Ch 15 pg 405-408 roof operations at multiple dwellings

Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason for the roof team to perform a size-up of the structure?

To ensure the safety of the personnel on the roof

To gather equipment for firefighting

To take control of the incident site

To assess and communicate conditions to the incident commander (correct)

Which areas should the roof team pay particular attention to during their size-up?

The rear, sides, and interior shafts of the building (correct)

The lobby and exits of the structure

The upper floor and parking lot

The front of the building and the basement

What critical information should the roof team relay to the incident commander?

The presence of any trapped occupants or fire extension (correct)

The estimated time for evacuation

The number of firefighters on the roof

Weather conditions in the vicinity

How does effective communication from the roof team impact the incident commander’s ability to manage the situation?

It provides the IC with a comprehensive understanding of the conditions without needing to assess personally Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the most critical tasks the roof team performs in a multiple dwelling incident?

Performing a size-up and reporting findings Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary action the roof team should take immediately after the size-up and report?

Search the stair bulkhead, if present Signup and view all the answers

Which architectural feature is commonly found at the top of the stairway leading to the bulkhead?

A skylight Signup and view all the answers

Why is the stairway leading to the bulkhead likely to be extremely hot during a fire?

Heat rises and accumulates in the top of the building Signup and view all the answers

What may be a behavioral consequence of individuals trapped during a fire in a building with stair access?

They may attempt to escape by running up the stairs Signup and view all the answers

What should be the first choice for reaching the roof of a building that is part of a row of structures?

The adjoining building Signup and view all the answers

When are aerial devices considered a safer option for reaching the roof?

You know where your escape is. Signup and view all the answers

Why might reaching the roof via the adjoining building be discouraged?

If the buildings share a common cockloft Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical factor determining whether to use the adjoining building for roof access?

Type of building materials Signup and view all the answers

In what situation would reaching the roof be considered too dangerous through the adjoining building?

If it is a row of wood frame buildings Signup and view all the answers

When descending without a rear fire escape, what is the recommended action?

Descend to the street the way you came up and re-use the interior stairs Signup and view all the answers

If fire is visible from the windows on the fire floor, which floor should be prioritized for victims?

The top floor Signup and view all the answers

What is a viable consideration when there is no access through fire escape balconies?

Checking for the possibility of breaching a hole in the common wall from an adjacent apartment Signup and view all the answers

How does the presence of a roof team contribute during a fire situation?

They can make a rapid descent down the rear fire escape to help reach victims Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of sending a member to the roof for vertical ventilation?

To channel combustion products away from victims Signup and view all the answers

What is the preferred method for reaching most roofs during a fire situation?

Employing aerial devices Signup and view all the answers

What is a major drawback of using fire escapes in emergency fire situations?

They may be located in areas threatened by flames Signup and view all the answers

Why is the interior stairway generally not a viable option for reaching the roof in a fire building?

It typically brings firefighters into the fire area Signup and view all the answers

What is often a limitation of using fire escapes for reaching the roof?

They generally do not lead to the roof directly Signup and view all the answers

What alternative method to access the roof might be available in older multiple dwellings?

Separate stairways remote from the fire area Signup and view all the answers

Which condition may prevent the use of aerial devices during a fire intervention?

The need for the unit elsewhere Signup and view all the answers

What aspect makes fire escapes hazardous for firefighters?

They often lack proper maintenance Signup and view all the answers

What is a common issue with renovated buildings related to safety?

They may lack comprehensive coverage by life-safety systems that don’t cover the void of cocklofts Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of renovated buildings aids in energy efficiency?

Lowering the height of the ceiling with drop ceilings. Signup and view all the answers

In what way can the condition of original floor joists influence renovations?

They are left in place while the rest is modified. Signup and view all the answers

What typically characterizes the structural integrity of older buildings that undergo renovations?

Sound structural bearing members are still present. Signup and view all the answers

What might be a drawback of the removal of the ceiling in renovated buildings?

Potential blind spots for fire detection systems. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key tactical advantage of venting top-floor windows from the roof during a fire?

It helps to speed up the search and overall attack. Signup and view all the answers

Which tool is recommended for venting double-pane windows in top-floor fire scenarios?

Heavy tool, length of rope and then swinging it into the window Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition should window ventilation be withheld during a fire in the top-floor apartment?

If wind is blowing into the windows. Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a mandatory action at most serious top-floor fires?

Cutting a vent hole in the roof. Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of fire rapidly entering the cockloft during a top-floor incident?

