Why Do Firefighters Ventilate The Roof

First it allows heated gasses to escape from the building and prevents backdrafts and smoke explosions.

Why do firefighters ventilate the roof. Believe it or not a fire that is efficiently burning is easier to con. Yes it does introduce fresh oxygen into the compartment as the fresh air entrains into the plume but with it being performed at the same time as the fire attack ventilation helps limit the fire to just one compartment or room and limits the amount of damage. Remember more heat equals more water. Vertical ventilation also provides advance over the original fire area to search for and cut off extension of fire.

Firefighters may go ahead of the fire on a roof cut holes to access the attic and stop the fire from spreading through the attic. When we talk about roof ventilation we often focus on the cut itself. I have roof vents so i have roof ventilation. A firefighter s ladder to roof guide.

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. Another reason for venting the roof is to see how far the fire has progressed. Heat and smoke rise into the attic where the fire can move quickly. One of the fastest avenues through which fires spread is the attic.

The majority of roofing experts agree that ridge vents are the most effective and cost effective roof vents available. However there are many other critical steps that we need to master in order to make roof ventilation an efficient process. There are a few reasons for ventilation. The most severe event we face from fire is flashover and ventilation needs to be a priority to reduce the likelihood of this occurring.

Simply put we ventilate fire to improve interior conditions and to reduce the chances of getting people citizens and firefighters hurt or killed. Take for example ridge vents. If not done properly it can spread the fire and even hurt or kill firefighters. Back to basics sounding and walking on the roof using roof ladders working from an aerial cutting the hole and punching through.

Ventilate openings in the roof such as bulkheads skylights or scuttles. It helps the fire burn better. Why do we ventilate.