Ch 13 pg 369-372 High-Expansion Foam in Firefighting

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Questions and Answers

What is a common misconception regarding the use of high-ex foam in firefighting?

  • High-ex foam should be used when firefighters are already overwhelmed. (correct)
  • Using high-ex foam guarantees the preservation of the structure.
  • High-ex foam is effective when applied immediately.
  • Ventilation is unnecessary when using high-ex foam. (correct)

What crucial action must be taken when discharging high-ex foam to minimize fire damage?

  • Create an opening near the upper ceiling spaces to allow heat to escape. (correct)
  • Deploy a water mist immediately after the foam is used.
  • Withdraw all personnel from the area before spraying the foam.
  • Ensure that the foam is injected at the same level as the fire source.

What is the likely consequence of withdrawing personnel from floors above a fire?

  • It prevents upward fire extension and protects the structure.
  • It can result in the loss of the structure due to fire extension. (correct)
  • It helps to create a safe zone for evacuation.
  • It allows firefighters to focus on the cellar area.

What is a critical preparation step before using a fog nozzle in an enclosed area?

<p>Provide appropriate ventilation to prevent fire advance. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Under what conditions might using high-ex foam lead to criticism or blame?

<p>If it is the last option used, after other methods failed. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of high-expansion foam in firefighting?

<p>To fill an enclosure, displacing products of combustion with a water solution. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what ratio is detergent mixed with water to create high-expansion foam?

<p>400:1 to 1,000:1 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What advantage does high-expansion foam provide for firefighters when combating cellar fires?

<p>It allows firefighters to apply it from a safer, more distant area. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which component is NOT part of the high-expansion foam mixture?

<p>Mineral oils (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does high-expansion foam play in the cooling of a fire?

<p>It replaces combustion products with a water solution that cools the fire source. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is crucial for high-ex foam to effectively extinguish a fire?

<p>It must be applied in sufficient quantity and at the right time. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can diminish the effectiveness of high-ex foam in extinguishing fires?

<p>Insufficient quantity to cool the fuel. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important that foam reaches the seat of the fire?

<p>Foam is ineffective if not applied directly to the fire source. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following situations would likely result in a failure of the foam application?

<p>Fires located in remote areas or behind partitions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical requirement for the amount of foam applied during a fire?

<p>It must be sufficient to combat fire and heat breakdown. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential consideration when utilizing high-ex foam for fires in reinforced concrete buildings?

<p>Structural stability must be ensured before usage. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In situations where structural integrity is questionable, how should high-ex foam be applied?

<p>Reapply foam continuously for prolonged soaking. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical preparation requirement for firefighters entering a high-ex foam environment?

<p>All personnel must understand the disorienting nature of foam. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might high-ex foam not achieve total extinguishment on its own?

<p>Total extinguishment often requires additional methods. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be the focus when using high-ex foam in unfamiliar environments?

<p>Ensuring a controlled approach and awareness of surroundings is vital. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What challenge do firefighters face when working in high-expansion foam?

<p>Identifying the exact location of a fire (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What may happen if a firefighter breaks through the foam blanket?

<p>They may experience increased heat exposure (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does high-expansion foam impact sound during firefighting operations?

<p>It muffles sound significantly (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key safety precaution to consider before entering high-expansion foam?

<p>Always exercise caution (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What property of high-expansion foam provides a measure of protection for firefighters?

<p>It acts as a barrier against heat (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for shutting down electricity in an affected area when using a high-ex blanket?

<p>To prevent a wet firefighter from stumbling into live electrical sources (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions should NOT be taken by members entering a high-ex blanket?

<p>Rushing in to assess the fire situation quickly (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What equipment must all members don when entering a high-ex blanket for safety?

<p>Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and PASS device (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for the lead member to use a pike pole or hook while entering a high-ex blanket?

<p>To probe for hidden hazards and avoid falls (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When might firefighters not sense heat while crawling through high-ex foam?

<p>When the foam is more than 3 or 4 feet thick (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes balloon framing from other framing types in terms of fire safety?

<p>It consists of long, uninterrupted studs without fire stops. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which historical period was balloon framing predominantly used?

<p>In the late 1800s and early 1900s. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant challenge when addressing fire in a balloon-frame home, particularly in a basement or cellar?

<p>The direct path smoke and flames can take up the studs. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What structural feature is absent in balloon-frame construction that impacts fire spread?

<p>Fire stopping mechanisms. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which geographical areas predominantly featured balloon-frame construction?

<p>The East and Midwest regions of the United States. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of a ledger board in second-floor joist construction?

<p>To support the weight of the second-floor joists (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In balloon framing, how does fire typically spread from the cellar?

<p>Unimpeded directly to the attic space (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What indicates that a house was originally built using wood lath and plaster?

<p>A hole through the lath and plaster (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What construction feature would provide evidence against the presence of balloon framing?

<p>A 2x4 lying flat as a plate (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to inspect exterior walls during a fire investigation in older constructions?

<p>To assess for modern renovations that may conceal original balloon framing (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct way to operate the nozzle when entering a fire for extinguishment?

<p>Only as a straight stream or very narrow fog (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to sweep the ceiling ahead of the nozzle during fire extinguishment?

