Why is it important to maintain positive pressure on the tactical floor during certain ventilation operations?

• A. Positive pressure helps push smoke and hot gases away from interior crews and improves tenability by creating a clean air zone.
• B. Positive pressure reduces visibility for crews.
• C. Positive pressure increases fire growth.
• D. Positive pressure is used to pressurize the entire neighborhood.

Answer: (A)

Positive pressure on the tactical floor keeps the interior space at a higher pressure than outside, driving air toward exhaust openings and pushing smoke and hot gases away from interior crews. This creates a clean air zone around firefighters, giving them breathable air, cooler temperatures, and better visibility to work safely and effectively during ventilation, search, and suppression. PPV is about shaping the airflow to protect crews inside, not about harming visibility, increasing fire growth, or pressurizing the surrounding neighborhood.