Essentials of Fire Fighting,

5th Edition

Chapter 15 Fire Control Firefighter I

Chapter 15 Lesson Goal

After completing this lesson, the

student shall be able to attack various types of fires, using effective attack tactics, following the policies and procedures set forth by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).

Firefighter I 151

Specific Objectives
1. Describe initial factors to consider when suppressing structure fires. 2. Summarize considerations prior to entering a burning building. 3. Explain the gas cooling technique.

(Continued)
Firefighter I 152

Specific Objectives
4. Describe direct attack, indirect attack, and combination attack. 5. Discuss deploying master stream devices. 6. Describe aerial devices used to deliver elevated master streams.
(Continued)
Firefighter I 153

Specific Objectives
7. Describe actions and hazards associated with suppressing Class C fires. 8. List electrical hazards and guidelines for electrical emergencies. 9. Discuss responsibilities of companies in structural fires.
(Continued)
Firefighter I 154

Specific Objectives
10. Explain actions taken in attacking fires in upper levels of structures. 11. Explain actions taken in attacking fires belowground in structures. 12. Discuss structure fires in properties protected by fixed systems.
(Continued)
Firefighter I 155

Specific Objectives
13. Explain actions taken when attacking a vehicle fire. 14. Explain actions taken when attacking trash container fires. 15. Explain actions taken when attacking fires in confined spaces.
(Continued)
Firefighter I 156

Specific Objectives
16. Summarize influences on wildland fire behavior: fuel, weather, and topography. 17. Describe parts of a wildland fire. 18. List wildland protective clothing and equipment.
(Continued)
Firefighter I 157

Specific Objectives
19. Describe methods used to attack wildland fires. 20. List ten standard fire fighting orders when fighting wildland fires. 21. Attack a structure fire Exterior attack. (Skill Sheet 15-I-1)
(Continued)
Firefighter I 158

Specific Objectives
22. Deploy and operate a master stream device. (Skill Sheet 15-I-2) 23. Turn off building utilities. (Skill Sheet 15-I-3) 24. Attack a structure fire (above, below, and grade level) Interior attack. (Skill Sheet 15-I-4)
(Continued)
Firefighter I 159

Specific Objectives
25. Attack a passenger vehicle fire. (Skill Sheet 15-I-5) 26. Extinguish a fire in a trash container. (Skill Sheet 15-I-6) 27. Attack a fire in stacked/piled materials. (Skill Sheet 15-I-7) 28. Attack a ground cover fire. (Skill Sheet 15-I-8)
Firefighter I 1510

Coordination When Suppressing Structure Fires

Fire attack on
burning structure must be coordinated When fighting any fire, firefighters should always work as a team under direction of a supervisor
Firefighter I 1511

Actions to Take
Advancing hoseline teams should carry

equipment needed to perform a variety of tasks Certain equipment carried by teams advancing hoselines Person at nozzle has responsibilities before entering building/area
(Continued)
Firefighter I 1512

Actions to Take
When structure/major contents are

involved in fire, firefighters should wait at entrance, staying low, out of doorway until fire officer gives order to advance Before entry, extinguish fires showing in exterior overhangs/around entry or (Continued) egress points
Firefighter I 1513

Actions to Take
Whenever possible, approach and

attack fire from unburned side to keep it from spreading throughout structure Once fire is contained, determine area of origin, protect evidence before overhaul and extinguishment
(Continued)
Firefighter I 1514

Actions to Take
Breathing apparatus must be worn

during overhaul, extinguishment Valuables found during overhaul should be turned in to supervisor

Firefighter I 1515

Pre-Entry Considerations
Conduct quick size-up Maintain high level of situation

awareness Read fire behavior indicators Understand crews tactical assignment

(Continued)
Firefighter I 1516

Pre-Entry Considerations
Identify potential emergency escape

routes Assess forcible entry requirements Identify hazards Verify that radios are working, on right channel, being received

Firefighter I 1517

Opening Doors
If door to fire area

must be opened, all members should stay low and to one side of doorway Check door for heat before opening

Firefighter I 1518

Gas Cooling
Not a fire extinguishment method; way
of reducing hazard presented by hot gas layer Effective when faced with shielded fire

Firefighter I 1519

Hot Gas Layer

Hot gas layer accumulating in upper

levels of compartment presents problems Cooling hot gas layer mitigates hazards by slowing transfer of heat to other combustibles

Firefighter I 1520

Cooling Hot Gas Layer

Apply short pulses of water fog onto it Repeat technique as necessary while
hose team advances under gas layer toward fire

