Firefighting Strategies and Tactics

Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of a primary search in a fire incident?

To conserve and preserve property

To stabilize and control the incident

To extinguish the fire as quickly as possible

To verify the removal and/or safety of all occupants (correct)

What is the second priority in a fire incident?

Stabilization and control of the incident (correct)

Conservation and preservation of property

Extinguishing the fire completely

Protection of lives

What should an officer do to achieve an objective in a fire incident?

Follow a sequential approach to activities

Overlap and mix activities as necessary (correct)

Initiate salvage operations before conducting a primary search

Conduct a primary search without active fire control efforts

What is the purpose of the on-scene report, size-up, and tactical strategic decision making?

To initially establish incident priorities Signup and view all the answers

What should be considered when conducting a primary search?

Both the safety of personnel involved and the thoroughness of the search Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of time in a primary search?

It is critical and must be balanced with the need for a thorough search Signup and view all the answers

What is the report made by the search team after completing a primary search?

Command from Tower 22 Primary Search Complete - All Clear Signup and view all the answers

What is the first priority in a fire incident?

Protection of lives Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a 'stop loss' activity that should be initiated by the Incident Commander (IC) after basic fire control has been achieved?

Directing companies to conduct additional hose line operations for fire control Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of life safety in incident priorities?

Protecting occupants and treating the injured Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions falls under incident stabilization?

Stopping hazardous materials from spreading Signup and view all the answers

In what order are the basic incident priorities to be accomplished?

Life safety, incident stabilization, property conservation Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the incident management system in emergency situations?

To support whoever is in charge of incident command Signup and view all the answers

Which activity is associated with property conservation?

Stopping additional loss to property Signup and view all the answers

How many pages does the Incident Priorities document contain?

4 pages Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of NIMS compliance in the guidelines?

It aligns incident management with national standards Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a goal of conducting a primary and secondary search?

To remove those who are threatened Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT considered when defining the offensive/defensive mode by the Incident Commander (IC)?

Access to utilities Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key element of a basic offensive plan?

Provide support activities like ventilation Signup and view all the answers

In a defensive firefighting strategy, what significantly determines the approach to fire control?

Evaluation of fire spread and lost property Signup and view all the answers

Which tactic should be avoided when determining fire control efforts?

Concentrating solely on what is currently on fire Signup and view all the answers

What indicates a shift to a totally defensive mode during firefighting?

The announcement of 'Emergency Traffic' Signup and view all the answers

In the context of fire control, why is it important to evaluate the unburned portions of a structure?

To define areas where the fire will likely spread Signup and view all the answers

Which component is NOT part of the basic defensive plan?

Conduct primary search Signup and view all the answers

What should be the primary focus during the transition from offensive to defensive firefighting?

Maintaining a safe perimeter and announcing the status change Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus during a secondary search?

Thoroughness in completing the search Signup and view all the answers

In what situation might a primary search become impossible?

In fully involved buildings or sections Signup and view all the answers

What strategic approach should be prioritized to support rescue efforts?

Control interior access and confine the fire Signup and view all the answers

Which strategy relates to aggressively attacking the interior to combat a fire?

Offensive strategy Signup and view all the answers

What is essential for a rescue operation when the primary search is incomplete?

The operation must be considered under rescue mode Signup and view all the answers

How should secondary means of rescue be utilized?

In an order based on their effectiveness Signup and view all the answers

What should be the first command decision in a fire response operation?

Choosing between offensive and defensive strategies Signup and view all the answers

What does a defensive strategy prioritize in a fire control situation?

Reducing fire extension externally Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Incident Command (IC) Priorities

The IC must define offensive/defensive mode based on:
- Fire extent
- Structural conditions
- Entry capability
- Resources
- Ventilation profile
- Rescue ability of occupants

Basic Offensive Plan

First line fast, aggressive interior attack
Provide support activities:
- Rescue
- Ventilation
- Ladders
Do primary search
Second line back-up first/additional lines
Exposure protection
Evaluate success and react

Basic Defensive Plan

Evaluate fire spread; write-off lost property
Identify key tactical positions
Prioritize fire streams
Provide for big, well-placed streams
Surround and drown

Incident Priorities

Life Safety: protect occupants, remove those who are threatened, treat the injured, and conduct primary and secondary searches
Incident Stabilization: stabilize the emergency scene, stop fire spread, and bring fire under control
Property Conservation: stop or reduce additional loss to property

Establishing Priorities

Size-up of the incident:
- Identify the problem(s)
- Establish priority order
- Identify resources needed
- Establish a plan for resource utilization

Life Safety

Primary search in all involved and exposed occupancies
Primary search means quickly going through all affected areas/floors and verifying removal/safety of all occupants
Time is critical in primary search; operations must be extended quickly during initial fire stages
Secondary search: thorough search of all affected areas/floors, verifying removal/safety of all occupants

Incident Stabilization

Critical command decision: offensive/defensive mode
Offensive strategy: interior attack and related support to quickly bring fire under control
Defensive strategy: exterior attack to reduce fire extension and bring fire under control

Property Conservation

Utilize fire ground resources to reduce property loss to an absolute minimum
Activities for effective property conservation:
- Evaluating damage to overall fire area
- Evaluating salvage value of various areas
- Committing companies to salvage functions
- Reducing hose lines from control functions to salvage functions

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Description

This quiz covers the key factors in determining offensive or defensive mode in firefighting, as well as the basic plans and steps involved in each approach.