I-B-10 One- and Two-Family Dwelling Fires 07/16/2020

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Questions and Answers

What type of dwelling is defined as a freestanding structure designed for habitation by one family?

Duplex

Townhome

Split Lay

Single Family Dwelling (SFD) (correct)

Which of the following types of dwellings does NOT typically allow for multiple families to live in the same building?

Triplex

Duplex

Quadraplex

Single Family Dwelling (SFD) (correct)

What is the main characteristic of a mobile home?

It is designed for long-term permanence.

It is a high-rise structure.

It consists of multiple units.

It can be transported easily. (correct)

Which type of dwelling is often referred to as a 'row house'?

Townhome Signup and view all the answers

In a duplex, what is the main design feature that distinguishes it from a single family dwelling?

It is divided by a wall. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Efficiency' refer to in housing?

A portion of a dwelling rented to a tenant. Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical purpose of the 'Split Lay' procedure?

To establish a water supply line for firefighting. Signup and view all the answers

Which category of housing includes single rooms rented individually to tenants?

Single Room Occupancy (SRO) Signup and view all the answers

What should the first arriving suppression unit prioritize upon arrival?

Stretch hoselines to attack the fire. Signup and view all the answers

What does the VEIS procedure stand for in search tactics?

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

Which action should be taken if a search of the occupancy is prioritized due to suspected trapped occupants?

Close doors to isolate the fire. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the second arriving suppression unit?

Assist with initial hoseline stretch and support actions. Signup and view all the answers

What should be the first decision if the first arriving unit is an aerial apparatus?

Position the apparatus for the anticipated aerial ladder use. Signup and view all the answers

What is one factor that indicates a potential for occupants in a structure?

Vehicles in the driveway. Signup and view all the answers

What action is advised if the first suppression unit identifies a high risk of structural instability?

Engage in a defensive strategy. Signup and view all the answers

Which method should be prioritized for small fires to limit Carbon Monoxide (CO) content?

Natural ventilation Signup and view all the answers

What should occur once the hoseline has controlled the fire?

Initiate a primary search if not already done. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done when burning cellulose insulation is suspected in an attic?

Remove it carefully in all directions Signup and view all the answers

What role does the third arriving suppression unit typically assume?

Standby the nearest appropriate water source. Signup and view all the answers

What is the safest approach to ventilation during an attic fire?

Avoid roof ventilation when delving into the attic Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary consideration for using portable extinguishers on incipient fires?

Minimal danger to personnel. Signup and view all the answers

If an overhead garage door cannot be opened for fire attack, what is the next best entry point?

A side garage entry door Signup and view all the answers

What should be checked before entering a basement fire scenario?

Structural stability of the wood floor and stairs Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of exposure protection during a fire incident?

To prevent fire from spreading to nearby structures. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant hazard often found in garages during a fire?

Hazardous materials and unknown fluids Signup and view all the answers

Which of these tactics is crucial during a coordinated fire attack?

Venting windows to draw fire away from search areas. Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical factor for assessing the potential risk of vacant or abandoned structures?

Conducting a risk-benefit analysis. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended action when a fire extends into living areas from a garage?

Stretch a hoseline through the front door to protect the interior Signup and view all the answers

What approach should be taken if a primary search is not possible?

Engage in tasks for later arriving suppression apparatus. Signup and view all the answers

When dealing with attic fires, which method is NOT typically recommended?

Direct attack from the attic with heavy equipment Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if a hoseline is initiated before opening an overhead garage door?

Ensure to open the door while continuing the attack Signup and view all the answers

In which of the following scenarios are high expansion foam an option for extinguishing fires?

In uncontrolled basement fires Signup and view all the answers

What materials are commonly used for constructing residential units?

Concrete Block and Stucco Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant limitation of wood trusses in roof construction?

Failure may lead to complete roof collapse Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a common feature of roofs in South Florida residential structures?

Made from lightweight wood trusses Signup and view all the answers

What is required of electrical shutoffs in residences built since the 1990s?

They should be located near the electric meter Signup and view all the answers

What potential hazard is commonly overlooked in illegally converted structures?

Overcrowding may hinder emergency response Signup and view all the answers

What should firefighters expect regarding the structure in the event of a well-involved fire?

Partial collapse is a rare occurrence Signup and view all the answers

What type of hazards must be reported and mitigated by personnel at incident scenes?

All perceived hazards including wildlife and power lines Signup and view all the answers

What should be done first by the first arriving apparatus at an incident?

Conduct a size-up and establish command Signup and view all the answers

What should be the expected response if a firefighter encounters a downed power line?

Post a firefighter nearby to warn others Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario should a primary search be conducted without a coordinated fire attack?

If there is a high suspicion of trapped occupants Signup and view all the answers

What is crucial to ensure regarding electrical power at an incident site?

Hazards will be considered present until confirmed disconnected by utility personnel Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following indicators may suggest illegal occupancy in a structure?

Multiple mailboxes and electric meters Signup and view all the answers

Which construction feature contributes to potential early structural failure in wood trusses during a fire?

Connection by gusset plates with nail stubs Signup and view all the answers

What does the presence of a lightweight wood truss system in a residential structure imply?

It has limited weight-bearing capacity under stress Signup and view all the answers

What should be a priority when locating the seat of the fire?

Looking for smoke and visible flame Signup and view all the answers

When confining a fire, what is generally the preferred entry point for stretching the initial hoseline?

The front door Signup and view all the answers

What factor should prompt a hose team to stretch additional hose beyond the typical 200’?

Very large square footage homes Signup and view all the answers

For detached exposures, what is generally sufficient to protect them during a fire response?

Water application to the exterior Signup and view all the answers

What should a crew do before proceeding to an upper floor during a firefighting operation?

