Lofts

Question 0

High ceilings and large in compartmented areas can mask high heat. Beware of heat and smoke passing overhead and fire breaking out behind the hose line. To monitor this a member

Answer 0

Last member on line monitors area to rear

A member positioned att the interior entrance to fire should monitor conditions

Question 1

After initial two lines are stretched up a stairway additional lines should be via

Answer 1

1. Alternate stairways if available
2. Exterior rope stretches
3. Fire escapes
4. Interconnected buildings

Question 2

Large fires may need two lines . 2nd line is usually stretched by way of interior stair to the same floor as the first line for augmentation if not. Needed here should be advanced to

Answer 2

Floor above

Officer supervising the second handline should not advanced to floor above until assured the first hose line is making progress and is capable of handling the fire floor
Hose line commitment and coordination must be communicated to all officers in fire sector

Question 3

Potential for back draft on intermediate floors where vertical ventilation is not possible .. Engine should k

Answer 3

Position the hose line with FF to the side of the entrance to the fire area
Utilize the reach of the hose stream
Begin attack with FFs as low as possible ( may require starting from a few steps down from entrance )
HOSELINE should be immediately discharged into fire area when it is accessed
Coordinated with exterior vent

Question 4

First engine at cellar/ sub cellar fires in a cast iron and mill loft buildings

Answer 4

1. Stretch the initial hose line via interior to fire area
2. Ensure enough hose to cover fire area before advancing
3. If building protected by sprinkler servicing fire area supply if can
4. If conditions prevent initial hose line advance down interior stairs , notify IC AND REMAIN at position to prevent upward extension

Question 5

Lofts may have sprinklers that service the upper floors . What must be checked so that system will work ?

Answer 5

Section valves must be checked to ensure in open position

Question 6

Second engine company at cellar/ sub cellar fire in cast iron and mill loft

Answer 6

Assist first due with first line

Supply sprinkler Siamese if first due hasn’t done it

Question 7

Third engine at a cellar/ sub-cellar fire in mill loft/ cast iron loft

Answer 7

Assisted by fourth engine and stretch 2nd hose line
If first hose line not able to advance into fire area second hose line may need to gain entry via alternate access point

Question 8

Fire on lower floors in cast iron / mill lofts . First engine will

Answer 8

Stretch first hose line into fire area to protect life and extinguish fire

If sprinkler , supply system if can

Question 9

2nd due engine at lower flood fire in mill loft / cast iron loft

Answer 9

1. Assist. First due with initial hose line

2. If first due hasn’t supplied sprinkler and conditions and manpower permit 2nd due should supply sprinkler

Question 10

Third due engine at lower floor fire in cast iron/mill loft

Answer 10

Stretch 2nd hose line with 4th dues help and operate as ordered by IC
2. Ensure sprinkler supplied

Question 11

Where does second line in lower floor fire in cast iron / mill loft stretched

Answer 11

Usually by way of interior stairs to same floor as first hose line
Meant to augment 1st line
If not needed on fire floor then advance to floor above
Officer supervising the second hose line should not advance to floor above until assured the first hose line is making progress and is capable of handling the fire floor

Question 12

Stretching lines to Upper floor fires in cast iron/ mill lofts are the same as fires on lower floors except

Answer 12

After 2 lines stretched up a stairway additional hose lines should be via alternate stairways , aerial/ portables ladders ropes or FE interconnected buildings

Consider utilization of HRN

Question 13

Lofts general

Answer 13

Characterized by high ceilings large un-compartmented spaces and prominently located freight elevators close to the front entrance to building 
Can be class 1,2,3 or 6

Question 14

Mill heavy timber type

Answer 14

Least common type
Many gone
Originally built for manufacturing and warehousing typically found adjacent to waterways and rail lines

Question 15

Fireproof lofts

Answer 15

Newest and most common

Question 16

Older cast iron lofts

Answer 16

Max 7-8 stories
Front and rear exterior walls of brick , stone or iron Side exterior walls of brick
Frontage usually 25 feet ( indicating no interior columns )
With depths reaching 90 feet and frontage on one street
Height between floor and ceiling min 8 ft
Roof is flat using wood rafters
One enclosed wooden stair often winding around elevator shaft or straight run
Interior cellar stairs may be remote from interior stair and open
Fire escapes can be found on front rear and sides (corner buildings )

