CHAPTER 2

GROUP 2:
BINAS MA. ANGELICA, CLATON PIOLO
ESTRADA ERIKA, GEGANTE ZIGFREY
GUICO NEIL JOHN, LUMBOY JOHN CHRISTOPER
MENDEZ JAY ANN PEREZ MATTHEWS KING
VALENTOS MARIEL
LESSON 2.1 PRINCIPLES OF STRUCTURAL
FIREFIGHTING

This chapter will point out the main features of a good fire fighting plan. Fire fighting
is, has been, and always will be one of the main objectives of fire protection. A well-
manned, well-equipped, and well trained fire department provides a solid based upon
which effective firefighting depends. The strategy and tactics used to suppress fire
evolved from this base.
STRUCTURAL FIRE FIGHTING:
1.Initial Procedures:
a)Sounding the Alarm The crew member who discovers/receives the fire alarma must sound the alarm
promptly.
b) The crewman who sounds the alarm must be sure to give the exact location of the fire, information
regarding the type of fire. The exact location may indicate the need of fast and immediate response.
2. Fire fighting Procedures/Strategy:
a) Size-up
The evaluation and observation of the fire scene on the following:
1. Class of fire (what combustible materials are burning)
2. The appropriate extinguishing agent to be used
3. The appropriate method of attack
4. How to prevent the extension of fire
5. The required manpower and fire fighting assignment.
b) Attack

The method of action to gain immediate control to prevent or minimize the extension of fire to
exposures.
Methods of Attack:
1. Direct Method
2. Indirect Method

c) Ventilation

Types: 1. Vertical ventilation

2. Horizontal ventilation
3. Mechanical/forced ventilation
4. Combination of Vertical & Horizontal
d) Exposures

e) Extinguishment
An action/method performed by fire fighters in putting off the fire by means of
extinguishing agent, such as; water, chemicals and foam.

f) Rescue

g) Overhaul

h) Salvage
The following are the other strategy used in
firefighting:
1. Locate the fire
2. Confine the fire
3. Extinguish the fire
4. Exposures

In addition to the basic, tactics the following are also added:

1. Rescue
2. Overhaul
3. Ventilation
4. Salvage
Location- Locating the fire sounds like a simple matter. In an open lumber yard where flames
are reaching for the sky, it is a simple matter. But finding or locating a fire in a room in a cellar
of a three-storey dormitory or building which is filled with dense smoke is not an easy task.

Confinement- Confining the fire is the next step in strategy. Judgment, skill, and experience
must be used to the utmost to determine whether or not the fire is to be routine or a disaster.
Confining the fire simply means to restrict its spread to its point of origin or at least to the area
involved.

Extinguishment- Extinguishing the fire may take as little water as that use in a booster line,
or it may take thousands of gallons played through heavy appliance. The decision rests upon the
judgment, skill, training, and experience of the officer-in-charge.
EXTINGUISHMENT

Factors to be Considered in Extinguishment:

Time of Day
A. The hour of the day can have a direct bearing on
the life and fire hazards involved.
B. Time also has a direct bearing on the speed of the
response of firefighting and rescue vehicles.
C. During hours of darkness, special lighting
equipment may be needed. Night operations may
require auxiliary firefighting personnel.
Weather

Some of the Weather factors that must be considered:

A.Temperature
B. Humidity
C. Wind and precipitation

The direction of wind determines where the greatest exposure dangers are located. High humidity means a smoky fire
and difficulty in operating in the building without thorough ventilation In a situation where pungent fumes are
encountered, more additional. hardship and danger for the firefighters operating and fighting fire in the street and
particularly in narrow alleys at the rear or sides of the building on fire.

In this type of fire situation, it is frequently impossible to get in close enough to do inside work, and it is necessary to
operate from the outside of the building unless suitable respiratory protection is provided.

Reviewing these entire situation, there are also other factors such as excavations or other obstructions in the street in the
immediate neighborhood of the fire that may have a direct bearing upon the operation of the fire department, as well as
the amount of apparatus and personnel that will be needed
 THE FIRE
Factors to be Evaluated at the Fire Scene:
A. Extent of the Fire;

B. Its location in the building:

C. The type of contents involved:

D. The life hazard/s;

E. The fire conditions

F. Type of construction
Occupancy
Determine the number of people that occupy the building, including
the materials that are found in it. Also note the nature of the units
occupying the building.

Ventilation
It is a method used for clearing the building of smoke and gases,
localize the fire, and reduce smoke and forcible entry damage.
Types of Ventilation:

1. Vertical Ventilation - the method to

establish vertical ventilation is it must be
worked from the top and down. Heated
gases and smoke rise to the highest point
and, if confined, will tend to "mushroom"
or rise to the highest point of the building,
exerting their heating effect on everything
they touch..
2. Cross or Horizontal Ventilation - If
the smoke and gases have not reached the
higher levels, cross ventilation can clear the
building one floor at a time. Windows are
the easiest and generally most available for
the common types of buildings, but the
indiscriminate opening of windows and
doors can defeat the purpose of ventilation.
3. Mechanical or Forced Ventilation -
A process o or method of ventilation
whereby a device such as smoke ejector is
utilized to remove faster excessive heat and
dense smoke in a confined building.
Factors to Determine the Location for the
Opening/Ventilation:
1. Location of intensity of fire

2. Highest point on the roof

3. Direction of wind

4. Existing exposure

5. Extent of fire

6. Obstruction
Steps in the Procedure for Vertical Ventilation:

1. Check the condition of the roof support to make sure that they have been burned away or
weaken to a point where there is a possibility to collapse under your weight. Feeling the roof for
hot spots helps you determine if the fire has reached the point to cause weakening.
2. Plan a way of escape from the roof in case of an emergency, such as roof collapse. Have a
lifeline, especially on a peaked roof, to prevent falling.
3. Use any available openings that are part of the roof construction, such as skylights or roof
trap doors
4. Make certain passageway for the smoke and heat extends down through the ceiling of the
room. A hole in the roof is of no use if there is no relief for gases, heat, and smoke in the room
below.
5. The opening should be large enough to provide a rapid exit for the smoke and gases,
6. Work with the wind at your back, keeping in mind the heat, explosive characteristics, and
toxic effects of escaping gas.
Steps in the Procedure for Cross, Horizontal
Ventilation
1.Open the windows on the leeward side first, and then open the windows on the windward side.

2.After one floor is clear, ventilate the next floor in the same manner.

3.If at all possible, avoid making openings below the level of the fire.

4. If the opening is made at the same floor level as the fire, hose lines should be available for
immediate use.

5. Avoid ventilating a building in such a way that fire is withdrawn

through any building part that is not involved.

6. When making an opening, exercise great care to prevent the spread of the fire to exposures,
and have hose lines available to protect the exposures.
Advantages of Ventilation:
1. Aids Rescue Operations
Proper ventilation simplifies and expedites the rescue of victims by removing smoke and gases that endanger
occupants trapped or unconscious, and make the conditions safer for firefighters.
2.Speeds Attack and Extinguishment
The removal of smoke, gases, and heat from the building permits firefighters to move rapidly and locate the
area and proceed with extinguishment. It will also reduce the danger of asphyxiation.
3.Reduces Property Damages
Rapid extinguishment of fire reduces property damage
4.Reduces Mushrooming
When sufficient heat is confined in the area, the temperature of combustible materials rises to their ignition
points. These materials will not ignite, however, unless sufficient amount of oxygen is available to, support
combustion. In this situation, a very dangerous condition exists: because the admittance of an air supply is all
that is needed to create the overheated area into an inferno (backdraft). In order to prevent this critical situation
from occurring, top ventilation must be provided to release superheated fire gases and smoke.
EXPOSURES
It is an action taken by the firefighters to cover or secure other building/s, people from exposing
themselves near the affected area or danger from fire.
An exposure, during firefighting, is a structure or its contents that can be ignited by a fire in an
adjoining or other exterior source. Firefighters also use the term "exposure hazard" to identify a
building that is not involved in a fire, but because of its condition, position, or contents can
become a hazard.
The extent of the hazard depends upon the size of the exposure, the distance between the
buildings, weather conditions, and the exposures susceptibility to ignition.
Exposed building can be ignited by radiated heat, by direct flame contact, or by flying brands.
The possibility of ignition always exists, but the danger is more acute when large quantities of
heat are produced.
Factors that contribute Ignition to Exposure:

1.Direction and velocity of the wind;

2.The relative humidity of the atmosphere;

3. The distance between the building (the most important single factor in the
potential danger of an exposure hazard).
Type of Exposures

1. Fire Exposures- refers to the property exposed to - the fire, such as property directly
across alleys or besides the fire building.

