Collapse of BB CH13 Medium

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Questions and Answers

What is the role of the ladder company roof man in this scenario?

To report the presence of fire spread from the rear of the building

To enter the fire building with the engine company captain

To perform vertical venting by accessing the adjoining building (correct)

To prepare for venting from the aerial ladder

What is the responsibility of the firefighter assigned the 'outside ventilation' position?

To report the presence of fire spread and any trapped victims from the rear of the building (correct)

To enter the fire building with the engine company captain

To prepare for venting from the aerial ladder

To perform vertical venting by accessing the adjoining building

What does the engine company officer do upon locating the reported address?

Quickly dismounts from the pumper and enters the fire building

Shines the spotlight on the front doorways of the attached houses

Prepares for venting from the aerial ladder

Moves the vehicle up 20 feet and gives room for aerial ladder positioning (correct)

What is the responsibility of the aerial ladder operator in this scenario?

To stay with the truck and prepare for venting, ladder removal of a fire victim, or a firefighter in trouble Signup and view all the answers

What did the ladder company officer investigate?

The possibility of hidden fire in the stairway Signup and view all the answers

What did the captain suspect as the cause of the fire?

Arson and use of a flammable liquid Signup and view all the answers

What facilitated the firefighters' access to the upper floors?

The bulkhead door being open Signup and view all the answers

What did the firefighters discover inside the concealed space of the fallen staircase?

Fire Signup and view all the answers

What did the firefighters use to extinguish the fire in the building's upper floors?

Hose stream Signup and view all the answers

What did the occupant confirm about his apartment?

No fire in his apartment Signup and view all the answers

What did the text highlight about fire protection measures in modern multistory dwellings?

Fire-retarding materials and self-closing doors Signup and view all the answers

What was the condition of the stairway after the fire was extinguished?

Collapsed Signup and view all the answers

What was the captain's role during the fire incident?

Supervising the extinguishing of the fire Signup and view all the answers

What did the text provide historical context on?

Stairway fires in multiple-story dwellings at the turn of the century Signup and view all the answers

What did the ladder company officer do after the initial fire was extinguished?

Investigate the possibility of hidden fire in the stairway Signup and view all the answers

What did the captain emphasize the importance of for stairway structures?

Fire-retarding soffits Signup and view all the answers

What type of materials do building codes require for stair components like balusters and stringboards?

Noncombustible materials Signup and view all the answers

Why do fire departments position initial firefighting hoselines in interior stairways?

Due to fire-retarding materials in stair enclosures Signup and view all the answers

Why do many old wooden stairs still exist despite building code requirements?

Building code changes are not retroactive and do not affect private houses Signup and view all the answers

What are the three basic types of stairs mentioned in the text?

Straight-run, U-return, and L-shaped Signup and view all the answers

Where can continuous straight-run stairs be found?

Turn-of-the-century buildings Signup and view all the answers

In what type of buildings are L-shaped stairs common?

Private homes Signup and view all the answers

What material is often used in the construction of U-return stairs in modern building construction?

Steel frame Signup and view all the answers

What factor determines stair stability during a fire?

Design Signup and view all the answers

What can cause wooden straight-run stairs to collapse during a fire?

Carriage beam supports weakened by fire Signup and view all the answers

What kind of collapse danger do steel-framed U-return stairs present during a fire?

Intermediate landing collapse Signup and view all the answers

What conflicting views do firefighters have about stair stability during a fire?

Some believe stairs to be the safest place and others recount incidents of collapse and injuries Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cause of collapse for stone masonry intermediate landings when heated by fire?

Cracking and shattering of stone treads Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential sign of stair collapse risk for U-return stairs with stone treads?

Examination of the underside of a stone tread or landing Signup and view all the answers

What is the most frequent cause of U-return steel stair collapse?

Failure of a stone stair tread Signup and view all the answers

What is a vulnerable type of stair without fire-retardant soffits?

Wooden stairs Signup and view all the answers

What should firefighters do when using steel-framed stairs with stone treads to avoid collapse risk?

Avoid stepping on the intermediate landing if possible and use the banister for support Signup and view all the answers

What safety measure can firefighters use in the event of a stair collapse risk?

Use ladders to span weakened stair rises and gain access to the floor above Signup and view all the answers

What type of stairs are prone to collapse when the stone breaks?

Steel U-return stairs with stone treads and unsupported by a steel pan Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential injury caused by stone treads heated by fire?

Broken kneecaps and burns Signup and view all the answers

What should firefighters assess in burning buildings to determine potential collapse risks?

Stairways Signup and view all the answers

What type of stairs are vulnerable to early collapse when ignited by flames?

Wooden stairs without fire-retardant soffits Signup and view all the answers

What is a safety measure for climbing weakened wooden stairs?

Staying close to the wall and avoiding unsupported sections Signup and view all the answers

What can firefighters use to span weakened stair rises in the event of a collapse risk?

Ladders Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Firefighter Stair Collapse Risks and Safety Measures

Stone masonry intermediate landings often collapse when heated by fire, posing a serious danger to firefighters.
Firefighters have fallen through four to five stories of collapsing stone intermediate landings during fires.
Steel U-return stairs with stone treads and unsupported by a steel pan are prone to collapse when the stone breaks.
Firefighters can determine potential stair collapse by examining the underside of a stone tread or landing on U-return stairs.
Failure of a stone stair tread is the most frequent cause of U-return steel stair collapse.
Stone treads heated by fire can crack and shatter, leading to injuries such as broken kneecaps and burns.
Firefighters should assess stairways in burning buildings for potential collapse risks and signs of structural damage.
Wooden stairs without fire-retardant soffits are vulnerable to early collapse when ignited by flames.
Stone treads on steel-framed stairs may collapse and injure firefighters climbing below.
Safety measures for climbing weakened wooden stairs include staying close to the wall and avoiding unsupported sections.
When using steel-framed stairs with stone treads, firefighters should avoid stepping on the intermediate landing if possible and use the banister for support.
In the event of a stair collapse risk, firefighters can use ladders to span weakened stair rises and gain access to the floor above.

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Description

Test your knowledge of firefighter safety in relation to stair collapse risks and safety measures with this quiz. Learn about the potential dangers of stone and steel stairs in burning buildings, and understand the safety protocols and preventive measures to minimize the risk of injury to firefighters.