Ch 17 pg 429-432 taxpayers and strip malls

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Questions and Answers

Why are firefighters at a higher risk in commercial buildings compared to residential ones?

Commercial buildings have more firefighters on duty.

Commercial buildings typically feature less flammable materials.

Firefighters face similar risks in both situations despite differences in safety. (correct)

Residential buildings are often larger and more complex.

What is true regarding fire loads in commercial versus residential buildings?

Commercial buildings generally have higher fire loads than residential buildings. (correct)

Fire loads are similar in both types of buildings.

Fire loads are irrelevant to firefighter safety during an incident.

Residential buildings tend to have higher fire loads due to furniture and appliances.

What is a recommended practice for firefighters in commercial fires?

Perform a thorough search even when civilian hazards are minimal.

A thorough search of the cellar is mandatory (correct)

Evacuate all nearby civilians immediately without assessing risks.

Conduct a rapid search of all areas regardless of risk.

What should firefighters prioritize when responding to commercial fires?

Recognizing self-risk compared to potential civilian benefits. Signup and view all the answers

How do civilian life hazards in stores compare to those in residential buildings?

Civilian life hazards in stores are often lower, especially when people are awake to escape. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason landlords historically constructed taxpayer buildings?

To generate income for realty taxes. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of taxpayer buildings was often overlooked during their construction?

Fire safety considerations. Signup and view all the answers

How has the definition and construction of taxpayer buildings evolved over time?

They are often constructed with stricter building codes. Signup and view all the answers

What type of establishments commonly fall under the taxpayer definition?

Fast-food restaurants and local businesses. Signup and view all the answers

Why were taxpayer buildings often considered 'temporary'?

They were built quickly with low-cost materials. Signup and view all the answers

What construction type is primarily used in newer-style taxpayers as opposed to traditional shopping centers?

Class 2 noncombustible construction Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the characteristics of newer-style strip malls?

They usually have no cellars or basements. Signup and view all the answers

What roofing types may be found in traditional shopping centers built before the advent of automobile travel?

Either traditional wood roofs or metal deck roofs Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the term 'strip malls' as used in contemporary construction terminology?

They may be treated similarly to taxpayers for practical purposes. Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the rise of automobile travel have on shopping center design starting in the 1950s?

The development of automobile-centric shopping centers. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is common to multitenant commercial buildings recognized by the fire service?

They are constructed with Class 3 ordinary construction. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following heights can multitenant commercial buildings reach?

They may vary between one and two stories. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of fire service terminology, how are multitenant commercial buildings primarily categorized?

By their construction methods. Signup and view all the answers

What does Class 3 ordinary construction specifically refer to in multitenant commercial buildings?

Commercial buildings that utilize conventional building methods. (Wood and brick) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement does not accurately describe multitenant commercial buildings recognized by the fire service?

They can be exclusively designed for commercial use. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary risk associated with bowstring truss roofs in the event of a fire?

They often collapse unexpectedly. Signup and view all the answers

In what type of building would you most likely find a bowstring truss roof?

A single-storey supermarket. Signup and view all the answers

Which roof type cannot be categorized as a typology of older buildings mentioned?

Gabled roof Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken if heavy fire is detected within a bowstring truss structure?

Evacuate the entire building and set up collapse zones. Signup and view all the answers

Which roof type is characterized by having a metal deck supported by bar joists?

Metal deck roof Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of older style taxpayers that increases fire risk?

Open cocklofts over the structure Signup and view all the answers

How do the dimensions of older style stores typically compare to newer constructions?

Older stores are deeper but not as wide Signup and view all the answers

Which construction characteristic is common in new style taxpayers?

The roof deck may consist of metal Signup and view all the answers

What regulatory change commonly applies to the cockloft in older buildings?

It must be subdivided into areas of 10,000 sq ft or less Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant difference between the structures of newer shopping malls compared to older commercial buildings?

Newer malls usually lack cellar spaces Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for cutting a trench on a taxpayer roof?

It is not advisable Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant drawback of cutting trenches on taxpayer roofs?

They drain valuable resources and time Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum requirement for creating an effective trench on a taxpayer roof?

