TheARTARTARTART of Reading SmokeTheARTARTARTART of Reading Smoke
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Developed by:
Dave Dodson
Why “Read” Smoke?Why “Read” Smoke?Why “Read” Smoke?Why “Read” Smoke?Why “Read” Smoke?Why “Read” Smoke?Why “Read” Smoke?Why “Read” Smoke?
To determine To determine ““HOW MUCHHOW MUCHHOW MUCHHOW MUCHHOW MUCHHOW MUCHHOW MUCHHOW MUCH” fire” fireTo determine To determine ““HOW MUCHHOW MUCHHOW MUCHHOW MUCHHOW MUCHHOW MUCHHOW MUCHHOW MUCH” fire” fire
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Why “Read” Smoke?Why “Read” Smoke?Why “Read” Smoke?Why “Read” Smoke?Why “Read” Smoke?Why “Read” Smoke?Why “Read” Smoke?Why “Read” Smoke?
To help find the To help find the LOCATIONLOCATIONLOCATIONLOCATIONLOCATIONLOCATIONLOCATIONLOCATION of the of the
firefire
To help find the To help find the LOCATIONLOCATIONLOCATIONLOCATIONLOCATIONLOCATIONLOCATIONLOCATION of the of the
firefire
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Why “Read” Why “Read” Why “Read” Why “Read” Smoke?Smoke?Smoke?Smoke?Why “Read” Why “Read” Why “Read” Why “Read” Smoke?Smoke?Smoke?Smoke?
To help predict To help predict COLLAPSECOLLAPSECOLLAPSECOLLAPSECOLLAPSECOLLAPSECOLLAPSECOLLAPSE potentialpotentialTo help predict To help predict COLLAPSECOLLAPSECOLLAPSECOLLAPSECOLLAPSECOLLAPSECOLLAPSECOLLAPSE potentialpotential
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Why “Read” Smoke?Why “Read” Smoke?Why “Read” Smoke?Why “Read” Smoke?Why “Read” Smoke?Why “Read” Smoke?Why “Read” Smoke?Why “Read” Smoke?
To help To help PRIORITIZEPRIORITIZEPRIORITIZEPRIORITIZEPRIORITIZEPRIORITIZEPRIORITIZEPRIORITIZE Strategies & Strategies &
TacticsTactics
To help To help PRIORITIZEPRIORITIZEPRIORITIZEPRIORITIZEPRIORITIZEPRIORITIZEPRIORITIZEPRIORITIZE Strategies & Strategies &
TacticsTactics
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Why “Read” Smoke?Why “Read” Smoke?Why “Read” Smoke?Why “Read” Smoke?Why “Read” Smoke?Why “Read” Smoke?Why “Read” Smoke?Why “Read” Smoke?
To To PROTECTPROTECTPROTECTPROTECTPROTECTPROTECTPROTECTPROTECT Firefighters from aFirefighters from a
““HOSTILE FIRE EVENT”HOSTILE FIRE EVENT”HOSTILE FIRE EVENT”HOSTILE FIRE EVENT”HOSTILE FIRE EVENT”HOSTILE FIRE EVENT”HOSTILE FIRE EVENT”HOSTILE FIRE EVENT”
To To PROTECTPROTECTPROTECTPROTECTPROTECTPROTECTPROTECTPROTECT Firefighters from aFirefighters from a
““HOSTILE FIRE EVENT”HOSTILE FIRE EVENT”HOSTILE FIRE EVENT”HOSTILE FIRE EVENT”HOSTILE FIRE EVENT”HOSTILE FIRE EVENT”HOSTILE FIRE EVENT”HOSTILE FIRE EVENT”
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““HOSTILE FIRE EVENT”HOSTILE FIRE EVENT”HOSTILE FIRE EVENT”HOSTILE FIRE EVENT”HOSTILE FIRE EVENT”HOSTILE FIRE EVENT”HOSTILE FIRE EVENT”HOSTILE FIRE EVENT”““HOSTILE FIRE EVENT”HOSTILE FIRE EVENT”HOSTILE FIRE EVENT”HOSTILE FIRE EVENT”HOSTILE FIRE EVENT”HOSTILE FIRE EVENT”HOSTILE FIRE EVENT”HOSTILE FIRE EVENT”
The “ADVANCED” BasicsThe “ADVANCED” BasicsThe “ADVANCED” BasicsThe “ADVANCED” BasicsThe “ADVANCED” BasicsThe “ADVANCED” BasicsThe “ADVANCED” BasicsThe “ADVANCED” BasicsConcept #1: Smoke is Concept #1: Smoke is
FuelFuel
Concept #1: Smoke is Concept #1: Smoke is
FuelFuelGases Gases
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Particulates Particulates
Aerosols Aerosols
The “ADVANCED” BasicsThe “ADVANCED” BasicsThe “ADVANCED” BasicsThe “ADVANCED” BasicsThe “ADVANCED” BasicsThe “ADVANCED” BasicsThe “ADVANCED” BasicsThe “ADVANCED” Basics
Concept #2: Fuels have changed: Concept #2: Fuels have changed:
Mass and MakeMass and Make--up!up!
