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Reading Smoke

Reading Smoke . Developed by Dave Dodson, Battalion Chief (ret.), Colorado. Preparing to use this program: . View the “Reading Smoke” video on DVD #1 prior to delivering this program Review Reading Smoke Lesson Plan

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Reading Smoke

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  1. Reading Smoke Developed by Dave Dodson, Battalion Chief (ret.), Colorado

  2. Preparing to use this program: View the “Reading Smoke” video on DVD #1 prior to delivering this program Review Reading Smoke Lesson Plan Prepare by finding raw fireground footage to use in order to practice “Reading Smoke” (See slide “Practice Examples” for usable websites)

  3. The Reading Smoke Process Reading Smoke can help you answer 3 questions: Where, specifically, is the fire? How big or intense is the fire? How fast is the event changing? (rate and severity of fire spread)

  4. Basic Process – the Science 3 concepts: • Smoke is FUEL • The fuels have changed – more continuity and explosiveness than previously taught • The smoke has trigger points: right temperature and right mixture

  5. Consider this… The following gases create “ladder fuels” within smoke (remember, there are particulates and aerosols also).

  6. The Basic Process (cont.) Process Rules: • Nothing is absolute • Compare ventilation openings (restricted or unrestricted, smoke or no smoke) • Start measuring rate of change (seconds or minutes)

  7. The 3 Steps for “Reading Smoke” • Inventory & compare smoke attributes: volume, velocity, density, and color • Factor in influences that change the meaning of VVDC • Answer the questions

  8. STEP 1: Inventory and compare the key attributes • Volume • Velocity (Pressure) • Density • Color

  9. VOLUME • Gives an impression • Establishes relativity to the “box” • Remember: a small volume of smoke from a very large box is significant • Volume is a source of pressure (velocity)

  10. VELOCITY (Pressure) • How fast is the smoke leaving? • Turbulent or Laminar? • Is laminar heat or volume pushed? • Compare velocity from like-sized openings to find fire location

  11. Density • Most Important Factor • Tells you the future • Continuity of Fuel • Likelihood of an Event • “Degree” of the Event

  12. Color • Tells Stage of Heating • Should compliment velocity to find location of fire • “Brown” Smoke is usually unfinished wood being heated • Remember, smoke color can be filtered over distance or through resistance

  13. STEP 2: Factor in Influences • Container (defines the significance of VVDC) • Weather

  14. STEP 3: Answer the Questions • Where’s the fire? • How big or intense is the fire? • How fast is it changing? (rate and severity)

  15. Always Remember: • Velocity trumps color • ANY thick, fast moving smoke is ignitable • Zero visibility makes you a slave to your environment

  16. Single Most Important Point: Turbulent smoke is ready to flash – and indicates that floor temperatures are past human life thresholds (zero rescue profile!) Manage it – but reduce your risk-taking!

  17. Practice Examples Use raw fireground footage from your department, or from the internet: www.youtube.com (search on house fires or flashover) www.community.firevideo.net www.firefighterclosecalls.com www.fire.nist.gov

  18. Be Safe – Make it Safe ! For more information on Reading Smoke contact Dave Dodson at davedodson@q.com

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