Vacant 2020 Flashcards
All vacant buildings shall be marked using what symbols?
Vacants shall be marked with a square with an X through it
Markings shall be spray painted using lime-yellow reflective paint.
The size of the square shall be approximately 18” x 18”.
Marking lines shall be 2” wide.
FFP VBF 3.1
where shall primary markings be made?
FFP VBF 3.1
Primary markings shall be made alongside the front entrance of the building at a
height that is in line with the area directly over the front entrance. Markings should
be high enough to ensure visibility. To achieve this height, a ladder may be required.
If the building has multiple entrances or other likely means of access, additional
markings shall be made at other places (e.g., rear or side entrance, fire escape, roof
bulkhead, etc.)
Do not mark sealed doors or windows. The structure should be marked at locations
that are likely to remain undisturbed.
What does the “RO” marking indicate?
FFP VBF 3.1
Roof open
The letters “RO” (roof open) shall be made directly over the vacant building markings in cases when a roof is opened to the degree that there is little need for future vertical ventilation (e.g., the roof has been previously cut or burned away).
What does the “FO” marking indicate?
Floor Openings
The letters “FO” (floor openings) shall be made directly underneath vacant building
markings in cases when members determine that floors within the building have holes
or openings that may endanger members.
when shall buildings be marked as vacant?
Buildings shall be marked when first identified as vacant, including during BISP
periods.
Can you mark a building as vacant if it is not in your administration?
Yes
Any company may place vacant building markings using the prescribed format. As soon as possible thereafter, the supervising officer must notify the administrative company that the building has been marked.
FFP VBF 3.1
In addition to placing vacant building markings at the site, What other actions shall company officers from the
administrative unit take?
*Enter all buildings into eCIDS
*Forward a memo to all 1st alarm units battalions and divisions
*When appropriate, forward a Department of Buildings (DOB) Referral Report -
Normal Priority to DOB citing “Building Vacant, Open and Unguarded.”
* When appropriate, forward a High Priority DOB Referral Report citing “Structural Stability Affected” if there are structural integrity issues, noting specific building
conditions.
While performing size up at vacant fires, what are the four broad size-up concerns members should initially consider?
- Protection of life
- Member safety
- Structural stability
- Extension to exposures
FFP VBF 4.1
1. Protection of Life is the most important concern during the size-up process. In this regard, it is important to understand that, although vacant buildings are less likely to contain occupants, it is still imperative to consider the potential for a life hazard. A known life hazard must be addressed within the limits of safety.
2. Member Safety is the highest priority during the risk-assessment process. Consequently,vacant building fires warrant a firefighting strategy that is more risk averse than operations in occupied buildings, as firefighters represent the sole life hazard at an overwhelming majority of vacant building fires.
3. Structural Stability of vacant buildings is a serious concern during all phases of the size-up process. Members should anticipate an increased potential for both localized and catastrophic building collapse and be able to recognize the signs and indicators of instability. This factor significantly affects the risk-reward calculation when performing a size-up.
4. Extension to Exposures is a serious concern during fire operations at vacant buildings. This is because extension to the surrounding exposures is more likely to occur at fires involving vacant buildings. A fire in an open, unguarded vacant building is more likely
to extend to an exposure than a similar fire in an occupied building.
