Fireground tactics: do local departments allow vertical ventilation on Solar Roofs, and what cut locations/techniques are endorsed in SOPs vs the first-responder guide’s general cautions?
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Okay, so firefighters are super cautious when they’re dealing with roofs that have solar panels, especially ones like the Tesla Solar Roof. They really try not to cut through those panels if there’s a fire because even if the power is off, those panels can still have electricity running through them, which is a big hazard.
Instead of cutting a hole in the roof to vent the smoke and heat, they’ll look for spots on the roof that don’t have any solar panels. Now, if the whole roof is covered, they might just open up windows or doors to get the smoke out.
Basically, they’ll do their best to work around the solar roof and find safer ways to put out the fire without messing up the panels or risking their own safety.
Vertical ventilation on solar roofs is a complex topic, and local fire departments may have varying approaches.
Vertical Ventilation Techniques
-Louver Cut: This technique involves making cuts between rafters, starting from the peak of the roof, and then connecting the cuts at the bottom. It’s effective for ventilation and can be done with a rotary saw or vent saw.
-Coffin Cut (7, 9, 8 Cut): A classic technique for flat roofs, involving a series of cuts to create a rectangular hole. Overlapping cuts ensure easier removal of roofing materials.
-Trench Cut: A defensive strategy to stop fire spread, typically used on flat roofs, requiring significant staffing and resources.