Ch14 pg 379-383 Private Dwellings and Fire Safety

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary cause attributed to the high number of civilian fire deaths in private dwellings?

Faulty electrical systems in homes

Inadequate fire safety regulations

The construction methods of modern houses

The ways are homes are built and the various fire-producing devices within homes (correct)

Where do most structural fires in one- and two-family homes typically originate?

In outdoor cooking areas

In the attic or upper floors

In the basement or on the first floor (correct)

In attached garages

What percentage of civilian fire deaths are attributed to private dwellings?

50%

90%

70% (correct)

80%

Which of the following activities is most likely to contribute to fire incidents in living rooms?

Indoor smoking habits Signup and view all the answers

How many homes in the U.S. experience structural fires annually?

Approximately 425,000 homes Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in firefighting activities when victims may be inside the structure?

Secure the water supply Signup and view all the answers

Why is protecting bedroom exits a crucial step during firefighting activities?

To facilitate the evacuation of victims Signup and view all the answers

What does the VEIS acronym stand for in the context of firefighting?

Vent, Enter, Isolate, Search Signup and view all the answers

What is one major design flaw of multistory homes that makes them vulnerable to fire spread?

Lack of an enclosed stairway Signup and view all the answers

In which area of a structure are victims most likely to be found during a fire?

Bedrooms Signup and view all the answers

How does the lack of code requirements for interior finishes in private dwellings contribute to fire danger?

It allows the use of flimsy materials that can escalate fire intensity Signup and view all the answers

What is crucial for firefighters when dealing with fires in homes with fast-spreading fires?

Immediate and sufficient water flow Signup and view all the answers

Which sequence should be followed during firefighting activities when victims are potentially inside?

Secure water supply, stretch hoseline, perform VEIS, extinguish fire Signup and view all the answers

What design feature in modern homes can potentially exacerbate fire spread?

Open stairways connecting different floors Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of the interior finishes in multistory homes can contribute to extremely fast fire spread?

Flimsy sheets of wood paneling Signup and view all the answers

What is the flow rate of the line mentioned in the scenario?

180 gpm Signup and view all the answers

How long can a chauffeur expect to operate with a filled 500-gal booster tank at full flow?

2 1/2 minutes Signup and view all the answers

What is emphasized as a critical consideration for larger fires?

The use of additional firefighting lines Signup and view all the answers

What is implied about the duration of firefighting operations with the 500-gal tank?

It is sufficient for most scenarios. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant challenge that modern home designs present for fire response?

They require additional fire flow due to open floor plans. Signup and view all the answers

Prior to the mid-1980s, what was a common characteristic of room sizes in homes?

Smaller rooms allowed for easier fire extinguishment. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant risk when fighting fires based only on a 500-gal water supply?

Some fires may not be extinguished with that supply. Signup and view all the answers

How does the average floor space of homes built until the mid-1980s compare to some modern homes?

Older homes averaged about 800 sq ft, much smaller than modern homes. Signup and view all the answers

Which feature is commonly associated with modern home designs compared to older homes?

Open floor plans that combine multiple spaces. Signup and view all the answers

In terms of architectural design, what advantage did older homes have over modern homes regarding fire safety?

Smaller rooms allowed for sequential attack on fires. Signup and view all the answers

What is the most effective strategy for supplying water to attack lines during a fire?

Stretching a large-diameter hose directly from the hydrant to the fire. Signup and view all the answers

If a fire is threatening closely spaced wooden structures, how much additional flow is needed per structure?

250 gpm for each structure. Signup and view all the answers

What role do open stairways play during a fire situation?

They act as chimneys that facilitate smoke and heat movement. Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical requirement for establishing an effective pumper-hydrant system in firefighting?

Rapidly supplying at least three attack lines totaling 400-600 gpm. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to charge preconnected hoselines with water as soon as possible?

To facilitate quick application of water to the fire. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of the first hoseline in a fire suppression scenario?

To get water flowing onto the main body of fire quickly Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario is it advisable to stretch a second hoseline?

When the first line is insufficient to cover a large open space Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consideration for positioning the first hoseline in a two-story structure?

To bring water to the staircase immediately Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following structures is likely to require a different response than a typical private dwelling?

A home with a 30-seat movie theater and other large amenities Signup and view all the answers

What should the approach be if there is doubt about the effectiveness of the first hoseline?

Use both the first and second lines together Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to plan for a potential third hoseline in advance?

In case fire appears in an area not initially anticipated Signup and view all the answers

What challenge do newer homes present during a fire attack?

They are built with an open floor plan that allows fire to spread more easily Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main reasons for having more than two hoselines available during a fire response?

In case the first two lines fail to control the fire Signup and view all the answers

What should the first hoseline be primarily positioned to do when the second line is expected to operate quickly?

Protect the stairwell and provide access to the interior Signup and view all the answers

If a second hoseline is delayed for more than a minute, what action should the first hoseline prioritize?

Prevent fire spread from the exterior before making entry Signup and view all the answers

What is the main rationale for the first hoseline to reach the seat of the fire rather than focusing on ventilation first?

