Ch 13 pg 349-354 basements and cellars
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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.
  • Occupants above the fire are directly impacted by heat and smoke. (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.
  • How do limited ventilation routes influence the severity of below-grade fires?

  • They allow for faster heat dissipation.
  • They can trap heat and smoke, increasing danger. (correct)
  • They create a cooling effect during the fire.
  • They enable easier escape for occupants.
  • Which of the following factors does NOT contribute to the deadliness of below-grade fires?

    <p>The orientation of the building structure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    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 statement accurately describes a cellar?

    <p>It has more than 50% of its height below 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

    If a structure has an area where 60% of its height is above the adjacent grade, what can it be categorized as?

    <p>A basement</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of height must a basement exceed to be classified correctly?

    <p>At least 50%</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

    How much did the floor sag as mentioned in the observation?

    <p>8 inches</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

    What is the purpose of posting a guard near the danger area?

    <p>To warn unsuspecting members of the danger.</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

    Why is it important to take immediate action upon identifying a hazardous condition?

    <p>To prevent fellow firefighters from being injured or killed.</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

    What precaution should be taken before entering an area above a fire?

    <p>Ensure the floor in front is stable.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Visual illusions can misrepresent danger levels.</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

    Which of the following statements about fire safety in exposed floor support systems is true?

    <p>They increase the potential for fire to spread to wall voids.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What primarily differentiates basements from cellars in terms of their structure?

    <p>The amount of floor area located above grade.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the presence of larger windows in basements typically affect the space?

    <p>It contributes to increased ventilation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant risk factor associated with exposed floor support systems in unfinished basements and cellars?

    <p>They may fail earlier without protective coatings.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does the open joist ceiling play in fire dynamics within a basement?

    <p>It channels heat and fire to the side 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

    What type of building design can cause misunderstanding for emergency responders?

    <p>Buildings on grade with multi-level entrances.</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 down.</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

    Why is it crucial to pay attention to potential fire spread when using nozzles during a basement fire attack?

    <p>Certain nozzles can inadvertently push the fire throughout the building.</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

    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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