Vacant Buildings

Question 0

Indications of tenants in an apparent vacant building:

Answer 0

A. Lights in windows of some apartments.
B. Curtains, window shades, plants, window gates.
C. Electric extension wires strung from utility pole, or through backyard of adjoining building into windows of an apparently vacant building.
D. Holes or signs of forced entry in sealed building.

Question 1

The IC may implement an interior attack after a risk assessment has been performed based on the following factors:

Answer 1

x Current structural stability of the building.
x Any known life hazard.
x Size and location of the fire.
x Verification of safe access to fire area.

Question 2

DECISION AS TO METHOD OF ATTACK

General considerations:

Answer 2

A. Any known or indicated presence of life in the building.
B. Location and extent of the fire.
C. Exposure problems.
D. Number of units responding to initial alarm.

Question 3

Proper size-up is most important for the officer in command. In execution of the fire Attack plan, the same order of priorities apply as in fire fighting in occupied buildings

L E C E

Answer 3

L = life
E = exposures
C = confinement 
E = extinguishment

Question 4

The ____________________ of the vacant building or parts of the building will be the most important aspect determining the initial attack strategy i.e., interior or exterior.

Answer 4

structural stability

Question 5

Advantages of In-Line Pumping

Answer 5

1. Fast water on the fire.
2. Pumper in position for exterior stream operation.
3. Equipment on a pumper closer to the fire.
4. Shorter and faster hand line stretches.
5. Lower engine pressures required.
6. Engine company chauffeur (ECC) in better position to observe operations and assist if necessary.

Question 6

Disadvantages of In-Line Pumping

Answer 6

1. Water supply limited to supply line layout and hydrant supply potential.
2. It may not be possible to attain full pumper capacity
3. Possibility of pumper blocking out aerial and tower ladder apparatus.
4. If hydrant selected is OOS the pumper may not be able to proceed to next available hydrant, having been blocked out by later arriving apparatus
5. Possible damage to apparatus by falling debris.

Question 7

The Primary Emphasis in Vacant Building Operations is that of ______________________.

Answer 7

EXTERIOR ATTACK

Question 8

Which comment made by a new probie is incorrect when discussing vacant building operations?

A: The primary emphasis in vacant building operations is that of an exterior attack.

B: When the roof has been cut, before leaving the scene, spray paint “R.O.” (roof open) on both the inside and outside of the bulkhead as well as adjacent to the hazard marking on the front of the building.

C: Holes in the roof may be covered with bedsprings, if available. This will prevent members from falling into holes, while affording adequate ventilation.

D: Ladder members operating on the exterior should communicate indications of previous fires, particularly if they were on, the floor above or below the present operations.

Answer 8

B: When the roof has been cut, before leaving the scene, spray paint “R.O.” (roof open) on both the inside and outside of the bulkhead as well as adjacent to the hazard marking on the front of the building.

Explanation:
A. Vacants (8.1) 
B. When the roof has been cut, before leaving the scene, spray paint "R.O." (roof open) on both the inside and outside of the bulkhead as well as ABOVE the hazard marking on the front of the building. Vacants (6.15) 
C. Vacants (6.17) 
D. Vacants (6.10)

Question 9

What is the most important consideration in the size up of vacant buildings?

A: Protection of life

B: The structural stability of the builing

C: Size and location of the fire

D: The number of units on scene

Answer 9

A: Protection of life

Explanation:
Vacants (2.2.3)

Question 10

Engine company 32 is the 1st arriving unit at the scene of a fire in a vacant 3 story private dwelling. When determining whether to implement an interior or exterior attack, the officer must take all but which one of the following considerations into account?

A: Location and extent of the fire

B: Any known or indicated presence of life in the building

C: Time of day

D: Exposure problems

Answer 10

C. Time of day is not mentioned.

“LANE”

Location and extent of fire
Any known or indicated life
Number of units responding
Exposure problems

Vacants (1.4.1)