Fire Incident Management Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the initial priority when addressing a fire incident, as highlighted in the text?

Assessing smoke conditions

Initiating offensive fire attack

Obtaining a roof report (correct)

Assigning the truck officer to roof division

Why is it important for the roof division supervisor to maintain a 'tactical next' mindset?

To better hear radio communications from the Incident Commander

To remain as the safety and accountability officer

To ensure they can use all of their tools effectively

To not get distracted, and to anticipate future needs (correct)

What is a critical responsibility of the roof division supervisor, besides coordinating operations?

Serving as the safety and accountability officer (correct)

Relaying messages received from fire attack teams

Managing water supply to the roof area

Operating all power tools effectively

How might a roof division supervisor influence incident tactics and strategy?

By providing a unique perspective of the fire's behavior, building construction, and potential hazards Signup and view all the answers

What can a roof report indicate about the fire's progression?

Whether the fire is advanced enough to switch to a defensive strategy Signup and view all the answers

In the provided example of the fire in a strip mall, what was the initial indication of fire?

Heavy fire from the C side and moderate smoke from the A side Signup and view all the answers

What does 'outside-in fire' imply in the context of the example incident described?

The fire started outside the C side wall and went into the roof Signup and view all the answers

What is identified as a potential TPO (Targeted Protection Objective) for a building by the roof division?

Parapet Fire Walls Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference in smoke behavior that firefighters should anticipate in a commercial fire compared to a typical structure fire?

Commercial fire smoke may lack the typical pressure and turbulence. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common indicator of sprinkler activation or a broken water source in a commercial structure?

Flames Visible From a Distance. Signup and view all the answers

What is generally considered the greatest life hazard at a commercial structure fire?

The firefighters themselves. Signup and view all the answers

Why might a fire in a commercial building be considered to have a low-to-moderate victim profile (VP)?

Civilians usually evacuate quickly due to early warning systems. Signup and view all the answers

What should firefighters look for to identify potential employees who may be able to provide valuable intel at a commercial fire scene?

Business attire, uniforms, or accessories like nametags, aprons and hats. Signup and view all the answers

What is the most critical reason for quickly assessing victim profile by a firefighter at a commercial fire?

To determine if a defensive strategy or interior attack strategy should be used. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of commercial fires, how might a 'bogus' report of an occupant affect the incident response?

It would delay the implementation of a defensive strategy impacting firefighter safety Signup and view all the answers

What is the correlation between a commercial fire occurring after business hours and the potential for an increased victim profile?

It may provide the benefit of closed occupancies and reduced VP. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of a 'Signal 10-76-2nd alarm' in the context of FDNY fire response?

It specifically signals a fire in a commercial high-rise, necessitating increased resources. Signup and view all the answers

In a high-rise commercial fire, what is the typical order of priorities according to the SOP?

Determine the fire floor, verify the fire floor, then control evacuation, and then gain control of the building's systems. Signup and view all the answers

What was the initial action taken by the firefighters upon entering the store?

They poked a hole in the ceiling with a ten-foot hook inside the main entrance. Signup and view all the answers

What was the battalion chief's initial mistake in the Bronx Lebanon Hospital fire?

He transmitted a first alarm signal (10-75) instead of a second alarm (10-76). Signup and view all the answers

Why did the firefighters initially focus their attention towards the rear of the store?

They suspected the fire originated in or around the clothes dryers. Signup and view all the answers

During an MCI within a high rise incident, besides triage, treatment, and transport, what additional channel is essential?

Medical communications with the hospital. Signup and view all the answers

What initial action should be taken when responding to a fire in an upper floor of a high-rise, in concert with the building’s fire safety director?

Find out the extent of the evacuation plan and ensure its implementation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the cockloft?

The space between the ceiling and the roof boards of the building. Signup and view all the answers

What changed the firefighters strategy from an offensive attack to a defensive attack?

A significant fire in the rear of the cockloft moving towards the front of the store and increased smoke density. Signup and view all the answers

In the Bronx Lebanon Hospital fire, where did the fire originate and initially spread?

In the kitchen of a luncheonette on the first floor, then to the dining area. Signup and view all the answers

What specific aspect of building systems is of critical importance during a high-rise fire?

Control of elevators, HVAC systems, communications and fire pumps. Signup and view all the answers

What action did the roof firefighter take to assist with fire attack?

They cut a hole in the roof to vent the fire and smoke. Signup and view all the answers

What contributed most to the incident commander's initial underestimation of the fire at Bronx Lebanon Hospital?

The time of day being close to a shift change, when a lot of alarms are received. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the incident commanders decide to withdraw all firefighters from the interior of the building?

The fire was too widespread and intense, with rollover/flashover conditions developing. Signup and view all the answers

How did the firefighters initially attempt to extinguish the fire?

They used an interior hose line attack. Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest about the typical design of cocklofts in commercial buildings?

They are designed to be larger in the front than the rear to help with water runoff. Signup and view all the answers

According to the provided context, what is a key benefit of using well-established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) at a fire scene?

They facilitate easy transitions between offensive and defensive firefighting strategies. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of fireground operations is MOST directly associated with creating a 'tactical gap' as discussed in the provided text?

The difference in perceived time between firefighters in the IDLH zone and the incident commander. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason that rear-mount and aerial ladder trucks should NOT be positioned at the front of a burning building?

