What does positive pressure ventilation (PPV) aim to achieve?

Positive pressure ventilation (PPV) aims to displace the contaminated atmosphere within a structure that is involved in a fire. By using fans or other mechanical means to introduce fresh air into the building, PPV helps to push out smoke, heat, and toxic gases. This process not only improves visibility for firefighters operating inside but also reduces the risk of backdraft and flashover by lowering the concentration of flammable gases and enhancing overall air quality. Displacing the contaminated air effectively creates a safer environment for both the occupants who may still be inside and the firefighting personnel who are conducting rescue and suppression operations.

Other options, such as increasing smoke production or enhancing fire intensity, go against the primary objectives of fire suppression tactics, which aim to minimize hazards and extinguish the fire, rather than exacerbating the situation. Similarly, while cooling the surrounding area can be a goal in certain fire suppression strategies, it is not the primary aim of PPV, which focuses on ventilation and improving conditions within the structure.