Cutting from outside wall to outside wall and subdividing every 4 ft Signup and view all the answers

What size ventilation hole is recommended over the main body of a fire to slow horizontal extension in the cockloft?

8x8 ft Signup and view all the answers

What is the likelihood of successfully completing a trench cut on a taxpayer building that is only 75 ft deep?

It is nearly impossible due to resource demands. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant risk associated with the use of thin steel in newer-type taxpayer roofs during a fire?

Thin steel can fail due to deformation in a short time frame. Signup and view all the answers

What approach did the FDNY take regarding metal deck roofs after recognizing the associated dangers?

They modified tactics to prevent cutting metal deck roofs. Signup and view all the answers

What is a proposed best practice for firefighting operations on bar-joist roofs?

Implement exterior operations combined with ventilation and hose streams. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential for firefighters to understand the properties of steel as a thermoplastic metal?

It affects their approach to firefighting tactics in steel-structured buildings. Signup and view all the answers

What misconception might firefighters have regarding the behavior of steel in a fire?

Steel is noncombustible but can deform under extreme heat. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant disadvantage of slab construction in strip malls?

It creates a larger potential fire area due to storage space arrangements. Signup and view all the answers

How does the fire load in a fully occupied strip mall primarily evolve?

From the combustible materials stored within the stores. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of the roof in modern strip malls can present unique fire challenges?

The roof has metal decking laid over unprotected steel-bar joists. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the amount of fire load considered low when the building is completed?

The building materials are all made of noncombustible substances. Signup and view all the answers

What potential risk is associated with the large, open-floor area found in strip malls?

It can contribute to a rapid spread of fire upon arrival. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Firefighter Risks in Commercial Buildings

Firefighters face increased danger in commercial fires compared to residential fires, despite lower civilian life hazards.
Higher fire loads in commercial buildings contribute to the risks firefighters encounter during emergencies.
A rapid cellar search is not necessary if the fire is above, as the likelihood of finding trapped individuals is minimal.

Taxpayer Definition and Characteristics

Taxpayer refers to a row of stores under one roof, including various establishments like pizza parlors.
Originates from landlords building quick, cheap structures to generate income for real estate taxes.
These buildings were initially considered temporary with minimal fire safety features.

Taxpayer Construction Styles

Older taxpayers (Class 3 ordinary construction) are made primarily of combustible materials: wood for floors, roofs, and walls, with brick or cinder block exteriors.
Newer taxpayers, also referred to as strip malls, use Class 2 noncombustible construction and lack basements.
Typical size for older stores averages 20 feet wide and 50 to 100 feet deep; newer stores are generally larger due to slab construction.

Roof Types on Older Taxpayer Buildings

Common roof styles include standard flat, inverted roofs, metal deck on bar joists, and bowstring trusses.
Bowstring trusses indicate significant risk; if fire is evident, evacuation and collapse zone establishment are critical.

Ventilation Operations

Ventilation on flat or inverted roofs should follow established guidelines to mitigate fire spread.
Cut an 8x8-foot hole over the fire to slow horizontal extension; additional holes may be necessary.
Trench ventilation is impractical for taxpayers, as it requires extensive cutting and resource allocation.

Fire Safety in Strip Malls

New strip malls are built to noncombustible standards with slab construction, eliminating the need for climbing down to basements.
The trade-off for lacking cellars includes the potential for larger fire areas due to flimsy interior partitions.
Store sizes can range from 20x75 feet to over 60x100 feet, creating large spaces for fire development.

Fire Spread and Roof Collapse

Modern strip malls possess similar fire spread challenges as older styles, particularly through cocklofts.
Unprotected steel roofs may collapse quickly (within minutes) due to heat exposure, despite being categorized as noncombustible.
Fire departments are urged to conduct exterior operations on bar-joist roofs to mitigate risks associated with premature roof failure.

Practical Firefighting Strategies

Coordinated operations combining ventilation and hose streams are vital for controlling fire spread in strip malls.
Adjustments in tactics, such as those implemented by the FDNY, reflect a shift towards safety-first approaches in challenging fire situations.

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Description

Explore the various risks firefighters face in commercial buildings as opposed to residential fires. Understand the implications of construction styles and fire loads on firefighter safety. This quiz also covers the concept of taxpayers in the context of fire hazards.