Fire

Suppression
Techniques
Part 2
 Common Firefighting
Extinguishing Agents
 Water
 Foams
 Halon 1211
 CO2
 Dry chemicals
 Dry powders
Extinguishing agents are selected based on
the materials that are burning.
 Suppressing Class B Fires
( flammable / combustible liquids and gases)

Key Terms:
 Vapour density
 Flammable liquid  Specific gravity
 Combustible liquid  Soluble / insoluble
 Compressed gas  Miscible / immiscible
 Flash point  Boiling point
 Bleve  Hydrocarbon
 Vapour pressure  Polar solvent
 BLEVE

Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapour Explosion

BLEVE Warning Signs
 Suppressing Large Class B
Fires
 Extreme caution.
 Stop leak.
 Avoid standing in fuel.
(wicking)
 Foam to extinguish large
fire.
 Large volumes of water to
cool tank & reduce vapour
pressure. (BLEVE)
 Fog dissipates vapours.
Using Water to Control Class B Fires
Water as a Cooling Agent
 Protect exposures.

 Cool burning tanks.

 Cool vapours in tanks.

 Cool support beams and

other materials that may

weaken.
Using Water to Control Class B Fires
Water as a Mechanical Tool
Using Water to Control Class B Fires
Water as a Mechanical Tool
Using Water to Control Class B Fires
Water as a Substitute Medium
Using Water to Control Class B Fires
Water as Protective Cover
 Bulk Transport Vehicle Fires
 Same techniques for
controlling fires in
storage vessels.
 Traffic risks.
 Water supply limitations.
 Additional risks posed
by location.
 Instability of vehicle.
 Container damage.
Passenger Vehicle Fires
 Approach from sides.
 Attack upwind.
 Protect occupants.
 ALWAYS WEAR SCBA
 Passenger Vehicle Fires

Dangers:
 Gas tank
 Alternative fuel
vehicles
 Shocks
 Bumpers
 Tires
 Battery
 Pistons on
liftgates
 Strut suspension
Passenger Vehicle Fires
Passenger Vehicle Fires
 Control of Gas Utilities
Natural Gas Liquefied Petroleum Gas
 Stored as a liquid when under
 40% Lighter than air.
pressure in container.
 Non toxic but will
 Expansion ratio 270-1.
displace oxygen.
 Vapour density 1.5. (heavier)
 Distinctive odour.  Explosive range 1.5-10%
 Explosive range 5-15%  NO ODOUR

 Fire / leak.  Fire / leak.

 BLEVE
 Notify Enbridge Gas.
 Evacuate area.
Control of Gas Utilities
 Suppressing Class C Fires

 Hydro vaults, transformers, substations, commercial high

voltage installations, etc.
 Recognize the electrical danger.
 Notify hydro.
 Shut off power.
 Use proper extinguishing agents and methods.
 Ground gradient / step or touch potential.
 Maintain safe working distances.
 Suppressing Class D Fires
 Combustible metals & alloys: magnesium,
sodium, lithium, potassium.
 No universal class D extinguishing agent.
 Class D agents – dry powders.
 Facilities that use or store these metals are
required to maintain adequate amounts of
extinguishing agent.
 Water may cause a reaction / explosion.
 Practical Learning Outcomes

 Interior direct attack.

 Interior indirect attack.

 Combination attack.

 Exterior fire attack.

 Class B fire attack using water fog (2 teams).