Engine Company Operations - December 2013 Flashcards
The first due engine company will generally do what on a box alarm?
Proceed ahead of the truck or rescue, if housed together
Lay the primary supply line
Deliver on-scene report
Perform the 360 lap of the structure
Communicate result of the 360 lap and make a command statement
Force entry, if without special service, and control door entry
Advance the initial attack line and extinguish the fire
Perform search and coordinated ventilation, if needed, while advancing the hoseline.
Page 7 and 8
The second due engine company will generally do what on a box alarm?
Ensure the primary water supply is established
Assume command of the incident, if assigned
Ensure successful deployment / advancement of the initial attack lines
Deploy a second hoseline
Page 8
The third due engine company will generally do what on a box alarm?
Position on the opposite side of the involved structure from the first due engine
Lay the second supply line
Perform a visual inspection of side charlie and report findings to command
Deploy a third hoseline
Page 8
The fourth due engine company will generally do what on a box alarm?
Ensure the secondary water supply is established
Assume the roll of the Rapid Intervention Team (RIT).
Take proactive measures to increase the safety of members to increase the safety of members operating inside the IDLH (i.e., placing portable ladders, forcing doors, cutting security bars off windows) while maintaining readiness if a RIT activation occurs.
Page 8
When responding to a fire alarm, what should personnel assume?
That the building is on fire and it is not a false alarm.
Page 8
On a fire alarm, which unit is expected to go to the reported fire floor or area of the alarm? What should they report back?
Truck or Rescue
They should report back if it is a false alarm or the exact location of the fire
Page 9
If an engine company arrives to a fire alarm without a special service piece and the unit is staffed with 4, what should be considered? Why?
Consideration should be given to leaving one firefighter at the apparatus. If a fire is found, the officer can radio the remaining firefighter and engine driver.
Page 9
Today’s fires burn at a rate of _________ times faster with rapidly increasing heat compared to fires of just 20 years ago.
10
Page 10
What are the 4 parts of the fire tetrahedron?
Oxygen - Enables a fire to sustain combustion
Heat - Needed to raise the material to its ignition temperature
Fuel - Any combustible material in the form of a solid, combustible fluid, or gas.
Chain Reaction - Fire ignition when the three elements are present in their necessary condition
Page 10
What is a flash over?
Flash over is the stage of a fire in which all surfaces and objects within a space have been heated to their ignition temperature and simultaneous ignition of all surfaces and objects in the space occurs.
Page 11
Between what stages of fire does a flash over occur?
Between the growth an fully developed stage.
Page 11
What is rollover?
Rollover is observed when flames present in layers of smoke as a result of heated gases that are pushed under pressure from the fire area into un-involved areas
Page 11
What is a backdraft?
A backdraft is an explosion that occurs when additional oxygen is introduced into a smoldering fire as heated gases enter their flammable range and ignite with explosive force.
Page 11
When do backdraft conditions typically exist?
During the decay stage after the fire compartment has consumed all available oxygen
Page 11
What is thermal layering?
The tendency of gases to form into layers according to temperatures
Page 11
What is stratification?
The layering of smoke and gas clouds.
Page 11
As solid fuels are heated, combustible gases are driven from the substance, this process is known as _________?
Pyrolysis
Page 11
The stage of a fire in which all surfaces and objects within a space have been heated to their ignition temperature and simultaneous ignition of all surfaces and objects in the space occurs is known as _______.
Flashover
Page 11
This is observed when flames present in layers of smoke as a result of heated gases that are pushed under pressure from the fire area into un-involved areas
Rollover
Page 11
An explosion that occurs when additional oxygen is introduced into a smoldering fire as heated gases enter their flammable range and ignite with explosive force.
A backdraft
Page 11
The tendency of gases to form into layers according to temperatures is known as ______?
Thermal layering
Page 11
What are the four stages of fire growth?
- The incipient stage
- The growth stage
- The fully developed stage
- The decay stage
Page 12
This stage of fire growth begins when heat, oxygen and a fuel source combine and have a chemical reaction resulting in fire.
The incipient stage
Page 12
The incipient stage is also know as _____ and is usually represented by _____________.
ignition
A very small fire which often self-extinguishes before the following stages are reached
Page 12
This stage occurs when the fire increases in size from small flames to full fire that involves the entire room.