Firefighter I 1521

Direct Attack

Most efficient use of water on freeburning fires made by direct attack

Firefighter I 1522

(Continued)

Direct Attack
Usually from straight or solid stream Techniques Water should not be applied long
enough to upset thermal layering

Firefighter I 1523

Indirect Attack
Used when firefighters

unable to enter burning building/ compartment Can be made from outside compartment through window or other small opening
Courtesy of Dick Giles

(Continued)
Firefighter I 1524

Indirect Attack
Not ideal method of attack where

building occupants may still be inside May be only method of attack until temperatures reduced Procedures for making indirect attack

Firefighter I 1525

Combination Attack
Uses heat-absorbing technique of cooling hot gas layer followed by heat-reducing direct attack on materials burning near floor level

Firefighter I 1526

Master Streams
Usually deployed in situations where

fire is beyond effectiveness of handlines or there is need for fire streams in areas that are unsafe for firefighters Main uses for master stream

Firefighter I 1527

Positioning Master Stream

Must be properly positioned to apply
effective master stream on fire Master stream can be adjusted up, down and left, right Once line in operation, must be shut down if device is to be moved

(Continued)
Firefighter I 1528

Positioning Master Stream

Stream should be aimed so it enters

structure at upward angle, deflects off ceiling or other overhead objects (Continued)
Firefighter I 1529

Positioning Master Stream

Desirable to place master stream device
in location that allows stream to cover most surface area of building

Firefighter I 1530

Supplying Master Streams

Master stream devices can have high
friction loss in supply hose Because master stream devices used primarily in defensive fire fighting, desirable to shut down handlines to keep from reducing water supply available for master streams
Firefighter I 1531

(Continued)

Supplying Master Streams

Always follow SOPs in operation of
master streams, handlines

Firefighter I 1532

Staffing Master Stream Devices

Usually takes minimum of two

firefighters to deploy master stream device, supply water to it Once portable master stream device in place, can be operated by one firefighter
(Continued)
Firefighter I 1533

Staffing Master Stream Devices

Some situations may be too dangerous

to have firefighters stationed at master stream device

Firefighter I 1534

Elevated Master Stream Devices

Used to apply water to upper stories of
multistory buildings, either in direct attack or to supply handlines Delivered by aerial devices

Firefighter I 1535

Quints
Engines equipped

with hydraulically operated extension ladder or aerial apparatus equipped with pump Main ladders range in length
(Continued)
Firefighter I 1536

Quints
Have waterways pre-plumbed to pumps Only external support Water supply Main ladder can be used for rescuing
people from exterior windows, ledges, and rooftops within reach of main ladder

Firefighter I 1537

Aerial Ladders

Courtesy of District Chief Chris E. Mikal, NOFD Photo Unit.

Apparatus equipped with hydraulically

operated extension ladders
Firefighter I 1538

(Continued)

Aerial Ladders
In North America, usually 50-135 feet

(15-41 m), but in Europe sometimes as much as 300 feet (100 m) Newer aerial ladders equipped with built-in waterways that supply master stream nozzle
(Continued)
Firefighter I 1539

Aerial Ladders
Master stream nozzles of both types of
apparatus can be operated by firefighters at ladder tip/on ground Can be used for rescuing people from exterior windows, ledges, rooftops within reach

Firefighter I 1540

Aerial Platforms

Available in two configurations

Aerial ladder platforms Articulating aerial platforms
Firefighter I 1541

(Continued)

Aerial Platforms
All equipped with built-in waterways,
some with narrow escape ladders Can be used for rescuing people

Firefighter I 1542

Water Towers
Engines equipped with

hydraulically operated booms that are dedicated to applying water Most range from 50-130 feet (15-40 m) in length
Courtesy of District Chief Chris E. Mikal, NOFD Photo Unit.

(Continued)
Firefighter I 1543

Water Towers
Some have narrow escape ladders

attached to boom Not designed for rescue operations

Firefighter I 1544

Class C Fires
Involve energized electrical equipment Major safety hazard Firefighters fail
to recognize danger and take appropriate steps for protection Once electrical power turned off, may self-extinguish or fall into Class A or B

(Continued)
Firefighter I 1545

Class C Fires
In many commercial and high rise

buildings, electrical power necessary to operate essential systems; not to be shut off until ordered When handling fires in delicate electronic/computer equipment, clean extinguishing agents should be used
(Continued)
Firefighter I 1546

Class C Fires
Multipurpose dry-chemical agents

effective, but some chemically reactive with components Using water inappropriate because of shock hazard

