Fire Officer Tactics: Store Fires (Ch 16)

Question 1

General Problems with Commercial fires

Answer 1

• Larger undivided areas vs. residences (bigger fires that extend rapidly)
• Higher fireload per square foot
• Large lines necessary vs. speed
• Plan for long operations

Question 2

2 1/2” advantages

Answer 2

• Volume of water and reach of the stream
• Personnel efficiency
• Power of the stream

Question 3

Best unit to assign to side C and why

Answer 3

• Ladder company
• Forcible entry challenges

Question 4

Basement fires in stores

Answer 4

• 2 1/2” with 1 1/4” straight stream
• 2nd hose line at base of stairs to cover egress
• Large vent hole near front of store in floor, out of walkway path, hydraulic vent out window
• PPV down stairs once vent is open
• Consider penetrating nozzle
• Prepare for defensive operations at same time

Question 5

Store fire considerations (strip malls etc.)

Answer 5

• Heavy fire = assume in cockloft already
• Write off initially involved store, position handlines several stores down, pull ceilings
• Two 1 3/4” lines per store minimum
• Hit main body of fire with master stream, possibly from platform
• Don’t worry about water damage, no stop = total loss anyway
• Don’t direct elevated master streams into fire venting from roof, waste of water.