New FSRI Online Training Addresses Coordination of Suppression and Ventilation in Multi-Family Dwellings
Research-based considerations aim to increase firefighter knowledge on the importance of coordination on the fireground
The new “Analysis of the Coordination of Suppression and Ventilation in Multi-Family Dwellings” online training course is now available via the FSRI Fire Safety Academy. This online course examines the findings from the multi-family dwelling experiments and resulting tactical considerations in the context of coordinating suppression and ventilation tactics on the fireground. These experiments were conducted in four separate garden-style apartment buildings in Cobb County, Georgia, and are detailed in our previously released technical report. Through this course, firefighters can improve their knowledge of fire dynamics and the impact of strategies and tactics by better understanding how suppression and ventilation can be coordinated during fires in multi-family residential structures.
After taking this course, firefighters will be able to:
- Describe the principles of fire dynamics and the factors that influence fire spread and fire behavior in multi-family residential structures.
- Describe the impact of coordinated ventilation and suppression tactics on fire dynamics, firefighter safety, and occupant survival on the multi-family residential fireground.
“Due to vertically stacked apartments surrounding a common egress pathway, multi-family dwellings present unique exposure challenges from the spread of both fire and smoke for potentially trapped occupants and their property. Remember that although no two fires are identical, this course is designed to provide data-driven findings from full-scale experiments in acquired structures for fire departments to consider as they evaluate their tactics and standard operating guidelines. Keep your department’s capabilities and resources in mind as you assess the information presented in this course and, where appropriate, adapt it to your specific situation.” — Keith Stakes, Research Engineer, FSRI
This research would not have been possible without Cobb County Fire and Emergency Services who helped us acquire the multi-family dwellings used for these experiments and provided firefighter staffing and logistical support. We would also like to thank the Atlanta Fire and Rescue Department for providing additional staffing, apparatus, and equipment. This project was funded by a FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Fire Prevention and Safety Grant. Click here to learn more about the technical panel members that have helped to make this project relevant to members across the fire service.
