TB 155 Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Structure Defense Flashcards
What is the primary challenge of wildland firefighting?
The complexity increases with the addition of structures and improvements in wildland areas.
What does WUI stand for?
Wildland Urban Interface
What is the intent of structure defense in wildland firefighting?
To keep firefighters and the public safe while keeping the wildland fire away from structures and communities.
What are the two basic structure environments in wildland firefighting?
- Interface
- Intermix
Define ‘Safety Zone’.
A preplanned area of sufficient size and suitable location that is expected to protect fire personnel from known hazards without using fire shelters.
What is a Temporary Refuge Area (TRA)?
A preplanned area where firefighters can immediately take refuge for temporary shelter and short-term relief without using a fire shelter.
True or False: A Safety Zone is always immediately available in the WUI environment.
False
What should firefighters do if they determine the risk is too great during structure defense?
Select an alternative action.
What factors must be considered when making decisions on structure defense?
- Fire behavior
- Overall environment
- Risk Management process
- Forecasting
List the three structure triage categories.
- Not-Threatened
- Threatened Defensible
- Threatened Non-Defensible
What does the Not-Threatened category indicate?
Safety Zone and TRA are present, and it is unlikely the structure will ignite during initial fire front contact.
What is the purpose of the risk management process in structure defense?
To ensure firefighter safety.
What is the significance of tactical maneuver in firefighting?
It allows resources to work and move around in a hazardous environment without injury while remaining effective.
Fill in the blank: The ____ implies movement or purposeful reaction to change in firefighting tactics.
[Tactical maneuver]
What are the seven tactical actions available to structure defense resources?
- CHECK AND GO
- PREP AND GO
- PREP AND DEFEND
- FIRE FRONT FOLLOWING
- BUMP AND RUN
- ANCHOR AND HOLD
- TACTICAL PATROL
What does the ‘Check and Go’ tactic entail?
A rapid evaluation to check for occupants requiring removal or rescue.
What is the requirement for using the ‘Prep and Go’ tactic?
Some preparation of the structure may be safely completed prior to resources leaving the area.
What should firefighters do to prepare a structure for defense?
- Advise residents to leave
- Clear area around fuel tanks
- Place combustible furniture inside
- Close windows and doors
- Remove combustibles next to the structure
What is the role of the Incident Commander (IC) in structure defense?
To establish the strategy for the incident.
What should tactical planning focus on?
Anticipated changes in the fire environment or fire behavior.
What is the importance of having an exit strategy during firefighting?
To ensure safety and provide a way out in case conditions change.
Identify a key component of firefighter safety during structure defense.
Constant observation and reassessment of fire conditions.
What equipment should firefighters use during structure defense?
Standard wildland PPE and appropriate Structure Fire PPE as required.
True or False: Firefighters should base their decision to remain at a structure solely on the use of SCBA’s.
False
What should be identified and designated based on forecasted fire behavior?
Safety Zones and Temporary Refuge Areas (TRA).
What is the significance of ‘tactical agility’ in firefighting?
It allows for adjustments in tactics based on changing fire behavior.
What is the purpose of a rapid evaluation in fire situations?
To check for occupants at a structure, evaluate life threat, and assist in evacuation
When is the ‘Prep and Go’ tactic utilized?
When a Safety Zone and TRA are not present and fire spread and intensity are too dangerous to stay in the area
What does ‘Prep and Go’ imply?
Some preparation of the structure may be safely completed prior to resources leaving the area
What is the structure triage category for ‘Prep and Go’?
Threatened Non-Defensible
What actions should resources take during ‘Prep and Go’?
Engage in rapid, prioritized fire protection preparations and foam the structure prior to leaving
What is the purpose of the ‘Prep and Defend’ tactic?
To safely prepare a structure for defense prior to the arrival of the fire front when a Safety Zone and TRA are present
What is the structure triage category for ‘Prep and Defend’?
Threatened Defensible
What must firefighters be prepared for during ‘Prep and Defend’?
