Effective ventilation on the fireground is a critical component of any incident commander's strategic plan. When correctly executed using well-trained firefighters and top-of-the-line firefighting gear, proper ventilation methods can significantly mitigate risks to firefighters and occupants during a structure fire.
Ventilation strategies come into play at various stages of a structure fire, including salvage and overhaul phases, after the fire has been extinguished but not yet fully controlled or in conjunction with a fire attack. Each stage demands specific ventilation methods and tactics tailored to the situation. The Company Officer must assess the scenario, develop a ventilation profile, determine the location of ventilation, select the appropriate tools, and ensure the task can be executed safely.
In this blog, we will primarily focus on ventilation methods, particularly smoke removal, and how Tempest Technology Solutions' firefighting equipment can fulfill your department's unique needs. This encompasses mechanical ventilation techniques, such as Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV), Negative Pressure Ventilation (NPV), and hydraulic ventilation utilizing a fog stream. These methods may involve horizontal or vertical openings in the structure.
Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV) is a valuable technique that can be implemented during horizontal and vertical ventilation. PPV involves mechanically removing smoke and unburnt combustion products, achieved through fans. These fans are typically positioned in the same entryway as the fire attack team to pressurize the building and expel smoke and combustion byproducts through a different opening. Fire & EMS, LLC offers a diverse range of Tempest Technology fans, from gasoline-powered to all-electric and battery-powered options.
For instance, the Direct Drive Gas Fans, powered by Honda GX series or Briggs and Stratton OHV engines, come in various sizes (16" to 24") and offer a range of CFM (cubic feet per minute) from 11,514 to 20,152, depending on the fan size and engine horsepower. They feature an easy tilt function and ergonomic design, making them globally recognized units.
Another noteworthy firefighting tool from Tempest Technology is the Tempest VS1.2 Tech Series Battery-Powered Blower, designed for performance, durability, and ease of use. This battery-powered PPV fan boasts a 70-minute runtime and delivers 10,887 CFM. It can be adapted to run on DeWalt or Hurst batteries, ensuring compatibility with your department's existing equipment.
Completing the Tempest Technology lineup is the Single-Speed Electric Power Fan, a lightweight and user-friendly option with a single switch operation. Its CFM output ranges from 8,748 to 12,867 CFM. All three fan options from Tempest Technology offer excellent choices tailored to your department's needs and budget, ensuring you have the right firefighting tools.
Negative Pressure Ventilation (NPV) is another valuable technique, especially when conditions are unsuitable for PPV or natural ventilation. NPV involves extracting contaminated air from a structure rather than introducing fresh air. Locations, like covered parking garages, underground tunnels, and basements or cellars, are ideal for NPV. A dependable firefighting tool is indispensable to ensure peak performance in such scenarios. The Single-Speed 16" Electric Smoke Ejector, available with a 0.3 HP or 1.5 HP electric motor, can deliver airflow ranging from 3,200 CFM to 11,804 CFM.
Hydraulic Ventilation represents a third method for smoke and combustion byproduct removal. It creates a pressure differential using a fog pattern or straight stream directed in a circular motion toward an exterior opening. Hydraulic ventilation accelerates smoke and heat removal, overcoming wind challenges without requiring additional firefighting equipment beyond the attack line inside the structure.
Fire & EMS, LLC offers a wide selection of Tempest Technology nozzles, available in aluminum or composite materials, and offering various styles and GPM (gallons per minute) flow rates. These nozzles are dependable for fire suppression and hydraulic ventilation tasks.
Ventilation can be complex, and using the right firefighting tools is paramount. Proper training in strategy, tactics, task-level assignments, building construction, and flow path research related to ventilation is essential to minimize the inherent risks of firefighting. Complementing this training with the right firefighting equipment is equally crucial. Tempest Technology's fans and nozzles, available through Fire & EMS, LLC, offer the tools your department needs to perform efficiently and safely. Discover the right solutions for your department at https://fireandems.com and schedule a demo to witness firsthand how having the correct tools can make all the difference.