MID-RISE BUILDING FIRES December 2013 Flashcards
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
3 to 6 stories & 75 feet
A mid-rise can be a ___ or a ___ occupancy with the presence of elevators.
pg 2
residential and/or commercial
____ construction can allow for more density than garden apartments without the regulations, fire code, and construction requirements of a high-rise
pg 2
Mid-rise building
Mid-rise buildings can include commercial or residential occupancies or a combination of commercial and residential occupancies (often referred to as ___).
pg 2
mixed use
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
exterior
Mid-rise buildings will typically have long ___ with apartments or offices on one or both sides.
pg 2
hallways
Depending on the era of construction, many ___ buildings may have balconies made of combustible or noncombustible materials. These balconies can be ___or ___.
pg 2
mid-rise & extended or recessed
Most of the commercial and older residential buildings will have ___.
pg 2
flat roofs
Newer style roofs often have large cross gables and dormers.
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
lowest floor
Many newer buildings are constructed on a ___ and do not have the traditional basement storage areas and laundry room.
pg 3
concrete slab
Residential mid-rise buildings constructed in the ___ are frequently constructed using ordinary methods of masonry walls with dimensional wood floors and roof.
pg 3
1950s
Modern residential buildings are typically ___ construction.
pg 3
lightweight wood
Commercial buildings are usually ___ construction using ___ and ___.
pg 3
non-combustible & steel and concrete
Mixed use buildings with commercial occupancies and residential occupancies typically have ___ construction.
pg 3
mixed
The residential portion of the building being ordinary or lightweight wood while the commercial areas are non-combustible steel and concrete.
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
garden apartment
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
high-rise
The interior layout of the structure will vary; some buildings have ___ occupancies on the lower levels with ___ occupancies above.
pg 3
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.
Some mid-rise buildings are constructed in a ___ configuration. The building encircles a swimming pool or court yard, often with parking below.
pg 3
“donut”
Some mid-rise buildings have commercial, office, and retail space with no residential occupancies. The floor plans are typically ___ or ___.
pg 4
central hallway or center core
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
assisted living facilities or fire/emergency service station
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
75 feet
___ buildings may have central hallways or center core floor plans with circuit corridors around the core of the building.
pg 7
Commercial mid-rise
___ Construction Occupies the Outer Perimeter of the Structure and Houses the Stairs and Elevators in the Center.
pg 7
Center Core
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
lightweight mid-rises
The ___ surrounding the building may affect the number of stories visible from the addressed side.
pg 8
grading
During ___, Company Officers should Note Nnumber of Floors Accessible from the Front and Rear of the Structure, if Practical.
pg 8
Size-up
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
Large footprint
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
fire partition doors
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
25,000 lbs or 35 pounds
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
lightweight wood
Ordinary Construction (Pre-1960s)
Older mid-rise buildings are typically built of ___, with masonry loadbearing walls and wood floor and roofing components.
pg 12
ordinary construction
Roof/Attic (Ordinary)
Flat roofs are naturally ventilated through ___.
pg 12
cockloft vents
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
multiple void spaces
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
Gable
Roof/Attic (Ordinary)
___ roofs are typically vented at the gable ends, ridge vents, and/or soffit vents.
pg 13
Gable
Roof/Attic (Ordinary)
Attics, if present, are generally unfinished. Sometimes the space is used to hide ___.
pg 13
HVAC appliances
Roof/Attic (Ordinary)
pull-down attic staircases are rated to ___ lbs and should not be used if exposed to heat.
pg 13
250 lbs
Walls (Ordinary)
___ walls are bearing masonry. Many ___ walls have parapets above the flat roofline.
pg 14
Exterior
Walls (Ordinary)
___ walls are normally lathe and plaster.
pg 14
Interior
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
the walls
Firewalls (Ordinary)
Firewalls of this generation are usually ___ (Ordinary Construction (Pre-1960s))
pg 14
masonry
Floors (Ordinary)
The Masonry Firewall that Extends above the Roofline Affords the ___.
pg 14
Greatest Protection.
Floors (Ordinary)
Joists are normally spaced ___ on center.
pg 14
16 inches
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
the Weakest Point.
Basement (Ordinary)
The walls are masonry while the ___ may be concrete, lathe and plaster, or unfinished dimensional lumber.
pg 15
ceiling
The basement level may contain utility rooms, laundry rooms, trash rooms, or other service utilities along with apartments or offices
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
casement or double hung
Windows (Ordinary)
Commercial windows are normally ___.
pg 15
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
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
Casement windows
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
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.
Balcony (Ordinary)
The majority of ___ buildings of ordinary construction do not have balconies.
pg 16
mid-rise
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
wood
Rim locks and chains are common securing methods.