Concept #2: Fuels have changed: Concept #2: Fuels have changed:
Mass and MakeMass and Make--up!up!
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The “ADVANCED” BasicsThe “ADVANCED” BasicsThe “ADVANCED” BasicsThe “ADVANCED” BasicsThe “ADVANCED” BasicsThe “ADVANCED” BasicsThe “ADVANCED” BasicsThe “ADVANCED” Basics
Concept #3: Smoke has trigger Concept #3: Smoke has trigger
points:points:
Concept #3: Smoke has trigger Concept #3: Smoke has trigger
points:points:
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••Flash Point Flash Point
••Fire PointFire Point
••Ignition TemperatureIgnition Temperature
••Flash Point Flash Point
••Fire PointFire Point
••Ignition TemperatureIgnition Temperature
The “ADVANCED” BasicsThe “ADVANCED” BasicsThe “ADVANCED” BasicsThe “ADVANCED” BasicsThe “ADVANCED” BasicsThe “ADVANCED” BasicsThe “ADVANCED” BasicsThe “ADVANCED” Basics
How does How does “flammable range”“flammable range” factor in?factor in?How does How does “flammable range”“flammable range” factor in?factor in?
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Flammable Range & the Three FiresFlammable Range & the Three Fires
Too Rich . . .Too Rich . . .Too Rich . . .Too Rich . . .Too Rich . . .Too Rich . . .Too Rich . . .Too Rich . . .
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Too Lean . . .Too Lean . . .Too Lean . . .Too Lean . . .Too Lean . . .Too Lean . . .Too Lean . . .Too Lean . . .
Too Rich . . .Too Rich . . .Too Rich . . .Too Rich . . .Too Rich . . .Too Rich . . .Too Rich . . .Too Rich . . .
Just Right . . .Just Right . . .Just Right . . .Just Right . . .Just Right . . .Just Right . . .Just Right . . .Just Right . . .
The “ADVANCED” BasicsThe “ADVANCED” BasicsThe “ADVANCED” BasicsThe “ADVANCED” BasicsThe “ADVANCED” BasicsThe “ADVANCED” BasicsThe “ADVANCED” BasicsThe “ADVANCED” Basics
Need to be able to determine...Need to be able to determine...
•• What stage is the fire in…What stage is the fire in…
Need to be able to determine...Need to be able to determine...
•• What stage is the fire in…What stage is the fire in…
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•• What stage is the fire in…What stage is the fire in…
•• Is the “box” absorbing heat? Is the “box” absorbing heat? Laminar vs. Laminar vs.
Turbulent smoke flowTurbulent smoke flow
•• What stage is the fire in…What stage is the fire in…
•• Is the “box” absorbing heat? Is the “box” absorbing heat? Laminar vs. Laminar vs.
