Tac Manual Flashcards
What are the 4 stages of fire development?
Incipient stage
Growth Stage
Full Developed Stage
Decay Stage
Describe Flashover
a rapid transition between Growth and Fully Developed stage of a fire.
Flashover is not a stage of the fire.
Temperature driven event
Define the Incipient Stage
The stage immediately after ignition.
Incipient stage identifiable factors include:
Fire has not affected anything beyond immediate vicinity Smoke has not reduced visibility Civ can still breath Civ can escape without difficulty Heat from fire is relatively low Smoke alarms may sound during this stage
Factors effecting extinguishment in Incipient stage
Proximity of other flammable fuels
Fire’s access to oxygen
Whether civ can extinguish the fire
According to the author, what is established burning?
when a fire is generating enough heat to cause a positive heat to initiate combustion among surrounding fuel sources. Fire spreads from origin to fuels in its path.
Identifying factors for Growth Stage
Plume or layer of smoke visible above fire.
Room temp has increased
Windows start to turn brown and may crack
Condensation no longer visible on windows
Shortest stage of fire
Often ends in Flashover
Define the Fully Developed stage
When a fire reaches its hottest point and is engulfing all available fuel sources.
What is the most dangerous stage of a fire?
The Fully Developed stage due to intense heat.
In the Fully Developed Stage, fire is fought from…
a distance.
Define the Decay stage
When fire runs out of oxygen or fuel.
Which stage is the longest stage of a fire.
The decay stage
Define the Heat Release Rate (HRR)
The rate at which heat is produced by a fire.
How quickly specific objects will generate heat to surrounding fuel.
How is Heat Release Rate measured
measured in Kilowatts or Megawatts
What examples of Heat Release Rate are given by this author?
Christmas Tree 650kW
Mattress and box spring 660kW
Upholstered Chair 2,100kW
Upholstered sofa 3,120kW
How is Heat Flux defined
The amount of heat transferred per unit of area. Typically measured in kW per meter squared
What has caused the reduction in time to flashover?
Increased use of synthetic materials
Define FlowPath
movement of heat and smoke from higher air pressure to lower air pressure locations.
Every opening is a potential flow path
How is flow path commonly used in the fire service?
to describe smoke movement and the travel of combustion gases
What is the first step a firefighter can take to reduce the threat of being injured or killed in a flow path?
Understand the concept of controlling flow paths
What can be done to impact the movement of smoke and gases? (control flow path)
close doors and windows to impact flow path.
How can door control be achieved?
Leave one man at the door to help advance hose and control the door as much as possible.
What best describes a ventilation limited fire?
A fire whos growth is limited by the amount of available air.
Not enough air to sustain combustion.
A ventilation limited fire can be dangerous because it is similar to…?
It is visually similar to a fire in early growth stage.
Introduction of oxygen at this stage can cause a rapid transition back to fully developed
How is combustion described in this book?
chemical reaction that depends on fuel, heat, and oxygen.
When does a fire become fuel controlled?
When a fire has insufficient combustible material and the HRR is not high enough to ignite nearby fuels.
What are identified as the 4 basic qualities of smoke?
Volume, Velocity, Density, and Color
What quality of smoke is the number one warning sign of impending flashover?
Velocity/Flow Speed
Laminar smoke indicates
The structure is absorbing heat
Laminar smoke is pushed by
volume, not heat
Using velocity, what method is described to determine fire location?
Look for the fastest smoke coming from the most restrictive opening.
What does density of smoke indicate?
the color of smoke, the quality of burning, and the severity of the event
Using smoke density, what can indicate a vent-limited fire?
Air sucking into thick smoke indicates vent limited.
likely to grow explosively.
What does the color of smoke indicate?
the stage of heating and helps find the fire
White smoke indicates
comes from clean white moisture from the early state of heating of any material. Should be slow and laminar
Dirty White smoke indicates
early pyrolysis of plastic (slow smoke) or a hot fire far away (fast smoke that has been filtered)
Tan/brown smoke indicates
unfinished wood that is pyrolyzing just prior to ignition.
can be a collapse warning sign in lightweight construction.
Black smoke indicates
materials heated to the fullest extent
Flat Black smoke indicates
mostly carbon infused smoke from serious heating
Glossy black smoke indicates
mostly hydrocarbon infused smoke from plastics and other petroleum based products
What are the three steps to smoke assessment?
Compare Volume, Velocity, Density, Color
Consider the building and weather influences
Gauge the rate of change
When comparing velocity, volume, density, color, what can turbulent smoke indicate
turbulent smoke that fills a box can mean imminent flashover
What can the same color, density, and velocity of smoke from multiple openings indicate?
a deep seated fire in walls, floors, or basement
When considering building influences while reading smoke, what can light smoke indicate?
a serious fire in a medium, large, or mega structure
What one phenomena is described to turn black smoke to white smoke
Subfreezing temperatures
What can thinning smoke density and a lightening of color indicate
Fire knocked Down
What happens as smoke density increases and color darkens?
chance of smoke ignition increases
At what temperatures does flashover normally occur?