2. Life Exposures- refers to the danger to the lives of the occupants of any building that is
in line with the travel of dangerous fumes or gases thrown off by fire as well as to the
occupants of any building that is seriously exposed to the fire from the building on fire.
All other firefighting actions (tactics) stem from this basic strategy.
Rescue Defined:
Any action taken by the firefighters to remove occupants/persons from a burning
building/hazards to a safety place.
Rescue is a very broad term, it may be light or heavy; it may involve first aid, resuscitator or
heart-lung resuscitation techniques, emergency childbirth, or retrieving persons who has fallen
or trapped down a well.
In firefighting operation, rescue may be simple or complicated depending on the situations
involving life saving Any sound solution will be the result of using every resource at command
intelligently, and this, in turn, depends on a good size-up.

Sizing up a rescue situation takes into account the type of building, circumstances about the
building and its contents, the time of day or night, the type of occupancy, whether the
situation/emergency offers a threat to life.
Specialized rescue techniques and equipment are needed to extricate passengers trap from
vehicles or after an aircraft crash.
A. Hydraulic Rescue Tools
Hydraulic rescue tools are used by emergency rescue personnel to assist vehicle extrication of
crash victims, as well as other from spaces. These tools include cutters, spreaders and rams.
They are popularly referred to in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and Australia as
Jaws of Life, a trademark of Hale Products Inc. Hydraulic rescue tools are powered by a
hydraulic pump, which can be hand-, foot-, or engine-powered, or even built into the tool itself.
These tools may be either single-action, where hydraulic pressure will only move the cylinder in
one direction, and the return to starting position is accomplished using a pressure-relief valve
and spring setup, or dual-acting. in which hydraulic pressure is used to both open and close the
suzzette cylinder.
Previously rescuers often used circular saws for vehicle extrication, but these suffered from
several drawbacks. Saws can generate sparks, which could start a fire, create loud noise, which
could stress the victim, and are often slow cutting.
Alternatively, rescuers could try to pry open the vehicle doors using a crowbar or halligan bar,
but this could compromise the stability of the vehicle, further injure the victims, or
unintentionally activate vehicle airbags.
In comparison. hydraulic spreader-cutters are quieter, faster, and more versatile: they can cut,
open, and even lift a car. The jaws of life derives its name from one of the co-inventors, Jack
Allen Watson. When submitting drawings he would often sign them with his initials J.A.W.
Over time the device came to be known unofficially within Hurst as Jaws, and was later
introduced as the Jaws of life.
The hydraulic spreader was originally developed in 1972 by Tim Smith, who later developed a
cutter and a hydraulic ram. When an occupant is trapped the tool is used to pry or cut the car to
remove the occupant. It takes about two minutes to take the roof off a car.
Cutter

The cutter is a hydraulic tool which is designed

to cut through metal. It is often called a crab
cutter, owing to the shape and configuration of
its blades.
Sometimes specified as to its capacity to cut a
solid circular steel bar, these are most
commonly used to cut through a vehicle's
structure in an extrication operation.
Spreader
A spreader is a hydraulic tool designed
with 2 arms which have a narrow tip.
The tip of the tool can be inserted into
a narrow gap between two vehicle
panels (such as between 2 doors, or
between a door and a fender) when the
tool is operated, the arms are opened,
drawing apart the metal in the panels.
Spreaders are used to "pop" vehicle
doors from their hinges.
 HIGH PRESSURE AIR
SPREADER-CUTTER BAGS

JAWS OF LIFE
POWER UNIT
SPREADER-CUTTERS
Whilst a cutter or spreader tool is designed for a particular application, a combination tool is also
available which combines the cutting and spreading functions of separate tools into a single tool. In
operation, the tips of the spreader-cutter's blades are wedged into a seam or gap for example, around a
vehicle door and the device engaged.
The hydraulic pump, attached to the tool or as a separate unit, powers a piston that pushes the blades
apart with great force and spreads the seam. Once the seam has been spread, the now-open blades can
be repositioned around the metal.
The device is engaged in reverse and the blades close, cutting through metal. Repeating this process
allows a rescuer to quickly open a gap wide enough to pull free a trapped victim. The blades can spread
or cut with a force of several tons or kilonewtons with the tips of the blades spreading up to a meter.
This operation can also be performed by dedicated spreading and cutting tools, which are designed
especially for their own operations and may be required for some rescues.
Power
The tools operate on the basis of hydraulic oil pressure of up to 720 bar, which
must be provided from a power source. At present, there are 3 different means of
generating the pressure. The most commonly used source is a separate power unit,
which is a small petrol engine connected to a hydraulic pump. The oil is pressurized
in the pump, and conveyed in a hose under pressure to the tool.
Alternative power sources are a small electrical pump in the tool powered by a
heavy duty rechargeable battery, and a hand-operated pump also connected to the
tool directly.
These are useful for lighter-duty and do not require the storage space taken up by
the separate power unit and associated lengths of hose.
B. BREATHING APPARATUS

A device that provide the user with an additional supply of air or

breathing protection.
A self contained breathing apparatus or SCBA, sometimes referred
to as Compressed Air Breathing Apparatus (CABA) or simply
Breathing Apparatus (BA) is a device worn by rescue workers,
firefighters and others to provide breathable air in a hostile
environment. When not used underwater, they are sometimes called
industrial breathing sets. The term “self-contained” means that the
breathing set is not dependent on a remote supply (e.g., through a
long hose). if designed for use underwater, it is called SCUBA
(self-contained underwater breathing apparatus)
An SCBA typically has three main components:

1.A high-pressure tank (e.g., 2200 psi to 4500 psi);

2.A pressure regulator;
3.An inhalation connection (mouthpiece, mouth
mask or face mask), connected together and mounted
to a carrying frame.
Two Kinds of SCBA

1.Closed-Circuit
The closed-circuit type filters, supplements, and recirculates gas: It is used when a longer
duration supply of breathing gas is needed, such as in mine rescue and in long tunnels and gong
through passages too narrow for a big open circuit air cylinder.
Before open circuit SCBA’s were developed, most industrial breathing sets were rebreathers,
such as the Siebe Gorman Proto, Siebe Gorban Savox or Siebe Gorman Salvus.
Rebreathers used underwater have the advantage of not releasing tell-tales bubbles, makinng it
more difficult to detect divers involved in covert operations.
2. Open-Circuit
Open-circuit industrial breathing sets are filled with filtered, compressed air, rather than pure
oxygen. Typical open-circuit systems have two regulators; a first stage to reduce the pressure of
air to allow it be carried to the mask, and a second stage regulator to reduce it even further to a
level just above standard atmospheric pressure. This air is then fed to the mask via either a
demand valve (activating only on inhalation) or a continuous positive pressure valve (providing
constant airflow to the mask).
An open-circuit rescue or firefighter SCBA has a full-face mask, regulator, air cylinder, cylinder
pressure gauge. and a harness with adjustable shoulder straps and waist belt which lets it be
worn on the back. The air cylinder usually comes in one of three standard sizes: 30, 45 or 60
minutes. The relative fitness, and especially the level of exertion of the wearer, often results in
variations of the actual usable time that the SCBA can provide air, often reducing the working
time by 25% to 50%.
Parts of Breathing Apparatus:

1. Face piece- An assembly that fits onto the face of the person using the breathing apparatus,
forming a tight seal to the face and transmitting air or oxygen to the user.
Parts of Face Piece:
a)Head harness
b) Flexible tube
c) Exhalation valve
d) Lens
e) Nose cup
f) Speech diaphragm
g) Pressure relief valve
2. Regulator- A device that is used to control the pressure of air coming from the cylinder.
Types:
a)Demand type regulator
b) Positive pressure type
Regulator Parts:
a) Alarm b) High Pressure Hose
-Whistle
-Bell
c) By-Pass Valve d) Gauge

3. Air Cylinder
Parts:
a)Pressure gauge
b) Control valve

4.Back Pack or Sling Pack - Designed to hold the unit securely and comfortably on the wearer.
Overhaul
A and detailed check of the structures and materials involved in the fire to make sure that every spark and ember has
been extinguished and to have an assurance against re-ignition.