To ensure the area is clear for tower ladders and large-caliber streams. Signup and view all the answers

What advice is given regarding personal and operational improvement after a fire incident?

To critically assess what went well, what could be improved, and to share these experiences. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason the first-due arriving unit's knowledge is critically important at a fire scene?

To provide initial information needed for planning during a fire incident. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for team members working remotely to regularly check in, according to the text?

To provide a status update of their progress and to report conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the MAIN emphasis regarding 'reflex time' in the context of changing fire attack strategies?

To ensure all team members are aware of any tactical changes before implementing them. Signup and view all the answers

What combination of factors will help firefighters reach operational success?

SOP's and SOG's, building knowledge, and clear communication. Signup and view all the answers

In a structure with reinforced doors and windows in the rear, what is the recommended initial strategy for fire attack?

A combination strategy, using defensive positioning while attacking offensively. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern when a fire occurs in a large building with fire walls?

The lack of clear party wall separations. Signup and view all the answers

When should a shift from an offensive to a defensive strategy be considered?

Upon any doubt about containing the fire in a timely manner or if conditions are not improving despite offensive actions. Signup and view all the answers

Following building evacuation and completion of secondary searches, what is the next priority?

Incident stabilization and reassessing the risk of ongoing operations. Signup and view all the answers

In the leather garment factory fire example, what was the main challenge after the initial knockdown?

The presence of stubborn fires in a difficult to access attic. Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical element for fireground operations?

The ability to adapt and change strategy based on conditions. Signup and view all the answers

When should tactical supervisors be notified during an operation?

Whenever a strategic change is being considered. Signup and view all the answers

What should be considered about the contents of a business during a fire?

They are typically a loss from smoke and water damage, regardless of saving the structure. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Commercial Fires

Commercial fires require a different mindset from residential fires. Errors are less forgiving, and applying residential fire tactics can be problematic.
Commercial fires have a higher potential for firefighter injuries and fatalities than residential fires due to the greater potential for larger fire sizes and the presence of various hazards.
Commercial structures can encompass various types of buildings, uses, and eras with diverse construction types.
Definitions of commercial structures vary, but typically exclude residential structures and include shopping centres, offices, nursing homes, and structures used for human habitation or occupancy for industrial, education, assembly, professional, or commercial purposes. At least 50% of the floor space must be used for commercial activities.

Fire Definitions and Occupancy Classifications

Neither NFPA nor IBC lists commercial as an occupancy classification. These codes utilize other classifications (see Fig 10-1)
For the purposes of study, a commercial structure is defined as a building that is primarily used for business, or a mix of business and residential. Examples include (but are not limited to) taxpayers (mixed use), strip malls, restaurants, big-box stores, mega-box stores (regional malls).

Commercial Fire Hazards

Excessive fire load
Excess flammable liquids
Hazardous materials (without proper placarding)
Illegal remodeling (against code)
Illegal storage of materials
High-piled storage racks
Security gates, bars, and doors
Older and dilapidated construction
Roof assemblies/Mansards
Loading docks, and freight elevators
Access/egress issues
Lack of adequate water supply
Lack of fixed protection systems
Unfamiliar building pre-planning
Issues with command, strategy and objective alignment between the incident command (IC) and team.

Case Studies: Key Incidents

Ghost Ship Fire (Oakland, CA 2016): 36 civilian deaths in a commercial warehouse. Occupancy was illegal.
Boyd Street Incident (Los Angeles, CA 2020): Multiple firefighter injuries in a commercial building in downtown Los Angeles.
Sofa Superstore Fire (Charleston, SC 2007): Deadliest loss of firefighters in the U.S. since 9/11.
Station Nightclub Fire (2003): The deadliest building fire in America since 2016.

Tactical Lessons Learned

Proper size-up and reconnaissance (360°) critical before entering.
Adequate personnel for the building's size and scope.
Review Mayday procedures and strategies to prepare your team.
Understanding of building layouts and exposures
Addressing hazards and safety issues associated with the building's structure and contents
Effective coordination between different companies and units (especially for ventilation and water supply)
Avoiding tunnel vision, focusing on all relevant factors, and remaining flexible
Understanding occupancy and fire load.

Ventilation and Communication

Vertical and horizontal ventilation are critical in commercial fires, often involving multiple companies.
Effective communication within the ICS structure, especially between company officers and divisions, is essential for coordinating ventilation, suppression, and evacuation efforts.
Effective communication, especially for companies working in the hot-zone; and those outside the structure
Division supervisors act as safety officers and help with decision making.

Commercial Fire Attack and Water Supply

Commercial fires often require fire attack from multiple locations due to structure and contents.
The fire flow required necessitates multiple access points to prevent logistical bottlenecks.
Supplying attack engines with water requires consideration of supply lines and distances to hydrants.
Utilizing appropriate hoseline lengths.
Consider the presence of fire pumps, on-site personnel, and the water district. Coordination and supervision of water supply teams are essential.
Special considerations for HVAC systems and sprinkler systems.

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Description

Test your knowledge on fire incident management and the critical responsibilities of the roof division supervisor. This quiz covers tactics, strategies, and indicators essential for effective response in fire situations, particularly in commercial structures. Ensure you understand key concepts that can influence firefighting operations.