Why do firefighters ventilate the roof?

With this in mind, let's move to the “why” aspect of ventilation. Why Do We Ventilate? Simply put, we ventilate fire to improve interior conditions and to reduce the chances of getting people (citizens and firefighters) hurt or killed. read more

Believe it or not, a fire that is efficiently burning is easier to control. Ventilation helps control the flow of air into the fire and the smoke and flame from the fire. By controlling the flow of air, we can control the spread of fire inside a structure. read more

This does several things. It helps to prevent backdrafts and flashovers. I clears the compartment of smoke and heat, and makes it easier to extinguish the fire. Ventilation is a practiced technique. If not done properly, it can spread the fire and even hurt or kill firefighters. read more

Ventilation is a part of structural firefighting tactics, and involves the expulsion of heat and smoke from a fire building, permitting the firefighters to more easily and safely find trapped individuals and attack the fire. read more

Venting from the roof is done because it is the high point in the building, where most of the hot gasses collect. If the fire is oxygen starved, the smoke can explode when air is introduced. By venting the roof, the “explosion” happens above the building instead of in it. read more

Ventilation is a part of structural firefighting tactics, and involves the expulsion of heat and smoke from a burning building, permitting the firefighters to more easily and safely find trapped individuals and attack the fire. read more