Fire Officers Handbook Of Tactics Questions Flashcards
The FDNY has an old saying that has been proven time and time again: more lives are saved by what than by other means?
Properly positioned hose lines
What can be described as an evaluation of problems and conditions that affect the outcome of a fire?
Size-up
Proper size up begins from the moment the alarm is received and it continues until the first unit arrives on scene T or F
False, it continues throughout the run
The 20 minute rule applies to these types of construction and only to these two types of construction
Wood frame (Class V) and Ordinary (Class III)
Unprotected steel can be expected to fail in as little as how many minutes in a serious fire?
5 minutes
Wispy smoke, usually light in color, indicated a fire in what stage of development?
Incipient
In theory, 1 gallon of water will provide sufficient cooling to quench approximately how many pounds of fuel at the average rate of surface burning?
5 Lbs
The combination attack is highly suited for which stage of fire progression?
Free-burning
An indirect method of attack can be used in an occupied building? T or F
False
What is the recommended flow rate for most commercial occupancies?
3 GPM/Sq FT
As a rule of thumb, no nozzle should have an opening in greater than half the diameter of its supply T or F?
True
1 CU of water weights about how many pounds and is equal to about how man gallons
62.5 LBS, 7.5 Gallons
The most common resistance to flow is friction loss. The remainder of the loss is due to the turbulence within the stream. At low flows, there is almost no turbulence and all of the water molecules move along quite smoothly. What is this called?
Laminar flow
When properly maintained, what has proven to be the most effective means of protecting life and property?
Automatic sprinklers
What is the most common and simplest type of sprinkler
Automatic wet system
The pressure-reducing valves of standpipe systems require periodic maintenance and flow testing. This should be done every ? Years
3
If the fire is on what floor or below, the members should climb the stairs instead of taking the elevator?
7th
As a rule of thumb, residential buildings can be estimated as how many feet from floor to floor? And how many feet for commercial buildings?
9, 12
What is the proper climbing angle for a portable ladder?
About 70 degrees
NFPA standard 1932 requires a heat-indicating label on each section of new aluminum and fiberglass ladders. The label will change color when exposed to dangerous temperatures of how many degrees?
300 degrees
What is the rule for mustaches?
May not extend laterally more than 1/2 inch from corner of mouth or downward more then 1/2 inch from corner of mouth
All members performing interior operations should be taught which two emergency maneuvers for use with their SCBA
Reduced profile, quick release
What is the most common method of forcible exit
Break a window
Fire loads are lower in commercial structures than they are in residences T or F?
False
What is the most important pre-war building feature regarding fire spread?
Absences of central air conditioning systems that serve more that one floor
What two factors outweigh all others in high rise ventilation strategy
Wind and stack effect
What is reflex time
Time elapsed from receipt of the alarm until an effective stream is flowing on the fire.
If a fire is within how many floor of the elevator lobby or sky lobby, walk up?
8
A forward staging area should be set up approximately how many floors below the fire to maintain the needed supplies and personnel on stand by to feed up to the operations office?
3
In buildings under construction as an absolute minimum the standpipe riser and outlets should progress within how many floors to the highest level under construction
2
It takes concrete approximately how many days to reach its greatest load-carrying capacity?
28
Natural gas emergencies can be divided into the following 3 basic categories: inside leaks, outside leaks, and leaks resulting from fires. The greatest danger results from which type and why?
Interior leaks because of the potential of explosion
The first priority on report of a gas leak should be to locate the source and stop the flow? T or F
False
What oil is the most common oil for one and two family homes
No. 2 oil
What is a cloud of vaporized oil and air heated above its flashpoint and out of its container looking for a source of ignition
White ghost
What is the order of building types from greatest resistance to collapse to least resistance
Class I Fire- resistive Class IV Heavy Timber Class III Ordinary Construction Class V Wood Frame Class II Non-Combustible
About how far away from the main vent should the trench cut be made?
20-25 ft
The collapse zone at end walls that have rafters on a truss and bearing on a wall should be at least how many times the height of the wall
Twice
Who should assume prime responsibility for rescue activities at the incident site and the role of initial IC for all explosions
The first arriving Fire Officer
If you discover a bomb or explosive device immediately evacuate the area for at least how many feet in all directions
300 ft
During engine company operations at a bombing incident which results in a mass casualty incident if a structure is involved all handlines should be what size?
2 1/2
If a bomb has caused no fire and little blast damage suspect that it was used to disperse a?
Biological agent
What is the maximum dose of roetgens a firefighter should absorb under emergency situations
25R
What is the key to handling all mass casualty chemical incidents
Remove patients from the contaminated environment ASAP and begin removing the contaminant from their bodies without contaminating rescuers
The SBCCOM tests show that bunker gear will protect the wearer only for a maximum of how much time in a lethal concentration
3min
In defensive operations at a large venue chemical release what strategy guides the decisions leaders must make
Force protection
In reality in a mass casualty chemical attack there is virtually no chance of survival for unconscious victims T or F
True
Multiple dwellings are those buildings that house 4 or more families T or F
False
For the acronym SLUDGEM nerve agent signs and symptoms what does the E stand for
Emesis
What does SLUDGEM stand for?
