Firefighters Review Fire Behavior Lessons
 
By Battalion Chief Mark Oeltgen
December 26, 2017
 

Prospect Heights fire fightersspent time using small scale houses to review fire behavior and ventilation considerations. Division Chief Brian Kazmierzak (a reource and subject matter expert from an indiana fire department) was on hand to facilitate the review and aid in using the props. Fire fighters reviewed how modern furnishings inside homes has changed the speed in which fires change inside homes. The types of furnishings that are present have shifted over the years, from wood and cotton, to nylon and pressboard. This has changed how fast heat is released from burning items, as well as the density of the smoke produced. These drills help reinforce decisions made on the fire ground.