Ch 17 pg 439-443

Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason for using aerial platforms for taxpayer fires?

They can quickly adapt to changing fire conditions.

They provide a higher water pressure than ground-based lines.

They require fewer personnel than traditional pumpers.

They are effective for reaching difficult areas like cocklofts. (correct)

When attacking the main body of fire in a 75 or 100 ft deep store, what is crucial to avoid when positioning pumpers?

Setting up too far from the incident.

Interfering with the water supply lines.

Blocking the telescoping platform. (correct)

Using insufficient hose size.

How much water flow may be necessary to effectively darken down a heavy fire in a store?

400-500 gpm

600-700 gpm

800-900 gpm (correct)

1000-1100 gpm

What characteristic makes a preconnected deck pipe or master stream advantageous in combating a fire?

Ability to deliver a high flow rate of over 1,000 gpm. Signup and view all the answers

What should be the main focus when dealing with heavy fire in the cockloft?

Getting ahead of the fire and working back Signup and view all the answers

What indicates that the firefighting efforts may not be effective?

No noticeable change after activating streams Signup and view all the answers

Why should firefighters be cautious about directing streams into a hole in the roof?

It could redirect the fire back below the roof structure Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern regarding the structure's parapet during firefighting operations?

Monitoring for potential collapse is crucial Signup and view all the answers

Why is water damage to the exposed stores not a concern early in firefighting efforts?

The aim is to save the remaining stores or prevent total destruction Signup and view all the answers

What commonly occurs as a result of a fire extending into the cockloft?

Rapid fire spread across the ceiling space. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT contribute to the challenges posed by cockloft fires?

Open designs in modern buildings enhancing visibility. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant risk firefighters face when entering a store during a cockloft fire?

Ceiling collapse due to the fire’s intensity. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of remodeled stores often increases the risk of ceiling collapse during a fire?

New ceilings being unsupported or inadequately supported. Signup and view all the answers

What preventative action should firefighters take upon encountering a suspended ceiling?

Create a preliminary ceiling opening at the entrance. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary indicator that you have reached the roof boards during inspection?

Detecting a hollow sound from the ceiling Signup and view all the answers

What does the presence of wood lath and plaster covered by tin suggest about the construction?

It suggests the presence of multiple layers complicating access to the roof boards. Signup and view all the answers

What skill is crucial when determining if you have reached the roof boards?

Experience in identifying sound differences Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic sound should you listen for when assessing the ceiling?

A hollow sound signaling lighter materials like wood Signup and view all the answers

Which approach should be taken when faced with layers of wood lath and plaster covered by tin?

Be cautious and proceed carefully with persistence Signup and view all the answers

What vital technology is emphasized for firefighting in cocklofts?

Thermal Imaging Cameras (TICs) Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if a TIC is unavailable when checking the ceiling?

Examine the head of a pike pole after poking it up Signup and view all the answers

What physical challenges are faced when pulling multiple ceilings?

Wearing SCBA can lead to exhaustion quickly Signup and view all the answers

What immediate action should be taken upon detecting a hot pike pole head with signs of smoke?

Vent the roof and apply water to the fire Signup and view all the answers

Why might it be necessary to skip several exposed stores when tackling cockloft fires?

To ensure sufficient personnel manage risks ahead of the fire Signup and view all the answers

What traditional tactics are recommended for dealing with cockloft fires?

Deploying hoselines in exposed stores and pulling ceilings ahead of the fire Signup and view all the answers

How many personnel are required per store to effectively pull ceilings at a cockloft fire?

Six or more personnel Signup and view all the answers

What risk may be present in the cockloft if fire is not visible but excessive heat is felt?

Backdraft risk Signup and view all the answers

What advantage does a tower ladder stream provide during firefighting operations?

It can apply over 1,200 gpm of water rapidly. Signup and view all the answers

In what way is a master stream from an elevating platform more efficient compared to manual methods?

It minimizes personnel involvement while maximizing reach. Signup and view all the answers

What size opening is sufficient for effectively directing water into a cockloft using a cockloft nozzle?

12x12-in. Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical action to take before applying water to a cockloft via hoseline?

Create a large opening in the ceiling. Signup and view all the answers

What is one key characteristic of a tower ladder stream?

It is the most maneuverable master stream available. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered an effective method for managing fire in inaccessible areas below the roof?