Turbulent smoke flowTurbulent smoke flow
“ HOSTILE ” “ HOSTILE ” “ HOSTILE ” “ HOSTILE ” Fire EventsFire EventsFire EventsFire Events“ HOSTILE ” “ HOSTILE ” “ HOSTILE ” “ HOSTILE ” Fire EventsFire EventsFire EventsFire Events••FlashoverFlashover
••BackdraftBackdraft
•• FlashoverFlashover
••BackdraftBackdraft
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••Smoke ExplosionSmoke Explosion
••Rapid Fire SpreadRapid Fire Spread
••Smoke ExplosionSmoke Explosion
••Rapid Fire SpreadRapid Fire Spread
FLASHOVERFLASHOVER
WARNING SIGNS:WARNING SIGNS:
��Turbulent SmokeTurbulent Smoke
��“Rollover”“Rollover”
WARNING SIGNS:WARNING SIGNS:
��Turbulent SmokeTurbulent Smoke
��“Rollover”“Rollover”
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��“Rollover”“Rollover”
��Auto Ignition outsideAuto Ignition outside
Smoke Smoke ––Cloud Ignition is likely after flashoverCloud Ignition is likely after flashover
��“Rollover”“Rollover”
��Auto Ignition outsideAuto Ignition outside
Smoke Smoke ––Cloud Ignition is likely after flashoverCloud Ignition is likely after flashover
BACKDRAFTBACKDRAFT
Remember Remember –– Backdraft is triggered by O2 being Backdraft is triggered by O2 being
introduced to a pressurized “box”introduced to a pressurized “box”
�� YellowishYellowish--grey smokegrey smoke
Remember Remember –– Backdraft is triggered by O2 being Backdraft is triggered by O2 being
introduced to a pressurized “box”introduced to a pressurized “box”
�� YellowishYellowish--grey smokegrey smoke
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��WhistlingWhistling
��Bowing windowsBowing windows
�� “Sealed” containers“Sealed” containers
��WhistlingWhistling
��Bowing windowsBowing windows
�� “Sealed” containers“Sealed” containers
SMOKE EXPLOSIONSMOKE EXPLOSION
Remember Remember –– A Smoke Explosion is a spark or A Smoke Explosion is a spark or
flame applied to a mixture below its ignition flame applied to a mixture below its ignition
temperaturetemperature
�� Trapped gases in upper areasTrapped gases in upper areas
Remember Remember –– A Smoke Explosion is a spark or A Smoke Explosion is a spark or
flame applied to a mixture below its ignition flame applied to a mixture below its ignition
temperaturetemperature
�� Trapped gases in upper areasTrapped gases in upper areas
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�� Trapped gases in upper areasTrapped gases in upper areas
��Growing fireGrowing fire
�� Increasing smoke densityIncreasing smoke density
��Air intake overtaking smoke exitingAir intake overtaking smoke exiting
�� Trapped gases in upper areasTrapped gases in upper areas
��Growing fireGrowing fire
�� Increasing smoke densityIncreasing smoke density
��Air intake overtaking smoke exitingAir intake overtaking smoke exiting
RAPID FIRE SPREADRAPID FIRE SPREAD
Usually “Container” InfluencedUsually “Container” Influenced
Fuel for fire spread is smoke driven vs. Fuel for fire spread is smoke driven vs.
contents surface flamingcontents surface flaming
Usually “Container” InfluencedUsually “Container” Influenced
Fuel for fire spread is smoke driven vs. Fuel for fire spread is smoke driven vs.
contents surface flamingcontents surface flaming
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contents surface flamingcontents surface flaming
Look for fastLook for fast--moving smoke in high moving smoke in high
pressure zones (stairs and hallways)pressure zones (stairs and hallways)
contents surface flamingcontents surface flaming
Look for fastLook for fast--moving smoke in high moving smoke in high
pressure zones (stairs and hallways)pressure zones (stairs and hallways)
“ Reading Smoke”“ Reading Smoke”“ Reading Smoke”“ Reading Smoke”“ Reading Smoke”“ Reading Smoke”“ Reading Smoke”“ Reading Smoke”
•• Observations are Observations are
typically made from typically made from
outside outside -- inside inside
•• Observations are Observations are
typically made from typically made from
outside outside -- inside inside
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outside outside -- inside inside
observations hide the observations hide the
“real” picture.“real” picture.
outside outside -- inside inside
observations hide the observations hide the
“real” picture.“real” picture.
