Fire Fighting Techniques and Water Usage

Questions and Answers

What was the main purpose of allowing the fire to develop before applying water in the trials?

To achieve sufficient heat for effective suppression (correct)

To ensure proper ventilation

To increase the fire load

To minimize water usage

What nozzle type was employed in Trial #1 to knock down the main body of fire?

Straight stream nozzle

30-degree cone nozzle (correct)

High-pressure nozzle

Wide-angle fog nozzle

What was the engine pressure used in Trial #2 during the fire suppression effort?

125 lbs

200 lbs

400 lbs

250 lbs (correct)

What was the estimated GPM discharge when operating at 250 lbs pressure?

35 GPM Signup and view all the answers

Which condition was maintained in the building during the trials to aid the firefighting efforts?

Wood doors in place and ceiling tight Signup and view all the answers

During Trial #2, what was the effect of using a wide-angle fog cone on the exterior fire?

It allowed men to gain access to the front window. Signup and view all the answers

What did firefighters notice upon entering the building immediately after shutting down the line in Trial #1?

Deep seated fire and hot vapors Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the fire load in the building during the trials?

Scrap wood added to the fire load. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does the tightness of a building have when using the indirect attack method?

It causes greater heat retention, complicating post-knockdown entry. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a typical plan when using the indirect attack method?

Allow the fire to develop hot before applying water above its seat. Signup and view all the answers

What type of nozzle is used in conjunction with the indirect attack method?

A 1 inch mystery nozzle with a shut-off butt. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main aim of preventing vertical ventilation during the indirect attack?

To control the spread of the fire upward. Signup and view all the answers

What defines the 'fireload' mentioned in the content?

The amount of combustible material present in the building. Signup and view all the answers

What can be said about the water usage when conditions favor the indirect attack method?

Minimal water is used to knock down the fire effectively. Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical temperature that a fire might reach before it is attacked in this context?

1000 degrees at floor level. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it difficult to enter a building after a fire has been knocked down through indirect methods?

Increased heat retention complicates access. Signup and view all the answers

What are the necessary conditions for the indirect method to be successful?

A hot fire with an accumulation of heat Signup and view all the answers

Which method is used when the vertical opening is larger than minimal?

Conventional method Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected outcome of using the indirect method in a confined area?

Less water damage and reduced punishment to personnel Signup and view all the answers

Which type of nozzle should be used for penetration in an indirect attack?

Narrow cone or straight stream nozzle Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation encountered when using the indirect method?

Need for heavier lines due to increased attack methods Signup and view all the answers

What external conditions can impact the effectiveness of fire control methods?

Weather and wind conditions Signup and view all the answers

How does a close aggressive attack affect the disadvantages faced during a fire attack?

It reduces punishment to firefighters Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about the indirect fire attack method?

It is always more effective than the conventional method Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Firefighting Techniques and Results

Minimal water was used during tests, resulting in negligible water damage.
Three pump pressures tested: 125, 250, and 400 psi, with GPM discharges estimated at 25, 35, and 45 respectively.

Test Conditions

Involved a wood frame building with plaster interior and composition roof.
Fire area consisted of 2 rooms (5000 cubic feet) with scrap wood as fuel.
Fire was allowed to develop significantly before water application.

Trial Results

Trial #1 (125 psi): Fire extinguished in 9 seconds via 30-degree cone water spray directed through a window; immediate entry to the structure showed some deep-seated fire remaining.
Trial #2 (250 psi): Fire knocked down in 10 seconds using a wide-angle fog cone for exterior flames, then transitioning to a 30-degree cone through a window; entry required crouching due to hot vapors.

Pre-Fire Conditions

Indirect method efficacy relies on building tightness, which complicates post-knockdown entry due to heat retention.
Over 100 fires were used for testing, with some reaching 1000 degrees at floor level.
Fire areas were constrained by standard wood doors and occasionally covered windows with light materials.

Attack Strategy

Attacks involved allowing fires to develop, using a single 1-inch line with a mystery nozzle for pre-set spray cone.
Ventilation management emphasized minimal vertical openings and control over horizontal airflow.
Water applied above the fire seat, promoting heat dissipation.

Limitations and Conclusions

Indirect method effective under specific conditions, using less water while achieving rapid knockdown.
Successful application reliant on non-vented fire areas and intense heat accumulation.
Field conditions may yield similar results if tight confinement and hot fires are present.
Factors like construction quality, building deterioration, and weather are uncontrollable variables affecting outcomes.

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Description

Explore the practical aspects of fire fighting with a focus on water usage and pump pressures. This quiz covers typical operations of a fire engine company dealing with various fire scenarios. Understand how effective techniques are employed in real-world firefighting situations.