Multi-Purpose Prop Teaches Fire Behavior in Void Spaces

Prop is easy to build and simple to use
Published Wednesday, January 4, 2012
These TIC images from an article by Homer Robertson demonstrate a simple prop that can be used to reinforce the importance of checking for vertical extension, using the thermal imaging camera and understanding fire behavior.

  • The entire prop is a small-scale model of a framed up wall with two vertical wall voids.
  • With a large propane-type torch, start heating the bottom opening of the prop.
  • With newspaper still filling the opening, have each firefighter view the prop through the TIC.
  • Pull the newspaper out of the upper opening and continue to use the torch on the bottom.
  • Looking through the TIC again, you should be able to see how far the heat and fire are traveling up the wall void.
  • The side with the opening at the top will show more vertical extension than the other side. This is because the side without a vertical opening doesn’t have a good path for the heat and fire to follow. The same thing will happen in real structure fires.
  • Be sure to have water and/or an extinguisher on hand to control the prop as it burns. Also choose a safe place to burn the prop, and follow proven safe practices as you would with any live burn.
  • The entire prop is a small-scale model of a framed up wall with two vertical wall voids.
  • With a large propane-type torch, start heating the bottom opening of the prop.
  • With newspaper still filling the opening, have each firefighter view the prop through the TIC.
  • Pull the newspaper out of the upper opening and continue to use the torch on the bottom.
  • Looking through the TIC again, you should be able to see how far the heat and fire are traveling up the wall void.
  • The side with the opening at the top will show more vertical extension than the other side. This is because the side without a vertical opening doesn’t have a good path for the heat and fire to follow. The same thing will happen in real structure fires.
  • Be sure to have water and/or an extinguisher on hand to control the prop as it burns. Also choose a safe place to burn the prop, and follow proven safe practices as you would with any live burn.
  • The entire prop is a small-scale model of a framed up wall with two vertical wall voids.
  • With a large propane-type torch, start heating the bottom opening of the prop.
  • With newspaper still filling the opening, have each firefighter view the prop through the TIC.
  • Pull the newspaper out of the upper opening and continue to use the torch on the bottom.
  • Looking through the TIC again, you should be able to see how far the heat and fire are traveling up the wall void.
  • The side with the opening at the top will show more vertical extension than the other side. This is because the side without a vertical opening doesn’t have a good path for the heat and fire to follow. The same thing will happen in real structure fires.
  • Be sure to have water and/or an extinguisher on hand to control the prop as it burns. Also choose a safe place to burn the prop, and follow proven safe practices as you would with any live burn.
This Gallery Appears in:
Prop Teaches Fire Behavior in Void Spaces

Recent Photos
Browse Photos

Comments & Interactions

Featured Products

Case Commander™ Incident Command System

Case Commander™ Incident Command System

Track personnel and apparatus.

featured company



American Trade Mark Co.

Latest in News

Most Popular

Featured on the Nation