Engine Company Ops Flashcards
What is a “well-hole”?
The space between both handrails in a stairwell and allows engine companies to achieve maximum length of the hose
When is it acceptable to use a “well-hole”?
If a firefighter’s fist does not touch either handrail
What is the classical decision making method?
A step-by-step logical sequence that the decsion-maker uses to reach the best decision. The process includes analyzing the situation, identifying the problem, developing solutions to the problem, weighing the advantages, disadvantages, and the risks and benefits of each option, and finally choosing the option that best solves the problem
What is the naturalistic decision making method?
An intuitive reaction to a problem. In this process, the decision maker recognizes sights, sounds, smells, and other sensory cues that trigger the memory of similar situations the decision maker has experienced or learned in the past. Actions are chosen quickly based on previous actions that successfully addressed those past situations. This method is also known as Recognition Primed Decision Making (RPDM)
What three categories does fire service training fall into?
Self-study training, company training, and multi-unit training
How often should companies attempt to conduct a walk-thru?
At least once a tour
When preplanning buildings besides SFD it is important to determine position for at least…?
First two engines and first truck
How much faster do todays fire burn than those of 20 years ago?
10x
What stage of fire do backdraft conditions typically exist?
Decay stage
Stratification?
Layering of smoke and gas clouds
Pyrolysis
As solid fuels are heated, combustible gases are driven from the substance–this process is known as pyrolysis
Four stages of fire?
1) incipient stage
2) growth stage
3) fully developed stage
4) decay stage
The growth stage is impacted by several variables which are:
- Combustible content
- O2 supply
- Room size
- Insulating qualities of the compartment
Warning signs of a backdraft include?
- 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
Heat Release Rate (HHR)
the amount of energy released over time
HHR combined with uncoordinated ventilation may equal?
Early flashover
What percentage of the window opening should be filled with a fog stream while hydraulically ventilating?
80%
How far away from the window should the nozzle be when hydraulically ventilating?
2’
What are the fire ground principles of smoke?
- Smoke is potential fuel
- Smoke density and color together are an indicator of the flammability
- velocity 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
What colors are normally seen in smoke?
- White
- White/grey
- Grey
- Grey/black or brown
- Black or brown
What does white colored smoke mean?
Moisture or early stage incipient class A fire, this smoke is too lean to contribute to fuel load
What does white/grey smoke mean?
Indicates moisture or early stage incipient class A fire. This smoke is too lean to contribute to fuel load.
What does grey smoke mean?
Early stage incipient/free burning fire with Class A and B fuel sources. This smoke is possibly reaching the LEL level.
What does grey/black or brown smoke mean?
Fully developed fire with Class A and B fuel sources that is most likely ventilation-limited. This smoke is in the flammable range and subject to burn if heat is available.