COBRA & THE QUADRANT MODEL
The Quadrant Model – NIPV (formerly IFV), NL.
Cold Cut Systems have been using the Dutch decision-making model – developed by the Dutch Fire Academy, formerly known as IFV and now NIPV – in its training materials since November 2012.
The model encourages a structured approach to risk assessment, where the focus lies in working through the top and left-hand sections before moving to the bottom right box, which represents offensive interior attack. The goal is to make such operations safer by ensuring that critical risks are considered beforehand.
This model was developed in response to a tragic incident in De Punt, the Netherlands, in 2008, where three firefighters lost their lives (incident summary).
Applying Cobra to the Quadrant Model
The Dutch Quadrant Model offers a tactical decision-making framework for structure fires, helping commanders align fire dynamics, structural risks, and human safety with the most appropriate operational approach. An ultra-high-pressure lance like Cobra offers tactical advantages in each quadrant, supporting safer and more efficient firefighting.
This tactic is used when interior access is unsafe, and the goal is to prevent fire spread to adjacent properties and helping to minimise environmental impact. Cobra contributes to provide defensive exterior tactics by:
- Creating a thermal radiation shield to prevent fire spread to nearby structures and define containment lines
- Suppressing smoke, reducing radiant heat and limiting fire growth without firefighter exposure
- Minimises water use, supporting environmental protection
- Supporting operations in scenarios where the collapse of the original structure is a potential risk
In this quadrant, Cobra is used to improve conditions inside the building when an interior attack could be considered as too dangerous. Working from outside, Cobra can be applied to:
- Perform a standard Cobra attack on compartment fires using the Cobra SAVE method
- Extinguish hidden fires in construction spaces that can be reached externally
- Suppress smoke and limit fire growth to prevent further spread
- Support precise targeting of the fire when combined with thermal imaging, while also reducing the temperature in the compartment
In this quadrant, Cobra is used from a safe location inside the building to limit fire development and support evacuation efforts without directly entering the fire compartment. Cobra can be applied to:
- Cool the fire compartment through barriers such as walls or doors while remaining in adjacent safe areas
- Protect escape routes and create safer conditions for evacuation or rescue
- Limit the spread of fire and maintain compartmentation until interior attack becomes feasible
When conditions allow, a rapid snatch rescue using breathing apparatus (BA) may be performed before Cobra is deployed. Cobra is then used to improve the safety and efficiency of interior operations by:
- Reducing temperature and suppressing smoke ahead of further entry
- Lowering the risk of flashover or backdraft
- Supporting safer working conditions for ongoing rescue and fire suppression
- Assisting in extinguishing embers and enabling the internal attack of additional fire compartments
Conclusion
Cobra integrates seamlessly with the quadrant model by enabling safer tactical decisions and offering flexible application across all quadrants. It empowers commanders to act earlier, control conditions more effectively, and adapt operations dynamically, all while prioritising firefighter safety and operational efficiency.
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