Essentials of Fire Fighting,
5th Edition
Chapter 15 — Fire Control
Firefighter I
Chapter 15 Lesson Goal
• After completing this lesson, the
student shall be able to attack various
types of fires, using effective attack
tactics, following the policies and
procedures set forth by the authority
having jurisdiction (AHJ).
Firefighter I
15–1
Specific Objectives
1. Describe initial factors to consider
when suppressing structure fires.
2. Summarize considerations prior to
entering a burning building.
3. Explain the gas cooling technique.
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–2
Specific Objectives
4. Describe direct attack, indirect attack,
and combination attack.
5. Discuss deploying master stream
devices.
6. Describe aerial devices used to deliver
elevated master streams.
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–3
Specific Objectives
7. Describe actions and hazards
associated with suppressing Class C
fires.
8. List electrical hazards and guidelines
for electrical emergencies.
9. Discuss responsibilities of companies
in structural fires.
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–4
Specific Objectives
10. Explain actions taken in attacking fires
in upper levels of structures.
11. Explain actions taken in attacking fires
belowground in structures.
12. Discuss structure fires in properties
protected by fixed systems.
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–5
Specific Objectives
13. Explain actions taken when attacking
a vehicle fire.
14. Explain actions taken when attacking
trash container fires.
15. Explain actions taken when attacking
fires in confined spaces.
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–6
Specific Objectives
16. Summarize influences on wildland fire
behavior: fuel, weather, and
topography.
17. Describe parts of a wildland fire.
18. List wildland protective clothing and
equipment.
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–7
Specific Objectives
19. Describe methods used to attack
wildland fires.
20. List ten standard fire fighting orders
when fighting wildland fires.
21. Attack a structure fire — Exterior
attack. (Skill Sheet 15-I-1)
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–8
Specific Objectives
22. Deploy and operate a master stream
device. (Skill Sheet 15-I-2)
23. Turn off building utilities. (Skill Sheet
15-I-3)
24. Attack a structure fire (above, below,
and grade level) — Interior attack.
(Skill Sheet 15-I-4)
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–9
Specific Objectives
25. Attack a passenger vehicle fire. (Skill
Sheet 15-I-5)
26. Extinguish a fire in a trash container.
(Skill Sheet 15-I-6)
27. Attack a fire in stacked/piled
materials. (Skill Sheet 15-I-7)
28. Attack a ground cover fire. (Skill
Sheet 15-I-8)
Firefighter I
15–10
Coordination When Suppressing
Structure Fires
• Fire attack on
burning structure
must be coordinated
• When fighting any
fire, firefighters
should always work as a team under
direction of a supervisor
Firefighter I
15–11
Actions to Take
• Advancing hoseline teams should carry
equipment needed to perform a variety
of tasks
• Certain equipment carried by teams
advancing hoselines
• Person at nozzle has responsibilities
before entering building/area
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–12
Actions to Take
• When structure/major contents are
involved in fire, firefighters should wait
at entrance, staying low, out of
doorway until fire officer gives order to
advance
• Before entry, extinguish fires showing in
exterior overhangs/around entry or
(Continued)
egress points
Firefighter I
15–13
Actions to Take
• Whenever possible, approach and
attack fire from unburned side to keep
it from spreading throughout structure
• Once fire is contained, determine area
of origin, protect evidence before
overhaul and extinguishment
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–14
Actions to Take
• Breathing apparatus must be worn
during overhaul, extinguishment
• Valuables found during overhaul should
be turned in to supervisor
Firefighter I
15–15
Pre-Entry Considerations
• Conduct quick size-up
• Maintain high level of situation
awareness
• Read fire behavior indicators
• Understand crew’s tactical assignment
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–16
Pre-Entry Considerations
• Identify potential emergency escape
routes
• Assess forcible entry requirements
• Identify hazards
• Verify that radios are working, on right
channel, being received
Firefighter I
15–17
Opening Doors
• If door to fire area
must be opened, all
members should stay
low and to one side
of doorway
• Check door for heat before opening
