Fires in High-Rise Building (Hard)

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Questions and Answers

Which key is associated with recalling the elevator in the Fire Service Phase 1?

Fire Service Phase 2 key

Fire Service Phase 1 key (correct)

Elevator Inspection On/Off switch

Elevator Car Door key

What color background is used for the Elevator Emergency Stop/Run switch?

Red

Green

Yellow

Orange (correct)

Which statement is true regarding the use of elevators during emergencies?

Elevators may be used freely during any fire emergency.

Elevators should only be used without fire department control.

Elevators can be used if the emergency is on the fifth floor.

The stairwell is the preferred method to advance if the emergency is below the fifth floor. (correct)

When utilizing the building elevator key, what does placing the elevator into 'Phase I' do?

It recalls the elevators to a predetermined floor with open doors. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Elevator Power Selector switch labeled with a green background?

Controls which elevator car operates under emergency power. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following keys has a blue background?

Building Sprinkler & Standpipe Lock key Signup and view all the answers

Which keys are indicated to have a white background?

Stairway Door keys and Roof Access keys Signup and view all the answers

Which option accurately reflects the labeling of the Elevator Car Door key?

Red background Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the guideline for fires in high-rise buildings?

To mitigate emergencies that involve high-rise structures. Signup and view all the answers

Who is designated to assume Incident Command upon arrival at a high-rise fire?

The officer from the first arriving heavy apparatus. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first tactical priority listed for high-rise fires?

Rescue Occupants Signup and view all the answers

What must the first arriving apparatus establish upon arrival at a high-rise fire?

A lobby control unit. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Lobby Control Unit Officer?

To manage elevator access and supply keys. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if fire or smoke is visible upon arrival?

Request another alarm. Signup and view all the answers

What phase should the elevators be in for fire attack teams when captured?

Phase II Signup and view all the answers

What guideline will assist in controlling a high-rise fire incident?

National Incident Management System Signup and view all the answers

What is the preferred method of attack on a fire when circumstances allow?

Direct attack on the fire Signup and view all the answers

Why is maintaining the integrity of interior doors important during a fire response?

It minimizes fire and smoke travel. Signup and view all the answers

Which group is considered most at risk during high-rise rescue operations?

Occupants on and above the fire floor Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with stairwell doors during an evacuation to prevent smoke infiltration?

Close and secure them to minimize smoke spread. Signup and view all the answers

What action should firefighters take regarding the sprinkler system during a fire response?

Only turn it off when confirmed that the fire is out. Signup and view all the answers

What should be the protocol if occupants are self-evacuating during a fire?

Inform them that they may get trapped in smoke-filled areas. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of the person receiving a call at the FCC?

To open the circuit by flipping a switch or pushing a button Signup and view all the answers

What capacity do rescue elevators have in a high-rise building during fire incidents?

They should remain in service mode and ideally serve different elevator banks. Signup and view all the answers

What happens if members fail to unplug phones from the system after use?

The audible alert may be prevented from sounding Signup and view all the answers

In the context of smoke movement during a fire, what phenomenon does an open stairwell door exacerbate?

Stack and negative stack effects Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following features is typically found in newer high-rise buildings?

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) controls Signup and view all the answers

What is required to be included in the Fire Department Boxes?

A color-coded legend card for access keys Signup and view all the answers

What indicates an incorrect storage method for the keys in the Fire Department Boxes?

All keys stored together on one ring Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism allows fire crews to interact with elevator systems in emergency situations?

Access keys on a split key ring arrangement Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to color-code the identification tags on keys?

To ensure quick identification of key functions Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum number of phones that can be plugged into the system at one time?

Four Signup and view all the answers

Where are sprinkler cut-off valves typically located in high-rise buildings?

In the stairwells or above corridor ceiling tiles Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for determining which stairwell will be used for fire attack, ventilation, or rescue?

Operations Division Officer Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if the building does not have an HVAC system for pressurizing stairwells?

Employ PPV fans to pressurize the stairwells Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended procedure for ventilation in high-rise buildings?

Coordinated effort with the building engineer and ventilation systems Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a priority for property conservation during a fire?

