Structure Fire Roof Ventilation

When addressing ventilation make an exhaust on the fire side of the structure and attack from the unburned side.

Structure fire roof ventilation.

When tasked with vertical ventilation we must deal with the roof assemblage we are dealt with. As firefighters we are often faced with challenges out of our control. Vertical ventilation is time consuming and many times impractical. In the case of the metal deck roof also known as robertson decking or q decking specific challenges are thrust upon the ventilation group.

More often that not our main objective is vertical ventilation. 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 rule of thumb for vertical ventilation was always this. If necessary cut the roof to provide vertical ventilation.

There are multiple reasons why accessing the roof in a fire or emergency situation may be critical. The technique of horizontal or lateral ventilation involves the. 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 is no silver bullet.

Multiple roof layers will require extra time to vent as more materials will need to be removed and the added weight of the additional roof assembly will hasten possible collapse from fire damage. If it is a multi story structure and the fire is on the first floor it may be better to use a different type of ventilation. There is the risk of structure or roof collapse disorientation from heavy smoke conditions and or stepping off the roof by accident. Once on the roof crews should make note of the type of roof covering any smoke or fire showing through and cut an inspection hole to open the roof to determine the design and direction of the.

Ventilate openings in the roof such as bulkheads skylights or scuttles.