Ch 15 pg 391-396 Multiple Dwellings Fire Safety

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Questions and Answers

What common feature often indicates the presence of multiple dwellings on a property?

Color of the exterior paint

Presence of gas or electric meters (correct)

Number of windows

Type of roofing material

What does the presence of padlocks on interior rooms typically suggest about the occupancy type?

Single-room occupancy (SRO) (correct)

Luxury apartments

Vacation rentals

Commercial use

What are common outcomes in low-income areas where SROs are prevalent?

Lower crime rates

Increased property values

Higher incidence of fires and loss of life (correct)

Higher rates of emergency calls

How did catastrophic fires in New York City during the late 1890s impact building regulations for multiple dwellings?

Resulted in the implementation of fire-resistant materials to separate apartments Signup and view all the answers

Which architectural feature is often found in older multiple dwellings that contributes to rapid fire spread?

Open interior stairways Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of fire-rated doors in multiple dwellings?

To contain fires within apartments Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main risks associated with disabling self-closing devices on doors?

It poses serious fire risks, particularly for vulnerable residents Signup and view all the answers

Why is it critical for doors to remain closed in the event of a fire?

To prevent the spread of fire between units Signup and view all the answers

What has been a significant consequence of removing self-closing devices from doors?

Catastrophic fires due to uncontrolled flames Signup and view all the answers

Which group is particularly at risk due to disabled self-closing devices in residential buildings?

Residents of senior citizen and disabled housing Signup and view all the answers

What primary hazard do lightshafts and airshafts present in larger multiple dwellings?

Fire extending horizontally across the shaft as well as vertically Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following strategies can assist search crews in minimizing fire spread while awaiting additional resources?

Remove combustible materials around windows. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does opening a door or window opposite the shaft have during a fire incident?

Fire is pulled out of an exposed apartment and up the shaft Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of having no roof over open shafts in multiple dwellings during a fire?

Fires spread isn’t as fast as it is up a staircase Signup and view all the answers

What is an effective initial action to take when confronting a fire in a middle apartment with lightshafts?

Prepare to cut off the fire using hoselines. Signup and view all the answers

Which shafts pose the greatest threat of fire spreading in a multiple dwelling structure?

Pipe chases and channel rails Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is generally associated with elevators in terms of fire resistance?

2-hour fire resistance Signup and view all the answers

What is a major hazard associated with compactors in multi-dwelling buildings?

Rubbish burning can lead to vertical extension of flames Signup and view all the answers

Why are bathrooms and kitchens often designed back to back in adjacent apartments?

To minimize plumbing costs Signup and view all the answers

In the event of a fire, what must be considered if a kitchen or bathroom is involved?

Potential spread of fire to adjacent units Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason multiple dwellings are considered high life hazards?

Residents have varying sleep patterns. Signup and view all the answers

Which construction feature complicates fire control in multiple dwellings?

Stacking kitchens and bathrooms over each other. Signup and view all the answers

What should an officer in command prioritize in a fire situation in a multiple dwelling?

Searching all apartments on and above the fire floor. Signup and view all the answers

Why are illegal conversions of single-family homes into multiple dwellings more hazardous?

They may lack essential fire safety features. Signup and view all the answers

How do response assignments differ for multiple dwelling fires compared to private dwelling fires?

More engines and ladders are dispatched to multiple dwelling fires. Signup and view all the answers

What tactic should be avoided if the fire is easily controlled by an extinguisher located on the apparatus?

Ordering the extinguisher to be brought up to the fire floor. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of early recognition in managing multiple dwellings during a fire incident?

It allows for effective deployment of units to address common problems. Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken upon discovering a converted multiple dwelling during a fire response?

Adjust response to include more personnel and aerial equipment. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of checking the wall behind the toilet during fire response in stacked apartments?

To access the largest pipe chase where fire can extend Signup and view all the answers

If a soil pipe coming through the roof is hot to the touch, what action should be taken?

Inform members below and start ventilation above the pipe Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of performing ventilation over the pipe chase?

It directs the fire upwards, reducing horizontal fire spread Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the main risk when fire is detected traveling up a pipe chase?

Fire may spread vertically into adjoining units Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern of soil pipes in a fire building?

To facilitate fire spread to the cockloft Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic makes channel rail voids more challenging to locate compared to plumbing chases?

They can be hidden in various locations such as closets or ceilings Signup and view all the answers

What method may be required if the location of beams is unknown in a building?

Employing a thermal camera and personnel to open walls Signup and view all the answers

In what context is steel framing typically used according to the content?

