New techniques and a new approach to the effective extinguishing of fully developed fires in enclosed spaces

An example of modern water mist extinguishing technology is presented in the article. Water mist systems are firefighting systems which uses very fine water sprays. The smallest water droplets allow a water mist to control, suppress or extinguish fires by cooling both the flame and hot gases by evaporation, displacing oxygen by evaporation and reducing radiant heat through the small droplets themselves. The effectiveness of water mist systems in fire suppression depends on its spray characteristics, which include the droplet size and distribution, flux density and spray dynamics, phase of fire development, fire size and the ventilation conditions. The COBRA (known as PyroLance in USA) systems presented use of a cutting extinguisher is a fire extinguishing technique that combines abrasive waterjet cutting with water spray extinguishing, through a single handpiece or nozzle. The firefighter approaches the fire from outside the main fire area, then uses the cutting action to drill a small hole through a barrier such as a door, wall, roof or floor. Switching to a water spray then allows the fire to be fought, as with a conventional fog nozzle. An analysis of the benefits of using high-pressure water mist in conjunction with new firefighting tactics is described. State Fire Service should aim to minimize water consumption and thus reduce the post-fire losses, take care of environmental protection and improve safety conditions for firefighters.