Salivation Lacrimation Urination Dedication Gastrointestinal Upset Emesis Miosis
As a rule of thumb 4 lengths of 1 1/2 hose is the maximum length for reconnect if you want to flow 125GPM, whereas you can use up to how many lengths of 1 3/4 hose at 150 GPM
6 sections
If human life is at risk it is permissible to violate OSHA’s “two in, two out” requirement for IDLH atmospheres T or F
True
Of all the modern styles, which are the deadliest styles of roof construction per incident?
Bowstring Truss Roof
What is the simplest, fastest type of examination hole possible?
Circular cut
Nearly 80% of all civilian fire deaths occur in commercial buildings T or F
False
More civilians die in car fires than die in store fires T or F
True
In the acronym “COAL WAS WEALTH” what does the A in WAS stand for
Auxiliary Appliances
What must be the deciding factor in determining firefighting tactics and proceedures
Life Hazard
Which factor cannot be determined until unit arrive at the fire scene
location and extent of the fire
What is indicated by the number 3 in the blue box (Left side) of an NFPA 704 diamond on a door of a manufacturing plant
Serious health hazard - use cautious approach
More lives are saved by properly placed aerial ladders than by any other means T or F
False - by properly placed hose lines
The 4 key requirements for an indirect attack with a hoseline on a fire are
No occupants
Limited ventilation
Limited size of potential fire area
High heat
What is by far the most efficient combination of manual forcible entry tools?
Flat head axe and halligan also known as a set of irons
Smell is the ? And ? Used sense that firefighters can use in overhauling?
4th and least used
The nozzle team shouldn’t enter an immediate fire area without water except to save a life T or F
True
When an effective offensive attack isn’t possible or hasn’t succeeded within how many minutes, prepare defensive positions
20 min
The most critical function the first nozzle team must accomplish at most multistory occupied buildings is to protect the interior staircase T or F
True
In the OS&Y valve if the center stem is protruding beyond the valve this means the valve is open or closed?
Open
Standpipe class used for use by building occupants to control minor fires
Class II
Standpipe class designed for use by fire department personnel
Class I
Standpipe class designed for use both by fire department personnel and occupants
Class III
One thing that firefighters should always do is hook up to the standpipe on the fire floor if the outlet is located outside the stairwell in the public hall T or F
False
In the acronym “LOVERS U” what does the U stand for
Control Utilities
What does the acronym “LOVERS U” stand for
Laddering Overhaul Ventilation Entry (forcible) Rescue and search Salvage Utilities (control of)
We know from past experience that 3 basic tools will be required at almost all structure fires. What are they?
Halligan, flathead axe, ceiling hook
of all of the factors affecting ladder selection the single most important item must be its load carrying capacity T or F
False - its height
When does salvage begin
At the moment of arrival on scene
Keep all aerial devices how many feet or more from power lines?
10 ft
When placing an aerial ladder to the roof, how many rungs should be extended beyond the level of the roof?
5
What is the one factor that can be responsible for fire loss in any building
Void space
If fire is venting from one or two windows, how long has the fire been in flashover?
Five minutes
If a fire is vented from window on two floors how
Long has it been in flashover?
10 minutes
If fire is venting from windows on two floors who you considered accelerant?
Yes
In a class one type building what are the items that are non combustible?
Walls, Columns, floors and roof
In a class IV building, what are the exterior usually made out of?
Masonry
In a class IV, what are the dimensions for columns and beams?
8x8 minimum
What are the lumber dimensions for roofs and floors?
3x6
If a fire is in one of these areas, this will be a cause of concern:
Top floor of class III and V
Below grade
Outside the reach of ladders
If smoke is coming out of the chimney, where should you check:
Basement
When protecting exposures, which exposure do you want to protect?
The most important one which usually means the one with the most life hazard
What are some of the benefits of a indirect attack
- Keep FF out of bad environment
- put out fire FF unable to get
- Smaller crew can put out more fire
- Less H2O use
- Less H2O damage
Best tip of covering exposures?
Soak exposure in water
What are two things that can prevent hose advancement
Flame and heat.
Why do you want to get the first hose line advance other than to put the fire out?
To cover worst case scenario
Would it be a concern if the fire isn’t darkened down in ten minutes in a residential structure?
Yes
Why do you use a 1 3/4 line with a residential structure
1) speed to attack the fire
2) residential homes have lower fire loads
3) Due to presence of dividing walls, easier for hose to move around
Why would you select a 2.5 line?
Larger than residential fire load
Need longer reach
More flame materials
If fire is in one story commercial
Building and flames are seen, then what’s the goal
Of the hose line?
To cut fire off
If there’s a fire that involves the means of egress, what would you suspect?
Arson
When considering the first line of either interior or exposure, what three things do you need to consider?
1) is fire already too advanced in building
2) attack capability of companies
3) construction of building
What’s the greatest protection from radiation?
Distance
Why is expansion foam replacing cellar nozzles?
Due to its ability to apply from a distance and in a safe area
How does class A foam extinguish Fire?
