Why do they cut a hole in the roof during a fire?

When a hole is made in the roof, and the building is “vented,” the smoke and gases escape because heat and smoke rise. It increases the victim's chance for survival and makes it much easier for the firefighters in the building to see.

What does venting a roof during a fire do?

When a hole is made in the roof, the smoke and gases escape. Venting the roof makes it easier for firefighters to see and find the source of the fire, and it also reduces the possibilities of backdraft and flashover. Another reason for venting the roof is to see how far the fire has progressed.

How do firefighters ventilate a roof?

Vertical ventilation is the removal of super-heated toxic gases and smoke by allowing it to take its natural traveling path – UP! Fire companies make this possible by accessing the roof with a ladder, saws and other tools, and making an opening on the roof's exterior, then punching the ceiling out with another tool.

Why do they wait to put water on a fire?

Water cools and smothers the fire at the same time. It cools it so much that it can't burn anymore, and it smothers it so that it can't make any more of the oxygen in the air explode. You can also put out a fire by smothering it with dirt, sand, or any other covering that cuts the fire off from its oxygen source.

Why should firefighters not enter the void area in a rain roof to cut a hole in the original roof for ventilation?

Firefighters should not enter the void area to cut a hole in the original roof because they can: Become trapped in the void. Be overcome by the heat and smoke trapped in the void. Fall through a weakened original roof.

Firefighter Training - Why we cut holes in roofs

Why should you not break windows during a fire?

DON'T BREAK THE WINDOWS

Fire-related deaths are typically caused by smoke inhalation rather than the heat of the fire itself. With that being said, breaking windows during a fire allows the fire to gain more access to oxygen, helping the fire grow, and decreasing your ability to escape.

Why do firefighters smash windows?

Dangerous superheated gases need to be vented to allow firefighters to safely and quickly rescue trapped occupants and extinguish the fire. Venting the window (horizontal ventilation) of a room that is on fire, actually helps to contain the fire within that room of origin.

What fire don't you put water on?

Never use water to extinguish flammable liquid fires.

Water is extremely ineffective at extinguishing this type of fire, and you may, in fact, spread the fire if you try to use water on it.

Why do firefighters get people out before putting the fire out?

Water turns to steam if you get wet in a fire. You can't wet a civilian who might get wet inside a burning house. Plus if others are inside you need to get them out.

Why is ocean water not used to put out fires?

“Seawater puts out fire just as well as fresh water, and although seawater is tougher on pump equipment than fresh water, proper maintenance and flushing of the systems would limit their corrosive properties on our pumps,” Capt.

What happens if a roof has no ventilation?

They say that poor or non-existent ventilation might cause attic temperatures to rise to 150 degrees or higher in the summer. That can lead to damaged shingles and other roofing materials as well as a buildup of condensation and development of mildew and mold.

How do I fire proof my roof?

Can fire travel through vents?

Uncovered vents can allow hot ash and embers in. All vents should have a damper or screens to block embers from getting into the structure. If a fire is approaching, cover vents with duct tape, metal tape or plywood. Areas under eves are notorious for trapping burning ash and cinders.

What should the firefighter do when ventilating or peaked roof?

Basically, the firefighter makes the first cut near the peak of the roof, rolling the rafters to identify their location, and then makes a cut between each of the rafters. A bottom cut then connects all of the other cuts that were made up until now.

Why do firefighters have Dalmatians?

This Is Why Firehouse Dogs Are Usually Dalmatians

This practice was adopted by Fire Brigades in the late 1700s when horse-drawn fire carriages hit the scene. Dalmatians were often chosen by firehouses over other dogs as they not only calmed the horses, but had incredible endurance, were very loyal, and had loud barks.

Do male and female firefighters sleep in the same room?

Every firehouse now has separate locker rooms and bathrooms for women -- a requirement Bamattre mandated during his tenure. Some stations offer separate sleeping areas; in others, women share the dorm with men. Resentment sometimes flows from those accommodations.

Why is divorce rate high for firefighters?

It is a common belief in the fire service that the divorce rate for firefighters is higher than that in the general population. However, no data exists to substantiate this concern. We conducted surveys in 31 U.S. fire departments to assess relationship status, history of divorce, and key health outcomes.

What are the 5 rules of the firemen?

Is there a fire that can't be put out?

Of course, not all fires can be put out. Sometimes they get so large so quickly that it's impossible to fight them with the usual methods. One example is forest fires. They can quickly spread to such a large area that there aren't enough firefighters close by to be able to battle them effectively.

Can milk put out a fire?

But trying to move the pot might splash burning oil on you, your home, and anything around you. DO NOT douse the grease fire with water, or milk, etc… If you do, it will explode into a fireball. Pouring water can cause the oil to splash and spread the fire.

Is there a fire that doesn't burn you?

What do you think – can a substance burn without burning you? Have a look at an experiment with nitrocellulose – a substance that burns up so quickly that the flame doesn't have time to damage the skin.

Why do firefighters kneel before entering a burning building?

Firefighters should search on their hands and knees. This keeps their hips and shoulders orientated in the direction of travel. If a piece of ceiling (sheetrock/plaster) falls on them or if they get hit with a water stream, the firefighter will likely keep their orientation.

Why do firemen crawl on the floor?

Smoke is lighter than air so it rises above the air, hence it is easier to breath crawling than while standing up.

What does it mean when firefighters are mopping up?

For our wildland firefighters, mopping-up describes the hard physical labor process of extinguishing or removing burning material near control lines down to the mineral soil, felling fire damaged trees, and cooling ash pits to make a fireline less likely to escape or to reduce residual smoke.