Stairs (Ordinary)
Stairs in a mid-rise typically provide access from the ___ to the ___.
pg 16
basement & top floor levels
HVAC Systems (Ordinary)
In older mid-rise buildings, heat was typically supplied via ___ and ___.
pg 17
hot water boiler and radiator
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
the basement
Chimney (Ordinary)
Lacking central HVAC inherently reduces the ___ in these buildings.
pg 17
amount of void spaces
The chimney in older mid-rise buildings usually originated in the boiler room and are of masonry construction
Fire Protection (Ordinary)
Most residential mid-rise buildings have some type of ___ and smoke detectors.
pg 17
local fire alarm
Fire Protection (Ordinary)
Commercial mid-rise buildings typically have some form of monitored ___ with smoke detectors
pg 17
fire alerting system
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
stairway or hallway
Non-combustible Construction
Many mid-rise buildings, particularly with commercial occupancies, are of ___ construction (steel and concrete)
pg 18
non-combustible
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
metal Q-deck
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
collapse
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
running metal deck roof fire
The subsequent superheated atmosphere within the roof may cause weakening of the metal truss support system leading to collapse
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
spray-on fire resistant coating
This coating may contain asbestos in older buildings
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
Non-combustible
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
Interior
Insulation (Non-combustible)
___ buildings typically have insulation in both the attic and exterior walls.
pg 20
Modern
Insulation (Non-combustible)
Insulation may also be found in ___ adjacent to parking garages, storage rooms, or other non-climate conditioned areas.
pg 20
interior walls
Insulation (Non-combustible)
Insulation may also be used between occupancies as a ___.
pg 20
sound reduction method
Firewalls (Non-combustible)
Firewalls in non-combustible buildings are typically ___.
pg 20
masonry
Newer buildings may use multiple layers of drywall to create a firewall
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
draft-stops
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
steel or concrete
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
drop or membrane
Basements (Non-combustible)
___ construction incorporates brick, cinderblock, or concrete basement walls.
pg 21
Non-combustible
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
Basement
Basements may have a sidewalk stairway or sidewalk freight elevator access.
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
drop ceiling
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
typical double hung or sliding glass
Balcony (Non-combustible)
Balconies in non-combustible mid-rise buildings are usually ___ or ___.
pg 22
concrete or metal
Doors (Non-combustible)
Exterior lobby entry doors of commercial non-combustible mid-rise buildings are usually ___ or ___.
pg 22
metal- framed tempered or safety glass
Older buildings may have plate glass. Side stairway, utility, and service entrance doors are usually metal doors.
Stairs (Non-combustible)
The stairways in most non-combustible mid-rise buildings are ___ or ___.
pg 22
metal or concrete
HVAC (Non-combustible)
___ mid-rise buildings may have HVAC units on the roof, in the basement, or adjacent to the building.
pg 23
Commercial non-combustible
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
Residential
Chimney (Non-combustible)
___ and ___ buildings may have a chimney from the boiler room.
pg 23
Commercial and Residential
They (Commercial buildings) may also have chimneys or exhaust stacks for restaurant cooking
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
local alarm (manual pull station) & full sprinkler
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
1980s
Roof and Attic (Lightweight)
___ may be decorative or indicate that the attic space is utilized as a bedroom, office, or loft
pg 23
Dormers
Roof and Attic (Lightweight)
In buildings of ___ construction, the roof is typically pitched with lightweight trusses, plywood, and shingles
pg 24
lightweight wood frame
Roof and Attic (Lightweight)
Attics interior access is usually achieved through a ___ or ___ located on the ceiling of the top floor
pg 25
scuttle or pull-down staircase
Roof and Attic (Lightweight)
Pull-down attic staircases are rated to ___ lbs. and should not be used if exposed to heat.
pg 25
250
Roof and Attic (Lightweight)
In lightweight wood frame mid-rise buildings with large attics, ___ may be required.
pg 25
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
Roof and Attic (Lightweight)
___ may be found in units with lofts and dormers.
pg 26
Knee walls
Knee walls may contain hidden fire and must be opened to check for fire extension.
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
oriented strand board (OSB)
OSB and insulation found under the vinyl siding may contribute to rapid fire spread on the exterior of the building
Interior Walls (Lightweight)
Most residential ceilings are ___ or ___ while most commercial occupancies use the ___ system.
pg 28
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.
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
Fiberglass insulation
Blown-in insulation, shredded and treated newspaper, or cellulose may smolder and rekindle
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
firewalls
There are two material types of firewalls:
- Masonry (concrete block or reinforced concrete), generally found in older buildings.
- Multiple layers of drywall.
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
Firewalls
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
16 to 24 inches
Due to their low mass, when exposed to fire they are prone to rapid collapse.
Floors (Lightweight)
In ___ construction, floor decking is typically plywood or OSB.
pg 30
lightweight
Floor coverings include carpet, masonry tile, vinyl tile, hardwood, or other finished floor material.
