Firefighting Equipment and Techniques

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Questions and Answers

What is the minimum flow requirement for using a hoseline according to the A.D.U.L.T.S. criteria?

350 GPM

250 GPM (correct)

300 GPM

200 GPM

Which of the following scenarios would warrant the use of a 2.25" or 2.5" hoseline according to the A.D.U.L.T.S. criteria?

Advanced fire conditions on arrival (correct)

Small single-family dwelling

Routine maintenance

Light smoke visible

Why might a 1.75" hoseline be inadequate for higher flow situations?

It cannot deliver more than 200 GPM.

It cannot be used for residential fires.

It results in significant nozzle reaction requiring increased manpower. (correct)

It is too short for effective fire attack.

Which of the following is NOT part of the A.D.U.L.T.S. criteria?

Immediate extinguishment capabilities Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of all civilian fires are accounted for by fires in single-family dwellings?

70% Signup and view all the answers

In what situation would it be prudent to deploy hoselines of a diameter larger than 1.75"?

When higher flow capabilities are warranted Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary consideration when addressing an attic fire?

Assume fire has extended to the attic until proven otherwise Signup and view all the answers

Which method is recommended for attacking an attic fire from below?

Using a hose stream via an access point or pulling ceilings Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to limit the number of openings above a fire in the attic?

To maintain ventilation limitation and control fire growth Signup and view all the answers

What should be the first step if the fire has entered the attic from an exterior source?

Extinguish the source fire first Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of using the 'Eve attack' method?

It applies water directly to the majority of the decking's underside Signup and view all the answers

What is an important step to take after beginning water application on an attic fire?

Implement vertical ventilation to aid in confinement Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of Garden Apartments?

Access to each apartment is by an exterior stairwell or balcony. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of apartment is characterized by internal access between floors?

Townhouse Apartments Signup and view all the answers

What is a key concern when fighting fires in multi-family dwellings?

The presence of multiple civilians. Signup and view all the answers

How do Interior or Center Hallway Apartment Buildings differ from Garden Apartments?

They utilize an interior hallway for access. Signup and view all the answers

What can facilitate rapid horizontal fire spread in multi-family structures?

A large common attic. Signup and view all the answers

What is not a characteristic of Townhouse Apartments?

Located on a single floor. Signup and view all the answers

What can happen if doors are left open during a fire?

Smoke and heat may accumulate in the hallway. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to keep doors closed during a fire?

It prevents the accumulation of smoke in the hallway. Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of open doors on lower floors during a fire?

Increased difficulty for firefighters in accessing the unit. Signup and view all the answers

What role does ventilation play in fire emergencies according to the guidelines?

It is crucial for managing emergencies. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT impacted by leaving doors open during a fire?

Building construction integrity Signup and view all the answers

What specific area is mentioned as being difficult for ventilation during fire emergencies?

Hallways on lower floors Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus when applying water during a top-down approach?

Targeting the underside of the decking Signup and view all the answers

Why should personnel use caution under open garage doors?

To prevent the garage door from falling Signup and view all the answers

What should be assumed about the fire-rated wall between the garage and the living areas?

It may be compromised by homeowner modifications Signup and view all the answers

What is an initial step if the garage door has failed?

Advance the first attack line to the fire Signup and view all the answers

How effective is the gable end attack for fire suppression?

Can provide initial knockdown if adjacent Signup and view all the answers

When should positive pressure ventilation (PPV) be utilized?

Once the fire is confirmed under control Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Hoseline Criteria: A.D.U.L.T.S

1.75" hoseline is standard for residential fire attacks, delivering 265 GPM with smoothbore but can create significant nozzle reaction, requiring more manpower.
A.D.U.L.T.S acronym indicates when to use 2.25" or 2.5” hoselines:
- Advanced fire conditions
- Defensive operations
- Undetermined fire location
- Large or compartmented areas
- High water volume needed
- Standpipe operations
Aim for flow capability over diameter; minimum flow requirement is 250 GPM.

Single-family Dwellings

Structure fires in single-family homes represent approximately 70% of civilian fire incidents.

Attic Fires

Attic fires frequently occur during structural fires and can cause rapid deterioration and structural failure if unaddressed.
Assume fire has spread to the attic until confirmed otherwise; limit openings above to control fire spread.
Suppression is more effective in ventilation-limited conditions; vertical ventilation may aid once water is applied.
Prioritize aggressive salvage and use Thermal Imaging Cameras (TIC) for hot spot identification.

Attic Fire Plays

Bottom Up: Direct attack from inside, utilizing access points or creating holes for hose application.
Eve Attack: Water applied through soffit or bird block targets underside of decking.
Top Down: Initial water through a smoke indicator hole, focused on underside of decking, with roof opening for full extinguishment.
Gable End: Provides initial knockdown if fire is close but requires further attacks for complete extinguishment.

Garage Fires

Fires in attached garages can spread to living areas rapidly due to high fuel loads; garages resemble small warehouses.
Fire-rated door assists in fire containment but should be assumed compromised until proven intact.
Caution required under open garage doors to prevent injury from potential collapse.

Garage Fire Plays

If garage door fails, advance attack line directly to main body of fire and deploy a second line inside the residence for support.

Multi-family Dwellings

Multi-family fires are complex due to size, multiple floors, and the presence of standpipes, posing risks to many civilians.
Rapid fire spread is possible between floors, especially in buildings with large common attics.
Building types for practical differentiation:
- Garden Apartments: Multi-floor, exterior access.
- Townhouse Apartments: Multi-floor with interior stairwell accessing bedrooms.
- Interior Hallway Buildings: Single floor access via an interior hallway.

Door Safety in Fire Emergencies

Keeping doors open can worsen conditions; heat and smoke accumulate in hallways making escape harder for tenants and access difficult for firefighters.
Managing ventilation and search operations is essential, particularly on lower floors during emergencies.

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Description

This quiz covers the critical aspects of firefighting hoselines, particularly focusing on the 1.75" hoseline used in residential fire attack operations. It discusses flow rates, nozzle reactions, and appropriate diameter selections to optimize performance and manpower. Test your knowledge on effective firefighting strategies and equipment specifications.