Fire Suppression Techniques Part 2

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Fire Suppression TechniquesPart 2
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Common Firefighting Extinguishing Agents

• Water
• Foams
• Halon 1211
• CO2
• Dry chemicals
• Dry powders
• Extinguishing agents are selected based on
• the materials that are burning.

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Suppressing Class B Fires( flammable /
combustible liquids and gases)

• Key Terms
• Flammable liquid
• Combustible liquid
• Compressed gas
• Flash point
• Bleve
• Vapour pressure

• Vapour density
• Specific gravity
• Soluble / insoluble
• Miscible / immiscible
• Boiling point
• Hydrocarbon
• Polar solvent

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BLEVE
Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapour Explosion
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BLEVE Warning Signs
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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.

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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.

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Using Water to Control Class B Fires

• Water as a Mechanical Tool

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Using Water to Control Class B Fires

• Water as a Mechanical Tool

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Using Water to Control Class B Fires

• Water as a Substitute Medium

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Using Water to Control Class B Fires

• Water as Protective Cover

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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.

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Passenger Vehicle Fires

• Approach from sides.
• Attack upwind.
• Protect occupants.
• ALWAYS WEAR SCBA

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Passenger Vehicle Fires

• Dangers
• Gas tank
• Alternative fuel vehicles
• Shocks
• Bumpers
• Tires
• Battery
• Pistons on liftgates
• Strut suspension

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Passenger Vehicle Fires
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Passenger Vehicle Fires
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Control of Gas Utilities

• Natural Gas
• 40 Lighter than air.
• Non toxic but will displace oxygen.
• Distinctive odour.
• Explosive range 5-15
• Fire / leak.
• Notify Enbridge Gas.

• Liquefied Petroleum Gas
• Stored as a liquid when under pressure in
  container.
• Expansion ratio 270-1.
• Vapour density 1.5. (heavier)
• Explosive range 1.5-10
• NO ODOUR
• Fire / leak.
• BLEVE
• Evacuate area.

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Control of Gas Utilities
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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.

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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.

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Practical Learning Outcomes

• Interior direct attack.
• Interior indirect attack.
• Combination attack.
• Exterior fire attack.
• Class B fire attack using water fog (2 teams).