TN 106.5- Basement Fires Part 2

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.