What should crews not use when operating in basement fires according to fire safety guidelines?

In the context of operating in basement fires, using fog streams is generally discouraged due to several critical factors. Fog streams create a wide dispersion of water droplets, which can inhibit effective fire suppression in enclosed and confined spaces like basements. The multicasting of water can produce excessive steam, which significantly reduces visibility and can create a dangerous atmosphere for firefighters.

Moreover, when operating in a basement, it's important to deliver water directly to the flames. Solid streams or low-pressure streams are much more effective in penetrating through smoke and effectively reaching the base of the fire, while reducing the risk of creating steam and increasing the overall safety for firefighting personnel. High-pressure streams, while potentially powerful, are also not the most suitable option in this environment for the same reasons regarding efficacy and safety.

Understanding the dynamics of fire behavior in confined spaces is crucial, and the use of appropriate stream type significantly influences the outcome of firefighting efforts.