Between 900 and 1,100 degrees F
What are some signs of flashover
High heat conditions and/or flaming combustion overhead
Dense black smoke
Smoke that pushes out of doorways or windows
Presence of finger of flame at ceiling
Lack of water droplets falling back to floor from attack line.
Flashover can occur in as little as how many seconds?
As little as 10 seconds
Describe Backdraft
A smoke explosion that can occur when a fire has consumed all available oxygen in a room and more oxygen is rapidly introduced.
An air driven event
What are some signs of backdraft?
Lack of visible flames Pulsing smoke plumes from openings Auto-ignition of hot gases at openings Yellow or brown smoke Windows look stained (black or brown)
Causes of backdraft include
rapid re-introduction of oxygen to an oxygen depleted environment
A carcinogen can be defined as
a substance(s) that is capable of causing cancer in living tissues.
How can carcinogens enter the body?
The can be inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through skin.
What phenomena can cause an increase in carcinogen absorption?
Increased skin temperature
What areas on the body have the highest absorption?
neck, groin, forehead, and back
How long after a fire is extinguished can carcinogens remain at high levels
Can remain at high levels 45 minutes after extinguishment.
What is the vapor density of Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Vapor density of .96
CO will hover, not sink or rise
At what level should CO detectors be mounted?
At mid level (3-5 feet)
In the zone where people are breathing
How does CO affect the body?
chemical asphyxiant that binds with hemoglobin at a rate 200 times greater than oxygen.
What are some signs of CO poisoning?
Disorientation
Weakness
Fainting
What is Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN)?
A toxic, flammable, chemical asphyxiant produced during incomplete combustion involving both nitrogen and carbon.
Examples of products that can produce HCN during fires are
wool, cotton, resins, upholstered furniture, nylon, polyester
How many more times toxic is HCN than CO
HCN is 35 times more toxic than CO
How does HCN enter the body
Can be inhaled, ingested, or absorbed into the body.
Signs of HCN in low concentrations
eye irritation, nausea, headaches, and confusion
What structures can present an increased risk to fire personnel? (Extremely Dangerous Structure)
Enclosed with limited entry/egress
Large-area structure w significant square footage
Below grade fire
Structure with burglar bars
Any other structure that prevents rapid retreat and increases chance of disorientation.
Personnel should not proceed more than how many feet into an Extremely Dangerous Structure
No more than 100 feet.
Extra consideration should be given any further than this distance.
What features are important to identify in wind driven fires?
High pressure side and Low pressure side
Upwind side and downwind side
What wind speeds should be indicators of possible wind driven fire
Wind speeds in of 20 mph or more and/or gusts of 30 mph or more
What is the lowest wind speed given for possible wind driven fire?
As low as 6 mph
Where should you not approach a building in wind driven fire situation.
Do not approach from low pressure side.
Do not position in the flow path
What is the difference between a potentially wind driven fire and a wind driven fire
High wind and Fire in a structure that has all openings closed can be a potentially wind driven fire.
If an opening is made, it becomes a wind driven fire
What is one of the most important characteristics of walls
Whether they are load bearing or not.
Describe non load bearing walls
Walls not built to support structural elements or contents. Can be decorative or functional to divide spaces.
What are the three types of fire walls mentioned in this publication?
Fire Walls
Fire Barriers
Fire Partition
Describe a Fire Wall
non combustible masonry walls that extend continuously from the base of a building and terminate above the roof.
Designed as freestanding
Describe a Fire Barrier
interior walls of gypsum board or drywall on wood or metal studs that extend from the floor to floor or floor to roof, including concealed spaces.
Subdivide portions of a building, Not structurally self sufficient
Describe a Fire Partition
interior walls of gypsum board or drywall on wood or metal studs designed to further compartmentalize a structure.
Not required to extend through concealed spaces
What tactical concerns should be considered for fire walls
Adjacent rooms on all sides of walls should be checked for extension
Fire can travel through concealed spaces and man made penetrations in walls
TIC is useful in identifying hot spots behind drywall and gypsum
Describe partition walls
A non load bearing interior wall that only supports the material on the wall itself.
Do not support the ceiling or roof
Extend from floor to floor or floor to ceiling joist
Tactical concern for Partition Walls
Limited fire rating but can slow fire spread
Describe Party Walls
A load bearing wall that is common to two adjoining buildings or rooms and forms the boundry between them.
Usually very thick and support floors and roofs of both structures
Tactical concerns for party walls
Failure of this wall will usually lead to building collapse
Describe a parapet wall
Free standing non load bearing wall that extends above the roof line for several feet
How can you often estimate the height of a parapet wall?
