What is the typical approach to managing lumberyard fires?

Managing lumberyard fires typically requires a defensive approach due to the dynamics of the materials involved and the potential for rapid fire spread. Lumberyards are often filled with large quantities of combustible materials, making the fire capable of escalating quickly. A defensive posture primarily aims to protect exposures and prevent the fire from spreading further rather than directly combating the fire itself.

In a defensive strategy, firefighters focus on creating barriers and controlling the fire’s advance, which may include the use of water streams to cool nearby structures and prevent fire extension. This approach is particularly vital in protecting adjacent properties and minimizing the risk of the fire spreading to other areas, given the potentially hazardous environment of a lumberyard.

While a combination of offensive and defensive strategies may be utilized in some instances or with specific fire situations, the standard method acknowledges the significant risks involved in directly engaging a lumberyard fire, leading to a preference for predominantly defensive operations. The other approaches are less suitable for the complexities and hazards inherent in lumberyard fires.