Residential and Commercial Townhouses and Rowhouse Manual June 2013

Question 1

a ___ will allow the officer to determine the location of the fire within the building as well as life hazards, conditions in the rear, and eventually the attached exposures.

pg 1

Answer 1

size-up/360 lap

Question 2

The term ___ is a generic term used to describe various styles of attached dwellings.

pg 2

Answer 2

townhouse

These can range from old row houses, to modern townhouses, duplexes, quads, piggybacks, over-unders, back-to-backs, and hybrid variations,

Each occupancy has a separate address and its own entrance

Question 3

___ range from two to four or more floors in height and may be different in height from front to rear (i.e., two floors on the front and three floors on the rear or vice versa) and may or may not have a garage, which can store one or two vehicles.

pg 2

Answer 3

Townhouses

A garage can be on the lowest level in the front or it can be detached in the rear off of a common alley.

Question 4

___ and ___ are similar to each other in both construction type and firefighting tactics but vary in occupancy type.

pg 2

Answer 4

Commercial and residential townhomes

Question 5

A ___ is a multi-story dwelling normally attached to several other units. Typically, adjacent occupancies have rated floor and wall assembly separation and most often will have an attic with a pitched roof.

pg 2

Answer 5

townhouse

Question 6

A ___ is a townhouse consisting of two or more occupancies under one roof connected by the Side Charlie wall.

pg 3

Answer 6

back-to-back

Question 7

A ___ consists of two stacked dwellings (one over the other), each with a separate address and entrance. These occupancies share a common floor separated by a fire wall on that floor.

pg 4

Answer 7

piggyback townhouse

Question 8

A ___ is a townhouse consisting of two stacked dwellings (one over the other). These are usually two-level occupancies over one-level occupancies with entrances on opposite sides, but other floor plan variations may exist.

pg 5

Answer 8

over-under

Question 9

A ___ is a multi-story dwelling attached to at least two other dwellings. These dwellings may or may not be separated by fire walls.

pg 6

Answer 9

rowhouse

Typically a rowhouse will have a common cockloft under a flat roof.

Question 10

A ___ is two dwellings under one roof sharing a common wall.

pg 7

Answer 10

duplex

Question 11

A ___ is four dwellings connected together, under one roof, with separate addresses and may have entrances on four different sides.

pg 8

Answer 11

quad

Question 12

A ___ is a building construction style that can be inclusive of various types of townhouse styles (piggyback, back-to-back, and over-under) under one roof.

pg 9

Answer 12

hybrid

Question 13

Townhouse construction is typically lightweight frame using the ___ method. Many very old townhouses may have balloon-frame construction.

pg 10

Answer 13

platform frame

Question 14

___ fire extension in the walls is limited due to the platform frame and fire stopping.

pg 10

Answer 14

Vertical

Question 15

___ construction is usually found in duplexes and rowhouses.

pg 10

Answer 15

Ordinary

Question 16

The roof frames are of two basic types:

pg 10

Answer 16

Lightweight – Triangular trusses that rest on the top floor load-bearing and non-load- bearing walls, or parallel chord trusses or plywood I-beams forming the peak from the front and rear load-bearing walls to a ridge pole

Wood Frame – Sawn wood rafters forming the peak from the front and rear load-bearing walls to a ridgepole.

Question 17

On flat roof townhouses, may be a gypsum roof board that is integrated with fiberglass. These types of boards are often referred to as ___ or ___ boards.

pg 11

Answer 17

Securock or DensDeck

Question 18

Many townhouses constructed during the ___ have fire retardant (FR) plywood sheathing roof deck. Much of this FR plywood was later determined to be defective due to early decomposition.

pg 11

Answer 18

1980s

Question 19

Roof styles can include flat or mansard but typically they are ___ and occasionally ___.

pg 11

Answer 19

pitched & gabled

Question 20

Attics, if present, are usually unfinished and may be used for storage by occupants. Access to this space may be through a scuttle or pull-down stairs located somewhere in the ___, ___ or a ___.

pg 11

Answer 20

top floor ceiling, inside a bathroom or a closet.