Look for the drainage scuppers in the wall.
Tactical concern for parapet walls
Dangerously unstable
Avoid striking with master stream
Do not rest aerial on parapet wall
Consider using a roof ladder to form an A frame to access roof
Collapse zone can span the entire length of the building.
What height range does the author give for tilt walls?
Typically 15 - 20 ft tall. May be as high as 40 ft.
How are tilt walls insulated?
Tilt walls are insulated with sheets or billets of rigid plastic insulating foam
What weight is given for a tilt wall measuring 8 ft tall, 37 feet long, and 1 foot thick?
Over 20,000 pounds.
Testing can give tilt walls a fire rating of how many hours?
up to a 4 hour rating.
How are tilt walls joined?
By metal tabs welded to steel plates embedded in the walls.
Some walls may only be supported by adjoining walls.
What structural elements are used to stabilize tilt walls and columns against lateral movement?
Girders, joists, and floor panels
What are some tactical concerns for tilt walls?
Weakest points are the connections in the system.
During collapse, it is likely the structural components will break apart at connections.
Many components may remain connected after collapse and will have to be cut apart.
How do precast concrete walls behave in partial or total collapse.
Walls will come down as a unit or in large pieces falling away from or into a building.
What is likely to happen in collapse of precast concrete walls set on foundation walls?
Walls are likely to fail at that joint. Sometimes the metal tabs are pulled from the concrete during collapse.
What is likely to happen in collapse of precast concrete walls set on footings?
Walls tend to break at or above grade (floor level)
Describe Truss systems
a series of structural members joined together to form a rigid framework consisting of rafters, chords, posts, and struts.
What are the 4 types of trusses?
Lightweight wood truss
Parallel chord truss
bowstring truss
open web steel bar joist trusses
What are the characteristics of lightweight wood truss?
Usually triangular in shape
Most often built using 2x3 or 2x4 board connected with gusset plates
Gusset plates are flat metal connection pieces that penetrate the wood approximately 3/8”
What are the characteristics of parallel chord truss?
Constructed by a top and bottom chord running parallel to each other
Can have either wood support pieces or a solid sheet of mdf between the chords.
MDF parallel chord is also called a wide flange beam
What are the characteristics of bowstring truss?
Identified by the arch or curve of roof.
Top members are curved pieces of lumber either sawed or laminated to curve.
Bottom pieces are larger straight chords attached with bolts
What are the characteristics of open web steel bar joist truss?
Metal truss system used in commercial buildings to support roof or floor systems.
Formed by two flat metal chorts with a bent bar welded at the connection points.
When should the truss system be identified?
When preplanning especially when a building is undergoing construction or remodeling.
Where should the attack line be position when dealing with a truss system?
Between the exit and the concealed space being opened.
Bowstring trusses tend to force walls in what direction(s)?
Outwards and downwards
What time is given for open web steel bar joists to fail when exposed to fire?
In as little as 10 minutes
What time is given for lightweight wood trusses when exposed to fire?
In as little as 5 minutes
What are the three basic styles of roof given in this publication?
Flat, pitched, and curved
Describe flat roof
Slight pitch to assist with drainage
Found on warehouses, factories, shopping centers, schools, and commercial buildings.
What roof styles fall into the pitched roof category?
Gable, Hip, Gambrel, Mansard, Butterfly, Monitor, Sawtooth, and Shed.
How is pitch measured for roofing systems?
Pitch is measured rise of height over run in length.
What range of measurements are used for a Low slope?
1/12 to 5/12 or up to 25 degrees
What range of measurements are used for Medium to High slopes?
6/12 to 12/12
or
from 25 to 50 degrees
What describes an extreme slope roof?
pitch exceeds 15/12 or 55 degrees
When is vertical ventilation performed?
Vertical ventilation is not performed unless authorized by On Scene Battalion Chief or FSC.
What roofs are easiest for FF to work on?
Flat roof easiest but provide false sense of security.
What must be done before operating on a roof?
BC/FSC must get a report from inside to determine where the fire is located and whether roof is involved.
What factors are given to help determine if a pitched room is safe to work on?
Slope, roofing materials, and weather conditions
What slope roofs require a roof ladder for operations?
Medium to high slope roofs with pitch greater than 12/12 require roof ladders.
What is a commercial structure?
Business occupancies that include strip centers, warehouses, highrise buildings, big box stores, and stand alone stores.
How to best describe a podium structure?
A mixed use commercial building with commercial stores on the lower level and residential occupancies on upper floors.
Describe strip centers?
row of shops that share a common roof system.
May be one to three stories and usually have large display windows
What are characteristics of strip centers?
Flat roofs with unprotected steel bar joist truss.
Utilities on rear of building
Partition walls that may not extend to roof
Storerooms and offices almost always in back
Rear doors almost always metal clad with drop bar
Suspended ceilings can hide fire and smoke.
