Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is a challenge posed by basement fires in terms of ventilation?
What is a challenge posed by basement fires in terms of ventilation?
What happens to a basement fire that has self-vented?
What happens to a basement fire that has self-vented?
What is the approach to ventilation in a vent-limited basement fire?
What is the approach to ventilation in a vent-limited basement fire?
What is the purpose of continuous incident monitoring and assessment?
What is the purpose of continuous incident monitoring and assessment?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a limitation of thermal imaging cameras in basement fires?
What is a limitation of thermal imaging cameras in basement fires?
Signup and view all the answers
Why should sounding or sag not be relied upon in basement fires?
Why should sounding or sag not be relied upon in basement fires?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Ventilation in Basement Fires
- Basement fires have limited ventilation options due to restricted window space and access points.
- If the fire has self-vented, there is a higher probability of collapse due to an intensified burn rate.
Ventilation Strategies
- If the fire is ventilation-limited, it will be maintained until fire attack operations begin and progress is made.
- An aggressive ventilation strategy will be implemented when deemed appropriate.
- The Incident Commander (IC) selects a ventilation method from the "toolbox" based on the situation.
Additional Considerations
- Continuous incident monitoring and assessment are necessary to gauge structural integrity.
- Interior condition reports must be communicated to command.
- Tactical deployments must be well-coordinated due to limited operational timeframes.
- Thermal imaging cameras can help locate fires below or within flooring systems, but cannot assess floor strength or safety.
- Floor coverings may hide the existence of heat from a fire below.
- Sounding or sag are not reliable indicators of potential collapse.
- A stationary command post should be established as soon as possible (a.s.a.p.).
- A proper safety network must be in place, including a Rapid Intervention Team (RIT), entry control, a safety officer, and accountability.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.