HomeMy WebLinkAboutSOG 202.01B 11-2011_PPA202.016 - Positive Pressure Attack
Effective: 11 /5/2011
Revised:
Replaces:
I. Guiding PhilosophX
We do our best to implement strategies and tactics that most effectively support our
mission of protecting life and property, and support our managed risk philosophy.
II. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to provide considerations, guidance and the process to be
utilized when implementing positive pressure attack (PPA) as a tactical option for structure fires
during initial size -up and fire attack.
III. Goals
The goals of this policy are to:
A. List the benefits of positive pressure attack (PPA) when properly employed.
B. Provide general considerations to determine whether PPA would be an
appropriate tactic.
C. Communicate the four step process to implement PPA.
D. Detail assignment guidelines for implementing the four step process.
E. Provide guidelines for the utilization of PPA in specific situations.
IV. Definitions
A. Blower — Gas powered positive pressure fan producing 17,000 to 21,000 CFM.
B. CFM — Acronym for cubic feet per minute.
C. Exhaust Point — Area or opening where heat, smoke, and the products of
combustion are exhausted out of the structure.
D. Positive Pressure Attack (PPA) — During the free burning phase of a fire, the
use of Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV) techniques as a systematic and
coordinated tactic in mounting an offensive fire attack strategy.
E. Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV) — Controlled and coordinated use of
positive air pressure to ventilate a structure after the fire is under control.
F. Ventilation — The systematic and coordinated removal of heat, smoke and the
products of combustion to replace them with cooler, fresher air.
G. Ventilation Point — Doorway or opening where a blower is set up.
V. Benefits of Properly Employed PPA
A. Replacing the toxic interior atmosphere with clean cool air so that victims and
firefighters face less exposure to heat and dangerous products of combustion.
B. Improving visibility and atmospheric conditions so that firefighters can:
1. Locate and extricate victims faster.
2. Decrease fire spread by cooling and effectively confining the fire.
3. Limit property damage from heat and products of combustion.
C. More effectively utilizing resources by re -allocating crews to fire attack or search
and rescue assignments that normally would be assigned to perform vertical
ventilation.
VI. General PPA Considerations
A. Command and control coordination, oversight, and effective communications are
absolutely critical when employing PPA as a tactic.
B. PPA should be considered by the first arriving Company Officer whenever initial
size up indicates that crews will be able to successfully access the area involved in
fire. Having the ability to successfully access the fire implies securing adequate
means of egress, as well. (Questions to ask: Will we be able to get to the seat of
the fire? Will we have the ability to quickly exit if the situation rapidly
deteriorates?)
C. Large, complex fires may require a more methodical implementation of PPA and
should not be considered by the first arriving Company Officer.
VII. Basic PPA Procedures -The Four Step Process
A. In general, this section applies to:
1. Single family dwellings.
2. Small commercial buildings.
3. Other similar sized structures.
B. PPA can be broken down into a four step process, with the first two steps
happening generally at the same time, in conjunction with the initial size -up.
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a. Company Officer or assigned crew member takes the blower from the
engine to the fire building as they initially dismount the apparatus.
b. The blower should be positioned at the entrance that crews will be
using as the means of entry/egress for fire attack. This is called the
Ventilation Point.
c. For maximum effectiveness, the blower should be placed between 6 to
10 feet outside of the Ventilation Point (but can still be effective if
placed somewhat closer or further away).
d. The blower should be started as soon as possible, but the airstream
should not be directed into the Ventilation Point until the attack crew
is ready to enter and the firefighter assigned to create the exhaust
opening and survey the building gives the OK (See Steps 2 & 3
below).
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a. The Company Officer or assigned crew member immediately surveys
the exterior of the fire building to make or improve Exhaust Points.
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c. Exhaust Points should be made or improved at a location near the fire
or, in the judgment of the firefighter, a location thought to be near the
SOG 202.016 — Positive Pressure Attack Page 2 of 5
fire. These openings should be substantial enough to exhaust the
products of combustion. Generally, this will be accomplished by
opening 2-3 windows.
d. The size of the Exhaust Points is critical to the successful operation of
PPA, and should match the energy being created by the fire and the
fire loading in the structure. A small room -and -contents fire may
require only two windows to be utilized as Exhaust Points. Larger
buildings with extensive involvement will require more extensive
exhaust openings.
e. When creating Exhaust Points, stand to one side of the opening. Fire
and products of combustion will forcibly exhaust from the openings
when pressurization starts. Keep firefighters and the public away from
Exhaust Points.
f. The crew member creating the exhaust openings must consider the
proximity of nearby exposures when deciding where to create an
Exhaust Point(s) and take measures to protect them.
g. Windows are better Exhaust Points than doors as they tend to keep
heat and the products of combustion higher, providing more survivable
conditions for victims who may be at floor level.
h. In general, Exhaust Point(s) should be:
1. 2 or 3 times lamer than the Ventilation Point(s),
2. Created ahead or to the side of the likely path of advancing
fire crews,
3. With more Exhaust Points being created on the main fire
loor than other floors.
