Which tactic helps prevent backdraft during interior operations?

Which tactic helps prevent backdraft during interior operations?

• A. Open all doors immediately to ventilate.
• B. Control air, cooling with water, and careful ventilation.
• C. Increase air supply by using fans.
• D. Ventilate only after the building is fully involved.

Answer: (B)

Preventing backdraft comes from carefully managing air flow and heat inside a fire compartment. A backdraft occurs when hot, fuel-rich gases accumulate in an enclosed space and are suddenly exposed to a fresh air supply, causing a rapid, explosive ignition. The best approach is to control air supply, apply water to cool the gases, and ventilate in a deliberate, controlled manner so air enters gradually and only when the environment is cooled and stabilized. Opening all doors at once would flood the space with air and can trigger a backdraft; using fans to drive more air increases the risk; and ventilating only after the building is fully involved delays cooling and gas removal. By coordinating air control with cooling and careful ventilation, you reduce heat and gas buildup and prevent a dangerous ignition.