In Class 3 buildings that are wider than 25ft Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended action when encountering a visible beam in a wall or ceiling?

Open up around it before continuing Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for positioning a hoseline as soon as possible during a fire incident?

To protect the main vertical artery and assist in victim removal Signup and view all the answers

Which factor must an officer in command consider when evaluating an interior search operation?

The wind direction and speed affecting the fire's behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of losing the hoseline during a firefighting operation?

There is increased risk of losing the top floors and potential casualties above the fire Signup and view all the answers

What does effective ventilation accomplish during a fire response?

It can reduce fire damage but may unintentionally worsen conditions Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with the door to the fire apartment while moving occupants from the upper floors?

The door should be kept closed to contain smoke and fire. Signup and view all the answers

What tool is suggested to aid in ventilation on the stairway during a fire emergency?

An axe or heavy tool Signup and view all the answers

Which statement highlights a necessary condition for exterior crews to perform ventilation effectively?

The hoseline must already be active and suppressing the fire Signup and view all the answers

Why might it be necessary to break windows on the floor landing or on the stairs?

To allow smoke and heat to escape Signup and view all the answers

What type of glass is often used in windows that may be found on the stair half-landing?

Glazed Wired glass Signup and view all the answers

What should be prioritized during operations at multiple dwellings in emergency situations?

Removing those in greatest danger first Signup and view all the answers

What potentially dangerous situation can arise if fire reaches the channel rails?

Falling embers could ignite fires in lower areas Signup and view all the answers

Why is it recommended to send someone familiar with the location of fire voids?

To ensure that all fire sources are accounted for, minimizing risks Signup and view all the answers

What might cause a fire to spread past assessed voids in a building?

Incorrect identification of fire voids Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Multiple Dwellings Overview

Defined as buildings housing three or more families; may be referred to as apartment houses or tenements.
High life hazard associated with varying resident sleep patterns; firefighting efforts must prioritize searching all apartments above the fire floor.
Vertical extensions of fire are facilitated by construction features like pipe chases, which stack kitchens and bathrooms.

Fire Control Challenges

Prompt recognition of fire hazards is crucial for effective unit deployment.
Command officers must assess current situations and anticipate changes during tactical setups.
Early fire suppression equipment access is vital; delays in bringing tools can escalate the situation significantly.

Identification of Multiple Dwellings

Converted single-family homes can pose greater fire hazards, especially if legally or illegally modified.
Gas and electric meters, doorbells, and mailboxes can indicate the presence of multiple dwellings.
Interior locks on rooms may signal single-room occupancy (SRO), which complicates search efforts.

Fire Safety Features

Open interior stairways in older buildings contribute to rapid fire spread across floors.
Fire-rated doors and enclosed stairwells are essential in containing fires and preventing their spread.
Self-closing devices on doors should remain functional to maintain safety; disabling them increases fire risks.

Ventilation and Smoke Control

Light shafts and air shafts facilitate horizontal and vertical fire extension; careful monitoring is necessary during firefighting operations.
Combustible materials near windows should be removed to slow fire entry.
Opening windows opposite fire-exposed apartments can create updrafts, assisting in smoke control.

Structural Fire Hazards

Various shafts (stairwells, elevators, compactor chutes, pipe chases, channel rails) are potential fire spread avenues.
Soil pipes in bathrooms can act as vertical conduits for fire; close monitoring and swift action are needed.
Channel rails, often hidden, can be challenging to locate but are critical points for inspecting fire travel.

Firefighting Procedure for Multi-family Homes

Prioritize locating and battling fires in areas directly above the flames and near pipe chases.
Immediate hoseline deployment is crucial to protect residents in peril, especially in high-density units.
All available personnel must engage efficiently in positioning hoselines before addressing secondary needs.

Victim Rescue Operations

Focus on rescuing those in immediate danger while managing overall fire conditions.
Communication with trapped civilians is vital; underestimating their need for assistance can result in tragedy.
Defensive measures, including maintaining fire apartment door closures, are essential to protect the stairway from smoke and fire spread.

Operational Strategies

Ventilation techniques need assessment based on wind direction and speed to avoid exacerbating the fire.
Coordination between aerial units and interior operations is crucial for effective ventilation and fire control.
Breaking windows on stair landings before appliance entry can facilitate quick access for firefighting.

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Description

This quiz covers the principles of fire safety in multiple dwellings, focusing on buildings that house three or more families. Understanding the unique challenges posed by these structures is crucial for effective firefighting tactics, especially in emergencies where residents may be unaware of a fire. Test your knowledge on safety protocols and tactics applicable to apartment houses and tenements.