The immediate fire threat must be tackled to save occupants Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario is an exterior sweep of the eaves recommended based on the conditions described?

When the main fire is located in a cellar or first floor Signup and view all the answers

What should the second hoseline or a third hoseline focus on once the first line has reached the main fire?

Checking for fire extension into the attic Signup and view all the answers

Why is protecting the interior stair area considered a vital task in firefighting operations?

It ensures the safety of any occupants on higher floors Signup and view all the answers

What is a key factor that influences the decision to apply an exterior hit on the fire?

Fire on asphalt siding sweeping up towards the eves Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential consequence of failing to secure the exterior with the first hoseline in densely populated areas?

High risk of the fire escalating into a multistructure incident Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the hydrant firefighter once the supply line is charged?

Join the chauffeur to form a rapid intervention team Signup and view all the answers

When two firefighters are assigned to stretch an attack line, what is one of their dual responsibilities?

Perform the initial search of the fire floor Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a key priority when personnel is limited during firefighting operations?

Non-essential tasks can be ignored Signup and view all the answers

What function might the chauffeur perform in addition to supplying tank water?

Venting ground-floor windows and positioning a ladder Signup and view all the answers

In a situation with unaccounted occupants, what should the two remaining firefighters focus on?

Searching the upper floors of the building Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements reflects a common misconception about personnel roles in firefighting operations?

The hydrant firefighter has no other responsibilities after the line is charged Signup and view all the answers

What should be the main priority when allocating tasks among a group of six firefighters?

Focus on search and attack roles primarily Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary reasons operations should be done in pairs during firefighting?

Pairing increases efficiency in task execution Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for justifying roof ventilation during a lower-floor fire in a balloon-frame house?

To reduce overall fire spread to upper floors Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical consideration for an incident commander when deploying the initial hoseline?

The available resources and their operational times Signup and view all the answers

Which materials are particularly problematic in balloon-frame structures during a fire?

Vinyl covering and asphalt sheathing Signup and view all the answers

What tactic should be employed to manage fire extending to the eaves of a balloon-frame house?

Sweeping the eaves with an exterior stream of water Signup and view all the answers

When does a cellar fire in a balloon-frame structure primarily bypass the second floor?

When asphalt siding ignites and facilitates the spread Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Private Dwellings and Fire Risks

Over 425,000 fires occur annually in one- and two-family homes in the U.S.
Private dwellings account for over 70% of civilian fire deaths each year.
Most residential fires begin below the second story, typically in cellars or on the first floor where heating, electrical, and cooking appliances are located.
High rates of smoking in living rooms contribute to fire risks.

Firefighting Activities

Victims inside homes are often found in bedrooms, necessitating focused firefighting tactics.
Steps for firefighting include securing water supply, positioning charged hoselines to protect exits, and conducting Vent, Enter, Isolate, and Search (VEIS) of occupied areas.

Issues in Design and Construction

Open stairways, common in two- and three-story homes, act like chimneys, enabling fire and gases to rapidly rise.
Building codes often lack provisions for fire-resistant interior finishes, leading to faster fire spread due to weak construction.
Modern open floor plans create larger fire areas, increasing the need for higher water flow for effective firefighting.

Modern Home Design Challenges

Contemporary homes often feature open-concept living spaces, making fires more challenging to contain.
Older homes typically had smaller, compartmentalized rooms, facilitating easier fire containment.
Floor areas in luxury homes can exceed 8,000 sq ft, similar to older commercial buildings.

Initial Response by Fire Officers

First arriving fire officers must assess structure size and age to formulate appropriate tactical responses.
Unusual features (e.g., home theaters, indoor pools) may require commercial firefighting approaches.

Tactical Approach to Suppression

Immediate water flow onto the main body of fire is critical and should target areas between the fire and potential occupants.
Backup hoselines should be deployed to ensure effective coverage and response to unexpected fire spread.
Planning for at least three hoselines is advisable to prepare for intense or spread-out fires.

Water Supply Considerations

A water supply should support three lines flowing about 400-600 gallons per minute, with additional flow for exposure protection.
Efficient water supply may involve large-diameter hoses from hydrants directly to the fire scene.

Firefighting Operations

Firefighters must prioritize search and rescue to ensure occupant safety during operations.
Teams of firefighters should allocate tasks effectively based on personnel availability to address both suppression and search duties.
The initial attacking hoseline should protect stairways and facilitate access to occupied areas.

Search and Rescue Protocol

All team members must engage in both search and attack tactics, particularly if separate search teams are unavailable.
Unaccounted occupants necessitate dedicated search efforts on every floor, especially upper levels.
Quick response and efficient allocation of resources are crucial for maximizing safety during firefighting operations.

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Description

Explore the significant impact of fires in one- and two-family homes, which account for the majority of structural fires and civilian fire deaths in the U.S. Learn about the common causes of these fires and the importance of safety measures in our residences. This quiz delves into the statistics and preventative strategies surrounding fires in private dwellings.