Question 21

Because of interior compartmentalization, crews may work on upper floors in the presence of lightweight truss construction. Working from a ___ or ___ provides greater safety than working from large open areas.

pg 11

Answer 21

hallway or bathroom

Question 22

Knee walls will be found in units with lofts and dormers and will contain voids or may serve as a storage area. Knee walls may contain ___, and must be opened early to check for fire extension.

pg 11

Answer 22

hidden fire

Question 23

___ may be covered with brick veneer, wood, aluminum, or vinyl siding over a thin layer of insulating sheathing.

pg 12

Answer 23

Exterior walls

Question 24

___ are either masonry block or a poured reinforced concrete monolithic (cast-in- place) wall.

pg 12

Answer 24

Foundation walls

Question 25

___ can be rolled fiberglass, blown-in rock wool, or blown-in cellulose and will be found in attics, exterior walls and, in some structures, the interior walls.

pg 12

Answer 25

Insulation

Question 26

Depending on when the townhouse was constructed, ___ will be:

• Non-existent.
• Located between each address.
• Located between every other address.
• Between occupied livings spaces and does not extend into the attics or basements.

pg 12

Answer 26

firewalls

Question 27

___ may be offset at each address to accomplish separating the attic spaces.

pg 13

Answer 27

Rooflines

Question 28

The most common style of window used in townhouses today is a ___ or ___ type. The glazing may be of single, double, or triple thickness.

pg 13

Answer 28

double-hung, sliding sash

Question 29

Interior doors are commonly hollow-core wood doors. ___ opening doors are typically found leading to bedrooms and bathrooms. ___ opening doors usually lead to basement stairs or closets.

pg 13

Answer 29

Inward & Outward

Question 30

In residential townhouses the stairway is ____ .

pg 14

Answer 30

open

Storage under basement stairs is common. These stairs can be unfinished on the underside. A fire originating in this storage area can quickly lead to the collapse of the stairs.

Question 31

In commercial townhouses the stairwell will be ___.

pg 13

Answer 31

enclosed

A door may or may not be found at the top of the basement stairs. If present, this will slow the spread of fire and its products to upper floors.

Question 32

Townhouses can be found with fire protection features that could include ___, ____ and ___.

pg 13

Answer 32

• sprinkler systems
• fire department connections
• alarm systems

Question 33

Fire spread to attached occupancies is likely where occupancies use a ___ (duplexes, quads, piggybacks).

pg 14

Answer 33

common chimney

Question 34

The interior walls of the garage that are attached to the living space of the townhouse must be ___ including the door, doorframe, and hardware.

pg 14

Answer 34

(fire) rated

The overhead entrance door to the garage and its mounting hardware will not be fire-rated. These types of doors are known to collapse when left open and exposed to fire.

Question 35

Life safety is our number one priority. Regardless of the time of day, townhouses may have a ___.

pg 15

Answer 35

significant life hazard

Life hazard includes those in attached exposures.

Question 36

Fire flow estimates will be based on a flow rate of ___ square feet of involved area. Therefore, attack lines should be 1 3⁄4 inches in size.

pg 15

Answer 36

10 gpm per 100

Question 37

Vinyl and asphalt siding may contribute to ___ and ___ fire spread and can create a severe exposure problem.

pg 15

Answer 37

vertical and horizontal

Question 38

The presence of interior void spaces may add to fire spread. This is especially crucial in ___ construction.

pg 15

Answer 38

balloon-frame

Question 39

Fire can spread ___ to adjoining townhouses, even though a firewall is present, by passing through penetrations made in the firewall or by spreading over the firewall.

pg 15

Answer 39

horizontally

Question 40

Collapse of the roof members (trusses) onto the top floor can occur in an attic fire or second floor fire, where fire has extended to the attic. Much of the collapsed roof assembly may be supported by the top floor, non-bearing walls which will create voids in the top floor. This can provide firefighters operating on the second floor with ___ and continue firefighting and not require an evacuation of the area.

pg 16

Answer 40

an area of safe haven

Question 41

In ___, the installation of suspended ceilings creates a void space that can spread fire over the heads of attack crews. If this advancing fire condition is not observed the fire can travel past the advancing crew or cause the collapse of the suspended ceiling cutting off their exit.

pg 16

Answer 41

commercial occupancies

Question 42

A masonry veneer wall can fall outward the distance of ___.

pg 16

Answer 42

the height of the wall.

