Deputy Chief Larry Anderson
Dallas (TX) Fire Department, Head of Training Division
Response: Each truck company carries two PPV fans. They are available for use on all structure fires and are considered to be valuable tools. They are used quite frequently during initial fire attack. Like any other tool we carry, however, there are instances when the fans are extremely valuable and others when they should not be used. When we can be assured that the fan, fire, and vent all can be within the same compartment, we set a PPV fan at the initial attack entrance and vent on the other side of the fire. This tactic has increased our overall effectiveness and greatly reduced the punishment our firefighters must endure.
If we have a situation in which we are not able to contain the horizontal spread of fire–such as parallel cord truss construction or apartment complexes with large, common attic spaces–we must carefully assess what effect pressurizing the structure might have on the spread of fire. This decision rests with the incident commander and is never taken lightly.
I know there have been some concerns voiced about the use of PPV in a “civilian rescue” situation. In my opinion, the increased speed of entry coupled with better visibility achieved by PPV for initial entry justify its use in most situations. Being able to accomplish the rescue quickly can mean the difference between a good “save” and a body recovery later. IDLH (immediately dangerous to life and health) atmospheres cause most of the fire fatalities. The more quickly a person can be removed from an IDLH atmosphere, the better the chance for survival.
Our department has been using PPV fans for nine years, and we have become very dependent on them. Very frankly, I would hate to have to do without them.