The growth stage
Page 12
The growth stage my be a rapid event taking seconds to occur or a prolonged event taking hours relying on what four variables?
Combustible content (fuel load including contents and structure)
Oxygen supply (pre-existing, fire created, or firefighter created ventilation)
Room size
Insulating qualities of the compartment (room).
Page 12
During the growth stage, what is often scene in an adjacent compartment?
What should this serve as a warning of?
Rollover
That the fire area may be reaching the point of flashover
Page 12
At what point does the potential for flashover exist?
As the fire progresses through the growth stage and into the fully developed stage
Page 12
What actually happens to create the conditions for flashover?
Radiation feedback from the ceiling and the walls heats the smoke and gases given off by the burning materials and the combustible contents of the room.
When the contents have been heated to their ignition temperature, flashover of the compartment can occur.
Page
12
During this stage, the entire room and contents are involved in fire.
Fully developed stage
Page 12
What happens in the fully developed stage of fire?
The fire continues to burn until all available fuel and oxygen in the room or area is consumed or extinguished.
Page 12
The stage occurs once all available oxygen is consumed.
The decay stage
Page 12
What happens in the decay stage?
Although some oxygen remains in the fire area, visible flames start to diminish and the fire continues to smolder. High heat and smoke conditions remain and the potential for backdraft is present.
Page 13
What are the warning signs of backdraft?
Heavy dense smoke with no visible flame in a tightly closed occupancy
Black smoke pushing around closed doors or window frames.
Glass stained with smoke condensation and pulsating from the pressure of the fire
Reversal of air movement pulling smoke back into a building through a doorway
Page 13
What his the difference between modern and legacy materials?
Legacy material consist of natural materials, such as cotton, wicker, solid wood and dimensional lumber.
Modern materials are man-made materials, such as plastics, synthetics, polyurethane, and polyester.
Page 13
What does HRR stand for? What is it?
Heat Release Rate - The amount of energy released over time
Ventilation guidelines relating to fire attack include these 15 points:
- Air is introduced anytime a door is open or a window is broken
- Ventilation must be coordinated with the progress of the hoseline and the engine officer’s order
- The outside vent crew and engine company must coordinate on where and when to ventilate
- Charged hoselines should be in place prior to ventilation in most situations
- The engine company should observe the change in conditions prior to entering the structure and while advancing their hoseline within the structure
- Do not ventilate windows and doors that do not need opening
- It is not necessary to ventilate compartments that are not on fire or do not have a hoseline in close proximity
- Doors being forced open must be controlled (hinged doors should be pulled shut until the crews are ready to advance through them).
- Large glass sliding doors should be cautiously vented due to the large air intakes that may be created and the breaking of these doors does not allow for closing if needed.
- Controlling the air getting to the fire limits fire growth and extension
- Understand the impact of ventilation on the development of fire
- Consideration must be given to limiting ventilation to a tactical position at the fire room.
- An active fire pulls air to itself while pushing hot gases, smoke and fire away
- Wind speed and direction may have dramatic effect on the fire
- Indiscriminate ventilation will spread the fire
Pages 14 and 15
How should the nozzle be set when doing hydraulic ventilation?
2 feet from the opening with a fog pattern covering 80% of the opening
Page 15
What are the 5 fireground principles of smoke?
- Smoke is potential fuel
- Smoke density and color together are an indicator of the flammability
- Velocity (speed) and pressure are indicators of heat and flow path
- Volume is an indicator of fire intensity
- All of the above indicators form an incident profile regarding the location, status and extent of the fire
Page 16
All smoke is filled with high levels of of __________ and _______ that if left unchecked will result in fire.
Carbon and Carbon Monoxide
Page 16
Smoke color is an indicator of what two things?
What is burning and the flammability of the smoke
Page 16
What do the different colors of smoke tell you about the fire status and the smoke flammability?
White - Indicates moisture or early stage incipient fire. Too lean to contribute to fire load
White / Grey - Indicates moisture or early stage incipient Class A fire. Too lean to contribute to fire load
Grey - Early stage incipient / free burning fire with Class A and B fuel sources. Smoke possibly reaching the LEL levels.
Grey / Black or Brown - Fully developed fire with Class A and B fuel sources that is most likely ventilation limited. Smoke is in the flammable range and subject to burn if heat is available.
