Nozzles and Fire Streams Part C FVCC Fire Rescue

WATER APPLICATION Direct ◦Apply water directly on burning fuels  Most efficient use of water ◦Should be applied in short bursts ◦Application of water until the fire “darkens down”

WATER APPLICATION Indirect ◦Fog stream directed at ceiling, into superheated atmosphere results in the production of large quantities of steam ◦Not desirable when victims may yet be present ◦Where spread of fire into uninvolved spaces cannot be contained

WATER APPLICATION Combination ◦A ceiling level attack combined with an attack on burning materials at the floor level ◦Nozzle is rotated with stream edge reaching the ceiling, wall, floor and opposite wall

USE OF NOZZLES CARRIED ON A PUMPER Fog ◦Open/close ◦Adjust the stream pattern on a fog nozzle  Narrow fog to wide fog ◦Adjust the flow setting on an adjustable gallonage fog nozzle Open and close a solid stream nozzle ◦Open ◦Close

USE OF ADAPTERS ON A PUMPER Double male/female: Attach to proper coupling Reducer ◦Attach to male coupling ◦Attach female coupling to it

INSPECTING NOZZLES FOR DAMAGE Check the gasket Check for external damage Check for internal damage and debris Check for ease of operation

CLEANING AND MAINTAINING NOZZLES If necessary ◦Clean with soap and water using a soft bristle brush ◦Replace the gasket ◦Clean and lubricate any moving parts that stick according to manufacturer’s recommendations

EXTINGUISHING OR CONTROLLING LIVE FIRES Piles/stacks of Class A combustible materials (exterior) ◦Assemble attack crew ◦Approach from upwind ◦Extinguish fire starting at base and working up ◦Have additional crew pull piles apart using overhaul techniques

EXTINGUISHING OR CONTROLLING LIVE FIRES Class B open pans for combustible liquids (exterior) ◦Approach from upwind ◦Have bottom of stream in contact with surface ◦Apply agent with a sweeping motion ◦When extinguished, back out ◦Reapply agent as necessary ◦Things to avoid  Standing in pools of fuel  Plunging stream into liquid  Using water after the foam has been applied

EXTINGUISHING OR CONTROLLING LIVE FIRES Vehicle fires ◦Assemble attack crew ◦If possible, approach from the sides, uphill and upwind ◦Extinguish ground or under vehicle fires first ◦Extinguish remaining vehicle fire, avoiding front and rear of vehicle ◦DO NOT remove SCBA until it has been determined that the levels of toxic gases are safe

EXTINGUISHING OR CONTROLLING LIVE FIRES Storage containers (exterior dumpster/trash bin) ◦Assemble attack crew ◦Select hoseline appropriate for size of container ◦Slowly open container ◦Extinguish the fire ◦Check for extension

EXTINGUISHING OR CONTROLLING LIVE FIRES Class A combustible materials within a structure (interior attack) ◦Assemble attack team at entrance ◦Bleed nozzle ◦Ventilate as necessary ◦Enter structure observing conditions and staying low ◦Use desired attack method ◦Discharge water only until fire is “darkened” ◦Proceed to base of fire and complete extinguishment

EXTINGUISHING OR CONTROLLING LIVE FIRES Hidden fire within a structure. ◦Indications ◦Overhaul ◦Water application

ASSEMBLE A FOAM STREAM ARRANGEMENT Select proper foam concentrate Place concentrate at eductor Check eductor and nozzle for compatibility Adjust the eductor metering valve Attach eductor to supply side of hose Attach hose and appropriate nozzle to discharge end of eductor Place eductor suction hose into concentrate Open nozzle fully

APPLICATION TECHNIQUE OF A CLASS B FOAM Bank in or roll on method ◦Assure stream is flowing foam prior to applying to flammable liquid ◦Direct stream to the ground near the front edge of the burning material ◦Build pool of foam and push foam into flammable liquid with stream

APPLICATION TECHNIQUE OF A CLASS B FOAM Bank-back, bounce-off, bank-down or deflection method ◦Assure stream is flowing foam prior to applying to flammable liquid ◦Direct stream to object inside the spill area ◦Apply foam to different objects to assure even pattern dispersement

APPLICATION TECHNIQUE OF A CLASS B FOAM Rain-down or snowflake method ◦Assure stream is flowing foam prior to applying to flammable liquid ◦Direct stream into the air allowing the foam to float down to the material

Homework Select facts about the properties and extinguishing capabilities of water. Write the correct letters in the blanks. 1. Why, when a fire stream is broken into small particles, does it absorb heat more rapidly than when it is a solid stream? a. The capacity of the water is increased. b. The water is more likely to reach boiling point. c. More of the water surface is exposed to the heat. d. The smaller particles cause the ions to rotate. 2. What determines the amount of expansion when water changes into steam? a. Atmospheric pressure of the fire area b. Type of extinguishing method used c. Break-up of the fire stream into small particles d. Temperature of the fire area 3. Which of the following statements is false in relation to water’s value as an extinguishing agent? a. The greater the surface area of the water, the more heat it will absorb. b. A relatively large amount of heat is required to change water into steam. c. Water contracts and evaporates when exposed to heat. d. Water has a greater heat-absorbing capacity than other common extinguishing agents. 4. How many times its original volume does water occupy when it is converted to steam at 212°F (100°C)? a. 500b. 1,000 c. 1,700 d. 2, How can the firefighter reduce pressure loss due to friction? a. Using adapters at hose connections b. Using short hoselines when possible c. Not opening the nozzle completely d. Using hose of smaller diameter when flow must be increased

