173 Questions
What is a backdraft?
An instantaneous explosion of superheated gases when oxygen is introduced into an oxygen-depleted confined space
What is the potential consequence of a backdraft for firefighters?
Disorientation
According to NFPA 555, what may directly engulf firefighters during fires occurring in normal scenarios?
Flashover
What happens to the oxygen concentration during the course of interior fires in tightly closed spaces?
Drops from the normal 21%
At what oxygen concentration does an ideal condition for a violent backdraft occur?
8% - 12%
What can cause a violent backdraft to occur in a confined space?
Sufficient heat and reduced oxygen concentration
What were some contributing factors identified in the investigation of the restaurant and adjoining buildings explosion?
Ineffective ventilation and recognition of building characteristics
What were the interior signs of imminent backdraft observed during the Crooksville incident?
"Lazy flames" and "puffing smoke"
What may be considered as a tactic when interior backdraft signs of "lazy flames" and/or "puffing smoke" are seen along suspended ceilings or from walls on the interior of a basement?
Venting and attacking the fire from a safe position
What was the objective of the tactic suggested when signs of imminent backdraft are observed along suspended ceilings or from walls on the interior of a basement?
To sufficiently vent the smoke and heat to reduce temperature in the ceiling space
What may be prevented by using an alternative approach to the traditional fast and aggressive interior attack during a fire?
Collapsing lightweight trusses or beams supporting the first floor
What was notable about the Memphis backdraft incident?
Attack on heavy fire in an office located at the rear of the structure
What may have been signs of a reduced oxygen concentration within the enclosed ceiling space during the Crooksville incident?
"Lazy flames" observed by firefighters
What did two of five firefighters observe before a backdraft occurred during the Crooksville incident?
"Light to moderate gray puffing smoke and lazy orange flames"
What may be considered when interior backdraft signs are observed along suspended ceilings or from walls on the interior of a basement?
Tactically pulling ceiling tiles while attacking fires
What was observed by surviving firefighters just before a backdraft event during certain past enclosed structure fires?
Interior signs shortly before a backdraft event
What was notable about certain past enclosed structure fires in relation to predicting a backdraft?
No noticeable signs inside or outside predicting a backdraft
What is a potential hazard when reintroducing air into an oxygen-depleted space?
Backdraft
What happened in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 2004 as a result of an electrical fire in the ceiling space of a basement?
Multiple injuries to firefighters
What organizations offer recommendations to prevent life-threatening hazards such as backdrafts?
International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF)
What is a key indicator of an imminent backdraft explosion that firefighters should be aware of?
Smoke seeping out around closed windows and doors
What should firefighters do if they observe exterior signs that indicate a potential backdraft?
Prepare for an explosion and back away from the structure
What occurred during the Colorado explosion incident in 2008?
Lifting of roof and firefighters by a smoke explosion or backdraft
What action is advised by the IAFC's Rules of Engagement for Structural Firefighting?
"Do not risk your life for lives or property that cannot be saved"
What is one of the exterior signs indicating conditions associated with a backdraft?
"Smoke seeping out around closed windows and doors"
"Whistling sounds around doors and windows" is an indicator of a potential:
"Backdraft"
What should firefighters be empowered to do according to Initiative 4 of the NEFF's 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives?
Stop unsafe practices
What is the main purpose of achieving safety during backdraft conditions?
To maintain safety on the fireground
What is highlighted as necessary for achieving safety during backdraft conditions?
Recognition of signs and immediate exchange of information
What is the approximate time a firefighter has following flashover exposure before sustaining second-degree burns?
17.5 seconds
Why is it important to have charged backup lines advanced into the structure as soon as possible?
To attack hidden fire in ceiling spaces
What condition serves as a real-time warning to firefighters that an impending life-threatening flashover is imminent?
Zero or near zero visibility conditions with painful temperature increase
What makes an emergency evacuation difficult even from a small opened structure and almost impossible from an enclosed structure of any size?
Temperature increase to the point of pain
What must be understood, used, and periodically reviewed by all crew members for survival?
Tactical company contingencies
What is the approximate duration for a firefighter to react and survive in the event of loss of vision due to the blinding effects of fire?
