MID-RISE BUILDING FIRES December 2013

Question 1

A mid-rise building is ____ in height but has less than ___ from the lowest level of fire department vehicle access to the floor of the highest occupible story.

pg 1

Answer 1

3 to 6 stories & 75 feet

Question 2

A mid-rise can be a ___ or a ___ occupancy with the presence of elevators.

pg 2

Answer 2

residential and/or commercial

Question 3

____ construction can allow for more density than garden apartments without the regulations, fire code, and construction requirements of a high-rise

pg 2

Answer 3

Mid-rise building

Question 4

Mid-rise buildings can include commercial or residential occupancies or a combination of commercial and residential occupancies (often referred to as ___).

pg 2

Answer 4

mixed use

Question 5

The ___ of mid-rise buildings can be constructed of various materials. These include: solid masonry, brick veneer over wood frame, wood, glass, and various types of siding.

pg 2

Answer 5

exterior

Question 6

Mid-rise buildings will typically have long ___ with apartments or offices on one or both sides.

pg 2

Answer 6

hallways

Question 7

Depending on the era of construction, many ___ buildings may have balconies made of combustible or noncombustible materials. These balconies can be ___or ___.

pg 2

Answer 7

mid-rise & extended or recessed

Question 8

Most of the commercial and older residential buildings will have ___.

pg 2

Answer 8

flat roofs

Newer style roofs often have large cross gables and dormers.

Question 9

The ___ of a mid-rise building may contain commercial or retail space, hydraulic elevator rooms, occupied apartments, storage areas, utility rooms, laundry facilities, parking facilities, or trash rooms.

pg 2

Answer 9

lowest floor

Question 10

Many newer buildings are constructed on a ___ and do not have the traditional basement storage areas and laundry room.

pg 3

Answer 10

concrete slab

Question 11

Residential mid-rise buildings constructed in the ___ are frequently constructed using ordinary methods of masonry walls with dimensional wood floors and roof.

pg 3

Answer 11

1950s

Question 12

Modern residential buildings are typically ___ construction.

pg 3

Answer 12

lightweight wood

Question 13

Commercial buildings are usually ___ construction using ___ and ___.

pg 3

Answer 13

non-combustible & steel and concrete

Question 14

Mixed use buildings with commercial occupancies and residential occupancies typically have ___ construction.

pg 3

Answer 14

mixed

The residential portion of the building being ordinary or lightweight wood while the commercial areas are non-combustible steel and concrete.

Question 15

These structures (Mid-rises) may have many of the same characteristics of a ___, such as:

• Full, partial, or no sprinkler protection
• No standpipe system
• Ordinary construction (masonry bearing walls/ wood floor and roof)
• Lightweight wood construction
• Large attic space

pg 3

Answer 15

garden apartment

Question 16

These structures (Mid-rises) may also have many of the same characteristics of a ___, such as:

• Full, partial, or no sprinkler systems
• A standpipe system
• Firefighter’s service to the elevators
• Standby and emergency power systems
• Non-combustible construction – concrete and steel
• Hallways to access work or living areas
• Center core floor plan
• Commercial occupancy on lower levels
• Parking garages

pg 3

Answer 16

high-rise

Question 17

The interior layout of the structure will vary; some buildings have ___ occupancies on the lower levels with ___ occupancies above.

pg 3

Answer 17

commercial & residential

Lower floors typically have exterior access and may contain apartments, storage rooms, community rooms, trash room with compactors, and/or laundry rooms and loading docks.

Question 18

Some mid-rise buildings are constructed in a ___ configuration. The building encircles a swimming pool or court yard, often with parking below.

pg 3

Answer 18

“donut”

Question 19

Some mid-rise buildings have commercial, office, and retail space with no residential occupancies. The floor plans are typically ___ or ___.

pg 4

Answer 19

central hallway or center core

Question 20

Many mid-rise buildings have specialized occupancies that occupy much of the first floor; examples of specialized occupancies that might be found are ___ or even a ___.

pg 4

Answer 20

assisted living facilities or fire/emergency service station

Question 21

Residential mid-rise buildings have floor plans similar to many high-rise buildings in the region but are limited to ___ in height on the addressed side and lack many of the fire code requirements found in high-rise buildings.

pg 6

Answer 21

75 feet

Question 22

___ buildings may have central hallways or center core floor plans with circuit corridors around the core of the building.

pg 7

Answer 22

Commercial mid-rise

Question 23

___ Construction Occupies the Outer Perimeter of the Structure and Houses the Stairs and Elevators in the Center.

pg 7

Answer 23

Center Core

Question 24

With the advent of lightweight building materials, ___ buildings occupied as assisted living facilities are seen throughout the region and have an open atrium and stairway in the lobby.

pg 7

Answer 24

lightweight mid-rises

Question 25

The ___ surrounding the building may affect the number of stories visible from the addressed side.

pg 8

Answer 25

grading

Question 26

During ___, Company Officers should Note Nnumber of Floors Accessible from the Front and Rear of the Structure, if Practical.

