Back to Basics: A Fundamental Understanding of Fire and Fire Dynamics (Part 3)

For our third part on fire dynamics, lets discuss and think about How to Apply Fire Dynamics to Fireground Decision Making

Fire dynamics knowledge is most valuable when it is applied to real fireground decisions. Size up begins early by observing smoke color, volume, and movement. W99e must consider the conditions at doors and windows. Conditions provide clues about fire location, heat levels, and oxygen availability. These observations help crews choose safer tactics from the start.

*If you're the seasoned guy, it is your responsibility to share what you see at fires with your replacements (recruits & younger guys).

What's even more important is that our actions directly influence fire behavior (READ THAT AGAIN). Opening doors, creating ventilation, or advancing a hose line changes air flow and heat movement inside the structure. When we change the environment, remember that our actions are changing the environment for potential fire victims. Applying water at the right time and place can reduce heat and slow fire growth, but the opposite is also true, doing so at the wrong time and place can hurt our efforts. Coordinating ventilation with suppression limits rapid fire development and improves interior conditions.

Understanding fire dynamics allows firefighters to think ahead rather than react. Anticipating how the fire will respond to ventilation or water application reduces surprises and increases safety. By applying science based principles to everyday operations, firefighters can make better decisions when we encounter those

"modern fire environments."

If you did not sign up for a free training account with FSRI.org, then for this weeks extended training, we encourage you to take the few minutes and create that account. When you do sign up, or if you already have credentials, go and take the training session titled: Impact of Horizontal Ventilation on Fire Behavior. It is a 47 minute long session covering the impact of horizontal ventilation techniques on fire behavior and it covers tactics for effective ventilation in residential structures. You will receive a certificate if you complete the training.

Please turn your certificate in at our next Fire Training Meeting on Tuesday and log the training via our Training Form and make sure the description includes the following: Impact of Horizontal Ventilation on Fire Behavior.

BE ELITE!