Firefighter I
15–18
Gas Cooling
• Not a fire extinguishment method; way
of reducing hazard presented by hot
gas layer
• Effective when faced with shielded fire
Firefighter I
15–19
Hot Gas Layer
• Hot gas layer accumulating in upper
levels of compartment presents
problems
• Cooling hot gas layer mitigates hazards
by slowing transfer of heat to other
combustibles
Firefighter I
15–20
Cooling Hot Gas Layer
• Apply short pulses of water fog onto it
• Repeat technique as necessary while
hose team advances under gas layer
toward fire
Firefighter I
15–21
Direct Attack
• Most efficient use of water on freeburning fires made by direct attack
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–22
Direct Attack
• Usually from straight or solid stream
• Techniques
• Water should not be applied long
enough to upset thermal layering
Firefighter I
15–23
Indirect Attack
• Used when firefighters
unable to enter
burning building/
compartment
• Can be made from
outside compartment through window
or other small opening
Courtesy of Dick Giles
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–24
Indirect Attack
• Not ideal method of attack where
building occupants may still be inside
• May be only method of attack until
temperatures reduced
• Procedures for making indirect attack
Firefighter I
15–25
Combination Attack
Uses heat-absorbing technique of cooling
hot gas layer followed by heat-reducing
direct attack on materials burning near
floor level
Firefighter I
15–26
Master Streams
• Usually deployed in situations where
fire is beyond effectiveness of handlines
or there is need for fire streams in
areas that are unsafe for firefighters
• Main uses for master stream
Firefighter I
15–27
Positioning Master Stream
• Must be properly positioned to apply
effective master stream on fire
• Master stream can be adjusted up,
down and left, right
• Once line in operation, must be shut
down if device is to be moved
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–28
Positioning Master Stream
• Stream should be aimed so it enters
structure at upward angle, deflects off
ceiling or other overhead objects
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–29
Positioning Master Stream
• Desirable to place master stream device
in location that allows stream to cover
most surface area of building
Firefighter I
15–30
Supplying Master Streams
• Master stream devices can have high
friction loss in supply hose
• Because master stream devices used
primarily in defensive fire fighting,
desirable to shut down handlines to
keep from reducing water supply
available for master streams
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–31
Supplying Master Streams
• Always follow SOPs in operation of
master streams, handlines
Firefighter I
15–32
Staffing Master Stream Devices
• Usually takes minimum of two
firefighters to deploy master stream
device, supply water to it
• Once portable master stream device in
place, can be operated by one
firefighter
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–33
Staffing Master Stream Devices
• Some situations may be too dangerous
to have firefighters stationed at master
stream device
Firefighter I
15–34
Elevated Master Stream Devices
• Used to apply water to upper stories of
multistory buildings, either in direct
attack or to supply handlines
• Delivered by aerial devices
Firefighter I
15–35
Quints
• Engines equipped
with hydraulically
operated extension
ladder or aerial
apparatus equipped with pump
• Main ladders range in length
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–36
Quints
• Have waterways pre-plumbed to pumps
• Only external support — Water supply
• Main ladder can be used for rescuing
people from exterior windows, ledges,
and rooftops within reach of main
ladder
Firefighter I
15–37
Aerial Ladders
Courtesy of District Chief Chris E. Mikal, NOFD
Photo Unit.
• Apparatus equipped with hydraulically
operated extension ladders
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–38
Aerial Ladders
• In North America, usually 50-135 feet
(15-41 m), but in Europe sometimes as
much as 300 feet (100 m)
• Newer aerial ladders equipped with
built-in waterways that supply master
stream nozzle
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–39
Aerial Ladders
• Master stream nozzles of both types of
apparatus can be operated by
firefighters at ladder tip/on ground
• Can be used for rescuing people from
exterior windows, ledges, rooftops
within reach
Firefighter I
15–40
Aerial Platforms
• Available in two configurations
– Aerial ladder platforms
– Articulating aerial platforms
Firefighter I
15–41
(Continued)