Question 43

When it has been confirmed the occupants of the structure are accounted for, the strategic goal should then focus on ___ and ___.

pg 17

Answer 43

firefighter safety and fire extinguishment

Question 44

The rescue problem should be addressed through an interior primary search for victims focusing on the area(s) ___, ___, and ___.

pg 17

Answer 44

near the fire, the bedrooms and means of egress

Question 45

The need for roof openings typically will only be required when the fire has ___ or has ___. Wood frame construction provides the needed support to accomplish rooftop ventilation.

pg 17

Answer 45

entered the attic area or has gained access to vertical void spaces

Question 46

Adequate size-up is a must to determine the fire’s size, extent, and location before deciding on a course of action. When it is impractical for the first officer to personally view all sides, the officer should _____.

pg 17

Answer 46

assign this task to another first alarm unit

Question 47

As a general rule, certain situations should cue the officer-in-command to request a ___ such as:

• Known rescues
• Fire in two separate occupancies
• Fire on more than one level of the townhouse
• Fire in attic space

pg 17

Answer 47

second alarm

Question 48

The minimum resources assigned to incidents of reported fires in these types of structures (Townhomes) are:

pg 18

Answer 48

• 4 Engine Companies
• 2 Truck Companies
• 1 Rescue Squad
• 1 EMS Unit
• 2 Battalion Chiefs
• 1 EMS Supervisor
• 1 Command Aide

Question 49

The assigned resources for fires in townhouses in areas without hydrants should be modified to include a Tanker Task Force early into the incident. What units make up a TTF:

pg 18

Answer 49

• 3 Tankers
• 1 Engine Company
• 1 Battalion Chief

Question 50

After viewing as many sides as possible, the ___ should:

• Park in a position to allow for rapid advancement of hoselines into the structure
• Pulls at least two addresses past the involved unit or stops at least two addresses short of the involved unit.
• Communicate via radio: on-scene report, layout, size-up, 360 ̊ lap, and situation report.
• Deployment initial attack line & search as the line is advanced.

pg 19

Answer 50

First engine

Question 51

The ___ should:

• ensure a water supply
• ensure first line is operational
• deploy the second line

pg 19

Answer 51

Second engine

Question 52

The ___ shall:

• The engine should take a position to prepare for providing a secondary water supply and
• Visual inspection of side Charlie and report findings to command
• Check for fire extension
• Possible exposure line.
• If rear access is not available, the third-arriving engine should position at the end of the row closest to the involved unit to ensure hoselines can be placed to the rear.
• Allow space for the second-arriving truck if needed.

pg 19

Answer 52

Third engine

Question 53

The ___ shall

• Position out of the way, so as to not block access for incoming trucks
• If needed, the driver may be assigned to supply water to the third engine.
• Assume the position of RIT.

pg 19

Answer 53

Fourth engine

Question 54

The ___ should

• Position at the most strategic location that will allow for rapid placement of ladders and entry into the structure.
• Use of the aerial should also be anticipated, and the turntable positioned either directly in front of the involved unit or upwind from the involved area.
• Force entry
• Primary search
• Coordinated ventilation.

pg 19

Answer 54

First truck

Question 55

The ___ should

• position in the rear or in a position to cover the rear.
• When there is no access to the rear, position on Side Alpha in front of the uncovered exposure.
• Ground ladders and truck operations in the rear will remain a priority.

pg 19

Answer 55

Second truck

Question 56

The ___ should

• Position that affords rapid access to the structure, but does not block other companies.
• Primary responsibility is search and rescue, however if that task is being accomplished by another unit they may be needed for
• Forcing entry
• Coordinated ventilation
• Ground laddering

pg 19

Answer 56

Rescue squad

Question 57

The primary role for responding ___ during firefighting operations is a routinely a support role.

• The crew should assemble their EMS equipment onto a stretcher and proceed to an area that provides rapid access to potential civilian or uniformed members needing treatment
• The crews should also canvas the crowd for injured victims
• During townhouse fires, position down the street or on an adjacent street with a clear egress path should transport become necessary.
• A dedicated EMS unit should be considered for the treatment of responders early in the incident.
• Utilized to make a coordinated exterior fire attack while initial crews are preparing for coordinated interior operations

pg 20

Answer 57

Emergency Medical Service (EMS)

Question 58

If the street is wide enough, the officer shall ensure the line is laid on one side of the street to maintain ___.

pg 21

Answer 58

apparatus access

Often, however, the line must be laid in the center of a narrow street, as is often found in townhouse complexes, so the truck company can straddle it while moving into position.

