Mid-Rise Building FIres Flashcards
Define a mid rise building?
Three to six stories in height but has less than 75’ from the lowest level of FD vehicle access to the floor of the highest possible occupible story.
Most of the commercial and older residential buildings will have what type of roof?
Flat
When a mid rise has a combination of several types of construction how should it be treated?
According to the construction method with the lowest fire rating
What is the flat roof assembly of early mid-rise building most often constructed with?
2x8 or 2x6 joists set 16-24” on center using dimensional lumber covered with 1x4 planks and sealed with tar and gravel
Typical gable roofs have what size joists and what basic consturction?
2x6 spanning from the bearing walls to the ridge pole and 1x6 planks that are sealed with slate or tar shingles.
What is the rating of pull-down staircases for attic access?
250lbs and should not be used if exposed to heat
With ordinary construction mid rise floors are typically made of?
2x6 or 2x8 joists supporting 1x4 wood planks covered in hardwood or parquet flooring. Joists are normally spaced 16” on center
What windows were typically found in mid rise buildings of ordinary construction?
Residential-double hung or casement
Commercial-plate glass
What construction type are most commercial occupancies?
Non-combustible construction
How is the roof of a non-combustible mid-rise typically constructed?
Insulated metal deck roof and/or concrete with a weather barrier installed
When fire extends to the roof of a non-combustible building and the vapors released by the hydrocarbon roofing materials ignite and spread fire under the roof area, this is called?
A running metal deck roof fire
Window construction in non-combustible mid rises?
Residential- double hung or sliding glass
Commerical- Plate
Accommodation stairways?
Stairways present when an occupant leases or owns multiple floors–allows to traverse floors without using the buildings public stairways
When did lightweight wood construction begin replacing ordinary and dimensional wood frame construction?
1980s
What is a draft stop?
Typically gypsum or plywood and act as a partition to help slow the horizontal movement of fire
What size lumber will be used in the first floor of a light weight construction mid rise of 3 stories or higher?
2x6
What are the three types of balconies that may be present on a lightweight mid-rise?
Hinged, cantilevered or recessed
Recessed balcony?
Supported on three sides by bearing walls; railing between the two walls and the balcony is open only on one side
Hinged Balcony?
Found on corner units, supported by two sides by bearing walls and columns on the corner from the ground to the roof
When using a NFPA 13R residential sprinkler system what color is the pipe usually?
Usually orange
Residential mid-rise fire flow?
10gpm per 100sqft involved area–use 1 3/4
Commercial mid-rise fire flow?
20gpm per 100sqft–use 2 1/2 line or two 1 3/4’s side by side
Lightweight wood frame construction has two distinct factors with regard to the potential for collapse?
- The presence of lightweight trusses
- Fire entering the void spaces degrading the wooden structural members
If a burning object is lodged in a shaft what is an effective suppression method?
Drop a heavier object from above therefore dislodging the burning object
If the mid rise is equipped with a standpipe system what actions must be taken?
First due engine reports that there is or is not one and an engine company must supply the system regardless of whether initial hoseline is deployed from an engine.
If the decision is made to treat the building as a high rise what should be requested?
The fifth engine
If the standpipe is to be used in a mid-rise what must be stated over the radio?
Assume high rise assignments
If the decision on mid-rise fire is to stretch off of in the engine instead of using the standpipe what must be know?
Location of the fire.
In residential mid-rises what floors normally have an identical layout?
All floors above the first floor
Before the second line’s crew commits to the position of the initial line what should they check?
Basement or floor(s) below the fire to ensure the fire did not originate below the unit where smoke or fire is evident
Before initiating fire attack on a mid-rise basement fire what must be confirmed? If attacking the fire through an exterior entrance.
The door from the fire unit to the public hallway is closed
In a mid-rise garage fire, if the fire has spread to the living area where should the fire attack begin from?
From the living area
What is the slowest method for fire attack for above grade fire in a garage?
Using the FDC
If preconnect handlines are stretched for a fire in a parking garage with an FDC, does the FDC need to be supplied?
yes
What are the two top causes of fires that originate in the attic in a mid rise building?
Equipment located in the attic or lightning strikes
What are the factors that must be considered prior to assigning crews to perform roof top ventilation on a mid rise?
- Roof support system: lightweight or conventional
- Height of the building–operating on roofs of buildings above 4 floors without aerial assistance is questionable
- Pitch of the roof
- Extent of fire in attic
- Availability of support equipment (hoselines, ladders, etc)
- Progress made on the top floor below the involved attic
- Condition and integrity of roof
What are the options if a victim is found?
- Protect in place
- Removal to an uninvolved unit or balcony
- Removal via the interior stairs
- Removal over a portable ladder or aerial device
- Drywall breach to an uninvolved area
What is the priority for ladder placement?
- Fire unit
- The unit above the fire
- Adjacent to the fire unit
- Any other unit where smoke is evident
In a situation where crews are operating in an IDLH environment out of the reach of ground ladders but within access of the aerial what must the aerial operator do?
Remain at the turntable ready to position the aerial as needed to effect rescues from upper floors
When can elevators be used in fire operations on a mid rise?
Only after the first unit has climbed the stairs and assessed the situation, at that point they must advise command if the elevators can be used.
What is the minimum complement of tools the truck/rescue should bring on a mid-rise fire?
- radios
- hand lights
- hooks
- set of irons
- a hydraulic door opener
- water can
- TIC
- lifeline pack
The second due truck should make sure what stairway has been identified and clear of smoke?
Evacuation stairway
Rescue squads responsibility upon making the fire floor?
- deployment of a tagline from the attack stairway
- FE on the adjacent units
- Coordinating the evacuation of occupants
- assessment of fire extension
- horizontal ventilation
- depending on number and type of hoselines deployed, may assist in the movement and operation of hoselines