Salvage

An action taken by the firefighters in preventing excessive damage by fire, smoke, and water with the use of a salvage
cover or by removing materials out from the burning building.
Hose Appliances and Tools used in Structural
Firefighting Operations

Structural firefighters must be completely familiar with

firefighting operations involving hose layout. A complete hose
layout consists of one end of the hose connected to a water
source and the other end of the hose is connected to the nozzle.
Two Categories of Devices in Hose Layout:

A.Hose Appliances

B. Hose Tools

Hose tools are a variety of tools used in conjunction with hose lines. Hose tools do not have
water flowing through them.
They are a variety of hose tools used in conjunction with
hose lines. Some of the common ones are:

1. Hose rollers
2. Hose jackets
3. Hose clamps
4. Spanner wrenches
5. Hose bridges or ramps
6. Chafing blocks
7. Hose strap, hose rope and hose chain
8. Universal Thread Adapter
Universal Thread Adapter

1. Universal thread adapter is a very useful

tool on any fire vehicle. It can make a very
quick connection to damaged or unusual size
male hose connections. On one side of the
adapter is a standard 2 inch male connections
with National Standard Threads.
Hose Jacket

A hollow cylindrical or barrel-shaped device that opens

lengthwise through the center on a set of hinges. It is a
rubber lined to make it water tight. When the jacket is
clamped around the leaking portion of a hose or over a
leaking hose connection, the water is confined by the
hose jacket. This tool can prevent the disablement of the
entire hose layout. They come in 2½ and 3-inch sizes.
Hose Clamp

A tool used to stop the flow of water in a fire

hose without shutting off the source of water
supply
Uses of Hose Clamp

a)Stop the flow of water through a hose while a hose lay is being completed.

b) Cut-off the flow of water in a charged line.

c) Replaced a busted hose without shutting down the water supply.

d) Extends hose line while shutting down the water supply from the clamped hose..

e) Advances a charge hose line up stairs Apply the hose clamp to a section
of hose approximately six (6) feet from the coupling.
Types of Hose Clamps
a). Screw-down
b). press-down
c). hydraulic down

General Rules in using Hose Clamp:

Apply the hose clamp at least 20 feet from the pumper.
 Apply the hose clamp at least 5 to 6 feet from the coupling on the incoming water
side.
Stand to one side when applying or releasing the hose clamp as the handle has a
tendency to snap open suddenly.
Place the hose in the center of the jaws to avoid pinching the hose.
Close and open the hose clamp slowly to prevent water hammer.
Spanner Wrench and Hydrant Wrenches

a) Spanner wrench is used to tighten b) Hydrant Wrenches are used to open

leaking connections and to loosen and close fire hydrants and to remove
connections that are too tight to "break hydrant outlet caps. Some are designed
with hands alone. Can be used as a to tighten or loosen coupling
wedge for prying. It has a slot for connections. It is usually equipped
pulling nails, and a flat surface for with a pentagon opening in its head
hammering that fits most standard fire hydrant
opening nuts.
Spanner Wrench Hydrant Wrench
a) Adjustable Hydrant Wrench is made up of high strength ductile steel with handle made of
plated alloy steel.

b) Universal Spanner Wrench is an all purpose wrench featuring belt hook eye, gas cock shut-
off, and claws.

c) Folding Pocket Spanner is a compact folding spanner for rocker lug or lug couplings.
Hose Strap

It is a 36 inch length of cloth strap with a

handle on one end and a hook on the
other. It is used for moving hose layouts,
usually up ladders or staircases.
Rope

1. It is a safety line used for hoisting

tools for various floors of a structure
and used for anchoring to stationary
objects, ladders, charged hose lines,
and other accessories (consists of
100-foot lengths of Manila hemp
rope with one eye splice in one end.
Hose Bridge (Hose
Ramp)

1. A hose tool used to prevent

damage to the hose when vehicles
cross a street, or where the traffic
can not be diverted
Chafing Blocks
1. Tools used to prevent damage to the hose where the hose is subjected to rubbing
from vibrations.

Rubber Mallet

A hose tool used to strike the lugs of a coupling to tighten or loosen the coupling
without damaging the lugs. It is used to make a coupling completely airtight
Hose Roller

These are hose tools used to prevent

damage to hose lines when it is
being dragged over sharp objects
such as roof edges and window
sills.
The Hose Appliances

This is any piece of hardware device use in conjunction with the fire hose for the purpose
of delivering water.
Examples of hose appliances are:
1. Valves
2. Valves Devices
3. Fittings
4. Intake Devices
Valves
Valves control the flow of water in a hoselines, hydrants, and at a pumper. These valves include:
1. Ball valves- these are used in pumper discharges and gated wyes or dividing breeching. It is
open when the handle is in line with the hose and closed when it is at right angle to the hose.
2. Gate valves- these are used to control the flow from a hydrant. It has a baffle that is moved by
a handle and screw arrangement.
3. Butterfly valves- these are used on large pump intakes. It uses a flat baffle operated by a
quarter turn handle.
4. Clapper valves- these are used in Siamese or connecting breeching to allow intake or suction
hose to be connected and charged before the addition of more hoses. The clapper is a flat disc
that is hinged on one side and swing in a door-like manner.
Valve Devices
These increase or decrease the number of hose lines, being used during the firefighting
operations. Some of these devices are used in the, Jamaica Fire Brigade. They are:

Types

a) Wye Appliances/Dividing Breeching

These make it desirable to divide one (1) hose stream into two (2) or more hose streams or one
(1) hose line into two (2) or more hose lines. The most common has a 2% (65mm) inlet to two
(2) 1 (38mm) outlets. In this fire service this appliance is called a dividing breeching. The 2 %
(65mm) may also divide one 2% (65mm) hose lines into two 2% (65mm) lines. Wye
appliances are often equipped with gated valves so that the flow of water being fed into the
hose lines each may be controlled independently. The threaded type Wye has the outlets being
male and the inlets female. It consists of two (2) male couplings and one (1) female coupling.
The Snap or Instantaneous Wye appliances or dividing breechings are the ones commonly used in the Jamaica
Fire Brigade. They have all outlets being female and inlets male. It consists of two (2) female couplings and
one (1) male coupling.

b) Siamese Appliance/ Collecting Breeching

These make it desirable to combine two (2) or more hose lines or streams into one (1) hone line or stream. The
typical threaded appliance has two (2) or more female connections coming into the appliance and one (1) male
discharge exiting the appliance. Siamese appliances may or may not have clapper valves.
They are commonly used to overcome the problems caused by friction loss in hose lays that carry a large flow
of water or cover a long distance. It is also used when supplying ladder pipes that are not equipped with a
permanent water supply. Two (2) or three (3) lines are used to supply one (1) line that is actually going up the
ladder.
The Snap or instantaneous Siamese Appliances or collecting breechings have all outlets female and inlets male.
This appliance has two (2) male couplings and one (1) female coupling.
Fittings

These are hardware accessories available used for losing off, change water flow
direction, or to connect hoses of different sizes and thread types.

Intake Devices

These are appliances attached to the drafting end of a suction hose to keep
foreign objects which would pass through the pump.
Lesson 2.2-LADDER OPERATIONS

Ladders are very important during an emergency situation, particularly during fire, when every
second counts towards the success or failure of an operation. Firefighters must know the proper
procedures for carrying, raising, and climbing ladders so thoroughly that their actions will be
governed by habit. Even after every performance or procedures are well-established, constant
practice is necessary in order to achieve the degree of efficiency.

Originally, ladders were made from hard wood, with solid beams. Even in short lengths these
ladders were heavy and hard to handle. As the years passed by, an improved metal ladder made
of lightweight metal alloys were introduced and to date are most commonly used in fire service.
Type of Ladders Ground ladders vary in sizes from 3.1 to
17meters (10-55feet) long. It is being
1. Ground Ladders carried on a pumper or firetrucks.

