Ch 15 pg 408-412 Fireproof buildings

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary design reason for using scissor stairs in Class 1 buildings?

They allow for a space-saving arrangement within the building. (correct)

They provide a clearer exit route for firefighters.

They make it easier for residents to access multiple floors.

They meet the minimum requirements for fire safety.

What is a significant challenge that scissor stairs present to firefighters?

They do not provide adequate exit routes for residents.

They increase the overall fire load within the building.

They require additional firefighting equipment.

They lead to confusion about the correct stairway to use. (correct)

How far apart are the stairway doors typically spaced in scissor stairs?

About 15 feet.

About 20 feet. (correct)

About 10 feet.

About 25 feet.

According to building codes, what must Class 1 buildings provide?

Two separate means of egress for each floor. Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential negative outcome for residents due to the design of scissor stairs?

Difficulty in locating the appropriate exit stairway. Signup and view all the answers

What unique challenge do fireproof multiple dwellings present to firefighters after a fire is extinguished?

They retain and radiate heat Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is NOT typically associated with fireproof multiple dwellings?

Easier stair access Signup and view all the answers

How can one differentiate between a Class 1 and a Class 3 fireproof building?

By the presence of fire escapes and cockloft vents Signup and view all the answers

What common problem shared by both fireproof and nonfireproof multiple dwellings poses a risk during firefighting operations?

Challenges in hoseline stretching Signup and view all the answers

Why might the design of fireproof multiple dwellings be considered an ally in firefighting?

They prevent the vertical and horizontal spread of fire Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical reason firefighters must locate the correct staircase in a high-rise building?

One standpipe system may not connect to the fire floor's outlet. Signup and view all the answers

What potential hazard is often overlooked in high-rise apartments that can create complications for firefighters?

Cable TV/Internet wires secured with plastic wire-molding. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for firefighters to carry a wire cutter or multitool in high-rise apartments?

To cut through strong wires that can fall during a fire response. Signup and view all the answers

How can the design of stairwells in high-rise buildings impact emergency response?

It necessitates additional time to locate the correct standpipe system. Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of wire-molding failing when a firefighter opens an apartment door?

It exposes the firefighter to falling debris. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of requiring 2-hour fire separations in apartment buildings?

To contain the fire and protect other occupants Signup and view all the answers

Which condition must be met to ensure that the threat to other occupants is reduced when a fire occurs?

The door to the hall must be able to close Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately reflects the behavior of fires in Type 1 apartment buildings?

Fires typically remain confined to the apartment of origin Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of building codes concerning residential fire safety?

They mandate 2-hour fire separations between public halls and apartments Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the design of apartment buildings in relation to fire safety?

Fire separations are critical in protecting occupants from fire spread Signup and view all the answers

What season do most severe wind-driven fires in New York City primarily occur?

Winter Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following departments collaborated with the FDNY to conduct full-scale tests on wind-driven fires?

Chicago Fire Department Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum wind speed that can potentially contribute to severe wind-driven fire conditions?

10-15 mph Signup and view all the answers

What was the location and time frame of a significant wind-driven fire incident that occurred outside of New York City?

Honolulu, July 2017 Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about Class 1 construction is true?

It is the preferred construction class for buildings over 8 stories. Signup and view all the answers

How does the height and floor location of a building influence the risk of a severe wind-driven fire?

Once the building exceeds 8 stories, the height of the building does not play a major role Signup and view all the answers

What is a misleading understanding regarding wind-driven fires in relation to environmental factors?

That very high wind is required Signup and view all the answers

What factor has been conclusively demonstrated to create temperatures exceeding 2500° F in residential fires?

Airflow through the building Signup and view all the answers

At what wind speed have some fires been noted to occur, according to weather data analysis?

15 mph Signup and view all the answers

How does the burning fuel in a fire typically behave when airflow is introduced into the building?

It burns with increased intensity Signup and view all the answers

What temperature does the flame from an oxyacetylene torch burn at without oxygen?

1200° F Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for evaluating the effect of ventilation efforts before breaking windows in a high-rise building?

To avoid fanning smoldering furniture into flames. Signup and view all the answers

Which analogy is used to explain the effect of airflow on fire temperature?

An acetylene torch Signup and view all the answers

When venting from the floor above, why is it essential to position doors as they would be found on the fire floor?

To accurately assess the wind's effect on the fire floor. Signup and view all the answers

What initial action should be taken when venting from inside the building?