pg 8

Answer 26

Size-up

Question 27

Mid-rise buildings may have a ___ with long hallways. Apartments and offices are generally accessed from an enclosed hallway similar in a high-rise building.

pg 8

Answer 27

Large footprint

Question 28

Many mid-rise buildings with long hallways have self-closing ___ placed to divide the hallway and slow the lateral spread of fire and smoke. In older mid-rise buildings, these doors may not be self-closing.

pg 9

Answer 28

fire partition doors

Question 29

a truck company with an outrigger deployed can concentrate weights over 40,000 lbs. on the spot where the outrigger contacts the roadway, exceeding 400 pounds per square inch. The use of a jack plate can decrease the weight to the singular outrigger to ___ or less than ___per square inch

pg 10

Answer 29

25,000 lbs or 35 pounds

Question 30

The ___ area is typically designated for residential occupancy while non-combustible areas combustible areas typically contain parking garages, commercial occupancies, or community areas (e.g., gym, areas (e.g., gym, swimming pool),

pg 11

Answer 30

lightweight wood

Question 31

Ordinary Construction (Pre-1960s)

Older mid-rise buildings are typically built of ___, with masonry loadbearing walls and wood floor and roofing components.

pg 12

Answer 31

ordinary construction

Question 32

Roof/Attic (Ordinary)​

Flat roofs are naturally ventilated through ___.

pg 12

Answer 32

cockloft vents

Question 33

Roof/Attic (Ordinary)​

As the flat roof leaks, ages, and begins to decay, owners may cover them with a lightweight gabled rain roof, resulting in ___.

pg 12

Answer 33

multiple void spaces

Question 34

Roof/Attic (Ordinary)​

___ roofs are typically 2” x 6” joists spanning from the bearing walls to the ridge pole. 1” x 6” planks are sealed with slate or tar shingles.

pg 13

Answer 34

Gable

Question 35

Roof/Attic (Ordinary)​

___ roofs are typically vented at the gable ends, ridge vents, and/or soffit vents.

pg 13

Answer 35

Gable

Question 36

Roof/Attic (Ordinary)​

Attics, if present, are generally unfinished. Sometimes the space is used to hide ___.

pg 13

Answer 36

HVAC appliances

Question 37

Roof/Attic (Ordinary)​

pull-down attic staircases are rated to ___ lbs and should not be used if exposed to heat.

pg 13

Answer 37

250 lbs

Question 38

Walls (Ordinary)

___ walls are bearing masonry. Many ___ walls have parapets above the flat roofline.

pg 14

Answer 38

Exterior

Question 39

Walls (Ordinary)

___ walls are normally lathe and plaster.

pg 14

Answer 39

Interior

Question 40

Insulation (Ordinary)

Insulation was of very little concern when these buildings were completed. Insulation in the attic or cockloft area may be present but is rarely seen in ___.

pg 14

Answer 40

the walls

Question 41

Firewalls (Ordinary)

Firewalls of this generation are usually ___ (Ordinary Construction (Pre-1960s))

pg 14

Answer 41

masonry

Question 42

Floors (Ordinary)

The Masonry Firewall that Extends above the Roofline Affords the ___.

pg 14

Answer 42

Greatest Protection.

Question 43

Floors (Ordinary)

Joists are normally spaced ___ on center.

pg 14

Answer 43

16 inches

Question 44

Floors (Ordinary)

The Mass of Dimensional Lumber Provides Moderate Resistance to Collapse but Keep in Mind that the Metal Joist Hanger (Shown Outlined) is ___.

pg 15

Answer 44

the Weakest Point.

Question 45

Basement (Ordinary)

The walls are masonry while the ___ may be concrete, lathe and plaster, or unfinished dimensional lumber.

pg 15

Answer 45

ceiling

The basement level may contain utility rooms, laundry rooms, trash rooms, or other service utilities along with apartments or offices

Question 46

Windows (Ordinary)

The residential windows in mid-rise buildings of this era were typically ___ or ___. These metal frame style windows can create a safety hazard for firefighters.

pg 15

Answer 46

casement or double hung

Question 47

Windows (Ordinary)

Commercial windows are normally ___.

pg 15

Answer 47

plate glass

Many of these aging windows have been updated to insulated vinyl windows in residential buildings and safety or tempered glass in commercial buildings

Question 48

Windows (Ordinary)

___ are prevalent in residential mid-rise buildings constructed in the 1940s and 1950s and pose their own unique hazards. The windows have steel frames set in concrete or masonry. While breaking all the glass in the windows will ventilate the affected area, entrance and exit through the remaining window frame will be physically blocked.

pg 15

Answer 48

Casement windows

Question 49

Windows (Ordinary)

___ are extremely dangerous to egress. The location and status of them should communicated when firefighters are operating in the compartment they enclose. Ventilation should only occur with coordination of interior operations.

pg 15

Answer 49

Casement windows

Firefighters and officers should make note of these windows during preplanning and in their size-up on arrival at a structure fire. Outside ventilation crews must remove these windows whenever encountered.