<p>To assess the heat level overhead (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be done prior to entering a fire for extinguishment?

<p>Ensure the hoseline is charged before entry (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of having a rapid intervention team (RIT) on standby?

<p>To rescue personnel if they become trapped (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does sweeping the ceiling help to maintain the foam blanket?

<p>It reduces the confined heat without breaking down the foam excessively (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant risk associated with balloon framing in a fire scenario?

<p>It allows fire to spread vertically from the cellar to the attic. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When encountering a cellar fire with suspected balloon framing, what is the first step firefighters should take?

<p>Stretch the first hoseline to the cellar's seat of the fire. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What strategy should be employed if the fire is discovered moving up a balloon-frame wall?

<p>Immediately stretch a second hoseline to prevent extension to the first floor. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential tool for firefighters when dealing with a balloon-frame wall fire?

<p>Thermal imaging camera for hidden fire detection. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

High-expansion foam

A highly expanded mixture of water, air, and detergent, used in firefighting, typically at a ratio of 400:1 to 1000:1.

Defensive use of foam

Using high-expansion foam when other methods fail to control a fire.

Foam application effectiveness

Foam must be deployed quickly and in sufficient quantity to reach the fire source.

Challenges with foam

Transitioning equipment, requiring luck, and needing additional methods to fully extinguish a fire.

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Entering foam blankets

Firefighters should only enter if the structure is safe, entry is necessary for life-saving, and proper safety equipment and protocols are used.

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Balloon framing

A type of home construction where the cellar and the attic are easily connected for fire spread.

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Fire spread in balloon framing

Fire moves rapidly upwards in these homes due to the design's open spaces.

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Rapid Intervention Team (RIT)

A pre-designated team to assist and rescue firefighters.

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Hose preparation for entry

Hoses need to be charged, ready with appropriate nozzle settings before entering foam areas.

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SCBA

Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus

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Pike pole use

Tools used for probing ahead to ensure safe footing when entering foam.

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Overhead fire awareness

Understanding that heat from a fire may not be readily felt or seen through the foam blanket.

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Structural Safety

Assess and ensure structure stability before entering foam.

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Firefighters' Entry

Entry is only permitted if necessary for safety or life saving operations.

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Hoseline Deployment

Rapid deployment of hoseline to affected areas is crucial for fire containment.

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Inaccessible areas

Areas that are difficult or impossible to reach with the foam.

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Firefighter disorientation

Possible confusion or difficulty determining direction inside a foam blanket area.

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Second-floor joists

Supports for a second floor, resting on a small board.

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Ledger board

The small board that supports second-floor joists in balloon framing.

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Foam ratio

The proportion of water, air, and detergent (detergent is a chemical added).

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Fire control Challenges

Battling a rapidly spreading vertical fire, particularly in balloon framing.

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Cellar fire concerns

Older homes with balloon framing constructions are more susceptible to fire spread from the cellar.

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External wall access

Reaching the area that has fire is best from the outside walls above the fire.

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Study Notes

High-Expansion Foam Overview

  • High-expansion foam (high-ex foam) can augment or replace traditional cellar nozzles for firefighting.
  • It is safer for firefighters, allowing application from a distance.
  • The foam consists of a highly expanded mixture of water, air, and detergent, typically at a ratio of 400:1 to 1,000:1.
  • Its main function is to fill enclosures, pushing out combustion products and cooling the fire source.

Application and Effectiveness

  • High-ex foam is used defensively when other methods fail, often blamed if a fire leads to structural loss.
  • For effectiveness, foam must be deployed promptly while ensuring structural integrity above.
  • Sufficient quantity is critical; inadequate foam allows fire to disrupt operations.
  • Foam must reach the fire's seat; inaccessible areas limit effectiveness, delaying realization.

Fire Extinguishment Challenges

  • Transitioning firefighting equipment can make effective control difficult.
  • High-ex foam requires significant luck; might control fire but usually needs handlines for final extinguishment.
  • Continuous reapplication of foam in certain scenarios is necessary to maintain soaking for extinguishment.
  • Firefighters entering foam must be careful due to disorientation.

Safety Protocols for Entering Foam Blankets

  • Entry should only occur if structurally safe and essential for life-saving or containment.
  • Firefighters must wear SCBA with PASS activated and stay in contact with guides like ropes or hoselines.
  • Using pike poles or similar tools is essential to probe ahead for safe footing.
  • Awareness of potential overhead fires is crucial as heat may not be felt through the foam.

Fire Extinguishment Procedures

  • A Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) should be in place at the entry point.
  • Hoses must be charged before entry, with the nozzle set to a straight stream or narrow fog.
  • Sweeping the ceiling ahead helps identify heat without excessive foam breakdown.

Balloon Framing Construction Variations

  • Balloon framing allows rapid fire spread from the cellar to the attic due to unimpeded upright spaces.
  • Second-floor joists rest on a small ledger board, notched into upright 2x4s.
  • Fires can more slowly spread horizontally above the first floor but rapidly progress vertically.

Fire Safety in Balloon Framing

  • Suspect balloon framing in older homes with cellar fires; it enables fast upward spread.
  • Teams should access outside walls over the main body of fire for effective intervention.
  • Immediate hoseline deployment to the cellar’s fire seat is crucial to control extension.

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