The prime mission of the fire service is to:
Prevent fire
(Page 4)
If preventing fire is not possible, our mission is to:
suppress and extinguish the fire with as little damage to life or property as possible
(Page 4)
What is fire?
The product of a chemical reaction that converts one state of matter to another. This process releases energy in the form of heat, light, sound, and other products of combustion (fire gasses and smoke)
(Page 4)
What is Matter and what are the three physical states of matter?
Anything that occupies space and has mass
Solid
Liquid
Gas
(Page 5)
Matter has three physical states and we can measure it's basic properties of:
Mass
Length
Temperature
(Page 5)
from Mass, Length, and Temperature we can derive other measurements of matter such as:
Volume
Density
Potential Energy
(Page 5)
Define "Density
Refers to how tightly the molecules of a substance are packed together
(Page 5)
Define "Vapor Density
The density of a gas in relation to air. Atmospheric air is given a vapor density of one.
(Page 5)
Define "Specific Gravity
The Ratio of the mass of a given volume of liquid compared with the mass of an equal volume of water. Water has a specific gravity of one.
(Page 5)
What is the Law of Conservation of Mass?
This law states that mass and energy may be converted from one to another, but there is never any net loss of total mass/energy. In short, mass and energy are neither created nor destroyed
(Page 6)
What is the difference between Physical and Chemical reactions?
Physical change occurs when the state of matter changes, but the chemical make up does not change (eg: ice to water to steam)
Chemical change is a reaction that alters the chemical properties of the matter (eg: hydrogen and oxygen combining to make water)
In regards to energy changes, what are the two energy changes (reactions)?
Exothermic reaction - gives off energy
Endothermic reaction - absorbs energy
(Page 6)
What is Combustion
Combustion (Fire) is an exothermic chemical reaction where a substance is oxidized. The reaction is accompanied by the release of large amounts of energy in the form of light, heat, and byproducts such as smoke, and fire gasses
(Page 6)
Define "Combustion
A self-sustaining reaction yielding energy and products that cause further reactions of the same kind. This self sustaining reaction can be slow or extremely rapid.
(Page 6)
Define "Fire
A rapid oxidation reaction combining a fuel with oxygen to release heat, light, fire gasses, and smoke (Page 6)
Define "Explosion
An extremely rapid oxidation reaction releasing extremely large amounts of energy
(page 6)
Define "Boiling Point
The temperature at which the vapor pressure of a liquid equals the total pressure on the surface.
(Page 7)
What is boiling point entirely dependent on?
the total pressure; boiling point increases with an increase in pressure.
(Page 7)
What is the normal boiling point?
the temperature at which a liquid boils when under a total pressure of one atmosphere (101 kPa).
(Page 7)
Define "Ignition Temperature (Auto Ignition Temperature)
The lowest temperature at which the material will ignite without an external source of ignition. At this temperature, a material will ignite spontaneously.
(Page 7)
Define "Flashpoint
The minimum temperature at which a liquid gives off sufficient vapor to form an ignitable mixture with air near the surface of the liquid (continuous burning is not supported)
(Page 7)
Define "Fire point (burning point)
The lowest temperature at which a substance will give off sufficient vapors to burn and continue burning when ignited.
(Page 7)
Define "Premixed Flame
A situation in which the fuel gasses and oxygen are pre-mixed in a concentration that is ripe for ignition.
(Page 7)
Define "Diffusion Flame
A situation in which both flammable vapor (fuel) and air (oxidizer), that were previously separate, are now mixing as a direct result of the effects of the premixed flame.
(Page 7)
What are the two categories of flame?
Laminar Flame
Turbulent Flame
(Page 8)
What is a Laminar flame?
-Likened to the actions of the single, smooth flame produced by the ignition of a match
-The flame, while lit and undisturbed, is simply radiating heat back to the matchstick (pyrolizing the solid and producing more fuel vapor) while cooler air is being d
What is a Turbulent flame?
-The result of a number of laminar flames interacting with each other thereby creating more disruptive and uncontrolled convected air currents and producing a more unstable and unpredictable movement.
