SECTION 7

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Effective Streams

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Objectives 1. Understand the heat absorbing qualities of water 2. Recognize the signs of effective fire streams 3. Use the sign to make effective nozzle movements and pattern changes 4. Use effective streams to control fuel at its source 5. Use master streams effectively

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Effective Fire Stream Definition

The widest stream of water delivered through a nozzle that effectively controls the fuel or fire 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Purpose : Absorb heat Control fuel Disperse vapors Redirecting flames Adequately cools exposures

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Advantages of Water Readily available

Inexpensive resource
Ease of distribution Good heat absorbing quantities

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Example 1 gal (3.8 liters) Gasoline = 130,000 BTUs

1 gal (3.8 liters) Water absorbs

9,350 BTUs

Therefore, if effectively applied, 14 gal (53 liters) water can absorb the heat generated from 1 gal (3.8 liters) of gasoline

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Common Uses of Water 1. Controlling fuel at its source!

2. Equipment protection (cooling)

3. Sweeping fuel away from equipment 4. Quenching fuel below its flash point 5. Vapor suppression / dilution 6. Personnel protection

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Priorities for Water Application

Cooling : - Fixed systems first - Protect uninsulated equipment Confinement : - Limit spread Control flames Control : - Use effective streams - Control fuel at its source

Extinguish the fire

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The preferred method of extinguishment for pressure or 3dimensional fires leaking hydrocarbon is :

ELIMINATE THE FUEL SOURCE

With effective stream application, rapid extinguishment is not critical

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Common Errors in the Use of Water

Failure to control fuel at its source

Too much is used - Overload sewer capacity - Fills dikes and curbings - Depletes water supply
Destroys foam

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Common Errors contd

Excess reliance on Straight streams

Excess reliance on full fog streams

Failure to properly use fixed systems

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Liabilities of Straight Streams

Can injure personnel

Can damage equipment

Can miss desired target (fuel source) Can knock out radios Very destructive to foam Can spread fuel and fire

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Liabilities of Full Fog Streams

Provides no power for fuel control

Very poor reach

Provides false sense of security Obscures vision Makes pattern integrity vital You may be comfortable and cool, but the fire just gets worse!

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Fog Patterns Induce Large Volumes of Air !

Good - Ventilation - Moving or dispersing Bad - Recirculates smoke - Draws fire toward the nozzle - Does poorly in pressure fire control

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Effective Fire Streams Consist of 3 Major Elements 1. Reliable water supply 2. Efficient delivery 3. Effective application

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What is an Effective Stream? Answer : The widest stream of water delivered through a nozzle that effectively control s the fuel or fire 1. Absorbs maximum quantity of heat 2. Controls fuel (at source if possible)

3. Disperses vapor
4. Redirect flames 5. Adequately cools exposures Managing 5 variables requires constant attention
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Signs of Effective Fire Streams : 1. Change in fire intensity (visual) 2. Change in radiated heat (feel) 3. Change in noise level (auditory) 4. Change volume of smoke (visual) 5. Change in color of smoke (visual)

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Bridge the Gap !

Effective streams : Buys time Increases opportunity for success Improves safety

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Nozzle Adjustments Made to obtain the most effective stream

Types of nozzle adjustments - Position adjustments - Pattern adjustments

Keys to nozzle adjustments - Finesse - Opportunism

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Finesse

Make adjustment slowly Watch for the fires reaction

Dont look at the nozzle

Watch for the signs of effective streams
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Opportunism Be alert for opportunities to get the most bite on the fire Take advantage of all opportunities

Fire is like a wild animal Struggling to survive !!!!

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Control the Fuel at its Source!

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Firefighting Streams : Control Techniques

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Firefighting Streams : Control Techniques

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Firefighting Streams : Control Techniques

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Summary

The Most Effective Fire Stream is the Widest Stream That Cools, Confines and Controls the Fuel and / or Fire
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Summary

Use 5 indicators to evaluate Effectiveness

Make Nozzle Position and Pattern changes slowly Opposing Streams are NOT safe!

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