Respond To Urban Fire

This learner resource is designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge to respond to an urban fire while working as a member of a team. Work undertaken at this level will be mainly under the direct supervision of an Officer-In-charge. The material contained within this learner resource does not reflect the procedures and requirements of individual agencies.

The resouce is divided into ten sections as follows:

Section 1 provides an introduction to the principls of fire behaviour, types and products of combustion, fires in compartments and hazards associated with structure firefighting.

Section 2 describes the classes of fire, extinguishing agents for each class of fire and the range of portable fire extinguishers available to attack a small fire.

Section 3 explains the principles of fire extinguishment, the types of extinguishing media available and how to select the correct media for each class of fire.

Section 4 outlines the legislation governing the use of water supplies and how water can be accessed from a vehicle, or from a reticulated or static supply using a range of equipment.

Section 5 details the support equipment used by fire fighters to access structures, and how rope lines are used to secure ladders and equipment for fire fighting operations.

Section 6 stresses the importance of effective communication within your team and with your supervisor at the fireground, and the need to maintain situational awareness and to alert others to information gathered.

Section 7 describes the the factors to be considered when responding to a fire and how you can be an active member of a team by being alert and providing information to your supervisor en route, upon arrival and when undertaking preliminary activities to access the structure.

Section 8 provides an introduction to firefighting stategies and tactics and explains the role of the firefighter in providing relevant information to support ongoing operational planning.

Section 9 focuses on the actions used in in first entry and when fighting the fire. It explores procedures for safely working in structures, directing a hose stream, advancing a delivery hose and hose stream ventilation.

Section 10 describes the concepts of salvage and overhaul and the importance of these activities in restoring a structure to normality.