Firefighting Techniques

Firefighting techniques do more than put out flames — they protect life and property too. In this article, the Teza Engineering team takes an in-depth look at the techniques, equipment, safety precautions and strategies used to fight fires.

Fire Classes and Their Characteristics

Managing a fire correctly starts with understanding its class. Every fire class calls for different extinguishing methods and techniques.

• Surface Fires (Class A):
  • Definition: Caused by the combustion of solid materials (wood, paper, fabric).
  • Characteristics: Generally extinguished effectively with water, which cools the flames and stops the fire spreading.
  • Extinguishing methods: Water, foam, dry chemical powder.
• Liquid Fires (Class B):
  • Definition: Caused by liquid fuels such as petrol, oil and alcohol.
  • Characteristics: Water is not effective here, because the liquid can float on top of it and spread the fire.
  • Extinguishing methods: Foam, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide (CO2) gas.
• Gas Fires (Class C):
  • Definition: Caused by the combustion of gases such as natural gas, propane and methane.
  • Characteristics: The first step with a gas fire has to be shutting off the gas supply. Water should not be used.
  • Extinguishing methods: Dry chemical powder, CO2, dry chemical agents.
• Combustible Metal Fires (Class D):
  • Definition: Caused by the combustion of metals such as aluminium and magnesium.
  • Characteristics: Water should not be used on these fires, since it can react with the metal and cause an explosion.
  • Extinguishing methods: Specialist dry powder agents for metal fires (such as sodium chloride).
• Electrical Fires (Class E):
  • Definition: Caused by electrical equipment (cables, panels).
  • Characteristics: Water should not be used on electrical fires, since it can cause electric shock.
  • Extinguishing methods: CO2, dry chemical powder.

Firefighting Techniques

The techniques used to fight a fire vary with the fire’s class and how fast it is spreading. Each technique has been developed to suit a specific class of fire.

• Using Water:
  • Application: Water cools the flames and cuts off their contact with oxygen. It is used widely, especially on Class A fires.
  • Advantages: Easy to access, inexpensive and an effective extinguishing method.
  • Drawbacks: Should not be used on electrical or liquid fires; water spreading through the fire area can also cause structural damage.
• Using Foam:
  • Application: Foam is used to good effect on liquid fires. It forms a layer over the flames and cuts off their contact with oxygen.
  • Advantages: Ideal for overcoming liquid fires and stops the fire spreading.
  • Drawbacks: Can foul bridges and some equipment, and is hard to clean up.
• Dry Chemical Agents:
  • Application: Dry chemical powder can be used on both electrical and liquid fires. The powder coats the flames and cuts off their contact with oxygen.
  • Advantages: Suits a wide range of fire types and extinguishes flames effectively.
  • Drawbacks: The powder can be a hassle to clean up and can irritate skin.
• CO2 Gas:
  • Application: Carbon dioxide gas is used on electrical and liquid fires. CO2 puts out the fire by cutting off its contact with oxygen.
  • Advantages: Leaves no residue in the fire area and is especially effective in enclosed spaces.
  • Drawbacks: The space needs good ventilation for the gas to be effective, and it can also lower oxygen levels.

Firefighting Equipment

Equipment plays a critical role in fighting a fire. Choosing the right equipment makes it easier to bring the fire under control.

• Fire Extinguishers:
  • Types: Water, foam, dry chemical, CO2.
  • Use: Should be chosen to match the fire class — water for Class A fires, foam for Class B, for example.
• Fire Hoses:
  • Characteristics: Available in different lengths and pressure ratings. Used mainly to carry water to the fire area.
  • Use: Important for regulating water pressure and bringing the fire under control.
• Personal Protective Equipment:
  • Types: Fire-resistant clothing, helmet, gloves, mask.
  • Characteristics: Protects firefighters from high temperatures and smoke.
• Emergency Cylinders and Tools:
  • Types: First-aid kits, oxygen cylinders, emergency tools.
  • Use: Provides first aid and support in an emergency.

Fire Safety and Precautions

Fire safety covers preventive measures as well as the response to a fire.

• Training:
  • Importance: Fire-safety training equips both professionals and the public to act effectively in a fire.
  • Practice: Drills, fire-safety courses, emergency plans.
• Planning:
  • Fire evacuation plans: Detailed plans should be drawn up setting out where to go in an emergency.
  • Drills: Regular drills test how well fire-safety measures actually work.
• Maintenance and Inspection:
  • Equipment maintenance: Fire equipment needs regular servicing and inspection.
  • Structural safety: Buildings should be checked for compliance with fire-safety standards.

Firefighting Strategies

An effective firefighting strategy aims to stop the fire growing and to keep everyone safe.

• Staying Calm:
  • Importance: Panicking during a fire can make the situation worse. Staying calm and level-headed enables the right decisions.
• Emergency Management:
  • Coordination: Coordinating with emergency services (fire brigade, medical teams) is necessary for an effective response.
  • Risk management: Assessing the risks at the fire scene and building a strategic approach around them matters.
• Risk Analysis:
  • Assessment: Identifying the hazards at the fire scene and taking precautions accordingly stops the fire spreading.
  • Strategy development: A range of strategies should be developed to reduce fire risk.

Firefighting is a process that calls for specialised techniques, equipment and strategy. Using the right techniques and equipment enables an effective, safe response to a fire. The techniques and strategies covered in this article provide the essential grounding for strengthening fire safety, at both a professional and a personal level.

Teza Engineering delivers safety solutions tailored to your needs, identifying and implementing the right measures for any type of facility. Our custom-designed solutions use the latest technology to maximise safety and minimise risk. For more information, get in touch with us, follow us on LinkedIn, and visit our website!