Ch. 3 Engine Company Operations

Question 1

On smoldering fire, what do we do if plan A (vent roof) and plan B (indirect attack) don’t work?

Answer 1

Open it up and let it explode.

Attempt to blow the windows in with preferably master stream, solid stream for reach and impact.

Question 2

Rule for back drafts occurring in free burning fires?

Answer 2

Won’t occur in the AREA that is free burning but can occur in other adjacent areas that have NOT been thoroughly vented.
MOST COMMON-fires on top floor of apts, schools and other Class 3 bldgs with cockloft over entire top floor

Question 3

Combination Method of Attack - Advantages and Disadvantages (3/2)

Answer 3

Adv
1. Cool gases near nozzle, less steam pushed, more visibility
2. Shutting down nozzle when fire knocked down-don’t disturb thermal balance
3. FF’s near seat of fire, best position to save lives
Disadv
1. Puts members in extremely hostile environment
2. Requires live-fire training to develop proficiency

Question 4

Indirect Method of Attack (smoldering) advantages and disadvantages (5/5)

Answer 4

Adv
1) Reduce FF exposures to backdraft
2) can extinguish fire in areas where heat won’t let FF’s go
3) allows very limited crew to do work (vs combination)
4) uses less water (use-supply)
5) less water damage/runoff
Disadv
1) can’t be used in occupied bldg
2) vent openings will dilute steam
3) discharge of less than critical volume can push fire
4) isn’t possible to view interior layout
5) can INCREASE water damage (not enough heat to make steam)

Question 5

3 Operating MODES

Answer 5

Offensive mode.
Defensive mode.
No Attack (no action)

Question 6

Offensive operations proceed on:

Answer 6

Assumptions that sufficient resources are available

Question 7

Extinguishment may have to be delayed because: (3)

Answer 7

Let civilians past fire.
Let FF’s perform rescue.
Protect exposures.

Question 8

Factors that influence time to position a handline: (4)

Answer 8

Number of personnel on hand.
Height/area of structure.
Locations of fire.
Distractions of other operations.

Question 9

The three fire stages and the method of firefighting applicable

Answer 9

Incipient - Direct.
Free Burning - Combination.
Smoldering - Indirect (then combination depending on resources).

Question 10

Two CLASSIC indicators of third-stage fire (Indirect):

Answer 10

High heat.

Limited ventilation

Question 11

Four basic/key requirements for Indirect Attack (3rd stage fires)

Answer 11

1. Limited ventilation
2. No (endangered) occupants
3. High heat
4. Point on perimeter for 30 degree fog (p. 44)
   OR limited size of potential fire area (p. 45)

Question 12

Cardinal rule of aggressive FFing

Answer 12

Don’t use an outside stream in an occupied bldg

Question 13

Weight of one length of ______ hose: dry weight is _____ and charged weight is ________.

Answer 13

1 3/4 in.
40 lbs.
80 lbs

Question 14

Ceiling temps at _____ in a fire room while floor temps are ______.

Answer 14

1200-1500F.

125-150F

Question 15

1 gallon of water expands to ________ gallons of steam when FULLY vaporized

Answer 15

1,500-2,000.

1,700 in SSFO

Question 16

Indirect
Plan A (vent) and B (indirect) have failed
Coordination of breaking window and hose stream. Spraying water for how long for likelihood of backdraft to be over (in that area)

Answer 16

30 seconds or so

Question 17

Fire has self-vented through many small openings so Indirect is not likely to work. Next is ________

Answer 17

Creating many small openings around perimeter and use single-large flow stream

Question 18

Single large-flow stream may __________________, thus ____________. Too small a flow will _________________. Too low a flow with a fog stream is likely to ________.

Answer 18

EXTINGUISH the fire in a small area, reducing superheated air needed for steam.
NEGATIVE effect on operations and do little to extinguish the fire.
PUSH fire into other areas

Question 19

Fire that is inaccessible may require an unusual attack: (3)

Answer 19

Cellar pipes, distributors or high-expansion foam

Question 20

Master stream from elevated platform can cover _____ frontage and _______ high. If on a flank, it can cover ______.

Answer 20

100 ft, UP TO 3 stories high

50-75 ft

Question 20

The need to __________ either inside or outside the building, is a HIGH priority in the strategy of fire attack.

Answer 20

Confine.

-LCE