(Continued)
Firefighter I 1547

Class C Fires
Fire suppression techniques needed for
fires involving transmission lines and equipment, underground lines, commercial high-voltage installations Departmental operating procedures

Firefighter I 1548

Class C Fires: Transmission Lines and Equipment

Relatively small number of electrical

emergencies involve fires in electrical substations, transmission lines, (Continued) associated equipment
Firefighter I 1549

Class C Fires: Transmission Lines and Equipment

Electrical power lines sometimes break,
start fires in grass/other vegetation Fires in electrical transformers common

Firefighter I 1550

Class C Fires: Underground Transmission Lines

Consist of conduits, vaults below grade Most serious hazards presented are
explosions caused by fuses blowing or short-circuit arcing that ignites accumulated gases Electrical utility vault

Firefighter I 1551

Class C Fires: Commercial HighVoltage Installations

Many commercial/industrial complexes
have electrical equipment requiring 600+ volts High-voltage signs may be on doors Some transformers use flammable coolants that are hazardous

(Continued)
Firefighter I 1552

Class C Fires: Commercial HighVoltage Installations

Water should not be used because of
potential damage to electrical equipment uninvolved in fire Because of toxic chemicals, smoke is additional hazard Firefighters should only enter for rescue

Firefighter I 1553

Controlling Electrical Power

Advantageous for

electrical power to remain on for lighting, fire pumps, other essential systems Decision made by IC and Incident Safety Officer
(Continued)
Firefighter I 1554

Controlling Electrical Power

When power turned off, should be
turned off at main panel by power utility employee Always follow departmental SOP

(Continued)
Firefighter I 1555

Controlling Electrical Power

Removing meter may not completely
stop flow of electricity because of emergency power capabilities Considerations for clandestine drug labs, indoor marijuana-growing operations

Firefighter I 1556

Electrical Shock
Consequences of electrical shock Factors most affecting seriousness of
electrical shock

Firefighter I 1557

Guidelines for Electrical Emergencies

Establish exclusion zone equal to one

span all directions from downed power lines (Continued)

Firefighter I 1558

Guidelines for Electrical Emergencies

Be aware other wires may have been
weakened by short circuit, may fall at any time Wear full protective clothing, use only tested and approved tools with insulated handles
(Continued)
Firefighter I 1559

Guidelines for Electrical Emergencies

Guard against electrical shocks, burns,
eye injuries from electrical arcs Wait for utility workers to cut power lines

(Continued)
Firefighter I 1560

Guidelines for Electrical Emergencies

Use lockout/tagout
devices when working on electrical equipment Be very careful when raising/lowering ladders near power lines
(Continued)
Firefighter I 1561

Guidelines for Electrical Emergencies

Do not touch any vehicle/apparatus in
contact with electrical wires Jump clear of apparatus that may be energized by contact with power lines Do not use solid, straight streams on fires in energized electrical equipment

(Continued)
Firefighter I 1562

Guidelines for Electrical Emergencies

Use fog streams with at least 100 psi
(700 kPa) nozzle pressure Be aware wire mesh or steel rail fences can be energized by wires outside field of view

(Continued)
Firefighter I 1563

Guidelines for Electrical Emergencies

Where wires are down, heed any
tingling sensation felt in feet, back away Avoid ground gradient hazards by maintaining large safety zone around downed electrical wires

Firefighter I 1564

Company-Level Fire Tactics

Standard tactical priorities Life

safety, incident stabilization, property conservation Order of priorities same, but actions taken on fireground may/may not be performed in that order

Firefighter I 1565

Responsibilities First Due Engine Company

If smoke/fire visible, may be departmental SOP to stop, lay supply line from hydrant or end of driveway into scene Company officer will conduct rapid initial assessment of situation
(Continued)
Firefighter I 1566

Responsibilities First Due Engine Company

Assessment determines further actions
taken by first-due engine company If by taking immediate action company can save 1+ lives, will do so even if not enough firefighters on scene to form rapid intervention crew (RIC)
(Continued)
Firefighter I 1567

Responsibilities First Due Engine Company

If no obvious, immediate life-safety
concerns, and fire threatening to extend to another nearby structure, officer may order lines pulled to apply water to exposure Officer may call for more resources
(Continued)
Firefighter I 1568

Responsibilities First Due Engine Company

Given a small interior fire, company
officer usually assumes Command of incident Once location of fire known, first-due engine company will position initial attack hoseline to cover priorities

Firefighter I 1569

Responsibilities Second Due Engine Company

Must make sure adequate water supply established to the fireground, May finish hose lay, lay additional line, connect to hydrant Proceeds according to priorities

