these tests that a significant portion of the cold smoke rose towards the ceiling. Nevertheless the rate at which smoke would rise would depend on the conditions in the cargo compartment at the time.
Access to various pallets is made between the pallets and the fuselage which is very restrictive. Under the most ideal conditions fire fighting with the equipment provided would be difficult. During the search for the fire the fire fighter has both hands occupied, one hand carrying the 16 lb extinguisher and the other holding the 10ft wand. It must be remembered that the whole philosophy of fire protection in the Combi relies on early detection, rapid location of the fire and extinguishing with Halon. Furthermore, early detection and suppression are dependent on the fire being on the outside edge of a pallet, not towards the centre of a given pallet.
