7-Ops-8.1 Large Commercial Flashcards
According to the BFES operations manual, regarding Large commercial Fires, What risk management principle is emphasized in large commercial/industrial situations?**
A. Rapid water application
B. Minimizing exposure to
unnecessary hazards
C. Utilizing aerial devices
D. Lengthy size-up procedures
B
‘risk management principles dictate not subjecting fire suppression personnel to unnecessary hazards”
According to the BFES operations manual, regarding Large commercial Fires, What is the potential hazard associated with high ceilings in steel-frame construction during significant fires?**
A. Flashovers
B. Compromised roof systems
C. Reduced visibility
D. Sprinkler malfunctions
B
High ceilings with steel-frame construction (steel girder and lightweight steel truss bar joist) are common-place, and in the presence of super-heated gases present a hazard. The heat associated with these gases is capable of compromising the roof system during fires of significant size extremely quickly. At 1,100°F (593°C) steel members can fail in as little as 5 to 10 minutes.
According to the BFES operations manual, regarding Large commercial Fires, At what temperature can steel members fail in as little as 5 to 10 minutes?**
A. 800°F (427°C)
B. 1,100°F (593°C)
C. 1,500°F (816°C)
D. 2,000°F (1,093°C)
B
High ceilings with steel-frame construction (steel girder and lightweight steel truss bar joist) are common-place, and in the presence of super-heated gases present a hazard. The heat associated with these gases is capable of compromising the roof system during fires of significant size extremely quickly. At 1,100°F (593°C) steel members can fail in as little as 5 to 10 minutes.
According to the BFES operations manual, regarding Large commercial Fires, Why is proper size-up crucial in large commercial structures?**
A. To locate the nearest hydrant
B. To assess the effectiveness of the sprinkler system
C. To determine the fire’s size and location
D. To estimate the time required for evacuation
C
Due to the height of these structures firefighters can easily find themselves in low heat and good visibility on the ground while the roofing system above is being compromised. Conducting a proper size up (with the thermal imaging camera) is imperative. Another important feature of these structures is that most have sprinkler systems. Supplying the sprinkler systems quickly is crucial to begin controlling the heat and fire.
According to the BFES operations manual, regarding Large commercial Fires, What is a critical consideration for entering large commercial structures with large open areas?**
A. Minimizing water usage
B. Controlling SCBA air consumption
C. Creating exhaust openings
D. Focusing on aerial attack
B
Similarly, in structures with large open areas, the managing of SCBA air consumption is crucial due to the potential for extended travel time required to reach the seat of the fire. As such travel and working time should not exceed 50% of any crew member’s air supply.
According to the BFES operations manual, regarding Large commercial Fires, In large footprint structures, where should entry be made in relation to the fire location?**
A. Farthest possible point
B. As close as possible
C. At the center of the structure
D. Opposite the fire location
B
Locating the fire will determine the initial decision as to how best to apply extinguishing agent (eg. sprinkler/standpipe/handlines from the Pump). However, locating the fire may be extremely difficult and may require multiple crews. In large footprint structures such as these, entry should be made as close as possible to the fire location.
According to the BFES operations manual, regarding Large commercial Fires, What should the Incident Commander consider to limit compromising of roof systems?**
A. Maximizing the movement of superheated gases
B. Indiscriminate glass removal
C. Minimizing flow path effects
D. Unlocking all exterior doors
C
The Incident Commander should identify the effect of the action plan on the fire and superheated gases. Consideration should be given to minimize the movement of the superheated gases to any unaffected areas of the structure, in order to limit compromising the roof systems.