Question 59

When the hydrant is in front of the fire unit, using LDH (or two 3-inch supply lines) to connect directly to the hydrant allows the first due engine to position either ___ or ___.

pg 21

Answer 59

two addresses past or two addresses short of the involved unit

Question 60

The first-arriving engine officer shall conduct a thorough 360 ̊ lap of the structure prior to implementing interior firefighting tactics. For middle units, consider entering the ___ or ___ to view Side Charlie.

pg 22

Answer 60

Side Bravo or Side Delta exposures

Question 61

If the back-up line is not needed to support the attack line, it may be used as ___. Command must be informed.

pg 24

Answer 61

the line above the fire

Question 62

An additional consideration for the second line is to protect the crew searching above. The best way to ensure the safety of the search crew is by _____. From here, the hose crew can observe fire conditions and prevent fire from spreading up those stairs.

pg 24

Answer 62

placing this line at the base of the stairs on the fire floor

Question 63

Officers should consider an additional hoseline for operations above the fire. There are two purposes of the line above the fire. The first is _____ and the second is _____.

pg 25

Answer 63

1. to protect the company doing the primary search of the floor above
2. to extinguish vertical extension.

Question 64

It is entirely possible for one firefighter to stretch a 1 3⁄4-inch hoseline and position it at ___ to protect the soffits on two sides of a building

pg 25

Answer 64

a corner

Put master stream devices at corners of the building and not directly at the building, utilizing a sweeping motion when flowing water.

Question 65

Attic fires can be rapidly knocked down from the exterior upon arrival using the ___.

pg 25

Answer 65

soffit attack

To employ this method, the engine company will match their stream with the angle/pitch of the roof and flow under the gutter and through the soffit.

A 2 1⁄2-inch smoothbore provides an effective reach and penetration from the exterior of the structure.

Question 66

In the event of a deck fire, the priority should be to ___ of the structure to extinguish the deck, the soffit, and eaves.

pg 26

Answer 66

get a hoseline on the deck side

If it is found that the deck is still structurally sound, the first engine may access the fire building through Side Charlie with the handline to check for extinguishment and fire extension investigation. It is okay to go from the burned portion of the structure to the unburned portion in this situation.

Question 67

Many ___ and ___ have been the result of fires originating on the exterior of the dwelling involving the vinyl siding, the combustible sheathing, and/or environmental factors, such as high winds.

pg 26

Answer 67

line-of-duty deaths and close calls

Question 68

Mandatory actions for ___ extending into the dwelling:

• The first hoseline is deployed to the fire location on the exterior of the structure to perform a quick knockdown of the fire in a sweeping fashion.
• Once the first hoseline is in place and operating effectively, the second line should be deployed to the interior of the dwelling. The crew must inspect the ceiling area and the floor condition at the point of entry. The use of a thermal imaging camera is highly recommended
• Once fire is knocked down on the exterior of the dwelling, the hoseline may be re- deployed to the interior to assist the interior line or progress to upper floors to attack any fire.
• The coordination of tactics and operations between the first engine and the special service units or additional engine companies must be completed before the special service units can enter the building

pg 28

Answer 68

exterior fires

Question 69

The preferred point of attack for the initial handline is an ___ that leads directly into the basement

pg 28

Answer 69

exterior access point

This stream should be a straight or solid stream to avoid forcing heat, products of combustion, and steam up into the first floor.

Question 70

A line must be stretched to ___ to contain the fire and protect any occupants and searching firefighters. This line can cover the first floor and protect the interior stairs.

pg 28

Answer 70

the front door

Question 71

Crews should not operate above the basement without the protection of this handline unless there is a ___.

pg 28

Answer 71

confirmed life hazard

Question 72

The door to the basement should be closed, if feasible. If the basement door cannot be closed, is non-existent, or burned through, use a ___ aimed at the ceiling over the stairway to contain the fire. The main objective of this line is to stop vertical fire extension.

pg 29

Answer 72

narrow fog pattern

Question 73

When ___ are encountered and an exterior entrance is not present, the fire should be knocked down from outside the basement. This can be accomplished by:

