Ch. 18 - Fighting Fires In Hotels Flashcards
What may be one of the biggest concerns at a hotel fire?
Life safety is you major concern but PANIC may be one of the biggest problems.
What are the two basic categories of construction of hotels?
Old and new.
What kind of construction are new low-rise hotels?
Wooden platform or truss construction.
What kind of roof assemblies do modern high-rise hotels have?
Generally concrete or steel roof assemblies.
What are the weakest links I fire spread in low-rise hotels?
Windows and doors.
What is autoexposure?
Fire lapping out of a window and heating the room above through the window until materials inside reach ignition temperatures.
What should guests three or more floors above the fire do?
Stay put. They are likely safer in their rooms than trying to flee by way of the fire tower or stairs.
What are the principal avenues of smoke travel in hotel fires?
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.
Unless your department can drill on these evolutions frequently, what will happen?
Your reflex time will be lengthened simply out of lack of experience.
What is the average floor space of the typical mid-sized hotel?
12,000 sq ft or more per floor.
What is meant by “hundred man fires”?
A fire needing a minimum of one hundred firefighters if you are to anticipate an optimal outcome. (named by FDNY Deputy Chief Jim Murtagh).
How much fire flow could be required if 25% of a floor in a large hotel were involved?
More than 2100 gpm. This would require ten 2 1/2” lines. (a minimum of twenty firefighters.)
In a high-rise, what is the tool of choice?
The standpipe.
What is the problem with standpipes on upper floors?
Many are designed to provide only 65 psi at the upper floors. Many automatic nozzles are designed to operate at 100 psi.
What is the only way to sustain an effective attack in a high-rise?
A three-crew rotation.
What are the three rules of search?
- Only attempt if you have the manpower to do so.
- Concentrate on those that aren’t making any noise.
- Start in the area closest to the fire where savable victims might be found, then work away from the fire.
What are the basic requirements for successfully searching hotels?
- Plenty of staffing.
- A plan.
- Coordination.
- Cooperation of the rescue group.
What should be done with occupants above the fire, given a heavy smoke condition?
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.
Where should rescue groups be positioned?
On the stairwell of the floor on which it’s respective search team is operating.
Where should a predertermined triage area be set up?
Two or three floors below the fire.
How should you ventilate hotel fires?
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.
If the backup tam is going to work in an interior hallway, what is the ideal nozzle?
One that will provide a fog pattern that can effectively hold the fire in check.
What is the ultimate choice for nozzle for an outside, or inside backup team?
A breakaway nozzle with smoothbore and a fog tip.
Where should the RIT stage in a high-rise?
Two floors below the fire.
Due to their construction, these occupancies require a lot of what?
Overhaul.
