Chapter 5, Positioning Apparatus Flashcards
Determining the proper position for the pumper begins with what?
Sizing up the scene.
When taking wind direction into consideration, where should the pumper be parked?
Pumper should be parked upwind from the incident.
Why is it important to park uphill from an incident when possible?
- less strain on the fire pump than pumping uphill
- uphill from hazmat eliminates chance of flowing liquid
What is one exception to parking uphill from a fire incident?
Wildland fires (fires move uphill faster that on flat terrain or downhill.
When collapse is a concern, where should you park the pumper?
- outside the collapse zone (1 1/2 times the building height)
- when possible, at the corners of the building (considered optimal)
What are some indicators that a building may become unstable?
- bulging walls
- large cracks
- falling bricks/blocks/mortar
- interior collapse
What is used to identify buildings with high potential for collapse, before an incident?
Pre-incident planning.
What method is used to determine placement of the pumper and aerial apparatus?
The inside/outside method (if building is less than 5 stories tall, engine is placed closest to building).
What is the hard intake hose designed to withstand?
The negative pressures associated with drafting (not designed to be used under positive pressure conditions, such as a hydrant).
What are the common lengths for the soft suction hose?
10 to 50 feet.
In order to easily adjust the distance to or from the hydrant (when connecting to side intake), how should the wheels be positioned?
Front wheels should be turned to a 45 degree angle.
What is the optimal way to minimize kinks in the soft intake hose?
Put 2 full twists in the hose when making connection between hydrant and pumper (unless one or both ends are equipped with sexless couplings).
In order to easily adjust the distance to or from the hydrant (for front or rear intake), how should the wheels be positioned?
Front wheels should be at a 45 degree angle or less, in the direction of the hydrant.
What is the main disadvantage of connecting the 2 1/2 to the hydrant, instead of LDH?
The reduced amount of water (unless you use both @ 1/2 outlets from the hydrant, and attach to a single inlet with a gated wye).
What is the primary reason for “dual pumping operations”?
So 1 strong hydrant can be used to supply 2 pumpers (allows better use of unused water, and shorter hose lays). Connected intake to intake.
What is a Tandem Pumping operation?
Needed when pressures higher than a single engine can supply, are required. The pumper connected to hydrant lays into forward pumper (discharge to intake).
What is the difference between pumper positioning for a structural fire fight, and brush truck positioning for a wildland fire fight?
Structural pumper stays in its position for duration of event, brush truck are seldom in the same position for the duration of the event.
What are the 2 most common functions for wildland fire apparatus?
- provide structural protection
- making direct attack on fire
What is the boundary between wildland and structural development called?
Wildland/urban interface.
When fighting structural fires in wildland settings, how should the engine approach?
Engine should be backed in from last known turnaround (for safety), then place ina position to safely fight fire, and escape if needed.
When driving into wildland fire areas, what 2 things must the driver/operator be aware of constantly?
- fire’r current location
- direction of spread
To reduce the risk to engine crews as much as possible during wildland fires, where should the attack begin?
From an anchor point (natural/man-made barrier, prevents fire from circling around them).
What are some typical anchor points?
Roads, lakes, ponds, previously burned areas.
In wildland fires, what is a spotter?
Someone that walks ahead of the vehicle to help locate and avoid obstacles (logs/ditches/overhead). Spotters should wear visible clothing and bright handlights.