Question 17

Newer cast iron lofts

Answer 17

Exterior walls made of brick stone frames wrought iron/ cast iron steel
Built higher than 8-12 and wider 50 ft than older cast iron lofts by 90 depth
May be P shaped
All exterior walls have min 3 hours fire resistive rating
Windows are operable( but HVAC more common)
Interior structural elements consist of protected cast iron columns or wrought iron girders and beans supporting masonry or Woden floors
Generally there are two interior stairs inside enclosed walls having 2 hr fire resistive rating
May have electrical shafts or utility closets from lowest level of building to top floor penetrate floor construction
Automatic sprinkler and standpipe required by law are connected city water supply leading to roof tank
Various types of fire escapes

Question 18

Mill lofts

Answer 18

Aka heavy timber lofts
4-6 stories
4 exterior walls load bearing and constructed of brick , concrete block or stone
Exterior walls and interior columns larger at lower level
Stepped walls and CLOUMN system to accommodate additional load on upper floors
Walls have built in sockets to accept floor girders and joists
Dimensions vary from 100-150 front to 200 depth with abundance of large openable window
Provides large continuous floor area
High ceilings with vertical openings
Multiple. Skylights in roofs
Fire tower stairs and elevators placed in perimeter of building

Question 19

Fireproof lofts

Answer 19

Exterior walls of brick cement block masonry stone or metal and floors constructed of steel reinforced concrete
10-15 stories in height
Rectangular dimensions 50-100 feet wide to 75-200 ft deep
Can be interconnected by automatic fire doors or joined via bridges(skywalks )
Interior stairs enclosed
One or more fire towers may be included if over 75 feet
May have exterior screened stairs
Windows operable but HVAC common
Wall hydrant manifolds outlets may be available for engine use located at sidewalk or top floor
If used for storage often have windows blocked up

Question 20

Sidewalk vaults in older cast iron lofts

Answer 20

Three wall enclosures under the front sidewalk
Can extend downward to all sub cellars of the building and may extend the full width of the sidewalk
An indicator of a full vault is a large piece of granite stone covering the sidewalk to the curb line
Vaulted sidewalks are generally supported by wrought-iron I beams or cast iron structural members
Ceiling of vault was originally constructed of wrought iron or cast iron from with small segmental glass orbs ( dead lights )
Frame can extend entire width of the building and extend from building wall to street
Glass may be covered partially or wholly by diamond plate , cubed glass granite stone or concrete

Question 21

Elevator shafts in older cast iron lofts

Answer 21

Passenger and freight elevators normal located within the area of the front wall
On either side or middle of building
Elevator shafts face the street any widows serving the shaft are required to display the “SHAFTWAY” across the outer portion of the window that is clearly visible from street
Avoid placing aerials/portables to these windows or operating streams into the. Unless. Visible, fire is extending up shaft
These windows will look identical to others in front facade ..FFS should be aware of shaft windows accessible from front fire escapes
Many signs will be missing or unreadable

Question 22

Freight elevators in older cast lofts

Answer 22

If loading dock present may be within 20 feet inward from the front of building
Residential conversion freight elevator may have been removed to accommodate additional living space
Frequently freight elevator shafts are built using Tera cotta tile which can readily be breached
No fireman service
Not initially used at fire ops until evaluation and approval of IC
Will assist with greater movement of members and supplies

Question 23

In residential conversions of cast iron lofts elevators

Answer 23

Elevators serving apartments above grade can open directly into apts
FE MAY BE REQUIRED to exit from the elevator into the apt
Residential floors may be subdivided
Providing multiple living spaces in these cases elevators may provide access onto hallways serving apt entrance doors
In both above cases elevators should be avoided until, fire has been determined and elevator use has been evaluated

