Fire Fighting

Question 1

1. At a factory fire, gas cylinders are being impacted by fire and there is a high risk of a BLEVE occurring. Define the acronym BLEVE & describe how it occurs:

Answer 1

Boiling
Liquid
Expanding
Vapour
Explosion

Cylinder contents impacted by fire expand to such an extent that the cylinder can’t contain the pressure and ruptures due to the intense heat.

Question 2

4. On arrival at an incident involving a backyard BBQ cylinder on fire, identify the correct steps you would take to combat this scenario:

Answer 2

Don’t extinguish
cool cylinder from a distance
Approach from the sides only
Stand the cylinder upright
Seek cover behind solid protection

Question 3

5. On arrival at a fire at a shopping centre with an installed fire safety system, what functions would you expect the Sprinkler System to have performed?

Answer 3

Automatically activated
Prevented further spread of the fire
Contained the fire
Alerted occupants and the fire department
Helps identify the area affected by fire

Question 4

6. During salvage and overhaul operations at a structure fire, you identify vital evidence that has to be moved to a safer location. What are the procedures you would take before doing this?

Answer 4

If to be moved advise incident controller or investigator
Document its location and configuration
Take photos or draw a sketch
Move it with a clean container or implement free of contamination
Make sure new location will not require a new move

Question 5

12. Identify and explain what occurs during the four (4) phases of combustion.

Answer 5

Incipient- Decomposition by way of pyrolysis
Smouldering- products released at the surface of the fuel become visible as smoke
Flaming-Vapours from the decomposing fuel have been ignited
Heat-Combustion has reached the point where the fire is much more rapid and creating considerable heat

Question 6

17. When firefighting at a bushfire there are always three (3) priorities that you must consider. Identify & describe these priorities in order.

Answer 6

Preservation of life - public directly affected/ bystanders
Protection of property - property directly under threat, structural triage to prioritise
Protection of environment - stay on tracks/road, leave smallest possible footprint

Question 7

24. Identify the three (3) types of fire streams used, and describe two (2) pros & (2) cons of using each at a structure fire:

Answer 7

Jet - Long reach, Good penetration, High chance of damage, jet reaction
Spray - Water curtain protects, economical, less throw, less penetration.
Fog - Absorbs heat, enhances rate water converts to steam, Wind affected, short reach.

Question 8

28. You arrive at a structure fire involving a high-rise building . Identify four (4) hazards that are specific to, or at an increased risk in this scenario, and how we can avoid these occurring.

Answer 8

1. Structural collapse of all or part of the building. Maintain a 60 metre exclusion zone. Hose lines should be positioned where they can be protected.
2. Concealed fire spread. Take care when advancing through buildings to ensure you are not suddenly cut off by fire emerging from a concealed place.
3. Heat stress. Provide relief crews. Hydration.
4. Extreme fire behavior. Control ventilation.
5. Reduced visibility. Consider guidelines, torch, work in pairs.

Question 9

33. Using the Phonetic Alphabet, spell the following street names:

Question 10

42. Identify what the acronym RECEOVES stands for?

Answer 10

Rescues
Exposures
Containment
Extinguishment
Overhaul
Ventilation
Environment
Salvage

Question 11

54. On arrival at a potential clandestine drug lab, you can expect to encounter many hazards. Identify five (5) recognised groups of hazards that you would be looking out for?

Answer 11

Improvised lab facilities
Hazardous chemicals
Fire Hazards
Productions hazards
Weapons or security devices