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11-01-2009 Fire/Rescue Newsletter |
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Fire Rescue Newsletter - November '09
Flashover is a dangerous fire behavior phenomenon that is responsible for many firefighter deaths. Flashovers are more common today than they were some 30 years ago so it’s very important to take proper precautions. Fortunately, there are some telling signs that can warn you that a flashover is imminent.
The flashover occurs when extreme heat ignites unburned gasses, so if there is a growth-stage fire elsewhere in a structure that hasn’t been addressed, it will continue to generate these unburned gasses that can cause a flashover; knowing that one of these fires exists can give you an indicator of the level of flashover risk you’re facing. Another way to know that a flashover may be incoming is extreme heat, especially if it increases suddenly. The last warning sign that you may (or may not) experience before a flashover is a rollover, a fire behavior in which the fire gasses in the upper ceiling ignite.
Beyond being prepared and recognizing when a flashover may be approaching, there are other precautions you can take to keep yourself safe. Beyond staying aware of the fire itself, staying aware of your surroundings is critical – knowing where your exits are, and where other crews are operating can be a great aid.
Your Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is extremely important and it is imperative that it is worn properly and in full. Any exposed skin can lead to serious burns or worse. The conventional wisdom of “staying low” still applies as well – despite the fact that PPE allows firefighters greater access doesn’t mean they should be exposed when they don’t have to be.
Worst comes to worst, if you do experience a flashover, be prepared to fight it. Turn the nozzle to full fog if possible, get low and spray up. A lot of steam will be generated and it will become difficult to see, but it will lower the temperature of the fog gasses and buy you some time.
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