TB 179 Residential Garage Fires

Question 1

In keeping with the philosophy of ‘____,’ members must consistently align chosen strategy and tactics with an accurate risk analysis.

Answer 1

Everyone Goes Home

Question 2

Although garage fires are often approached as “routine” incidents – construction features, hazardous fire loading, and the potential for _____ pose significant risks to LAFD members.

Answer 2

illegal residential conversions

Question 3

When dealing with garage fires, members must thoughtfully and realistically consider whether to commit to an ____, and whether to operate in ____, _____.

Answer 3

Offensive or Defensive Mode / Rescue / Property or Exposure Profile

Question 4

Attached Garages:
Fire may spread from the garage directly into the attic of the dwelling space or a second story, through a ____ or other _____.

Answer 4

covered breezeway / void space

Question 5

Both ____ have the potential to have been converted for residential use or for other purposes.

Answer 5

attached and detached garages

Question 6

The Los Angeles City “_____ Ordinance” prescribes standards governing residential conversions.

Answer 6

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)

Question 7

Residential conversions complicate firefighting operations by increasing the likelihood of a potential ___.

Answer 7

life hazard

Question 8

An illegal conversion may lack certain ____, creating considerably more hazardous conditions for firefighters.

Answer 8

safety features

Question 9

Certain indicators such as _____, ____, new paint, stucco, upgraded openable windows, updated utilities, or security doors may assist members in recognizing a residential conversion.

Answer 9

air conditioning (AC) units / window curtains

Question 10

A more reliable method to identify these units could be the lack of ____, or the presence of ____, including “1/2” addresses.

Answer 10

a garage door / additional address numbering

Question 11

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.

Answer 11

flammable liquids / compressed gases

Question 12

This hazardous condition may be exacerbated by the ___ of ordinary combustibles.

Answer 12

excessive storage

Question 13

Garage interiors are often ____, and may have _____ located above open or plywood-decked ceiling joists or collar beams.

Answer 13

unfinished / additional storage

Question 14

Dependent on framing, this may significantly increase the load placed on the ___.

Answer 14

roof system

Question 15

Garage roofs may be constructed of lumber with ____ than the associated residence, spaced further apart, and with a relatively low pitch.

Answer 15

smaller dimensions

Question 16

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.

Answer 16

lightweight truss roof system / unsafe conditions

Question 17

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.

Answer 17

electrical conduit / plumbing

Question 18

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.

Answer 18

not generally

Question 19

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:

Answer 19

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

Question 20

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.

Answer 20

propped open

Question 21

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.

Answer 21

same level of upkeep

Question 22

A “row” of residential garages (not to be confused with covered carports) is often associated with ____and ____.

Answer 22

apartment complexes / bungalow-style developments

Question 23

A risk analysis must be performed, and vertical ventilation on a garage fire should be the ___, not the rule.

Answer 23

exception

Question 24

However, roof operations on a garage fire should only be conducted when conditions allow foe _____.

Answer 24

safe and effective execution

Question 25

Detached Garage: A fully enclosed structure designed for automobile storage, which is____, and completely separated from the associated residential structure.

Answer 25

free-standing

Question 26

Attached Garage: A garage that is ___ to a residential structure, generally sharing one or more walls, and oftentimes featuring direct access into the residence.

Answer 26

connected

Question 27

Garage Door: Any of a variety of doors designed to accommodate vehicle entry. Common styles are ______.

Answer 27

sectional, roll-up, tilt-up, swinging, and sliding or “barn” style

Question 28

Unfinished: Construction featuring stud walls without the ____. Walls and/or ceilings may be covered with combustible materials such as pegboard or paneling.

Answer 28

fire-resistive benefit of drywall

Question 29

The LAFD is committed to creating a “____.”

Answer 29

Culture of Safety

Question 30

The concept of “training under fire conditions” alone will ____ a disproportionate risk to member safety.

Answer 30

not justify