What can be done to aid in cooling a thermal column during firefighting?

Aiming water slightly above horizontal is an effective method for cooling a thermal column during firefighting. When water is directed in this manner, it allows the water to be introduced into the hot smoke and gases that are rising due to convection. This can help cool the thermal column more effectively, as the mist created by the water can absorb heat and reduce the temperature of the smoke before it spreads further.

By cooling the thermal column, the overall fire behavior may be influenced, leading to improved visibility and the potential to reduce the intensity of the fire, contributing to a safer environment for both firefighters and potential victims.

The other methods may have benefits in specific situations, but they do not directly address the cooling of the thermal column as efficiently as directing water slightly above horizontal. For instance, directing water onto unburned materials focuses on preventing ignition, while using a wide angle fog stream can create a curtain of fog but is less targeted than a directed stream aimed at the thermal column. Ground-level ventilation fans are beneficial for smoke removal but do not actively cool the thermal column in the same way.