Balconies (Lightweight)
Balconies are of three general types: ___, ___ and ___.
pg 30
cantilevered, recessed, and hinged
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
Cantilevered
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
Recessed
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
hinged
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
2 hour
Commercial occupancies will typically have aluminum-framed tempered glass doors with mortise style locks.
Stairs and Stairways (Lightweight)
___ are usually enclosed with masonry or thick fire rated drywall with concrete or steel steps and risers
pg 32
Stairways
Mid-rises generally have one or more stairways.
Stairs and Stairways (Lightweight)
The ___ is One of the Strongest Portions of the Lightweight Building
pg 32
Stairway
Stairs and Stairways (Lightweight)
___ located over the stairway, provides direct stairway access to the roof
pg 33
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.
HVAC (Lightweight)
The ___ may be large central units found on the roof or in the basement.
pg 34
HVAC
In some buildings, each apartment may have an individual HVAC unit in a closet, commonly found on the balcony.
Chimney (Lightweight)
Zero- clearance fire places are very common in ___ construction.
pg 34
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.
Garages (Lightweight)
___ may be above or below ground, attached to the building, or in the middle of the building (donut-style)
pg 35
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
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
local pull station
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
NFPA 13R
They are constructed using (usually orange) PVC plastic pipes.
Elevators (Lightweight)
___ in mid-rise buildings are normally hydraulic, but electric traction types may also be found
pg 36
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.
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
single meter & separate meter
___ are often found in a normal egress pathway (e.g., near windows, doorways, elevator lobbies, hallways).
pg 38
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
___ buildings are considered to have a low fire loading.
pg 39
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.
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
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.
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
exterior fire
___ 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
Vertical
Buildings of ordinary and wood frame construction tend to ___ better than lightweight wood frame buildings.
pg 39
resist collapse
Firefighters should expect modern lightweight non- combustible concrete structures to collapse unlike older concrete buildings that can withstand longer burn times
___ construction is subject to early failure and 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.
pg 40
Lightweight wood frame
___ are also being installed on the roof areas over the common stairways.
pg 40
A/C units
Storage rooms may be present anywhere in the building. They may contain ___ or ___ materials and may be inaccessible from the exterior.
pg 42
flammable or hazardous
During renovations, ___ and ___ may have been added and some of the building’s original structural components may have been altered or removed
pg 42
void spaces and utility shafts
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
high-rise
If the decision is made to use high-rise assignments, the officer should request an additional engine company.
The purpose of ___ is to gain access to perform primary search, advance attack lines, and check for fire extension.
pg 45
forcible entry
Hydraulic forcible entry tools are effective on ___ opening metal doors in metal frames.
pg 45
inward
___ forcible entry tools are preferred for any door set in a wood frame.
pg 45
Conventional
cypher locks and automatic/magnetic locks may be present based upon the type of occupancy, such as a ___.
pg 45
government facility
___ 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
Fire location
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
stretch pre-connected lines from the engine
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
initial
In residential mid-rise buildings, all floors above the ___ normally have an identical layout and floor plan.
pg 48
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.
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
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.
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
initial attack line
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
extinguish any vertical extension
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
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.
___ streams are more efficient in exterior exposure protection.
pg 49
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.
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
foam lines and dry chemical extinguishers
In buildings without exterior basement access, attack line deployment may require an advance down the ___ into the involved area
pg 50
interior stairway/hallway
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
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.
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
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.
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
second hoseline
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
portable ladder or the garage stairway
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
- Removing power
- Chocking open with locking pliers
- Bending the track (preferred)
- Pulling the manual release to disengage the motor
Fires that originate in the attic are typically caused by ___ or ___.
pg 54
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.
During attic-only fires, primary search and aggressive salvage operations should be considered prior to ___.
pg 55
pulling the ceiling
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.
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straight stream or narrow fog pattern
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.
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quick sweep
Steam conversion drawn into the attic area can help slow fire advancement before an attack on the seat of the fire.
In those instances where elevated master streams are required, streams should be ___ or ___, into the involved space.
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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.
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.
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address the most severely threatened exposures
Before any water is allowed to flow from a master stream, all personnel operating in the involved area must be ___ in a safe area.
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relocated and accounted for
The three basic ventilation tactics used in mid-rise buildings include:
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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
The ___ and the ___ are the highest priority areas for search
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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.
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.
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ladder placement
Ladders for rescue and egress should be placed at:
- In
- Order
- Of
- Importance
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- The fire unit.
- The unit above the fire unit.
- Adjacent to the fire unit.
- Any other unit where smoke is evident.
Except for immediate rescue, there are two instances when bedroom windows should not be laddered first:
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- When fire is showing from the window, and
- 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.
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.
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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
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.
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aerial device
The minimum initial alarm assignment for a mid-rise building fire consists of:
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- 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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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
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.
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third due engine
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.
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fourth due engine
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.
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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.
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
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second due truck
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.
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first due rescue
EMS Units and Command Officers do the same in a mid-rise as in a high rise.
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.
