ous materials incident. We were taught to stay upwind and upgrade, to not attempt to drive through any vapor cloud, avoid contact with any liquids or fumes, eliminate any ignition sources, carefully observe the incident from a long-distance before approaching, watch for signs of leakage, and do not attempt to rescue injured until the situation has been assessed. We then had an in-depth discussion on handling fire hoses and fire fighting techniques. We discussed fire streams with special attention drawn to different characteristics of straight streams, narrow fog streams, and wide fog streams. We discussed different types of nozzles to be used also touching on the principles of displacement and entrainment. We talked about water pressure, water hammer, a direct attack on the fire, as well as an indirect attack. We also discussed electrical safety when using water as a fire suppressant. After our classroom training, we were dismissed outside to learn about the use of the fire truck as well as a practical exercise in the use of fire hoses and different stream pattern techniques.The on the fourth day of our training we spent most of the day in class. We discussed the importance of ventilation in fire-fighting, with special attention drawn to life safety, how it allows the firefighter to move in to find a fire, and it reduces fire extension by venting the heated gases. This also prevents the possibility of a backdraft. We learned about two ventilation methods those being natural ventilation and forced ventilation. We also discussed the importance of personal protective gear used along with SCBA. Staying away from glass, use ladders on roofs to spread out weight, stay upwind of heavy smoke, and always having an escape route is also very important. The salvage and overhaul of the fire scene was our next topic, with importance stressed in the area of good will to fire victims. The other advantages of salvage and overhaul are to prevent ...
