Ch 2 pg 30-37 Fire Basics: Smoke Evaluation and Movement

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary consideration when deciding which exposure to defend first?

The distance from the original fire

The presence of flammable materials

The potential life hazard and dollar value (correct)

The size of the building

In which scenario might allowing a fire to burn out on its own be appropriate?

When moving exposures is easily achievable

When structural integrity is compromised

When the fire is smaller than a dumpster

Extremely large fires and pressurized flammable liquids or gases (correct)

What are two candidates for moving exposures?

Heavy equipment

Semis

Garbage

Trucks and rail cars (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a factor in taking a defensive stance when managing a fire?

The structure's distance from other buildings Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the decision to take a defensive mode?

It is influenced by the limitations of available resources Signup and view all the answers

What does the presence of smoke exiting the top half of a window typically indicate?

There are open doors between the fire and the window allowing airflow. Signup and view all the answers

Which side of the fire building is identified as Exposure 2?

The left side of the building. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential for all personnel to understand the exposure identification system?

To communicate effectively about potential fire hazards. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of numbering the sides of a building from 1 through 4?

To simplify the reporting system for firefighting units. Signup and view all the answers

In the NIMS system, which side of the building is referred to as Side A?

The front side of the building. Signup and view all the answers

How should exposure hazards be examined in a fire situation?

By assessing all six sides of the fire area. Signup and view all the answers

What miscommunication could arise if fire personnel are unclear about their location regarding the exposure system?

They could be trapped in the wrong building altogether. Signup and view all the answers

Which system does the National Incident Management System (NIMS) utilize to identify building sides?

A, B, C, D. Signup and view all the answers

What factor can significantly impact the performance of responding units at an incident?

The level of experience possessed by the firefighters Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial element to assess when preparing for an emergency response?

Capability to implement needed streams quickly Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario might additional companies be necessary during a response?

If units are shorthanded with incomplete crews Signup and view all the answers

What should be considered about the responding firefighters aside from their staffing?

The extent of their training and experience Signup and view all the answers

What factor is directly related to both apparatus and staffing in firefighting?

Water supply and availability Signup and view all the answers

What does the presence of heavy, rolling clouds of smoke indicate?

An extremely hot fire within the building Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of smoke suggests the use of a Class B extinguisher is necessary?

Light to moderate quantities of black smoke Signup and view all the answers

When smoke is settling or hanging in low spots, what does this indicate?

Cold smoke in sprinklered areas Signup and view all the answers

What does black smoke generally suggest?

Petroleum-based products are burning Signup and view all the answers

How does central air conditioning affect smoke movement?

It can alter the normal diffusion patterns of smoke Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following indicates the potential for backdraft?

Smoke under pressure being drawn back into the building Signup and view all the answers

What does light to moderate quantities of black smoke in basements often indicate?

Oil burner malfunction Signup and view all the answers

What does the sight of smoke blowing out of every opening in a structure imply?

The fire is likely extensive Signup and view all the answers

What color of smoke do class A (paper, wood) combustibles produce?

Gray to light brown smoke when sufficient oxygen is present. Signup and view all the answers

What should firefighters be cautious about when encountering heavy smoke?

It may indicate a flashover Signup and view all the answers

What should first-arriving units assess regarding auxiliary appliances?

The presence and serviceability of the appliances. Signup and view all the answers

How can weather conditions affect firefighting efforts?

Cold temperatures may cause mechanical failures. Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstance is an out-of-service auxiliary appliance justified for an extra alarm?

When it fails, giving fire a significant advantage. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential effect of high winds during firefighting operations?

They can cause fires to spread uncontrollably. Signup and view all the answers

Which auxiliary appliance is typically used for special hazards like restaurant grease ducts?

Halon systems. Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of fighting fires in below-freezing temperatures?

Ice accumulation can slow operations significantly. Signup and view all the answers

Which is NOT a problem associated with extreme weather conditions during firefighting?

Faster response times from fire units. Signup and view all the answers

What must first-arriving units relay to the Incident Commander in case of auxiliary appliances?

Their operational status and any issues. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason to stretch a hoseline on the sidewalk when dealing with street conditions like construction trenches?

To let the aerial onto the block, since it can reach over the trench while the engine company hand stretches down the sidewalk Signup and view all the answers

How can hazardous materials impact firefighting operations?

Some hazmats may completely halt firefighting operations Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of knowing specific hazards present during a fire incident?

It helps inform the incident commander for better decision-making Signup and view all the answers

In adverse street conditions such as deep snow, what may firefighters need to do?

Possibly carry equipment into snow-clogged side streets Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended practice regarding hose length when responding to fires in areas with severe street conditions?

Ensure there's enough hose to reach the most remote parts of the building Signup and view all the answers

What potential issues can arise from snow and ice conditions during firefighting efforts?

They can decrease response times and obscure hydrants Signup and view all the answers

Why is it critical to ask about hazardous materials stored in a building upon arrival?

To identify potential threats that could harm firefighting personnel Signup and view all the answers

What could be the consequence of not properly preparing for unusual street conditions?

Potential delays and complications in hose deployment Signup and view all the answers

Make sure you have enough hose to reach the most _____ part of the building

Remote Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Smoke Evaluation

Smoke indicates fire severity and can help locate the fire's origin.
Smoke rises and diffuses outward; central air systems may alter expected movement patterns.
Black smoke often indicates petroleum products; lighter smoke may denote issues with oil burners.
Common Class A materials yield gray to light brown smoke with adequate oxygen, while restricted oxygen results in dark gray smoke, indicating potential backdraft risks.

Smoke Movement

Heavy, rolling smoke suggests extreme heat and intense fire; caution is advised for potential flashovers.
Wispy, light smoke indicates an incipient stage fire, where quick extinguishing is effective.
Cold smoke, which settles in low areas, can occur in sprinklered fires or partially extinguished fires, necessitating SCBA usage for firefighters.

Size-Up Strategies

Identification systems for exposures can enhance safety and communication on the fireground.
Both NIMS and a numbered system assist in clarifying locations of hazards and firefighting efforts.
Prioritize protecting exposures after addressing life hazards, using strategic evaluations of potential impacts.

Fire Response Techniques

Ensure effective communication about the environment and the strategic importance of each exposure.
Extinguishing the primary fire is ideal to prevent spread; alternative strategies may include moving combustibles or fire-implicated structures.
A defensive posture may be necessary when direct extinguishment of the fire isn't practical, focusing on the most critical exposures.

Resources Assessment

Evaluate the number and type of responding engines and their capabilities.
Assess the crew experience, ensuring sufficient staffing for effective response.
Water supply is crucial; inoperable systems may lead to significant challenges.

Auxiliary Systems

Check the operational status of automatic sprinkler systems and other fire protection appliances.
The absence of functional systems may necessitate additional alarms for effective firefighting response.

Environmental Considerations

Extreme weather can hinder firefighting; both high temperatures and freezing conditions pose unique challenges.
High winds may exacerbate fire spread and threaten firefighter safety.

Street Conditions

Impediments like parked cars and construction can obstruct access to the fire site; plan accordingly for hose stretches.
Be prepared for temporary issues like snow or ice affecting response and operations.

Hazardous Materials (Hazmats)

Hazmats significantly impact size-up and post-firefighting operations due to health risks and potential for fire escalation.
Local regulations may require businesses to report hazmat presence; always inquire about potential hazards upon arrival to ensure firefighter safety.

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Description

Explore the crucial aspects of smoke evaluation and movement in fire scenarios. Learn how different types of smoke can indicate the severity of a fire and inform firefighting strategies. Understanding smoke behavior is essential for safety and effective fireground operations.