Ch 17 pg 436-439 Forcible Entry Difficulties

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Questions and Answers

What is a primary reason forcible-entry difficulties are greatest at the rear of taxpayer fires?

Rear doors are more likely to open inward.

They typically have larger windows for entry.

The presence of more traffic at the rear.

Rear areas are often poorly lit and less trafficked. (correct)

Which type of locks are commonly found securing rear doors in commercial structures?

Monarch locks

Standard pin tumbler locks

Single-cylinder deadbolts

Fox Police locks or drop in bars (correct)

Why are hydraulic forcible-entry tools less effective on rear doors of commercial buildings?

Rear doors almost always open outward. (correct)

Rear doors are typically unlatched.

Hydraulic tools can only be used on residential doors.

They are too heavy to use effectively.

What feature is often noticeable on rear doors that can hinder forcible entry?

The presence of a bolt from a secured lock. Signup and view all the answers

What tools are specifically mentioned for breaching a door?

Flat head axe and Halligan tool Signup and view all the answers

What might be a faster method of breaching a wall when conditions allow?

Sledgehammers to create a hole Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances is it recommended to assign a ladder company to the rear of a building?

For all serious taxpayer fires Signup and view all the answers

Which tool is NOT mentioned in the context of breaching a door or wall?

Pull saw Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern when deciding how to breach a door or wall?

Time and damage to property Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary challenge firefighters face when locating stores during an emergency?

Most stores lack visible identification on their rear walls. Signup and view all the answers

What identifier is recommended for property owners to use on the rear wall of their stores?

An identifying letter for the store. Signup and view all the answers

Why might some store owners refuse to mark their store name on the rear doors?

They fear it could attract potential burglars. Signup and view all the answers

What is a likely reason officers might prefer identifying letters over store names?

Store names are constantly updated to reflect new ownership. Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical aspect to consider when coordinating firefighter entry from the rear of a taxpayer building?

The difficulty in identifying which store is which Signup and view all the answers

Which sign should NOT suggest a potential backdraft situation?

Visible flames at the front entrance Signup and view all the answers

What should firefighters do before breaking any glass in potential backdraft conditions?

Look for signs of an impending backdraft Signup and view all the answers

In a potential backdraft situation, when should forcible entry and ground-level ventilation be delayed?

Until a good-sized hole is achieved on the roof Signup and view all the answers

How should firefighters position hoselines in a potential backdraft scenario?

Behind parked vehicles or the fire apparatus Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary danger of breaking glass in a situation where smoke is heavily visible and under pressure?

It risks backdraft conditions occurring Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary cause of a backdraft in a fire situation?

Sudden reintroduction of oxygen Signup and view all the answers

Which safety measure is essential when opening windows in a potential backdraft situation?

Wearing full personal protective equipment (PPE) Signup and view all the answers

Why are backdraft conditions more prevalent in buildings secured with steel gates?

They hide fires and delay access for firefighting efforts Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended approach when dealing with multiple secured stores during a fire response?

Force entry into all the exposed stores first Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of steel plating on roofs and walls in terms of fire safety?

It creates conditions conducive to backdraft and collapse Signup and view all the answers

What tactical change is advised when encountering backdraft risks due to steel plating?

Create a small triangular opening for ventilation Signup and view all the answers

What should not be done when there is a risk of flying glass due to a backdraft?

Firefighters should stand directly in front of the window Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of extending the pike pole overhead upon entering a store?

To assess fire, smoke, and heat conditions above. Signup and view all the answers

What should a firefighter do if the pike pole handle is charred and smoking?

Continue the attack from a safer position. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to leave the head of the pike pole extended for about 15 seconds?

To observe any changes in the conditions above. Signup and view all the answers

What message indicates that a firefighter may need to reconsider entering further into a store?

The pike pole does not reach the ceiling distance. Signup and view all the answers

What initial location is recommended for firefighters as one member checks the ceiling height with a pike pole?

The safety of the sidewalk or doorway. Signup and view all the answers

What angle should the power-cone fog stream be directed when using a fog nozzle in a roll-down gate situation?

15°-30° Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using through-the-lock techniques during forcible entry?

To maintain the integrity of the window and door glass Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken immediately after inserting the fog nozzle in the roll-down gate?

Direct the stream upward toward the ceiling Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario is it most advisable to keep the door closed after obtaining entry?

