How should primary fire boundaries be set?

To effectively control and manage a fire within a compartment on a naval vessel, primary fire boundaries are established on all six sides of the affected compartment: the two ends, the two sides, the top, and the bottom. This comprehensive approach ensures that heat, smoke, and flames do not escape the compartment and that firefighters can contain the incident within that area.

Setting boundaries on all six sides helps to:

1. Contain the Fire: By sealing off the compartment completely, fire and smoke are kept from spreading to adjoining areas, which is critical in preventing larger conflagrations and protecting crew members in other spaces.

2. Protect Structural Integrity: The naval ships are designed to withstand certain impacts and conditions. Defining fire boundaries on all sides reinforces the structural integrity by preventing the heat from affecting nearby bulkheads and decks.

3. Limit Damage: By controlling the environment where the fire is located, the crew can more effectively suppress the fire and minimize damage to the ship and critical systems.

4. Facilitate Firefighting Operations: With clear boundaries established, firefighters can deploy operations more effectively and focus their efforts without the risk of the fire expanding, which could lead to chaotic and dangerous situations.

Utilizing this thorough