Fire Hose
Fire Fighting: Top Tips to Keep in Mind

Firefighting is a job for the professional firefighters. Most of us probably do not even know how to use a Fire hose or a fire extinguisher. But the fact is, fires can occur anytime and even though we never want to be put in a situation wherein we need to fight a fire, this is a possibility that we should always be prepared for.

Here are some firefighting tips you need to know in order for you to be able to fight a fire safely: Before fighting a fire, the foremost thing you have to do is to decide whether to fight or flee. You should only fight a fire when it is still in its initial stage, when it is small and not yet spreading. Fighting a large fire is very difficult even if you own complete fire hydrant equipment. You will only endanger your own life. Leave this to the firefighters and evacuate the area as soon as you can. Remember, your life is more important than any property. If you do decide that the fire can be put out, use the proper extinguisher or fire hose to put out the fire. For fire extinguishers, use this guide as a reference:

1. Class A fires (paper, wood, and cloth) – water fire extinguishers
2. Class B fires (flammable liquids) – foam fire extinguishers
3. Class C fires (flammable gases) – dry powder fire extinguishers
4. Class D fires (burning metals) – specialist powder fire extinguishers
5. Class E fires (electrical fires) – carbon dioxide fire extinguishers
6. Class F fires (kitchen fires) – wet chemical fire extinguishers

Also, before you can fight a fire, you have to know the basic instructions for using any firefighting equipment. For example, if you are going to use the fire hose, you need to read and understand hose reel instructions. It is not wise to wait for a fire to occur before you start doing this.

When fighting a fire, you need to keep several things in mind such as:

1. Stand with your back behind an exit. This way, when the fire gets out of control, you can easily get out of the burning area. Getting yourself trapped is one of the things you have to avoid during a fire emergency.

2. If possible, have someone to help you fight the fire. This person can also call for help while you attempt to extinguish the fire.

3. Aim the branchpipe nozzle or fire extinguisher at the base of the fire and use a sweeping motion to extinguish the fire more easily.

4. Remember the fire can re-ignite so even if you deem you have already extinguished the fire, you still have to call the fire brigade to be sure.

Fighting a fire is something that most people would want to avoid in their lifetime. As history has taught us, fires are devastating tragedies that can cause loss of properties, and deaths of people.

However, if ever you do encounter a fire and the need for you to fight it, it would be best that you at least have some knowledge on how to do this properly. Moreover, you need to ensure that your firefighting equipment is in top working condition. Examine your fire extinguisher or fire hose and their parts such as the hose reel nozzle routinely.