Fire Fighting: The National Institute of Standards and Technology and Underwriters Laboratories - Essay Example

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and Under Laboratories (UL) drafted newer ways of modern-day firefighting replacing the old traditional firefighting techniques. This is in line with the modern structural architecture of buildings and residential houses. In a seven-part series of video presentations, Stephen Kerber, Daniel Madrzykowski, and Derek Alkonis discuss how fire should be approached, controlled, and attacked. NIST and UL have conducted extensive research to understand the dynamics of fire and how it behaves to different fire-ground firefighting techniques.

Arguably, the two organizations have taken firefighting tactics to a higher level meeting 21st-century needs. But what exactly do they propose in the newer methods? To begin with, it is important to understand the dynamics of fire and its interactions with the environment. By definition, fire is a product of an exothermic reaction that results in the emission of heat and light. On the other hand, fire dynamics is an evaluation of how the science an e of fire, chemistry, material nice, fluid antics, and principles of heat transfer influence the behavior of fire (Gorbett & James, 2011).

In addition, Alkons notes that the process of fire development is a function of several factors. For instance, fuel properties, quantity, location of the fire, ventilation, the volume and height of the compartment, and prevailing conditions such as temperature and wind significantly influence the dynamics of a fire (Alkonis, 2015). Secondly, Kerber observes that changes in the modern-day fire environment present significant challenges to the old traditional firefighting techniques. Further, he argues that the traditional methods may not always be the most effective and the safest.

Modern-day homes are larger, have different geometry, are built with newer construction materials, and have higher synthetic fuel loads. Moreover, newer materials can increase the speed of fire development as they present a potential for a ventilation-limited fire (Kerber, 2015). Thirdly, Madrzykowski explores fire dynamics and discusses different case studies on fire dynamics. He brings forth different fire scenarios and how the development and progression of fire are influenced by different factors.

For instance, ventilation influences the progression of the fire. In a closed compartment, heated gases mix with oxygen resulting in flaming combustion. However, as the oxygen gets depleted, the fire decays. The heat emitted from the fire decreases and consequently the temperature decreases. When oxygen is introduced into the compartment, either through the opening of a window, the heated gases mix with the oxygen and as a result, the energy levels begin to rise. Such a change in ventilation can lead to a flashover (Madrzykowski, 2015).

Lastly, Alkonis and Madrzykowski discuss training on fire behavior and organizational change in the management of fires. To enhance safety and survivability, they recommend the application of water as soon as possible, limiting the opening of doors and windows, closing all doors and windows, identification of fire location, extent, and characteristics of the smoke as well as identifying and interrupting the flow path (Madrzykowski & Alkonis, 2015). Importantly, the process of firefighting needs to be a firefighting effort with proper communication among team members (Kerber, Madrzykowski, & Alkonis, 2015).