~10 seconds
What type of structures should be viewed as death traps for overly aggressive and untrained firefighters?
Enclosed structures of any size
What signifies that a flashover is about to take place during firefighting operations?
'Hot and heavy' heat and smoke combination condition
What should be considered the highest priority for firefighter safety?
A flashover contingency action plan for painfully hot temperatures and heavy smoke conditions
What action could increase the likelihood of survival in case of disorientation secondary to prolonged zero visibility?
Rapid intervention team removing the disoriented firefighter from the structure
What is the purpose of providing protective cover for the first-arriving engine and/or truck company in the event of flashover?
To allow for safe rescue operations
What is the main interior sign that a possible backdraft could occur?
Presence of enclosed ceiling space
What should be done when an enclosed ceiling space is encountered?
Suspended ceiling tiles should be removed and ground ladder raised
What did the Boston firefighters see as a danger sign of potential backdraft?
Fire seen venting through the roof
What should be initially done if mushrooming or banking of smoke is encountered at the scene of similar fires?
Keep doors and windows shut to prevent air entrainment
What should be noted and communicated to command when examining the entire ceiling space?
Signs of smoke or fire, and presence of lightweight trusses or unprotected steel beams
What action might help prevent potential weakening of the roof assembly?
Direct streams from multiple handlines at the venting fire
What should be avoided to prevent air entrainment during a potential backdraft situation?
Opening doors and windows
Why is it important to check a ceiling space at the point of entry?
To provide greater safety by placing firefighters adjacent to the exterior and to backup companies equipped with charged backup lines
What action should be taken if fire is seen in the ceiling space from the point of entry?
Attack laterally above the ceiling space from the safety Of a point Of entry
What might indicate a risk of a backdraft during a similar incident?
Suspended ceiling tiles being dislodged
What's an additional sign indicating the risk of a backdraft?
Heavy banking or mushrooming of smoke that filled the interior prior to horizontal ventilation by means of windows or doors.
What is flashover in the context of firefighting?
A stage in the development of a contained fire where all exposed surfaces reach ignition temperatures simultaneously
What should firefighters do when they observe signs of imminent flashover during firefighting operations?
Get low and direct a stream to the ceiling space to cool the room
What is a potential consequence of a backdraft for firefighters?
Engulfment of the entire room from ceiling to floor by fire
What is a common indicator of an imminent backdraft that firefighters should be aware of?
Lazy flames and puffing smoke along suspended ceilings or walls
What is the main purpose of achieving safety during backdraft conditions?
Preventing air entrainment to avoid a backdraft explosion
What action could increase the likelihood of survival in case of disorientation secondary to prolonged zero visibility?
Following an enclosed structure SOG programmed for unknown seat of fire locations
What is one associated problem that firefighters should be aware of when advancing through heavy smoke during firefighting operations?
Engulfment of the entire room from ceiling to floor by fire
What is one warning sign of flashover referred to as in firefighting operations?
"Rollover" (flameover) along the ceiling of a room
What is the recommended action for the nozzle operator when heavy smoke and hot temperature cause bunkered firefighters to drop to the floor due to an imminent flashover?
Fully open the nozzle and direct the stream to the ceiling.
What should be done to prevent a premature shutdown of the nozzle during a flashover contingency plan?
Continuous flow from the handline until ordered to shut down.
What sense are firefighters relying on when they have no visibility within the structure during an imminent flashover situation?
Sense of touch.
What is the main purpose of fully opening the nozzle and directing the stream to the ceiling during an imminent flashover?
To prevent a disorienting and fatal flashover.
What action should be taken if fire is seen in the ceiling space from the point of entry during a flashover contingency plan?
Fully open the nozzle and direct the stream to the ceiling.
What should be done until the company officer orders the line to be shut down during a flashover contingency plan?
Continuous flow from the handline.
What is the purpose of fully opening a nozzle in an imminent flashover situation?
To cool the room and prevent flashover
What should firefighters do when encountering rooms in imminent flashover conditions without automatic sprinkler systems?
