Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary architectural feature of H-type buildings that contributes to fire spread?
What is the primary architectural feature of H-type buildings that contributes to fire spread?
- Wider connecting sections
- A common cockloft (correct)
- Separate stairwells
- Individual balconies
Which shape is NOT typically associated with H-type buildings?
Which shape is NOT typically associated with H-type buildings?
- O
- T (correct)
- E
- H
What term describes the narrow section connecting adjacent areas in H-type buildings?
What term describes the narrow section connecting adjacent areas in H-type buildings?
- Connector
- Chamber
- Passageway
- Throat (correct)
What is a significant risk firefighters face when combating fires in H-type buildings?
What is a significant risk firefighters face when combating fires in H-type buildings?
During a fire in an H-type building, what is the usual response of firefighters in one wing experiencing a large body of fire?
During a fire in an H-type building, what is the usual response of firefighters in one wing experiencing a large body of fire?
What is the primary purpose of a trench cut?
What is the primary purpose of a trench cut?
During which decades did fire activity in New York City significantly increase?
During which decades did fire activity in New York City significantly increase?
What type of buildings were involved in the increased fire activity in New York City?
What type of buildings were involved in the increased fire activity in New York City?
What does a trench cut specifically target in terms of roof modifications?
What does a trench cut specifically target in terms of roof modifications?
Which of the following is not a reason for the use of trench cuts?
Which of the following is not a reason for the use of trench cuts?
What must be completed before beginning the operation of making a trench cut?
What must be completed before beginning the operation of making a trench cut?
Which of the following is NOT one of the steps in making a trench cut?
Which of the following is NOT one of the steps in making a trench cut?
In larger departments with available equipment, how many saws are suggested to begin cutting the trench while others handle ventilation?
In larger departments with available equipment, how many saws are suggested to begin cutting the trench while others handle ventilation?
What is the purpose of cutting inspection holes during the trench cutting process?
What is the purpose of cutting inspection holes during the trench cutting process?
Which option best describes what should happen in departments with fewer than four saws?
Which option best describes what should happen in departments with fewer than four saws?
What is the primary reason for locating the trench close to the fire?
What is the primary reason for locating the trench close to the fire?
How far from the main vent hole should the trench be located?
How far from the main vent hole should the trench be located?
What is crucial to complete before the fire passes the trench location?
What is crucial to complete before the fire passes the trench location?
What assumption is made regarding the main body of fire in relation to the trench?
What assumption is made regarding the main body of fire in relation to the trench?
What could happen if the trench is located too close to the fire?
What could happen if the trench is located too close to the fire?
What is the main purpose of making inspection holes before cutting a roof trench?
What is the main purpose of making inspection holes before cutting a roof trench?
How far in front of the intended edge of the trench should inspection holes be made?
How far in front of the intended edge of the trench should inspection holes be made?
What is the minimum allowable width for a trench to prevent fire from jumping past it?
What is the minimum allowable width for a trench to prevent fire from jumping past it?
What should be ensured by making additional examination holes on the safe side of the trench?
What should be ensured by making additional examination holes on the safe side of the trench?
Which of the following describes the correct method for cutting the trench?
Which of the following describes the correct method for cutting the trench?
What should be considered when locating the fire trench in a building?
What should be considered when locating the fire trench in a building?
What is the primary reason for positioning the trench at the narrowest point?
What is the primary reason for positioning the trench at the narrowest point?
What should firefighters utilize when fire partitions do not extend through the roof?
What should firefighters utilize when fire partitions do not extend through the roof?
How does wind influence the direction of fire spread?
How does wind influence the direction of fire spread?
In the absence of wind, what factor becomes significant for fire spread on a roof?
In the absence of wind, what factor becomes significant for fire spread on a roof?
What is the primary purpose of creating knockouts on the fire side of the trench?
What is the primary purpose of creating knockouts on the fire side of the trench?
How should cuts be made for the trench?
How should cuts be made for the trench?
What should be considered when positioning hoselines?
What should be considered when positioning hoselines?
What is a critical safety measure for personnel on the fire side of the trench?
What is a critical safety measure for personnel on the fire side of the trench?
Why is pushing down on ceilings more effective than pulling them down?
Why is pushing down on ceilings more effective than pulling them down?
What is the maximum distance between handlines that should be positioned on the roof for trench cuts?
What is the maximum distance between handlines that should be positioned on the roof for trench cuts?
In which type of building are trench cuts particularly effective?
In which type of building are trench cuts particularly effective?
Why do large-area structures like supermarkets not typically benefit from trench cuts?
Why do large-area structures like supermarkets not typically benefit from trench cuts?
What alternative method is suggested for fighting fires in large-area buildings with existing fire in the cockloft?
What alternative method is suggested for fighting fires in large-area buildings with existing fire in the cockloft?
How many parallel cuts are needed for a 75-ft deep store to create a trench?
How many parallel cuts are needed for a 75-ft deep store to create a trench?
