Ch 13 pg 349-354 basements and cellars
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Questions and Answers

What is one significant reason that below-grade fires are particularly deadly?

  • The structure itself is often entirely fireproof.
  • They have ample ventilation and no obstacles for escape.
  • Limited ventilation and escape routes (correct)
  • Beneath-grade fires usually spread more rapidly than surface fires.

    • Which construction deficiency is specifically mentioned as contributing to the danger of below-grade fires?

  • Unprotected joists on the first floor. (correct)
  • Low ceilings in basement areas.
  • Insufficient insulation in walls.
  • Use of non-combustible materials.

    • Which of the following factors does NOT contribute to the deadliness of below-grade fires?

  • Limited escape routes.
  • Rising heat and smoke towards upper levels.
  • Balloon-frame walls.
  • The orientation of the building structure. (correct)

    • What is the defining characteristic of a basement?

    <p>It has at least 50% of its height above adjacent grade.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements is NOT true regarding basements and cellars?

    <p>A cellar is always above the adjacent grade.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What indicates that there might be a structural failure of the floor in heavy smoke conditions?

    <p>Sagging of the floor near the baseboard molding</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be the first action taken to assess the floor’s stability before proceeding?

    <p>Strike the area in front of the nozzle team</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should firefighters consider if vibration or weakness is detected when testing the floor?

    <p>Stop and evaluate the situation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the risk of advancing onto a weakened floor during firefighting operations?

    <p>Potential for falls into the fire below</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary action to take when discovering a hazardous condition on-site?

    <p>Notify command and inform all firefighters of the danger.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When structural supports are not severely damaged, how should firefighters proceed with operations?

    <p>Work on the damaged floor while avoiding the holes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a recommended action to alleviate danger when encountering a collapse hazard?

    <p>Ignore the hazard until the situation is stabilized.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant danger associated with exposed floor support systems during a fire?

    <p>They often channel fire toward wall voids.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it not safe to rely solely on visual assessment in fire situations?

    <p>You can not trust your eyes and what you see</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What structural feature contributes to the rapid spread of fire from a cellar to the attic?

    <p>Balloon frame walls.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant issue faced by buildings built on grade with multiple entrances?

    <p>Firefighters may confuse the first floor with the basement.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does having front and rear entrances on different streets complicate emergency response?

    <p>It may lead to confusion over the building's layout.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which construction feature is typically found in cellars but not in basements?

    <p>Access only through external area ways.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What primary problem does remote operation cause for firefighters in relation to buildings on grade?

    <p>Confusion regarding the identification of building levels.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following can be inferred about buildings on grade with varying entrance elevations?

    <p>They can complicate the assessment of emergency situations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of conducting a full 360° survey during an incident size-up?

    <p>To understand how terrain affects different levels of the structure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which role is ideally responsible for conducting the 360° survey?

    <p>The incident commander who can comprehend the terrain effects.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes a subbasement from a traditional basement?

    <p>A subbasement is found below the basement level, usually two levels below the street entrance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must be included in the size-up to prevent potential tragedies?

    <p>A comprehensive 360° survey of the incident area.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important for the incident commander to have an understanding of the layout?

    <p>To ensure strategies are developed in accordance with the terrain.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary advantage of using solid or straight stream nozzles when attacking a basement fire?

    <p>They minimize the potential for fire to push through the building.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of stretching a second hoseline to the floor above the fire?

    <p>To prevent the fire from extending to the upper floors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which entry point is typically used for attacking a basement fire in a brownstone?

    <p>Through the door under the stairs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is referred to as the stoop in the context of battling a basement fire?

    <p>The exterior front staircase leading to the upper floors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What phenomenon describes how air can rapidly accelerate fire gases in basement fires?

    <p>Chimney effect</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following conditions exacerbates the dangers faced by firefighters descending through a chimney-like structure?

    <p>Ventilation above the seat of the fire</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why can windows in basement fires pose a dual risk during firefighting operations?

    <p>They can both ventilate the fire and allow hot gases to move rapidly up the stairs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what way does the presence of a staircase factor into the dangers of basement and subbasement fires?

    <p>It can facilitate the rapid movement of hot gases due to the chimney effect.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a critical risk associated with the airflow from windows during a basement fire?

    <p>It increases the speed at which fire gases ascend through the interior.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    It’s important to determine how many levels are ____ and ____ each point of entry and to ensure that the fire is not burning below unsuspecting companies

    <p>Above below</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The windows used for ventilation and hose line access and egress can also cause the fire to dramatically enhance because of their location above the seat of the fire known as the ______

    <p>Chimney effect</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The most direct entry for brownstones is through the door under the ___

    <p>Stairs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Factors Contributing to the Deadliness of Below-Grade Fires

    • Limited ventilation and escape routes complicate evacuation and firefighting efforts.
    • Occupants above the fire are directly affected by rising heat, smoke, and flames.
    • Construction deficiencies, such as unprotected first-floor joists and balloon-frame walls, enhance fire spread.

    Definitions: Basement vs. Cellar

    • Basements have over 50% of their height above adjacent grade, allowing for larger windows and better escape routes.
    • Cellars have more than 50% of their height below grade; often feature smaller windows and limited access points.

    Construction Issues with Below-Grade Fires

    • Exposed floor support systems, common in unfinished basements, are vulnerable to fire.
    • Dimensional joists (2x8 or larger) and engineered systems can support heavy weights but fail sooner without fire-resistive coating.
    • Open joist ceilings increase fire load and channel heat towards side walls, escalating fire spread.

    Risks Associated with Floor Stability

    • Firefighters should not rely on visual cues to determine floor stability before entering areas above a fire.
    • Striking the floor with a tool helps assess stability—any vibrations indicate weakness.
    • Operations may require exterior access until fire is controlled and structural integrity is assured.

    Hazards from Different Building Grades

    • Buildings with entrances on different streets create confusion for firefighters regarding which level is the first floor and which is below grade.
    • A 360° survey by the incident commander is crucial for understanding terrain and building layout.

    Understanding Subbasements

    • Subbasements are located below basements, typically two levels beneath street entry points.

    The Chimney Effect in Below-Grade Fires

    • Windows can allow ventilation and hoseline access but may also fuel rapid fire spread, resembling a chimney effect.
    • Ventilation above the fire accelerates fire gases, which can lead to dangerous situations for firefighters entering through direct access points.

    Firefighting Strategies

    • Direct entry through the closest access point is preferred when combating basement fires.
    • Using solid or straight stream nozzles minimizes fire extension risks, while a second hoseline should protect the upper floors from fire spread.

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    Description

    This quiz explores the factors that contribute to the deadly nature of below-grade fires. Key elements such as limited escape routes, rising heat, and structural deficiencies will be discussed. Understand why these fires pose a significant risk and how to mitigate those dangers.

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