Ch. 10 - Fighting Fires In Vacant Commercial Occupancies

Question 1

Proportionately, more firefighters die and are seriously injured in vacant commercial occupancies than in residences.
True or false

Answer 1

True. Even though they are the minority of the residences that they respond to. Expect collapse.

Question 2

What should top the list of the IC’s concerns?

Answer 2

Firefighter safety.

Question 3

What two key factors are implied when describing a building as a vacant commercial occupancy?

Answer 3

1. Some or all of the stuff that used to be present in the building is gone.
2. There should be no civilian life hazard involved.

Question 4

To understand the risks, what two categories should these buildings fall into?

Answer 4

1. New vacant commercials.

2. Old vacant commercials.

Question 5

What should always be considered in vacant commercial occupancies?

Answer 5

Collapse.

Question 6

The construction type is a major consideration for vacant occupancies, depending on the age and condition of the structure.
True or false?

Answer 6

True. More so than than other buildings.

Question 7

Since load bearing walls may be missing, what can you expect from vacant commercial building?

Answer 7

Early collapse.

Question 8

If an entire floor is involved in a building of ordinary construction, how long can you expect it to last before collapse?

Answer 8

Ten to twenty minutes.

Question 9

What must be done before collapse occurs?

Answer 9

Establish collapse zones early. When collapse occurs, walls must go in, or out.

Question 10

What are some of the considerations for the first arriving officer at a vacant commercial occupancy?

Answer 10

1. Type of construction.
2. Value of the structure.
3. Location of the fire.
4. The presence of exposures.
5. The weather.
6. The risk to benefit ratio.

Question 11

What are some of the reasons not to pull a 2 1/2” line for the initial attack in a vacant commercial occupancy?

Answer 11

There are many. Manpower constraints are not a good reason.

Question 12

What are the benefits of a 2 1/2” line?

Answer 12

With a smooth-bore nozzle and moderate nozzle pressure, you can get a lot of reach, penetration, and knockdown power. More than 300 gym can be thrown by a single member on the nozzle.

Question 13

What should the second item taken in through the point if entry be?

Answer 13

A backup line (2 1/2”). It should stay approximately one hose length behind the attack crew to protect their path of escape.

Question 14

Defensive operations are ____________ ____________.

Answer 14

Holding operations. Position lines from the unburned portion of the structure, if possible, so as to confine the fire to the smallest area possible.

Question 15

If search is warranted, how should it be done?

Answer 15

Use caution! An oriented search, working off a charged 2 1/2” line offers the best protection.

Question 16

What can be said of mechanical and natural ventilation in vacant commercial properties?

Answer 16

Mechanical ventilation using fans is probably the least chosen method, given the difficulties and uncertainties with moving volumes of air through cavernous space.
Natural ventilation will probably be the best method. Natural horizontal venting through windows and doors may be the least effective, but it’ll likely be the safest.

Question 17

If you are going to cut a hole in the roof, what size should it be?

Answer 17

Ten foot by ten foot is very adequate, if constraints only allow for a five-by-five hole, then that is okay, too.

Question 18

What are the three reasons that venting is done?

Answer 18

1. To channel smoke and heat away from occupants.
2. To reduce damage from fire and smoke.
3. To make our job easier.
   Reasons one and two are not very important for this type of occupancy. If we are committed to a defensive operation, then even reason three may not apply.

Question 19

What are the three stages in the process of checking for extension?

Answer 19

1. Above the fire.
2. Around the periphery of the fire.
3. Below the fire.

Question 20

Explain checking for extension in vacant commercial occupancies?

Answer 20

A flushing with a hose stream will usually suffice. Other than pipe chases and other customary routes.

Question 21

Unlike most incidents, what becomes the prime concern in these incidents?

Answer 21

Exposures.

Question 22

What Re some of the factors to consider in prioritizing exposures?

Answer 22

1. Wind.
2. Distance from the source fire.
3. Life safety issues.
4. Value of the building.
5. Historical or religious value of the structure.

Question 23

Whaen can the exposure line be played between exposure protection and extinguishment?

Answer 23

If the source fire is smaller or the distance is greater, lessening the risk of extension.

Question 24

If any sort of building defines the role if RIT, it is the vacant commercial occupancy.
True or false?

Answer 24

True. Proportionately, more firefighters are killed and injured in these buildings than in any other type.

Question 25

What are some of the things RIT should be looking for that can provide a way to the upper floors?

Answer 25

1. Balconies.
2. Fire escapes.
3. Add-on stairs.
4. Other features.

Question 26

A fire in a vacant commercial occupancy is one instance where multiple safety officers may be warranted.
True or false?

Answer 26

True. Start with an interior and an exterior safety sector.

Question 27

If crews and the fire are on the upper floors, what is it vital to do?

Answer 27

Establish a second means of egress as soon as possible.

Question 28

What is the safest way to handle hot spots in vacant commercial occupancies?

Answer 28

Bring in heavy equipment.

Question 29

What reasons are there to enter vacant commercial occupancies for mop-up?

Answer 29

There are no real reasons.

Question 30

With personnel thought the building, what becomes a bigger factor?

Answer 30

Construction. The IC should ask for ten-minute time checks.