According to the BFES operations manual, regarding Large commercial Fires, What is the preferred type of hose stream for cooling exposed structural steel in high-ceiling structures?**
A. Fog streams
B. Straight streams
C. Master streams
D. Blitzfire streams
B
High ceilings may contain high heat and fuel. If high heat conditions exist at the roof level, particularly in a Type II building, large diameter hose streams must be directed onto the exposed structural steel to control the heat and to cool the steel elements before they fail. Straight streams are preferred because of their penetration characteristics and ability to rain the water down onto the source after cooling the exposed steel
According to the BFES operations manual, regarding Large commercial Fires, What is the recommended hose size for rescue operations in commercial/industrial structures?**
A. 45mm
B. 50mm
C. 65mm
D. 75mm
A
If rescue is required, it is advisable to lay a handline for the protection of fire personnel. In these instances, a 45mm hoseline is recommend as it is far more maneuverable than a 65-mm line, making it better suited for these types of operations.
According to the BFES operations manual, regarding Large commercial Fires, What is a crucial responsibility of the first arriving apparatus?**
A. Initiating aerial attack
B. Establishing command
C. Operating the thermal imaging camera
D. Controlling utilities
B
First Arriving Apparatus
* Establish command and transmit initial radio report
* The Captain plans the initial water supply (i.e. catch a hydrant or not, supply sprinkler if it is in close proximity to Pump location).
* Liaise with on-scene building personnel to obtain information. If there are no building personnel on site and the location of the fire is not obvious check the annunciator panel, if available.
* Communicate the fire location via radio
* Position pump at the closest point of entry for Rescue and/or Fire Attack, if required
* Identify and control flow path(s)
* Transmit a follow-up radio report announcing the initial Incident Action Plan
* Coordinate actions with incoming crews.
* Conduct a primary search and evacuate occupants.
* Protect exposure(s) if required.
* If Command is not in a static position, transfer Command
According to the BFES operations manual, regarding Large commercial Fires, In the absence of building personnel, where should the Captain check for information about the fire’s location?**
A. Annunciator panel
B. Hydrant locations
C. Thermal imaging camera
D. Incident action plan
A
* Liaise with on-scene building personnel to obtain information. If there are no building personnel on site and the location of the fire is not obvious check the annunciator panel, if available.
According to the BFES operations manual, regarding Large commercial Fires, What is the primary role of the first arriving aerial apparatus?**
A. Ladder the building
B. Anticipate the need for master streams
C. Coordinate all tactical ventilation
D. All of the above
D
First Arriving Aerial
* Ladder the building according to the needs of the incident (rescue or in support of fire operations)
* Anticipate the need for master streams
* Coordinate all tactical ventilation activities with interior fire attack crews
According to the BFES operations manual, regarding Large commercial Fires, What should the second arriving pump/squad ensure regarding the first arriving pump?**
A. Adequate water supply
B. Proper positioning
C. Efficient ventilation
D. Accurate radio reporting
A
Second Arriving Pump/Squad
* Position the pump as required
* Ensure that the first-arriving pump has an adequate water supply
* Ensure supply hose does not obstruct incoming apparatus
* Supply the building’s sprinkler connection, if the first pump has not done so
* Stretch a 65mm hoseline to protect the initial fire attack crew and cool the steel roof members, if necessary
* If required by the Incident Commander, assist with fire attack or search and rescue operations
According to the BFES operations manual, regarding Large commercial Fires, What is a key consideration when opening doors for ventilation in a fire-involved building?**
A. Reducing flow path effects
B. Minimizing exposure to hazards
C. Controlling utilities
D. Avoiding impact on flow path(s)
D
* Gain access to any doors opposite the fire attack to allow for ventilation once agent is applied
o Doors to be opened for ventilation may include garage bay doors, roll-down shutters, and exit doors. Opening these doors is dependent on the needs of the incident and must be consistent with the incident action plan. Remember that the creation of any opening, in a fire-involved building, creates or has an effects on flow path(s)
According to the BFES operations manual, regarding Large commercial Fires, When is the use of positive pressure ventilation (PPV) recommended?**
A. During initial size-up
B. Post extinguishment
C. Before water application
D. Concurrently with aerial attack
B
* Setup positive pressure ventilation (PPV), post extinguishment
