Unit 3 Lesson 6 Fires PDF

Unit 3 Types of Emergencies Lesson 6 Fires Lesson Goal You will be able to respond to a fire. Think About This As you walk toward the kitchen, you hear someone yelling for help. An inmate was cooking with grease, and a fire started. The inmate responded out of panic and threw water on the grea...

Unit 3 Types of Emergencies Lesson 6 Fires Lesson Goal You will be able to respond to a fire. Think About This As you walk toward the kitchen, you hear someone yelling for help. An inmate was cooking with grease, and a fire started. The inmate responded out of panic and threw water on the grease fire. How would you respond? The potential for fire exists in all areas of the facility. Though rare, fires are dangerous because they can spread quickly and can be difficult to contain. The kitchen is the most common area where fires occur. However, fire also could occur anywhere throughout the facility grounds, such as in a laundry area or dormitory. Staff should always be vigilant and cautious of fire hazards, including cooking grease, dryer lint, improperly stored cleaning agents, and lightning strikes. ✅ CO836.1. Know the major components and indicators of a fire Maintaining the safety of staff and inmates is the first priority during a fire. The major components of a fire are heat, fuel, oxygen, and chemical chain reactions. Indicators of fire include smoke, the smell of smoke, alarm notifications, and heat, light, and flame. The type of fire determines which extinguishing agent to use. For example, using water on a flammable liquid will increase the fire. Likewise, using water on an electrical fire can create great danger of electrical shock. There are five classes of fire. ✅ CO836.2. Understand the classes of fire Fire Classes: Class A—ordinary combustibles; for example, wood, cloth, paper Class B—flammable liquids; for example, gasoline and diesel fuels, kerosene, propane, butane, alcohol, motor oil, paint, paint thinners Class K—subcategory of Class B (kitchen fires; cooking oils or fats) Class C—electrical; for example, appliances, panels, switches Class D—combustible metals; for example, magnesium, titanium, potassium, sodium Chapter 8 Responding to Incidents and Emergencies / 271 Equipment ✅ CO836.3. Know the equipment needed when responding to a fire Each agency will determine the availability of specialized equipment to use during a fire. Equipment needed to respond to a fire may include: portable extinguishers fire alarms fire suppression systems (fire extinguishers set into the wall that run into piping when the system is activated, sprinklers, and smoke detectors) self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) (used during a fire to help prevent smoke inha- lation, with proper training) facility map emergency keys restraint devices fire hydrants fire hoods fire hoses (used by specially trained staff to extinguish fires) ✅ CO836.4. Understand the types and uses of fire extinguishers The type of fire will determine which fire extinguisher to use. Types of portable fire extinguishers that are commonly used include: ABC—used for ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, and electrical ABCD—used for metal fires, such as magnesium fires; if a class D extinguisher is not avail- able, you can use sand or dirt to extinguish a class D fire K—used for kitchen fires; easier to clean up than other extinguishing agents water-based—used for ordinary combustibles CO2—used for class B and C fires, such as flammable liquid and electrical fires; useful to protect electrical equipment, because these extinguishers leave less residue and displace oxygen; after using them, you need to exit the room quickly, especially in confined areas The portable fire extinguisher may be all that is necessary to extinguish a small fire. Basic proce- dures for using a fire extinguisher in a correctional facility include performing a safety check, which should be done during every shift. This involves checking the gauge on the extinguisher to see if 272 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (CO): Volume 1 the charge is adequate. If it is adequate, the needle will be in the green area. If the charge is not adequate, do not use that extinguisher. Notify the control room immediately if the fire extinguisher fails the safety check. The safety check should also include the hose and nozzle to confirm that they are free of cracks or obstructions. ✅ CO836.5. Know how to follow the steps for using a portable fire extinguisher The basic steps for using a portable fire extinguisher are: 1. Pull the pin. 2. Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire from a distance, usually about 10 feet. 3. Squeeze the handle. 4. Sweep the base of the flame (from side to side and front to back). Standard Procedures ✅ CO836.6. Know how to follow standard procedures for responding to a fire If you see fire or smell smoke, assess the situation. Notify the control room immediately with the exact location and size of the fire; activate the agency’s emergency plan. Pull the manual fire alarm; there may also be an automatic fire alarm. Attempt to extinguish the fire if it is small enough. Begin evacuation procedures if the fire is out of control. Follow posted evacuation routes. You will be required to maintain control of inmates during an evacuation. During inmate movement, it may not be possible to group inmates according to their classification and custody levels. Use a sufficient number of officers, especially when moving high-risk inmates or large groups. Conduct an initial inmate count and continuously update as appropriate. Account for everyone in the area, including staff and visitors. Make sure the perimeter is intact and secure. Be alert; inmates can also use fire as a distraction during escape attempts and assaults. You should be thoroughly familiar with the posted evacuation routes. Available routes change according to the location of the fire and the volume of smoke. Ideal evacuation routes are those that allow everyone to get as far away as possible and upwind from the threat. Time permitting, shut doors and windows along the way. Evacuate all inmates and staff in the vicinity as soon as it is safe to do so. If time allows, conduct a count before the evacuation. If there is a discrepancy with the count, call your supervisor; it will be treated as an escape until further notice. Immediately notify your supervisor if someone is trapped or not accounted for. If the fire is substantial and someone is trapped, rescue will be delegated to the local fire department or staff with proper training. Chapter 8 Responding to Incidents and Emergencies / 273