BASIC FIRE SCHOOL VENTILATION, SALVAGE & OVERHAUL

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1 VENTILATION, SALVAGE & OVERHAUL

2 VENTILATION The process of removing smoke, heat, and toxic gases from a burning building and replacing them with cooler, cleaner, more oxygen-rich air

3 VENTILATION BENEFITS Locate trapped occupants faster Fresh air to occupants overcome by smoke Advance hose lines more rapidly and safely Reduce backdraft and flashover Limits fire spread Reduces property loss

4 VENTILATION Types of Ventilation Two basic types of ventilation Horizontal Utilizes horizontal openings in a structure such as doors and windows Vertical Involves openings in the roofs or floors

5 Natural BASIC FIRE SCHOOL VENTILATION Methods Depends on convection currents, wind, and other natural air movement Mechanical Uses mechanical means to augment natural ventilation

6 Natural Ventilation Used when air currents are adequate Used when ventilation is needed quickly Open leeward side of building first, then windward

7 Mechanical Ventilation Methods of Mechanical Ventilation Negative-pressure Positive-pressure Hydraulic

8 Vertical Ventilation Releases combustion products vertically Occurs naturally if there is an opening May be assisted by mechanical means Usually involves making openings in roof

9 Vertical Ventilation Use ladders / tower Over the fire area Vent high Vent early

10 VENTILATION Ventilation provides many benefits Several factors affect ventilation Building construction affects ventilation operations Ventilation is related to life safety, fire containment, and property conservation Assessing the location and extent of smoke and fire will determine ventilation operations The types of ventilation are horizontal and vertical

11 VENTILATION Horizontal ventilation uses horizontal openings in a structure {doors/windows/holes} Vertical ventilation refers to the release of heat and smoke in a vertical direction {roofs/floors} Many obstacles can be encountered during ventilation operations Ventilation is a major consideration for backdraft and flashover prevention

12 SALVAGE Organized effort to limit smoke, water, and physical damage to contents during and after fire suppression operations

13 SALVAGE Salvage operations include: Expelling smoke Removing heat Controlling water runoff Removing water from the building Securing a building after a fire Covering broken windows and doors Patching ventilation openings

14 SALVAGE Protecting property is a responsibility of fire fighters Property can be irreplaceable and/or of high sentimental value (e.g. photos) Contents may be more valuable than structure (e.g., artwork, computers, important files)

15 SALVAGE OUR safety is a primary concern Full PPE required, including SCBA During firefighting Until Safety Officer determines air in structure is safe to breathe Beware of possible structural collapse due to: Lightweight trusses Heavy objects Extra water weight

16 OVERHAUL Overhaul is the process of checking for and extinguishing hidden pockets of fire and smoldering embers. This requires a methodical and thorough examination of any place where fire or embers may be hidden. Walls, ceilings, and void spaces must be opened and visually checked.

17 OVERHAUL Overhaul is strenuous work Fire fighters may be fatigued and may overlook hazards IC should consider using a fresh crew for overhaul Structural integrity may be compromised by fire Limited visibility

18 OVERHAUL Wet or icy surfaces may be present Smoldering areas can burst into flames Air may not be safe to breathe Dangerous equipment used in close quarters Fire fighters should wear full PPE Safety Officer should be present

19 Coordinate Overhaul with Fire Investigators! Ensure evidence is not lost or destroyed Investigator should examine area before overhaul commences Note burn patterns Note whether appliances are plugged in or turned on If anything suspicious is found, delay overhaul until investigator examines the scene

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21 VENTILATION, SALVAGE & OVERHAUL Demonstrate vertical ventilation Demonstrate horizontal ventilation Demonstrate folding salvage covers Demonstrate salvage operations Demonstrate overhaul operations Demonstrate provision of scene lighting

22 Interior Firefighting Plan Work as a team! Stay together! Stay oriented! Manage your air supply! Get off the apparatus with tools and a thermal imager for EVERY interior operating team! A radio for EVERY member! Provide constant updates! Constantly assess the Risk/Benefit model!

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