Chapter 13 pg 373-377

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Questions and Answers

What is the recommended approach when fire is present in the outer walls?

Quickly drive the hose stream upward after making small examination holes. (correct)

Focus efforts only on the upper floors and ignore the wall openings.

Remove the entire wall structure to prevent any hidden fire.

Utilize the doors and windows to create additional ventilation points.

Why is opening bays over or under windows not recommended during fire response?

Doing so may lead to gas build-up and explosions.

Windows and doors create fire stops that limit vertical fire spread. (correct)

It is typically unnecessary since windows do not contain flammable material.

It is illegal to disturb window areas during firefighting efforts.

When should roof ventilation be considered in a balloon-frame house?

When fire spreads into high areas like the cockloft or knee walls. (correct)

Only in winter to prevent ice formation.

When the fire is clearly visible from multiple floors.

During initial fire assessment before any firefighting begins.

What is essential for maintaining tenable environments in blind spaces during a fire?

Effective ventilation procedures to control smoke and heat. Signup and view all the answers

What should be communicated to the team on the top floor regarding fire locations?

Which walls to open first to facilitate rapid fire location. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if the handline attack has been pushed back?

Order the handlines withdrawn to a safe area. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the cellar pipe or distributor during firefighting operations?

To flood the main body of fire initially. Signup and view all the answers

After operating the cellar pipe for 1-2 minutes, what is the next appropriate step?

Shut down the cellar pipe and attempt to advance the handlines. Signup and view all the answers

What must be ensured for firefighters on the first floor during a firefighting operation?

That they have a safe escape route. Signup and view all the answers

When flooding the first floor with streams, which area should the streams also target?

Vertical arteries like pipe chases and channel rails. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common issue that firefighters face when battling cellar fires in commercial buildings?

Rapid buildup of heat even at the floor level due to low ceiling heights Signup and view all the answers

What structural characteristic is typical of commercial cellars that complicates firefighting efforts?

Low accessibility with often only one cellar stairway Signup and view all the answers

What fire behavior can be expected due to the conditions in commercial cellars?

Total burnout due to heavy fire loading and lack of ventilation Signup and view all the answers

How can fire spread between floors in commercial buildings with cellars?

Via conveyor openings between the floors Signup and view all the answers

What firefighting strategy is recommended for dealing with cellar fires in commercial buildings?

A fast, high-volume attack combined with quick ventilation holes Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary concern when masonry floors are constructed over wooden floor joists?

Potential for structural collapse due to fire exposure Signup and view all the answers

Which type of masonry is recognized for its excellent fire resistance and safety record in high-rise buildings?

Steel-reinforced poured concrete Signup and view all the answers

What common flooring material is often found in older drugstores that could pose a danger to firefighters?

Terrazzo floors Signup and view all the answers

Why might firefighters mistakenly consider concrete to be inherently safe in all situations?

Concrete has an excellent history of performing well in fire scenarios Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary danger associated with the construction of laundromats using concrete over wooden floor joists?

The wooden joists can ignite and collapse under extreme heat Signup and view all the answers

What is the weight contribution of a 4-in.-thick concrete slab resting on wood joists per square foot?

50 lb Signup and view all the answers

What critical risk do masonry floors present when built over wooden joists?

They can collapse without warning after the wood is sufficiently burned. Signup and view all the answers

What common construction failure contributes to a dangerous load condition in masonry floor systems?

Reducing or cutting down floor joists where the floor is to be poured. Signup and view all the answers

What condition makes it difficult to assess the safety of masonry floors from above?

Visual inspection can be misleading due to hidden load distributions. Signup and view all the answers

What tragic event illustrates the dangers posed by unsupported masonry floors in buildings?

The death of FDNY Lieutenant John Clancy due to a floor collapse. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for charging the line before descending into a cellar?

To ensure an immediate supply of water upon entering Signup and view all the answers

Which safety precaution is critical when advancing a second line into the cellar?

Ensure at least one member is stationed at the entrance for communication Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum size of the ventilation holes recommended for a cellar fire?

4x4 ft Signup and view all the answers

What should be done immediately after discovering a serious cellar fire?

Begin cutting large ventilation holes Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to position the vent opening opposite the hoseline's entry?

To help draw fire and heat away from the line and enable a quicker advance Signup and view all the answers

What can happen if positive pressure ventilation is initiated without adequate vent openings?

The fire could spread into wall and ceiling voids Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended strategy if a cellar fire is not subdued within 10 minutes?

Reassess and plan a new strategy Signup and view all the answers

Where is the best position for a fan when using it to assist an attack crew in a cellar?

On the first floor blowing air down the stairs towards the cellar Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of reinforced concrete when exposed to fire?

The concrete shields the steel from losing strength. Signup and view all the answers

What potential issue arises from using concrete floors on wood joists in older construction methods?

Concrete floors can collapse without support if the wood joists are compromised. Signup and view all the answers

Why do concrete and masonry floors behave similarly to unreinforced masonry floors?

They both lack tensile and shear strength under load. Signup and view all the answers

In what area of an apartment building should firefighters be especially cautious due to the possibility of structural collapse?

Bathrooms Signup and view all the answers

What materials are commonly used in a reinforced concrete structure to resist tensile loads?

