PPV and its use.

Hey everyone. I have been having a lot of discussions on the use of PPV at fires and its effectiveness. I am an old school firefighter (sorry) and when I learned about the PPV tactics I was on the fence, and I have been there since. I have seen it used many times but I dont realy see the positives over the standard ventilation tactics.
Just wanted to hear from depts that use it regularly and hear their pros AND cons about its usage.

From what I have learned, in order to use PPV effectively you need control over all openings such as doors and windows, in order to control the flow of air and its direction of travel. Like if you open the windows in the fire room and close all others, all the smoke will travel to the fire room and exit those windows. But if there is another window or door open on the other side of the building the smoke and fire will be pushed there as well, spreading it and possibly trapping firefighters. So unless you know for sure you have total control over ALL openings, and there is no broken windows, ventilation shafts, elevator shafts with open doors, open stairwells, etc etc, you can not completely control the flow of air. Now if this is true I believe it to be dangerous. Anything can happen to compromise those openings and you can trap your interior crews. I for one am a firm believer of a coordinated attack. Stretch to the seat of the fire and when the vent crews see water flowing pop the windows and cut the roof.
What are some other views on this. I take any feedback and criticism constructively as long as its not a verbal attack on me.
Thanks for your input in advance.
Moose

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