Fully open the nozzle to prevent a flashover
What is the result of opening doors or windows while a fire is still burning?
Rapid increase in the heat-release rate of the fire
What is initially accomplished on the fireground to control the fire, according to the text?
Preventing firefighters from opening doors or windows
What warning does Madrzykowski stress regarding door or window openings while the fire is still burning?
Potential for rapid increase in heat-release rate of the fire
Why is it important to delay ventilation and entry until charged handlines are positioned for attack?
To stabilize the fire before introducing oxygen
What is an important concept of fire dynamics mentioned in the text?
Understanding how a fire will grow and spread within a structure
What type of homes are mentioned as retaining heat and burning gaseous fuels better than old homes?
"Tightly-built" homes with modern construction methods
What has increased the probability of arriving to a preheated, fuel-rich fire environment in recent years?
New methods of construction and home design
What should be accomplished on the fireground before safely ventilating a structure, as per Madrzykowski's warning?
Positioning charged handlines for coordinated attack on the fire
According to Madrzykowski, what controls fires under modern conditions?
Availability of oxygen to fuel sources
Why is it initially important to prevent firefighters from opening doors or windows during firefighting operations?
To delay introduction of outside air and prevent rapid fire spread
What tactic is recommended by NIST-UL during 'fire showing in room and contents' scenarios?
Delay of horizontal ventilation
What did Madrzykowski's experiments demonstrate about self-venting and wind-driven fires?
The risk of hazardous thermal conditions even without external wind
What is the purpose of wind control devices (WCDs) such as fire curtains or fire blankets?
To reduce oxygen available to the fire and slow down the spread of flame, heat, and toxic gases
In which type of construction should operating above the fire to deploy wind control devices (WCDs) be conducted according to safety guidelines?
Fire-resistive construction with reinforced concrete floors
What is the suggested course of action for the first-arriving officer in scenarios where too many windows may be venting on the pressurized side of a residence?
Use multiple preconnected attack lines to quickly knock down the main body of fire
What did Madrzykowski express about wind conditions during testing phase?
"Blow Torch" results in the flow path are only created by a significant wind
What was observed in test I conducted by Madrzykowski with no external wind imposed on the apartment?
$10$ mph hot gas flow coming out of the apartment doorway
What is one tactical option available to firefighters during self-venting scenarios?
Delay horizontal ventilation to delay the venting of the room on fire
'Lazy flames' and 'puffing smoke' along suspended ceilings or from walls on the interior of a basement are signs of what?
Imminent backdraft explosion
What is a potential hazard when reintroducing air into an oxygen-depleted space?
Increased chances of flashover
What is one potential consequence of a backdraft for firefighters?
Increased risk of injury
What is the flow path in the context of firefighting?
The volume between an inlet and an exhaust that allows movement of heat and smoke
What is the risk for firefighters working in the flow path during wind-driven fire conditions?
Increased flow of fire, heat, and smoke toward their positions
What could cause a ventilation-induced flashover during firefighting?
Aggressive interior attack after the fire-involved room ventilates
What does 'softening the target' refer to in the context of firefighting?
Applying water from the exterior to cool the fire before initiating an interior attack
What is the recommended water flow for an initial exterior attack on a single-room and contents fire?
100 gallons per minute (gpm) or more
What does Stephen Kerber recommend in relation to applying water during a residential structure fire?
"Applying water to the fire as quickly as possible—regardless of where it is emitting from—can make conditions in the entire structure better"
What type of nozzle pattern is recommended for an initial exterior attack on a single-room and contents fire?
Straight stream pattern
What was observed regarding fire knockdown during experiments in two-story residential structures?
"Safer and faster fire knockdown when evaluated against effort and time required for interior attack"
What was noted about the application of water for approximately 15 seconds into a door or window during UL experiments?
"It had a positive impact on conditions within the structure"
"Whistling sounds around doors and windows" could potentially indicate:
"Potential backdraft"
"Mushrooming or banking of smoke" at the scene of fires could indicate:
"Potential backdraft"
According to Madrzykowski's research, what initiates room flashover during ventilation-induced flashovers?
