Fire Dynamics-Based Approach to Tactical Choices
Normally, firefighters enter the front door of a structure to access a fire to extinguish it. This approach, enabled by the personal protective equipment firefighters wear, has provided positive results, especially if the firefighters can easily locate the fire from their point of entry. However, there have been many cases where the firefighters did not find the fire; instead, the fire found them. In fire incidents where firefighters were overtaken by the fire, the “one-size-fits-all” fire attacks were not effective. Unfortunately, there are a number of these incidents where firefighters were killed or injured. In this presentation, the latest Underwriters Laboratories Fire Service Research Institute (UL FSRI) research results, supported by physics, are coupled with examples from fireground incidents to demonstrate why additional options are needed in your tactical toolbox. Size-up, understanding what the fire is showing you, and then deciding the best strategic and tactical approach are key to an effective fire attack. New for this year are tips for teaching the fire dynamics basics to your department, based on UL FSRI Fire Dynamics Bootcamps.