TN 101.1.6- Area of Refuge

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of an area of refuge in a high-rise incident?

To act as a staging area for additional firefighting resources

To serve as a temporary command center for firefighters

To facilitate communication between firefighters and building occupants

To provide a safe location for firefighters to retreat to and potentially bring victims (correct)

During a high-rise incident, why are units on the same side of the hallway chosen for area of refuge access?

To provide easier access to the fire unit

To minimize flow path concerns (correct)

To minimize the risk of fire spreading through the hallway

To reduce the risk of occupants being trapped in the hallway

What is a characteristic of an area of refuge on the fire floor?

It is always located on the opposite side of the hallway from the fire unit

It is either door on the same side as the fire apartment (correct)

It is a stairwell or elevator lobby

It is a designated area on the floor below the fire unit

When can an area of refuge be set up during a high-rise incident?

Simultaneously or prior to the fire unit being accessed Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of using an area of refuge during a high-rise incident?

It provides a safe location for firefighters to retreat to and potentially bring victims Signup and view all the answers

What might firefighters do to access an area of refuge during a high-rise incident?

Force entry into the unit if it is locked Signup and view all the answers

Why is an area of refuge important for firefighters during a high-rise incident?

It offers a safe location to retreat to and remove victims from an IDLH atmosphere Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of controlling the doors in an area of refuge?

To prevent products of fire from entering the unit Signup and view all the answers

What should a firefighter do when forcing a door in low visibility?

Ensure the door is inward swinging Signup and view all the answers

Where can a firefighter typically find an unlocked door to seek refuge?

Much closer than the stairwell access Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of opening windows in the area of refuge?

To equalize the pressure of the fire apartment and keep smoke out Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the area of refuge on the fire floor?

To provide a safe area for a firefighter in trouble Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to minimize the products of fire entering the unit?

To maintain a safe area of refuge Signup and view all the answers

What type of doors should a firefighter be cautious of when forcing open in low visibility?

Outward swinging doors Signup and view all the answers

How can a firefighter quickly find an unlocked door to seek refuge?

By conducting a left- or right-hand search Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Area of Refuge in High-Rise Buildings

An area of refuge is a safe place for firefighters or building occupants at a high-rise incident, allowing them to retreat without returning to the lobby.
The area of refuge is typically located on the same side as the fire apartment, and can be either door on the fire floor.

Identifying the Area of Refuge

The area of refuge is a quick and easy-to-find location for firefighters to retreat to, and can also be the safest place to bring victims.
It removes individuals from an Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) atmosphere.

Setting Up the Area of Refuge

The area of refuge can be set up simultaneously or prior to the fire unit being accessed.
Firefighters can force entry into the units on either side of the fire unit on the same side of the hallway, minimizing flow path concerns.
Units on the opposite side of the hallway are not chosen to avoid smoke migration.

Accessing the Area of Refuge

When smoke is migrating into the area of refuge, opening the windows equalizes the pressure of the fire apartment and keeps smoke out.
It is critical to control the doors to minimize the products of fire entering the unit.
If forcing a door in low visibility, ensure the door is inward swinging to avoid danger.
Avoid forcing open sliding or outward swinging doors, as they may be an elevator or mechanical room.

Searching for the Area of Refuge

Upon exiting the fire unit, a left- or right-hand search will bring a firefighter to an unlocked door to seek refuge, typically closer than the stairwell access.