2 Aerial Ladders This type of ladder that is mounted on a

turntable, capable of extending up to 30,5
meters (100) feet), may have three or four
metal fly sections of ladder that can be
raised or lowered by hydraulically
controlled cables.
Forms of Ground Ladders:
Uses:
1. Wall
1. for rescue
2. Extension Ladder
2. to stretch lines into a fire building
3. Hook Ladder (roof) or straight
3. provide ventilation by giving
ladder
access to ports, scuttles, windows,
4. Attic ladder
roofs, or other. places that are hard
to reach
Straight Ladder

This is a type of ladder that contains only one section. It ranges in length from 12 to 16
feet. The most common size is the 14-foot straight ladder. The roof or hook ladder is a
straight ladder adapted for a special, purpose. Hooks are mounted on a movable socket
that permits them to fold inward when not in use.
Extension Ladder

1. This is consists of a bed and one or more fly ladders. The

fly ladder slides through guides on the upper end of the
bed ladder. It contains locks (pawis or dogs) which hook
over the rungs of the bed ladder. These secure it in a
designated position, dependent upon the desired length
of the ladder. The fly ladder is usually raised by a
halyard fastened to the lower rung and operated over a
pulley on the upper end of bed ladder. The 24, 25, or 36
foot ladders are the types commonly found and carried
on the pumpers or fire trucks.
Attic Ladder

1. It provides means of reaching

through an opening into attics,
lofts, and other areas that are
somewhat difficult to reach
without a special ladder. It can
be folded or collapsed for a
small room or closet works.
They are usually short because
they are required to reach only
a short distance.
 Wall Ladder

This type of ladder best used

in rescue where a ladder in
place is already falls short of
the endangered person. It
allows the user to climb up or
down, one storey at a time
(e.g. scalling or pompier, and
fire escape).
Type of Ladders According to its Beam:

a)Solid beam ground ladder - made of heavy hard wood and/ or

lightweight metal alloys.
b) Trussed beam ground ladder- a lightweight metal alloy easier to
handle and carry.

1.Hydraulic Aerial Ladders

2. Elevating Platform (Articulated boom).
Uses:
Forms of Aerial Ladders provide a source of heavy streams in combating fire;
best used for rescue operations;
used an elevator to lift handlines, handtools and short ladders up to its load
limits;
 used as a reconnaissance platform or a place from which to direct
operations.
Ladder Terminology
1. Bed Ladder-the lowest section of an extension ladder.
2. Fly Ladder- the top section of an extension ladder
3. Butt- the bottom end of a ladder
4. Heel- the part of the ladder that touches the ground
5. Halyard - a rope cor cable used to raise the fly ladder
6. Pawl or Dog- the mechanism located at the end of the fly ladder that locks to the bed ladder
7. Rung- the cross member of a ladder that is used for climbing
8. Top or Tip- it is the top part of a ladder
9. Hooks - part of a ladder that is used to hook over a roof peak, sills, or walls where the heel does not
rest on a foundation (found only on roof-type ladders).
10. Stops- made of metal or wood blocks used to prevent the fly of an extension ladder from extending
out further from the ladder.
11. Guides- light metal strips of an extension ladder that guides the fly ladder while it is being raised
or lowered.
Handling of Ladders:

A. Ladder Safety:
-always wear protective gear including gloves when working with ladders;
-choose the proper ladder for the job;
-use leg muscle when lifting ladders below the waist;
-use the proper number of fire fighters/personnel for each raise;
-make sure that ladders are not raised into electrical wires;
-check ladder for proper angle;
-check the rung locks to be sure that they are seated over the rungs;
-make sure that the ladder is secure at the top of bottom or both before climbing:
-climb smoothly and rhythmically:
-do not overload the ladder;
-always use a leg lock when working from the ladder:
-inspect ladders for damage and wear after each use.
B. Working Rules for Ladder length and Ground Ladder Placement:
-ladder should extend a few feet preferably 5 rungs beyond foot edge for both footing and
handhold for person stepping the ladder;
-for ventilation, ladder is place at the side of a window, windward side;
-for rescue from a window opening, the tip of the ladder should be placed just below the
window sill. If the window opening is wide enough, the ladder may be extended into one side of
the opening, two or three rungs the window sill.
c. Other Ladder Placement guidelines:
-place ladder at least two points on different of the building
-avoid placing ladders over openings such as windows and doors;
-take advantage of strong points in building construction when placing ladder;
- avoid placing ladders where they may come into contact with overhead obstruction such as
wires, tree limbs or signage,
-avoid placing ladders on main paths of travel that fire fighters or evacuees will need to use;
-avoid placing ladders on uneven terrain or on soft spots;
-avoid placing ladders where they may come in contact either on burning surfaces or openings
with flames present;
-avoid placing ladders on top of elevator trapdoors or utility covers;
-do not place ladders against unstable walls or surfaces.
What should you do to secure safety when using extension ladders?
-Place ladders on a firm, level surface and ensure the footing is secure.
-Erect extension ladders so that the upper section rests on (e.g., in front of the bottom section. This means the bottom
section "faces" a wall or other supporting surface (see figures on the succeeding pages).
-Place the ladder feet so that the horizontal distance between the feet and the top support is 1/4 of the working length
of the ladder. The ladder will be leaning at a 75 angle from the ground.
-Raise and lower ladders from the ground. Ensure that locking ladder hooks are secure before climbing
-Erect ladders so that a minimum of 1 m (3 ft) extends above a landing platform. Tie the top at support points.
-Where a ladder cannot be tied off at the top. station a person at the foot to prevent it from slipping. This method is
only effective for ladders up to 5 m (15 ft) long. The person at the foot of the ladder should face the ladder with a hand
on each side rail and with one foot resting on the bottom rung.
-Leave all tie-off devices in place until they must be removed before taking the ladder down. Maintain the minimum
overlap of sections as shown on a ladder label. Refer to safety regulations
Important Factors and Precautionary Measures in Ladder
Raise:

- Fire fighters must need to look overhead for electrical wires or equipment before making final
selection on where to place a ladder or what method to us for raising it.

-A distance of at least 10 ft (3m) from all energized electrical equipment. The distance must be
maintained at all times, including the raising of the ladder.

-In general, metal and fibreglass extension ladders are designed to be used with the FLY OUT
(away from the building) except specified by the ladder manufacturer. Wood extension ladders
are intended to be deployed with the FLY IN (next to the building).
Type of Ladder Carries:

1. One-man carry Remove the ladder from the apparatus and pass either arm through the ladder at the middle
of its length. Carry it with the hooks forward and lowered.

2. Two-man carry - Normally extension ladders from 24 to 36 feet in length require at least two men.. To
remove the ladder from the fire apparatus, place one man near each end. Each man then passes one arm
through the ladder and graspe the second rung forward. Both men must be on the same side.

3. Four-man carry Remove the ladder from the apparatus and place it on the ground with the fly up. Have the
four men take their positions, two near each end, on opposite sides of the ladder. Face the top of the ladder.
Reach down and grasp a rung with the hand nearest it. Raise the ladder on the shoulder.
4. Six-man carry this procedure is the same as the four-man carry except that an additional two men are
placed in the middle on the opposite sides to carry a heavier ladder.
Ladder Raises
1. Ladder raising requires practice and cooperation. Before raising a ladder, you must know
how far you should place the heel of the ladder from the building.
Ways or Methods to Determine the Distance of the Ladder Heel from the
Building:

1.Divide the length of the ladder by 5 and add 2. e.i. if the ladder is fully extended, the heel
should be 9 feet from the building (35/5-7+2-9).
2. Divide the length of the ladder by 4. If you used a fully extended 35-foot
Ladder, divide 35 by 4 and the result is also a distance of approximately 9 feet
Types of Ladder Raises
1. One-man raise
2. Two-man raise
3. Three-man raise
4. Four-man raise

Steps in One-man Ladder Raise:

1.Place the heel of the ladder against the building
2."Walk" the ladder up to the building by using the rungs;
3. Place the ladder against the building.
4. After the ladder is in upright position, lift the ladder off the ground and place it
back to the correct climbing angle;
5. Safety the ladder by placing the ball of either foot. on the bottom rung, then
place hand on the rung.
Steps in Two-man Ladder Raise:

1.Place the ladder close the building. One man. stands at the
bottom rung inside to steady the ladder. The other man is at the
top with one hand on a rung and one hand on the beam;
2.The man on the top "walks the ladder up to the building by
using the rungs of the ladder;
3. Turn the ladder so the extension is in the correct position for
raising. The smaller man in the front; when the ladder is
turned, he is on the inside between the wall and the ladder;
4. Untie the halyard and raise the ladder to the desired height;
5. Tie the halyard on the rung and move the ladder out to the
proper climbing height.
Steps in Three-man Raise:
1. Place the heel of the ladder as close to the building as possible. One
man is at the bottom rung of the ladder closest to the wall. The other two
at the top holding onto the beam;
2. The two men "walk" the ladder up to the building by using the beam
of the ladder;
3. Turn the ladder so the extension is in the correct position for raising:
4. Raise the extension ladder;
5. Tie the halyard on the rung. Bring the ladder out to the correct
climbing angle. Two men safety the ladder.
 Four-Man Raise
The 36-foot extension ladder should not be raised by less then three people. Four men are better.
The four man raise is very similar to the three-man raise; but two men are used at the heel of the
ladder on this raise.

