Firefighting Techniques and Tactics

Questions and Answers

What is the primary consideration when deciding between a defensive or offensive attack strategy?

Availability of water supply

Type of foam used

Presence of an immediate life hazard (correct)

Weather conditions

Which of the following is NOT advised when operating in a potentially explosive environment?

Seal off storm drain openings

Post responders in IDLH zones (correct)

Use indirect area monitoring

Monitor areas from the side

What should be done immediately if a flammable product has entered storm drains?

Block all storm drains with foam

Contact appropriate agencies for mitigation (correct)

Evacuate everyone from the area

Begin an offensive attack

When applying foam during a fire attack, which is the correct approach?

Use foam lines to control the spill Signup and view all the answers

Which action should be taken for public safety during an incident involving flammable vapors?

Issue a shelter-in-place warning Signup and view all the answers

In the context of incident mitigation, what does 'diking' refer to?

Creating barriers to contain spilled materials Signup and view all the answers

What information should be communicated to Metro during a hazardous incident?

Identified shelter-in-place areas and public warnings Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential factor in ensuring a secure water supply for fire operations?

Water should be sufficient for multiple master stream operations Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of implementing a defensive attack during a fire incident?

To minimize personnel exposure and protect the environment. Signup and view all the answers

When should foam be reapplied during a fire incident?

To ensure the foam blanket remains effective and prevents re-ignition. Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical safety consideration during an incident involving an overturned gasoline truck?

Identifying products may be challenging due to multi-compartment tanks. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to control environmental damage during a defensive attack?

Use dikes to prevent spilled fuels from reaching storm drains. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the behavior of gasoline when it is burning?

Gasoline burns about one foot per hour vertically, regardless of depth. Signup and view all the answers

In which situation is an offensive attack typically NOT employed?

When there are environmental hazards associated with the fire. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of an overturned gasoline tank truck related to size and weight?

Increased likelihood of tank failure due to stress on the structure. Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a primary consideration for incident responders during an overturned gasoline truck situation?

The ability to extinguish the fire immediately. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a primary focus in the RECEO fire extinguishment strategy?

Evacuation downwind and downstream Signup and view all the answers

When is foam application considered appropriate during fire operations?

Only after securing adequate foam supply Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical safety protocol for handling flammable materials during an incident?

Eliminating potential ignition sources Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of foam tender resources in fire incidents?

They supply AFFF, a type of foam for fire suppression Signup and view all the answers

Which strategy focuses on protecting the public and controlling fire spread during an incident?

Defensive attack strategies Signup and view all the answers

What should be ensured regarding access routes for incoming resources during a hazardous incident?

They lead to uphill and upwind locations Signup and view all the answers

What resources should be coordinated during an incident involving hazardous materials?

All available emergency services and agencies Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following agencies is responsible for traffic control on city streets during incidents?

LA Department of Transportation Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Water Supply and Fire Attack Strategies

Secure adequate water supply for multiple master stream operations; avoid using plain water except for rescue tasks.
Utilize foam lines to combat fire effectively; consider the use of dikes to prevent spilled or burning products from entering storm drains.
Incident Commander assesses whether to deploy a defensive, offensive, or combined attack based on incident specifics.

Gasoline Spill Mitigation

Initial defensive measures, such as diking, may not suffice if gasoline enters storm drains.
Contact relevant agencies for aid if the product infiltrates subterranean areas (vaults, storm drains, sewer systems).
Monitor areas for explosive risks and flammable vapors:
- Conduct indirect area monitoring to keep responders out of IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health) zones.
- Position monitoring safely away from openings or covers to gauge vapor presence.
- Limit public access to hazardous areas.

HMTF's and Public Notifications

Hazardous Materials Task Forces (HMTF) and squads conduct perimeter surveys and mapping for potential pipelines and flow paths.
Notify local Metro services of public safety measures, such as shelter-in-place advisories, and communicate risks effectively to residents.

Offensive and Defensive Attacks

Offensive attack involves immediate life hazards and ensures adequate resources are available for extinguishing fires efficiently; foam must be reapplied to sustain a protective blanket.
Defensive attack is used when no hazards are present or resources are limited; focus shifts to protecting personnel and avoiding direct firefighting. Let the fire burn out naturally while controlling runoff.

Overturned Gasoline Tank Incidents

Overturned gasoline trucks pose significant challenges, including stability risks and potential leaks or spills.
Must consider rescue operations for trapped drivers and the complexity of identifying diverse products within multi-compartment tanks.
A fully loaded gasoline truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and present serious risks during operations.

Response Protocol: RECEO

RECEO principle guides recovery efforts:
- Rescue: Rapid extraction of victims and evacuation of affected areas.
- Exposures: Confinement of spilled materials with dikes and protection of storm drains.
- Extinguish: Prioritize extinguishing fires when conditions allow.
- Overhaul/off-loading operation: Manage cleanup and safe removal of hazardous materials.

Operational Considerations

Direct incoming response resources to safe locations, avoiding routes through hazardous areas.
Ensure water supply and foam provisions align with incident needs before deploying foam for extinguishment.
Hazard monitoring is critical to eliminate ignition sources where possible; appropriate atmospheric monitoring tools are essential.

Resource Allocation

LAFD and other agencies provide vital resources, including:
- Hazardous Materials Task Forces for specialized support.
- Access to heavy equipment like vacuum trucks and heavy wreckers for incident management.
- Traffic control cooperation with LAPD and CalTrans to ensure safe access for emergency responders.

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Description

This quiz covers essential firefighting techniques, focusing on defensive attacks and the use of foam to prevent re-ignition of vapors. It also emphasizes the importance of personnel protection, equipment efficiency, and environmental considerations during operations.