Question 24

Cast iron or wrought iron columns used for construction of arches and columns

Answer 24

Cast iron columns not properly cast are inherently weak links in overall construction
No way to tell if they were cast properly
Not designed to with stand eccentric load
Properly cast made to withstand a great deal of thermal stress
It is a myth that a cast iron Column exposed to,fire will shatter when cooled
A cast iron column at 1,100 degrees lose 58 % of original strength
Lose is cumulative and never is regained

Question 25

The vertical fire escape

Answer 25

Most dangerous type of FE at loft

Serve each floor but lack intermediate balconies

Question 26

Standard fire escapes on lofts

Answer 26

Most prevalent
Width of 3-4 feet
Stairway angles of 45,60 and 75 degrees or steeper

Question 27

Counter balance fire escapes

Answer 27

Can be horizontal or vertical
Will be located directly below or adjacent to the lowest landing of FE
Portable ladder is preferred method to access counter balance FE

Question 28

Party wall balconies

Answer 28

These type can get overloaded with occupants quickly and may lead to failure

Question 29

Exterior screened stairway

Answer 29

Entry through doorway as opposed to,window

Question 30

Segmental arch floors

Answer 30

Found in newer cast iron lofts as well as some mill construction
Arch floors used to span the gap between cast iron or wrought iron I-beams
All parts of the floor arch system are in compression
Should not be breached for fear of causing general floor collapse spanning wide area

Question 31

Wrought iron girders beams lintels

Answer 31

Unlike cast iron (which is strong in compression but week in tension) wrought iron is equally strong in compression and tension
May weaken over time
When heated will elongate and lose strength which can lead to collapse

Question 32

All lines at loft fires should be 2 1/2

Answer 32

False all initial lines

Question 33

When sprinklers are shut down at lofts

Answer 33

A member should be left at shut off in case it needs to be turned back on

Question 34

1st Ladder at cellar sub-cellar fires cast iron and mill lofts

Answer 34

Gain access to fire via interior stairs
If cannot gain access to cellar via interior notify IC and second truck
If cannot gain access to fire area via interior stay with first hoseline on the floor above searching for life fire extension. And providing vent

Question 35

1st LCC at sub cellar/cellar fires in cast iron and mill lofts

Answer 35

Complete laddering duties
After laddering assist in ventilation by opening sidewalk access points
Should be accomplished by staying in front of building immediately available to,position or reposition ladders as needed

Question 36

1st OVM at cellar/sub-cellar fires in cast iron or mill lofts

Answer 36

1 fires in below grade areas may require alternate means of access for hoseline placement . The 1st ovm will communicate this possibility to the IC along with required manpower and equipment needed

2. 2nd ovm should be aware of necessary tools
3. Ov FF’s should communicate their intent and team up if IDLH

Question 37

Roof FF S at cellar/sub-cellar fires cast iron and mill lofts

Answer 37

1. Access to roof will be via:

a. Adjoining
B. Aerial/TL
C. Fire escape
2. Communicate conditions not visible from street
3.perform vertical vent as required
4. Vertical vent over straight run stairs used for attack shall be coordinated with inside team and engine company OFFICERS
5. 2nd roof will reinforce position of 1st
6 after roof vent is complete VEIS of upper floors conducted if IDLH team up

Question 38

Who will bring saw to roof on top floor fires in cast iron and mill lofts ?

Answer 38

2nd roof

Question 39

1st LCC at lower floor fire at cast iron/mill loft

Answer 39

Should remain in front of the building immediately available to position or Esposito. Ladders if needed and to perform necessary coordinated vent

Question 40

2nd LCC at lower floor fire at cast iron/mill loft

Answer 40

1. Reinforce 1st LCC
2. If not needed in front of building 2nd LCC will contact officer for further instructions
3. Possible assignment may be to assist ovm in rear

Question 41

1 st ovm at lower floor fire in cast iron/mill loft buildings

Answer 41

Primary position is the rear of building to perform coordinated vent and report fire conditions
Exception assists LCC in front with immediate life hazard
Communicate any rear access for additional hose lines and request necessary tools Coordinate vent with officer

Question 42

2nd ovm at lower floor fire at cast iron/mill loft

Answer 42

Reinforce 1st LCC in rear to ensure position is covered