Ventilation
Question #4:
Why do firefighters break the windows and cut holes in the roof of a burning building?
VentilationA very important job of the truck company is to provide ventilation of the fire building by breaking windows, doors and sawing through the roof. It often is misunderstood by the public what purpose is served by taking these actions; ventilation is extremely important in the successful extinguishment of fire.
"...ventilation is extremely important in the successful extinguishment of fire."
As fire burns fuel, it releases a variety of toxic gases that remain aloft in ceiling or attic spaces and open areas of the structure. These gases are incompletely burned, but may be reignited and present a dangerous and explosive condition when oxygen is reintroduced to the space which they occupy. When these gases do explode, the phenomenon is referred to as a "backdraft." Ventilation allows the evacuation of these gases and the accompanying smoke, lessening the danger of a potential explosion and allowing the firefighter to see and complete the primary goal of search and rescue.
When these gases do explode, the phenomenon is referred to as a "backdraft."
Although firefighters are trained to operate in such circumstances, these conditions prohibit the success of a rescue while endangering the life of the rescue personnel. By cutting a hole in the roof and venting smoke and gas from windows, fire damage can be minimized and the fire companies are able to attack and extinguish the fire more rapidly, as well as halting further fire spread.
"By cutting a hole in the roof and venting smoke and gas from windows, fire damage can be minimized"
Information from: Dunn, Vincent - Safety And Survival On The Fireground, Fire Engineering Books & Videos 1992