Breaking of windows caused by heat or intentional ventilation efforts
What is the purpose of keeping stairwell and bulkhead doors closed during a wind-driven fire?
To create barriers against the spread of fire and prevent the creation of an uninterrupted flow path and vent point
What serves as barriers against the rapid spread of fire caused by the wind in a structure?
Walls and ceilings
What is the function of positive pressure ventilators (PPVS) in the stairwell during a wind-driven fire?
To keep the stairwell clear of smoke and heat
What is the suggested tactic if conditions on the fire floor remain untenable after WCD application during a wind-driven fire?
Initiate attack on the seat of the fire from the exterior
What is the purpose of using wind control devices (WCDs) during a wind-driven fire?
To limit the oxygen reaching the fire
What is the approximate water flows used to reduce fire gas temperatures in residential wind-driven fires?
100 to 200 gpm
What nozzle system has been designed to flow at 625 gpm and 80 psi from the floor below during commercial wind-driven fires?
High-rise master stream system
What action should be taken once knockdown has been accomplished from below during a commercial wind-driven fire?
"Initiate attack on the seat of the fire from the exterior"
What is one of the potential consequences of a backdraft for firefighters?
Flashover conditions
What organization's tactics should be utilized and incorporated into existing high-rise wind-driven fire SOGs?
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
What is the purpose of using WCDs that are resistive to temperatures up to 2,000 0F by firefighters?
To prevent wind from driving fire, heat, and smoke through the interior of any low-rise structure
What is one sign of possible wind-driven fire conditions according to the text?
Smoke and fire attempting to push out into a corridor
What is the purpose of implementing door control during wind-driven fire experimentation?
To protect the corridor by serving as a thermal barrier and pressure barrier
What should be done to prevent exposure to rapidly spreading fire during wind-driven fires?
Initiate interior door control by educating occupants about closing doors
What is the purpose of fully opening a nozzle in an imminent flashover situation?
To create a controlled ventilation point for rapid fire spread
What should firefighters do when encountering rooms in imminent flashover conditions without automatic sprinkler systems?
Fully open the nozzle and direct the stream to the ceiling
What can indicate a risk of backdraft during a similar incident according to the text?
"Lazy flames" and/or "puffing smoke" seen along interior ceilings
What was the purpose of using a high-rise nozzle to attack the fire from the floor below in the 2008 study on wind-driven fires?
To darken down the fires and cool down the corridor outside the apartment
Where were the wind-driven fire experiments conducted in 2008?
Governors Island, New York
What is highlighted as a potential hazard for firefighters during wind-driven fires?
Potential weakening of the roof assembly
What was one of the attack options added to the FDNY protocol for fire proof multiple dwelling unit fires?
Using a high-rise nozzle from the floor below
What is highlighted as a potential consequence of a backdraft for firefighters?
Lethal conditions
What is one of the dramatic effects of a 25 mph wind on a venting fire with the assistance of a WCD?
Decreased corridor temperature
What is the approximate wind speed represented by a smoke plume angle of 90 degrees?
30 mph
What wind speed is approximately equivalent to a smoke plume angle of slightly less than 45 degrees?
10 mph
What should dispatchers transmit to responding companies at the time of dispatch to consider a wind-driven fire condition?
Wind speed and direction
What should engine companies quickly attack when encountering a wind-driven fire condition?
The leeward side of the structure
When should dispatchers transmit the wind speed and direction during reports of working structures fires according to the wind-driven fire SOG?
Whenever the prevailing wind speed or wind gusts reach or exceed 8 mph
What should firefighters be aware of when advancing through heavy smoke during firefighting operations in wind-driven fire conditions?
Sudden life-threatening fire conditions
What may shield the structure fire from the wind, affecting fire venting from the structure?
Elevated terrain
What can engulf firefighters working below during a wind-driven attic fire?
'Lazy flames' and 'puffing smoke'
What should be noted and communicated to command when examining the entire ceiling space?
'Mushrooming or banking of smoke'
What nozzle system has been designed to flow at 625 gpm and 80 psi from the floor below during commercial wind-driven fires?
Elevated master stream device
What are the known hazards that contribute to firefighter disorientation during high-rise incidents?
