What are the two reasons ventilation is performed?
Venting for fire (allowing attack teams to enter the structure) and venting for life (fresh air for trapped occupants and improved visibility to search).
What are four errors in thinking about ventilation?
Assuming SCBAs reduce ventilation importance, ignoring victims’ needs, assuming masks always protect, ignoring tighter modern buildings increasing heat and flashover risk.
What is the key factor distinguishing venting for life from venting for fire?
Timing of the ventilation.
How should interior teams address a wind-driven fire?
Apply sufficient water, position with wind at their back, retreat, or control wind with fire-resistive curtains or reverse it with PPV.
Why must firefighters recognize low-pressure areas?
To avoid being caught in the exhaust path.
What is the most important factor when forcing doors for refuge?
The refuge area must be on the same side of the hall as the fire apartment (high-pressure side).
What is the rule of thumb for deciding when to ventilate based on heat and smoke?
Let heat be the guide, not smoke; if little heat and window stuck, find alternative; if too much heat or visibility issues, break glass once hoseline charged.
When is breaking glass justified even without heat?
When smoke conditions are very dense and there is strong potential for victim rescue.
What factors affect hydraulic ventilation effectiveness?
Water volume and stream velocity.
What fog pattern moves the most air during hydraulic ventilation?
Approximately a 30-degree fog pattern.
How far back should a firefighter stand during hydraulic ventilation?
6–8 feet from the window or door.
What are drawbacks of hydraulic ventilation?
Water damage, low water supply, freezing hazards.
What advantages do smoke ejectors and fans have over hoselines for ventilation?
No water damage risk or supply issues.
Which ventilation method is more efficient: PPV or negative pressure?
Positive pressure ventilation (PPV).
Where should a PPV fan be placed?
8–12 feet outside the desired door opening.
How can venting a bulkhead negatively impact a fire?
Wind direction may draw fire toward the staircase or structure.
How can a bulkhead door be used as a ramp?
Lean at 45° and secure with a halligan tool driven into the roof.
How can firefighters estimate fire extension into a cockloft?
Feel soil pipes penetrating the roof.
What is a standard flat roof?
Roof boards nailed directly to joists at roof level.
What is an inverted roof?
Roof boards nailed to 2x4 framework raised above main joists.
What roof style has become popular in the east and Midwest over the last 30 years?
Metal deck roof
What are the build characteristics of older flat roofs?
Decking on 2x10 or 3x12 beams, tarpaper layers, hot tar sealing, sometimes gravel.
For ventilation, How many firefighters and tools are required for a top-floor fire on a flat roof?
At least four firefighters with two power saws, hooks, halligan, axe, and radio.
What should be vented immediately upon reaching the roof?
Vertical shafts such as bulkheads and skylights.
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1 General Principles of Firefighting13
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2 Size-up59
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3 Engine Company Operations29
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6 Sprinkler Systems and Standpipe Operations73
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7 Ladder Company Operations38
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9 Ventilation49
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11 Firefighter Survival32
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12 Operations In Lightweight Buildings19
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13 Below Grade Fires49
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15 Multiple Dwellings49
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16 Garden Apartments/Townhomes16
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18 High Rise Fires57
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19 Buildings Under Construction31
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22 Structural Collapse53