Decreases surface tension of H2O and provides bubbles to cut off air from fire
What percentage of fires in a sprinkled building are controlled or extinguished
95%
When a sprinkler fails it’s usually due to what?
Human error
During a fire what is the average number of sprinkler heads that go off?
One or two
If you have a serious fire in a sprinklered building, what would that indicate?
That the system is OOS
If the sprinkler pipe is broken, what needs to be done
Shut system off
When conducting a search high priority is placed on
Normal means of egress due to able bodied people attempt to flee
According to NFPA how many total feet of ground ladder do we need?
168 feet
If venting window, where do you want to place the ladder
Even with top of window on windward side
What are some reasons that you want a ladder placed on fire floor
Fire can’t cut off ladder
Easier to get victim out of window into cleaner air
Where are two places you should always check for fire
Vertical voids
Horizontal voids
What is the overriding concern when forcing a door
Speed
4 rules of force entry
- Try before you pry
- Don’t ignore obvious look for easy way in
- use door that occupants normally use
- Maintain integrity of door
What’s the most effective tool to use for removing cylinder lock
K tool
What is the easiest lock to conquer
Rim lock
What is the 99% rule on forcing doors
99% of residential doors swing inward
99% of commercial doors swing outward
Two main reasons for venting
To allow teams to get into area
To provide fresh air and improve stability
If you’re venting with a hose stream, how do you want to position stream?
35 degree angle spraying 8-19 ft from window
What are possible locations of victims
Behind door
Under windows
Stairs of egress
What are four keys to R.A.T success?
People-understand task at hand
Policies and procedures
Tools
Technique
For maximum effectiveness the discharge opening of a nozzle should not exceed _ of the supply diameter
50%
FF stretching a line to 5th floor via open stairwell should ensure how many lengths of hose are inside building
Two
What is NOT the main functions of a nozzle
To divide streams into droplets
What is the most basic principle of Firefighting
Human life shall take precedence over all other concerns
What is size up
Continuing evaluation of all problems and conditions that affect outcome of fire
A newer metal deck roof generally _ the fire load
Has little effect
What factors make the 20minute rule for predicting collapse not accurate
Unknown length of burn
Potential use of accelerants
Presence of lightweight construction
Three factors concerning smoke should be prime elements of size up
Location
Color
Movement
Three factors may confuse your size up of height and area of building
Grade
Wrap around
Interconnected building
Factors effecting fire spread to exposures?
Radiation
Direct flame contact
Officer of first line finds that line is unable to advance due to fire and heat what three actions can he take
Ventilation on opposite side of hose line
Another hose/back up line
Increase pressure
What are some signs that water is on fire
Flames darken down
Change in smoke color
Change in smoke volume
Steam production
Change in smoke movement
Elevating platform
Master stream can cover the lower three floors for a length of how many feet?
100 ft
Four factors that determine selection and placement of hose line
Occupancy
Construction
Height
Location and extent of fire
Factors that determine diameter of attack line
Occupancy
Area of building
Size of fire
Dangers of a brick or concrete building from getting exposed by fire depends on
Number and size of windows
Proximity to the fire
Of the following types of water pressure which is most use to FF considering a hydrant to fire hose stretch
Flowing
A sprinkler operating at 10 psi will
Have a gpm of
17
In more than 90 percent of sprinkler ops, how many sprinkler heads are used?
1-2
Which unit should supply sprinkler Siamese at a large working fire in sprinkled building?
Engine not supplying hose lines
What are two reasons sprinklers should continue being supplied until fire is extinguished?
Combination maybe holding back fire
Second fire can be in a remote area
What is the likely sign of a false alarm at a dry sprinkler system
Loss of air pressure
A precaution sprinkler system will be found in which occupancy
Computer room
What is the best method to determine if a building is protected by sprinklers
Pre plan
Primary source of water to standpipe during fire ops
FD pumper Via Siamese
Benefits of having a ops plan
Formalize thinking and makes other know what must be done
Degree of priority
All members know the plan
Eat. Accountability
When making a ops plan what is the most important
It must be realistic
What is an example of pre-control overhauling
Opening up any voids
In a serious fire in a cockloft area, where should firefighters making the opening into the ceiling be located?
In the doorway of the escape route
What is the first action a unit should take when they encounter a multi-lock door?
Is it engaged
How can you determine if a multi lock is engage
Look for the rod
Horizontal ventilation for a life hazard must be accompanied by what
Immediate entry
Hose line between victim and fire
What’s the best way to prevent mushrooming in a multi family structure ?
Vent above fire
Kerf cut
Small narrow opening cut to verify prescribe of fire
Recommend hole size for commercial building with serious fire
8x8
What part of the standard flat roof will fail due to fire
Roof board
What factor makes plywood I beams particularly dangerous to firefighters
No noticeable sag before they fail
What factor should be suspected by FF at a high value content store in a high crime neighborhood
Steel plating added to roof and walls or ceiling
Where should you begin searching when entering the area directly above fire
At the door to the area and working in toward the fire
When using search rope do members have to stay in contact with rope
No
What precaution is necessary when changing direction using a search rope
Rope mist be secured at each change of direction
Fire in new construction expect collapse in a little as
Ten minutes