Question 50

Balcony (Ordinary)

The majority of ___ buildings of ordinary construction do not have balconies.

pg 16

Answer 50

mid-rise

Question 51

Doors (Ordinary)

Early residential mid-rise buildings typically have ___ doors. Many of these ___ doors have a metal center or are covered in light metal.

pg 16

Answer 51

wood

Rim locks and chains are common securing methods.

Question 52

Stairs (Ordinary)

Stairs in a mid-rise typically provide access from the ___ to the ___.

pg 16

Answer 52

basement & top floor levels

Question 53

HVAC Systems (Ordinary)

In older mid-rise buildings, heat was typically supplied via ___ and ___.

pg 17

Answer 53

hot water boiler and radiator

Question 54

HVAC Systems (Ordinary)

In older construction, the central heating unit may be located in ___ and consist of large oil or natural gas boilers with hot water heat transfer.

pg 17

Answer 54

the basement

Question 55

Chimney (Ordinary)

Lacking central HVAC inherently reduces the ___ in these buildings.

pg 17

Answer 55

amount of void spaces

The chimney in older mid-rise buildings usually originated in the boiler room and are of masonry construction

Question 56

Fire Protection (Ordinary)

Most residential mid-rise buildings have some type of ___ and smoke detectors.

pg 17

Answer 56

local fire alarm

Question 57

Fire Protection (Ordinary)

Commercial mid-rise buildings typically have some form of monitored ___ with smoke detectors

pg 17

Answer 57

fire alerting system

Question 58

Fire Protection (Ordinary)

Mid-rise buildings may or may not have a standpipe system. If available, the riser may be located in the ___ or ___.

pg 17

Answer 58

stairway or hallway

Question 59

Non-combustible Construction

Many mid-rise buildings, particularly with commercial occupancies, are of ___ construction (steel and concrete)

pg 18

Answer 59

non-combustible

Question 60

Roof and Attic (Non-combustible)

The roof consist of an insulated metal deck roof and/or concrete, with a weather barrier installed. A common type of flat roof construction uses a ___ with a rubberized or tar and gravel top layer supported by steel bar joist. Newer or re-roofed buildings may have several inches of foam used for added insulation.

pg 18

Answer 60

metal Q-deck

Question 61

Roof and Attic (Non-combustible)

non-combustible buildings do not contribute to the fire load and have moderate overall resistance to ___ under fire conditions.

pg 19

Answer 61

collapse

Question 62

Roof and Attic (Non-combustible)

As fire extends to the roof, the tar and rubber roofing and adhesive material are all heated. These hydrocarbon materials release combustible vapors that may ignite and spread fire under the roof area. This is commonly known as a ___.

pg 18

Answer 62

running metal deck roof fire

The subsequent superheated atmosphere within the roof may cause weakening of the metal truss support system leading to collapse

Question 63

Roof and Attic (Non-combustible)

The underside of the metal truss system often has a ___. If applied correctly, this coating may delay the affects of heat on the metal members.

pg 19

Answer 63

spray-on fire resistant coating

This coating may contain asbestos in older buildings

Question 64

Exterior Walls (Non-combustible)

___ mid-rise buildings may be metal or concrete framed and have a brick, block, metal, or glass exterior sheathin.

pg 19

Answer 64

Non-combustible

Question 65

Interior Walls (Non-combustible)

___ walls are usually 2” x 4” metal studs with drywall. Some commercial spaces have open floor plans with cubical dividers.

pg 20

Answer 65

Interior

Question 66

Insulation (Non-combustible)

___ buildings typically have insulation in both the attic and exterior walls.

pg 20

Answer 66

Modern

Question 67

Insulation (Non-combustible)

Insulation may also be found in ___ adjacent to parking garages, storage rooms, or other non-climate conditioned areas.

pg 20

Answer 67

interior walls

Question 68

Insulation (Non-combustible)

Insulation may also be used between occupancies as a ___.

pg 20

Answer 68

sound reduction method

Question 69

Firewalls (Non-combustible)

Firewalls in non-combustible buildings are typically ___.

pg 20

Answer 69

masonry

Newer buildings may use multiple layers of drywall to create a firewall

Question 70

Firewalls (Non-combustible)

Many buildings will use drywall to create ___ in large, open void spaces such as the cockloft or drop ceiling areas

pg 20

Answer 70

draft-stops

Question 71

Floors (Non-combustible)

Concrete floors are the most popular option for non-combustible buildings. In non-combustible construction the concrete flooring may be supported by ___ or ___ columns. Steel rebar or tensioned steel cables are usually embedded in the concrete to add tensile strength

pg 20

Answer 71

steel or concrete

Question 72

Floors (Non-combustible)

The steel bar joist system which supports the floors is usually protected by a ___ or ___ style ceiling in occupied living and office areas

pg 21

Answer 72

drop or membrane

Question 73

Basements (Non-combustible)

___ construction incorporates brick, cinderblock, or concrete basement walls.

pg 21

Answer 73

Non-combustible

Question 74

Basements (Non-combustible)

___ fires are serious and labor intensive fires due to limited access, ventilation challenges, exposure to the rest of the structure, and potential for involving the utilities.

pg 21

Answer 74

Basement

Basements may have a sidewalk stairway or sidewalk freight elevator access.