Proper Climbing Angle: Rule of Thumb

Stand with your toes against the butt, with out stretched arms, reach for a rung at about shoulder
level (applicable only for an average fire fighter, on the other hand an exceptionally tall or short
fire fighter might have to make some adjustments) approximately 75 degrees angle of
inclination between the ladder and the ground.
Lesson 2.3 -POST-EXTINGUISHMENT
PROCEDURES
Involved in this discussion are the salvage and overhaul operations, structural stability, the
preservation of evidence, and building clean up. These are fire fighting responsibilities that are
carried out after a fire is apparently extinguished.

Salvage and Overhaul Operations

Salvage work in fire fighting in preventing excessive damage caused by fire, amoke, and water.
Keeping a fire loss at a minimum requires a knowledge of salvage operations and the ability to
improvise or "make do as the need arises.
Two (2) Ways of Performing Salvage:

1. Remove the material outside the building involved in a fire or to an area that is not involved
in the fire. This method is used when there is sufficient time and when there is enough
manpower to carry out the job, or when there is only a small amount of material to be carried
outside or to protect

2. Protect the material where it stands. This method is used when the size or the quantity of the
contents of the building dictates.
Factors Involve in Salvage Work:
a) The amount of salvage equipment available;
b) The personnel available;
c) The type and amount of material involved; and
d) The method of storage

Smoke and heat cause damage, but there in something else that can do more damage than the
smoke, the heat, and the fire. This is water!

Most of the damage from water is usually happened to material/s in storage, and results from
poor storage practices over which fire fighters have no control during the fire. However,
frequent inspections by the fire department can uncover such discrepancies beforehand.
Correcting of these will help control the damage if a fire does occur.
Some of the discrepancies are the following:
1.Material stored directly on the floor, where it soaks up water, instead of on pallets and skids:
2.Items stored in containers that weakens when wet:
3.Items en shelves or in bins arranged improperly against the walls, allowing the water to run
onto and into the stored material or materials.

Methods Used to Minimize Water Damage

1. Sawdust
2. Salvage Covers - these are tarpaulins, known as "tarp: They are made of cotton canvas
material treated with a waterproofing compound.
Two Sizes of Standard Salvage Covers
1.Small (12 by 14 feet, Accordion Fold)
2.2. Large (12 by 18 feet)
Methods used for Cover:
"One-man throw technique a quick way to spread the small salvage cover in protecting
materials/items.
The "counter payoff" method used for spreading the cover by two men

Steps to Fold the Large Salvage Cover:

Two persons position themselves at the corners of one of the longest sides;
Both fold the cover double at the same time;
Then redouble the fold again;
Bring the two ends together; and
Fold it again
Overhaul

This operation involves a complete and detailed check of the structures and materials involved
in the fire to make sure that every spark and ember has been extinguished and there is no
possibility of re-ignition.

Structural Stability
Before the search for hidden fires, the condition of the building in the area to be searched should
be known. The intensity of the fire during the burning and the amount of water used in its
control are the most important factors that affect the condition of the building.
Preserving Evidence and Building Cleanup

Fires of intentional origin can be caused, responded to and extinguished without anyone
noticing, reporting or investigating Fire Department personnel must be able to recognize the
evidence that is sometimes quite pronounced during and immediately after the fires. Arson is a
peculiar crime because there are usually no complaining witnesses to it.

Arson is sometimes a result of careful planning and considerable preparation and sometimes it
is committed on the spur of the moment. Since fire fighters are not Law Enforcement officers,
trained Arson investigators are summoned to investigate suspected individuals and conditions.
But fire fighters are responsible for recognizing and preserving evidence of arson. Without this
evidence, a trained investigator is always seriously handicapped. Fire fighters can become
proficient in recognizing and preserving evidence of arson and can recognize the evidence
sequence that will benefit the investigators when he arrives.
Steps in Preserving Evidence:

1. Protecting and Preserving Evidence

2. Guarding Evidence
3. Identifying and Removing Evidence
Protecting and Preserving Evidence:

1. Keep the evidence where you found it, untouched and undisturbed, if at all possible.
2. When you discover that you cannot leave at the fire scene, properly identify and safeguard it.
Make no changes of any kind in the evidence other than what is absolutely necessary in the
extinguishment of the fire;
3. Photograph the evidence immediately. One precautionary to be taken by all fire fighters
during the fire fighting operation is to avoid trampling over possible arson evidence and
obliterating it. Be careful in the use of water Ito avoid similar unsatisfactory results.
Guarding Evidence (Ways to Protect Evidence Remaining at the Fire Scene:

1. Cordon or rope the area containing the evidence, or pile goods and materials of various kinds
around the evidence to keep people away until the arrival of the investigators.
2. Post guards to prevent tampering with the evidence or handling it needlessly. Leave plenty of
room around the evidence to protect it exactly as found.

Methods or Ways Investigator/s to protect Human Foot prints:

a) measure footprints;
b) compare the prints;
c) estimate the length of stride and the position of the feet;
d) peculiarities in the gait (walk or run) of a suspect,
e) secure identifying marks on the soles and heels of the shoes;
f) placed box over prints to prevent dust from blowing over clear prints;
g) keep them from in good condition for photographs and plaster casts.
Identifying and Removing Evidence: Steps/Procedures

1.Collected evidence should be properly identified, and preserved in clean containers

2.Make a careful notation of the date, time, and the place where the evidence found
3.Initials of the person (investigators/persons who collected the evidence) on cans, bottles, and other articles
should be noted.
4. Keep a record of witnesses and of each person who has had or will have responsibility for the care and
preservation of the evidence
5. Protect partly burned paper and ash between layers of plastic or between pieces of window glass for the
investigator and for transportation to a laboratory:
6. Preserve letters, documents, and bills to assist in establishing a person's financial status which might be a
motive for arson,
7. Place wood suspected of containing paraffin or oil in a clear container and seal it until a chemical analysis
will be conducted;
8. Pack objects such as charred candlewick and burned matches in a bottle containing cotton to prevent
breaking the evidence by jarring and handling:
9. Store samples of materials such as cotton wood rayon, felt, and other fabrics, in a clean, large-mouthed
bottles, seal tightly and mark properly:
10.Volatile liquids, oil samples, oil-soaked rags, waste and the like should be kept in tin cans and seal them.
Firefighters who discover evidence of arson should. be able to identify it later. When such
material has been properly marked, it is then ready to be turned over to the proper authorities.

Building Cleanup:
After a fire is extinguished, water and debris will remain. It is the responsibility of the fire
protection personnel to remove them. Scoop up non salvageable materials, such as plaster, rags
paper, and the like, into a carrier, carry them out of the building, and pile them in a conspicuous
place for future examination. After most of the debris has been removed, mop up the excess on
the floors or use squeegee. If the floor is wood, it is a good policy to take up the excess moisture
by covering the floor with sawdust for a while and then clean it off. Do not leave damp sawdust
on the floor longer than is absolutely necessary, for it can damage the floor. The equipment used
in removing water and debris includes mops, brooms, squeegees, rags, rakes, shovels, and
scoops.
Lesson 2.4 BUILDING CODE &
REQUIREMENTS
Building Code- A standard rules for safety in the construction of buildings. Building codes vary
in their fire-resistance requirements in accordance with the occupancy classification.

