Proper use of mechanical ventilation aids
FIREMEN know that the removal of smoke, hot air and dangerous gases from a building will enable them to locate quickly the seat of a fire and advance hose lines to attack the flames. They also know that ventilation will help save lives, prevent so-called back drafts, reduce water and smoke damage and prevent unnecessary fire spread by directing the products of combustion through a desired channel to the outside atmosphere.
Ventilation in fire fighting terms usually refers to natural vertical ventilation. No one should overlook its advantages, especially in large fires or in situations where drawing the smoke up will accomplish the intended purpose. Horizontal or lateral ventilation is frequently employed for fire fighting purposes where it is necessary to clear the atmosphere of a single floor or a room and it is desired that little of the smoke travel upward.
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