14-PPV
ROHNERT PARK FIRE DIVISION
ENGINE COMPANY STANDARDS
Title: Positive Pressure Ventilation Rev. Date: 05/2019
Standard Number: 14 Time Standard: N/A
STANDARD:
To establish Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV) in order to systematically remove smoke
from a building. REMEMBER: PPV can be dangerous if done prior to fire control, if the
fire is in a ventilation limited state, or is hidden in concealed spaces. PPV requires good fire
ground discipline, coordination, and tactics!
DEFINITIONS:
Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV) – Method of systematically ventilating a confined
space by mechanically blowing fresh air into the space in sufficient volume to create a
slight positive pressure within and thereby forcing the contaminated atmosphere out the
exit opening
Entrance Opening – location where PPV is set up
Exit Opening – Opening through which products of combustion and/or contaminants
leave the fire building
PERSONNEL IDENTIFICATION (by seating arrangement):
Captain
Engineer
Firefighter (on engine or Patrol PSO)
PROCEDURE:
1. Confirm order with Captain to ventilate structure. PPV should be used after fire control
is achieved and when fire in concealed spaces is not suspected.
2. Withdraw crews from the fire building
3. Place fan near entry point approximately 10 to 12 feet.
4. Direct fan away from the entry point and start the engine. Once the engine is running,
move the choke to the “off” position.
5. Create an exit opening approximately .75 to 2 times larger than the entrance opening.
6. Direct the fan into the entry point so that a cone of air covers the opening. Move the
throttle to the “fast” position.
7. Determine if the smoke is moving away from the entry point and toward the exit. If not,
adjust fan, check for obstructions, or discontinue use of fan and reevaluate location of
entry point.
8. Allow fan to run for two minutes before returning crews to the building. This will allow
time for crews to observe an increase in fire activity, should it occur.
9. Systematically clear smoke out of the building by opening and closing interior doors.
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10. At the conclusion of the operation, refuel fan, turn on/off switch to the “on” position,
place choke to the “on” position, and move the throttle to the “slow” position.
REFERENCES:
IFSTA, Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5th Edition, Chapter 11, Pages 575-578
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