“ Reading Smoke”“ Reading Smoke”“ Reading Smoke”“ Reading Smoke”“ Reading Smoke”“ Reading Smoke”“ Reading Smoke”“ Reading Smoke”
•• Nothing is absolute Nothing is absolute
•• Visible FIRE is easy to read Visible FIRE is easy to read -- look past it for look past it for
the real storythe real story
•• Nothing is absolute Nothing is absolute
•• Visible FIRE is easy to read Visible FIRE is easy to read -- look past it for look past it for
the real storythe real story
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the real storythe real story
•• Compare vent openingsCompare vent openings
the real storythe real story
•• Compare vent openingsCompare vent openings
The ART of Reading SmokeThe ART of Reading SmokeThe ART of Reading SmokeThe ART of Reading SmokeThe ART of Reading SmokeThe ART of Reading SmokeThe ART of Reading SmokeThe ART of Reading Smoke
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A A 44444444--------STEP PROCESSSTEP PROCESSSTEP PROCESSSTEP PROCESSSTEP PROCESSSTEP PROCESSSTEP PROCESSSTEP PROCESS to help predict to help predict
fire behavior and hostile eventsfire behavior and hostile events
A A 44444444--------STEP PROCESSSTEP PROCESSSTEP PROCESSSTEP PROCESSSTEP PROCESSSTEP PROCESSSTEP PROCESSSTEP PROCESS to help predict to help predict
fire behavior and hostile eventsfire behavior and hostile events
Step 1: Evaluate
Key Factors
Step 1: Evaluate
Key Factors
•• VolumeVolume
•• Velocity (Pressure)Velocity (Pressure)
•• VolumeVolume
•• Velocity (Pressure)Velocity (Pressure)
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•• Velocity (Pressure)Velocity (Pressure)
•• DensityDensity
•• ColorColor
•• Velocity (Pressure)Velocity (Pressure)
•• DensityDensity
•• ColorColor
VOLUMEVOLUMEVOLUMEVOLUMEVOLUMEVOLUMEVOLUMEVOLUME
��Always relative to Always relative to the “Box”the “Box”
��Tells “how much” Tells “how much”
��Always relative to Always relative to the “Box”the “Box”
��Tells “how much” Tells “how much”
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��Tells “how much” Tells “how much” fuel has offfuel has off--gassedgassed
��Sets the StageSets the Stage
��Tells “how much” Tells “how much” fuel has offfuel has off--gassedgassed
��Sets the StageSets the Stage
VELOCITY (Pressure)VELOCITY (Pressure)VELOCITY (Pressure)VELOCITY (Pressure)VELOCITY (Pressure)VELOCITY (Pressure)VELOCITY (Pressure)VELOCITY (Pressure)
��How fast is the How fast is the
smoke leaving?smoke leaving?
��Can indicate Can indicate
��How fast is the How fast is the
smoke leaving?smoke leaving?
��Can indicate Can indicate
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��Can indicate Can indicate
volume or heatvolume or heat
��Helps find the Helps find the
location of the location of the
actual fireactual fire
��Can indicate Can indicate
volume or heatvolume or heat
��Helps find the Helps find the
location of the location of the
actual fireactual fire
DENSITYDENSITYDENSITYDENSITYDENSITYDENSITYDENSITYDENSITY
��Most Important Most Important
FactorFactor
��Quality of BurningQuality of Burning
��Continuity of FuelContinuity of Fuel
��Most Important Most Important
FactorFactor
��Quality of BurningQuality of Burning
��Continuity of FuelContinuity of Fuel
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��Continuity of FuelContinuity of Fuel
��Likelihood of an Likelihood of an
eventevent
��“Degree” of the “Degree” of the
EventEvent
��Continuity of FuelContinuity of Fuel
��Likelihood of an Likelihood of an
eventevent
��“Degree” of the “Degree” of the
EventEvent
COLORCOLOR
��Rarely tells Rarely tells
“material burning”“material burning”
��Stage of HeatingStage of Heating
��Rarely tells Rarely tells
“material burning”“material burning”
��Stage of HeatingStage of Heating
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�� Location of FireLocation of Fire
��Amount of FlamingAmount of Flaming
�� “Brown” Smoke“Brown” Smoke
�� “Black Fire”“Black Fire”
�� Location of FireLocation of Fire
��Amount of FlamingAmount of Flaming
�� “Brown” Smoke“Brown” Smoke
�� “Black Fire”“Black Fire”
“BLACK FIRE”“BLACK FIRE”
“Black Fire” is the term we give to High Volume, High Velocity, Extremely
“Black Fire” is the term we give to High Volume, High Velocity, Extremely
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Velocity, Extremely Dense, Black Smoke.
It is the sure sign of impending flashover
– VENT & COOLare your only choices.