Sudden changes in fire intensity and to move to the TRA or withdraw along the escape route
What is the goal of the ‘Fire Front Following’ tactic?
To search for victims, effect perimeter control, extinguish spot fires, control hot spots, and reduce ember production
When is ‘Bump and Run’ typically employed?
When resources move ahead of the fire front to extinguish spot fires and defend structures
What is a key characteristic of the ‘Bump and Run’ tactic?
Resources must remain mobile and constantly identify escape routes
What does ‘Anchor and Hold’ aim to achieve?
To stop fire spread and protect exposures using control lines and large water streams
In which scenarios is ‘Anchor and Hold’ most effective?
In urban neighborhoods where the fire spreads from house to house
What is the key element of ‘Tactical Patrol’?
Mobility and continuous monitoring of an assigned area
What are the steps in the Risk Management Process?
- Situation Awareness 2. Hazard Assessment 3. Hazard Control 4. Decision Point 5. Evaluate
What does LCES stand for?
Lookout, Communications, Escape Routes, Safety Zones
What is the purpose of the P.A.C.E. planning process?
To establish a multi-step safety plan compensating for uncertainties in fire behavior
What does the acronym DRAW-D represent in firefighting?
Defend, Reinforce, Advance, Withdraw, Delay
What is the first priority for all risk decisions in firefighting?
Human survival, both firefighters and the public
What should be considered when assessing a structure’s defensibility?
Exterior walls, roof material, clearance around the structure, and hazardous materials
What is a critical consideration for escape routes?
More than one escape route should be available and timed for the slowest person
What is the objective of the Hazard Assessment step?
Estimate potential fire behavior hazards and identify tactical hazards
What should be included in the Safety Zone assessment?
Survivability without a fire shelter and size requirements based on fire behavior
True or False: The ‘Bump and Run’ tactic is primarily defensive.
False; it can be offensive or defensive depending on the situation
Fill in the blank: The ‘Fire Front Following’ tactic is employed when _______.
[Check and Go, Prep and Go, or Bump and Run tactics are initially used]
What should be avoided when parking vehicles during fire operations?
Do not park under power lines
Parking under power lines poses a risk of electrocution and power line hazards.
What types of hazardous materials should be identified?
- Chemicals
- Pesticides and herbicides
- Petroleum products
- Paint products
Look for DOT/NFPA/UN symbols to identify hazardous materials.
What are some potential water sources for firefighting?
- Hydrant/standpipe
- Storage tank
- Swimming pool
- Hot tub
- Fish pond
- Irrigation ditch
When connecting with hydrants, consider flow rate and gpm output.
What is the guideline for the number of engines needed for structure protection?
One engine per structure, one additional engine for every four structures
For structures close together (50’ or less), one engine may protect two structures.
Is safe evacuation possible in fire situations?
Identify safe refuge for those who cannot be evacuated
Coordination with on-scene law enforcement and emergency services is crucial.
What should you do if a vehicle is in contact with a downed conductor?
Stay in vehicle until the power company arrives
If the vehicle is on fire, jump clear while keeping feet together.
What is a safe distance to maintain from transmission lines?
Maintain a 35’ distance from transmission lines
This distance helps prevent accidents and electrocution risks.
What is the risk of using smoke, water, or retardant near power lines?
They are good conductors and can cause power line-to-ground arc
This can lead to dangerous situations during firefighting operations.
What should not be done under power lines?
- Operate heavy equipment
- Use right-of-ways as cargo drop spots
- Drive with long antennas
- Fuel vehicles
- Stand during retardant drops
These actions can lead to electrocution or accidents.
Fill in the blank: When connecting with a hydrant, be aware of the _______.
[flow rate and gpm output]
The size and venting capability of the engine or water tender may not handle high flow rates.
What action can be taken to extinguish wood poles burning at the base?
If safe, extinguish to prevent downed wire hazards later
This can help mitigate future risks during fire operations.
What should be done if smoke or flame is within 100’ of power lines?
Do not fight spot fires or low ground fires
This is to avoid electrocution risks.