It complicates the interior team's operations. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first action the roof team should take upon arrival?

Search for occupants in the stair bulkhead Signup and view all the answers

Why is venting the bulkhead considered risky?

It can create an exhaust flow path that endangers trapped occupants Signup and view all the answers

What should the roof team do if there are no occupants needing rescue?

Wait for an order to vent Signup and view all the answers

What action is essential to stop a draft that draws fire toward the stair?

Close the apartment door or bulkhead door Signup and view all the answers

When should the roof team vent the skylight?

Once instructed by the interior team or hoseline is advancing Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical consideration when breaking glass in skylights?

To first break a small pane and warn those below Signup and view all the answers

How should firefighters ascend stairs during skylight operations?

Move close to the walls, head erect, and hands off the banister Signup and view all the answers

What equipment aids in accessing skylights on high bulkheads?

Folding attic ladder secured to an aerial ladder Signup and view all the answers

What primarily increases the risk of fire spreading in cocklofts?

Interconnected vertical and horizontal voids Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributes to the decline of safety in multiple dwellings during interior firefighting?

Vacant and unmaintained structures Signup and view all the answers

What construction feature poses a significant risk to firefighters during a fire event?

Lightweight truss construction Signup and view all the answers

In fire situations involving cornices, firefighters must establish what safety measure?

A collapse zone beneath the cornice Signup and view all the answers

Why are sprinklers in public hallways often ineffective against cockloft fires?

They are installed too low in the space Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of older multiple dwellings that still pose a risk during fires?

Wooden members supporting metal cornices Signup and view all the answers

What condition in vacant buildings enhances the risk for firefighters?

Decayed structural integrity due to weather exposure Signup and view all the answers

What element greatly complicates firefighting in buildings with a cockloft?

The absence of fire breaks Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Roof Team Operations

Roof teams perform size-ups, focusing on hard-to-see areas like the rear and sides of a building and interior shafts.
Reporting trapped occupants and fire extension from the roof helps the Incident Commander (IC) gain vital situational awareness.
Roof teams should conduct searches of stair bulkheads, especially those leading from the ground to the roof.
Skylights above stairways may be present and can provide natural light; however, these areas can reach extreme temperatures.

Roof Team Tactics

Forcing open the bulkhead door for rescue is crucial, even if it creates a flow path for smoke and heat.
If no rescues are needed, seal the bulkhead door and wait for commands regarding ventilation or hoseline advancement.
Closing the apartment door can mitigate wind-driven fire spread towards the stairwell.
Once ventilating is authorized, the roof team should vent the skylight and ensure proper coordination with the interior team.

Ventilation Techniques

Proper venting reduces fire hazards and assists search and attack teams in effectively operating.
When removing skylight glass, explore breaking a small pane first to alert those below before further clearing is performed.
Use a folding attic ladder attached to aerial devices for accessing high bulkheads.
Immediate roof access diverts combustion products away from endangered occupants, potentially preventing panic.

Escaping and Fire Escape Risks

Avoid descending interior stairs during a fire due to the risk of becoming trapped by flames.
Utilize rear fire escapes if available, or retrace the entrance route if escape routes are blocked.
Fire escapes are often unreliable; many do not extend to roofs and may be structurally compromised.
Assess adjoining buildings for safer roof access, as shared structures can provide quicker escape routes, avoiding dangerous fire areas.

Top Floor Fire Response

A fire on the top floor requires rapid search enhancement by venting windows from the roof.
Employ tools like pike poles or hooks to break windows for ventilation; consider wind direction when breaking glass.
Cutting a vent hole in the roof may be necessary to manage fire spread into the cockloft.

Renovated Building Hazards

Renovated buildings often present serious fire risks despite intentions for safety improvements.
Original structural elements may remain intact while new materials are poorly integrated, potentially complicating firefighting efforts.

Cockloft and Collapse Risks

Cocklofts can connect to vertical and horizontal void spaces, creating pathways for fire spread that make containment difficult.
Older buildings are becoming less stable due to vacancy and age, while lightweight construction is more prevalent, increasing collapse risks.
Establish a safe collapse zone beneath cornices that may be compromised by fire to protect firefighters from falling debris.

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Description

This quiz focuses on critical firefighting tactics outlined in the chapter, specifically regarding responsibilities and strategies of roof teams in multi-dwelling structures. Participants will review essential size-up techniques and communication protocols with Incident Command (IC) for effective firefighting operations.