Ch 15 pg 397-401 Forcible Entry( HFT), stairways

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Questions and Answers

In a multi-family, multi-story fire situation, why is it essential to focus your search on the stairway landing directly above the fire?

To prevent smoke from entering other apartments.

To prioritize evacuation of residents immediately.

To find the source of the fire directly.

To ensure quicker access to higher floors if the fire spreads. (correct)

What is the recommended approach when entering an apartment during firefighting operations in a building with a fire directly below?

Force entry into an apartment other than the one directly above the fire first. (correct)

Enter the apartments below first to assess safety.

Always enter the apartment directly above the fire first.

Wait for backup before entering any apartment.

What is the appropriate fire hose to use for fires confined to one or two lightly burning apartments?

A large diameter hose.

A high-pressure hose.

Intermediate size hand lines (correct)

A flexible fire hose.

What is a critical factor to consider when responding to a fast spreading fire in a multi-family dwelling?

Implementing a quick response with enough water to mitigate risk. Signup and view all the answers

What should be prioritized prior to conducting forcible entry into a fire area?

Ventilation from the outside Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended practice regarding the door during forcible entry?

Ensure the door remains intact Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can result from a blown length of hose during firefighting operations?

Extension of fire beyond the immediate area Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario are Forcible Entry Tools (HFTs) especially useful?

In buildings with multiple dwelling units Signup and view all the answers

Forcible entry may require significant effort particularly in what type of buildings?

Multiple dwelling buildings Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason to close the fire-rated door to the apartment during a fire?

To reduce the intensity of the fire by cutting off fuel extension. Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario is it most likely that a fire's volume will exceed the capabilities of a single 2½-in line?

When the wind is blowing into the apartment. Signup and view all the answers

What is one suggested tactic if the volume of fire is unmanageable?

Consider attacking from the opposite side with the wind at your back. Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the performance of two 134-in lines struggling against the fire?

The volume of fire exceeded the capabilities of the deployed lines. Signup and view all the answers

What must be considered when determining the size of the line required to combat a fire?

A realistic size-up of the fire's current behavior and volume. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done first if members find apartment 2B during a fire response?

Check Atleast one more door to find 2A or 2C Signup and view all the answers

In which type of stairway layout are members isolated from the fire area?

Isolated staircase Signup and view all the answers

How do alphanumeric systems typically indicate floor and apartment designations?

By using numbers for the floor and letters for the apartment. Signup and view all the answers

If members discover that 5B is directly above 2B, what sequence should they follow to find other apartments?

Find apartments with the same suffix to confirm the floor designation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommendation for members before responding to a fire in a building?

Inspect the building's layout for apartment numbering. Signup and view all the answers

What is the most efficient way to ensure you are using the correct staircase in a high-rise building during a fire?

Have two members climb to the second floor and locate the proper apartment line Signup and view all the answers

Which method can help locate the proper apartment quickly in a fire situation?

Have two people go up to the second floor and use the building's numbering system. Signup and view all the answers

Why should the layout of the ground floor not be assumed to be the same as upper floors?

The presence of machinery rooms and stores often alters ground floor layouts. Signup and view all the answers

In building numbering systems, how are apartments typically designated?

Through a combination of numbers representing floors and letters designating apartments. Signup and view all the answers

What is a likely reason for having multiple staircases in larger buildings?

To facilitate quick evacuation and access during emergencies. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant risk associated with buildings that have only one staircase?

The staircase can become blocked by fire on lower floors. Signup and view all the answers

In buildings featuring multiple staircases, which factor is crucial for firefighter safety and efficiency?

Determining which staircase services specific apartments. Signup and view all the answers

What complicates firefighting operations in buildings with wing stairs or isolated stairs?

They serve only a limited number of apartments Signup and view all the answers

What is often true of apartments located in the throat between wings of a building?

Occupants tend to block one of the two exits. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for firefighters to rapidly determine the number and location of staircases in a building?

To ensure firefighters are adequately prepared to stretch hoselines. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of transverse stairs in larger buildings?

They allow firefighters to easily switch between stairways. Signup and view all the answers

In the event of a serious fire, what is a critical action to avoid?

Employing opposing streams in the hallway. Signup and view all the answers

How can the layout of staircases impact firefighting effectiveness in larger buildings?

A connected layout can aid in firefighting operations. Signup and view all the answers

What layout feature specifically aids firefighters in moving between floors?

Transverse stair design linking different stairways. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of transverse stairs might complicate firefighting efforts during a fire?

The possibility of smoke filling the hallways rapidly. Signup and view all the answers

What is the reason for limiting the number of hoselines stretched up a single staircase?

To avoid entanglement that hinders their advancement. Signup and view all the answers

Why should aerial devices not be used as temporary standpipes?

They are essential for immediate tactical maneuvers during evacuations. Defensive weapons Signup and view all the answers

When pulling hoses up to a higher floor, which strategy is recommended for efficiency?

First pull a 3-in. line equipped with a water thief for easier additional line supply. Signup and view all the answers

How long does it generally take to pull a 3-in. line compared to a 134-in. line to the fifth floor?

