Fires pose an increased danger both to the ecosystem as a whole and to every living organism living in it. Currently, there are many types of uncontrolled fires. For example, man-made, field, forest, peat, steppe fires, in buildings and on various vehicles. This article will take a closer look at some of the above groups.
Steppe fires
Such fires are the occurrence of one or more foci, which quickly spread over large areas. Such natural disasters have a high propagation speed, reaching at certain times 30 km/h. This factor is due to the large amount of dry vegetation, ripe cereals and other flammable materials. As a rule, steppe fires pose a great danger not only to people, but also to farm animals. The fire, which comes from all sides, exerts quite strong psychological pressure. This can provoke mass panic, which often leads to numerous victims.
Main causes of fires
As mentioned earlier, even a small fire can lead to a natural disaster in a fairly short period of time. Therefore, such natural disasters must be eliminated as quickly as possible in order to minimize the amount of damage caused as much as possible. Nevertheless, before learning the algorithm of actions for extinguishing a detected fire, it is necessary to find out the main causes of fires. As a rule, often a fire in the steppe or forest can appear as a result of careless human actions. For example, it can be an unextinguished cigarette, a fire left unattended, children's pranks and other anthropogenic factors. In addition, forest and steppe fires can occur as a result of atmospheric phenomena, such as lightning discharges. However, the following factor should not be excluded from the list. Steppe and peat fires can occur due to spontaneous combustion of dead wood in the hot summer season.
Features of extinguishing
Steppe fires have several important, but, unfortunately, negative features. One of them can be considered the transience of processes. The time factor plays a huge role, since, as mentioned earlier, the speed of the spread of steppe fires is quite high. This means that from the moment the source of ignition is discovered and until the adoption ofany measures to extinguish it should be spent the minimum time. At the same time, a special position in such events is occupied by the direct organization and preparation of means to eliminate the fire.
Accounting for related factors
In the event of such emergencies, it is important to consider not only ways to extinguish steppe fires, but also all kinds of auxiliary means. For example, the location of the fire source should be considered. Knowing the features of the terrain, you can effectively use them to prevent the further spread of fire. Various barriers, fire lanes, roads can act as such barriers. Among other things, it is necessary to take into account the degree of combustibility of various materials surrounding the fire.
Main steps
In the aggregate, all measures to eliminate steppe fires can be divided into several main categories. The first of these includes the so-called reconnaissance actions. To the second - the localization of the source of ignition, to the third - the elimination of the fire. The latter category, in turn, includes guarding the danger zone. Let's consider each of the presented stages in more detail.
Intelligence
Steppe fires can be detected from the ground or from the air. As a rule, special observation posts, as well as aviation patrols, are used for such purposes. Traditionally, reconnaissance activities consist of identifying the type of fire source and its strength. Please note that these settingsare investigated on the edge of the fire, as well as on its individual parts at different points in time. In addition, there is a periodic refinement of the boundaries of the areas affected by the flame. Based on the results obtained, authorized persons make a forecast, which indicates the possible spread of fire, the strength and characteristics of combustion within a given time. Therefore, based on the data obtained, it is possible to form a plan for stopping and subsequent extinguishing the fire. It also defines the ways and means by which such activities will be carried out.
Localization
Perhaps, this is the most time-consuming and difficult stage in extinguishing a fire. Often consists of two phases. First of all, the further spread of fire is prevented. This is achieved by direct and direct action on the edge of the flame. The second phase, in turn, includes the laying of so-called barrier structures. Sand strips, dug ditches, and so on can act as such means. In addition, it is necessary to carry out the processing of peripheral areas of the fire in order to prevent the possibility of resuming the spread of fire as much as possible. However, it is important to remember that the definition of "localized fire" means one around which there are barrier strips or other means that provide complete confidence that the flame cannot flare up again.
Liquidation
The so-called extinguishing of a fire is the elimination of focifires that could remain in the territory captured by the fire. At the same time, it is important to eliminate everything, even the smallest and most inconspicuous petals of the flame.
Fighting fires
Such events are designed to prevent the resumption of combustion processes. The necessary actions for this are periodic or continuous (depending on the complexity of the fire) patrolling the area affected by the fire. Particular attention should be paid to the edge and the so-called localization band. The duration of the stage under consideration must be determined based on the forecast and actual weather conditions.
Ways to extinguish steppe fires
Of course, the choice of methods and means of eliminating uncontrolled fire should be made depending on several key factors. As a rule, this is the strength and type of fire, as well as the speed of its spread. In addition, the natural and weather conditions, the availability of forces for the effective elimination of fire, are necessarily taken into account. Annealing can be considered one of the most commonly used quenching methods. Oddly enough, but to eliminate an uncontrolled flame, a controlled one is used, which is directed towards the fire. Such actions are carried out as follows: from the existing natural and artificial boundaries, the start of annealing begins with the help of special quenching devices or, if there are none, any improvised means. It is important to remember that if the above activities are carried out using special means, thenrequires the participation of qualified personnel specially trained to work with such equipment. However, when conducting any operations with fire, safety regulations must be observed.
Recommendations for protecting the public
Steppe fires pose a particular danger to people not so much by direct impact, but by consequences that are detrimental to the body. Indeed, during combustion, there is a fairly high probability of poisoning with carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. In addition, there is a general deoxygenation of atmospheric air. Thus, at present, the following main ways of protecting the population are distinguished:
1. Evacuation of the population and farm animals from industrial facilities and settlements.
2. Restriction of access to fire hazardous regions.
3. The fastest extinguishing of fires.
4. Providing the safest conditions for putting out the fire.
Precautions
In the event that you find yourself in an area affected by a fire, the most important thing is not to panic. Since it is precisely such actions that can contribute to the emergence of a threat to he alth and life. During the evacuation, it is necessary to move perpendicular to the direction of the spread of fire. In this case, it is necessary to close not only the respiratory organs, but also open areas of the body.
