Extinguishing fires with a lack of water: features of extinguishing fires

A fire is a disaster that can destroy everything in the area. It's good that now there are services dealing with its prompt elimination. But it happens that you have to do when there is a lack of water. Or under other difficult conditions that greatly complicate the whole process. I would like to tell you more about such cases.

Complicated situation

Fighting fires in the absence of water is very difficult to implement - especially when there are no sources at the fire site where you can replenish stocks. The same problem also arises if they are far from the flaming object. Low air temperatures during the winter and colder months can also be an obstacle. As well as the strong wind. Also, extinguishing becomes difficult if night reigns in the yard. But some of the most severe cases are fires that have occurred in places where there are explosive, radioactive and emergency chemical poisonous substances.

Conditions may vary. In especially difficult situations, the personnel must show great restraint, dedication, ingenuity, efficiency and fearlessness. As well as excellent knowledge of fire-fighting equipment.

First steps

Now it is worth listing the features of extinguishing fires with a lack of water. First of all, the head of the rear must notify the management that the required amount of fluid is not available. The supervisor should be aware that the originally adopted plan for the elimination of combustion will be changed.

After that, the personnel take measures regarding the search for additional sources of water. Local workers, ordinary citizens, and the police are involved in the search. In this case, an emergency reconnaissance (survey of the area) must be performed. A geographic map is used to speed up the process. And everything should be done as quickly as possible. After all, fire continues to destroy everything that comes its way, and every second counts.

Preparatory Measures

If it is necessary to extinguish fires with a lack of water, then several other important factors must be taken into account. And focus on them by performing the above actions.

When deciding on how to ensure a stable supply of water to the fire site, you need to know (at least approximately) how large the water supply is near the scene of the incident. Also what is the distance from the source of the liquid to the fire. The specificity of the relief is also taken into account. And the condition of the passages to the water source must also be taken into account. A clear, unobstructed path must lead to it. Otherwise, the situation will become even more complicated.

If there are containers of filled sources at the place of fire, then the head is obliged to organize the supply of water to them. Rearrangement of motor pumps is allowed. Only beforehand you need to prepare the hose lines.

If the pressure in the water supply network is very weak, which cannot be increased, it is necessary to install fire fighting pumps on the hydrants. There is also another option. Hydrant wells can be used as intermediate tanks with liquid intake from them. Often this is how fires are extinguished when there is a lack of water.

Organization of water supply for pumping and construction of temporary piers and tanks for liquid is also permitted. This practice has been observed in the elimination of complex and prolonged fires.

What else do you need to consider?

In the work of rescuers, the tactics of extinguishing fires when there is a lack of water are extremely important. The main task of each of them is to ensure an uninterrupted supply of fluid. For this, any technique can be used - station of auto pumps, river and sea vessels, and even fire trains.

It is very important to organize communication with the water supply services of the city / settlement in time. Network plans and drawings can be requested. If the pressure in the water pipes is too weak, it is necessary to start up additional pumps or turn off the supply of liquid in other areas in order to direct the maximum amount of it to eliminate the fire source. This is how fires are usually extinguished when there is a lack of water.

The organization of the water supply is important, but the personnel, extinguishing the hearth, must save it. That is why it is necessary to use barrels with small diameter sprayers and showers. And also, if there are internal ones, they will be used first of all.

Elimination of the lesion without liquid

So, above it was described how fire extinguishing is carried out with a lack of water. Briefly it is worth talking about the elimination of fire without the use of liquid.

Now actively used. These are modular installations that are distinguished by their versatility. They are used to extinguish a fire of any class. But there are also disadvantages. The disadvantages include the low degree of penetration of the substance, due to which the localization rate and efficiency are reduced. Visibility also deteriorates - moving around the object and terrain becomes more difficult. And the most significant disadvantage is that powder exposure causes enormous damage to property.

In this regard, gas systems are better. They do not harm property. They are usually used in museums, libraries, research institutes and even in server rooms. Economical option. In addition, using it, you can extinguish the fire without turning off the electricity.

And also used aerosol systems, harmless to humans, and foam.

Elimination of fire in winter

A few words should be said about extinguishing fires with a lack of water at low temperatures. It is clear to everyone what difficulties the personnel have in such a situation.

If the yard is -10 ° C and below, then the fire equipment may fail. Of course, work can be resumed, but it takes precious seconds. Therefore, in this case, in order to avoid equipment failure, it is necessary to use it with a large liquid consumption. The hose couplings must be protected with anything they can - even with snow. Branches, if they are laid outside, must be insulated. But it is better to lay them indoors, inside the building.

Also, overlap of hose branches or fire nozzles should not be allowed. And, moreover, shutdown of pumps. It is also important to determine the places where you can fill the tanks with hot or at least warm water. It may also be needed to warm up frozen sleeves in places of folds.

When is liquid contraindicated?

Well, it is clear how fires are extinguished when there is a lack of water. Now - a few words about when it is contraindicated to use the liquid.

Water cannot be used to extinguish any ignited oil products - be it kerosene, napalm or gasoline. If you pour it on them, then the substance, continuing to blaze, will simply float up (since it is lighter) and spread, spreading the fire over a larger area.

It is still not allowed to extinguish live electrical installations with water. Liquid is an excellent electrical conductor. Which, when exposed to such an installation, can kill a person if he inadvertently comes into contact with it (by simply stepping into a puddle).

And it is also forbidden to flood with water substances that enter into a reaction with it, which entails the release of explosive gases. This is quicklime, and more.

Behavior

Finally - a little about what actions should be taken in case of fire. The first step is to call the fire department and help those who find it difficult to do it on their own - the elderly, the disabled, children and animals (we must not forget about the smaller brothers) to get out into the street. It is also imperative to disconnect the gas supply and electrical appliances from the network. If it is impossible to extinguish the hearth with improvised means, you must leave the room and close the door to it. But do not lock the key. It is advisable to pour cold water on the door and fill all kinds of cracks with a wet cloth.

And, most importantly, a minimum of panic. In emergency situations, a cold mind is important. Emotions only interfere with action.