What is hydraulic ventilation?

• A. Using water to push smoke out
• B. Using fans and pressurized air to move smoke and heat out of a structure through openings
• C. Sealing doors to trap heat inside the structure
• D. Installing temporary lighting during ventilation.

Answer: (B)

Hydraulic ventilation is about using a powered airflow to control and remove smoke and heat from a structure. By placing a high-capacity fan and creating positive pressure inside the fire area, you push the warm, smoky air outward through established openings. This improves visibility and conditions inside for firefighters and anyone else inside. The key idea is using pressurized air to drive the smoke out, not relying on water itself or trapping heat by sealing doors, and it isn’t about lighting or auxiliary tasks.