Aerial Platforms
• All equipped with built-in waterways,
some with narrow escape ladders
• Can be used for rescuing people
Firefighter I
15–42
Water Towers
• Engines equipped with
hydraulically operated
booms that are dedicated
to applying water
• Most range from 50-130
feet (15-40 m) in length
Courtesy of District Chief Chris
E. Mikal, NOFD Photo Unit.
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–43
Water Towers
• Some have narrow escape ladders
attached to boom
• Not designed for rescue operations
Firefighter I
15–44
Class C Fires
• Involve energized electrical equipment
• Major safety hazard — Firefighters fail
to recognize danger and take
appropriate steps for protection
• Once electrical power turned off, may
self-extinguish or fall into Class A or B
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–45
Class C Fires
• In many commercial and high rise
buildings, electrical power necessary to
operate essential systems; not to be
shut off until ordered
• When handling fires in delicate
electronic/computer equipment, clean
extinguishing agents should be used
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–46
Class C Fires
• Multipurpose dry-chemical agents
effective, but some chemically reactive
with components
• Using water inappropriate because of
shock hazard
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–47
Class C Fires
• Fire suppression techniques needed for
fires involving transmission lines and
equipment, underground lines,
commercial high-voltage installations
• Departmental operating procedures
Firefighter I
15–48
Class C Fires: Transmission Lines
and Equipment
• Relatively small number of electrical
emergencies involve fires in electrical
substations, transmission lines,
(Continued)
associated equipment
Firefighter I
15–49
Class C Fires: Transmission Lines
and Equipment
• Electrical power lines sometimes break,
start fires in grass/other vegetation
• Fires in electrical transformers common
Firefighter I
15–50
Class C Fires: Underground
Transmission Lines
• Consist of conduits, vaults below grade
• Most serious hazards presented are
explosions caused by fuses blowing or
short-circuit arcing that ignites
accumulated gases
• Electrical utility vault
Firefighter I
15–51
Class C Fires: Commercial HighVoltage Installations
• Many commercial/industrial complexes
have electrical equipment requiring
600+ volts
• High-voltage signs may be on doors
• Some transformers use flammable
coolants that are hazardous
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–52
Class C Fires: Commercial HighVoltage Installations
• Water should not be used because of
potential damage to electrical
equipment uninvolved in fire
• Because of toxic chemicals, smoke is
additional hazard
• Firefighters should only enter for rescue
Firefighter I
15–53
Controlling Electrical Power
• Advantageous for
electrical power to
remain on for lighting,
fire pumps, other
essential systems
• Decision made by IC
and Incident Safety Officer
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–54
Controlling Electrical Power
• When power turned off, should be
turned off at main panel by power
utility employee
• Always follow departmental SOP
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–55
Controlling Electrical Power
• Removing meter may not completely
stop flow of electricity because of
emergency power capabilities
• Considerations for clandestine drug
labs, indoor marijuana-growing
operations
Firefighter I
15–56
Electrical Shock
• Consequences of electrical shock
• Factors most affecting seriousness of
electrical shock
Firefighter I
15–57
Guidelines for Electrical
Emergencies
• Establish exclusion zone equal to one
span all directions from downed power
lines
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–58
Guidelines for Electrical
Emergencies
• Be aware other wires may have been
weakened by short circuit, may fall at
any time
• Wear full protective clothing, use only
tested and approved tools with
insulated handles
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–59
Guidelines for Electrical
Emergencies
• Guard against electrical shocks, burns,
eye injuries from electrical arcs
• Wait for utility workers to cut power
lines
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–60
Guidelines for Electrical
Emergencies
• Use lockout/tagout
devices when
working on electrical
equipment
• Be very careful when
raising/lowering ladders near power
lines
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–61
Guidelines for Electrical
Emergencies
• Do not touch any vehicle/apparatus in
contact with electrical wires
• Jump clear of apparatus that may be
energized by contact with power lines
• Do not use solid, straight streams on
fires in energized electrical equipment
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–62
Guidelines for Electrical
Emergencies
• Use fog streams with at least 100 psi
(700 kPa) nozzle pressure
• Be aware wire mesh or steel rail fences
can be energized by wires outside field
of view
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–63
Guidelines for Electrical
Emergencies
• Where wires are down, heed any
tingling sensation felt in feet, back away
• Avoid ground gradient hazards by
maintaining large safety zone around
downed electrical wires
Firefighter I
15–64
Company-Level Fire Tactics
• Standard tactical priorities — Life safety,
incident stabilization, property
conservation
• Order of priorities same, but actions
taken on fireground may/may not be
performed in that order
Firefighter I
15–65
Responsibilities — First Due
Engine Company
•
•
If smoke/fire visible, may be
departmental SOP to stop, lay supply
line from hydrant or end of driveway
into scene
Company officer will conduct rapid
initial assessment of situation
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–66
Responsibilities — First Due
Engine Company
• Assessment determines further actions
taken by first-due engine company
• If by taking immediate action company
can save 1+ lives, will do so even if not
enough firefighters on scene to form
rapid intervention crew (RIC)
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–67
Responsibilities — First Due
Engine Company
• If no obvious, immediate life-safety
concerns, and fire threatening to extend
to another nearby structure, officer may
order lines pulled to apply water to
exposure
• Officer may call for more resources
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–68
Responsibilities — First Due
Engine Company
• Given a small interior fire, company
officer usually assumes Command of
incident
• Once location of fire known, first-due
engine company will position initial
attack hoseline to cover priorities
Firefighter I
15–69
Responsibilities — Second Due
Engine Company
•
•
•
Must make sure adequate water
supply established to the fireground,
May finish hose lay, lay additional line,
connect to hydrant
Proceeds according to priorities
Firefighter I
