Objectives

At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to:

  • Categorize below-grade spaces based on exterior access and describe the fire behavior associated with each category. 
  • Select the most appropriate water application and ventilation methods to safely and effectively control fire growth in residential basement fires. 
  • Apply knowledge of fire dynamics to tactical decision-making on the residential basement fireground. 

Course Lessons

  • Introduction 0:03
  • Fundamentals of Fire Dynamics (Optional) 0:05
  • Basics of Fire Development (Optional) 0:12
  • Compartment Fire Dynamics (Optional) 0:05
  • Modern Fire Environment (Optional) 0:03
  • Basement Construction Practices 0:05
  • Basement Fires: Flow Paths 0:04
  • Experiment Overview (Optional) 0:06
  • Cherry Road Case Study (Optional) 0:29
  • Basement Fires: Perform an Adequate Size-Up 0:06
  • Basement Fires: Expect a Ventilation-Limited Fire 0:03
  • Basement Fires: Coordinate the Fire Attack 0:03
  • Basement Fires: Cool Gases with Direct Water Application 0:03
  • Basement Fires: Use Specialty Nozzles for Water Application 0:03
  • Basement Fires: Explore Options for Water Application 0:02
  • Basement Fires: Fight Fire on its Level 0:02
  • Basement Fires: Closed Doors Increase Survivability 0:02
  • Basement Fires: Advocate for Fire Protection Systems 0:02
  • Summary 0:03
  • Final Assessment 0:15

Applicable NFPA Standards

NFPA 1001 (2019): 4.3.10, 4.3.11, 4.3.12, 5.3.2
NFPA 1010 (2024): 6.3.10, 6.3.11, 6.3.12, 7.3.2

Prerequisites

A working knowledge of the fundamentals of fire science and fire dynamics in a structure is needed to understand the content presented in this course. We encourage you to take the Fundamentals of Fire Science and Fire Dynamics in Structures lessons before completing this course.