TB 164 - Transitional Attack Flashcards
The Transitional Attack Option is based on scientific studies by:
-Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
-Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF)
-National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
The LAFD definition of a Transitional Attack is the coordinated application of water with a _______ stream from the exterior of a structure that provides a brief “BREAK of the fire triangle” by COOLING the environment prior to transitioning into an offensive attack
straight
(This method underscores the fact that the faster water is applied, the quicker interior conditions become safer and more tenable.)
The UL, ATF, and NIST studies all show that water applied through a window or door exhausting fire or high velocity turbulent smoke can have a positive impact on interior conditions by _________ thus, improving survivability of civilians and increasing firefighter safety.
reducing temperatures
Transitional Attack is not intended to provide final extinguishment; therefore, interior attack teams must be ready to immediately engage in interior fire attack following ___________.
the termination of exterior water application.
The Transitional Attack Option should be considered whenever the following conditions exist:
Visible fire or high velocity turbulent smoke indicative of imminent flashover presenting from any door or window with consideration given to the following:
- Fire conditions at the point of access make it UNSAFE TO ENTER.
- ENTRY IS DELAYED by forcible entry challenges.
- VENTILATION IS DELAYED or non-existent.
- WATER SUPPLY IS DELAYED or insufficient.
- Excessive storage or packrat conditions.
The following critical TACTICAL considerations must be identified and assessed PRIOR to executing a Transitional Attack:
-Officers should attempt to gain as much SITUATIONAL AWARENESS as possible prior to initiating this tactic (i.e., “360 degree size-up”).
-ALWAYS COMMUNICATE AND COORDINATE your tactical intent on the TAC CHANNEL to all companies prior to employing this tactic.
-LAFD personnel SHALL NOT be inside the structure at time of application.
-ONLY apply water into windows or doors that have “FIRE showing” or VOLATILE smoke indicative of imminent flashover.
-DO NOT employ if window pane is still intact.
-Transitional Attack streams shall ONLY FLOW water UNTIL a CHANGE in conditions are seen (i.e. bulk of fire is knocked down).
Consider the following when applying water through the window or door for a transitional attack:
-ONLY use a STRAIGHT STREAM to apply water into an opening.
-The straight stream shall be directed at a STEEP ANGLE and TOWARDS THE CEILING so it has the least amount of effect on the existing thermal balance.
- The straight stream allows water to enter and steam/smoke to exit the opening.
-Do not use a swirling motion while flowing the straight stream into the opening.
- Excessive water will unnecessarily increase generation of steam.
Why should you not use a fog pattern or any stream other than a straight stream for transitional attack?
- A fog pattern would cover the entire opening and not allow steam/smoke to exhaust.
- A fog pattern would rapidly create additional steam and thoroughly disrupt the thermal balance.
Transitional Attack Checklist:
To use the transitional attack technique effectively, direct a STRAIGHT STREAM through an open window or door at an EXAGGERATED ANGLE towards the ceiling of the involved room.
This action is similar to activation of a fire ______, thus cooling the upper atmosphere
-Sprinkler
(the same technique is used when encountering volatile smoke conditions).