Learning and experience worlds for fire services

Firefighting operations in underground transport systems are particularly challenging for fire services. The large penetration depths can push the emergency personnel to their performance limits. The immense personnel requirements are for many fire services difficult to meet and require an unusually high coordination effort. In the deployment preparation, it is necessary to decide which special techniques are used and how the emergency personnel should be individually prepared for their tasks.

The main problem: great penetration depths

Tunnel tubes are continuous fire compartments in which smoke can spread rapidly. Depending on the length of the tunnel and the number of lateral accesses, this results in penetration depths of up to several kilometres.

Great penetration depths = long distances

GREAT DEPTH OF PENETRATION

In the tunnel, it takes a lot of personnel

Even to deal with small vehicle fires, several dozen firefighters may be required, depending on the size and structure of a traffic tunnel.

Where there is a lot to do at the same time, it takes a lot of personnel.

STAFF REQUIREMENTS

A lot of personnel needs a lot of coordination

The two-sided attack requires at least two fire services or fire units to be coordinated, starting from the first alarm.

COORDINATION

It does not work without special technology

Special vehicles and equipment can support emergency personnel. But everything special also requires additional training.

The most important technology: breathing apparatus.

VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT

Fit for the tunnel?

Firefighting operations in underground transport systems do not only require physical fitness. Equally important are the mental preparation and the best possible knowledge of the respective tunnel system.