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?

    <p>The structure's distance from other buildings</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>It is influenced by the limitations of available resources</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

    <p>The left side of the building.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>To communicate effectively about potential fire hazards.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>To simplify the reporting system for firefighting units.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>The front side of the building.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How should exposure hazards be examined in a fire situation?

    <p>By assessing all six sides of the fire area.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>They could be trapped in the wrong building altogether.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>A, B, C, D.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>The level of experience possessed by the firefighters</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Capability to implement needed streams quickly</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>If units are shorthanded with incomplete crews</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>The extent of their training and experience</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Water supply and availability</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>An extremely hot fire within the building</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Light to moderate quantities of black smoke</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Cold smoke in sprinklered areas</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does black smoke generally suggest?

    <p>Petroleum-based products are burning</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does central air conditioning affect smoke movement?

    <p>It can alter the normal diffusion patterns of smoke</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following indicates the potential for backdraft?

    <p>Smoke under pressure being drawn back into the building</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Oil burner malfunction</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>The fire is likely extensive</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

    What should firefighters be cautious about when encountering heavy smoke?

    <p>It may indicate a flashover</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should first-arriving units assess regarding auxiliary appliances?

    <p>The presence and serviceability of the appliances.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can weather conditions affect firefighting efforts?

    <p>Cold temperatures may cause mechanical failures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

    <p>They can cause fires to spread uncontrollably.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Halon systems.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Ice accumulation can slow operations significantly.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Faster response times from fire units.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Their operational status and any issues.</p> 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?

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

    How can hazardous materials impact firefighting operations?

    <p>Some hazmats may completely halt firefighting operations</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

    <p>Possibly carry equipment into snow-clogged side streets</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

    <p>They can decrease response times and obscure hydrants</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>To identify potential threats that could harm firefighting personnel</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Potential delays and complications in hose deployment</p> 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.

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