Completing a full scene assessment upon arrival at an incident can significantly lower the overall risks, as well allow for a more effective response. Reading Fire supports frontline practitioners in gathering information upon arrival at an incident, using the 'BE-SAHF' model of assessment. Using a step-by-step approach, it considers each critical area of the model, from building, construction and environmental factors, to understanding and reading smoke, airflow, heat and flames. It explores each of these areas in depth and considers the evidence that needs to be analysed in order to formulate an effective tactical plan.
Benjamin Walker is an award-winning firefighter, innovative trainer and published author. Benjamin began his career in North East England and has since commanded some of Europe's busiest fire houses. He has led Compartment Fire Behaviour Training at the London Fire Brigade (UK) Training School - the third biggest Metropolitan Fire Department in the world. Through his charitable work, Benjamin has also delivered firefighter training, created infrastucture and sourced & supplied equipment and resources to Fire Departments in economically deprived areas on three continents. Shan Raffel has been a firefighter in Brisbane since 1983. In the 1990s, he became a national leader in Compartment Fire Behaviour Training, implementing the first nationally recognised CFBT programme in Australia. Since then, he has worked to apply the techniques and tactics in the real world. He has assisted numerous fire services in Australia in the development of their training facilities and teaching materials, as well as offering training and support to the international firefighting community.
Introducing the BE SAHF modelReading fire step 1: Building and constructionReading fire step 2: Environmental factorsReading fire step 3: Smoke factorsReading fire step 4: Air factorsReading fire step 5: Heat factorsReading fire step 6: Flame factorsBe safe, not too late - A visual case study
Review for Fire Dynamics for Firefighters, Book 1 in the Compartment Firefighting Series: "This original and practical book challenges some of the thinking from the last decade and covers the imperative topics that all firefighters need to be fluent in, including the importance of flow rates and the impact of building construction on fire behaviour. Benjamin's thought provoking use of case studies really brings the reality of the consequences home. This book will add to the tools available to firefighters as they deal with these situations on a daily basis." Neil Gibbins QFSM FIFireE
