OKCFD Rotation 2 Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) Practice Test

Vertical ventilation means releasing heat and smoke by cutting vents in the roof, creating an upward path for hot gases to escape. Horizontal ventilation means venting through openings on the same level, like windows and doors, to push smoke out laterally and establish a flow path for fresh air to enter. Use vertical ventilation when you can safely access the roof and you want to rapidly remove heat and smoke from above the fire area to improve conditions for crews inside. Use horizontal ventilation when roof access is unsafe or not yet available, or as an initial step to relieve smoke and heat on the fire floor and help establish a controlled flow path for subsequent ventilation and suppression. These methods serve different purposes and are chosen based on safety, building conditions, and coordination with other tactics.