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Institution of Affiliation

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Fire Incidents

Introduction

Flashover or Backdraft Occurs While Crews Are in A Working House Fire in New Chicago

Working house fire with a backdraft or flashover at 402 Indiana on 02-17-12 Chicago. Three members were in the house when the fire incident occurred. A fire engine arrived at the fire scene and reported a working fire; however, at that time, there are no visible flames that are being observed, only a billowing smoke that emerges from the top of the roof and a space resembling a chimney at a low speed. The crew quickly stretched lines into the house to knock the fire down and cut a hole in the living room roof, allegedly the entrance. Shortly after they cut the hole, an explosion blew one of the officer’s helmets off his head and blew the leaves on the lawn.

Some firefighters use the ladder to get to the roof, trying to make some holes to allow smoke out of the compartments. A crew member uses the ladder to descend from the roof; however, fire is fast spreading, and flames are more intense due to the oxidization of the air. The nozzle is then positioned to attack the fire, and there is an explosion that occurs shortly since the holes in the roof create a chimney effect, fanning the fire. The crew later gets some water on the roof using an unrooted ladder. They manage to put out the fire despite the much damage that has been caused to the windows and rooms due to the water. Air could have reduced the effects of fire if it could have been cooled without putting any effort to put out fire at first, and the door could be closed until the water is available to put out the fire.

The fire resulted in a flashover with heat influx experienced with steam and vapor emerging from the flames exiting the window. The firefighter’s helmet and coats are also affected by the temperatures experienced inside. The door flung open results in the entry of oxygen, which in turn oxidizes the fire, and there is increased flaming combustion that is seen through the windows on the Alpha and Bravo corner. The fire resulted in damages, especially on the roof; however, no reported injuries were traced.

House Fire -Four Oaks (7-23-2013)

The fire engine arrives, and they report a working fire. One of the firefighters rushes and pushes the door open by a kick and finds his way to the Alpha side through the door. The rest of the engine company crew stretch the hose line towards the Bravo direction. There is increased flaming combustion during this time, which is noticeable through the Alpha and Bravo corner windows.

The firefighters use the Alpha side to exit the door, and flames resulting from combustion can be observed from the Bravo side window. The firefighters resolve to reposition the dry hose line and place it on the front porch. Fire glazes continuously and fills the compartments in the Alpha and Bravo sides. Simultaneously, flames surround the windows and mostly fill the Alpha corner and later exit the upper area via the Alpha side door. The heat influx in the house results in flames exit through the window, doors, and under the roof porch with steam and vapors shown by their emergency coats and helmets put on by the fire fighting crew placed on the Front Side of the Alpha window and the front porch. The hose line on the front porch is filled with water, and the firefighter positioned at the nozzle is required to spread water to the front porch making an entry through the front door.

Management of the door in case of an entry or an exit until the hose line is properly placed so that water can be applied immediately reduces the effectiveness of fire. Spreading water to the fire compartment before entry reduces heat rate and allows more time for adjustment to advance the hose line to the seat of the fire. Heat effects to the fire fighters can be managed if cooling of air takes place at the beginning.

Work Cited

Flashover or Backdraft Occurs While Crews Are in A Working House Fire in New Chicago. (n.d.). Www.youtube.com. https://youtu.be/ryj-AJ8tad0

House Fire Four Oaks 7 23 2013. (n.d.). Www.youtube.com. https://youtu.be/efZV7B3ZUBk