Velocity, Extremely Dense, Black Smoke.
It is the sure sign of impending flashover
– VENT & COOLare your only choices.
Step 2:Weigh
Factors
Step 2:Weigh
Factors
•• Container (most Container (most
important factor)important factor)
•• Thermal BalanceThermal Balance
•• Container (most Container (most
important factor)important factor)
•• Thermal BalanceThermal Balance
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•• Thermal BalanceThermal Balance
•• WeatherWeather
•• Firefighting effortsFirefighting efforts
•• Thermal BalanceThermal Balance
•• WeatherWeather
•• Firefighting effortsFirefighting efforts
Step 3: Judge the Rate of ChangeStep 3: Judge the Rate of Change
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How fast are SMOKE conditions getting How fast are SMOKE conditions getting better or worse?better or worse?
How fast are SMOKE conditions getting How fast are SMOKE conditions getting better or worse?better or worse?
Step 4: Predict the Predict the Predict the Predict the EVENTEVENTEVENTEVENTStep 4: Predict the Predict the Predict the Predict the EVENTEVENTEVENTEVENTConsider that:Consider that:
•• One hostile event can One hostile event can -- and and
usually willusually will -- lead to another lead to another
event.event.
•• Communicate your observations.Communicate your observations.
Consider that:Consider that:
•• One hostile event can One hostile event can -- and and
usually willusually will -- lead to another lead to another
event.event.
•• Communicate your observations.Communicate your observations.
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•• Communicate your observations.Communicate your observations.
•• Warning Signs are not always Warning Signs are not always
visual visual –– use your KNOWLEDGE use your KNOWLEDGE
and EXPERIENCE.and EXPERIENCE.
TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS…TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS…TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS…TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS…TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS…TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS…TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS…TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS…
•• Communicate your observations.Communicate your observations.
•• Warning Signs are not always Warning Signs are not always
visual visual –– use your KNOWLEDGE use your KNOWLEDGE
and EXPERIENCE.and EXPERIENCE.
TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS…TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS…TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS…TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS…TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS…TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS…TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS…TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS…
Some other “Tricks”Some other “Tricks”Some other “Tricks”Some other “Tricks”Some other “Tricks”Some other “Tricks”Some other “Tricks”Some other “Tricks”
When you open a door or window When you open a door or window -- watch watch
what the smoke does what the smoke does –– and what the and what the
fresh air does!fresh air does!
When you open a door or window When you open a door or window -- watch watch
what the smoke does what the smoke does –– and what the and what the
fresh air does!fresh air does!
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fresh air does!fresh air does!fresh air does!fresh air does!
Some other “Tricks”Some other “Tricks”Some other “Tricks”Some other “Tricks”Some other “Tricks”Some other “Tricks”Some other “Tricks”Some other “Tricks”
A 5A 5--second change in any key factor second change in any key factor
means an event has taken place means an event has taken place –– the the
key is to define what event has taken key is to define what event has taken
A 5A 5--second change in any key factor second change in any key factor
means an event has taken place means an event has taken place –– the the
key is to define what event has taken key is to define what event has taken
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key is to define what event has taken key is to define what event has taken
place and to forecast what will likely place and to forecast what will likely
happen next. happen next.
key is to define what event has taken key is to define what event has taken
place and to forecast what will likely place and to forecast what will likely
happen next. happen next.
THE ART OF READING SMOKETHE ART OF READING SMOKETHE ART OF READING SMOKETHE ART OF READING SMOKETHE ART OF READING SMOKETHE ART OF READING SMOKETHE ART OF READING SMOKETHE ART OF READING SMOKE
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Some ExamplesSome ExamplesSome ExamplesSome Examples
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Special THANKS to:Special THANKS to:
Mike Scott, Battalion Chief, Kent (WA) Fire
David Ross, Chief of Safety, Toronto Fire Services
Peter McBride, Shift Safety Chief, Ottawa Fire
Mike Scott, Battalion Chief, Kent (WA) Fire
David Ross, Chief of Safety, Toronto Fire Services
Peter McBride, Shift Safety Chief, Ottawa Fire
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Peter McBride, Shift Safety Chief, Ottawa FirePeter McBride, Shift Safety Chief, Ottawa Fire
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Be Safe – Make it SafeBe Safe – Make it Safe
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