BUILDING CODE REQUIREMENTS:

1. Intended Occupancy and Use
2. Life Safety
3. Fixed Fire Protection System
4. Spacing of Structures
5. Height Requirements
6. Fire Retarding Features
Intended Occupancy and Use

A building design is based upon the occupancy of the individual structure, considering both the
combustibility of the contents and the human factors of occupancy. Buildings wherein large
occupants are assembled such as dormitories, schools, hospitals, where crowds may generate
panic hazards, call for a higher and greater degree of fire safety protection than do warehouses
and building which are less populated. Buildings that contain high combustible materials call
for a greater degree of fire resistance in the structure.
Life Safety

The provision of adequate exits is the most important feature in designing a building for life
safety. Once fire is notified, occupants can leave the building in the least possible time through
exits free from fire, heat, and smoke.
Although panic in a burning building may be uncontrollable, it can be eased with the measures
designed to help prevent panic-an example of this is the exit signs. Panic seldom develops in a
burning building as long as the occupants are moving towards exits that have no obstructions in
the path of travel.
The life safety factor is affected by many building designs and features-designs and features that
prevent, reduce, or retard the spread of the fire such as: fire stops, fire walls, and fire doors.
Fixed Fire Protection System

Fixed fire protection system installed will be in accordance with sound economical and
engineering practices. These systems insure the maximum life safety-or maximum degree of
property protection where the size, type of construction, occupancy, or other conditions create
severe monetary fire-less potential.

Spacing of Structures

Planning and construction of an adequate separation of buildings and structures is very

important to prevent the spread of fire from an adjacent building or from area to aren. Spacing
requirements that restrict types of occupancies or specified areas have an important bearing
upon fire safety. Consideration will be given to convenience, efficiency, and savings. When
buildings have different occupancies and different types of construction are adjacent, maximum
spacing requirements have to be observed.
 Height Requirements

Owing to the life hazard involved, it is a good practice to limit the height of structures that have
an unusually high degree of combustibility.

The height of buildings of masonry or concrete wall and wood construction is generally limited
to a height assumed to be the maximum at which the fire departments can operate and fight fire
effectively, working from the street level. The operational limit is usually three (3) or four (4)
stories. Wood frame construction is generally given lower height limits. Fire resistive buildings
are commonly permitted without any height limit, on the theory that the structural integrity of
the buildings will be maintained.
Fire Retarding Features

While a facility is still being designed, everything possible should be planned and done to make
the facility eventually fire safe. Fire retarding features must be specified in the plans For the
safety of personnel, important provisions in preventing the spread of fire (both vertically and
horizontally in buildings should be constructed)

A. Fire Stops Wood is used as a fire stop, it must be at least 2 inches thick. Concealed spaces in
the building should be filled with non-combustible material. Fire stops must be inspected during
the construction

B. Fire Partitions Fire partitions are installed to separate areas of hazardous occupancies from
areas of ordinary or light hazard occupancies that resist the passage of fire from one area to
another. Fire partitions must be constructed to have fire resistance ratings of 1 or 2 hours. The
degree of fire resistance will be governed by the following factors:
Type of building construction;
size of the hazardous area;
the severity of the fire hazard

c. Fire Walls- Fire walls are installed for the purpose of preventing the passage of fire from one building to
another, or from one fire area of a building to another area. Fire wall must be structurally sound and may serve
as an important wall if no combustible structural members are framed into the walls. It has a particular fire
resistance rating depending on its construction and thickness,

Fire walls must have a parapet with a minimum height of three (3) feet above the roof for all types of roof
construction except roofs top floor assemblies with a minimum fire-resistance rating of two (2) hours. Wing
walls are required except where exterior walls of building are of concrete or made up of masonry construction.
Fire walls will be bonded into exterior walls.

Combustible cave construction should be interrupted by fire wall parapets corbelled out two (2) feet beyond the
building wall. Fire wall returns at exterior building walls will be twenty (20) feet long of unbroken exterior
concrete or masonry without windows, doors, or other openings, and without combustible cornices or roof
overhangs.
MISCELLANEOUS HAZARDS

The following are some of the hazards that can be found everywhere:
1.Sparks- Live sparks from chimneys, refuse burners, stacks, and other similar sources must be
given priority consideration. During periods of low humidity and high wind velocity, special
attention or precautions must be taken in those areas where fire risk is possible or not negligible.
2.Mechanical Devices- Engines of any type, or other machines in which friction is created, are
possible sources of fire. An overheated bearing of an engine or machine is one good example..
Elimination of lint and dust from the surroundings of the moving mechanical device, an all
excessive flammable lubricants should be cleaned or remove promptly to avoid possible
combustion created from friction. Grinding wheels and other spark-producing equipment are a
frequent cause of fires and should not be allowed in areas which might contain highly
flammable gas or vapors. Neither should flammable material of any type be left in an area
where sparks may fall upon them.
3.Acids and other Chemicals- All kinds of strong acids, such as citric, sulfuric, and
hydrochloric, although they are not themselves flammable or supporters of combustion.

The chief hazard of these acids is the possibility of their leaking or spilling from their
containers. Fire or explosion is possible if they are come in contact with other acids.
-Heat may cause nitric and hydrochloric acids to expand and burst their containers. Strong acids
should be stored in a cool compartment unexposed to the hot sun and free from all flammable
materials. Nitric Acids is capable of igniting some flammable materials. Sulfur melts and flows
while: burning. It should be stored away from heat and other chemicals. Handling of sulfur
creates sulfur dust, which is subject to explosions. Phosphorous, which ignites spontaneously
upon contact with air, is poisonous and is a serious fire and personnel hazard, it should be kept
under water in a tin in complete isolation from other chemicals. Care should be taken to prevent
mechanical injury to the container.
 Chlorine- a heavy, greenish, poisonous gas, given off by many manufacturing processes. Is not
flammable itself but may cause fire or explosion when in contact with ammonia, turpentine, or,
finely powdered metals. Ventilation is of paramount importance.
-Chlorates, nitrates, and peroxides are all hazards because they emit large quantities of oxygen
when heated. Some of them may be detonated or explode when in contact with materials such
as: starch, sugar, dust, organic matter, and sulfur compounds. Many peroxides may ignite
nearby flammables when exposed to moisture.

4. Coal-Tar Derivatives- Coal-tar derivatives in both crude and refined forms are being used
quite extensively. Dyes, medicines, explosives are manufactured from these coal-tar products.
Since coal-tar derivatives hazardous, many and are fires and explosions have been caused by
carelessness. The preparation handling and storage of these materials require the same
precautionary methods and do gasoline, benzene, and similar flammable liquids.
5. Effects of the Sun- The sun is frequently responsible for fires, though it usually assisted by
manmade implement. A forest fires have been known to start from discarded bottles or other
fragments of glass left by careless campers. The sun rays, shining through a piece of glass
which may be ideally curved and placed as to act as a lens, are concentrated so as to ignite a
piece of paper. Similarly, curtains can be ignited by a window pane containing a bubble or some
other irregularity.
Fire may also result from the sun's shining through such things as laboratory flasks, fish bowls,
water bottles, and concave mirrors (which reflects heat.).
The sun also contributes to spontaneous heating. thus aiding ignition. The possibility that the
sun will start a fire is somewhat remote. However, when we consider the numerous conditions
which may create these so called freak fires and the fact that any of them may completely
destroy a building, we realize that these possibilities given careful consideration.
Lesson 2.5-PRE-FIRE PLAN

It is process of an advanced and organized planning of possible fire fighting operations in a

particular building or groups of buildings.

Fire departments are organized to protect lives and property from fire within the areas they
service. Common sense dictates that fire fighters particularly the senior fire officer should have
to analyse the problems encountered intelligently to perform an efficient and effective job. Fire
defences should be organized to prevent as many fires as possible from occurring, while at the
same time be prepared to combat, in an organized way, those that cannot be prevented.
PURPOSE AND REQUIREMENTS FOR PRE-
FIRE PLANS

Plans are prepared to explain procedures and geographically important information required
during fire suppression operations.
Building pre-fire plans are carried on the assistant fire chief's vehicle and each first run pumper
or fire engine.

Aircraft pre-fire plans are carried on each fire chief's and assistant fire chief's vehicle. Copies of
each pre-fire plan (building and aircraft) are maintained in the fire alarm communications
center.

The first thing to be considered in any pre-fire planning is the specific risk that might be
involved for each physical situation. Such as:
-The streets, roads, and alleys between the fire station and the scene of the fire;

-Location of the water supply and the volume and pressure available;

-Exposure is also be given consideration.