Prolonged zero visibility conditions, handline separation, exposure to wind-driven fire, and insufficient equipment visibility
What is a recommended safety measure during wind-driven fire conditions or heavy fire showing from multiple windows?
Send firefighters to the unit on fire with elevated master streams
What is a significant barrier to rapid fire spread during wind-driven fire conditions?
Closed doors to involved high-rise rooms
What is the purpose of routine use of fire-resistive WCDs during high-rise incidents?
To seal the wind trying to enter a structure's window
What is a safety measure that can be taken before and during high-rise fires to prevent firefighter disorientation?
Maintaining contact with a handline
What should be done if a door to an involved high-rise room is open or has burned through during wind-driven fire conditions?
Be cautious when advancing toward the involved room
What may be conducted as an alternative tactic when it is too dangerous to send firefighters into a unit on fire during wind-driven fire conditions?
Coordinated use of vehicle-mounted or elevated master streams from the exterior
What should be avoided to prevent air entrainment during a potential backdraft situation?
Opening windows on upper floors
What tactic involves using penetrating nozzles from the floor directly above the unit on fire?
Simultaneous attack
What can lead to disorientation and injuries due to inhalation of smoke or superheated gases during prolonged zero visibility conditions?
Handline separation
What should be avoided to prevent falling into involved basement fires or being exposed to life-threatening hazards during a fast and aggressive interior attack into a basement fire?
Walking on fire-weakened first floors
What is typically associated with the immediate production of heavy smoke and fire after a first-floor collapse caused by fire exposure?
Basement fire
What are the attack rules that must be established and understood by members of individual fire companies before the fire and implemented on the fireground when needed?
Do not enter rooms about to flashover, exit rooms about to flashover
What is a potential hazard when reintroducing air into an oxygen-depleted space?
Ventilation-induced flashover
'Lazy flames' and 'puffing smoke' along suspended ceilings or from walls on the interior of a basement are signs of what?
Backdraft explosion
What should advancing firefighters look for in addition to signs of imminent flashover that may mushroom unseen overhead?
'Mushrooming or banking of smoke'
'Softening the target' in the context of firefighting refers to what?
'Controlled building ventilation'
'Whistling sounds around doors and windows' is an indicator of a potential what?
Backdraft explosion
What is the approximate wind speed when the angle of the smoke plume from a structure fire is almost horizontal (90 degree angle)?
12-15 mph
What was the result of opening doors or windows while a fire is still burning?
Increase in oxygen concentration
What should firefighters be empowered to do according to Initiative 4 of the NEFF's 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives?
Report unsafe conditions without reprisal
What could cause a ventilation-induced flashover during firefighting?
Sudden increase in oxygen concentration
What is the purpose of using wind control devices (WCDs) during a wind-driven fire?
To prevent rapid fire spread caused by wind
What is an important concept of fire dynamics mentioned in the text?
Impact of temperature on fire behavior
What does 'softening the target' refer to in the context of firefighting?
Reducing the intensity of the fire
What should be noted and communicated to command when examining the entire ceiling space?
Suspicious signs of imminent flashover
'Whistling sounds around doors and windows' could potentially indicate:
'Lazy flames' and 'puffing smoke'
'Ihe need to effectively address several previously unrecognized fireground factors is required to prevent disorientation fatalities due to residential wind-driven structure fires.' This statement emphasizes the importance of:
'SOGs' training for firefighters
What nozzle system has been designed to flow at 625 gpm and 80 psi from the floor below during commercial wind-driven fires?
Wind control device (WCD)
What action should be taken if fire is seen in the ceiling space from the point of entry?
Communication with command about potential flashover
What is one of the ways firefighters can safely manage PZVCs?
Reducing or minimizing the travel distance between the exterior and the seat of the fire
What technology offers firefighters SCBA of equal or lighter weight than the SCBA tank currently used?
Technology providing longer breathing times
How can firefighters prepare for an incident involving unprotected enclosed structures?
By touring their districts to locate unprotected enclosed structures
What is a long-term solution for managing unprotected enclosed structures?
