Fires are an increased danger for the ecosystem as a whole, and for 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 examine in detail some of the above groups.
Steppe fires
Such fires represent the occurrence of one or more foci that quickly spreads to large areas. Such natural disasters have a high propagation speed, reaching at certain moments 30 km / h. This factor is due to the large number of dry vegetation, ripened cereals and other flammable materials. As a rule, steppe fires pose a huge danger not only to people, but also to farm animals. The fire, which is approaching from all sides, exerts a fairly strong psychological pressure. Thus, it can provoke a massive panic, which often leads to numerous victims.
The main causes of fires
As mentioned earlier, even a small source of ignition can lead to a natural disaster in a fairly short time. Therefore, such natural disasters must be eliminated as soon as possible in order to minimize the amount of damage caused. However, before you learn the algorithm 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 bonfire left unattended, childish 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 during the hot summer season.
Extinguishing Features
Steppe fires have several important, but, unfortunately, negative features. The transience of processes can be considered one of them. The time factor plays a huge role, because, as mentioned earlier, the speed of spread of the steppe fires is quite high. This means that from the moment of detecting the source of ignition and before taking any measures to extinguish it, the minimum time should be spent. Moreover, a special position in such events is the direct organization and preparation of funds to eliminate the fire.
Consideration of related factors
In the event of such emergencies, it is important to consider not only the methods of extinguishing steppe fires, but also all kinds of auxiliary means. For example, the location of the source of ignition should be considered. Knowing the features of the terrain, they can be effectively used to prevent the further spread of fire. Various borders, fire lanes, roads can serve as such barriers. Among other things, it is necessary to take into account the degree of combustibility of various materials surrounding the source of ignition.
Main stages
In aggregate, all measures to eliminate the steppe fires can be divided into several main categories. The first of these includes the so-called intelligence operations. The second is the localization of the source of fire, the third is the elimination of the fire. The latter category, in turn, is considered to be a hazardous zone. Let's consider each of the presented stages in more detail.
Intelligence service
Steppe fires can be detected from the ground or from the air. As a rule, special observation posts are used for such purposes, as well as air patrols. Traditionally, reconnaissance measures consist of identifying the type of the source of fire, its strength. It should be remembered that these parameters are studied at 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 draw up a forecast that indicates the possible spread of the fire, the strength and characteristics of the combustion within a given time. Therefore, on the basis of the data obtained, it is possible to form a plan for stopping and subsequent elimination of the fire. It also defines the methods and techniques 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 impact on the edge of the flame. The second phase, in turn, includes the laying of so-called barrage structures. As such tools can be sand strips, dug ditches and more. In addition, it is necessary to carry out the processing of peripheral areas of the fire in order to maximally prevent the possibility of the resumption of the spread of fire. It is important to remember that the definition of "localized fire" refers to one around which there are barriers or other means that provide complete confidence that the flame can not flash again.
Liquidation
The so-called extinguishing of the fire is the elimination of foci of fire that could remain in the territory captured by the fire. In this case, it is important to eliminate everything, even the smallest and inconspicuous flame petals.
Fouling the conflagration
Such measures are designed to prevent the resumption of combustion processes. The necessary actions for this are to periodically or continuously (depending on the complexity of the fire) patrolling the affected area. Particular attention should be paid to the edge and the so-called localization strip. The duration of the stage under consideration must be determined on the basis of the predicted and current weather conditions.
Methods of extinguishing 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 presence of forces for the effective elimination of fire are necessarily taken into account. One of the most commonly used quenching methods can be considered annealing. Oddly enough, to eliminate an uncontrolled flame, a controlled one is used, which is sent towards the fire. Such actions are carried out as follows: from the existing natural and artificial boundaries, annealing starts using special ignition machines or, if there are none, any improvised means. It is important to remember that if the above activities are carried out using special means, then the participation of qualified personnel specially trained to work with similar equipment is necessary. Nevertheless, when carrying out any operations with fire, safety rules must be observed.
Recommendations for protecting the public
Steppe fires pose a special danger to people, not so much by direct exposure, as by harmful consequences for the body. After all, when burning, there is a rather high probability of poisoning by carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. In addition, there is a general deoxygenation of atmospheric air. Thus, currently distinguish the following main ways of protecting the population:
1. Evacuation of the population and farm animals from industrial facilities and settlements.
2. Restriction of access to fire hazardous regions.
3. The fastest fire extinguishing.
4. Ensuring the safest conditions for eliminating fire.