Factors to be Considered in Pre-fire Planning:

-To recognize the specific problems involved
when a fire occurs in a given building.

-The questions of availability of equipment;

-The availability of manpower

 BASIC INFORMATION CONTAINED IN PRE-FIRE PLAN

Data on life hazards in each building, including where people sleep, the location of doors, windows,
stairways, and fire escapes: an outline of the most logical means of rescue.
Information on interior and exterior exposures and how best to protect them, high value storage, the
placement of fire streams, and similar factors. Distances involved should be indicated.
Consideration of special building or facility hazards such as the location of flammable stores, hazardous
operations, and the area most likely to be the origin of fire.
The location of hydrants or other water sources, indicating the amount of water available and the pressure;
also the necessary lengths of ladders and their proper placement to reach the required areas.
The best approaches to the buildings, apparatus that will respond, most advantageous hose-laying procedures,
and placement of streams.
The cutting-off of utilities, including electric power and gas supply, indicating how and by whom it is to be
done.
The effect of seasonal changes on the accessibility to a building and the response time. Installed fire
protection or detection system, including locations and procedures for connecting pumpers to installed
extinguishing systems.
TYPES OF PRE-FIRE PLANNING

Aircraft Pre-fire Planning

There are few areas in fire protection that demand more effort that the aircraft pre-fire planning.
However, the formulation of plans for this particular fire protection is very complex and
involved. Aircraft pre-fire planning is not that simple. Aircraft incident planning is possibly
even more important, because of the vast number of possibilities and complex situations.
Factors to be Considered in Pre-fire Planning:

1. Location
2. Mission
3. Climate
4. Terrain

Factors Common to Most Crash Situations:

1.Aircraft
2. Equipment
3. Personnel
Aircraft -
Hours of planning may save only a second or two in reaching the scene of the crash. Weeks of
planning may save only a minute in controlling a blaze or removing a victim, but in fire
protection, time is precious! A split second may save a life.

Knowledge of the aircraft may enable a firefighter to save time, thus protecting the most
important thing-HUMAN Life.
Factors to Consider in Aircraft Pre-fire Plans

1.What type of aircraft?

The plans must include each type of mission assigned aircraft.

2.How many people are on each aircraft?

The safety of each individual on the aircraft is the first concern; therefore formulate the plans:
around the number of people to be rescued.

Vital information, such as the number of people actually on board each aircraft, is of concern for
normal flights as well as during emergencies. Each members of the fire protection squad should
also know how many occupants each type of aircraft will accommodate, to anticipate his role in
rescue operations.
3.What is the proper fire fighting and rescue procedure for each type of aircraft?
One of the best sources of fire fighting and rescue procedure is the aircraft itself and directives
which will provide the characteristics of and information about a particular aircraft that must be
included in the prefire plans.

4.How much fuel is the aircraft carrying?

This type of information may save lives and properties and huge sum of money.

5.When and where is the aircraft most likely to experience difficulty?

Each members of the responding crews knows the weaknesses of each type of aircraft, and to
anticipate the most likely time and place of an emergency.
6. What kind of Emergency is the Aircraft experiencing?
The type of emergency will determine where to best locate crash equipment to be used.

7. Is the Aircraft carrying weapons?

It is important that the senior firefighter and crew members should understand the type and
character of weapons that aircraft carry. Each member should be well-versed in the emergency
procedures for the many different types of weapons and their locations on the aircraft.
Equipment- Select a predetermined location for each piece of equipment, including rescue and
re supply vehicles. Careful planning for all possible situations and choosing the most favorable
for the equipment when an actual crash occurs. Consider the uses of other emergency equipment
on the installation and in the area.. Plan the location and application of emergency and keep
other emergency organizations informed.

Personnel - The final area of consideration in aircraft pre-fire planning is the use of personnel.
The use of manpower and equipment go hand in hand, but each must be considered separately
to be successful. A master recall file should be established and used for all recall operations. In
an aircraft pre-fire planning, as in other types of emergency plans, consider the resources
available under the provisions of mutual aid.
Pre-disaster Planning

Training and evaluating fire protection personnel in utmost important. In addition, it is the
responsibility of the supervisor the safety and well-being of subordinate personnel. Moreover,
fire protection personnel may be needed tom aid neighboring communities. Unexpected acts of
nature, such as: earthquakes, typhoons, and floods, may place an unusual demands on the
equipment and personnel. The fire department must ready to offer assistance when and where it
can.
Classification of Disasters

1. Domestic Disasters This type of disaster includes all emergencies which the general public
and civil emergency crews can handle. It is not feasible to attempt to formulate a concise pre
disaster plan for each type of domestic disaster because of the many variables involved.
However, consideration should be given to factors that are likely to be involved ir each type of
domestic disaster.
Types of Domestic Disaster:
a. Explosions involving large areas
b. Floods
c. Earthquakes
d. Hurricanes/Typhoons
e. Tornadoes
These domestic disaster pre-plans may well be the most difficult plans to develop
In addition, the assistance required in major disasters, the fire department may be called on to
assist in other domestic emergencies such as the following:
a. Drowning
b. Heart attacks
c. Household accidents
d. Transportation accidents

The fire department is only one of the many organizations that are involved in these emergency
procedures. Two of others are the Medical authorities and the Police. The best pre-disaster plans
can be developed only when the Military and Fire Department, Police departments, Medical
authorities coordinate and prepare one Master Plan.
2.Military Disasters - All Military Installations. must be considered as possible targets, because
the enemy knows that all installations can assist in retaliation. It is also reasonable to predict
that highly concentrated areas of industry, population, and military installations will be likely
targets. Some areas and installations are considered prime targets areas, while others are less
important.

Fire Department Responsibilities in times of Disaster

a.To survive and help others to survive
b. To do everything possible to restore normal functions and operations;
c. To furnish aid and support to neighboring communities and installations.
Natural Cover Fire Pre-fire Planning

Natural cover fires or forest fire, like each of the other types of fires, present some unusual
problems to the fire-fighter. The huge and tremendous areas involved and the number of men
needed to combat this type of fire makes it impossible to develop completely an adequate pre-
fire plans. Limited water supplies require specialized tactics and equipment.

Handtools and Manpower rather than motorized vehicles are the backbone of natural cover
firefighting.

Size-Up- The most important consideration in fighting a natural cover fire is to choose the
proper point from which to begin the attack. The selection of this starting point must not be
made haphazardly; it must be based upon a careful analysis of the present and future conditions
of the fire as determined by fuel conditions, weather conditions, and terrain.
Steps in the Size-up of a Natural Cover Fire

1.Determine the size of the fire;

2. Check the wind direction;
3. Find out what kind of fuel the fire is burning and toward what kind of fuel it is headed;
4. See if there are any natural barriers nearby to help stop the are. Such as:
a. streams
b. roads
c. flowed fields
d. burned-out areas.
5.Locate the hotspots, where the fire is burning most intensely, and estimate when and where it
may jump or throw sparks into a new supply of fuel;
6. Set-up personnel evacuation procedures.
Attack- The aim of the initial attack is to stop the spread of the fire as quickly as possible. If
there are numerous spot fires ahead of the main blaze which may "take off, they will need the
first attention. Otherwise, as a general rule, the attack should begin at the point or points where
the fire is spreading or will spread most rapidly under sever conditions. Such points where
should be found on the side of a hill adjacent to accumulations of highly flammable fuel, on the
uphill side of the fire on a steep slope, or on the side of the fire which is being or will be driven
by the prevailing wind.

Attacking a fire directly at its head is possible only when the fire is not advancing rapidly, and
when a large of men are available. Working directly in front of a advancing fire is hazardous,
and there is always the possibility that the fire may outflank the control lines.
NATURAL COVER FIRES

Natural cover fires involve grass, weeds, grain brush, forest, or any other plant life. Forest fires
are the most dangerous of all natural cover fires from the standpoint of a national problem. It
involve more than immediate monetary loss; this is insignificant compared with the effect on
the future water supply and timber supply with the loss of hunting, fishing, and recreational
facilities.
Forest fires are also of great concern to fire protection personnel in that such fires frequently
involve farms, villages, and uptowns. This is the reason; fire protection organizations are called
upon to handle both structural and natural cover fires
The great majority of natural cover fires are caused by man, as the result of his carelessness.
The natural elements, such as: lightning, the sun, and the wind, are responsible for the
insignificant remainder
Careless hunters, campers, fishermen and frequently, local resistents account more fires than
any other causes.
Other causes of forest fires include transportation vehicles or locomotives, burning of rubbish,
lumber operations, and arsons.
The most effective means of combating these fires should be initiated before it actually occurs is
through the use of medium or factors, such as:
1. Law Enforcement
2. Restrictions
3. Education
4. Complete elimination of hazards in Critical Areas
Prompt discovery of Natural Cover fires is essential in achieving quick control and limiting
damage. In areas where efficient detection, control, and extinguishments. organizations are
present, fires rarely get out of control and damaged in kept to a minimum.

