Fireground Strategies Flashcards
_____ fires account for a great majority of fire deaths in the United States each year.
Private-dwellings
The fact that most fatal fires occur at private dwellings can be attributed to five factors:
- Unsafe sleeping habits
- Carelessness and indifference
- Improper storage and housekeeping
- Complacency
- Home repair specialists
Many people in private dwellings sleep on the floors _____
above grade
In private dwellings, ____ doors have saved many lives because they act like an initial barrier to the products of combustion.
closed
____ operations are directly aimed at these areas above grade.
VES
Smoke detector batteries should be changed ____.
twice a year
The open door coupled with the ventilation opening the VES team has just created (most effective path of least resistance for a hoseline-driven or stariwell driven fir) can cause fire to spread in that direction with great speed.
True
Many people are burned and killed each year due to fires caused by ____ carelessness.
electrical
When first arriving at a fire in a home with a pool, inquire where the ____ are stored and take actions to safeguard firefighters from this non-routine exposure.
chemicals
_____ goes hand in hand with carelessness and indifference.
Complacency
____ is probably our greatest ally against fire and subsequent death in all residential dwellings.
Public education
Remeber that the primary mission of the fire service is ______.
fire prevention
Firefighting Concerns in Private Dwellings:
- Open stairways
- Excessvie and improper storage and debris
- Setbacks and landscaping obstacles
- Combustible exterior
- HVAC systems
- Voids in construction
- The attached garage
- Dangerous peaked-roof conditions
- Converted private dwellings
Although not exclusively to the private dwelling, the ____ is ususally the focal point when addressing concerns of floor-to-floor fire spread.
open stairway
In open stairways, ____ heat transfer will be the culprit here.
convected
In multiple dwellings, apartments usually only occupy ____ level.
one
In private dwellings, it’s common to find multiple levels that are not _____.
compartmentalized
____ operations are extremely effective for quickly accessing the upper floors and circumventing the open stairway that may be impassable as an access and escape route.
VES
After breaking the windows, the first thing to do is to ____ to let the room vent for a few seconds.
pause
For this reason, firefighters should first ___ the floor before sounding it.
probe
Hoselines must also be in place to protect the stairs, especially if a _____ fire is in progress.
basement
Hoselines protecting the stairs cannot be withdrawn until all personnel operating ____ the fire are confirmed to be out of the building.
above
A proactive self-help action that can be taken by the team going above the fire is to ____ the exterior of the building for exit paths and the location and extent of fire and its likely path in the structure.
size up
____ mansion condtions or the “stuffed building” syndrome have an increased fire and possibly building load and will hamper hoseline advancement, spread fire like an arsonist’s trailer would, and complicate search ops.
Collier’s
____ on private dwellings will usually cause a delay in getting the first line into operation, may disallow aerial operations, and will delay the raising of ground ladders.
Setbacks
_____ exterior walls are often responsible for extremely rapid-fire spread from floor to floor and from building to building.
Combustible
Although it is usually no acceptable to utilize the hydrant in front of the building, one such area where it may be acceptable is when a ____ is encountered.
setback
Especially in estate homes, the building may be more than ___ feet from the street.
100
____ exteriors are a major fire spread concern, both inside and outside the fire building.
Combustible
The extednding of fire from floor to floor via the building’s exterior is also known as _____.
leapfrogging
Incident commanders and firefighters on the exterior must be cognizant of THIS fire spread hazard, and communicate any exterior-related fire spread:
leapfrogging
Where asphalt siding is present, THIS may be the most important tactic that prevents spread to the upper floors and to adjacent structures:
place and apply a hose stream directly to the combustible exterior
A larger concern with combustible exteriors is the possibility of fire spread from building to building via ___ heat.
radiant
Exposure walls should be kept ___ to combat the transmission of radiant heat from the parent body of fire.
wet
It will be most effective if the line can alternate between the combustible walls of to both the ____ and the _____.
fire building and exposure
Operational Strategy for Exposures with Combustible Exterior Walls: (9)
- Assign a division supervisor
- Conduct a primary search and evacuate building
- Utilize large diameter handline or master stream on exposed wall
- Stretch hand lines into the exposure to protect against fire spread
- Horizontally and vertically vent as necessary
- Close windows on exposed side
- THEN open windows and doors on unexposed side to dissipate heat
- Supply FDC
- Request progress reports
This system should be shut down as a matter of procedure and then its entire length checked for signs of fire:
HVAC
Commercial occupancies will usually position HVAC units on the ____ of the structure.
roof
If there is more than one compressor unit present, expect ____ zone heating and air conditioning.
multiple
Ensure all ____ units are shut down to prevent fire spread into other areas of the dwelling via these avenues.
HVAC
Some newer private dwellings, many of those built of lightweight wood truss, have the HVAC unit located in the ____.
attic
____ are boxed-out areas that are used to house wires, ventilation systems for stoves, and piping.
Soffits
The strategic goal is to ____ the fire to the garage.
confine
Another area of concern, especially in newer private dwellings, is the presence of a central _____ system.
vacuum
Many private dwellings, especially those built during and after the 1950s, will have the garage attached as part of the dwelling structure.
