Fire Protection Module 17

Fire Operations

All actions from the time a call comes in to the after-action review following an incident, including responding, fighting a fire, rescue, and salvage/overhaul.

Pre Fire Planning

Developing a systematic course of actions for fire protection and establishing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for fire incidents.

Evaluation-Size Up

On-the-spot planning that involves assessing the situation by answering the 5 W's and 1 H, understanding fire behavior, and determining a course of action.

Evacuation

The process of transferring people and property away from a burning area to minimize damage or destruction.

Entry

Accessing a burning structure, which may involve forcible entry for firefighting, rescue, or ventilation purposes.

Rescue

The operation of removing or extricating people and property from a burning building.

Exposure

Securing nearby buildings to prevent fire extension; includes fire exposure (property) and life exposure (danger to occupants).

Confinement

Restricting the fire to the area where it started to prevent its spread to other sections.

Ventilation

An operation to displace toxic gases and smoke from a structure, which can be done through natural or mechanical means.

Vertical Ventilation

A method of ventilation that works from the top down to remove heated gases and smoke.

Cross/Horizontal Ventilation

Ventilation achieved by opening windows and doors, which must be done carefully to avoid defeating the purpose.

Mechanical or Forced Ventilation

Using devices like smoke ejectors to remove heat and smoke from a confined space.

Salvage

Protecting properties from preventable damage by removing materials or covering them with tarpaulins.

Extinguishment

The process of putting out a fire using methods such as cooling, smothering, separation, or combination.

Extinguishing Agents

Substances that put out fires by attacking one or more sides of the fire tetrahedron.

Fire Extinguisher

A mechanical device containing chemicals, fluids, or gases for stopping a fire.

PASS Technique

A method for using a portable fire extinguisher:Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep.

Classification of Fire Extinguishers

Categories of extinguishers based on the type of fire they are designed to combat.

Water Fire Extinguishers

Extinguishers using water as the agent, suitable for class A fires.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Extinguisher

Used primarily for class B and C fires, effective on flammable oils and electrical equipment.

Dry Chemical Extinguisher

Contains dry chemical agents effective on various classes of fires, including A, B, and C.

Dry Powder Extinguisher

Specifically designed for combustible metal fires (class D).

Halon Extinguishers

Effective extinguishers that leave no residue but can be toxic; used for class B and C fires.

Inspection of Fire Extinguishers

Regular checks for accessibility, condition, and proper functioning of extinguishers.

Prohibited Acts

Actions that violate regulations regarding the operation and maintenance of fire extinguishers.

Overhaul

A detailed check of the structure and materials to eliminate conditions that may cause reflash or rekindling.