Firefighter I 1570

Responsibilities Fireground Support Company

Responsible for performing tasks in order dictated by situation Functions may be performed by engine personnel when support companies not available May assist in making fire attack

Firefighter I 1571

Responsibilities Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC)

Consists of 2+ members wearing
appropriate PPE, radio; equipped with special rescue tools, equipment necessary to effect rescue of other emergency personnel

(Continued)
Firefighter I 1572

Responsibilities Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC)

May be assigned other emergency
scene duties; must be prepared to drop those immediately if needed Exact number determined by IC

Firefighter I 1573

Responsibilities Chief Officer/ Incident Commander

Upon arriving at scene, chief officer
may choose to assume Command from original IC, take responsibility for all on-scene operations

(Continued)
Firefighter I 1574

Responsibilities Chief Officer/ Incident Commander

If original IC has incident well
organized, progress toward incident stabilization being made, chief officer may assume another role

Firefighter I 1575

Fires in Upper Levels of Structures

Typical residential response consisting
of 2-3 engines; one truck usually inadequate Large number of firefighters needed

Firefighter I 1576

Attacking Fires in Upper Levels

Fire attack typically

initiated from floor below fire floor Crews should check floors above main fire floor for fire extension, victims
(Continued)
Firefighter I 1577

Attacking Fires in Upper Levels

Staging usually established two floors
below fire floor Personnel must exercise caution in streets around outside perimeter of high-rise building

Firefighter I 1578

Fires Belowground in Structures

Can expose

firefighters to extremely hostile conditions May be possible to control fire without entering basement
(Continued)
Firefighter I 1579

Fires Belowground in Structures

If cellar nozzle unavailable, firefighters
may have to enter burning basement Good ventilation techniques extremely important Heavy objects on floor above fire floor can increase chance of floor collapse

Firefighter I 1580

Fixed Fire Extinguishing Systems

Firefighters should

be familiar with systems in buildings protected by their department Supporting systems critical during fire
(Continued)
Firefighter I 1581

Fixed Fire Extinguishing Systems

Types of systems Dangers involved with fires in

occupancies with fixed systems

Firefighter I 1582

Preincident Plans
Often contain SOPs used at these
occupancies Include detailed descriptions of construction features, contents, protection systems, surrounding properties

(Continued)
Firefighter I 1583

Preincident Plans
May specify procedures for each
company Contain building map Must be updated regularly

Firefighter I 1584

Sprinklered Buildings
Support company personnel often used
to manage systems operation Must always follow departmental SOPs regarding actions taken Some possible actions

Firefighter I 1585

Fires in Small Passenger Vehicles

Among most
common types of fires to which firefighters called Dictate firefighters wear full PPE, SCBA

Courtesy of Bob Esposito

(Continued)
Firefighter I 1586

Fires in Small Passenger Vehicles

Attack line at least 1-inch (38 mm)
hoseline Booster lines do not provide protection of rapid cooling needed to effectively, safely fight vehicle fire

(Continued)
Firefighter I 1587

Fires in Small Passenger Vehicles

Attack fire from the side and upwind,
uphill when possible Portable extinguishers can suppress some fires in vehicles engine compartment/electrical system

Firefighter I 1588

Basic Procedures
One of first actions is to establish safe

working zone following U.S. DOT guidelines Once scene safety established, firefighters can focus on saving vehicle occupants, fighting fire
(Continued)
Firefighter I 1589

Basic Procedures
Firefighters should stay out of potential
travel path of front, rear bumpers Basic firefighting procedures

(Continued)
Firefighter I 1590

Basic Procedures
When attacking fire in passenger

compartment, use most appropriate nozzle/pattern for situation Fires in undercarriage Overhaul

Firefighter I 1591

Hazards
In addition to hazards associated with

other fires, there are hazards specific to vehicle fires Catalytic converters can act as ignition source to dry grass/other fuels under vehicle
(Continued)
Firefighter I 1592

Hazards
Interior components on vehicle mainly
plastic, which burns rapidly at high temperatures and emits toxic gases Air bags can deploy from steering wheel, dashboard, door of vehicle

(Continued)
Firefighter I 1593

Hazards
Hybrid vehicles incorporate high-voltage
cables, components Do not assume any vehicle is without extraordinary hazards

Firefighter I 1594

Trash Container Fires

Possibility of exposure to toxic

products of combustion ever-present May include hazardous materials or plastics Full PPE, SCBA should be worn when attacking any trash container fire

