For each fire scenario below, determine whether total flooding or local application would be the most appropriate method of extinguishment. Then discuss WHY you think your answer is correct.
a. A grease fire in a pan on a stove.
b. A coal mine filled with coal dust.
c. A specialized jigsaw that cuts cylinders of solid rocket fuel into discs resembling hockey pucks.
d. A paint spray booth filled with combustible paint spray and fumes.
#1
A. Local Application for the grease fire. The reason is that if you go to flood the kitchen, then you would be causing more damage than what the fire would. water damage will need to be cleaned. Grease fires can be contained to the pan by putting the top on it and smothering the fire.
B. a coal mine fire is a interesting fire, because everything is burning I would go with the total flooding of the shaft. This would take the heat away from the coal ash and coal. I know that there would be some environmental issues but this would be the only way to completely put the fire out.
C. I personally have not seen a machine like this so I do not know if its a big or small machine. based on experience I would say go with the local application and if it did not now then resort to the big guns. Flood the area.
D. A paint spray booth is a easy on. I would use the flood the area. I would use foam tho to cover the vapor layer and smother the fire. This would be a clean up issue later on, but for tactical reason on a fire ground it would be the best choice.
every fire has different things that you have to look at as a Incident Commander. Most of all you need to consider the safety of the crews that you are responsible for.
#2
When it comes to the extinguishment of a fire or reduction in its potential it is critical that the right method is utilized. Yes, water is the most common method and, on the surface, appears to be rather simple, apply water to the fire. But when we get into other classes of fire such as class K (cooking oils or greases) or Class D (combustible metals) water may not be the best solution and could create an unwanted reaction. The application of a dry chemical agent, carbon dioxide or foam may be a better alternative. With these agents comes several different application methods. First is local application which is defined as, “discharges agent onto a specific surface” (International Fire Service Training Association [IFSTA], 2016, p. 566). Essentially meaning the agents purpose is to target a specific area. With total flooding a larger more confined area is flooded with the agent to aid in smothering the fire. This method also helps with atmospheres that are heading towards the lower explosive limit (LEL).
- Grease fire in a pan on a stove. This type of fire would best managed with local application. This can be achieved by a handheld application with a class K extinguisher. Another method which would be most suitable in a commercial setting is the direct application from the hood extinguishing system. These types of fires are initially isolated to a specific pot or pan and pose no secondary dangers if handled swiftly and correctly.
- Coal mine filled with the coal dust. Coal dust poses a significant risk of sudden explosion if the LEL is reached. It is critical that a total flooding system is utilized to decrease this chance and reduce the potentially harmful atmosphere.
- Specialized jigsaw that cuts cylinders of solid rocket fuel into discs resembling hockey pucks. Local application by means of a direct application would be bet suited for this scenario. This jigsaw would initially be a class C fire (energized electrical). The best approach would be, unplug the machine and directly attack this now non-energized fire.
- Paint spray booth filled with combustible paint spray and fumes. This type of fire would best be suited using a total flooding system. By using this system, the fire would be extinguished as well as decreasing the possibility of flash fire from the ignitable mixture in the air.
References
International Fire Service Training Association. (2016). Fire inspection and code enforcement (8th ed.). Stillwater, OK: Oklahoma State University Fire Protection .