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a. The blower can be directed toward the Ventilation Point AFTER the:
1. Building has been checked,
2. Exhaust Point(s) are ensured, and
3. Attack crew is in position with a charged hose line.
b. Crews must not enter until the blower has pressurized the structure for
a short time, usually up to 30 seconds, or until conditions improve and
the interior environment starts to improve and clear. The blower must
always be "at the backs" of the initial attack crew.
c. The Ventilation Point serves as an indicator. The upper 18 to 24 inches
of atmosphere at the Ventilation Point can be utilized as an indicator of
the effectiveness of pressurization and interior fire activity. Heavy
smoke or fire exhausting from the top of*the Ventilation Point could
be an indication that the Exhaust Point(s) are inadequate and may
result in dangerous fire behavior. In ihh4 ,c!Ii�!"' f ^l" 114 %(
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d. All members must remain aware of fire behavior and smoke
movement and communicate irregular or changing fire or smoke
conditions to the Incident Commander.
a. Overhaul must begin as soon as possible and be thorough! Utilize a
Thermal Imaging Camera (TIC) to check concealed spaces to
minimize property damage.
SOG 202.016 — Positive Pressure Attack Page 3 of 5
b. As necessary, open up spaces in walls, ceilings and other areas that
have been impinged on by the fire.
c. Turn off blower for 10 to 15 minutes then thoroughly reexamine all
involved areas for hidden fires.
VIII. Guidelines for Imglementina the Four Steq Process
A. The Company Officer
1. Dismounts apparatus with portable radio and 10' pike pole (for breaking
windows).
2. Performs an exterior building size -up.
3. Identifies area of fire origin and stage of the fire.
4. Selects and makes Exhaust Points. /,it i4efin�hihiihle itt itn h" h4ul.lil
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5. Advises Headquarters and other responders of the action plan.
6. Returns to Ventilation Point and briefs Firefighter.
7. Insures all preparation measures have been completed prior to initiating
PPA.
8. Positions blower to pressurize the building.
9. Makes observations as to the effectiveness of PPA prior to entry.
B. The Driver/Operator
1. Performs in -cab pump operator duties prior to dismounting apparatus.
2. Dismounts apparatus with a portable radio.
3. Delivers blower to Ventilation Point.
4. Starts blower, leaves at idle, pointed away from opening.
5. Returns to apparatus.
6. Assumes pump operator duties at pump panel.
C. The Firefighter
1. Dismounts apparatus with a portable radio.
2. Advances hose line to Ventilation Point (primary entry/egress point).
3. Prepares the attack line for charging.
4. Initiates forcible entry after the Company Officer advises Headquarters
and responders of the action plan.
IX. PPA Guidelines for Specific Fire Situations
A. The following guidelines will not apply to all situations or conditions. Good
judgment plays a part in any decision. Search and rescue and firefighter safety are
always top priorities.
B. Attic Fires
1. Start PPA in the fire attack entrance point to pressurize the area below the
fire. An exhaust point is not necessary if the space below the attic is clear
of smoke.
2. Initial fire attack should be made through adequately sized openings in the
ceiling below the attic. Openings should be large enough to observe the
attic environment. Apply water through the holes as necessary.
3. Move from one room to another on the floor below making inspection/fire
attack holes.
SOG 202.016 — Positive Pressure Attack Page 4 of 5
C. Fire in an Attached Garage
1. Initiate positive pressure attack through an entrance of the home or
business.
2. Advance a hose line through the structure into the garage using the interior
doorway between the dwelling and garage.
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1. Generally are complex and require close coordination with all Division
and Group Supervisors.
2. The Ventilation Group will be established within the command structure
to coordinate fire ground ventilation with any building ventilation systems.
3. Pressurize stairwells at ground level. With proper use of Exhaust Points
and adequate pressurization, they will conduct air flows to appropriate
floors.
4. Multiple blowers may be required to pressurize building. Additional
blowers may be needed on landings at various levels in the stairwell. A
blower will be needed at the entry to the fire floor.
5. For Exhaust Points, a window or other opening in the fire area is a good
choice. A stairwell on the opposite side of the fire area may also be
appropriate to exhaust through a door at the roof level.
6. Consider Exhaust Points carefully. Floors with the most extensive fire
involvement will require more Exhaust Points than any other floors.
7. Be cautious of the effects wind may have on the fire if windows fail
during the fire attack.
SOG 202.016 - Positive Pressure Attack Page 5 of 5