15–70
Responsibilities — Fireground
Support Company
•
•
•
Responsible for performing tasks in
order dictated by situation
Functions may be performed by
engine personnel when support
companies not available
May assist in making fire attack
Firefighter I
15–71
Responsibilities — Rapid
Intervention Crew (RIC)
• Consists of 2+ members wearing
appropriate PPE, radio; equipped with
special rescue tools, equipment
necessary to effect rescue of other
emergency personnel
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–72
Responsibilities — Rapid
Intervention Crew (RIC)
• May be assigned other emergency
scene duties; must be prepared to drop
those immediately if needed
• Exact number determined by IC
Firefighter I
15–73
Responsibilities — Chief Officer/
Incident Commander
• Upon arriving at scene, chief officer
may choose to assume Command
from original IC, take responsibility for
all on-scene operations
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–74
Responsibilities — Chief Officer/
Incident Commander
• If original IC has incident well
organized, progress toward incident
stabilization being made, chief officer
may assume another role
Firefighter I
15–75
Fires in Upper Levels of
Structures
• Typical residential response consisting
of 2-3 engines; one truck usually
inadequate
• Large number of firefighters needed
Firefighter I
15–76
Attacking Fires in Upper Levels
• Fire attack typically
initiated from floor
below fire floor
• Crews should check
floors above main fire
floor for fire
extension, victims
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–77
Attacking Fires in Upper Levels
• Staging usually established two floors
below fire floor
• Personnel must exercise caution in
streets around outside perimeter of
high-rise building
Firefighter I
15–78
Fires Belowground in Structures
• Can expose
firefighters to
extremely hostile
conditions
• May be possible to
control fire without entering basement
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–79
Fires Belowground in Structures
• If cellar nozzle unavailable, firefighters
may have to enter burning basement
• Good ventilation techniques extremely
important
• Heavy objects on floor above fire floor
can increase chance of floor collapse
Firefighter I
15–80
Fixed Fire Extinguishing Systems
• Firefighters should
be familiar with
systems in buildings
protected by their
department
• Supporting systems
critical during fire
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–81
Fixed Fire Extinguishing Systems
• Types of systems
• Dangers involved with fires in
occupancies with fixed systems
Firefighter I
15–82
Preincident Plans
• Often contain SOPs used at these
occupancies
• Include detailed descriptions of
construction features, contents,
protection systems, surrounding
properties
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–83
Preincident Plans
• May specify procedures for each
company
• Contain building map
• Must be updated regularly
Firefighter I
15–84
Sprinklered Buildings
• Support company personnel often used
to manage system’s operation
• Must always follow departmental SOPs
regarding actions taken
• Some possible actions
Firefighter I
15–85
Fires in Small Passenger
Vehicles
• Among most
common types
of fires to which
firefighters called
• Dictate firefighters
wear full PPE, SCBA
Courtesy of Bob Esposito
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–86
Fires in Small Passenger
Vehicles
• Attack line at least 1½-inch (38 mm)
hoseline
• Booster lines do not provide protection
of rapid cooling needed to effectively,
safely fight vehicle fire
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–87
Fires in Small Passenger
Vehicles
• Attack fire from the side and upwind,
uphill when possible
• Portable extinguishers can suppress
some fires in vehicle’s engine
compartment/electrical system
Firefighter I
15–88
Basic Procedures
• One of first actions is to establish safe
working zone following U.S. DOT
guidelines
• Once scene safety established,
firefighters can focus on saving vehicle
occupants, fighting fire
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–89
Basic Procedures
• Firefighters should stay out of potential
travel path of front, rear bumpers
• Basic firefighting procedures
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–90
Basic Procedures
• When attacking fire in passenger
compartment, use most appropriate
nozzle/pattern for situation
• Fires in undercarriage
• Overhaul
Firefighter I
15–91
Hazards
• In addition to hazards associated with
other fires, there are hazards specific
to vehicle fires
• Catalytic converters can act as ignition
source to dry grass/other fuels under
vehicle
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–92
Hazards
• Interior components on vehicle mainly
plastic, which burns rapidly at high
temperatures and emits toxic gases
• Air bags can deploy from steering
wheel, dashboard, door of vehicle
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–93
Hazards
• Hybrid vehicles incorporate high-voltage
cables, components
• Do not assume any vehicle is without
extraordinary hazards
Firefighter I
15–94
Trash Container Fires
• Possibility of exposure to toxic
products of combustion ever-present
• May include hazardous materials or
plastics
• Full PPE, SCBA should be worn when
attacking any trash container fire
Firefighter I
15–95
Attacking Trash Container Fires
• Size of attack line depends on size of
fire and proximity to exposures
• Fires in small piles of trash, garbage
cans, small containers can often be
extinguished with booster line
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–96
Attacking Trash Container Fires
• Larger piles, larger containers, fires
close to exposures should be attacked
with at least 1½-inch (38 mm) line
• Master streams may be needed to keep
trash container fires from spreading
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–97
Attacking Trash Container Fires
• Once fire has been controlled, may be
possible to use standard overhaul
techniques to complete extinguishment
• May be advantageous to attack fire
using Class A foam
Firefighter I
15–98
Confined Spaces
• Below grade or otherwise without
natural/forced ventilation
• Atmospheric hazards
• Physical hazards
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–99
Confined Spaces
• Where to find information on fire
• Hazard mitigation plans
• Because of hazards, command post and
staging area must be established
outside hot zone
Firefighter I
15–100
Fire Attack
• Fires may also be attacked indirectly
with penetrating nozzles, cellar nozzles,
distributor nozzles
• Effective air-management system
should be part of IAP
Firefighter I
15–101
Wildland Fires
• Include those in weeds,
grass, field crops,
brush, forests, similar
vegetation
• Have characteristics
not comparable to fires in buildings
• Main influences on wildland fire
behavior
Courtesy of National Interagency Fire
Center (NIFC).