Question 75

Basements (Non-combustible)

Basement, storage, and other non-living spaces may not have ___ protection. A fire in this unsprinklered basement would represent a significant collapse hazard and should be noted in the preplan.

pg 21

Answer 75

drop ceiling

Question 76

Windows (Non-combustible)

Windows in many of the residential non-combustible mid-rise buildings are ___ or ___ types. Commercial buildings frequently use larger plate glass windows, most of which do not open.

pg 22

Answer 76

typical double hung or sliding glass

Question 77

Balcony (Non-combustible)

Balconies in non-combustible mid-rise buildings are usually ___ or ___.

pg 22

Answer 77

concrete or metal

Question 78

Doors (Non-combustible)

Exterior lobby entry doors of commercial non-combustible mid-rise buildings are usually ___ or ___.

pg 22

Answer 78

metal- framed tempered or safety glass

Older buildings may have plate glass. Side stairway, utility, and service entrance doors are usually metal doors.

Question 79

Stairs (Non-combustible)

The stairways in most non-combustible mid-rise buildings are ___ or ___.

pg 22

Answer 79

metal or concrete

Question 80

HVAC (Non-combustible)

___ mid-rise buildings may have HVAC units on the roof, in the basement, or adjacent to the building.

pg 23

Answer 80

Commercial non-combustible

Question 81

HVAC (Non-combustible)

___ buildings may have large central HVAC units similar to a commercial building or they may have individual HVAC units for each living space.

pg 23

Answer 81

Residential

Question 82

Chimney (Non-combustible)

___ and ___ buildings may have a chimney from the boiler room.

pg 23

Answer 82

Commercial and Residential

They (Commercial buildings) may also have chimneys or exhaust stacks for restaurant cooking

Question 83

Fire Protection System (Non-combustible)

Both commercial and residential buildings may have a wide range of fire protection systems based on the year of their construction and occupancy. Some of these older buildings may have nothing more than a ___ while newer buildings with commercial occupancies may have ___ protection.

pg 23

Answer 83

local alarm (manual pull station) & full sprinkler

Question 84

Lightweight Wood Frame Construction

To provide reductions in cost and assembly time, lightweight wood construction began replacing ordinary and dimensional wood frame construction in the ___ and has continued throughout today.

pg 23

Answer 84

1980s

Question 85

Roof and Attic (Lightweight)

___ may be decorative or indicate that the attic space is utilized as a bedroom, office, or loft

pg 23

Answer 85

Dormers

Question 86

Roof and Attic (Lightweight)

In buildings of ___ construction, the roof is typically pitched with lightweight trusses, plywood, and shingles

pg 24

Answer 86

lightweight wood frame

Question 87

Roof and Attic (Lightweight)

Attics interior access is usually achieved through a ___ or ___ located on the ceiling of the top floor

pg 25

Answer 87

scuttle or pull-down staircase

Question 88

Roof and Attic (Lightweight)

Pull-down attic staircases are rated to ___ lbs. and should not be used if exposed to heat.

pg 25

Answer 88

250

Question 89

Roof and Attic (Lightweight)

In lightweight wood frame mid-rise buildings with large attics, ___ may be required.

pg 25

Answer 89

draft stops

Draft stops are typically gypsum or plywood and act as a partition to help slow the horizontal movement of fire.

However, over time, these draft stops may be breached due to renovation or construction, reducing their effectiveness

Question 90

Roof and Attic (Lightweight)

___ may be found in units with lofts and dormers.

pg 26

Answer 90

Knee walls​

Knee walls may contain hidden fire and must be opened to check for fire extension.

Question 91

Exterior Walls (Lightweight)

Exterior walls are typically ___ covered in an insulating material which is covered by some type of siding, either masonry or a mix of both.

pg 27

Answer 91

oriented strand board (OSB)

OSB and insulation found under the vinyl siding may contribute to rapid fire spread on the exterior of the building

Question 92

Interior Walls (Lightweight)

Most residential ceilings are ___ or ___ while most commercial occupancies use the ___ system.

pg 28

Answer 92

plaster or drywall & drop ceiling

When commercial, utility, or storage areas have residential occupancies above, they typically have concrete or multiple layered drywall ceilings to provide the needed fire rating.

Question 93

Insulation (Lightweight)

___ being non-flammable, can help slow the spread of fire into the attic space around lights, wires, and other access points.

pg 28

Answer 93

Fiberglass insulation

Blown-in insulation, shredded and treated newspaper, or cellulose may smolder and rekindle

Question 94

Fire Walls (Lightweight)

___ may be:

• Located between each address;
• Located between every other address;
• Located between the living spaces (occupied floors) only, with no extension into the attic or basement; or
• Non-existent.

pg 28

Answer 94

firewalls

There are two material types of firewalls:

1. Masonry (concrete block or reinforced concrete), generally found in older buildings.
2. Multiple layers of drywall.

Question 95

Fire Walls (Lightweight)

Generally, personnel should be aware of the following:

• ___ may stop at the exterior bearing wall, leaving the soffit/ overhang unprotected.
• ___ may stop at the interior ceiling leaving the attic/ cockloft area unprotected.
• ___ might be penetrated or significantly compromised due to construction faults and/or renovations.
• ___ might be penetrated to allow the running of utilities.

pg 28

Answer 95

Firewalls

Question 96

Floors (Lighweight)

Lighweight construction often uses parallel chord trusses or plywood I-beams. These trusses, or Ply-Is, are typically spaced from ___ inches on center, Figure 42.

pg 29

Answer 96

16 to 24 inches

Due to their low mass, when exposed to fire they are prone to rapid collapse.