What is the most logical place to cut off an extending fire?
What is the most logical place to cut off an extending fire?
Why is the narrowness of the throat area advantageous in a fire situation?
Why is the narrowness of the throat area advantageous in a fire situation?
What technique was developed to cut parallel vent holes quickly?
What technique was developed to cut parallel vent holes quickly?
What is a significant benefit of having an open courtyard next to the throat area?
What is a significant benefit of having an open courtyard next to the throat area?
What realization helped fire personnel improve their cutting strategy on roofs?
What realization helped fire personnel improve their cutting strategy on roofs?
What should the roof team wait for before pulling the trench open?
What should the roof team wait for before pulling the trench open?
What is the consequence of pulling the trench open immediately?
What is the consequence of pulling the trench open immediately?
What must be done to materials below the trench before pulling it?
What must be done to materials below the trench before pulling it?
How should members assist with the ceilings below the trench?
How should members assist with the ceilings below the trench?
What is the primary goal of cutting the trench?
What is the primary goal of cutting the trench?
Flashcards
Trench Cuts
Trench Cuts
Firebreaks created along the roof's surface to stop fire spread.
H-type buildings
H-type buildings
Buildings with an H, E, or O shape, often with cocklofts.
Cocklofts
Cocklofts
Common areas above wings in H-type buildings.
Trench Location
Trench Location
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Inspection Holes
Inspection Holes
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Trench Cutting
Trench Cutting
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Fire Officer Safety
Fire Officer Safety
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Trench Pulling
Trench Pulling
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Fire Partition
Fire Partition
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Checking Inspection Holes
Checking Inspection Holes
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Trench Width
Trench Width
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Ventilation Hole
Ventilation Hole
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H- Building Fire Risks
H- Building Fire Risks
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Trench Location Proximity
Trench Location Proximity
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Inspection Holes Function
Inspection Holes Function
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Optimal Cutting
Optimal Cutting
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Post-Cutting Procedure
Post-Cutting Procedure
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Trench Cut Suitability
Trench Cut Suitability
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Large-Area Cockloft Fires
Large-Area Cockloft Fires
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Inspection Hole Spacing
Inspection Hole Spacing
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Trench Cut Process Steps
Trench Cut Process Steps
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Distance from Vent
Distance from Vent
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Building Characteristics for Trench Construction
Building Characteristics for Trench Construction
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Study Notes
Trench Cuts Overview
- Trench cuts create firebreaks along the roof’s surface to combat spreading fires.
- The technique gained prominence in New York City during the 1960s and 1970s due to increased fire incidents.
H-Type Buildings Characteristics
- H-type buildings have a distinctive H, E, or O shape and feature common cocklofts above all wings.
- The throat, a narrow connecting section, joins adjacent large areas and is critical for fire control.
- Major risks arise from fires in the cockloft, which can propagate through the entire structure.
- Firefighters often need to retreat when facing large fires and can strategically combat extensions at the throat area.
Trench Cut Process
- Successful trench cutting follows a methodical sequence: locating, cutting inspection holes, cutting the trench, and pulling the trench.
- Operations should not commence until the main ventilation hole is established, except in large departments with multiple saws available.
- Trench location must balance proximity to the fire for efficiency and distance to safely complete operations.
Locating the Trench
- The trench should be situated close enough to limit fire extension but far enough to allow time for cutting and pulling (approximately 20-25 ft from the main vent hole).
- Utilize building construction, such as narrow points, skylights, or stair bulkheads, to minimize cutting.
- Fire partitions not extending through the roof can slow fire progression; these areas are also useful for trench placement.
Inspection Holes Importance
- Create inspection holes 5-6 ft in front of the intended trench edge for fire assessment and to time trench pulling.
- Additional holes on the safe side verify no fire has passed through.
Cutting the Trench
- Make two parallel cuts approximately 3 ft apart from wall to wall, avoiding cuts narrower than 3 ft to prevent fire jumping.
- Wider cuts take longer; keep subsequent cuts parallel and as close to outer walls as possible to divide the trench into smaller sections.
Fire Officer's Safety Protocols
- Ensure personnel have multiple escape routes from the roof, maintaining safety during extreme conditions.
- Use hoselines effectively on the top floor and safe side of the trench for protection and fire control.
Post-Cutting Procedure
- Pulling the trench should be carefully timed; wait for signs of fire through inspection holes before opening it.
- Remove all materials below that could assist fire spread and push down ceilings when necessary.
Suitability of Trench Cuts
- Trench cuts are ideal for H-type buildings and long narrow garden apartments but less effective in larger structures like supermarkets due to impractical cutting requirements.
- For large-area fires in cocklofts, multiple large vent holes are often a more suitable strategy than trench cuts.
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Description
Test your knowledge on trench cuts and their application in H-type buildings. This quiz covers the characteristics of H-type structures, trench cutting techniques, and the importance of fire control methods. Understand how these elements work together to enhance firefighting strategies.