Fire Fighting Operations
What the exam tests
Fire Fighting Operations tests incident command, tactical priorities, hose and water application, ventilation, salvage and firefighter safety. Questions often present a scenario and ask for the first action or the correct sequence.
Core rules
- RECEO-VS priority sequence: Rescue, Exposures, Containment, Extinguishment, Overhaul, Ventilation, Salvage. Ventilation supports the sequence but is timed to release heat and improve visibility without feeding fire.
- Size-up: consider building, occupancy, fire location, water supply, resources, time and safety. Decide offensive (interior attack) or defensive (exterior, protect exposures).
- Entry control: every team needs BA, a tally, radio contact and a defined exit time.
- Water application: aim at the seat of fire, use short pulses, avoid excessive water damage; do not use a straight stream into superheated compartments without coordination.
Worked example
Two 250 L/min branches are supplied from a 10,000 L tanker. Ignoring reserve and friction, how long can they run? Total flow = 250 + 250 = 500 L/min. Duration = 10,000 / 500 = 20 minutes. Reasoning: add simultaneous flows, then divide available water by total flow. A practical answer should reserve at least 20% for withdrawal, giving about 16 minutes.
Traps
Committing crews without a water supply; opening ventilation before lines are charged; using fog on live electrical equipment; overhauling before the fire is knocked down; failing to consider wind-driven fire and smoke spread.