Steel rods, cables, or beams. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of laundromats concerning their floor structure?

They often have a concrete slab supported by wood joists. Signup and view all the answers

During a fire in a commercial building, why should firefighters avoid specific floor sections with tile or terrazzo?

They may conceal structural weaknesses in the supporting joists. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of pouring concrete or terrazzo floors over wood joists?

To provide a low-maintenance and level surface. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of load does concrete primarily resist in flooring applications?

Compressive loads. Signup and view all the answers

What action should be prioritized when identifying hazardous flooring conditions during inspections?

Identify masonry floors reliant on wood joists or unprotected beams. Signup and view all the answers

What should be documented in a hazardous building file for a preplan concerning structural supports?

The presence of floor joist sizes and their condition. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of concrete is limited, leading to concerns in structural integrity during fires?

Its tensile and shear strength. Signup and view all the answers

What is one key reason for using terrazzo in construction?

It provides a decorative finish combined with durability. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about the unpredictability of structural collapses?

Most buildings have known factors that may cause collapses. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for firefighters to have detailed knowledge of their district's buildings?

Because the history of buildings can influence risk management and safety. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with information regarding imminent hazards identified in buildings?

Send it up the chain of command for further action. Signup and view all the answers

What is often a significant loss when a senior firefighter retires?

Crucial information about building hazards accumulated over time. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first essential step in preventing firefighter danger in buildings?

Identifying the hazards present in the buildings. Signup and view all the answers

What must be immediately communicated to the Incident Commander if masonry flooring is discovered above a suspected fire location?

The need for structural evaluation Signup and view all the answers

Which type of construction indicates that a masonry floor is likely safe for operations?

Fire-resistive construction over 75 ft Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions should be taken if there is evidence of heavy fire attacking supporting structures beneath a masonry floor?

Use defensive tactics and high-ex foam Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended method for creating examination openings in a structure with suspected fire involvement?

Utilize sledgehammers or jackhammers Signup and view all the answers

After the fire has been brought under control, what precaution should still be observed regarding personnel?

Stay off the suspect surface until further assessment Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant risk associated with operations conducted after a fire is extinguished?

Collapse during overhaul and secondary searches Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if masonry flooring is confirmed to be unreinforced?

Take extra caution and assume early collapse is likely Signup and view all the answers

What operational tactic can be used effectively for controlling cellar fires?

Applying high-ex foam through breached areas Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Below-grade Fires: Key Considerations

Quick and effective firefighting tactics are essential when dealing with below-grade fires, particularly in basements and cellars.
Focus on creating small examination holes in exterior walls and plumbing walls to assess fire spread and intensity.
Avoid making openings directly above or below windows to prevent exacerbating fire spread; these areas act as fire stops.

Commercial Cellar Fires

Cellar fires in commercial structures pose severe risks due to low ceiling heights and heavy fire loads.
Limited access through usually a single rear stairway complicates firefighting efforts, especially in maze-like storage conditions.
The combination of high heat, smoke buildup, and inadequate ventilation leads to a high likelihood of complete burnout once a fire ignites.
Successful firefighting requires a rapid, high-volume water attack and immediate cutting of vent holes on the first floor.

Firefighting Techniques in Cellars

Use a 2 1/2-inch hose with a 1 1/4-inch solid tip for effective water delivery; ensure the hose length is adequate for cellar depth.
Always charge the hose line before entering the cellar and have a secondary line ready for safety.
Establish ventilation by cutting large holes (minimum 4x4 ft) to combat cellar fires and prevent smoke and heat buildup.
Strategic ventilation positions should draw smoke and heat away from the attack line for safer approach.

Risks of Masonry Floors

Floors constructed from masonry over wood joists present significant risks, as they can collapse without early warning.
The load capacity of concrete and masonry floors (approximately 150 lb per cu ft) can exceed wooden joists' supportive capacity, especially if joists are undersized.
Floors in older commercial buildings, particularly in laundromats and bathrooms, often exhibit this hazardous configuration.

Collapse Risks

Awareness of support systems is crucial when encountering masonry floors; unreinforced masonry can lead to sudden collapse if fire undermines structural integrity.
Conduct soundings to assess floor stability; a pronounced clank may indicate the presence of masonry supported by inadequate joists.
If fire conditions indicate a risk of collapse, retreat personnel and alter tactics to focus on defensive operations.

Importance of Building Knowledge

Familiarity with local buildings and their structural risks is vital for firefighter safety; this knowledge should be documented and shared within departments.
Fire officers should regularly inspect and evaluate buildings for hazardous conditions, especially in older structures.
Hazards like masonry-covered wooden joists must be reported and integrated into preplanning resources to ensure all firefighters are informed and prepared.

Equipping Firefighters

High-ex foam should be deployed in cellar fires to control flames and prevent extension.
Preparation and communication among teams are critical for safe operations; ensure all members are aware of hazards and strategies for managing them effectively.

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Description

This quiz covers essential firefighting strategies for dealing with below-grade fires specifically in basements. Learn the critical steps to ensure effective tactics for accessing and combating fire in confined spaces quickly. Gain insights into using hooks, creating examination holes, and managing hose streams.