Why Do Firefighters Ventilate The Roof

Why do we ventilate.

Why do firefighters ventilate the roof.

If a large fire is not properly ventilated not only will it be much harder to fight but it could also build up enough poorly burned smoke to create a smoke explosion. There are a few reasons for ventilation. Yes it does introduce fresh oxygen into the compartment as the fresh air entrains into the plume but with it being performed at the same time as the fire attack ventilation helps limit the fire to just one compartment or room and limits the amount of damage. Remember more heat equals more water.

Heat and smoke rise into the attic where the fire can move quickly. I have roof vents so i have roof ventilation. Believe it or not a fire that is efficiently burning is easier to con. Firefighters may go ahead of the fire on a roof cut holes to access the attic and stop the fire from spreading through the attic.

When we talk about roof ventilation we often focus on the cut itself. A firefighter s ladder to roof guide. One of the fastest avenues through which fires spread is the attic. First it allows heated gasses to escape from the building and prevents backdrafts and smoke explosions.

Another reason for venting the roof is to see how far the fire has progressed. However there are many other critical steps that we need to master in order to make roof ventilation an efficient process. Vertical ventilation also provides advance over the original fire area to search for and cut off extension of fire. While hardly anybody agrees on the best roof ventilation system everybody agrees some roof vents do hardly any good at all.

Ventilation is a part of structural firefighting tactics and involves the expulsion of heat and smoke from a burning building permitting the firefighters to more easily and safely find trapped individuals and attack the fire. The most severe event we face from fire is flashover and ventilation needs to be a priority to reduce the likelihood of this occurring. Ventilate openings in the roof such as bulkheads skylights or scuttles. The majority of roofing experts agree that ridge vents are the most effective and cost effective roof vents available.

It helps the fire burn better. Take for example ridge vents. If not done properly it can spread the fire and even hurt or kill firefighters.