Respond to Isolated / Remote Structure Fire

PUAFIR202B – Respond to isolated/remote structure fire

CERTIFICATE II

Overview

This learner resource is designed to assist an individual to develop the skills and knowledge required to respond, as a member of a team, to an isolated and remote structure fire. An individual operating in this context will perform this role under the direct supervision of a crew leader or Officer-in-Charge.

In this learner resource an ‘isolated and remote structure’ refers to a free standing building or man-made construction, such as a homestead or farm machinery shed. With an isolated and remote structure, the possibility of fire spread between the structure itself and exposures is generally low.

‘Exposures’ in this learner resource refers to parts of the structure and other structures or property, not directly involved in fire, but at risk of being burnt or damaged if the fire is not extinguished.

This resource focuses on defensive (external) structural firefighting, i.e. how to attack a fire from outside a structure and protect exposures. It does not cover offensive firefighting, i.e. internal attack within a structure or how to deal with fires involving dangerous goods and/or hazardous substances.

In offensive firefighting operations, the crew conducting the internal attack must be trained in the use of breathing apparatus and operational procedures related to its use.

Target

audience

The target audience for this training are individuals who are required to respond, as a member of a team, to an isolated/remote structure fire.

Nominal

duration

40 hours

Relationship to PUA units

This document is a part of the support materials for the unit of competency, PUAFIR202B Respond to Isolated/Remote Structure Fire. PUAFIR202B is an elective unit in Certificate II in Public Safety (Firefighting and Emergency Operations) and Certificate II in Public Safety (Firefighting Operations).

Course
content

This learner resource is divided into three sections.

·         Section 1 describes the characteristics of isolated and remote structure fires including: classes of fire; the three phases of fire development in a structure; and hazards associated with each phase.

·         Section 2 identifies the personal protective clothing and firefighting equipment commonly used at a structure fire.

·         Section 3 discusses the firefighting sequence and priorities for combating isolated and remote structure fires.

Learning objectives

On completion of PUAFIR202B, participants will be able to:

·         respond, as a member of a team, to an isolated and remote structure fire

·         identify and apply procedures for individual and crew preparation and for determining the most effective route to the fire

·         identify the type of equipment and extinguishing media used to support defensive firefighting operations and procedures for their use

·         describe and demonstrate defensive firefighting strategies and tactics

·         explain the importance of observing and protecting evidence of fire cause

·         demonstrate safe work practices when conducting defensive firefighting operations and outline hazards associated with this work

·         explain ancillary activities and procedures involved in concluding operations.