Make a small experimental opening on the fire floor. Signup and view all the answers

What must be considered if there is wind blowing toward the affected windows before venting?

Venting should be delayed until the fire is under control. Signup and view all the answers

What effect could breaking windows without proper assessment have on a fire scene?

It can lead to wind-driven flames spreading further into the building. Signup and view all the answers

What primarily causes the blowtorch effect during a fire in a building?

High winds blowing flames back into the building Signup and view all the answers

What role does wind play in the behavior of flames during a blowtorch fire?

It increases the oxygen supply to the fuel, amplifying the burn rate. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant consequence of high winds during a fire situation in a multi-story building?

Flames can extend rapidly into public hallways. Signup and view all the answers

How does the 'blowtorch fire' phenomenon affect firefighting strategies?

It requires special tactics to combat the rapid spread of flames. Signup and view all the answers

Which description fits the 'blowtorch fire' phenomenon?

High-velocity flames venting out and spreading quickly. Signup and view all the answers

What initiates a sudden intensification of a fire in a multi-unit building?

The opening of a window or door on the low-pressure side Signup and view all the answers

How does the position of doors on the fire floor affect airflow in the building?

If doors are not in the same position, airflow will be inaccurate. Signup and view all the answers

What role do windows in the hallway play in the dynamics of a fire escape?

They can provide an exhaust outlet when opened by occupants. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when the stairway door becomes blocked open during firefighting efforts?

The staircase acts as a chimney, exacerbating the fire situation. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it crucial to ensure that all doors on the same floor are positioned similarly during a fire?

It accurately predicts how smoke will disperse throughout the building. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Fireproof Multiple Dwellings

Fireproof buildings share challenges with non-fireproof ones, including high life hazards and difficulties with hoseline stretch and stair access.
Fireproof structures are designed to contain fire spread both vertically and horizontally, aiding firefighting efforts.
These buildings retain and radiate heat long after the fire is extinguished, posing risks to firefighters.
Apartment doors are typically more secure and sturdily built compared to older nonfireproof structures.
Class 1 buildings generally lack fire escapes and cockloft vents, whereas Class 3 buildings possess these features.

Scissor Stairs

Scissor stairs are a common feature in Class 1 buildings, often required for two means of egress.
Staircases are back-to-back, leading to potential disorientation for firefighters as the relative positioning changes each floor.
Firefighters may need to travel significant distances to find the correct standpipe system, complicating rescue operations.

Fire Safety in High-Rise Apartments

The location of stairwells shifts on different floors, confusing evacuees and responders.
Fire load is often confined to the apartment, limiting danger to other residents when doors are closed.
Structural hazards include plastic wire-molding used for cable TV/Internet, which can create chaos when heated and fall onto firefighters.

Fires in High-Rise Buildings

Fire incidents are mostly contained to the originating apartment, with building codes mandating 2-hour fire separations.
Such separations reduce the risk to other occupants when doors to common areas are closed.

Severe Wind-Driven Fire

Severe wind-driven fires have affected New York City since the 1970s, leading to tragic fatalities among firefighters and civilians.
Research and live fire tests from 2006 to 2008 aimed to document these phenomena and assess firefighting tactics.
These fires commonly occur in winter months, though they can happen anywhere with sufficient wind (10-15 mph).

Fire Dynamics and Procedures

Wind speeds above 20 mph significantly escalate the danger of wind-driven fires in high-rise buildings.
Class 1 construction applies to buildings over eight stories, where external factors like wind contribute to fire behaviors.
"Blowtorch" fires occur when gusting winds redirect flames back into buildings, drastically intensifying the fire.

Ventilation Tactics

Proper ventilation is crucial; inappropriate breaking of windows can lead to fire intensification.
Firefighters must assess wind direction and airflow before attempting to ventilate a fire scene.
Opening a single pane as an experimental opening helps gauge fire behavior before full-scale venting.

Challenges in Firefighting

Sudden changes in fire intensity can occur, catching even well-protected firefighters off guard.
Investigations reveal that these intensifications often result from actions like/windows or doors being opened, allowing airflow into engaged areas.
Open windows in adjacent apartments can serve as exhaust points, exacerbating the situation during firefighting efforts.

Key Safety Equipment

Firefighters should have wire cutters or multi-tools on hand to manage problematic wiring hazards during operations.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the unique challenges and design features of fireproof buildings and scissor stairs. This quiz covers critical aspects that affect firefighting efforts, including structural characteristics and egress requirements. Evaluate your understanding of safety measures in various building classifications.