-Fires encountered by fire departments while in the pr
What is the explosive range (ignitable mixture)?
the range of vapor mixture that will ignite when subjected to an ignition source
(Page 8)
What is the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL)?
the lowest concentration of a combustible or flammable gas in air that will support combustion
(Page 8)
What is the Upper Explosive Limit (UEL)?
the highest concentration of a combustible or flammable gas in air that will support combustion
(assumed from Page 8)
What are the two situations where the fire triangle describes the conditions associated with fire behavior?
Ignition stage - not producing enough heat to be self-sustaining
Smoldering stage of Fire Behavior - no chemical chain reaction - producing insufficient amounts of flammable vapors in their flammable range
(Page 9)
What are the four components of fire behavior? (fire tetrahedron)
Oxidizing agent
Fuel
Heat
Self-sustained chemical reaction
(Page 9)
What is an oxidizing agent?
Any substance that yields oxygen during a chemical reaction
Not combustible itself, but will support combustion
(Page 10)
What are some examples of oxidizers?
Bromine
Bromates
Chlorine
Chlorates
Fluorine
Iodine
Nitrates
Nitric acid
Nitrites
Perchlorates
Permanganates
Peroxides
Oxygen
(Page 10)
What is the most common oxidizer, how much is in our atmosphere and what is the concentration range of oxygen that combustion can be supported?
Oxygen
20 to 21%
From as low as 12% to 100%
(page 10)
What burning conditions are created in the lower concentrations of oxygen (20% or less)?
Higher ignition temperatures
Slower burning
(Page 10)
What burning conditions are created in the higher concentrations of oxygen (Over 21%) and what is this atmosphere called?
Lower ignition temperatures
More rapid burning
Oxygen enriched atmosphere
(Page 10)
What is a Reducing agent (fuel)?
A substance that is being oxidized in the combustion process. (Also known as a reducing agent)
(Page 10)
What state must a fuel be in to burn, and what are the two related factors for it to be involved in combustion?
A gaseous state
The physical state of the fuel, and its distribution
(Page 10)
What must a liquid fuel have happen to it in order for it to combust, and what kind of reaction takes place when this happens?
A liquid fuel must be vaporized, or converted to a gaseous state for it to combust
This process is endothermic
(Page 11)
What must a solid fuel have happen to it in order for it to combust, and what is this process called?
A solid fuel must be converted into a gaseous state for it to combust
This process is called Pyrolysis
(Page 11)
Define "Pyrolysis
The conversion or transformation of organic hydrocarbons into gasses by heat.
(Page 11)
What does the law of heat flow state?
That heat energy will flow from a hot surface (area of high energy) to a cold surface (area of low energy).
(Page 11)
What are the four ways heat energy can be transferred?
Conduction
Convection
Radiation
Direct flame contact
(Page 11/12)
Define "Conduction
The point to point transmission of heat energy
(Page 12)
Define "Convection
The transfer of heat energy between two bodies by the movement of a fluid (a gas or liquid)
(Page 12)
Define "Radiation
The transfer of an electromagnetic energy in a straight line at light speed
(Page 12)
What is Direct flame contact?
When a flame is impinging directly onto a combustible/flammable material thereby causing a transfer of heat/energy resulting in further accelerated pyrolysis and/or vaporization
(Page 13)
What are the 2 sources of heat?
Open Flame (Piloted)
Hypergolic Mixtures (Non-Piloted)
(Page 13)
What are hypergolic mixtures?
Mixtures of fuels and oxidizers that react or ignite without an ignition source when they are combined. The mixture of these reactants and oxidizers produce enough heat energy for self ignition
(Page 13)
What are Anergols?
Mixtures of fuels and oxidizers that do not react or ignite when combined
(Page 13)
What are the 4 sources of heat energy?
Chemical
Electrical
Mechanical
Nuclear
(Page 13/14)
What are the four classes of materials susceptible to spontaneous heating (Chemical)?
-Non-combustible materials which react with other substances to produce enough heat to ignite adjacent combustibles (eg. unslaked lime mixed with water)
-Substances having ignition temperatures below ordinary temperatures, (eg: phosphorus)
-Combustible su
What is the most common form of electrical ignition energy?
An electrical spark from a short circuit
An arc of power when a switch is turned on
Static electricity
Lightning
(Page 14)
What are the thee sources of Mechanical Heat Energy?
