Firefighting

Firefighting is the act of extinguishing fires. A firefighter suppresses and extinguishes fires to prevent loss of life and property. It is a dangerous profession requiring specialized training, equipment, and skills.

Fire inside an abandoned convent in Massueville, Quebec, Canada

Firemen in action

Ottawa Fire Department motor pump, Ottawa, Ontario

USS Forrestal explosion 29 July 1967

History

The history of organized firefighting began in ancient Rome while under the rule of Augustus. Rome created a fire department consisting of about 7,000 paid firefighters. These firefighters responded to and fought fires using bucket chains, pumps, and poles.

Firefighting methods

Firefighting consists of removing one or more of the three elements essential to combustion- fuel, heat, and oxygen (known as the fire triangle). The most common method is to use water to remove heat. Other methods include isolating the fire, suppressing the fire by foam or other suppressive agents, and ventilating the fire to remove smoke and heat.

Firefighting equipment

Firefighters use a variety of equipment depending on the nature of the fire, but some of the standard gear includes a helmet, self-contained breathing apparatus, bunker gear, PASS device, thermal imaging camera, and a fire hose.

Firefighting worldwide

Firefighting services vary around the world, but there are three main types of firefighting: municipal, industrial, and wildland. Municipal firefighters protect towns and cities. Industrial firefighters are found in large establishments such as airports or manufacturing companies. Wildland firefighters deal with fires in forests and grasslands.

Firefighter training

Firefighter training varies by country, state, and even city. In the United States, the National Fire Protection Association sets the standards for firefighter training. Training includes learning about fire behavior, building construction, emergency medical procedures, hazardous materials, and fire prevention.

Firefighting images

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  Firefighter ladder slide
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  DOD mobile aircraft firefighting training device
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  2-11 fire in Humboldt Park, Chicago

See also

• Fire department
• Fire safety
• Fire prevention
• Firefighter's helmet
• Fire engine

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