Firefighter I
15–102
Wildland Fires — Fuel
• Classified by
grouping those
with similar
burning
characteristics
together
• Factors affecting burning characteristics
(Continued)
of fuels
Firefighter I
15–103
Wildland Fires — Fuel
Firefighter I
15–104
Wildland Fires — Weather
•
•
•
•
Wind
Temperature
Relative humidity
Precipitation
Firefighter I
15–105
Wildland Fires — Topography
• Steepness of slope affects both rate,
direction of wildland fire’s spread
• Fires will usually spread faster uphill
than down; steeper the slope, faster
fire spreads
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–106
Wildland Fires — Topography
• Aspect
• Local terrain features
• Drainages
Firefighter I
15–107
Parts of Wildland Fire
Firefighter I
15–108
Wildland PPE
• Firefighters need to
wear wildland fire
protective clothing
because standard
structural turnout
clothing inappropriate;
can be dangerous
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–109
Wildland PPE
• PPE should meet NFPA® 1977
• NFPA® 1500 specifies minimum PPE
• Most wildland fire agencies provide
additional materials
Firefighter I
15–110
Attacking Wildland Fires
• Methods revolve around perimeter
control
• Control line may be at burning edge,
next to it, or a distance away
• Objective is to establish control line that
completely encircles fire
Firefighter I
15–111
Wildland Fire Approaches
• Direct attack is action taken directly
against flames at edge or closely
parallel
• Indirect attack used at varying
distances from advancing fire
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–112
Wildland Fire Approaches
• Because wildland fire constantly
changing, attack methods may change
Firefighter I
15–113
Standard Fire Fighting Orders
When Fighting Wildland Fires
• Keep informed on fire weather
conditions, forecasts
• Know what fire doing at all times
• Base all actions on current, expected
behavior of fire
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–114
Standard Fire Fighting Orders
When Fighting Wildland Fires
• Identify escape routes and safety
zones, make them known
• Post lookouts when possible danger
• Be alert, keep calm, think clearly, act
decisively
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–115
Standard Fire Fighting Orders
When Fighting Wildland Fires
• Maintain prompt communications with
your forces, your supervisor, adjoining
forces
• Give clear instructions, ensure they are
understood
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–116
Standard Fire Fighting Orders
When Fighting Wildland Fires
• Maintain control of forces at all times
• Fight fire aggressively, providing for
safety first
Firefighter I
15–117
Summary
• Attacking fires early in their
development is an important aspect of
a successful fire fighting operation.
Likewise, selecting and applying the
most effective fire attack strategy and
tactics are also important.
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–118
Summary
• Failing to do any of these things can
result in a fire growing out of control,
an increase in fire damage and loss,
and possibly in firefighter injuries.
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–119
Summary
• Firefighters need to know how to use
the fire fighting tools and techniques
adopted by their departments. They
need to know how to safely and
effectively attack and extinguish
structure fires, vehicle fires, refuse fires,
and wildland fires.
Firefighter I
15–120
Review Questions
1. What initial actions should firefighters
take when suppressing a structural
fire?
2. What are the differences among a
direct attack, an indirect attack, and a
combination attack?
(Continued)
Firefighter I
15–121
Review Questions
3. When are master streams usually
deployed?
4. What are three guidelines for
electrical emergencies?
5. What are the parts of a wildland fire?
Firefighter I
15–122