Firefighting Equipment and Techniques

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.

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.