Ch. 18 - Fighting Fires In Hotels

Question 1

What may be one of the biggest concerns at a hotel fire?

Answer 1

Life safety is you major concern but PANIC may be one of the biggest problems.

Question 2

What are the two basic categories of construction of hotels?

Answer 2

Old and new.

Question 3

What kind of construction are new low-rise hotels?

Answer 3

Wooden platform or truss construction.

Question 4

What kind of roof assemblies do modern high-rise hotels have?

Answer 4

Generally concrete or steel roof assemblies.

Question 5

What are the weakest links I fire spread in low-rise hotels?

Answer 5

Windows and doors.

Question 6

What is autoexposure?

Answer 6

Fire lapping out of a window and heating the room above through the window until materials inside reach ignition temperatures.

Question 7

What should guests three or more floors above the fire do?

Answer 7

Stay put. They are likely safer in their rooms than trying to flee by way of the fire tower or stairs.

Question 8

What are the principal avenues of smoke travel in hotel fires?

Answer 8

Hallways, stairs, elevator shafts and HVAC systems. Smoke can jump several floors. It is imperative that you get two firefighters on each floor as soon as possible to control the activities, of guests and to monitor conditions.

Question 9

Unless your department can drill on these evolutions frequently, what will happen?

Answer 9

Your reflex time will be lengthened simply out of lack of experience.

Question 10

What is the average floor space of the typical mid-sized hotel?

Answer 10

12,000 sq ft or more per floor.

Question 11

What is meant by “hundred man fires”?

Answer 11

A fire needing a minimum of one hundred firefighters if you are to anticipate an optimal outcome. (named by FDNY Deputy Chief Jim Murtagh).

Question 12

How much fire flow could be required if 25% of a floor in a large hotel were involved?

Answer 12

More than 2100 gpm. This would require ten 2 1/2” lines. (a minimum of twenty firefighters.)

Question 13

In a high-rise, what is the tool of choice?

Answer 13

The standpipe.

Question 14

What is the problem with standpipes on upper floors?

Answer 14

Many are designed to provide only 65 psi at the upper floors. Many automatic nozzles are designed to operate at 100 psi.

Question 15

What is the only way to sustain an effective attack in a high-rise?

Answer 15

A three-crew rotation.

Question 16

What are the three rules of search?

Answer 16

1. Only attempt if you have the manpower to do so.
2. Concentrate on those that aren’t making any noise.
3. Start in the area closest to the fire where savable victims might be found, then work away from the fire.

Question 17

What are the basic requirements for successfully searching hotels?

Answer 17

1. Plenty of staffing.
2. A plan.
3. Coordination.
4. Cooperation of the rescue group.

Question 18

What should be done with occupants above the fire, given a heavy smoke condition?

Answer 18

Occupants should probably be removed from at least the two floors above the fire. Use the PA system, or some other means, to alert those above the fore to stay in their rooms. Tell them firefighters will systematically knock on doors and escort them to safety.

Question 19

Where should rescue groups be positioned?

Answer 19

On the stairwell of the floor on which it’s respective search team is operating.

Question 20

Where should a predertermined triage area be set up?

Answer 20

Two or three floors below the fire.

Question 21

How should you ventilate hotel fires?

Answer 21

Ventilation is best served by using the HVAC system.

The next best alternative is to use a fire tower with access to the roof. Open the door before turning on the fan.

Question 22

If the backup tam is going to work in an interior hallway, what is the ideal nozzle?

Answer 22

One that will provide a fog pattern that can effectively hold the fire in check.

Question 23

What is the ultimate choice for nozzle for an outside, or inside backup team?

Answer 23

A breakaway nozzle with smoothbore and a fog tip.

Question 24

Where should the RIT stage in a high-rise?

Answer 24

Two floors below the fire.

Question 25

Due to their construction, these occupancies require a lot of what?

Answer 25

Overhaul.