devices (WCDs) during a wind-driven fire?
What is an important concept of fire dynamics mentioned in the text?
What is an important concept of fire dynamics mentioned in the text?
What does 'softening the target' refer to in the context of firefighting?
What does 'softening the target' refer to in the context of firefighting?
What should be noted and communicated to command when examining the entire ceiling space?
What should be noted and communicated to command when examining the entire ceiling space?
'Whistling sounds around doors and windows' could potentially indicate:
'Whistling sounds around doors and windows' could potentially indicate:
'Ihe need to effectively address several previously unrecognized fireground factors is required to prevent disorientation fatalities due to residential wind-driven structure fires.' This statement emphasizes the importance of:
'Ihe need to effectively address several previously unrecognized fireground factors is required to prevent disorientation fatalities due to residential wind-driven structure fires.' This statement emphasizes the importance of:
What nozzle system has been designed to flow at 625 gpm and 80 psi from the floor below during commercial wind-driven fires?
What nozzle system has been designed to flow at 625 gpm and 80 psi from the floor below during commercial wind-driven fires?
What action should be taken if fire is seen in the ceiling space from the point of entry?
What action should be taken if fire is seen in the ceiling space from the point of entry?
What is one of the ways firefighters can safely manage PZVCs?
What is one of the ways firefighters can safely manage PZVCs?
What technology offers firefighters SCBA of equal or lighter weight than the SCBA tank currently used?
What technology offers firefighters SCBA of equal or lighter weight than the SCBA tank currently used?
How can firefighters prepare for an incident involving unprotected enclosed structures?
How can firefighters prepare for an incident involving unprotected enclosed structures?
What is a long-term solution for managing unprotected enclosed structures?
What is a long-term solution for managing unprotected enclosed structures?
What should firefighters do to prevent exposure to rapidly spreading fire during wind-driven fires?
What should firefighters do to prevent exposure to rapidly spreading fire during wind-driven fires?
What is the purpose of fire curtains and advanced photoluminescence technology in enclosed structure fires?
What is the purpose of fire curtains and advanced photoluminescence technology in enclosed structure fires?
What should be avoided to prevent air entrainment during a potential backdraft situation?
What should be avoided to prevent air entrainment during a potential backdraft situation?
What is the value of flexible hose evolutions in preventing firefighter disorientation?
What is the value of flexible hose evolutions in preventing firefighter disorientation?
What is one of the signs indicating conditions associated with a backdraft?
What is one of the signs indicating conditions associated with a backdraft?
What is one of the exterior signs indicating conditions associated with a backdraft?
What is one of the exterior signs indicating conditions associated with a backdraft?
Study Notes
Backdraft and Firefighting
- A backdraft is a potential consequence of a fire, and it can directly engulf firefighters during fires occurring in normal scenarios.
- According to NFPA 555, firefighters may be directly engulfed during fires occurring in normal scenarios.
- During interior fires in tightly closed spaces, the oxygen concentration decreases, and at an oxygen concentration of around 10%, an ideal condition for a violent backdraft occurs.
Signs of Imminent Backdraft
- "Lazy flames" and "puffing smoke" along suspended ceilings or from walls on the interior of a basement are signs of an imminent backdraft.
- Whistling sounds around doors and windows can indicate a potential backdraft.
- Mushrooming or banking of smoke at the scene of fires could indicate a potential backdraft.
Prevention and Tactics
- Using an alternative approach to the traditional fast and aggressive interior attack during a fire can prevent life-threatening hazards such as backdrafts.
- When interior backdraft signs are observed, firefighters should consider an alternative approach to the traditional fast and aggressive interior attack.
- Firefighters should be empowered to stop an interior attack and reassess the situation if they observe signs of an imminent backdraft.
Fire Dynamics and Safety
- Firefighters have approximately 3-5 seconds to react and survive in the event of loss of vision due to the blinding effects of fire.
- In the event of disorientation secondary to prolonged zero visibility, increasing the likelihood of survival requires providing protective cover for the first-arriving engine and/or truck company.
- Firefighters should view certain structures, especially those with modern conditions, as death traps for overly aggressive and untrained firefighters.
- The highest priority for firefighter safety is to avoid flashover and backdraft conditions.
Flashover and Firefighting
- Flashover is a condition that occurs when a fire in a room or compartment reaches a critical temperature, causing all combustible materials to ignite simultaneously.
- Signs of imminent flashover include heavy smoke, high temperatures, and lack of visibility.
- When observing signs of imminent flashover, firefighters should open the nozzle fully and direct the stream to the ceiling to prevent a premature shutdown of the nozzle.
- In the event of flashover, firefighters should rely on their sense of sound to navigate the structure.
Wind Control and Ventilation
- Delaying ventilation and entry until charged handlines are positioned for attack can prevent wind-driven fires.
- According to Madrzykowski, controlling the flow path is critical to preventing wind-driven fires.
- Wind control devices (WCDs) such as fire curtains or fire blankets can be used to control the flow path.
- Operating above the fire to deploy wind control devices (WCDs) should be conducted in accordance with safety guidelines, especially in certain types of construction.
Investigation and Findings
- The investigation of the restaurant and adjoining buildings explosion identified contributing factors, including the interior signs of imminent backdraft observed during the Crooksville incident.
- The Memphis backdraft incident highlighted the importance of recognizing signs of imminent backdraft.
- The Crooksville incident demonstrated the importance of checking a ceiling space at the point of entry and avoiding air entrainment during a potential backdraft situation.
Recommendations and Organizations
- Organizations such as the IAFC and NFPA offer recommendations to prevent life-threatening hazards such as backdrafts.
- The IAFC's Rules of Engagement for Structural Firefighting recommend a tactical approach to preventing backdrafts.
- The NEFF's 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives emphasize the importance of achieving safety during backdraft conditions.
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Description
Test your knowledge of firefighters' awareness of backdraft risk with this quiz. Understand the signs and factors that may lead to a backdraft during a fire incident.