Rule out fire presence on lower floors Signup and view all the answers

What indicates the need for a dedicated water supply during firefighting operations?

Advanced fires at large square footage homes Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario might a separate hose team be necessary?

Extinguishing a lower floor fire before proceeding upstairs Signup and view all the answers

What is a common reason for needing to employ ladders during firefighting in multi-level structures?

Victim rescue or potential victim locations Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if indications of fire are found inside an attached exposure?

Enter and search for fire extension Signup and view all the answers

What is usually the quickest method for ventilation during a firefighting operation?

Horizontal ventilation by opening windows and doors Signup and view all the answers

What should be the priority for ventilation during a firefighting operation?

Room(s) with a known life hazard Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors may complicate locating a fire within a structure?

Floor plans that vary from the norm Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken if a fire threatens or is spreading to exposures?

Establish a dedicated water supply Signup and view all the answers

What is the optimal flow per line usually required for suppressing fires deemed manageable by one to three attack lines?

180 gpm Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Residential Structure Fires

Majority of structure fires in Miami-Dade County occur in one- and two-family dwellings, including mobile homes, detached homes, townhomes, and duplexes.
These fires lead to the most significant civilian injuries and fatalities.
Duplexes are designed for two families, often modified into triplexes or quadraplexes for additional occupancy, while efficiencies combine living spaces for separate renters.
Mobile homes are lightweight structures that can spread fire rapidly once set up.
Single Family Dwellings (SFD) are standalone dwellings for one family, usually one to three stories high.
Single Room Occupancies (SRO) consist of multiple rooms rented individually.

Construction Features

Residential buildings are primarily made of Concrete Block and Stucco (CBS), wood frame, or composite materials.
Two-story homes may have CBS on the first floor and wood framing on the upper floors.
South Florida roofs typically utilize lightweight wood trusses that may fail under fire conditions due to structural weaknesses.
Trusses made from 2" x 4" lumber can unexpectedly collapse under fire after brief exposure.
Electrical shutoffs are required externally for homes built post-1990, allowing safe disconnection of power during incidents.

Illegal Conversions

Illegally converted homes can pose significant hazards due to lack of inspections, complicating rescue and firefighting efforts.
Potential indicators of illegal additions include multiple mailboxes, electrical meters, unusual exterior doors, and an excess of vehicles.
Occupant egress may be hindered, risking lives during a fire.

Personnel Hazards

Hazards at residential fire scenes include downed power lines, potential for explosions, structural collapse, dangerous animals, and drowning risks in pools.
Identifying hazards quickly and relaying this information over radio communications is critical for safety.

Apparatus Arrival and Operations

First arriving units must conduct comprehensive size-ups, initiate command, and identify hazards.
If the initial rescue is occupied with firefighting, a second rescue will be dispatched for medical support.
Suppression units must prioritize hose line stretching for firefighting, especially during the initial response.

Tactical Considerations

An offensive strategy is employed unless the fire poses extreme danger to occupants or personnel, at which point a defensive strategy is used.
An aggressive primary search focuses on high-risk areas, especially bedrooms, to maximize victim survival chances.
Fire control requires identifying the fire's location through visible signs and smoke analysis.

Fire Control Procedures

Initial hoseline attacks generally utilize 1¾” lines at a flow rate of 180 gpm, with sufficient water for most residential fires.
For detached or attached exposures, hose lines must be directed to prevent fire spread and ensure thorough searches.
Water supply should be established unless the fire is minor or if tank water is sufficient.

Ventilation and Overhaul

Ventilation must be strategically coordinated with fire control efforts, prioritizing life safety and fire containment.
Horizontally venting rooms through windows and doors is the most effective technique, possibly assisted by positive pressure fans.
Overhaul involves thorough checks for fire extension, especially in areas outlined for risks such as cellulose insulation in attics.### Burning Characteristics and Hidden Fires
Insulation can conceal smoldering fires, making detection challenging.
Remove insulation around charred areas to identify fire spread.
Hidden fires may rekindle and necessitate follow-up inspections.

Attic Fires

Best approach is to pull the ceiling and extinguish fire from underneath.
Alternatives include piercing nozzles, hose streams through soffit vents, and opening gabled ends, though structural variations can complicate access.
Lightweight wood trusses present hazards for roof ventilation during attic fires; proceed only if safe.
Prioritize removing valuables and using salvage covers before extinguishing efforts.

Attached Garage Fires

Garages use fire-rated drywall and doors to contain fire within the garage and prevent spread to living areas.
Initial hoseline attack through the overhead door is standard; alternate access points include:
- Creating a small hole in the overhead door.
- Using side garage entry doors or windows.
If fire has spread to living areas, deploy hoseline through the front door.
Anticipate multiple hazards in garages:
- Potential failure of weakened garage door springs.
- Unknown hazardous materials.
- Risk of flowing fuel fires from sloped driveways.
- Hazards from auto fires and potential BLEVE (Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion).

Basement Fires

Basements are uncommon in South Florida and often only partially underground.
Identifiable features include elevated living room windows, steps to front door, and low basement windows for light.
Attacking fires requires a hoseline through the front door to the basement entrance, while another line attacks the fire through basement windows.
Coordinate efforts to prevent conflicting hose streams.
Direct interior attacks on extensive basement fires are very difficult and should be a last resort; consider alternative methods like cellar or piercing nozzles and high expansion foam.
Assess structural integrity of wood floors and stairs before entering highly involved basement fires.
Be vigilant for vertically extending fires within walls.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the prevalence of residential fires in one- and two-family dwellings in Miami-Dade County. It examines the types of structures involved, their construction features, and the impact on civilian safety. Gain insights into the challenges faced by fire rescue services in this region.