What are characteristics of warehouses?
industrial building used for storage or manufacturing. high fuel loads presence of hazardous materials industrial machinery large footprint
What are characteristics of high rise buildings?
75 ft or more above grade
six or more floors in design
Broadly classified as commercial high rise or residential high rise
What are characteristics of mid rise buildings?
Commercial structure with 5 or fewer floors.
Share same features as high rise
What are characteristics of Big Box Stores?
Tall ceilings high fuel loads Large foot print installed sprinkler systems may be difficult to ventilate
What is one of the most critical initial decisions when dealing with commercial structure fires?
selecting the best point of entry to minimize the distance to the fire.
What is one of the most critical tactical decisions when dealing with commercial structure fires?
Put the fire out.
What are some of the challenges when fighting commercial structure fires?
entrapment or personnel entanglement and maneuverability inside heavy life load high fuel load difficult to access difficult to search
What are some of the dangers associated with warehouse fires?
long hose lays disorientation ventilation challenges high fuel load hazardous materials industrial machinery large footprint
In a solar system, what is a module?
a rectangular unit of solar cells encased in a frame that possesses electrical capacity.
Usually 5.5 ft by 3.5 ft
In a solar system, what is a solar panel?
a series of modules connected in a row that captures solar energy in the form of Direct Current.
In a solar system, what is an inverter?
Converts DC power from panels to AC power for the building.
What is typically the failure point for a suspended ceiling?
the overhead connection to the roof/floor
When making a hole to the attic, what is the recommended size according to this publication?
4’ x 4’ minimum.
large enough to clearly see the space and access it.
What are the principal routes of fire extension to the attic?
vertical voids and pipe chases
What should be done before removing any panels to HVAC units?
shut off the electricity
What picture is often used to indicate the panel to be removed on HVAC units
a picture of a hand being pinched in gears
How does this document classify stairs?
Open stairs(unenclosed and open to the environment)
Enclosed stairs(compartmentalized from the building to prevent smoke from entering stairwell)
How do you determine if a stairwell has roof access?
Typically Roof Access or an R is stenciled at the entrance.
How should stairwells be identified?
By using the fire ground orientation. “Bravo stairwell” “Delta Stairwell” etc.
What 3 stairwell conditions must the IC be notified of?
Doors that allow entry to the stairwell but no re-entry to the floor
Civilians exiting the stairs as firefighters are ascending
Smoke inside the stairwell
In a high rise, where is the connection to the standpipe made
On a lower landing than the fire floor
Which stairwell is best used as the attack stairwell?
A stairwell with roof access.
What is the stairway well hole?
The gap between the banisters on each landing
What weather can trigger Reverse stack effect?
Hot air outside the building can cause reverse stack effect.
hot air rises, stalls at neutral plane, and then pushes down.
What actions are given to pressurize stairwells?
Protect the Lobby by venting. Use outside wind to assist.
If smoke in stairwell, use ppv at base. Add more as needed
Boost pressure by placing ppv on an upper (clean) floor. Set back about 4-6 feet
Keep doors to stairwell closed to maintain pressure.
Fire department connections are typically what size?
Typically 2 1/2 inch connections.
Newer buildings have Storz connections.
What would require pumping into a building via FDC?
If the engineered water sources fail or become overwhelmed.
Where should the apparatus be placed when considering connection to FCD?
As close as safely possibly to minimize length.
When should a key pumper be used when pumping an FDC?
When the nearest hydrant is more than 200 feet away.
What is the minimum number of connections made to an FDC?
Use all intakes if possible, minimum is 2 connections.
What should be done when pressures above 200 psi are needed?
utilize tandem pumping. A key pumper at the hydrant will also help with pressures above 200 psi.
Standpipes are designed to provide what pressure from the farthest connection on the top floor?
65 psi in older buildings
100 psi in buildings built after 1993
What is the typical friction loss per floor for standpipes?
Typically lose 5 psi per floor but can vary.
What are the 4 types of standpipe systems?
Wet System
Automatic dry Standpipe
Semi-automatic dry standpipe
Manual dry standpipe
Describe a semi automatic dry standpipe.
Water in pipes from source to deluge valve. Pressurized air in most piping from deluge valve to hose outlets. Suited for pipes exposed to freezing temps. Activated when hoses are connected to outlets.
Describe a manual dry pipe system.
Think parking garage. No fire pump supplying this system. Requires fire department to pump into them.
Details for Class I standpipe system.
2.5 inch connections for FD. Found in high rise without sprinkler system and locations beyond reach of aerial.
Class I is primary means for firefighting.
Details for Class II standpipe system.
1.5 inch hose lines provided for occupants to use until FD arrives.
Details for Class III standpipe system.
1.5 inch hose stations for trained occupants and 2.5 inch connections for FD.