Installing automatic sprinkler systems and ensuring they are properly maintained
What should firefighters do to prevent exposure to rapidly spreading fire during wind-driven fires?
Keep stairwell and bulkhead doors closed
What is the purpose of fire curtains and advanced photoluminescence technology in enclosed structure fires?
To increase visibility for firefighters in dark environments
What should be avoided to prevent air entrainment during a potential backdraft situation?
Opening doors and windows immediately
What is the value of flexible hose evolutions in preventing firefighter disorientation?
Representing a major component in coordinated ventilation
What is one of the signs indicating conditions associated with a backdraft?
Whistling sounds around doors and windows
What is one of the exterior signs indicating conditions associated with a backdraft?
Mushrooming or banking of smoke at the scene
Study Notes
Backdraft and Firefighting
- A backdraft is a potential consequence of a fire, and it can directly engulf firefighters during fires occurring in normal scenarios.
- According to NFPA 555, firefighters may be directly engulfed during fires occurring in normal scenarios.
- During interior fires in tightly closed spaces, the oxygen concentration decreases, and at an oxygen concentration of around 10%, an ideal condition for a violent backdraft occurs.
Signs of Imminent Backdraft
- "Lazy flames" and "puffing smoke" along suspended ceilings or from walls on the interior of a basement are signs of an imminent backdraft.
- Whistling sounds around doors and windows can indicate a potential backdraft.
- Mushrooming or banking of smoke at the scene of fires could indicate a potential backdraft.
Prevention and Tactics
- Using an alternative approach to the traditional fast and aggressive interior attack during a fire can prevent life-threatening hazards such as backdrafts.
- When interior backdraft signs are observed, firefighters should consider an alternative approach to the traditional fast and aggressive interior attack.
- Firefighters should be empowered to stop an interior attack and reassess the situation if they observe signs of an imminent backdraft.
Fire Dynamics and Safety
- Firefighters have approximately 3-5 seconds to react and survive in the event of loss of vision due to the blinding effects of fire.
- In the event of disorientation secondary to prolonged zero visibility, increasing the likelihood of survival requires providing protective cover for the first-arriving engine and/or truck company.
- Firefighters should view certain structures, especially those with modern conditions, as death traps for overly aggressive and untrained firefighters.
- The highest priority for firefighter safety is to avoid flashover and backdraft conditions.
Flashover and Firefighting
- Flashover is a condition that occurs when a fire in a room or compartment reaches a critical temperature, causing all combustible materials to ignite simultaneously.
- Signs of imminent flashover include heavy smoke, high temperatures, and lack of visibility.
- When observing signs of imminent flashover, firefighters should open the nozzle fully and direct the stream to the ceiling to prevent a premature shutdown of the nozzle.
- In the event of flashover, firefighters should rely on their sense of sound to navigate the structure.
Wind Control and Ventilation
- Delaying ventilation and entry until charged handlines are positioned for attack can prevent wind-driven fires.
- According to Madrzykowski, controlling the flow path is critical to preventing wind-driven fires.
- Wind control devices (WCDs) such as fire curtains or fire blankets can be used to control the flow path.
- Operating above the fire to deploy wind control devices (WCDs) should be conducted in accordance with safety guidelines, especially in certain types of construction.
Investigation and Findings
- The investigation of the restaurant and adjoining buildings explosion identified contributing factors, including the interior signs of imminent backdraft observed during the Crooksville incident.
- The Memphis backdraft incident highlighted the importance of recognizing signs of imminent backdraft.
- The Crooksville incident demonstrated the importance of checking a ceiling space at the point of entry and avoiding air entrainment during a potential backdraft situation.
Recommendations and Organizations
- Organizations such as the IAFC and NFPA offer recommendations to prevent life-threatening hazards such as backdrafts.
- The IAFC's Rules of Engagement for Structural Firefighting recommend a tactical approach to preventing backdrafts.
- The NEFF's 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives emphasize the importance of achieving safety during backdraft conditions.
Test your knowledge of firefighters' awareness of backdraft risk with this quiz. Understand the signs and factors that may lead to a backdraft during a fire incident.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
