Mid-Rise Building FIres

Question 1

Define a mid rise building?

Answer 1

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.

Question 2

Most of the commercial and older residential buildings will have what type of roof?

Answer 2

Flat

Question 3

When a mid rise has a combination of several types of construction how should it be treated?

Answer 3

According to the construction method with the lowest fire rating

Question 4

What is the flat roof assembly of early mid-rise building most often constructed with?

Answer 4

2x8 or 2x6 joists set 16-24” on center using dimensional lumber covered with 1x4 planks and sealed with tar and gravel

Question 5

Typical gable roofs have what size joists and what basic consturction?

Answer 5

2x6 spanning from the bearing walls to the ridge pole and 1x6 planks that are sealed with slate or tar shingles.

Question 6

What is the rating of pull-down staircases for attic access?

Answer 6

250lbs and should not be used if exposed to heat

Question 7

With ordinary construction mid rise floors are typically made of?

Answer 7

2x6 or 2x8 joists supporting 1x4 wood planks covered in hardwood or parquet flooring. Joists are normally spaced 16” on center

Question 8

What windows were typically found in mid rise buildings of ordinary construction?

Answer 8

Residential-double hung or casement

Commercial-plate glass

Question 9

What construction type are most commercial occupancies?

Answer 9

Non-combustible construction

Question 10

How is the roof of a non-combustible mid-rise typically constructed?

Answer 10

Insulated metal deck roof and/or concrete with a weather barrier installed

Question 11

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?

Answer 11

A running metal deck roof fire

Question 12

Window construction in non-combustible mid rises?

Answer 12

Residential- double hung or sliding glass

Commerical- Plate

Question 13

Accommodation stairways?

Answer 13

Stairways present when an occupant leases or owns multiple floors–allows to traverse floors without using the buildings public stairways

Question 14

When did lightweight wood construction begin replacing ordinary and dimensional wood frame construction?

Answer 14

1980s

Question 15

What is a draft stop?

Answer 15

Typically gypsum or plywood and act as a partition to help slow the horizontal movement of fire

Question 16

What size lumber will be used in the first floor of a light weight construction mid rise of 3 stories or higher?

Answer 16

2x6

Question 17

What are the three types of balconies that may be present on a lightweight mid-rise?

Answer 17

Hinged, cantilevered or recessed

Question 18

Recessed balcony?

Answer 18

Supported on three sides by bearing walls; railing between the two walls and the balcony is open only on one side

Question 19

Hinged Balcony?

Answer 19

Found on corner units, supported by two sides by bearing walls and columns on the corner from the ground to the roof

Question 20

When using a NFPA 13R residential sprinkler system what color is the pipe usually?

Answer 20

Usually orange

Question 21

Residential mid-rise fire flow?

Answer 21

10gpm per 100sqft involved area–use 1 3/4

Question 22

Commercial mid-rise fire flow?

Answer 22

20gpm per 100sqft–use 2 1/2 line or two 1 3/4’s side by side

Question 23

Lightweight wood frame construction has two distinct factors with regard to the potential for collapse?

Answer 23

• The presence of lightweight trusses

- Fire entering the void spaces degrading the wooden structural members

Question 24

If a burning object is lodged in a shaft what is an effective suppression method?

Answer 24

Drop a heavier object from above therefore dislodging the burning object

Question 25

If the mid rise is equipped with a standpipe system what actions must be taken?

Answer 25

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.

Question 26

If the decision is made to treat the building as a high rise what should be requested?

Answer 26

The fifth engine

Question 27

If the standpipe is to be used in a mid-rise what must be stated over the radio?

Answer 27

Assume high rise assignments

Question 28

If the decision on mid-rise fire is to stretch off of in the engine instead of using the standpipe what must be know?

Answer 28

Location of the fire.

Question 29

In residential mid-rises what floors normally have an identical layout?

Answer 29

All floors above the first floor

Question 30

Before the second line's crew commits to the position of the initial line what should they check?

Answer 30

Basement or floor(s) below the fire to ensure the fire did not originate below the unit where smoke or fire is evident

Question 31

Before initiating fire attack on a mid-rise basement fire what must be confirmed? If attacking the fire through an exterior entrance.

Answer 31

The door from the fire unit to the public hallway is closed

Question 32

In a mid-rise garage fire, if the fire has spread to the living area where should the fire attack begin from?

Answer 32

From the living area

Question 33

What is the slowest method for fire attack for above grade fire in a garage?

Answer 33

Using the FDC

Question 34

If preconnect handlines are stretched for a fire in a parking garage with an FDC, does the FDC need to be supplied?

Answer 34

yes

Question 35

What are the two top causes of fires that originate in the attic in a mid rise building?

Answer 35

Equipment located in the attic or lightning strikes

Question 36

What are the factors that must be considered prior to assigning crews to perform roof top ventilation on a mid rise?

Answer 36

- 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

Question 37

What are the options if a victim is found?

Answer 37

- 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

Question 38

What is the priority for ladder placement?

Answer 38

1. Fire unit 2. The unit above the fire 3. Adjacent to the fire unit 4. Any other unit where smoke is evident

Question 39

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?

Answer 39

Remain at the turntable ready to position the aerial as needed to effect rescues from upper floors

Question 40

When can elevators be used in fire operations on a mid rise?

Answer 40

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.

Question 41

What is the minimum complement of tools the truck/rescue should bring on a mid-rise fire?

Answer 41

- radios - hand lights - hooks - set of irons - a hydraulic door opener - water can - TIC - lifeline pack

Question 42

The second due truck should make sure what stairway has been identified and clear of smoke?

Answer 42

Evacuation stairway

Question 43

Rescue squads responsibility upon making the fire floor?

Answer 43

- 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