• Applying a fire stream into the basement through a window opening,
• Removing the band board on the exterior
• Extend a window cut down an additional foot or two, the same band-board access point will be provided. This also creates another access/egress point which may be used later in the fire.
• Deploying a Bresnan Distributor Nozzle (may also be known as a cellar nozzle) from the exterior into the structure

pg 29

Answer 73

advanced fire conditions

Question 74

The primary purpose of the steam generated through the aforementioned methods is to ___.

pg 29

Answer 74

extinguish the fire

Question 75

If no exterior basement entrance or opening exists, and all other methods have been considered, an attack via the ___ may be the only option.

pg 30

Answer 75

interior basement stairs

Question 76

One of the doors ___ or ___ needs to be completely removed to allow crews unimpeded access to the basement when entering from Side Charlie.

pg 31

Answer 76

exterior or basement

Question 77

Should the fire building be of balloon-frame construction, early attention should be given to checking for vertical extension through the ___ in the exterior walls.

pg 32

Answer 77

stud bays

Early attention should be given to the removal of siding as well as deployment of additional hand lines to upper floors to check for vertical extension.

Question 78

When the initial line is advanced through the overhead door (Garage fire), the status of the door leading to the living area must be known. This door must be ___ and ___ to prevent the spread of fire and/or smoke to the interior of the house

pg 32

Answer 78

closed and protected

A hoseline must also be advanced through the house to the interior garage door to prevent extension.

Breaching the overhead door in the center about three quarters of the way up from the bottom, can, at times, provide access to the overhead door manual release

Question 79

To assist in containing (an attic) fire and slow the lateral spread, early ___ should be considered.

pg 33

Answer 79

roof ventilation

Question 80

Several methods have proven successful when it comes to ___.

• Gaining access and placing a hose line at the level of the fire into the attic (This option is usually the most effective)
  
  • An attic ladder needs to get to the top floor early when the officer has suspicion that fire has entered the attic space
  • When time is critical, consideration should be given to using available means/options of access to the attic until a ladder is available (use of a kitchen counter, dresser, bed, etc.)
• Hooking the ceiling and directing the stream from below into the attic area. This method is not as efficient as the previous method of placing the hose stream at the level of the fire.
• Placing a wide fog stream into an access hole is an effective method when the fire has not self-vented and the roof does not have a ridge vent. (Mass steam production.)

pg 33

Answer 80

Attic Fires

Question 81

The standard gable roof has been the stage for many spectacular fires In general, if not quickly extinguished, this roof design tends to ___. It represents a relatively low catastrophic collapse hazard

pg 35

Answer 81

burn away

Keep in mind that with platform construction, the roof itself adds structural support to the top floor walls. If the roof has burned away the walls will be inherently weakened.

Question 82

Another hazard associated with the well-involved attic fire is the collapse of ___.

pg 35

Answer 82

the overhang (soffit)

The exterior wall acts as a fulcrum. As the majority of the roof burns away the remaining overhang may collapse downward to the balconies or ground. Firefighters must be aware of the risk when operating on balconies, Towers, ladders or the ground below this collapse hazard area.

Question 83

Most flat roofs don’t have the cubic feet or fire loading of the pitched roofs. Most of the earlier buildings have either 2” x 8” or 2” x 10” wood joists. When fire gets above the ceiling of the top floor, it will usually run in one or more bays (area between joists). This inherently ___ and provides time for crews to ____ and ___.

pg 36

Answer 83

confines the fire and access and extinguish the fire.

Question 84

One attack line on the top floor is usually sufficient to handle a cockloft fire. The exception is when there is a significant void of several feet. Tactics for ___ would apply in those cases.

pg 37

Answer 84

pitched roofs

Question 85

If a new gable-style roof has been placed over a flat roof, firefighters are faced with a multi- layered cockloft and attic fire within the same building. Fires involving the cockloft and newly created attic space simultaneously are very challenging and difficult to extinguish. The application of streams through the ___ and/or ___ or ___ made by firefighters have proven to be effective.

pg 37

Answer 85

gable ends and/or through the cockloft vents or openings

Question 86

Wind-Driven Fire conditions can exist with exterior winds as low as ___.

pg 39

Answer 86

10-20 mph.

If wind-driven fire conditions are present, no horizontal ventilation should be performed until directed by Command.