True
Irregardless of the orientation, there will nearly always be a door leading from the garage into the main living area.
True
Attached garage fires will generally be ____ or ____ line fires.
three or four
In reference to garage fires, this is the critical point of protection in regard to life safety:
door by which occupants access the garage
The first line in a garage fire is a _____ line.
confinement
The other time a confinement line is used is for a _____ fire in an old law multiple dwelling.
cellar
Companies venting the roof must take care to avoid spreading fire into windows and eaves of the dwelling proper by positioning the vent hole in an area that is as remote from the dwelling as possible, wind permitting.
True
Make sure all garage doors are opened to accelerate the vent operation, and prop the doors open with a tool so they will not close.
True
If the garage has no ventilation openings, which is prevalent in some two-story platform frames, ______ ventilation may be required AFTER the fire is definitely knocked down.
mechanical
For safety purposed, unless there is victim that must be protected, all initial attacks should be made from _____ the overhead garage door.
outside
A good majority of private dwellings have ____ roofs.
peaked
Roof ____ is also a major consideration during roof ops.
slope
Peaked roofs are constructed in one of three ways. The construction made up of narrow furring strips spaced several inches apart is the WEAKEST of the non-truss roof types.
True
Roof rafters in peaked roofs are spaced anywhere from ____ to ____ feet and covered with wood planking or plywood.
12 to 24
This type of roof is found in newer construction and is common in housing developments:
peaked truss roof
The peaked truss roof offers the least amount of support in regard to spacing and are usually sloped at least ___ degrees.
45
The peaked truss roof trusses are usually spaced ____ feet on center.
four
There is NO ridgepole found in peaked truss roof construction.
True
Peaked truss roofs should only be cut from an aerial device.
True
In addition to minimal support, the peaked roof is constructed of lightweight __ x __ inch wood members that are joined together by she metal surface fasteners.
2 x 4
These type shingles, although relatively easy to cut through and remove, are prone to decay and mildew, making them slippery:
Wood shake shingles
By far, the most dangerous type roof coverings are those constructed from more substantial material such as:
tile
slate
clay
These types of roofs can be extremely slippery when they begin to melt causing firefighter not properly secured to lose his balance:
peaked roofs
One expert recommends throwing a heavy tarp over solar panels to eliminate solar reception capability of the panels.
True
A roof with a slope of ___ degrees or less is relatively safe to operate on without a roof ladder.
30
Any roof over ___ degrees and up to ___ degrees should mandate the use of at least a roof ladder.
30, 45
A roof with a slope greater than ____ degrees should not be walked on at all.
45
The lack of ______ that is usually found in multiple dwellings and the limited _____ provided by fewer ways to get out of the structure have contributed to many multiple fatality fires.
compartmentation
egress
The major concern with illegal conversions is that there is usually no ______.
secondary means of egress.
Many times, the only way into (and out of) the upper floor will be by way of ____.
ground ladders
In fact, as a matter of routine, ladders should be raised to all sides of the structures by the ____ team for secondary egress from the structure.
RIC
Estate homes are single family private dwellings with square footage in excess of ____ square feet.
3,000
Estate Homes: Exterior walls may be ____ or _____.
plywood or chipboard
The ____ estate homes look like erector sets.
all-stell
The rule of thumb to follow is the bigger the house, the further the ____ from the street.
set back
Estate Homes: Foyers will generally be over ___ feet high.
20
There will usually be a large chandelier suspended from the center of the entranceway foyer that can weigh over ____ lbs, all suspended by a light steel chain.
100
Ceilings of ___ feet and higher are common in the room of estate homes.
10
Floor-to-floor window spacing in estate homes may be ___ feet or more as compared to the standard 10 feet.
12
Columns in estate homes are more often than not a large engineered laminated wood beam hat may be as thick as ___ inches.
6
Some estate homes will have what is termed an English or _____, which is found when land at the rear of the house slopes or is graded downward.
walk-out basement
Estate Homes: Make sure, even if attacking from the rear, that the initial line protects the _____ inside the main living area first before seeking alternative hose line entry points.
main stairway
English or walk-out basements have ___ stories at the front and ____ stories at the rear.
2, 3
Jacuzzi tubs represent a CONCENTRATED LOAD, and are built as platforms.
True
Access to the attic in most estate homes is via a flimsy, spring-loaded drop-down stairwell that is rated for about ___ pounds.
250
There are 5 critical interior fire control factors in their and every building fire:
C.R.A.V.E Command Rescue Attack Ventilation Extension Prevention
____ is nothing more than compressed sawdust and recycled plastic.
Trex
The 3 principles of the Fire Coordination Triangle:
- Search & Rescue
- Fire Attack
- Ventilation
A complete triangle will support the center of the triangle which is _____.
fireground safety
To be effective, command must provide the following:
- Leadership
- Support
- Reinforcement
- Relief
Primary search efforts should be focused on removing those in the areas of the fire first ( Fire Floor - Immediate fire area followed by adjacent areas), then checking all other ares beginning with the floor ____ the fire.
above
Class I Rescue:
- The rescuer(s) know the location of the victim
- Making the rescue DOES NOT put the rescuer or victim in any great danger
Class II Rescue:
- The rescuer(s) knows the location of the victim
- The rescuer(s) must put him or herself and the victim in harm’s way
Class III Rescue:
- The rescuer(s) DOES NOT know the location of the victim
- The rescuer(s) must put him or herself and the victim in harm’s way, often in extreme danger
The initial attack line must be stretched via the safest, ______ to place the line between victims and the fire.
most effective path of least resistance
If a third line must be stretched, it must access the building by a different means that the first two lines.
