Firefighting Tactics: Ventilation, In-Out Suppression, and Fans

(Illustrative Only)

Don't forget to support your
local fire departments. 

Most are often tax-deductible.

We are relying more and more
on part-time and volunteer
departments. 

 It is important for firefighters to stay current with their training, continue learning, adapt their tactics, and improve efficiency and effectiveness. This applies whether you serve full-time, part-time, or as a volunteer firefighter. A 2026 study highlighted several important strategies, including the use of simultaneous interior and exterior fire suppression rather than relying solely on exterior suppression. These coordinated tactics can help reduce fire spread while also increasing the chances of rescuing occupants who may still be inside the structure.

The study also emphasized the importance of strategic ventilation. Properly timed venting can significantly reduce heat, smoke, and toxic gases, improving interior conditions for both firefighters and victims. Once the fire is knocked down, coordinated ventilation can help push remaining heat and toxins out of the structure more effectively. This requires training and coordination—firefighters must understand where and when to vent, how to direct smoke away from potential victims, and how to control airflow to improve conditions as quickly as possible.

If you are interested in supporting an Upper Peninsula fire department through a tax-deductible donation—especially as a business, company, or foundation—your support can make a meaningful impact. Many fire departments continue to struggle with recruitment, but some departments are beginning to see encouraging trends, including increased involvement from younger volunteers. In one department, early recruitment success created momentum, generating more community interest and bringing in additional members. That department is already moving in a positive direction, and community support can help continue that progress and strengthen local emergency services for the future. 

If your interested in donating send a message to the right or contact me at muradabel@gmail.com. I do some volunteer part-time firefighting and seek to find grants and revenue to keep a great department growing. 

New FSRI Residential Fire Study: Updated Tactical Guidance for Firefighters

• Firefighters are encouraged to use both interior and exterior suppression at the same time when fires are large or already spreading outside the structure.
• When conditions are rapidly changing, crews should consider ventilating or isolating distant rooms early to improve chances of survival for trapped occupants.
• Ventilation decisions should be more intentional, focusing on controlling heat and smoke movement rather than opening up the structure too early.
• After the fire is knocked down, using hydraulic ventilation can help clear heat and toxic gases faster to improve safety during overhaul and search.
• Overall, the guidance emphasizes faster coordinated actions, better control of air flow, and adapting tactics based on real-time fire behavior.

UL Research Institutes’ Fire Safety Research Institute. (2026, March 12). UL Research Institutes releases new technical report as part of its study of fire service residential home size-up and search & rescue operations project. FSRI. https://fsri.org/news/ul-research-institutes-releases-new-technical-report-part-its-study-fire-service-residential