FACT SHEET
GUIDE FOR STRUCTURAL FIRE FIGHTING
NFPA has released its first document connecting fire dynamics research to response strategy, tactics, and best
practices for firefighters attempting to control fires within a structure. With the release of NFPA 1700, Guide for
Structural Fire Fighting, NFPA is continuing to work on ensuring that the methods used by the fire service to control
fire are developed on science-based practices.
Evidence-Based Research and Analysis
The guide was developed with fire service members, research
scientists, and other experts, and it focuses on science and
data. Research conducted on the scientific principles of fire
dynamics has been translated into guiding principles and best
practices for firefighters who face the challenges of modern
building construction and common furnishings. Modern mate-
rials are more flammable than ever; they burn hotter and faster
and will flash over quicker. This means that plume growth and
fire spread are accelerated.
NFPA 1700 aims to help fire service organizations establish
and update their strategies for effective fire control and
extinguishment to consider life safety, tactics, environmental
conditions, search, rescue, and fire suppression operations.
In addition, the guide was developed using the fire science
concepts in NFPA 921, Guide for Fire and Explosion Investiga-
tions, the National Fire Research Laboratory’s validation
of physics-based models and post-fire investigations,
Underwriter Laboratories’ Firefighter Safety Research
Institute’s large-scale testing and research findings, and
input from stakeholders seeking to improve firefighter
safety and lessen the damage caused by fire events.
Safety Considerations for Construction and Protection
NFPA 1700 outlines the impact of building con-
struction and a building’s structural components increase an individual’s risk of contracting several types of
on fire dynamics. Building construction and structural
performance information can influence strategy and tactics for
effective and safe operations, with special consideration to flow
path protection.
NFPA 1700 provides an overview of some of the
protection characteristics and limitations of most
firefighting protective clothing and equipment
when it is exposed to products of combustion. This is import-
ant to understand for effective and safe decision-making.
Tools for Strategic Improvement
Strategic Decisions
NFPA 1700 provides insight on key variables for the develop-
ment, assessment, and evaluation of structural firefighting
strategies, as well as guidance on shifting strategies based on
effectiveness of current strategy and changing conditions.
Tactical Considerations for Fire Control and
Extinguishment
NFPA 1700 reinforces the fact that fireground life safety is the
priority during fire events and that fire control, search, and
ventilation/nonventilation are some of the tactics. Knowing
that the fire conditions can change, tactics need to adjust
during an operation. The objective is choosing the right tactics
for where, how, what personnel, and how many operate based
on these changes.
Exposure and Health Considerations
Cancer is one of the leading causes of line-of-duty deaths
among firefighters today. Firefighting duties significantly
cancers. NFPA 1700 provides detailed, science-based informa-
tion for firefighting personnel on procedures to help minimize
the exposure and health risks of firefighting. See Annex B for a
template for standard operating procedures/guidelines.
 FACT SHEET

GUIDE FOR STRUCTURAL FIRE FIGHTING continued

Guidance on Tactical Objectives

NFPA 1700 provides guidance on tactical objectives, considerations of specific tactics, techniques normally assigned to those
tactics, as well as safety considerations. Some of the primary strategic objectives included in Chapter 10 of NFPA 1700 are shown
in the table below.

Tactic Tactical Objective

Types of Control
Exposure Control Control fire extension and limit fire growth to the building of origin.

Exterior Control — Transitional Attack Improve occupant tenability and interior conditions for fire control.

Cool and control smoke temperature, flammability, and radiation to increase safety during interior progression to the seat
Interior Advancement
of the fire and until effective water is applied to the source fire.

Interior Fire Control Fire control and extinguishment.

Positive Pressure Isolation Create a positive pressure in the non-fire area greater than the pressure in the fire area to limit fire and smoke propagation.

Types of Attack
Interior Indirect Attack Fire suppression to improve tenability for follow-up fire control and overhaul.

Improve interior tenability conditions for advancing crews and trapped occupants. Additional objectives include purposeful
Positive Pressure Attack
direction of the flow path, extinguishment, and property conservation.

Types of Ventilation
Nonventilation Limit combustion air to the fire to hold fire growth in preparation for interior operations.

Improve interior tenability by releasing smoke and heat during the fire control and to support search, extinguishment,
Horizontal Ventilation
overhaul, and post-fire ventilation.

Improve interior tenability by releasing smoke and heat during fire attack and to support search, extinguishment, overhaul,
Vertical Ventilation
defensive trenching operations, and post-fire ventilation.

Remove smoke from the non-fire area to improve tenability and secure egress path to assist search and rescue or the
Positive Pressure Ventilation
approach to fire area.

Improve interior tenability conditions during primary/secondary search, overhaul, and property conservation through
Hydraulic Ventilation
purposeful direction of the flow path.

Negative Pressure Ventilation Create a negative pressure at an established ventilation opening post fire to exhaust smoke.

Take Action and Learn More

� Visit nfpa.org/1700 for free access and the latest information � Find additional research and data from other key contributors:
on NFPA 1700. • Underwriter Laboratories Firefighter Safety Research Institute:
� Listen to the NFPA Journal® podcast on NFPA 1700. https://ulfirefightersafety.org
� Take new free training nfpa.org/1700training. • National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
� Review the latest research and resources at nfpa.org/1700news. Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program:
cdc.gov/niosh/fire

This material contains some basic information about NFPA 1700, Guide for Structural Fire Fighting. This material is not the
official position of any NFPA Technical Committee on any referenced topic which is represented solely by the NFPA documents
on such topic in their entirety. For free access to the complete and most current version of all NFPA documents, please go to
nfpa.org/docinfo. The NFPA makes no warranty or guaranty of the completeness of the information in this material and disclaims
liability for personal injury, property, and other damages of any nature whatsoever, from the use of or reliance on this information.
In using this information, you should rely on your independent judgment and, when appropriate, consult a competent professional.

© 2021 National Fire Protection Association / April 2021