Question 97

Floors (Lightweight)

In ___ construction, floor decking is typically plywood or OSB.

pg 30

Answer 97

lightweight

Floor coverings include carpet, masonry tile, vinyl tile, hardwood, or other finished floor material.

Question 98

Balconies (Lightweight)

Balconies are of three general types: ___, ___ and ___.

pg 30

Answer 98

cantilevered, recessed, and hinged

Question 99

Balconies (Lightweight)

___ balconies generally project out over the load-bearing walls; the balcony is open to the exterior on three sides and extends away from the building.

pg 30

Answer 99

Cantilevered

Question 100

Balconies (Lightweight)

___ balconies are supported on three sides by bearing walls; there is a railing between the two walls and the balcony is open on only one side.

pg 31

Answer 100

Recessed

Question 101

Balconies (Lightweight)

Some corner units have ___ balconies which are supported on two sides by bearing walls and columns on the corner from the ground to the roof.

pg 31

Answer 101

hinged

Question 102

Doors (Lightweight)

Most of the residential mid-rise doors found in Northern Virginia will be solid wood, wood covered in metal, or metal. Most will have a ___ or greater fire rating

pg 32

Answer 102

2 hour

Commercial occupancies will typically have aluminum-framed tempered glass doors with mortise style locks.

Question 103

Stairs and Stairways (Lightweight)

___ are usually enclosed with masonry or thick fire rated drywall with concrete or steel steps and risers

pg 32

Answer 103

Stairways

Mid-rises generally have one or more stairways.

Question 104

Stairs and Stairways (Lightweight)

The ___ is One of the Strongest Portions of the Lightweight Building

pg 32

Answer 104

Stairway

Question 105

Stairs and Stairways (Lightweight)

___ located over the stairway, provides direct stairway access to the roof

pg 33

Answer 105

Roof top bulkhead doors

Other stairways do not provide direct stairway access to the roof; rather, companies must climb a ladder located at the top of the stairway, accessing the roof through a roof hatch,

This hatch may be at the top of the stairway, top floor hallway, or hidden in a top floor closet.

Question 106

HVAC (Lightweight)

The ___ may be large central units found on the roof or in the basement.

pg 34

Answer 106

HVAC

In some buildings, each apartment may have an individual HVAC unit in a closet, commonly found on the balcony.

Question 107

Chimney (Lightweight)

Zero- clearance fire places are very common in ___ construction.

pg 34

Answer 107

lightweight

In these zero-clearance systems, the firebox is vented via triple-lined metal piping to the roofline or short horizontal piping directly to the closest exterior wall of the structure

Commercial occupancies, particularly restaurants, may have large cooking ventilators. These may vent out a side wall to the roof line or travel up the interior of the building to the roof line.

Question 108

Garages (Lightweight)

___ may be above or below ground, attached to the building, or in the middle of the building (donut-style)

pg 35

Answer 108

Parking garages

• There are two types of garages found in mid-rise structures:
  
  • under or centered
• Depending on the age of the building, the garage may be sprinklered and have a wet or dry standpipe

Question 109

Fire Protection (Lightweight)

Early, lightweight-constructed mid-rise buildings may have no more than a ___ alarm system. Many newer buildings have a full complement of protection systems such as sprinklers, monitored alarms, and standpipes in the hallway or stairway.

pg 36

Answer 109

local pull station

Question 110

Fire Protection (Lightweight)

Many buildings use ___ residential sprinkler systems. These sprinkler heads are designed to contain the fire but may not completely extinguish it.

pg 36

Answer 110

NFPA 13R

They are constructed using (usually orange) PVC plastic pipes.

Question 111

Elevators (Lightweight)

___ in mid-rise buildings are normally hydraulic, but electric traction types may also be found

pg 36

Answer 111

Elevators

Control rooms for hydraulic elevators are normally found on the lowest floor while control rooms

Control rooms for electric traction elevators are normally found on the top floor or in the penthouse on the roof.

Question 112

Utilities (Lightweight)

In rental units, the service meters are usually combined for all occupancies into a ___ found in the basements or garage areas. In condominiums, each unit will normally have a ___, generally found in a utility closet or in a bank in the basement or exterior.

pg 37

Answer 112

single meter & separate meter

Question 113

___ are often found in a normal egress pathway (e.g., near windows, doorways, elevator lobbies, hallways).

pg 38

Answer 113

Victims

a protect in place strategy will evacuate only occupants on certain floors or areas and leave the remainder in place if not in hazard areas

Question 114

___ buildings are considered to have a low fire loading.

pg 39

Answer 114

Residential mid-rise

Fire flow estimates are based on a flow rate of 10 GPM per 100 square feet of involved area

1 3⁄4-inch attack lines should be adequate for most single unit fires.