Firefighter I 1595

Attacking Trash Container Fires

Size of attack line depends on size of
fire and proximity to exposures Fires in small piles of trash, garbage cans, small containers can often be extinguished with booster line

(Continued)
Firefighter I 1596

Attacking Trash Container Fires

Larger piles, larger containers, fires

close to exposures should be attacked with at least 1-inch (38 mm) line Master streams may be needed to keep trash container fires from spreading

(Continued)
Firefighter I 1597

Attacking Trash Container Fires

Once fire has been controlled, may be

possible to use standard overhaul techniques to complete extinguishment May be advantageous to attack fire using Class A foam

Firefighter I 1598

Confined Spaces
Below grade or otherwise without
natural/forced ventilation Atmospheric hazards Physical hazards

(Continued)
Firefighter I 1599

Confined Spaces
Where to find information on fire Hazard mitigation plans Because of hazards, command post and
staging area must be established outside hot zone

Firefighter I 15100

Fire Attack
Fires may also be attacked indirectly

with penetrating nozzles, cellar nozzles, distributor nozzles Effective air-management system should be part of IAP

Firefighter I 15101

Wildland Fires
Include those in weeds,

grass, field crops, brush, forests, similar vegetation Have characteristics not comparable to fires in buildings Main influences on wildland fire behavior
Firefighter I 15102

Courtesy of National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC).

Wildland Fires Fuel

Classified by

grouping those with similar burning characteristics together Factors affecting burning characteristics (Continued) of fuels
Firefighter I 15103

Wildland Fires Fuel

Firefighter I 15104

Wildland Fires Weather

Wind Temperature Relative humidity Precipitation

Firefighter I 15105

Wildland Fires Topography

Steepness of slope affects both rate,
direction of wildland fires spread Fires will usually spread faster uphill than down; steeper the slope, faster fire spreads

(Continued)
Firefighter I 15106

Wildland Fires Topography

Aspect Local terrain features Drainages

Firefighter I 15107

Parts of Wildland Fire

Firefighter I 15108

Wildland PPE
Firefighters need to

wear wildland fire protective clothing because standard structural turnout clothing inappropriate; can be dangerous
(Continued)
Firefighter I 15109

Wildland PPE
PPE should meet NFPA 1977 NFPA 1500 specifies minimum PPE Most wildland fire agencies provide
additional materials

Firefighter I 15110

Attacking Wildland Fires

Methods revolve around perimeter

control Control line may be at burning edge, next to it, or a distance away Objective is to establish control line that completely encircles fire

Firefighter I 15111

Wildland Fire Approaches

Direct attack is action taken directly
against flames at edge or closely parallel Indirect attack used at varying distances from advancing fire

(Continued)
Firefighter I 15112

Wildland Fire Approaches

Because wildland fire constantly

Firefighter I 15113

changing, attack methods may change

Standard Fire Fighting Orders When Fighting Wildland Fires

Keep informed on fire weather
conditions, forecasts Know what fire doing at all times Base all actions on current, expected behavior of fire

(Continued)
Firefighter I 15114

Standard Fire Fighting Orders When Fighting Wildland Fires

Identify escape routes and safety
zones, make them known Post lookouts when possible danger Be alert, keep calm, think clearly, act decisively

(Continued)
Firefighter I 15115

Standard Fire Fighting Orders When Fighting Wildland Fires

Maintain prompt communications with
your forces, your supervisor, adjoining forces Give clear instructions, ensure they are understood

(Continued)
Firefighter I 15116

Standard Fire Fighting Orders When Fighting Wildland Fires

Maintain control of forces at all times Fight fire aggressively, providing for
safety first

Firefighter I 15117

Summary
Attacking fires early in their

development is an important aspect of a successful fire fighting operation. Likewise, selecting and applying the most effective fire attack strategy and tactics are also important.
(Continued)
Firefighter I 15118

Summary
Failing to do any of these things can

result in a fire growing out of control, an increase in fire damage and loss, and possibly in firefighter injuries.

(Continued)
Firefighter I 15119

Summary
Firefighters need to know how to use
the fire fighting tools and techniques adopted by their departments. They need to know how to safely and effectively attack and extinguish structure fires, vehicle fires, refuse fires, and wildland fires.
Firefighter I 15120

Review Questions
1. What initial actions should firefighters take when suppressing a structural fire? 2. What are the differences among a direct attack, an indirect attack, and a combination attack?
(Continued)
Firefighter I 15121

Review Questions
3. When are master streams usually deployed? 4. What are three guidelines for electrical emergencies? 5. What are the parts of a wildland fire?

Firefighter I 15122