Ch. 15 Mission of Extension Flashcards
The mission of _________ is to check areas _______, __________, and _______ the main body of fire for extension AND to report findings back to command.
Extension.
Above, SURROUNDING, below
More than ______ of our fires are handled by ONE line and _________ can check for extensions after the fire has been knocked down but prior to overhauling (or during overhauling).
90%.
Attack
For the most part, it is ________ responsibility to check for extensions.
Attack’s
Instances in which command may want a timelier accounting of extension of fires: (4)
Occupied wood-frame structure OTHER than a single-family dwelling (apartments/balloon frame MDs) (Spread-ALL directions).
Structures that share the SAME cockloft/attic (row houses, vert/horiz spread).
HIGH-rise structures (autoexposure)(vertical spread).
STRIP malls ("disposable buildings")(horizontal spread)Fire spreading from floor to floor through outside fire extension via Windows
Autoexposure.
Also called Lapping
___________ multifamily structures are extremely prone to fire spread in ALL directions
Older balloon-frame
For the most part, the most significant spread of fire is ________.
Upward.
______ and ________, to a large extent, influence spread and thus extension of fire.
Construction type.
Method
With rated and properly installed and maintained doors, _________ tend to become very compartmentalized.
Concrete structures
_______________, especially ___________, are extremely prone to spread and thus extension of fire.
Wood-frame structures.
Balloon frame
______ of the fire in urban areas of the United States are incendiary.
40%
With incendiary fires, the fires may also be ________ in the means of egress of the arsonist, which is another reason to check for ____________.
Trailered.
Extension
Three places need to be checked when looking for fire extension - in order of importance
Above.
Around.
Below
Above, around, below.
Normally, _____ crews will handle the wall surfaces in the fire room. ____ crews should check wall assemblies in the room around the fire area.
Attack.
Extension
Usually, fire will spread ____________ by convective currents inside wall assemblies, radiant heat, conduction and direct flame impingement. No matter what the fire route, ________ must be considered.
From room to room.
Horizontal spread.
Above, around, below (where to check)
Fire can drop down into the floor joist system and travel horizontally in _______ and _________ construction.
Platform.
Balloon
Areas at ___________ should also be checked. This is the general avenue of travel from floor to floor. Heat traveling convectively can reach ________ and higher.
Top of stairs.
1,400F
Finally, the check for fire extension should proceed
In the direction of the wind.
When checking HORIZONTAL spread around the fire room, consider following THREE factors:
Location of the original fire.
Wind direction and speed.
Construction features.
Location.
Fires started by whatever means in ____________ will require more horizontal checking than fires originated in ____________.
The center of the structure.
Areas bordering exterior walls
These factors significantly influence interior fire travel and thus area of possible horizontal extension.
Wind direction and speed
Same rules basically hold true checking for extensions _________ as for ______________. Start in areas __________ the room and move into areas in the DIRECTION in which the wind is TRAVELING.
Above the fire, Areas below the fire.
Directly below the room
Construction features.
These allow furnace heat to pass from one duct to be shared between rooms, allowing for horizontal spread.
Wall registers
Truss floor assemblies (good/bad news)
Good-newer and used in platform (less spread).
Bad-due to error or neglect, fire allowed in, fire loads and oxygen are GREAT.
Specific tools to check for extension. FIRST tools of choice are:
Firefighter senses (SSF).
Sight.
Sound.
Feel.
Same as first 3 of SHTSC - HOT
Senses-Sight.
Good indicators of potential spread
Force and color of smoke
Senses - Feel.
Check for heat (balloon and platform)
Balloon - directly over wall channels in attic.
Platform - locations at which the double plate and rafters meet.
Rule of thumb for feel and heat
Bare hand as long as “it’s not hot chief”.
Works best on lath and plaster.
HOT - 15 sec/2 min rule
Dry walls ability to collect and retain heat:
ENdothermic material
Property conservation.
When checking for extension: (2)
Check for extension to ensure fire has been confined.
Open up with caution and prudence.
Hand tools for extension (3)
Fire axes.
Pike poles.
Closet hooks.
In vacant structure, command can assign company to extension and, after it gives benchmark (___________), can reassign the company to __________.
Extension areas checked.
Search
At normal working house fire, rarely assign an extension officer for two reasons:
Most fires handled by one line.
-attack can check
Don’t have the personnel.
-big 4 take up allotment (avsb)
If extension officer feels uncomfortable, once notified COMMAND has 3 options:
Extension out and ANOTHER company to Attack.
Extension out to get another line, CHANGE designation to Attack.
Extension out and ORIGINAL Attack moves to extinguish.
Extensions judgement may have _______ on the outcome of the fire.
Great bearing
Responsibilities of extension (3)
Safety of crew.
Check the area above, around, and below fire.
Keep command informed