Adiabatic Compression
Friction
Friction sparks
(Page 14)
What is Adiabatic Compression?
The generation of heat when a gas is compressed
(Page 14)
What is Friction?
The heat that results from two or more surfaces rubbing together.
(Page 14)
What are Friction Sparks?
Friction sparks include the sparks which result from the impact of two hard surfaces, at least one of which is usually metal
(Page 14)
What are the two types of heat energy generated by nuclear sources?
Fission
Fusion
(Page 14)
What is Fission?
Splitting atoms to release energy
(Page 14)
What is Fusion?
Combining atoms to release energy
(Page 14)
In an open area fire, what aspects of the fire tetrahedron is the fire controlled by?
The amount of fuel it has
The heat it generates
(consider that the fire is continuously supplied with oxygen)
(Page 15)
What are the tactics of fighting open area fires?
Limit the fuel
Cool the fire
(Page 15)
In a compartment fire, what aspects of the tetrahedron is the fire controlled by?
The amount of fuel it has
The amount of oxidizer available to the fire
(Page 15)
When fuel is limited the fire is _________ controlled
Fuel
(Page 15)
When oxygen is limited the fire is __________ controlled
Ventilation
(Page 15)
What are the three stages of fire?
Incipient (ignition)
Free burning (full development)
Smoldering Stage (Decay)
(Page 15-20)
What is the Incipient (Ignition) stage?
When all four components of the fire tetrahedron come together and combustion begins.
(Page 15)
What is Thermal Layering?
-Develops during fires within confined spaces
-Fire gasses tend to form into layers, according to temperature. The hottest air is found at the ceiling and the coolest air at floor level
-Begin to stratify and move horizontally in all directions from the c
Air moves from an area of ________ pressure to areas of _________ pressure
High
Low
(Page 16)
What is the speed of the fire's growth dependent on?
Fuel supply
Oxygen supply
Container size
Insulation
Location of the fire within the room
(Page 16)
What are the conditions of the room during the Incipient (Ignition) stage of the fire?
-The fire starts and can burn freely
-Oxygen within the room is plentiful
-Fire plume raises fire gasses that accumulate at highest point in the room
-Room temperature is relatively low within the room
-Breathing within the room is still not difficult due
What are the fire attack strategies at the Incipient (Ignition) stage?
-Rescue and self-evacuation of person(s) within the room
-Ventilation is not a major concern
-Fire extinguishment involves the direct application of an extinguishing agent to the base of the fire
-Water applied to the base of the fire produces little stea
What is the Free Burning (Full Development) stage?
This stage begins when all exposed combustible materials within the compartment are involved in the fire
(Page 17)
Free Burning (Full Development) is the hottest stage of the fire - T or F?
True
This is the hottest stage of the fire as the fire has incorporated all the combustible materials within the room.
(Page 17)
During the Free Burning (Full Development) stage of the fire, what is the fires' growth completely controlled by?
Either the amount of fuel or oxygen (ventilation) available
(Page 17)
What is the main risk during the Free Burning (Full Development) stage?
That fire gasses will flow into other compartments or areas and ignite other material with enough air to support ignition.
(Page 17)
What is the risk in the compartment during the Free Burning (Full Development) stage?
That the high temperatures and fire gasses within the compartment could produce a flashover
(Page 17)
What are the conditions of the room during the Free Burning (Full Development) stage of the fire?
-The fire has incorporated all material within the compartment
-Oxygen levels are reduced within the room
-Temperatures at the ceiling are extremely high
-Room temperature is very high with smoke and fire gasses filling the compartment
-Breathing within t
What are the fire attack strategies during the Free Burning (Full Development) stage?
-SCBA must be worn
-Ventilation is required to control the spread of the fire by convection of the fire gasses as well as to aid in Rescue and Fire attack
-Victim survival is highly unlikely from the fire room due to high temperatures and toxic fire gasse
What is a Flashover?
A very rapid transition from local burning of the contents within a compartment to widespread burning of all exposed fuels with that compartment.
(Page 18)
Why does flashover occur?
Because all the combustible materials in the room have been heated to their ignition temperature and there is an almost simultaneous ignition.
