FIRE FIGHTING TECHNIQUES

INITIAL ACTIONS
•REPORT the fire to a controlling station (ie.DCC, Quarterdeck, Bridge)
•SIZE UP the fire -location / size / agent
•EVACUATE all personnel from affected area
•ISOLATE and contain the fire area
•ATTACK the fire with available equipment
•FIGHT FIRE until relieved by RRT or untilspace becomes untenable

SCENE LEADER THOUGHT PROCESS

•Determine number of hoses required anddirection of attack
•Determine Personal Protective Equipmentrequired
•Determine lighting requirements in fire affectedspace
•Determine the need for a NFTI
•Determine venting / desmoking options

ATTACK OPTIONS
•Direct Attack - Preferred method•Fog Attack - Used when:
– Overhead gases are burning (Rollover) – Seat of fire is obstructed – Multiple seats of fire
present
•Indirect Attack •Venting Options•Attacking from space above•Vertical Trunk entry

HOSE HANDLING
•Preliminary Actions to Ensure Readiness
– Proper stowage of hoses – Hand tight couplings – Hoses in good condition – Hose
reel brakes properly set
•Controlling the Hose
– One person can operate an 11/2
inch hose in initial attack, sustainedoperation requires a minimum of 2 hose handlers
in addition to thenozzleman (requirements increase based on hose length andnumber
of turns)
– Two people can operate a 21/2
inch hose in initialattack, sustained operation requires a minimum of 4hose handlers
in addition to the nozzleman(requirements increase based on hose length andnumber
of turns)
•Teamwork / Coordination is the key to Success!
•Advancing the Hose
– Advance to nearest location possible to affected space prior tocharging – With hose
completely off camel back, charge hose, straightenkinks and check for leaks – Non-
collapsible hoses may be charged while still on the reel(ability to advance is limited by strength of
individual)*Experience has shown that hoses expand whencharged, causing difficulty
removing from hose reel*
– When maneuvering below decks place all hosehandlers on the same side of the
hose for ease of movement in narrow areas – When using 2 hoses, place hose handlers
on outsideof hoses to minimize interference

•Attack Team Relief

 – Attack hose may be left in fire affected space duringrelief process / Team Leader
responsible for informing OSL of nozzle location and spaceconditions – It is NOT
NECESSARY to close the plug valvewhile doing so
• Nozzle Handling / The Nozzleman must:
– Direct the hose stream where desired – Use the appropriate spray pattern – Use the
appropriate flow rate – Devote one hand to holding the nozzle and directingthe
stream, leaving the other hand available to operatethe bail shut-off handle and the
pattern shroud
– The nozzleman may hold the hose line over the shoulder or under an arm whichever
is more comfortable
•WARNING - WHEN HOLDING THE HOSEUNDER THE ARM THE OBA
BREATHING BAGMAY BECOME DEFLATED IF PRESSED ON BYTHE
HOSE• Nozzle control is critical
– Straight stream / Used in direct attack – Narrow angle fog / General firefighting
pattern, goodfor providing a “push” to flame fronts – Wide angle fog / Good heat
absorption, used for personnel protection
•Hose stream reach in no wind w/nozzle pressure of 100 PSI
– Straight stream 100 feet – Narrow angle fog 50 feet – Wide angle fog 5-10 feet
SPACE REENTRY

•Position firefighters on the non-hinged sideof door, hoseline ready. Stay low!
– When door is opened, if fire shows or rolls out,direct water fog at the doorway
overhead for cooling and control of escaping gases. – When conditions permit, Team
Leader enter thespace and assess conditions. Remain low!

ATTACKING FROM THE SPACE ABOVE

•When attacking from the space above the followingshould be considered when conducting
either a direct or indirect attack from the hot deck over the fire space.
– Rotate personnel frequently to avoid heat strain. Emphasisshould be on each person
or team accomplishing a minor task rather than staying until exhausted. – Keep scene
leader outside high heat area to prevent impaired judgment and increase endurance.
– Avoid stationing personnel at local hot spotssuch as immediately above the fire. –
Utilize support team personnel for indirectcooling and gaining access. These jobs
are physically demanding and should not be performed by the primary attack team. –
Using additional gloves for hot surfaces duringaccess may prevent burned hands.

BACKUP HOSE CONSIDERATIONS

•Decision to layout, man, charge or bring the back-uphose to the scene of the fire made by the
OSL basedon following:
– Is a second hose required for fire attack? – Are burning gases present in
the overhead? – Are combustible materials near scene of fire that requirecooling? – Is
protection required for primary attack team due to high probability of explosion?

ATTACK TEAM RELIEF

•Relieve as a team or individually•Manage reliefs from a single control point•Personnel

standing by should minimize heatstress while waiting•Personnel relieved should proceed to
freshair, cool off and replenish body fluids
FIRE OVERHAUL
•Final Extinguishment / Examination andCleanup
– Begin at perimeter and work to point of origin – Check for all possible areas of fire
spread as well asclues for concealed fires
•Smoke creeping out of openings•Bulkheads hot to touch• NFTI inspection results
VENTILATION OPTIONS
•Vari-nozzle Technique• Natural Ventilation•Portable Ventilation•Active
Desmoking•Installed Ventilation
ACTIVE DESMOKING
•Authorized for ALL classes of fire•Used to improve conditions in the smoke control
zone•OSL discretion•Procedure
– Prepare desmoking flow path – Rig portable exhaust blowers and establish
low pressure area – Supply make-up air (ship maneuvering may be required)

TYPICAL DIFFICULTIES IN FIRE FIGHTING

•EXTREME Heat
•Firefighter Fatigue
•Limited Access
•Communications Breakdowns
•Limited Visibility
•Personnel Management