The fire ground can have many different factors that dictate how a fire will be fought and how firefighters should fight the fire. The purpose of this training is to build a solid understanding of the 4 main fire ground factors that an Incident Commander, and all firefighters, must evaluate.
Overview of Fire Ground Factors
Firefighters must understand the different factors involved in complex fire ground situations to have a better appreciation for all the hazards associated with working in and around the fire ground.
Learning Objectives
At the end of this lesson firefighters will be able to identify the importance of the following:
1. Building characteristics
2. Fire characteristics
3. Occupancy …show more content…
• Utility characteristics (hazards/controls)
• Concealed spaces/attic characteristics
• Exterior access
• Effect the fire has had on the structure (at this point)
• Time projection on continuing fire effect on building
Fire Characteristics: • Size/amount of fire and extent (% of structure involved)
• Location of fire and direction of travel
• Time of involvement- How long has it been burning
• Type and amount of material involved - structure/interior finish/contents/ everything
• Type and amount of material left to burn
• Survivability Profile- What is the likelihood there is anyone who is alive or salvageable in the fire
Occupancy Characteristics: • Specific occupancy and type-group (business, mercantile, public assembly, institutional, residential, hazardous, industrial, storage, school)
• Value characteristics associated with occupancy
• Fire load (size, nature)
• Status (open, closed, occupied, unoccupied, vacant, abandoned, under construction, evacuated) and any associated characteristics/hazards
• Type of contents (based on occupancy)
• Property conservation profile/susceptibility of contents to damage/need for salvage
• Life Hazard
• Number of occupants and their location relative to the fire
• Condition of occupants (by virtue of fire