When a new water source is on the way Signup and view all the answers

What is a likely result of using a fog stream without allowing it to operate for several minutes?

Limited cooling of hot gases Signup and view all the answers

How does ceiling height in commercial buildings pose a challenge for firefighters?

It allows smoke to bank down at higher levels, hiding dangers Signup and view all the answers

What could be a consequence of firefighters neglecting to recognize the differences between residential and commercial fires?

They may underestimate the fire’s severity and hidden dangers Signup and view all the answers

What hidden danger might firefighters face when smoke is banked down at 6-8 ft in commercial fires?

Extreme heat accumulation above the smoke layer Signup and view all the answers

What is a commonly recommended action to improve the efficiency of fire response in commercial fires?

Establish a solid plan for moving hose lines efficiently Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if there is no sign of fire after the first hole is created?

Advance another 8–10 ft and repeat the process. Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical factor to monitor while searching for hidden fire?

The time elapsed to prevent dangerous situations. Signup and view all the answers

For moderate fires in ground-floor stores, what is the recommended hose size?

2 1/2-in. Signup and view all the answers

When facing heavy fires, what should be prioritized during initial response?

Positioning handlines several stores down. Signup and view all the answers

What must firefighters do to combat the spread of fire into the cockloft?

Vent the cockloft directly over the store. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the medium-size line when fighting ground-floor fires?

It is used for washing down areas missed by larger lines. Signup and view all the answers

How wide should the area be when getting the ceiling down in the exposed stores?

At least 3 ft wide. Signup and view all the answers

How should firefighters react if the fire is suspected of traveling in hidden voids?

Retreat to a safe location to begin the attack. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Forcible Entry Difficulties

Taxpayer fires pose significant entry challenges, especially at the rear where visibility is poor and security is tighter.
Rear doors are typically outward-opening and reinforced with heavy locks like Fox Police locks or drop-in bars.
Entry techniques involve using tools like a flat head axe or Halligan tool to shear off bolt heads, or breaching walls with sledgehammers when conditions permit.
A ladder company should be assigned to the rear during serious firefighter operations for effective access.

Identification and Coordination Challenges

Most rear store entrances lack visible identifiers, complicating firefighter coordination during emergencies.
Property owners are encouraged to mark their rear walls with letters rather than store names to avoid attracting burglars.

Entry and Backdraft Risks at the Front

The front of stores usually offers easier access through plate glass doors, but caution is necessary to prevent backdrafts.
Key indicators of potential backdraft include heavy smoke, heated but clear windows, and smoke under pressure, particularly during late-night fires.

Backdraft Situations

Backdraft explosions can occur when oxygen is suddenly introduced to an oxygen-depleted fire; these require careful coordination among firefighters.
Firefighters on the roof must create ventilation before ground-level forceful entry can occur, minimizing risks when windows are broken.
Fire crews should avoid staying directly in front of windows during potential backdraft situations to prevent injury from flying glass.

Conditions Surrounding Steel Gates

Buildings with steel gates may conceal fires and delay forcible entry, making backdraft conditions more likely.
Firefighters should open multiple stores with the same security measures quickly to ensure water application and prevent spreading fire.

Firefighters' Considerations with Steel Plating

Steel plating in high-value stores creates significant backdraft risks due to heat build-up and potential structural collapse.
When facing steel plating, firefighters should alter their tactics, creating small openings to minimize risks.

Tactical Approaches to Store Fires

The initial task upon entering a store involves checking the ceiling height with a pike pole to assess fire conditions overhead.
High ceilings may contain hidden dangers; thus, careful assessment is vital before proceeding further into the fire area.
Firefighters should maintain a proactive advance with hoselines to prevent the fire from spreading into hidden areas.

Challenges and Strategies During Fire Fighting

Ground-floor fires require immediate control actions, including using large hoselines and direct ventilation to manage heat and smoke.
For substantial fires, positioning hoselines ahead of fire spread and engaging in ceiling ventilation are critical to effective firefighting.
Adequate staffing is essential to effectively use multiple hoselines, especially in challenging and expansive store layouts.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the challenges of forcible entry during taxpayer fires, focusing on the rear access issues. This quiz covers the common obstacles faced by firefighters and the types of security measures often employed. Prepare to learn about the techniques and tools required for effective forcible entry in emergencies.