Question 115

The fire load in ___ occupancies is considered moderate and requires a fire flow of 20 gpm per 100 square feet of involved area.

pg 39

Answer 115

commercial

If a fire occurs in a commercial occupancy, engine companies may be paired up to use a 2 1⁄2-inch attack line.

Another option would be to operate two 1 3⁄4-inch lines side-by-side.

Question 116

When an ___ is encountered on arrival, a quick knock down of the fire from the exterior must occur prior to enetering the building to slow the spread of the fire.

pg 39

Answer 116

exterior fire

Question 117

___ fire extension can occur by several means:

• Fire lapping out of windows and extending into windows above;
• Fire extending upward through unprotected or compromised void spaces;
• Fire extending upward through holes created by the fire;
• Fire extending upward within a unit that occupies more than one floor and has an accommodation or convenience stairway; and/or
• Exterior fires originating from a patio, balcony, vehicle, electrical transformer, flammable liquid, etc., can spread upward into the building and attic.

pg 39

Answer 117

Vertical

Question 118

Buildings of ordinary and wood frame construction tend to ___ better than lightweight wood frame buildings.

pg 39

Answer 118

resist collapse

Firefighters should expect modern lightweight non- combustible concrete structures to collapse unlike older concrete buildings that can withstand longer burn times

Question 119

___ construction is subject to early failure and has two distinct factors with regard to the potential for collapse:

1. The presence of lightweight trusses
2. Fire entering the void spaces degrading the wooden structural members.

pg 40

Answer 119

Lightweight wood frame

Question 120

___ are also being installed on the roof areas over the common stairways.

pg 40

Answer 120

A/C units

Question 121

Storage rooms may be present anywhere in the building. They may contain ___ or ___ materials and may be inaccessible from the exterior.

pg 42

Answer 121

flammable or hazardous

Question 122

During renovations, ___ and ___ may have been added and some of the building’s original structural components may have been altered or removed

pg 42

Answer 122

void spaces and utility shafts

Question 123

If the first due engine company officer makes the tactical decision to deploy the initial handline from the standpipe, a declaration via the radio must be made for all responding personnel to assume their respective ___ assignments.

pg 44

Answer 123

high-rise

If the decision is made to use high-rise assignments, the officer should request an additional engine company.

Question 124

The purpose of ___ is to gain access to perform primary search, advance attack lines, and check for fire extension.

pg 45

Answer 124

forcible entry

Question 125

Hydraulic forcible entry tools are effective on ___ opening metal doors in metal frames.

pg 45

Answer 125

inward

Question 126

___ forcible entry tools are preferred for any door set in a wood frame.

pg 45

Answer 126

Conventional

Question 127

cypher locks and automatic/magnetic locks may be present based upon the type of occupancy, such as a ___.

pg 45

Answer 127

government facility

Question 128

___ will determine whether the initial attack line is stretched from the engine directly to the fire area or from a standpipe, if available.

pg 45

Answer 128

Fire location

Question 129

For fires that are located below grade, or on the first, second, or third floor, personnel may choose to ___, as they are faster to deploy and place in service.

pg 46

Answer 129

stretch pre-connected lines from the engine

Question 130

In most cases, the ___ hoseline will enter the fire unit from the public hallway. Several alternatives for entry include:

• In the involved unit at ground level through a patio door.
• In the involved unit over a ladder and onto the balcony.
• Via a rear entrance.
• Through an adjoining unit to gain access to the involved unit.
• Through a large window.

pg 48

Answer 130

initial

Question 131

In residential mid-rise buildings, all floors above the ___ normally have an identical layout and floor plan.

pg 48

Answer 131

first floor

Companies must inspect the floor below the fire floor to learn the layout prior to entering the fire floor. This is only practical if the fire is located on the third floor or higher, as the first floor (and lobby) often has a different layout than all floors above.

Question 132

Before committing to the position of the initial line, the second line’s crew should check ___ or ___ to ensure the fire did not originate below the unit where smoke or fire is evident.

pg 49

Answer 132

the basement or floor(s) below the fire

The second line must be capable of equal or greater flow than the original line. The need for advancement will be determined by the progress of the initial attack line.

Question 133

The second line must be capable of equal or greater flow than the original line. The need for advancement will be determined by the progress of the ___.

pg 49

Answer 133

initial attack line

Question 134

There are two purposes for the line above the fire. The first is to protect the company performing the primary search of the floor above and the second is to ___.

pg 49

Answer 134

extinguish any vertical extension

Question 135

The line assigned to the floor above the fire in these types of structures will generally be the ___ line, allowing for speed, mobility, and fire flow.

pg 49

Answer 135

1 3⁄4- inch

Often the third-due engine company will be responsible for this task.