Question 87

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) demonstrated several alternative tactics that showed positive results when ___. They involve using an exterior attack:

• Using elevated master streams through the fire room window.
• Via portable ladders.
• With a large caliber stream and the wind at the back of the crew.

pg 39

Answer 87

personnel cannot make entry

Question 88

A ___ is a situation where the volume of fire is such that fire spread to adjoining exposures is a major concern.

pg 40

Answer 88

large volume fire

• It may be necessary for the first engine to perform a holding action or a quick knockdown on the townhouse of origin by using a master stream device or 2 1⁄2-inch hoseline.
• The next line shall be stretched into the most severely threatened exposure, most likely, downwind.
• The third engine is still responsible for rear coverage.
• In the situation where a heavy volume of fire is encountered in the townhouse of origin, it may be appropriate for the first arriving officer to address the attached exposures first.

Question 89

In the case of the rear exterior exposure, stretch the line via the shortest route. However, if wind is a factor, consider stretching the line through the ___, ___ or ___. This adds protection for operating personnel with the wind being at their backs.

pg 41

Answer 89

upwind, attached exposure, or around the upwind end of the row

Question 90

There are three general locations for ___ at townhouse fires. These are determined by degree of fire extension and location.

• If it is a contents fire with an aggressive interior attack, place the turntable in front of the involved unit
• If there is an attic fire, place the turntable in front of the upwind exposure.
• For a heavily involved situation that may require the use of elevated streams, the turntable of the first truck should be in front of the most threatened exposure. The second truck should be in front of the next most severely exposed unit

pg 42

Answer 90

turntable placement

Question 91

Should the rescue squad arrive at the same time as the truck, the ___ will generally be assigned the task of entry and primary search, and the truck is responsible for ventilation and laddering.

pg 42

Answer 91

rescue squad

Question 92

Certain size-up factors (untenable conditions, signs of a backdraft, or smoldering stage, etc.) may indicate the need for ___ prior to entry into the structure. When these conditions are observed, the structure shall be vented prior to entering into the structure.

pg 42

Answer 92

ventilation

Question 93

Personnel should remain cognizant that forcible entry is ___ and can have adverse impact on the path and intensity of the fire.

pg 43

Answer 93

ventilation

Question 94

In situations where the front door is not the primary access point, it should still be ___.

pg 43

Answer 94

forced, but left closed.

Question 95

The area ___ to the fire on the fire floor and the area directly ___ the fire, are considered to be the two most dangerous areas.

pg 43

Answer 95

closest & ​above

Question 96

___ and ___ are generally considered to be the most critical areas to search. The objective in a primary search will be to check these areas first.

pg 43

Answer 96

Means of egress and sleeping areas

Question 97

Crews going to the floor above the fire must also begin searching immediately, but with the objective of quickly getting to the area over the fire first, and then ___ from that point.

pg 43

Answer 97

searching outward

Question 98

Venting for ___ will be accomplished through the aggressive removal of windows where appropriate. The areas of reported or suspected occupants should be addressed first.

pg 44

Answer 98

life

Question 99

___ can improve the survivability of victims because it:

• Reduces heat and smoke on the interior.
• Reduces potential for flashover.
• Allows firefighters to search faster and more effectively.
• Allows for locating the fire more rapidly.

pg 44

Answer 99

Coordinated ventilation

Question 100

The roof will not need to be ventilated unless the fire has:

pg 44

Answer 100

1. Entered the attic area
2. Extended into the structure walls
3. Has considerable hold of the top floor

Question 101

Mechanical and positive pressure ventilation (PPV) works well for smoke removal in these types of structures. PPV shall NOT be used in ___ construction.

pg 44

Answer 101

balloon-frame

Question 102

Laddering at a fire in a townhouse should be done to all available sides of all floors above ground level with attention given to the ___ windows.

pg 44

Answer 102

bedroom

• Generally, the roof will not need to be laddered unless the fire has entered the attic area or has considerable hold of the top floor.
• Ladders should also be placed to the roof of exposures for access if there is fire in the attic

Question 103

The top floor should be searched prior to ___.

pg 45

Answer 103

pulling down the ceiling

Question 104

___ means to apply heavy caliber streams to the fire side of the firewall to prevent horizontal spread of fire to the attached exposure.

pg 45

Answer 104

Defending the firewall