Black / Brown - Fully developed or decaying stage fire that is extremely ventilation limited. Smoke is typically to rich to burn
Page 17
The speed of smoke provides what two critical pieces of information?
The general location of the heat source
The fire’s current flow path
Page 17
Smoke emitting directly from the fire is typically ________, __________ and ___________
Fast moving, rapidly expanding and very agitated
Page 17
Viewed from outside the building, slow smoke could mean what?
That the fire is distant or that that compartment is still absorbing heat.
Page 17
Viewed from outside the building, fast moving smoke could mean what?
That the fire is near or that the compartment cannot absorb any more heat.
Page 17
In relation to the air track, what does it mean if the smoke is moving?
It is getting air from somewhere meaning the fire is continuing to grow.
Page 17
In relation to the air track, what does it mean if the smoke is not moving?
It is not getting any air meaning the fire may be lying dormant waiting for additional oxygen or burned out.
Page 17
The objective of any firefight should follow what acronym? What does the acronym stand for?
RECEO VS
Rescue Exposure Confinement Extinguishment Overhaul Ventilation Salvage
Page 21
What is the primary goal of the exposure line?
To minimize fire spread and to stay ahead of the fire
Page 21
Before any ventilation takes place, the ventilation team must answer what 4 questions?
What is the location of the fire?
What is the current ventilation status?
Will adding additional ventilation openings affect the fire conditions?
Where is the hose line?
Page 23
An inability to perceive something that is within one’s direct perceptual field because one is attending to something else is known as ___________________.
Perceptual blindness or inatttentional blindness
Page 24
What information should be included in the on scene report?
Position of first arriving apparatus (side of the building), what is evident upon arrival, occupancy type, and exposure concerns.
Page 25
An easy way to answer or transmit a progress report is by using what type of report?
What does each letter stand for?
CAN report.
Condition, Action, Needs
Page 26
During size up, information and intelligence on what elements should be obtained whenever possible?
Building:
- Occupancy type - Residential vs. Commercial - Location of points of access and egress. - Ventilation access points - Fire protection Features
Construction Type:
- Fire resistive allowing for limited fire spread - Ordinary construction, concerns for collapse potential
Occupant interview:
- Fire location (basement, upstairs, main floor) - Occupant report (rescue potential, location of fire) - Location of utilities
360 degree lap:
- Elevation of structure (front vs. rear) - Location and extent of fire (identify the lowest level of smoke and fire) - Ventilation status - Access and egress points - Victim location
Pages 26 and 27
What is the most reliable exterior indicator of the location of a fire when the fire location is not obvious?
Smoke velocity
Page 27
What are the 3 exterior indicators to the location of a fire when the location is not obvious?
Smoke velocity / speed - Smoke rising or exiting the building faster and under pressure indicates that the smoke is closer to the heat source
Windows - Dark stained windows should be further investigated and checked for heat. Dark stained windows may also indicate a fire in the decay stage that is ventilation limited.
Listening - Hearing crackling noise from inside the structure may give the officer an indication of the fire’s location
Page 27
When smoke is encountered from floor to ceiling, what should companies do? What is this typically an indicator of?
Check the floor below.
Typically an indicator of a basement fire or a fire in the decay stage that is ventilation limited.
Page 28
Smoke and products of combustion exhaust, or move away, from the fire at the ________ level. The fire will draw in fresh air at the _____ level to support combustion.
How can this information help you find the fire?
ceiling
floor
The light smoke between the floor and heavier smoke ceiling will typically be traveling towards the seat of the fire’s seat.
Page 28
Threats to safety on the fire ground come from what two categories?
Advance Fire Condition
Collapse Potential
Page 29
To assist with risk assessment, what 5 questions must be answered?
- What is the life hazard?
- What are the fire conditions?
- What is the potential for victim survival or the victim survivability profile
- What is the structural stability and potential for collapse?
- Do I have adequate resources to make a positive impact on the incident?
Page 29
The core concept that firefighters have to conduct a thorough size-up of a structure to fire to determine the likelihood of a victim’s potential to be rescued is known as:
Victim Survivability Profiling
or
Occupant Survivability Profiling
Page 30
According to NFPA, the upper range of of temperature tenabilty for humans is what?
