Training Fire Exposures From The Source: Developing a Risk-Benefit Framework

Overview

Training Fire Exposures from the Source: Developing a Risk-Benefit Framework (Training Fuels Framework) is a DHS/FEMA AFG supported project that examines the risks and benefits of live-fire training environments with the goal of reducing firefighter fatalities and injuries. To accomplish this task, UL’s Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) quantifies chemical and thermal exposure risks from common training fuels, tests potential controls to reduce risk and characterizes fire dynamics and firefighting tactics-based learning objectives generated by these environments. This research provides fact based guidance on training fuel and training environment selection that can be made at fire training academies across the country.

This study specifically examines the effectiveness of high-level training control measures and the tradeoffs between risks and benefits of using different fuels and props.

Context 

This research equips the fire service to make informed decisions about training fuel selection and prop type/operation to balance contamination control with high quality training, which provides an immediate, actionable outcome for the fire service to implement. 

Objectives

To improve the effectiveness and safety of firefighters and fire instructors by providing data, information, and training materials that can be used in firefighter training standards, policies and procedures.

Technical Panel

Partial group photo from Delaware County Emergency Services Training Center during the June 2021 experiments.

We would also like to thank the following individuals for their time and expertise serving on our technical panel during this study:

· Ron McGraw, International Association of Fire Fighters

· Mike Tucker, Florida State Fire College