Steppe fires. Methods of extinguishing steppe fires

Fires represent an increased danger for the ecosystem as a whole, and for every living organism living in it. At present, many types of uncontrolled fires are distinguished. For example, technogenic, field, forest, peat, steppe fires, in buildings and on various vehicles. In this article, some of the groups described above will be examined in detail.

Steppe fires

Such fires are the emergence of one or more foci, which quickly spread to large areas. Such natural disasters have a high propagation velocity, reaching at some points 30 km / h. This factor is due to a large number of dry vegetation, ripened grains and other flammable materials. As a rule, steppe fires represent a huge danger not only for people, but also for farm animals. Fire, which comes from all sides, has a rather strong psychological pressure. Thus, it can provoke a mass panic, which often leads to numerous victims.

The main causes of fires

As already mentioned, even a small fire center can lead to a natural disaster in a relatively short time. Therefore, such natural disasters must be eliminated as soon as possible in order to minimize the amount of damage caused. Nevertheless, before learning the algorithm of actions when extinguishing a detected fire, it is necessary to find out the main causes of fires. As a rule, often fire in the steppe or forest can appear as a result of careless actions of a person. For example, it could be an extinguished cigarette, a fire left unattended, children's 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 in a hot summer season.

Extinguishing Features

Steppe fires have several important, but unfortunately negative, features. One of them can be considered transient processes. The time factor plays a huge role, since, as mentioned earlier, the spread of steppe fires is quite high. This means that from the moment of detection of the source of ignition and before taking any measures to extinguish it, minimal time should be spent. At the same time, a special position in such events is taken by direct organization and preparation of means to eliminate the fire.

Accounting for attendant factors

In the event of such emergency situations, it is important to consider not only the ways to extinguish steppe fires, but also all sorts of auxiliary aids. For example, it is necessary to consider the location of the source of ignition. Knowing the characteristics of the terrain, you can effectively use them to prevent further spread of fire. As such barriers, various boundaries, fire lines, roads can act. Among other things, it is necessary to take into account the flammability of various materials surrounding the source of ignition.

Main stages

Together, all measures to eliminate steppe fires can be divided into several main categories. The first of these includes so-called reconnaissance. To the second - the localization of the source of ignition, to the third - the elimination of the fire. The latter category, in turn, is considered to be a threatening zone. Let's consider each of the stages presented in 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 patrolling. Traditionally, reconnaissance activities consist of identifying the type of fire, its strength. It should be remembered that these parameters are investigated at the edge of the fire, as well as on its individual parts at different times. In addition, there is a periodic refinement of the boundaries of the affected areas. Proceeding from the received results, the authorized persons make the forecast in which the possible distribution of the fire, force and characteristic of burning within the set time are indicated. Therefore, based on the data obtained, it is possible to form a plan for stopping and subsequent elimination of the ignition. Also, the ways and means by which such events will be implemented are determined.

Localization

Perhaps, this is the most time-consuming and difficult stage in putting out a fire. Often consists of two phases. First of all, the spread of fire is prevented. This is achieved by direct and direct action on the edge of the flame. The second phase, in turn, includes the laying of so-called barrier structures. As such, sand bands, dug trenches and so on can act. In addition, it is necessary to carry out the processing of the peripheral areas of the fire in order to maximally prevent the possibility of resuming the spread of the fire. At the same time, it is important to remember that the definition of "localized fire" means one around which there are barriers or other means to ensure full confidence that the flame can not break out again.

Elimination of

The so-called extinguishing of the fire is the removal of fires that could remain on the area seized by fire. In this case, it is important to eliminate everything, even the smallest and inconspicuous petals of the flame.

Encircling of fires

Such measures are designed to prevent the renewal of combustion processes. The actions necessary for this include a periodic or continuous (depending on the complexity of the fire) patrolling the area affected by fire. Particular attention should be paid to the edge and the so-called localization band. The duration of the stage under consideration should be determined on the basis of the forecasted and current weather conditions.

Methods of extinguishing steppe fires

Of course, the choice of methods and means to eliminate uncontrolled fire should be carried out depending on several key factors. Typically, this is the strength and type of fire, as well as the speed of its spread. In addition, it is necessary to take into account the natural and weather conditions, the presence of forces to effectively eliminate fire. One of the most frequently used methods of extinguishing can be considered annealing. Strangely enough, but to control an uncontrolled flame, a controlled one is used, which is directed towards the fire. Such actions are carried out as follows: starting from existing natural and artificial boundaries, annealing starts with the help of special scavengers, or, if there are not any, any improvised means. It is important to remember that if the above measures are carried out with the help of special means, then the participation of qualified personnel specially trained for working with such equipment is necessary. Nevertheless, in carrying out any operations with fire, you must follow the safety rules.

Recommendations on protection of the population

Steppe fires present a special danger to people not so much by direct exposure as by disastrous consequences for the body. After burning, there is a rather high probability of poisoning with carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. In addition, there is a general deoxygenation of atmospheric air. Thus, at present, the following main ways of protecting the population are distinguished:

1. Evacuation of the population and farm animals from industrial facilities and settlements.

2. Restricting access to fire-dangerous regions.

3. Maximum rapid quenching of fires.

4. Providing the most secure conditions for eliminating fire.

Precautionary measures

In the event that you are in an area affected by a fire, the most important thing is not to panic. As such actions can contribute to the emergence of a threat to health and life. During the evacuation, it is necessary to move perpendicular to the direction of fire propagation. In this case, you should close not only the respiratory system, but also open areas of the body.