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.

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?

The orientation of the building structure. Signup and view all the answers

What is the defining characteristic of a basement?

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

Which statement accurately describes a cellar?

It has more than 50% of its height below adjacent grade. Signup and view all the answers

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

A cellar is always above the adjacent grade. 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?

A basement Signup and view all the answers

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

At least 50% Signup and view all the answers

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

Sagging of the floor near the baseboard molding Signup and view all the answers

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

Strike the area in front of the nozzle team Signup and view all the answers

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

8 inches Signup and view all the answers

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

Stop and evaluate the situation Signup and view all the answers

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

Potential for falls into the fire below Signup and view all the answers

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

Notify command and inform all firefighters of the danger. Signup and view all the answers

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

Work on the damaged floor while avoiding the holes. Signup and view all the answers

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

To warn unsuspecting members of the danger. Signup and view all the answers

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

Ignore the hazard until the situation is stabilized. Signup and view all the answers

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

To prevent fellow firefighters from being injured or killed. Signup and view all the answers

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

They often channel fire toward wall voids. Signup and view all the answers

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

Ensure the floor in front is stable. Signup and view all the answers

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

Visual illusions can misrepresent danger levels. Signup and view all the answers

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

Balloon frame walls. Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

The amount of floor area located above grade. Signup and view all the answers

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

It contributes to increased ventilation. Signup and view all the answers

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

They may fail earlier without protective coatings. Signup and view all the answers

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

It channels heat and fire to the side walls. Signup and view all the answers

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

Firefighters may confuse the first floor with the basement. Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

Access only through external area ways. Signup and view all the answers

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

Confusion regarding the identification of building levels. Signup and view all the answers

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

Buildings on grade with multi-level entrances. Signup and view all the answers

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

They can complicate the assessment of emergency situations. Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

The incident commander who can comprehend the terrain effects. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a subbasement from a traditional basement?

A subbasement is found below the basement level, usually two levels down. Signup and view all the answers

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

A comprehensive 360° survey of the incident area. Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

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

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

To prevent the fire from extending to the upper floors. Signup and view all the answers

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

Through the door under the stairs. Signup and view all the answers

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

The exterior front staircase leading to the upper floors. 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?

Certain nozzles can inadvertently push the fire throughout the building. Signup and view all the answers

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

Chimney effect Signup and view all the answers

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

Ventilation above the seat of the fire Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

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

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

It increases the speed at which fire gases ascend through the interior. 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.