Ch. 9 - Fighting Fires in Strip Malls

Question 1

What is the key concern at a fire in a strip mall?

Answer 1

Early collapse. The manner of construction and the fireloads within are both at fault.

Question 2

Normally, life safety isn’t a key concern at fires involving strip malls.
True or false?

Answer 2

True. Fires during business hours are noticed early and those after hours may not pose any life hazard.

Question 3

What kind of construction are the exterior load-bearing walls, generally?

Answer 3

Ordinary construction with concrete masonry block being the customary material.

Question 4

These buildings are tied together with steel rebar, which will begin to fail at what temperature?

Answer 4

800 degrees F.

Question 5

Anticipate late collapse in strip malls.

True or false?

Answer 5

False. Anticipate early collapse.

Question 6

What are the two most common types of roof in strip malls?

Answer 6

Wood truss and steel bar joist. Steel bar joists are used to support flat roofs.

Question 7

Steel gusset plates are a _________ material when it comes to holding two truss members together in the face of a fire.

Answer 7

Poor. The connecting points only embed 3/8 inch into the wood.

Question 8

Only the _____ _______ ________ _______ can be trusted for topside ventilation.

Answer 8

True rafter supported assemblies.

Question 9

What are the floors of most strip malls made of?

Answer 9

Poured concrete.

Question 10

What is the strategy for fire involving a strip mall?

Answer 10

Aggressive large caliber frontal attack on conjunction with aggressive exposure control.

Question 11

What lines are the best choice for strip mall fires?

Answer 11

Deck guns and 2 1/2 inch handlines.

Question 12

To achieve a quick knockdown, where is it best to attack the fire from in a strip mall?

Answer 12

From the front. Take the window. Don’t get sidetracked into forcing the back door if the fire is in the front.

Question 13

As soon as lines are in operation at a strip mall fire, what should be done next?

Answer 13

Force entry into the nearest exposure.

Question 14

How do gain entry into exposures at a strip mall fire, and what should you do after entry?

Answer 14

Take the glass. Then pull ceilings at the party wall. If the fire is already in the first exposure, then go to the next and take the same action.

Question 15

What is the NFPA’s fire flow formula?

Answer 15

Length x width divided by 3.

Question 16

For reach and penetration, opt for what kind of streams?

Answer 16

Straight streams, either smooth or combination.

Question 17

Unless the fire started in that area, what do self venting fire indicate?

Answer 17

Advanced fires that have entered the truss loft.

Question 18

If the fire hasn’t vented in a strip mall fire, what will a quick knock down allow you to do?

Answer 18

Direct interior lines up into the truss loft. This should be done from doorways or arches near bearing walls. Advance on the exposures to ensure that lateral spread has been stopped.

Question 19

What should be done if the strip mall has vented itself at the roof upon arrival?

Answer 19

Get into exposed occupancies on each side and start PPV inside the exposures with hopes of forcing air up and out of the vent hole.

Question 20

In a working fire in a strip mall, where should the backup line for the attack line be located?

Answer 20

Approximately 2/3 of the way between the point of entrance and the attack nozzle.

Question 21

As crews become available, how many backup lines should there be?

Answer 21

One line per exposure for every exposure that has fire in it.

Question 22

Where should you check for extension in a strip mall fire?

Answer 22

At the party wall dividing the two occupancies.

Question 23

Unlike garden apartments, the truss roof assemblies in strip malls can collapse with disastrous results.
True or false?

Answer 23

True.

Question 24

What is the best way to overhaul a strip mall fire?

Answer 24

Hydraulic. Use a 1 3/4 inch line and don’t get aggressive. Cut back on the pressure when hitting overhead and stand in protected areas.

Question 25

What is the primary concern and trust of a strip mall fire?

Answer 25

Knock down the fire and quickly look for extension.