True
It is best to hoist the line up the ____ of the building.
exterior
In cases where the first and second arrived engine companies arrive before the ladder company, the ____ engine company can “bump” the first arriving engine.
second
After being “bumped” the first arriving engine moves up and becomes the _____, while the second engine takes the building and becomes the ____ engine.
water supply
attack
Bumping: The second engine’s position will be ____ the building leaving room for the ladder company.
past
If a forward lay hydrant-to-fire method is used, the first arriving company should also initiate ______.
communication
Third and later-arriving engines may take positions as dictated by conditions.
True
If nothing unusual presents itself, the ____ engine should back back down to the ladder.
third
Ventilation of private dwellings can best be accomplished by breaking or opening ____ and ____.
windows and doors
Roof operations such as cutting the roof will usually be the duty of a second or additional alarm ____ company.
ladder
Venting opposite the attack line will require both recon from the exterior for the fire’s location, and proper and accurate reports from the interior.
True
Make sure that the position of the engine leaves room for ground ladder access at the back of the ladder, usually about ___ feet.
30
Uncoordinated _____ ventilation operations, no matter who is conducting them, is always a mistake and a severe risk to interior personnel.
horizontal
____ roofs may allow firefighters to access several rooms from the same vantage point.
Porch
VES in newer homes: Windows may not access a floor area, but may be part of a two story foyer or two story family room.
True
Windows that are not square, but may be in the shape of an arch or in some other shape almost always open into ____ areas.
two-story
Extension prevention takes two forms:
- Pre-control overhaul
2. Post-control overhaul
The purpose of pre-control overhaul is to expose and cut off any extending fire.
True
_____ overhaul will be conducted after the fire is under control.
Post overhaul
Point of Entry Rule of Thumb:
the most effective path of least resistance
Strategy in the initial stages of the fire should be exclusively _____, especially if there is a potential for a life hazard.
offensive
Mulitple dwellings will present concerns of a more citical nature because of their ____ and the number of ___ they house.
size, occupants
Four types of multiple dwellings:
- Old law
- New law
- Fire resistive
- New millennium
Typically, these buildings are called “tenements” and are commonly constructed of braced or balloon wood frame:
Old Law
Old law mutiple dwellings DO NOT typically rise more than ___ stories.
three
Old law multiple dwellings built of ordinary construction may be ___ stories.
four
The main life hazard and fire spread issue in old law buildings is the ____ that is directly accessible from the interior of the building.
cellar
There is an old saying, “lose the stairs, ______.
lose the building
Command cannot properly function without communication.
true
To best (and most safely) organize the firegroung, command must be _____.
decentralized
Old law: An _____ division commander should be the first position assigned.
interior
Old Law: Each division, except for the roof unless the incident demands, should have an initial assignment of at least an _____ and a _____ company.
engine, ladder
Old Law: Don’t forget a tactical reserve of at least another task force (of 2 +1).
True
Remeber effectiveness of the command operation is only as good as the information being delivered by the players.
True
Firefighters should count the number of the fire escapes on the building and then multiply that number by two:
Fire Escape Rule Of Thumb
Old Law: Primary searches should focus on the areas most involved and threatened by the fire.
True
Remember that the occupants in teh worst danger are those in the ___ area and the ____ above.
fire, floor
Old Law: The first line MUST be placed between the ___ and the ___, while at the same time protecting the interior stairs.
fire and victims
Remember, ____ before extinguishment.
confine
Old Law: The second (attack) and third (back-up) lines are stretched via the exterior grade-level cellar entrance on Side ___ to attack the fire.
A
Old Law: When in doubt, get the bigger line in as a ____ for when more personnel arrive.
backup
Old Law: If the buildings have straight run stairs, the well hole may be wide enough to stretch the line straight up, so one length per ___ floors plus one working length will be required.
4
The calculation needed to stretch a line between the attack engine and the front door in old law buildings should be the street length plus the ____ length(s) plus the operating length on the fire floor.
stairwell
Old Law: For longer stretches, use of a ____ is necessary to keep friction loss and pump pressure to a managable number.
gated wye
Old Law: Improper ____, or a lack thereof, is responsible for more burned-down buildings and firefighter injuries than any other tactic-related operation.
ventilation
Old Law: The skylight is usually located over the ____.
stairwell
Old Law: After opening the scuttle on the roof and venting the top floor, the ___ must be pulled to vent the cockloft.
returns
Old Law: Your success or failure in extension prevention operations is directly realted to your knowledge of _____.
building construction
Aluminum melts at ____ degrees F.
1,200