Applying water directly from the ground. Signup and view all the answers

Why is roof ventilation not needed for a cockloft nozzle to be effective?

Steam from the operation helps in extinguishing fire Signup and view all the answers

In certain challenging situations, what material may be used for ceilings in meat markets and butcher shops?

Plastic laminate glued over plywood. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to maintain high nozzle pressure during fire suppression operations?

It improves the penetration of water into the fire. Signup and view all the answers

What potential issue does the soffit in newer strip malls pose during firefighting?

It might allow fire to spread to adjacent stores. Signup and view all the answers

Which method can help improve firefighting access to cocklofts on older buildings?

Removing advertising signs to clear obstacles. Signup and view all the answers

When utilizing a master stream to open a soffit, what is a key consideration for effectiveness?

Nozzle pressure should be prioritized over flow rate. Signup and view all the answers

What immediate action should be taken when heavy fire is observed in a cockloft?

Prepare for potential fire spread through the roof. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for the Incident Commander (IC) to be informed about taller nearby exposures?

They are usually more susceptible to fire spread. Signup and view all the answers

What resources should the IC have ready to defend structures threatened by a store fire?

Sufficient handlines and an elevated master stream. Signup and view all the answers

What can significantly increase the fuel load during a store fire?

Rubber or asphalt roof materials. Signup and view all the answers

What should firefighters ideally focus on when anticipating roof burn through in a fire scenario?

Stretching handlines to exposures and positioning elevated streams. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Fire Attack Strategies

Use preconnected deck pipes or master streams for attacking fires in 75-100 ft deep stores, ensuring pumpers do not block telescoping platforms.
Taxpayer fires benefit significantly from aerial platforms due to their ability to target cocklofts effectively.
Dense fire in a store may require 800-900 gallons per minute (gpm) to control.
Positioning the aerial platform basket in front of the show window allows for rapid, powerful attack on adjoining cocklofts.

Cockloft Fire Concerns

Cockloft fires are leading causes of total loss in taxpayer buildings, with rapid fire spread due to an open area.
Fire can drop into exposed stores or result in ceiling collapse, posing a significant risk to firefighters.
Challenges include concealed cocklofts, potential backdrafts, and difficulty in locating the fire's source due to visibility issues.

Ceiling Operations

Before entering areas with suspended ceilings, perform preliminary ceiling openings to assess fire and structural integrity.
Heavy smoke may hinder visibility; TICs (Thermal Imaging Cameras) are crucial for locating hidden fires.
Pulling ceilings requires considerable manpower and physical effort, becoming arduous under respiratory protection.

Roof Ventilation Techniques

Assign personnel for hoselines and roof ventilation to manage fire situations, ensuring a large opening is created in the ceiling.
Venting from the floor without opening the ceiling may worsen conditions; prioritize large ceiling holes to ensure effective water application.
Use a 12x12 inch hole size for cockloft nozzle application, allowing effective coverage of the area.

Alternative Strategies for Challenging Situations

If opening ceilings is impractical, use cellar pipes and distributors to direct water into inaccessible areas.
Caution is necessary during operations in potential backdraft areas; withdraw personnel from directly below involved ceilings.

Command and Resource Management

Prepare for potential roof breakthroughs when heavy cockloft fires are present, causing flames and thick smoke.
Awareness of taller nearby buildings is essential, as they may be threatened during extensive roof damage.
Ensure adequate resources are in place for defending adjacent structures once roof breakthrough occurs.

Master Stream Effectiveness

A master stream, especially from an elevating platform, is more efficient than handlines and can effectively extinguish cockloft fires.
The maneuverability and flow rate of an elevating platform stream enhance tactical response on the fireground.
Maintaining high nozzle pressure is critical; varying tip sizes can optimize flow and penetration into the fire area.

Additional Tactics for Strip Malls

Newer strip malls often have interconnected cocklofts, threatening multiple stores; they may be accessed through openings in the soffit with master streams.
Removal of advertising signs from older buildings can clear pathways to the cockloft, enhancing access and firefighting effectiveness.

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Description

Test your knowledge on tactics for fire fighting and handling store fires using aerial platforms and master streams. This quiz covers key concepts such as positioning pumpers and addressing cockloft fires. Improve your tactical skills and readiness for fire incidents.