Exercise 5. Read and translate text D Ventilation

Ventilation is a vital part of firefighting. Ventilation is the planned release of smoke and gases from a confined area. You must remember that the release of these gases can also aid in the rescue of trapped victims. Ventilation creates a safer environment and allows the rescuer to quickly search the area.

The proper release of smoke and gases can also reduce structural damage. It reduces the potential for a backdraft, as well as the effects of mushrooming. Ventilation makes firefighting easier, and helps to confine the spread of the fire itself. Two types of ventilation used by firefighters are natural venting and forced (mechanical) venting. Both types permit the vertical and horizontal movement of smoke and gas from a fire building.

Natural vertical ventilation is generally performed on the roof of the building on fire by making an opening. This allows the heat and smoke to travel up and out of the fire building. Opening windows in the fire area is an example of natural horizontalventilation. This allows the heat and smoke to travel out of the windows.

Mechanical ventilation takes place when mechanical devices, such as smoke ejectors or hoses with nozzles, are used to remove heated gases from the area. A smoke ejector might be used in a cellar fire when smoke has traveled to the far end of the cellar, creating a heavy smoke condition that cannot be removed naturally. The smoke ejector would be brought into the area to draw the smoke out of the cellar. A nozzle is used with a hose to create a fine spray of water. When directed towards an open window, the water spray pushes smoke and heated gases out of the window.