Around 212 degrees Fahrenheit
Page 30
What is the primary cause of fire related deaths?
Carbon Monoxide
Page 30
At approximately 200,00 PPM of CO, what happens to the human body?
The human body is rendered unconscious within 4 to 12 seconds with death following shortly after.
Page 30
Earth’s atmosphere contains ____ % oxygen.
Percentages of less than ______ % result in death rapidly.
21%
10%
Page 30
Modern fire behavior studies also support the fact that the chances of survival can be greatly increased by _______________________________________.
Shutting a door and creating a barrier between the compartments.
Page 30
During the UL study Impact of Ventilation on Fire
Behavior in Legacy and Contemporary Residential Construction what was concluded about the theory of fire being pushed through a building with a hose line?
That there were no temperature spikes in any of the other rooms, especially the rooms adjacent to the fire room, when water was applied.
It appears that in most cases, fire was slowed down by the water application and that water application had no negative impact to occupant survivability. While the fog stream pushed steam along the flow path, there was no fire pushed.
Page 39
A coordinated and specific relocation of units and their equipment operating from an area deemed untenable to a specific area deemed safe to continue operations is known as _____________.
A tactical withdrawal.
Page 39
How does an emergency evacuation differ from a tactical withdraw?
When should an emergency evacuation be announced?
An emergency evacuation has a higher degree of urgency
It should be announced when conditions dictate the immediate evacuation of all personnel from an unsafe structure or other dangerous area.
Page 39
This mode of attack involves taking a direct action to mitigate the problem.
Offensive mode
Page 40
This mode of attack is used as an effort of trying to prevent the area around the structure from being damaged.
Defensive mode / Defensive attack
Page 40
What is the objective of a defensive attack?
To stop fire from spreading to exposures that are savable rather than losing the entire block.
Page 40
This occurs when the IC recognizes a serious threat to firefighters and safe operations in a structure is compromised.
Emergency evacuation
Page 41
With this strategy, the engine crew knocks down the main body of fire upon arrival, typically with a large caliber stream, and then progresses to an interior offensive attack using hand lines.
Blitz attack
Page 41
When preforming a blitz attack, why is it important for the engine crew to be ready for an interior attack as soon as the fire is darkened down?
The main body of fire may redevelop if engine crews require too much time to transition to an interior attack.
Page 41
The _________ attack is a combined attack method that begins with apparatus mounted master streams, and is completed inside the structure using handlines.
Blitz attack
Page 42
What is the goal of a blitz attack?
To slow fire progression while completing water supply and positioning handlines for interior operations
Page 43
What type of fires are the main focus for a blitz attack?
Fires that are well developed (pre- or post- flashover stage)
Page 43
Fires that have not self-vented are typically in which stage?
Incipient Stage
Page 43
Attacking with a master stream will only allow for ____ to ____ seconds of water flow without a supply.
60 to 90
Page 43
This type of nozzle introduces a broken stream of water that creates millions of water droplets that absorb the heat generated from the fire and cool the atmosphere
Fog Nozzle
Page 43
What is the expansion ratio of water to steam at 212 degrees Fahrenheit?
1:1,700
Page 43
What are the two basic types of fog nozzles carried in the NOVA region?
What’s the difference between the two?
Fix Gallonage Fog Nozzle - Has a preset gallon per minute setting that allows it to flow the set gallonage at any stream (fog, straight, etc.) as long as the manufacturer rated nozzle pressure is maintained.
Selectable Gallonage Fog Nozzle - This nozzle has a selectable ring typically located behind the rubber bumper of the tip that allows the operator to change the required flow based upon the conditions.
Page 45 and 46
What are the pros and cons of a fixed gallonage fog nozzle?
Pros:
- Limited amount of moving parts
- Loser maintenance cost
- One universal flow amount for easy hydraulic computations
- Adequate gallonage for firefighting
- Versatility in stream selection from straight stream to wide stream
Cons:
- One singular flow amount
- Substantial nozzle reaction
Page 45
For a selectable gallonage fog nozzle, the range of gallon per minute selections will typically range from what to what for an 1 3/4” line?
90 to 200 GPM
Page 46
What are the pros and cons to a selectable gallonage fog nozzle?
Pros:
- Various gallonage amounts to select from for the firefight.