Rooms containing high-value items Signup and view all the answers

How many fire companies are recommended to control water run-off per floor?

A minimum of 3 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an additional de-watering site in a high-rise building?

Elevator shafts Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to the water service to toilets during de-watering operations?

Turn it off and remove the bowl for drainage Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

High-Rise Fire Guideline

The Spring Fire Department's guideline establishes procedures for high-rise fires in structures with four or more floors.
Applies to all Spring Fire Department personnel.
Aims to provide control and coordination during incidents.

Tactical Priorities

Rescue Occupants
Protect Exposures
Fire Confinement
Fire Extinguishment
Property Conservation

Assignments

The first arriving officer assumes Incident Command.
If the first arriving officer is on the first arriving heavy apparatus, they will remain in command until arrival of the next equal or higher ranking officer.
A Chief Officer is desired to be the Incident Commander.
If fire and or smoke are visible, another alarm shall be requested.

Lobby Control Unit

The first arriving apparatus establishes the lobby control unit.
The Apparatus/Operator establishes a water supply.
Lobby Control Unit responsibilities:
- Capturing all elevators and ensuring they are in Phase I.
- Issuing out elevator and building access key rings.
  - The Lobby Control Unit Officer will split the key rings.
- Using the Fire Control Center (FCC) communication system.
- Using the elevator position and status panel, recall switches, elevator door open switches, and selector switches for choosing which elevators to operate on emergency power.
- Using controls for unlocking all stairwell doors simultaneously in newer buildings.
- Using controls for operating the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in newer buildings.
The FCC contains fire department boxes that may be unlocked or have a Knox Box next to them with an access key inside.
The boxes are required to have sets of elevator and building access keys on split key rings with color-coded plastic tags.

Elevators

Members should not use elevators if the emergency is below the fifth floor.
Elevators are used only in fire service mode.
The building elevator key is used to capture the elevators in “Phase I.” Phase I operations recall the elevators to their pre-determined floor with the doors open.
To move the elevators, a building elevator key is used inside to switch to fire service (Phase II) operations.

Search & Rescue

Rescues in high-rise structures involve either evacuation or protection in place.
The most endangered are those on and immediately above the fire floor, the top floor, and stairwells filled with smoke.
The building’s public address (PA) system should be used to inform occupants of the correct actions to be taken.
Occupants who self-evacuate may become trapped in smoke-filled stairwells.
Evacuation of high-rise structures is generally conducted through stairwells; when possible at least one stairwell must remain smoke-free.
Open stairwell doors increase the stack effect so doors must not be propped open.
Rescue efforts can be accomplished using the Fire Service mode of firefighter-operated elevators.

Sprinkler Systems

Firefighters will not turn off the sprinkler system to the affected floor until the fire is verified to be out.
Once the decision is made to turn off the system, the designated company will remain with the valve until confirmed there are no flare-ups.
Sprinkler cut-off valves are usually located in the stairwells or in the ceiling above the ceiling tiles in the corridor outside the stairwell door.

Stairwells

The Operations Division Officer determines which stairwell will be used for:
- Fire Attack
- Ventilation
- Rescue
The HVAC system should be used to pressurize the stairwells if equipped.
If no HVAC is found, the fire department will pressurize the stairwells with PPV fans.

Ventilation

Ventilation must be a coordinated effort.
If equipped, use of the individual floor blowers and ventilation system is ideal for smoke removal.
The fire department will provide ventilation if the building is not equipped.
Pre-incident fire plans should be utilized to determine which stairwell has direct roof access for ventilation purposes.

Property Conservation

Priority should be made to rooms with high valuable items such as, computers, documents and highly expensive electronics.
3 companies will be assigned per floor to control water run-off.
Primary site for de-watering the building is the restroom.
De-watering sites include:
- Mechanical Rooms
- Janitorial closet floor drains
- Stairwells
Elevator shafts shall not be used to de-water the building.

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Description

This quiz covers the essential guidelines for handling high-rise fires, focusing on the procedures established by the Spring Fire Department. It includes tactical priorities, assignment of incident command, and the responsibilities of the Lobby Control Unit. Test your knowledge on how to effectively manage incidents in high-rise buildings.