Homework 6. Which of the following statements is false in relation to the effectiveness of water expansion for fire extinguishment? a. In some cases it may expand enough to smother fire by excluding oxygen. b. It expands rapidly when converted to steam, occupying many times its original volume. c. When expanded, it absorbs more heat faster, cooling fuel below its ignition temperature. d. When it expands, it neutralizes and detoxifies hot gases, smoke, and other products of combustion. 7. What word below does the following define: “that part of total pressure that is lost while forcing water through pipes, fittings, fire hose, and adapters”? a. Pressure deficit b. Residual pressure c. Friction loss d. Velocity ebb 8. Why is adequate ventilation ahead of the hoseline important when using a fog stream? a. Without ventilation steam condenses too rapidly to cool the fire. b. Without ventilation steam becomes an oxidizing agent. c. Without ventilation steam loses its smothering capacity. d. Without ventilation steam or fire might roll back over the hose team. 9. Which of the following best defines elevation loss? a. A drop in nozzle pressure when the nozzle is above the fire pump b. A drop in nozzle pressure as the distance above sea level decreases c. A drop in nozzle pressure as the distance above sea level increases d. A drop in nozzle pressure when the nozzle is below the fire pump 10. What is the visible part of steam called when it starts to cool? a. Water vapor b. Condensed steam c. Evaporation loss d. Friction loss

Homework Select facts about water fire streams. Write the correct answers on the blanks. 11. A fire stream from a booster line would be classified as which of the following? a. Special b. Master c. High-volume d. Low-volume 12. At what pressure should fog stream nozzles be operated when used on energized electrical equipment? a. 212 psi b. 75 psi c. 150 psi d. 100 psi 13. On which of the following fires would a firefighter most likely use a broken stream? a. A grass fire b. A chimney fire c. A Class C fire d. A living room fire 14. How does the nozzle person change the rate of flow on an automatic nozzle? a. By reversing the manual-automatic selector knob b. By rotating the selector ring c. By opening or closing the shutoff valve d. The nozzle person cannot control the rate of flow on an automatic nozzle. 15. Which of the following best defines nozzle reaction? a. The force that pushes back on the person handling a hoseline b. The resulting surge when the flow through a nozzle is suddenly pressurized c. The effect of a nozzle’s shape on the form of the fire stream d. The normal wear and tear on a nozzle that results from high-pressure applications

Homework 16. When a ___ valve is used with a solid stream nozzle, turbulence caused by a partially opened valve may affect the desired stream or pattern. a. Slide b. Rotary control c. Ball d. Hinge 17. Why are fog streams seldom useful for outside, defensive fire fighting operations? a. They do not absorb heat as efficiently as broken streams. b. They do not use personnel as efficiently as solid streams. c. They do not operate at a high enough pressure to extinguish large outdoor fires. d. They have a shorter reach than solid streams. 18. The correct pressure for operating solid stream nozzles on handlines is ___. a. 30 psi b. 40 psi c. 50 psi d. 60 psi 19. Firefighter A says that a solid stream will absorb more heat and smother a fire more efficiently than a broken stream. Firefighter B says that a broken stream will absorb heat and convert into steam more rapidly than it would in a compact form. Who is right? a. Firefighter A b. Firefighter B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B 20. Which of the following is not necessary when inspecting nozzles periodically to make sure that they are in proper working condition? a. Checking the gasket b. Checking ease of operation c. Checking the volume of water flow d. Checking for internal damage and debris

Homework 21. It is essential for a fire stream to deliver a volume of water that is sufficient to ___. a. Produce small water droplets to absorb the heat b. Absorb heat more rapidly than it is generated c. Produce a fine mist that will sprinkle the fire d. Smother the fire 22. What does the fire service call the point where a solid stream loses its forward velocity? a. Breakover b. Turbulence c. Flashover d. Broken stream 23. What stream is normally fed by multiple 2½- or 3-inch lines? a. Handline b. Master c.Broken d. Low-volume 24. What stream is capable of flowing from 40 to 350 gpm? a. Handline b. Master c. Low-volume d. Broken 25. What are the four basic items that make up a fire stream? a. Hose, coupling, nozzle, and agent b. Pressure device, hose, agent, and nozzle c. Nozzle, pressure device, agent, and coupling d. Pressure device, hose, agent, and coupling