- Versatility in stream selection from straight stream to wide stream
Cons
- Too many moving parts
- Higher maintenance cost
- Requires radio communication between nozzle operator and pump operator if the flow is changed
- Substantial nozzle reaction
Page 46
What are the pros and cons of a smooth bore nozzle?
Pros
- Simplistic design with little to no obstructions between the water and fire
- A solid, compact stream of water that can penetrate the heat of a working fire and apply water at the seat of the fire
- Less production of steam lessens the instance of injury to firefighters and increasing chances of better visibility
- Less air entrainment with stream to upset the thermal balance within a compartment on fire once fire is knocked
- Lower nozzle pressure equates to greater maneuverability of the hoseline within a structure
Cons:
- Limited versatility in stream selection
- Cannot change gallonage without changing tips
- Not effective on flammable liquids fires and other type of fires that require use of a narrow to wide-fog angle
Page 46
What are the three attack methods listed in the engine company ops manual?
Direct attack, Indirect attack and combination attack
Page 46 and 47
Which attack method involves the attack crew advancing to the fire area and applying a straight or solid stream directly onto the burning materials until the fire darkens down?
Direct Attack
Page 46 AND 47
In this type of attack, the crew attacks the fire from a doorway, window, or other protected area not entering the fire area.
Indirect Attack
Page 47
What type of pattern is used in an indirect attack? Why?
A narrow to wide fog pattern.
This will create steam which in turn will absorb the heat and displace the oxygen.
Page 47
In this attack method, a narrow fog is used in a T-, Z-, or O-shaped pattern.
What happens with the fog when using this pattern?
Combination Attack
The fog in the higher atmosphere turns to steam and the fog at the floor level hits the burning material.
Page 47
What two forms of attack must not be used where victims may be located or firefighters are operating?
Indirect and Combination
Page 47
_____________ is a maneuver used to move through a compartment where high heat or pre-flashover conditions exist to the that the crew cannot safely advance their hoseline to extinguish the seat of the fire or initial room of involvement
Penciling
Page 47
Penciling will decrease the temperature in a compartment by what percentage?
50% to 60%
Page 47
What is the proper way to pencil?
Hold the hoseline and angle the stream up towards the ceiling. Open and close the nozzle fully with short, one second burst at the ceiling while moving forward from one side of the compartment to the other in order to cover the entire width of the compartment.
Page 47
During practical testing, what was the reach of the mercury monitor found to be?
Smooth Bore at 80 PSI or Straight stream through a fog nozzle at 100 PSI - 185 ft
Medium Fog at 100 PSI - 50 ft.
Wide Fog at 100 PSI - 25 ft.
Page 48
What are there main points found in the conclusion of The UL study ‘Impact of Ventilation on Fire Behavior in Legacy and Contemporary Residential Construction’ in relation to pushing fire?
That there were no temperature spikes in any of the rooms, especially the rooms adjacent to the fire room, when water was applied.
Fire was slowed down by water application and that the water application had no negative impact to victim survivability
While the fog stream pushed steam along the flow path, there was no fire pushed.
Pages 49 and 50
A typical parking space in garden apartment and strip shopping center parking lots are typically approximately how wide?
10 ft.
Page 53
On residential streets, telephone poles are placed approximately how far apart?
75 ft.
Page 53
A typical residential fire requires how many GPMs?
150 to 175 GPMs
Page 53
What is a mnemonic used to determine when to use a 2.5” line? What does it stand for
ADULTS
A - Advanced fire conditions D - Defensive operations U - Unknown fire location L - Large open areas T - Tons of water S - Standpipes
Page 53
The constant force the nozzle firefighter must overcome to properly and effectively place water on the fire is known as ________.
Nozzle reaction
Page 59
What is the formula for nozzle reaction from a smooth bore nozzle?
1.57 x D^2 x NP
Page 60
What is the formula for nozzle reaction from a fog nozzle?
0.0505 x Rated Flow x sqrt of NP
Page 60
When performing a split lay, connecting each engine’s supply line is the responsibility of which engine?
The water supply engine
Page 64
Who is the interim Incident Commander by default?
The first due engine officer
Page 64
When would a first due engine officer opt to hold command?
When the incident is of low priority and only 1 or 2 units are operating.
Page 64
