12 Questions
What is the first step in responding to a report of someone inside an abandoned building on fire?
Assess the conditions present using 360 degree size up, smoke and fire conditions, and a thermal imaging camera
What is the purpose of establishing ventilation during a rescue operation in an abandoned building on fire?
To remove smoke and heat from the compartment, improving visibility and operating conditions
Why is it crucial to remove boarding at entry points and other windows/doors during a rescue operation?
To provide an alternate means of emergency egress for the entry team
What is the purpose of using a thermal imaging camera during a rescue operation in an abandoned building on fire?
To locate the victim inside the building
Why is it important to enter the building at the closest point to the occupant's known location?
To reduce the risk of firefighter injuries due to unknown hazards
What is the role of the District Chief in a rescue operation in an abandoned building on fire?
To act as the Safety Officer
What is the primary consideration when determining the point of entry in an abandoned building?
The location of the occupant and ventilation considerations
What is the purpose of establishing an IRIT/RIT prior to entry in an abandoned building?
To ensure firefighters have a means of emergency egress
Why is ventilation from an aerial ladder/tower/platform recommended in abandoned buildings?
To reduce the risk of firefighter injury from falling through compromised roofs
What is the ultimate goal of the abandoned building program?
To reduce the risk of firefighter deaths
What is the primary consideration when determining whether to engage in an operation in an abandoned building?
The risk of firefighter injury or death
What is the guiding principle when responding to incidents in abandoned or vacant buildings?
Do not risk firefighter lives for lives or property that cannot be saved
Study Notes
Assessing Conditions in Abandoned Buildings on Fire
- When responding to a report of someone inside an abandoned building on fire, the Incident Commander (IC) must assess the conditions present, including:
- 360-degree size-up
- Smoke and fire conditions
- Use of Thermal Imaging Camera
- Occupant Survival Profile
- Initial Risk Assessment and Safe Action Plan
Improving Chances of Survival
- To improve chances of survival for occupants and firefighters:
- Identify the location of the fire
- Establish ventilation based on the stage of the fire, smoke conditions, and point of entry
- Consider using a straight stream hose stream into the room with fire to reduce temperature and improve operating conditions
- Remove boarding at the entry point and other windows/doors to allow entry team alternative means of emergency egress
- Enter the building at the closest point to the occupant, if known, to reduce chances of firefighter injuries
Ensuring Safety
- Ensure the Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) is established and briefed
- If RIT is not on scene, establish and brief the Incident Response Team (IRIT)
- Assign a District Chief as the Safety Officer
- Entry team must use a hose line, and a backup crew must be ready with a hose line
Thermal Imaging Camera
- Use the thermal imaging camera to try to determine the location of the fire and possible location of the person inside
- If the Occupant Survival Profile indicates a possibility of survival, determine the safest point of entry based on the identified location of the fire, ventilation considerations, and the entry point closest to the occupant
Ventilation and Entry
- Ventilation should be completed from an aerial ladder/tower/platform to avoid firefighters falling through compromised roofs
- Remove boarding of windows/doors carefully to allow firefighters alternative means of emergency egress
Abandoned Building Program
- The abandoned building program, including the Standard Operating Guidelines (SOG) and training, was developed to reduce the chances of firefighter deaths due to the hazards presented by abandoned/vacant buildings
- The incident commander must use all available information, technology, and resources to determine the safest incident action plan based on the information presented upon arrival
Incident Commander's Rules of Engagement
- The Incident Commander's "Rules of Engagement" must be used as a decision tree to help determine whether it is a "Go" or "No Go" situation
- Remember: do not risk firefighter lives for lives or property that cannot be saved
This quiz assesses knowledge of emergency procedures for firefighters responding to a building on fire with potential occupants inside. It covers essential steps to ensure occupant and firefighter safety.
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