Homework 26. __ Maintains better visibility for firefighter 27. __ Allow adjustment of discharge pattern to suit situation 28. __ Do not have the reach or penetrating power of solid streams 29. __Has greater reach 30. __ Operates at reduced nozzle pressures per gallon thus reducing nozzle reaction 31. __ May have adjustable settings to control amount of water used 32. __ Has greater penetration power 33. __ Is less likely to disturb normal thermal layering of heat and gases during interior structural attacks 34. __ Does not allow for different stream pattern selections 35. __ Cannot be used for foam application 36. __ May contribute to fire spread, create heat inversion, and cause steam burns to firefighters when improperly used during interior attacks 37. __ Provides less heat absorption per gallon delivered than broken stream 38. __ Dissipate heat by exposing the maximum water surface for heat absorption a) Solid Stream Advantage b) Solid Stream Disadvantage c) Fog Stream Advantage d) Fog Stream Disadvantage

Homework 39. Little Shower or Spray 40. Definite Pattern 41. Coarsely Divided Drops of Varied Size 42. Good Reach and Penetration 43. Good Heat Absorption 44. Fine Particles 45. High Water to Stream Ratio a)Broken b)Fog c)Solid

FOG STREAM NOZZLES VS a. Adjustable Gallonage b. Automatic c. Set Gallonage 46. __ 47. __ 48. __

BROKEN STREAM (SPECIAL PURPOSE) NOZZLES VS a. Cellar Nozzle b. Chimney Nozzle c. Penetrating Nozzle 49. __ 50. __ 51. __

NOZZLE CONTROL VALVES VS a. Ball Valve b. Rotary Control c. Slide Valve 54. __ 53. __ 52. __

Homework Classify flammable liquids as hydrocarbon or polar solvent fuels. Write “A” before hydrocarbon fuels and “B” before polar solvent fuels. 55. __ Naphtha 56. __ Alcohol 57. __ Ketones 58. __ Jet fuel 59. __ Crude oil 60. __ Acetone 61. __ Kerosene/gasoline 62. __ Acid 63. __ Benzene 64. __ Lacquer thinner

Homework 65. — Raw foam liquid as it rests in its storage container before the introduction of water and air a) Foam concentrate b) Foam solution c) Foam proportioner d) Finished Foam 66. — Device that introduces foam concentrate into the water stream to make the foam solution a) Foam concentrate b) Foam solution c) Foam proportioner d) Finished Foam 67. — Mixture of foam concentrate and water before the introduction of air a) Foam concentrate b) Foam solution c) Foam proportioner d) Finished Foam 68. — Completed product after air is introduced into the foam solution a) Foam concentrate b) Foam solution c) Foam proportioner d) Finished Foam

Homework 69. __ Mixing concentrate with water by means of a proportioning system a) Aeration b) Expansion ratio c) Foam expansion d) Proportioning 70. __ Mixing solution with air by means of the nozzle or expansion device a) Aeration b) Expansion ratio c) Foam expansion d) Proportioning 71. __ Increase in volume of a foam solution when it is aerated a) Aeration b) Expansion ratio c) Foam expansion d) Proportioning 72. __ Ratio of air to solution. a) Aeration b) Expansion ratio c) Foam expansion d) Proportioning

Homework 73. __ Are used on fires involving flammable and combustible liquids 74. __ Reduce water tension in foam solution 75. __ Are used to suppress unignited vapors 76. __ Are used on wildland and structural fires a) Class A Foams b) Class B Foams

Homework 77. __ concentrate is normally used for hydrocarbon fuels. 78. __ concentrate is normally used for polar solvent fuels. 79. Multipurpose foam is often mixed at __ concentration regardless of the fuel. 80. Medium-expansion foam is normally mixed at ____ concentrations. a) 1½%, 2%, or 3% b) 3% c) 6%

Homework 81. Pressure energy in the water stream drafts concentrate into the fire stream a) Batch-mixing b) Induction c) Injection d) Premixing 82. Generally used with apparatus-mounted or fixed fire protection systems. a) Batch-mixing b) Induction c) Injection d) Premixing 83. Used with apparatus water tank or portable water tanks and mostly on Class A fires. a) Batch-mixing b) Induction c) Injection d) Premixing 84. Used in portable and wheeled extinguishers or vehicle-mounted tank systems. a) Batch-mixing b) Induction c) Injection d) Premixing

Homework Match types of handline foam nozzles to their uses. Write the correct letters on the blanks. 85. Generation of high-expansion foam with high air content 86. Limited to certain types of Class A applications 87. Generation of medium- to moderately high-expansion foam with relatively low air volume 88. Generation of low-expansion, short lasting foam for use on Class A fires or on hydrocarbon fires with alcohol-resistant AFFF foams 89. Generation of low-expansion foam; designed to provide the aeration required to make the highest quality foam possible a. Solid bore nozzle b. Fog nozzle (fixed-flow or automatic) c. Air-aspirating foam nozzle d. Water-aspirating type nozzle e. Mechanical blower generator

Homework Match foam application methods to their uses. Write the correct letters on the blanks. 90. Used on ignited or unignited pool of liquid fuel on open ground 91. Used in dike fires and fires involving spills around damaged or overturned tank vehicles when an appropriate structure is available 92. Used on large area fires a. Bank-down method b. Rain-down method c. Roll-on method