The location from which this line is deployed will be determined by the Incident Commander or the assigned unit officer.

Question 136

___ streams are more efficient in exterior exposure protection.

pg 49

Answer 136

Narrow fog

The narrow fog offers moderate reach, additional surface area coverage, and is not as damaging to the structure as smooth bore nozzle streams.

High wind conditions will negatively affect fog streams; the officer and nozzle person must assess conditions and deploy/adjust the stream accordingly.

Question 137

Mid-rise basement fires may involve a combination of electrical and combustible liquids. A priority would be to shut the power down and consideration should be given to attacking the fire with ___ or ___.

pg 50

Answer 137

foam lines and dry chemical extinguishers

Question 138

In buildings without exterior basement access, attack line deployment may require an advance down the ___ into the involved area

pg 50

Answer 138

interior stairway/hallway

Question 139

Fires in ___ are difficult to ventilate with much efficiency or speed. This being the case, the stream for the attack must be a solid or straight stream.

pg 50

Answer 139

below-grade areas

Use of a fog stream in advanced fire situations may lead to burn injuries to the attack crew or the attack crew being driven out of the area.

Question 140

When fire has taken possession of a large area in a basement completely underground, personnel may consider employing a ___ introduced from the exterior or inserting a ___ from the floor above.

pg 51

Answer 140

defensive, indirect attack or cellar nozzle

The door(s) between the basement and the common area(s) must be located and closed. When using this tactic, the attack line should change to a fog stream.

Question 141

The objective when attacking fires that originate in an attached garage is to confine and extinguish the fire from the unburned area of the structure, secure the overhead door in the open position, and prevent extension of the fire to the living area. A ___ must also be advanced through the closest hallway connecting the garage to the building to prevent extension.

pg 51

Answer 141

second hoseline

Question 142

One of the fastest ways to advance hoselines to above grade floors of a parking garage is to use a ___ or ___ to asecend and either lower hose down or hoist hose up with a hoist hose up with a rope.

pg 52

Answer 142

portable ladder or the garage stairway

Question 143

When entering through an overhead exterior garage door, whatever the size, secure it in the open position to maintain the means of egress for crews. Securing may consist of:

pg 54

Answer 143

1. Removing power
2. Chocking open with locking pliers
3. Bending the track (preferred)
4. Pulling the manual release to disengage the motor

Question 144

Fires that originate in the attic are typically caused by ___ or ___.

pg 54

Answer 144

equipment located in the attic or lightning strikes

Many top floor units have cathedral ceilings. These ceilings can be greater than 10 feet in height.

Question 145

During attic-only fires, primary search and aggressive salvage operations should be considered prior to ___.

pg 55

Answer 145

pulling the ceiling

Question 146

If the attic fire has vented through the roof, companies should get ahead of the fire, access the attic area, and place the nozzle inside the attic, using a ___ or ___ to extinguish the fire.

pg 55

Answer 146

straight stream or narrow fog pattern

Question 147

In situations where fire is visible from the soffit area, personnel should first perform a ___ of the soffit and eave line with a hose stream.

pg 55

Answer 147

quick sweep

Steam conversion drawn into the attic area can help slow fire advancement before an attack on the seat of the fire.

Question 148

In those instances where elevated master streams are required, streams should be ___ or ___, into the involved space.

pg 55

Answer 148

directed through or at the top-floor level

Avoid flowing streams down onto the roof, as roofs are meant to shed water. This method will not only fail to extinguish the fire, but may collapse the roof. Also, personnel in the affected area must be relocated to a safe area within the structure prior to initiating a master stream operation.

Question 149

If a large volume of fire is encountered, it may be appropriate for the first arriving officer to ___________ immediately after life safety concerns are addressed.

pg 55

Answer 149

address the most severely threatened exposures

Question 150

Before any water is allowed to flow from a master stream, all personnel operating in the involved area must be ___ in a safe area.

pg 55

Answer 150

relocated and accounted for

Question 151

The three basic ventilation tactics used in mid-rise buildings include:

pg 56

Answer 151

horizontal, vertical, and mechanical

• Ventilation is most often accomplished horizontally via windows and balcony doors.
• Observation of smoke conditions from the attic or cockloft may indicate that early vertical ventilation will be necessary

Question 152

The ___ and the ___ are the highest priority areas for search

pg 57

Answer 152

fire unit and the unit above

• Primary search of these areas takes priority over all other tasks. Other tasks may be done simultaneously as staffing allows.
• The first-arriving truck or rescue squad will report to the fire unit to conduct a primary search.

Question 153

Initial ___ is based on the location of the fire, location of occupants in immediate danger, and the need to facilitate emergency egress for interior crews.

pg 58

Answer 153

ladder placement

Question 154

Ladders for rescue and egress should be placed at:

1. In
2. Order
3. Of
4. Importance

pg 58

Answer 154

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

Question 155

Except for immediate rescue, there are two instances when bedroom windows should not be laddered first:

pg 59

Answer 155

1. When fire is showing from the window, and
2. If the ladder would be exposed to flame impingement from below.

In these cases, the balconies or living room windows will be used for laddering.

