🔍 Key Concepts

• Ventilation and oxygen supply in fire behavior • How fixed CO2 and steam smothering systems extinguish fires • Dangers of re‑ignition or explosion when opening up a hot, confined space

💭 Think About

• Think about what happens to a fire if you introduce fresh air or oxygen too early, especially in an enclosed space. • Consider how CO2 and steam actually put out a fire—what must happen to the space before and after those systems are used? • Ask yourself: during a direct attack with hoses, at what stage of firefighting is it safest to start ventilating a compartment?

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify which systems (CO2, steam smothering) require the space to be sealed/closed to work properly. • Check standard marine firefighting practice on when to open up a compartment after using a fixed extinguishing system. • Confirm that ventilation timing is about controlling both heat and oxygen, not just clearing smoke.