Supersofa fire safety and risk factors

Super Sofa Fire

Fire fighting safety is of utmost importance. There are many different policies which help the firefighters maintain the integrity of the work which is done. There are many different rules which help the firefighters maintain the safety of others and the firefighters.

The incident at Sofa Super Store resulted in 9 deaths. This was due to many reasons which will be discussed in the following paper.

Fire Stream Tactics

Fire stream tactics are highly important when it comes to being in a situation like the Sofa Super Store. There are many things which help the fire stream tactics. One of which is the width of the pipe which is being used. Along with which it is important to keep the pressure of the source of water in mind.

As with all liquids, water cannot be compressed; it has to go somewhere. F there is an opening available, it will attempt to force its way through. Remember the nozzle, restricting the flow, is what generates working pressures. The pump does not create pressure; it only puts the water in motion.

It can be seen in the whole of the incidents, the hoses were not properly used. This caused a delay in the containment of the fire. There were many different requests which were not followed through properly.

During later stages of the incident several master streams were set-up and the resulting demand exceeded the volume available from the water mains and hydrants in the West Ashley area. The hydrants were capable of supplying all of the attack lines that were deployed during the first 30 minutes, if appropriate supply lines had been established. Delays were encountered in charging both of the hose lines that were taken through the showrooms to attack the fire in the loading dock. The delays and subsequent flow interruptions placed crews in extremely dangerous situations inside the building.

Friction loss

This is the concept which occurs with the hose and water pressure is not properly set up. Friction loss is a big problem when it comes to the water pressure. This also minimizes the amount of water which is then released on the fire. Friction loss happens where there is turbulence in the hose.

Water flow is laminar as it travels in a straight line. Because it is rubbing on the inside of the hose walls, the water at the edges will flow a little slower than the water near the center. If the hose is kinked or formed into a tight loop, if the interior hose surface is rough, of if the pressure pushing the water is excessive, the water inside the hose begins to swirl. This swirling effect is called turbulence.

The above mentioned process increases friction loss, which in turn decreases the pressure with which water is released. This causes a big problem. Such a problem can then cause the people working at the site to be more prone to accidents. It can be seen from the incident at the Sofa Super Store had a water flow problem from the start.

During later stages of the incident several master streams were set-up and the resulting demand exceeded the volume available from the water mains and hydrants in the West Ashley area. The hydrants were capable of supplying all of the attack lines that were deployed during the first 30 minutes, if appropriate supply lines had been established. Delays were encountered in charging both of the hose lines that were taken through the showrooms to attack the fire in the loading dock. The delays and subsequent flow interruptions placed crews in extremely dangerous situations inside the building.