Both take about the same amount of time. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal when managing hoselines during firefighting operations?

To provide a continuous water supply to the fire as needed. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of return stairs in firefighting operations?

maintaing bearings in heavy smoke. Signup and view all the answers

When is it necessary to stretch a second line the same way as the first line?

To assist the first line in extreme fire conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What can happen if too many lines are stretched up one staircase?

A knot of hose can form, impeding advancement. Signup and view all the answers

Why should the second crew notify the first crew when moving their line above the fire?

To avoid reliance on the second line as a backup. Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended practice when flaking hose for a line that cannot fit on the stair landing?

Force open a door to an adjacent apartment. Signup and view all the answers

What is the best strategy for approaching a fire when the stairway closest to the fire is not accessible?

Stretch hose lines across the building on a floor below the fire. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about thermal imaging cameras is accurate in firefighting situations?

They assist in identifying the location of an open apartment door in a dark hallway. Signup and view all the answers

In buildings with scissor stairs, what is typically necessary for firefighters to orient themselves correctly?

Descend to two floors below the fire for correct orientation. Signup and view all the answers

How does the design of straight-run stairs impact firefighter navigation during an emergency?

It disorients firefighters due to changing door locations as they ascend. Signup and view all the answers

What can be a challenge when responding to a fire if the hallway is pitch black?

It may be difficult to locate the correct fire apartment. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Forcible Entry Techniques

Prioritize ventilation by allowing interior officers to direct outside venting before entry is forced.
Maintain the integrity of the door to the fire area; avoid damaging it unnecessarily during forcible entry.
Be cautious of hose placement; a malfunctioning hose can exacerbate fire spread beyond immediate areas.
High-Force Tools (HFTs) are effective for gaining entry in multi-dwelling units while keeping doors intact.
Forcible entry often requires significant effort, particularly in multi-family buildings.

Fire Hose Tips

Use larger hoses for multi-story fires due to the increased number of doors needing access.
One firefighter can quickly open several doors on a floor if equipped properly with a hose.
Focus search efforts on the stairway landing above the fire to access higher floors swiftly.
In multi-family dwellings, prioritize gaining access to an apartment other than the one directly above the fire first.
A rapid response is essential in the event of a fast-spreading fire; larger fires necessitate bigger hoses for effective firefighting.
When interior with an extensive fire, approach it directly while utilizing a hose for suppression.

Fire Safety: Understanding the Volume of Fire

High volumes of fire in a single apartment can overwhelm standard firefighting lines, especially during wind-driven events.
Wind conditions may lead to a scenario where even multiple 2½-inch lines fail against heavy fire, necessitating a tactical shift.
Closing fire-rated doors can help contain the spread while managing fire intensity until it diminishes.
Assess expected hose size based on realistic evaluations of the fire and consider multiple handlines or portable deluge sets as solutions for intense fires.

Loss of Control of Original Fire Apartment

Quickly identify the correct staircase in larger buildings to avoid navigating to the wrong floor.
Utilizing building numbering systems helps verify the proper stair and locate fire sources efficiently.

Selecting the Right Staircase

Two people should go up a level to track the fire floor and ensure the proper hoseline connection is made.
Familiarity with apartment numbering systems (floor numbers combined with apartment letters) is critical for effective navigation.
Ground floor layouts often differ from upper floors due to design variations.

Apartment Fire Safety

In cases where the fire is reported in a specific apartment, ensure thorough checks of surrounding apartments for accurate fire location.
Understanding isolated and wing stair configurations helps teams navigate effectively while minimizing exposure to fire.

Fire Safety Tips

Stretch hose lines carefully to avoid interference and prevent opposing hose streams.
Often, the stairway closest to the fire may not be directly accessible from the entrance; consider approaching the fire from a floor below.
If visibility is poor, use thermal imaging cameras to assist in locating the fire apartment under heavy smoke.

Staircase Location

Counting doors on the floor below from a consistent stair location allows quick reference when returning to the fire area.
Familiarize with stair types like scissor and straight-run stairs, as their configurations vary and can lead to disorientation for firefighters.

Returning Stair Lines

Prepare spare hoses on the floor below the fire for efficient advancement when crews enter the fire apartment.
Stretch only a minimal number of hoselines up a single staircase to prevent entanglement and maintain mobility.

No more than two hoselines

Limit the number of hoselines stretched up a single staircase to avoid entrapment and hindered advancement.

Avoid tying up aerial devices

Reserve aerial devices for defensive maneuvers; do not use them as temporary standpipes as they must be free for emergency action.

Consider needs to supply multiple hoses

When hauling hose lines, prioritize the supply line for multiple connections; this ensures a continuous water supply rather than focusing on speed alone.

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Description

This quiz covers critical forcible entry techniques and fire hose usage during firefighting operations. Emphasizing proper ventilation and maintaining door integrity, it highlights methods that enhance accessibility, especially in multi-family dwellings. Test your knowledge on effective strategies for rapid response in complex fire situations.