CFD Basic Training Extinguishers Rubbish Misc Fires Equipment

CFD Basic Training Extinguishers, Rubbish & Misc. Fires

Equipment • • • Engine Full firefighter gear SCBA Pressurized water extinguisher Pressurized foam extinguisher Foam Unit CO 2 extinguisher Dry Chemical extinguisher Metal “X” extinguish

Objective • To have the trainees learn how and when to safely use various types of portable extinguishers carried on the CFD apparatus. In addition, to also have a good understanding as to what type of fire extinguisher and fire fighting principles to apply at various rubbish and misc. fires. • Introduce Trainees on Foam unit

Portable Fire Extinguishers

Extinguishers are for use on small fires like a “Band. Aid” is used for a small cut. We use different types of extinguisher for various classes of fire. The extinguishers are marked to help us identify their use. There are some physical differences that will also help, like the size of the cone on the discharge. The firefighter should know the different types of extinguishers and their location on all CFD apparatus. o Can – often used when referring to either the “water can with additive” or the “foam can” extinguishers

Different Classes of Fire and their Markings • • Class “A“ – Ordinary combustibles such as, wood, cloth, paper and rubber Symbol – Green triangle with the letter “A” inside or “waste pail fire” and a “camp fire” Class “B” – Flammable liquids such as, fuels, oils Symbol – Red Square with the letter “B” inside or gas can with “fire” Class “C” – Energized electrical equipment Symbol – Blue circle with the letter “C” inside or “plug & Socket” with fire Class “D” – Combustible metal fires such as, Magnesium, Titanium, Zirconium, Sodium and Potassium Symbol – Yellow five pointed star with the letter “D” inside “there is no alt. marking A line through the marking, means “do not use on that type of fire”

Water/Foam Extinguishers • Water application (without foam additive) Class “A” – This extinguisher hold 2 ½ gallons of water and its effective reach is about 30 to 40 feet when fully charged. The discharged stream should be directed at the base of the flame with a sweeping action of the nozzle until the fire is knocked down. The discharged should begin as close as possible to the actual base of the fire. The smoldering embers or materials should continue to be wetted down until either completely extinguished or the extinguisher is completely discharged. Placing a finger over the tip of the nozzle will give you a wider spray, which is good for wetting down smoldering materials. This will freeze if left exposed in freezing weather.

• Foam application (Class “A” & “B”) – The object is to create a blanket of foam over the liquid that will exclude oxygen and smother the fire. If you can, try splashing the foam stream on a sidewall, back wall or in front of the spill, thus allowing the foam to gently flow over the spill. Directing the stream into the spill can often spread the spill and making it larger. Once the spill is completely covered with a blanket of foam, try not to disturb it. This will also freeze.

• Recharging Procedure – Turn extinguisher upside down and discharge the remaining pressure (if it has not been fully discharged). Up-right the can and unscrew the neck nut under the handle. Lift the handle and attached the internal stem completely out from the cylinder and place it on the side and refill the cylinder with 2 ½ gallons of water. Add ½ cup of foam (or water additive) in with the water. This will bring the water level to the bottom of the fill tube or approx. 5 to 6 inches from the top of the return handle. Place the stem back into the cylinder and hand-tighten the neck nut. Using a high pressure air hose (at headquarters or on one of the engines), pressurize the extinguisher to 100 psi. For safety reasons, try to us a second gauge device other than the on the extinguisher.

Dry Chemical Extinguishers Class A, B & C

The multi purpose extinguisher (A/B & C) or (B/C) has an effective reach of 5 to 25 feet. The discharge time is between 8 to 25 seconds (depending on the size of the extinguisher).

• Proper application - is to direct the extinguisher cone about 8 to 10 feet from the base of the flame. Move the discharge hose/cone forward, sweeping it from side to side rapidly. With flammable liquids, you should continue to sweep from side to side until you have completely discharged the extinguisher to prevent a reignition. On a class “A” fires, use intermittent discharges on the smoldering materials after the flames have been knocked down. • Please note – SCBA’s should be used in any confined spaces.

Recharging procedures : The firefighter must complete a work sheet and tag the cylinder and leave in the truck room.

CO 2 Extinguishers Class B & C

• Proper application – The CO 2 has a limited range of up to 3 to 8 feet and has a discharge time of 10 to 30 seconds (depending on size of extinguisher). Drafts and winds also affect the range, so it’s important to apply as close as possible and direct it at the base of the flame. Continue to apply to entire surface of material even after the flames are out in order to help the cooling process. The CO 2 smothers the fire by displacing oxygen with inert gases. This procedure works the same as a dry chemical extinguisher

Flammable liquid fires – The proper procedure is to sweep the surface from side to side trying to create a blanket to smother the fire. Recharging procedures – is the same as Dry Chemical.

Dry Powder (Metal X) Extinguishers – Class “D

• Proper application – Effective reach is 5 to 20 feet and discharge time is 8 to 25 seconds. Aim the discharge to effectively blanket the burning material. It works by smothering the fire by excluding oxygen. Don not disturb the blanket once the flames are out and be careful not to direct discharge into material pile as this might cause the fire spread. SCBA should be used if using in confine spaces.

Recharging procedures – The firefighter must complete a work sheet and tag the cylinder and leave in the truck room.

Halon Extinguisher

Still used in some industrial applications. It eliminates breathable air, take extreme care and ware SCBA if Halon systems are in use or have been used.

Remember – “PASS”

• P – Pull • A – Aim • S – Squeeze • S – Sweep

Rubbish & Misc. Fires

We respond to many misc. types of fires like compactors, dumpsters, rubbish, brush, electrical etc. You must know how to deal with each type of fire with safety being the most important common item

Hazards Rubbish, Dumpsters and Compactors: • Unknown materials • Exploding bottles and aerosol cans • Noxious gases released • Burning metal parts • Hazard material

Brush: • Trees • Ground Material • Roots • Trash (tires, cans, etc. ) Electrical: • Overhead power lines (up to 13, 9000 volts) • Transformers

Operations Rubbish, Dumpsters and Compactors

Full firefighter gear with SCBA Use a booster or 1 ¾” line as directed by officer Get in line between the building and Dumpster where possible (some Dumpster’s may be right next to the building). The compactor at Sears is inside the building. Be careful, the sides of the Dumpster may be hot and don’t stick your head inside.

Check stores near the Dumpster for clues as to what may be burning • Paint stores – Paint turpentine • Pool stores – Chlorine, PVC’s • Gas station – Oil, gasoline, rubber, and auto parts, etc. • Department stores – Plastics, various building materials, pressure treated wood, etc

Check color of the smoke and flames for clues as to the type of material burning. Smoke that is brownish, yellow, greenish blue indicates noxious fumes.

Operations Brush Fires

-Use a water can all the way up to the deck gun -Full firefighter gear -Keep checking wind direction -Look overhead and behind yourself Be on the lookout for ticks and other friends. Note – The spread of fire increases as it goes up hill. In attacking the fire, try to get to the head of fire in order to stop the spread.