Scenario: A call comes in for a reported fire in a structure (it could be commercial or residential). The caller states that he has smoke in his building but he does not see any fire. Responding units report smoke showing but no visible fire.
These responses happen frequently throughout the world. The duties of the first-arriving companies will be to locate the source of the fire and extinguish it properly. If we respond to the fire with heavy smoke that shows no visible fire, then this could be a deep-seated fire in the basement or fire traveling in enclosed spaces such as the attic.
The incident commander (IC) should be aware of possible fire burning in void spaces throughout the building. These fires can be in knee walls and attics or in balloon-frame buildings. Members operating on the interior of the structure should be aware of the heat conditions. High heat indicates a large volume of fire burning in an enclosed space. Members on the exterior of the building should be aware of the smoke conditions. Changes in the smoke’s color, volume, and movement are critical information and should be communicated to the interior units. Interior units should not open holes in the walls or ceilings indiscriminately. If you open up an inspection hole, it should be small so as to limit the amount of oxygen that could possibly be introduced into the fire area. If you are opening up walls and ceilings, position a charged hoseline to protect the members and extinguish the fire.
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