Chapter 17 pg 433-436 Store Fires - Taxpayers and Strip Malls

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Questions and Answers

What is the maximum gap that can be created by the failure of a single bowstring truss?

10 ft wide by 60 ft long

40 ft wide by 100 or more ft long (correct)

15 ft wide by 60 ft long

20 ft wide by 40 ft long

How should firefighters begin their attack if they encounter heavy fire in a strip mall?

By entering the store immediately and searching for victims

From a safe distance, using a 2 1/2 in. handline or a master stream (correct)

From close range, using a handheld extinguisher

By setting up a ladder and spraying water from above

What is the primary purpose of stretching handlines into the exposed stores?

To create a safe passage for firefighters.

To attack fire in the cockloft area. (correct)

To ventilate the smoke from the area.

To assess the structural integrity of the building.

What is the main advantage of using a hose stream on steel bar joists during a fire?

It protects against failure by cooling the steel ahead of their location Signup and view all the answers

What diameter of handlines is considered sufficient for fire operations in exposed stores?

1 3/4 inch Signup and view all the answers

What should firefighters do after extinguishing the fire in a store before entering?

Continue to cool the steel joists for several minutes Signup and view all the answers

Which action is recommended after stretching handlines into the exposed stores?

Pull the ceilings and inspect the cockloft. Signup and view all the answers

What consequence might occur if bar joists cool too quickly after a fire?

They might fail entirely and fall from their supports Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended action to prevent weakening of bar joists during a fire?

Cool the steel using hose streams. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done regarding ventilation while firefighters remain in exposed stores?

Utilize show windows for venting. Signup and view all the answers

What distance should firefighters back away from the fire when cutting a bar-joist roof?

Three average stores back from sagging joists. Signup and view all the answers

Why is complete evacuation necessary in wood-truss buildings with heavy fire involvement?

The structure may collapse quickly and without warning. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary danger associated with lightweight wood-truss roofs during a fire?

They can collapse without sufficient warning. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key factor that differentiates commercial fires from residential fires?

Commercial buildings feature larger, undivided areas. Signup and view all the answers

How does the fire loading per square foot typically compare between commercial and residential properties?

Fire loading in commercial properties is often heavier. Signup and view all the answers

Why must engine companies adjust their tactics when responding to commercial fires?

Larger areas and heavier fire loads create bigger fires in commercial spaces. Signup and view all the answers

In terms of fire response priorities, what typically takes precedence in residential occupancy fires?

Speed due to high life hazard. Signup and view all the answers

What water flow rate is estimated as necessary for knockdown in a store measuring 2,000 sq ft?

700 gpm Signup and view all the answers

Which firefighting method is recommended if the deck gun cannot be used due to obstructions?

Using a portable master stream blitz line Signup and view all the answers

What approach is suggested for handling a large commercial fire when predicting required fire flows?

Planning for 0.35 gpm per sq ft Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended approach for extinguishing fires that have spread to the trusses in a building?

Withdraw and use external streams for fire control. Signup and view all the answers

Which firefighting technique is preferred for ensuring coverage of the entire depth of a fire area?

Utilizing an elevating platform at a low angle Signup and view all the answers

Which type of fire hose line is appropriate for addressing large fires in commercial buildings?

Large handlines (2 ½ in.) or master streams Signup and view all the answers

What critical placement consideration should be made when deploying fire hose lines in residential fires?

Place hoses between the fire and endangered individuals. Signup and view all the answers

Why can lighter, medium-size fire lines be effectively utilized in residential areas?

Residential fires tend to be smaller and less developed. Signup and view all the answers

What is the most significant reason for using a 2½-in. hose line during a store fire?

The volume of water and the reach of the stream Signup and view all the answers

How should the first-arriving engine prepare for a store fire with heavy smoke visible?

Prepare multiple large handlines and deck guns. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential risk when positioning the engine too close to a store fire?

Making the apparatus an exposure hazard. Signup and view all the answers

What benefit does using one or two large-diameter hose provide compared to a direct hydrant connection?

Greater flexibility in positioning the pumper. Signup and view all the answers

Which strategy is recommended when a fire is not blowing out windows upon arrival?

Establish a handline and prepare for advance. Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected effectiveness of a 2½-in. line in terms of personnel operation?

Allows two members to operate while advancing. Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario is a preconnected master stream most effectively utilized?

When the fire is actively blowing out the windows. Signup and view all the answers

How does the reach of a 2½-in. hose line contribute to firefighting in stores?

Allows initial cooling of structural elements quickly. Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of using the 1 ¼-in. solid tip nozzle with a flow rate of 325 gpm?

It enhances firefighter safety and efficiency during operations. Signup and view all the answers

When maneuvering with three members in a commercial store setting, what is the initial action recommended?

Prepare the hose for a straight advance. Signup and view all the answers

In a situation requiring two lines of medium-size hose, how many firefighters are needed at a minimum?

Four members are required to efficiently handle the hoses. Signup and view all the answers

What factor makes the layout of a strip-mall store different from that of a residence during firefighting?

The lack of complex architectural features. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Bar-Joist Roofs and Firefighting Tactics

Bar joists are spaced 2 to 6 ft apart; wooden bowstring trusses typically span 20 ft.
Bar joists can extend up to 60 ft in length; hard to determine their orientation from outside.
Failure of two to three bar joists can collapse an area 10-15 ft wide and 60 ft long; a single bowstring truss can cause a gap of 40 ft by 100 ft.
Protecting steel bar joists from heat is crucial; applying water streams can prevent failure.
Initiate fire attack from safe positions using a 2 1/2 in. handline or master stream for effective reach and cooling of the steel.
Monitor for steel contraction as it cools, which can detach joists from their supports.

Firefighting Operations in Strip Malls

Coordination among hose streams and roof ventilation is essential to prevent weakening joists.
Avoid cutting directly over fire locations; reposition at least three stores away from sagging joists.
Thorough ventilation is necessary as rear and side areas are often sealed; roof venting may be required.

Wood Truss Roofs Risks

Lightweight wood trusses fail rapidly, necessitating full evacuation if heavy fire is present.
Historical incidents highlight the dangers of interior firefighting involving wood trusses, leading to fatal outcomes.

Firefighting Equipment and Techniques

Use exterior streams to remove ceilings and suppress fire during high-risk conditions.
Fire attack requires large hose lines (2 ½ in.) for commercial buildings due to increased fire load and space.

Preparing for Commercial Fire Response

Expect prolonged engagement and connect to hydrants with large-diameter hoses (5 or 6 in.) for flexibility and increased water delivery.
Initial fire attacks should utilize deck guns or master streams for immediate suppression when fires are visible.

Advantages of Larger Hose Lines

A 2 ½ in. hose delivers 250-325 gpm and has a reach over 80 ft, vital for immediate fire suppression.
Crew performance is enhanced as fewer members manage the larger line while advancing towards the fire.

Maneuverability in Strip Malls

The layout of strip mall stores allows for efficient hose deployment and straightforward advancement.
Maintain awareness of potential overhead cockloft fires; may require creating access holes for effective water application.

Water Flow Requirements

Expect commercial fires to require approximately 0.35 gpm per square foot for suppression.
A 2,000 sq ft store may necessitate around 700 gpm, often exceeding the capacity of single large-tipped hoses, making deck guns or portable master streams essential.

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Description

Explore the intricacies of structural failures in store fires, focusing on bar joists and their impact in taxpayers and strip malls. This quiz delves into how spacing and failure patterns influence fire safety and building integrity. Test your knowledge on these critical aspects of fire risk management.