What should be done to minimize wind when fighting a fire onboard?

What should be done to minimize wind when fighting a fire onboard?

• A. Increase wind by opening hatches.
• B. Minimize wind, head upwind, blow fire away from boat.
• C. Point the bow toward the fire.
• D. Ignore wind direction.

Answer: (B)

The key idea is controlling air flow to slow and direct a fire on a boat. A fire needs oxygen, so opening hatches, vents, or doors only feeds it and can push heat and smoke into more areas of the vessel. By minimizing wind—keeping ventilation to a minimum—you reduce the oxygen reaching the fire, which helps contain it. Orientation matters: head into the wind (upwind) so the breeze isn’t blowing into open openings and, if possible, so that the wind carries smoke and flames away from the boat. In short, cut ventilation and use the wind to push the fire away from the vessel, rather than toward it.

The key idea is controlling air flow to slow and direct a fire on a boat. A fire needs oxygen, so opening hatches, vents, or doors only feeds it and can push heat and smoke into more areas of the vessel. By minimizing wind—keeping ventilation to a minimum—you reduce the oxygen reaching the fire, which helps contain it. Orientation matters: head into the wind (upwind) so the breeze isn’t blowing into open openings and, if possible, so that the wind carries smoke and flames away from the boat. In short, cut ventilation and use the wind to push the fire away from the vessel, rather than toward it.