Blowin’ in the Wind, Part 1

Understand the conditions that create a wind-driven fire

Not much has been written in the past concerning wind-driven fires in high-rise and commercial residential buildings, but it’s no secret that many firefighters have been killed or injured operating at such fires. These fires are considered contents fires because the buildings are built using noncombustible materials, such as concrete, steel and glass.

Wind-driven fires have created some of the most punishing conditions I’ve encountered during my career. Those that can be extinguished are fires where the contents of the apartment are completely consumed when the engine arrives; the resulting drop in temperature enables you to move the line and put water on the fire.

But if there isn’t a temperature drop and an opportunity to push the fire down the hallway, these fires are almost impossible to extinguish. I would like to think I was part of the toughest team of engine firefighters ever assembled because we pushed ourselves to the limits of extreme firefighting. But realistically speaking, the temperatures reached at these fires could not be sustained by anyone, not even properly equipped firefighters.

Current Research
In recent years, large urban departments with many high-rises and commercial buildings in their response areas have begun to research wind-driven fires. A group of FDNY chiefs, captains, lieutenants and firefighters, with the help of NIST, have recreated the conditions encountered by firefighters at wind-driven fires. They also used case studies of such fires.

The information I’m sharing with you is the result of this group’s dedication and hard work. If we can avert one injury or death, the group’s work is not in vain. Sharing information is the backbone of firefighting; all of our tactics are the result of experience and lessons learned—sadly, sometimes those lessons stemmed from tragedy. But guess what? The fires won’t go out if we don’t put them out.

Definition
The definition of a wind-driven fire is a fire in an apartment where the windows have failed or have been prematurely vented by firefighters. The latter is something we can control and that is why ventilation at these fires is so crucial.

Wind blows in to the fire apartment, force-feeding oxygen to the fire. This results in the apartment becoming pressurized by the wind. When the apartment door is left open by fleeing occupants or forced open by firefighters, the high pressure finds an outlet, and we now have a wind-driven fire.

This type of fire will blowtorch through the apartment and public hall. Within seconds, the temperature will rise to 1,500–2,000 degrees F. The fire will consume everything in its path.

Wind Effect
Wind-driven fires can occur on any floor of high-rise buildings, not just the upper floors. A key to safety at these fires: Recognize wind conditions and try to anticipate what might occur. Wind conditions should always be a part of your size-up; if high or gusty winds are present, all units operating at the scene and responding should be made aware of this fact.

Note: Don’t be fooled by a mild or still wind at the ground floor level. Upper levels and even different sides of the building can feature very different wind conditions. Units operating above the fire apartment should open windows and determine if wind conditions will affect the members operating on the fire floor. Common sense must also be used to prevent auto extension of the fire to the floor above when performing this tactic. Relay any information to the incident commander that may affect operations on the fire floor.

Gusting winds can sometimes be deceptive and fool the troops by causing the fire to blowtorch out the window and then diminish; this indicates a severe condition. Remember: Fire venting out windows and then moving back in indicates gusting winds. Report this condition and any other unusual conditions to the incident commander.

Don’t Get Blown Around
In my next few columns, I’ll be sharing information on wind-driven fires, including fire attack tactics. The safety of the troops is paramount and many of the tactics will be discussed with safety being the focal point. Remember: We’re responsible for the safety of our members and must ensure that they go home to their families. Be the boss when you have to. The fireground means business, but your decisions can prevent injury and death. Stay safe.

Chief Fred LaFemina is a 24-year veteran of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), presently chief of Rescue Operations. He has been with Special Operations for more than 20 years and is the task force leader for New York’s Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue team. He is also the operations chief on the USAR IST White Team. LaFemina has written many articles on fire operations and technical rescue and lectures throughout the country.