An adequate system of trails and roads, properly distributed, built, and maintained through the
area, is of utmost importance in making the fire area reasonably accessible to firefighting forces
and equipment
Roads of proper width are also invaluable as firebreaks that prevent the spread of fire beyond a
limited area. In many instances, it is deemed necessary to clear for permanent firebreaks.
For forest-fire extinguishment by aircraft, the "water-bomb" and other airborne devices are now
being used with great effectiveness.

Training and organization are essential to suppress forest fires successfully.

Under extensive emergency conditions, it is frequently necessary to use all able bodied personnel
within an area. At such time, it is of utmost importance to have well-trained men available to organize
and supervise untrained force. The complete and extensive training of fireguards and lookout men is
paramount.

The equipment used must be Adequate and suited to the immediate environment. This implies that
large vehicles will not be used where roads are narrow and where there are small bridges with a
limited capacity. Areas where the water supply from ponds, lakes, small streams is plentiful might
advantageously use several portable pumping units, but these units would be useless where water is
scarce. In some areas, water can equipped with a hand
pump are carried on the backs of personnel.

Natural cover fires are capable of moving rapidly. especially when the wind velocity is high. The
perimeter, or fireline, is the hottest part of the fire. The interior of the fire is a smoldering mass, with
comparatively few flames and with many glowing embers or sparks. Natural cover fires are best
controlled along the fireline.
TYPES OF NATURAL COVER FIRES

Natural cover fires are divided into four distinct types. Each of
these types of fires is subject to variation in speed of fire
propagation; size, type,, and quantity of fuel involved; and the
procedures required for extinguishments.

1. Ground fires ("undergrowth" or "duff" fires) - Ground fires

travel at ground level or below the surface. Dry leaves, humus,
peat, and other organic materials that have become part of the
soil.
2. Surface fires- Surface fires burn over grass, weeds, grain, brush, and shrubs.
This type of fire travels rapidly if the wind is high and when the fuel is
abundant. The heat is intense but short lived because of the quick-burning
characteristics of the fuels.

3. Crown fires - Crown fires are in the tops of trees and in high brush. When
the heat generated by flash fuels at the surface is intense, the fire advances
upward on the dried lower limb of trees and continues to burn in the treetops.
This condition occurs mostly in dense forests and then only on steep slopes, in
draws and canyons, or during high winds. A crown fire is the most feared of
all natural cover fires. The enormous flame area draws the air for hundred of
yards from the fireline; this in turn, generates such heat that direct control is
impossible. Indirect methods, such as firebreaks (either natural or man-made)
and backfiring, are the best means of controlling large crown fires.
4. Spot fires - Spot fires are started in advance of the heads
by windblown sparks or bits of burning material. They are
capable of creating a very dangerous situation. A number
of spot fires may merge and create a new head in advance
of the main fire.
Men and equipment may be trapped between these fires,
and large losses may result. A well organized patrol must
be constantly on the alert to locate spot fires and get them
under control before extensive damage results.
PARTS OF NATURAL COVER FIRE

The HEAD is the point where the fireline is progressing faster. A natural cover fire may have number
of heads, defending on the type, abundance, and location of the fuel. Fire heads generally travel with
the wind; the stronger the wind, the greater the speed of the fire. Because of frequent directional
changes of the wind, varying types and quantities of fuel, and topographic conditions, natural cover
fires have irregular perimeters, making control difficult and often dangerous.
The windward or upward portion of the fire is called the tail. Usually the tail is in or near the general
vicinity of the origin of the fire. All portions of the fire line between the tail and the various heads and
those. slower burning areas between the heads are called the flanks.
The rate of burning of this type of fire depends primarily on the velocity of the wind, type and
abundance of fuel, and the general topographic conditions. The head of the fire travels at a rate
proportional to the wind velocity. Wind carries additional oxygen to the fire and increases the rate of
burning. The hot air rising from the fire causes a partial vacuum.
The HEAD is the point where the fireline is progressing faster. A natural cover fire may have
number of heads, defending on the type, abundance, and location of the fuel. Fire heads
generally travel with the wind; the stronger the wind, the greater the speed of the fire. Because
of frequent directional changes of the wind, varying types and quantities of fuel, and
topographic conditions, natural cover fires have irregular perimeters, making control difficult
and often dangerous.
The windward or upward portion of the fire is called the tail. Usually the tail is in or near the
general vicinity of the origin of the fire. All portions of the fire line between the tail and the
various heads and those. slower burning areas between the heads are called the flanks.
The rate of burning of this type of fire depends primarily on the velocity of the wind, type and
abundance of fuel, and the general topographic conditions. The head of the fire travels at a rate
proportional to the wind velocity. Wind carries additional oxygen to the fire and increases the
rate of burning. The hot air rising from the fire causes a partial vacuum.
 What to do in combating this type of fire?
1. Never attempt to control a running fire from
the uphill direction;
2. Men or equipment should never approach the
head of a fire from, when the approach
necessitates travel in a draw, valley, or canyons.
The correct point to begin control is at the tail on
Natural Cover Fire the upward side to the fire line, or at the head of
the fire when it reach a crest and starts its slower,
downhill burning.
Methods for Controlling and Extinguishing Various Types
of Natural Cover Fires

1. Sectional Method - The sectional method consists of placing a unit on a specific section of
the fire line. Its mission is to stop the progress of the fire, extinguishing it at the fire line, and
execute mop-up patrol work. The unit has the full responsibility for that section of the fire. line.
This method is best used against a slow-moving fire.

2. One-Lick Method- It is the fastest and easiest method to use on a running fire. A firefighting
team is placed at the location designated as the fire line and ordered to work in a specific
direction.
From one to several individuals of a team knock down the hottest portions of the fire with
backpack pumps, when water is available, and proceed along on the flank.

Behind the initial, unit, individuals pass trough with axes and mattocks, each person taking one
lick with his specific tool at the obstacle that most impedes the progress of the group in
constructing a firebreak.

Methods of Natural Cover Fire Control

1. Direct Method of Control- This method is very effective against natural cover fires but can be
used only on moderately hot fires. Either the sectional or the one-lick attack may be used.
2. Indirect Method of Control - This natural cover fire control method entails the use of
firebreaks or barriers. Natural fire barriers consist of lakes, rivers, creeks, deserts, or bare rock
formation.
These barriers will stop a natural cover fire if they are wide enough to prevent the spread of spot
fires. Natural barriers may be augmented by artificial firebreaks.

Firebreaks- Artificial firebreaks are consist of roads, highways, survey lines, or cleared areas.
Specific lines may be cut to prevent the progress of fires that may break out in the future.
Firebreaks must be at least twice as wide as the height of the surrounding natural cover types..
These breaks should be cleared to conform as nearly possible with the ridge lines and to connect
natural barriers. Firebreaks must be cleared of brush and grass to keep fire from travelling
through these flash fuels. Most permanent firebreaks include small trails built in conjunction
with the breaks.
Backfires-Backfires are employed to burn back toward the advancing
heads, thus creating a fast break and stopping the fire because of a
lack of fuel. Backfires are normally used where suitable network of
firebreaks already exists. Backfiring should not be attempted except
on orders of an officer who is fully aware of the existing conditions.
Improper backfiring causes loss of control of the fire and may trap
personnel working on the line. Great damage and loss of life and
equipment may result when backfires are improperly executed.

The whereabouts of all personnel and equipment must be known

before backfiring is started. Before backfire is lighted, sufficient
personnel and equipment must be in the area and ready for use to
control the resultant fire. Wind directions and velocity must be
considered in conjunction with either natural and/or artificial
firebreaks.
THATS ALL!!
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