Low Intake/High Exhaust and Its Deadly Consequences
Fires grow and develop rapidly when air enters the fire compartment low and exhausts from the upper portion of the fire compartment. Modern fires as we know grow, develop, and release more energy than legacy fires that had fewer synthetic products as their fuel source. The rapid fire growth and heat release rate experienced in modern fires place our members in an environment more hazardous than ever before. Proper size-up of the structure and ventilation profile coupled with an understanding of the modern fire environment will give operating members and incident commanders indications of the interior conditions and how to best initiate fire control to aid civilians and support operations on the fireground. Modern fires require updated tactics for ventilation and suppression. Interior and exterior fireground operations must be communicated and coordinated to ensure safety and rapid fire control. Fire research has broadened the fire service's understanding of fire dynamics. With this increased understanding, the fire service has more options to gain the tactical advantage on the fireground.
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