TB 179 Residential Garage Fires Flashcards
In keeping with the philosophy of ‘____,’ members must consistently align chosen strategy and tactics with an accurate risk analysis.
Everyone Goes Home
Although garage fires are often approached as “routine” incidents – construction features, hazardous fire loading, and the potential for _____ pose significant risks to LAFD members.
illegal residential conversions
When dealing with garage fires, members must thoughtfully and realistically consider whether to commit to an ____, and whether to operate in ____, _____.
Offensive or Defensive Mode / Rescue / Property or Exposure Profile
Attached Garages:
Fire may spread from the garage directly into the attic of the dwelling space or a second story, through a ____ or other _____.
covered breezeway / void space
Both ____ have the potential to have been converted for residential use or for other purposes.
attached and detached garages
The Los Angeles City “_____ Ordinance” prescribes standards governing residential conversions.
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
Residential conversions complicate firefighting operations by increasing the likelihood of a potential ___.
life hazard
An illegal conversion may lack certain ____, creating considerably more hazardous conditions for firefighters.
safety features
Certain indicators such as _____, ____, new paint, stucco, upgraded openable windows, updated utilities, or security doors may assist members in recognizing a residential conversion.
air conditioning (AC) units / window curtains
A more reliable method to identify these units could be the lack of ____, or the presence of ____, including “1/2” addresses.
a garage door / additional address numbering
Garages, by their very nature, are hazardous under fire conditions. Besides housing an automobile, many are heavily loaded with ___, ____, aerosols, pesticides, fertilizers, and a variety of hazardous materials and arrangements.
flammable liquids / compressed gases
This hazardous condition may be exacerbated by the ___ of ordinary combustibles.
excessive storage
Garage interiors are often ____, and may have _____ located above open or plywood-decked ceiling joists or collar beams.
unfinished / additional storage
Dependent on framing, this may significantly increase the load placed on the ___.
roof system
Garage roofs may be constructed of lumber with ____ than the associated residence, spaced further apart, and with a relatively low pitch.
smaller dimensions
A newer garage may feature a _____. An interior fire can immediately place structural members and decking under demolition, creating ____ for a fire company attempting vertical ventilation.
lightweight truss roof system / unsafe conditions
While attached garages are required to be separated from the dwelling unit and its attic space by fire-rated drywall, this protective layer is often compromised by the addition of items such as ____, ____, or heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) components.
electrical conduit / plumbing
In addition, fire sprinklers and smoke detectors are ____ required by the Fire Code in unfinished and/or detached garages, delaying notification and providing no initial fire suppression activity.
not generally
The decision to initiate an interior attack on a garage fire, or to support it with vertical ventilation, should be made only after completing a risk analysis and addressing factors including, but not limited to:
Garage type and occupancy status
Fire involvement and burn time upon arrival
Likelihood of occupants, and consideration of survivability based on observable conditions
Fire load and presence of known or observed excessive storage or hazardous materials
When addressing the fire through an overhead garage door, members must ensure that the door is ____ (pike pole, rubbish hook, etc.) to avoid closing on members, causing injury, blocking egress, or compromising hose lines.
propped open
A detached garage which is out-of-sight from the street may not experience the ____ as the associated structure, and structural collapse (partial or complete) of the garage should always be a safety consideration.
same level of upkeep
A “row” of residential garages (not to be confused with covered carports) is often associated with ____and ____.
apartment complexes / bungalow-style developments
A risk analysis must be performed, and vertical ventilation on a garage fire should be the ___, not the rule.
exception
However, roof operations on a garage fire should only be conducted when conditions allow foe _____.
safe and effective execution
Detached Garage: A fully enclosed structure designed for automobile storage, which is____, and completely separated from the associated residential structure.
free-standing
Attached Garage: A garage that is ___ to a residential structure, generally sharing one or more walls, and oftentimes featuring direct access into the residence.
connected
Garage Door: Any of a variety of doors designed to accommodate vehicle entry. Common styles are ______.
sectional, roll-up, tilt-up, swinging, and sliding or “barn” style
Unfinished: Construction featuring stud walls without the ____. Walls and/or ceilings may be covered with combustible materials such as pegboard or paneling.
fire-resistive benefit of drywall
The LAFD is committed to creating a “____.”
Culture of Safety
The concept of “training under fire conditions” alone will ____ a disproportionate risk to member safety.
not justify
