Procedures

  1. Fire Emergencies
  2. Thunderstorms
  3. Tornados

The primary responsibility of Fire Suppression is saving lives and protecting property of the people of Carpentersville and the Carpentersville and Countryside Fire Protection District.

Steps Taken in a Fire

The fire engine typically arrives at the scene of a fire to lead out hose lines that direct water at the seat of the fire. Engines are also used to pump water in ladder trucks for large fires.

The crew of the tower ladder is responsible for searching a structure for any remaining occupants, as well as providing ventilation to help the attack crew entering the structure. This company also shuts off the electric and natural gas.

As stated, a very important job is ventilation. This is done by breaking windows, doors, and sawing through the roof.

Reasons for Our Procedures

It is often misunderstood by the public what purpose is served by taking these actions; ventilation is extremely important in the successful extinguishment of a fire. As fire burns fuel, it releases a variety of toxic gases that remain aloft in ceiling or attic spaces and open areas of the structure. These gases are incompletely burned, but may be re-ignited and present a dangerous and explosive condition when oxygen is re-introduced to the space, which they occupy.

When these gases do explode, the phenomenon is referred to as a “Backdraft.” Ventilation allows the evacuation of these gases and the accompanying smoke, lessening the danger of a potential explosion and allowing the firefighter to see and complete the primary goal of search and rescue.

Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus

The use of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) is a mandatory policy of the department for all internal firefighting procedures. The SCBA is a vital piece of equipment, which allows the firefighter to operate in the presence of toxic-filled environments. The SCBAs are filled with compressed air and will last for 20 to 30 minutes before a refill is required.