Firescope 501 Flashcards
What do hillside structure fires need to be successful?
Successful firefighting operations in hillside homes require consistent standard operating
guidelines, strong command, continuous and accurate size-ups, a well communicated
strategy, and effective firefighting tactics.
Three types of hillside homes
Ascending
Descending most dangerous
Cantilever
What are features of hillside homes that affect fire spread and collapse potential that should be taken into consideration
Layout floor plans and floor systems
Follow up size up info on hillside homes
Type of hillside structure
Number of floors (above or below grade)
Location, nature, and extent of fire
Floor with the lowest elevation of involvement
The floor and side of building where initial fire attack lines will be deployed
If unable to access hillside structure fire from at or below fire floor what can you do ?
Transitional attack
Hillside fire attack team should attempt to
Determine how long the fire has been burning, perform a risk vs gain tactical analysis and ensure a backup line and team is in place if having to descend an interior stairwell.
Ventilation issues for hillside homes
Imperative first arriving units communicate specific location of the fire.
Access, building construction, layout, weather (wind)
Split levels make vert vent ineffective.
Mushrooming
If smoke and gasses are not released they bank down and spread laterally
Where could you place vent hole on a split level home and what must be done before?
Over the stairwell
Well timed and Coordinated with fire attack with hose lines in place if not could create and undesired flow path.
Horizontal vent when?
When having to attack from above
What could opening and closing of doors do on grade level ?
Can change the flow path and change fire behavior. Careful consideration should be given and only after communicating with fire attack group.
Could create flashover on floors above the fire
Big thing on hillside size up
Identifying a portal or entry alpha, bravo etc.
Sounding floor systems
Sounding tool can be a false indicator
Using axe or similar to create an indicator hole
Communications on hillside
Identify, initiate, and maintain control of the communication process and establish comm plan.
Ways to successfully navigate hillside homes
Training
Pre fire planning
Consistent operating procedures
Continual education