Any ladder that is raised to a window MUST be positioned so that the tip of the ladder is NOT extended into the window opening, but is located at or just below the sill.

Question 156

Laddering ___ shall be done to the front and rear of all floors at and above the level of fire involvement. Priority shall be given to the side of the building in which the fire is located.

pg 59

Answer 156

bedroom windows

Bedrooms with windows on the front and one side, or the rear and one side, will still require ladder placement to the front and rear

Question 157

The ___ may be used to ladder windows and/or balconies that are out of reach of ground ladders. This may take priority over laddering the roof.

pg 59

Answer 157

aerial device

Question 158

The minimum initial alarm assignment for a mid-rise building fire consists of:

pg 60

Answer 158

• 4 engines
• 2 trucks
• 1 rescue squad
• 1 EMS unit
• 2 Battalion Chiefs
• 1 Command Aide
• 1 EMS Supervisor

Unless otherwise directed by the Incident Commander, companies shall position and report as follows.

Question 159

The ___ shall:

• Position in proximity to the building so as to not block access by other apparatus.
• Determine method of water supply.
• View as much of the structure as possible. Take note of fire/ smoke location, number of floors and persons in distress.
• Bring rapid entry keys (i.e., Knox) and retrieve building keys in fire control room or other designated location.
• Check the status of elevators and HVAC systems, if present.
• Check the annunciator panel (if present) before proceeding to the reported fire floor/area to verify location and extent of the fire.
• Proceed to the fire floor and commence firefighting operations.

pg 60

Answer 159

first due engine

If the first due engine decides to use the building’s standpipe and fire protection system for fire attack, the engine should be parked out of the way and abandoned; the entire crew proceeds in together. The officer must announce that all units will take their respective highrise assignments.

Question 160

The ___ shall:

• Establish water supply – driver/operator must remain with the apparatus.
• Remaining crew reports to the fire floor to assist the first engine in placing the first hoseline in service.
• Prepare to deploy a second hoseline, depending on fire conditions, only after ensuring that the initial line is in place and making progress.

pg 61

Answer 160

second due engine

Upon arrival, the driver shall establish water supply and stretch three inch or larger lines into the FDC. All connections, except test connections, at the FDC in use shall be supplied

Question 161

The ___ shall:

• Position on the opposite side of the building from the first due engine. If the rear is not accessible, position apparatus at the end of the structure closest to the involved unit to allow for hoseline deployment to Side Charlie. Do not block access of incoming units.
• The officer shall report conditions from the side opposite the first engine.
• Obtain a secondary water supply. Advise Command if an additional engine will be required to complete the water supply.
• Supply the rear FDC, if present.
• Advance a hoseline to the floor above the fire, or as directed.
• For top-floor fires, personnel should be prepared for an aggressive attack on fire that has extended into the attic or cockloft.

pg 62

Answer 161

third due engine

Question 162

The ___ shall:

• Complete a secondary water supply, if necessary.
• If the vehicle is not needed for water supply, position out of the way.
• Assume the role of RIT.

pg 63

Answer 162

fourth due engine

Question 163

The ___ shall:

• Determine and communicate the location of the fire. If the location of the fire is not readily apparent on that floor, the truck or rescue crew should advance to determine the location, while the engine prepares the line to be stretched. At this point, the engine crew is the rescue team for the truck, if needed.
• Forcible entry on the fire unit, when the charged hoseline is in place.
• Initiating primary search in the fire unit.
• Coordinating the evacuation of the fleeing occupants.
• Removing obstructions hindering fire attack and hoseline deployment.

pg 64

Answer 163

first due truck or rescue

The truck or rescue squad shall open the ceiling on the fire floor to expose the plenum area, if one is present, to check for fire before the engine begins their attack. Crews should not advance under fire in this area. It must be knocked down as the attack commences.

Question 164

The ___ shall:

• View as much of the structure as possible. Take note of fire/smoke location, number of floors, conditions evident, and persons in distress.
• Position opposite the first truck. If inaccessable, position on side alpha in front of the uncovered portion of the structure.
• Assess the need for elevated master streams.
• Take note of wind direction and strength.
• Bring rapid entry keys (i.e., Knox).
• If not yet identified, the officer should ensure that a stairway has been identified as the evacuation stairway and that it is clear of smoke.
• Communicate any previously unreported conditions.
• Proceed to the floor above the fire

pg 65

Answer 164

second due truck

Question 165

The ___ shall:

• Deployment of a tagline from the attack stairway.
• Forcible entry on the adjacent units for primary search and possible alternative fire attack options.
• Coordinating the evacuation of occupants.
• Assessment of fire extension into the adjacent units.
• Horizontal ventilation.
• Depending on the number and type of hoselines deployed, personnel may assist in the movement and operation of hoselines.

pg 65

Answer 165

first due rescue

Question 166

EMS Units and Command Officers do the same in a mid-rise as in a high rise.

Answer 166

If an EMS supervisor has responded and will not function as the command aide, he or she shall report to the Command Post in full protective clothing and SCBA as well.