Resources 

Publications & Presentations

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Ten-Minute Training

CFBT-US will be developing a series of short drills designed for in-station training. The focus of these drills will be practical fire dynamcis and fire control methods. Check back frequently for new additions. These drills will also be posted at The Fire Training Toolbox

Practical Fire Dynamics & Hazards of Ventilation Controlled Fires

Representing Central Whidbey Island Fire & Rescue, Chief Ed Hartin delivered presentations on Practical Fire Dynamics and on the hazard of ventilation controlled fires at FRI & FDIC in 2011. These presentations referenced several case studies developed by CFBT-US, LLC.

Live Fire Training as Simulation: The Role of Fidelity in Effective Training

This paper examines live fire training as a simulation of fires in the built environment and presents a potential methodology for exploring critical elements in fidelity (the extent to which the simulation reflects reality). This paper was presented in October 2009 at the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency in Sandö, Sweden.

How Much Science is Necessary?

This paper examines limitations in current standards and curriculum and points out the need for firefighters and fire officers to develop scientific literacy in order to understand and apply practical fire dynamics. This paper was presented at the 2009 International Firefighting Safety Conference in Sydney, Australia.

Dimensions & Decisions

Published in the November 2008 issue of FireRescue magazine this article provides an overview of 3D Firefighting concepts and the integreation of research and practical application to define best practices in firefighting.

Ventilation Strategies: International Best Practice

This paper examines the similarities and differences in ventilation strategies and tactics in the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, and Australia with a focus on developing a more comprehensive framework for fireground operations. Also available in Croatian: Ventilacijske Strategije: Svjetska Iskustva I Metode (Nikola Tramontana, Trans.). This paper was presented at:

  • IV Strucni Skup Vatrogasaca Opatija, Croatia, 2008
  • Brandbekämpfungsseminar, Feuerwache Böblingen, Germany 2007

Extreme Fire Behavior: Understanding the Hazard

This paper provides an overview of compartment fire development and potential for extreme fire behavior such as flashover, backdraft, and smoke explosion. Also available in Croatian: Ekstremni Oblici Ponašanja Požara (Nikola Tramontana, Trans.).This paper was presented at:

  • IV Strucni Skup Vatrogasaca Opatija, Croatia, 2008
  • South Alberta Firefighters Conference, Lethbridge, Canada, 2008
  • International Firefighting Safety Conference, Sydney, Australia, 2009
  • International Firefighting Safety Conference, Perth, Australia, 2009

Fire Behavior Indicators and Fire Development

This paper provides an overview of critical fire behavior indicators using the B-SAHF organizing scheme (Building, Smoke, Air Track, Heat and Flame) and examines their relationship to the stages of fire development (incipient, growth, fully developed, and decay) and burning regime (fuel or ventilation controlled). This paper was presented at the South Alberta Firefighters Conference, Lethbridge, Canada 2008

Flashover Recognition and Survival

Published in the August 2008 issue of FireRescue magazine this article examines the most common extreme fire behavior phenomena, how firefighters can recognize conditions that may result in flashover, and strategies to control the fire environment to prevent flashover from occuring.

What is Compartment Fire Behavior Training?

Originally published on Firehouse.com, this article xplains the basic concept behind compartment fire behavior training (CFBT) as an integrated framework for developing structural firefighting knowledge and skills. This article is also available in Spanish: ¿Por qué es importante el entrenamiento en comportamiento del fuego (CFBT)? (Juan Kunstman, Trans.).

Why is CFBT Important?

This article was originally published on Firehouse.com. While the total number of firefighter fatalities has decreased, the rate of fatalities during interior structural firefighting operations due to traumatic cause has increased. This article points out how CFBT can improve firefighter safety and the importance of CFBT Instructor Qualifications. This article is also available in Spanish: ¿Qué es el entrenamiento sobre comportamiento del fuego en compartimentos? (Juan Kunstman, Trans.).

Fire Development in a Compartment Part 1

This article was originally published on Firehouse.com. This article examines basic combustion concepts, heat transfer, and combustion process of solid fuels that forms a foundation for understanding compartment fire development. This article is also available in Spanish: Desarrollo del fuego en compartimentos parte 1 (Juan Kunstman, Trans.).

CFBT in the News

Wired Magazine

Josh Davis interviewed CFBT-US Chief Instructor Ed Hartin for the June 2005 article Fire Rebels which examined CFBT and thermal imaging in an examination of technology in firefighhting. Read the Article!

Wired Science

CFBT-US Chief Instructor Ed Hartin was interviewed about 3D Firefighting and CFBT on the 10 October 2007 edition of their television show focusing on firefighting technology. Watch the video!.

Science Daily

CFBT-US Chief Instructor Ed Hartin was interviewed for the web presentation Firefighting with Fog: New Tecnhique Reduces Flammable Exhaust Risks to Firefighters. Watch the video!.

Course Materials and Activities

CFBT Glossary

Having a common language is critical to developing mutual understanding. Up till now there has been no single reference for terminology related to fire behavior and compartment fire behavior training (CFBT). CFBT-US, is developing a comprehensive glossary of terms in conjunction with the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) International Compartment Firefighting - Special Interest Group. This glossary is presented as a work in progress. Your feedback on this project would be greatly appreciated.

Reading the Fire B-SAHF Activity Worksheet

Building skill in reading the fire takes practice. This worksheet is used for skill building activities in conjunction with photographs or video clips of structure fires. As a starting point, view the photo or video and identify Building, Smoke, Air Track, Heat, and Flame indicators, then answer the questions on the second page of the worksheet. After developing proficiency, view the photo or video and answer the questions, then go to the B-SAHF indicators and identify which were significant to you in answering the questions.

Visit the CFBT-US Blog for examples of B-SAHF exercises!

Fire Behavior Indicators Concept Map

The indicators used in reading the fire can be presented in a variety of formats. However, reading the fire requires consideration of all relevent indicators in context. This concept map illustrates the current evolution of a graphic representation of the indicators and their interrelationships. Please let CFBT-US Chief Instructor Ed Hartin know if you have any feedback or suggestions.

Props & Training Aids

Dolls House Plans

Small scale props are an extremely useful adjunct to CFBT as they provide the ability to demonstrate fire development and extreme fire behavior phenomenon even if live fire training facilities are not available. Plans are provided for single and multi-compartment dolls houses along with several other small scale props. These plans are also available with metric measurements.


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