(Page 18)
Does flashover occur only on the materials burning in the room?
no.
It includes not only the contents within the compartment but the smoke and unburned fire gasses (carbon monoxide) within the compartment
(Page 18)
What temperatures are reached during Flashover?
Temperatures within the room rapidly climb to 480-650 degrees C within the room and can spike to temperatures of 1200 degrees C in the smoke could
(Page 18)
How fast can flashover occur, and is Flashover predictable?
Can occur in as little as 90 seconds from the ignition of a residential fire.
Not every fire results in a flashover occurring nor is a flashover predictable
(Page 18)
How is flashover generated?
Through convective and radiant heat feed back within the compartment to all of its contents. In the growth stage the contents of the room are gradually heated to their ignition point. This heating causes pyrolysis of all surfaces in the room adding more f
What kind of environment produces carbon monoxide?
The rooms oxygen levels are low but not as low as in the decay stage. Yet the room temperatures are very high.
(Page 18)
What are the LEL, UEL, and ignition temperatures of Carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is a very combustible fuel with a flammable range of 12.5% to 74%. It ignites at 610 degrees C causing a sharp spike in the rooms temperature. (this temp. spike is generally the trigger to ignite all of the other contents in the room and a
Because the high temperatures cause gear failure that will result in serious burn injuries and/or death, how long does a firefighter have to escape a room involved in flashover?
0.5 to 2 seconds
(Page 18)
How fast can a firefighter crawl?
0.75 meters(2.5 feet)/second
(Page 18)
What are the best defenses against being caught in a flashover?
-Be aware of structural conditions that can lead to a flashover
-Be aware of environmental warning signs of a pending flashover
-Use proper search techniques to avoid disorientation
-Note any secondary means of egress in case of an emergency
-Test the atm
What are the precursors for a potential flashover?
Free burning within the compartment
High temperatures
Heavy dark smoke
Rollover (sporadic small flames within the smoke pillow)
(Page 19)
What are the variables of a flashover?
Compartment size (smaller room will flash before a bigger room)
Insulation qualities (better insulated room will flash earlier than poorly insulated room)
Ceiling height (high ceilings can be misleading to temperatures overhead)
Ventilation (can delay or
What is likely to have been compromised after a flashover?
structural integrity of the building
(Page 19)
In the Smoldering (Decay) Stage, what is the room filled with?
Burning continues at a reduced rate and the compartment room becomes completely filled with heavy dense smoke and incompletely burned fire gasses.
(Page 20)
what are oxygen levels at in the compartment during the Smoldering (Decay) stage?
blow those needed for life support (14%)
(Page 20)
What are the conditions of the room during the Smoldering (Decay) stage of the fire?
-Free burning has ceased
-The fire has decreased in volume but is producing large volumes of unburned fire gasses
-Oxygen levels are at very low levels within the room
-Temperatures within the room are very high
-Breathing within the room is impossible; c
What are the fire attack strategies during the Smoldering (Decay) stage?
-SCBA must be worn
-Vertical ventilation is required to control the heat and prevent a backdraft explosion
-Victim survival is highly unlikely from the fire room due to high temperatures, low oxygen, and toxic fire gasses (carbon monoxide and hydrogen cya
What is Backdraft?
Backdraft is a 1991 action thriller film directed by Ron Howard and written by Gregory Widen.
The film stars Kurt Russell, William Baldwin, Scott Glenn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Rebecca De Mornay, Donald Sutherland, and Robert De Niro.
Jason Gedrick and J. T
What is a real backdraft?
-After the smoldering stage is reached and there is not enough oxygen in the compartment to sustain free burning.
-The fire continues to smolder until there is a renewed supply of oxygen
-When oxygen is introduced into the compartment, the fire grows extr
What is a smoke explosion?
The ignition of a premixed pocket of fire gasses and oxygen that may occur when an ignition source is introduced
(Page 21)
What are the properties of a smoke explosion?
-Smoke color is not an indicator
-Can also involve cold smoke which gives a false sense of safety for rescue personnel
-It involves a contained layer of flammable smoke already existing within the limit of flammability
-All that is required is an Ignition
What is the only solution for backdraft and smoke explosions?
ventilate
(Page 21)