Ch 13 pg 354-360 Understanding Subcellars in Architecture

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT an indicator of a potential below-grade fire?

Dark smoke from the chimney during the heating season (correct)

Smoke from every door and window with no visible fire

Smoke pushing up through cracks at the door threshold

Smoke filling the hallways on the first floor

What limitation does the thermal imaging camera (TIC) have when assessing below-grade fires?

It can detect carbon monoxide levels

It will not tell you if there is heavy fire beneath you by looking at the floor (correct)

It requires complete darkness to function correctly

It only works effectively at extreme temperatures

What is the primary purpose of a crawl space?

To improve air circulation in the basement

To facilitate the installation of pipes and utilities (correct)

To provide storage for items that cannot fit in the house

To create additional living space beneath the house

What characteristic of craw spaces can make them uncomfortable for anyone who needs to access them?

Rough concrete surface that causes pain when crawling called SCREED Signup and view all the answers

Access to a crawl space is typically characterized by which of the following?

A small trap door in the first floor for limited access Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary challenge when using a hose stream in crawl spaces?

The small size of ventilation openings. Signup and view all the answers

Why are common crawl spaces particularly dangerous in garden apartment complexes and row frames?

They aid in the rapid spread of fire through utility lines. Signup and view all the answers

What is typically necessary for complete extinguishment of a fire in a crawl space?

Cutting holes through the flooring. Signup and view all the answers

Which action is advised upon recognizing a fire in a common crawl space?

Transmit additional alarms Signup and view all the answers

What do fire officers need to prioritize in a fire situation involving a crawl space?

Rapid application of water into the crawl space. Signup and view all the answers

If you can’t complete a 360 you should Atleast try and do what?

To survey the front and two sides with peeks around the rear at the two side corners. Signup and view all the answers

In what situation is it sometimes possible to gain entry to adjoining buildings for a survey?

During a brownstone-type incident. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the knowledge shared by members assigned to the roof?

They should look for people trapped at windows and look for the location of the fire Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary factor that dictates the placement of the first hoseline when a life hazard is confirmed?

The need to protect the life hazard Signup and view all the answers

Why is the all-interior approach to extinguishment considered more dangerous?

Chimney effect, burns through hose lines Signup and view all the answers

If you manage to locate the main body of fire, what should your next step be?

Assess the best avenue of approach for extinguishment Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended minimum SCBA cylinder size for subcellar fire operations?

45-minute duration cylinder Signup and view all the answers

How are the multiple underground levels of high-rise buildings typically designated?

In ascending order as the floors get deeper Signup and view all the answers

What should be done in relation to attack hoselines during ventilation?

Ventilation should be coordinated with hoselines Signup and view all the answers

What potential risk is associated with ventilation when firefighters are working above a fire?

It could draw the fire up the interior stairwell Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to be cautious about ventilation strategies during a firefighting operation?

Ventilation can pose risks to firefighters and civilians Signup and view all the answers

What can indicate the presence of occupants in a brownstone or row frame?

Lights turned on inside windows Signup and view all the answers

Which situation poses the greatest risk during firefighting operations?

Blocked escape routes due to fire Signup and view all the answers

What initial information is important for conducting a size-up during a fire?

Dispatch information and occupant insight Signup and view all the answers

When applying water to a fire, what is the advised duration for a quick external application?

20-30 seconds Signup and view all the answers

If water application does not diminish the fire and it immediately reignites, what could this indicate?

A gas line could be ruptured Signup and view all the answers

What might firefighters need to examine before entering the building when heavy fire is suspected?

Location of gas lines and additional resources Signup and view all the answers

What is a major obstacle that firefighters encounter when trying to access the rear of a fire building?

Separated backyards with obstacles Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for placing the hoseline at the top of the interior stair?

To prevent the fire from extending to the floors above Signup and view all the answers

What was a critical mistake made by the initial incident commander regarding the hoseline placement?

Not completing a full 360° survey before deciding the placement Signup and view all the answers

According to the live fire tests, what method improves conditions throughout a building more quickly?

Exterior hose stream applications of 20-30 seconds Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements reflects a recommended action during a fire response?

Protect upper floors while leaving extinguishment to another unit Signup and view all the answers

What is the safest approach for the attack team when fighting a fire in a typical single-family home?

Fight the fire on the exterior entrance on the same level where it started. Signup and view all the answers

When dealing with a fire in a multi-story structure, which method should the attack team prioritize for protecting the above floors?

Utilizing the interior stairway. Signup and view all the answers

If the attack team must retreat from a below-grade fire, which of the following is the best course of action?

To back out on the same level, rather than trying to fight your way back up stairs Signup and view all the answers

A quick dash of water ___ seconds from the exterior into a basement may be enough to allow entry down the interior stairs

20-30 Signup and view all the answers

Who was not involved in the research of applying a hose-stream from the exterior into a basement is beneficial?

NFPA Signup and view all the answers

In _____ family homes there is ready access to the fire from the exterior at the same level as the fire most the time

Single Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Subcellars

Subcellars are located entirely below a cellar, making access and ventilation extremely limited.
High-rise buildings often have multiple underground levels, numbered in ascending order; e.g., the first subcellar is two levels below street level.
Firefighters must track their location accurately to ensure safety during operations.
Fires in subcellars can be dangerous due to the extended use of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), requiring a minimum of a 45-minute cylinder for firefighting.

Crawl Spaces

Crawl spaces are under the first floor, designed for utility installations, and require crawling due to limited height.
These areas typically feature rough concrete floors known as screed coats intended to minimize moisture.
Access is often through small openings, making firefighting operations challenging.
High-expansion foam can be beneficial for fire suppression in tight crawl spaces.

Below Grade Fire Indicators

Smoke coming from every part of the building without visible flames can indicate a fire below grade.
Dark smoke from chimneys and smoke seeping through cracks indicates a potential below-grade fire.
Thermal Imaging Cameras (TIC) help detect heat but may not indicate concealed fires beneath flooring.
Vigilance is crucial; past incidents show basement fires often result from wiring issues or combustibles.

Firefighting Tactics for Below Grade Fires

A comprehensive size-up, including a 360° exterior survey, is essential before deploying hoselines.
If smoke and heat are detected, use exterior streams to knock down fire quickly before advancing inside.
Firefighters should aim for a swift application of water and be prepared to adjust tactics based on fire conditions.
Specific attention should be given to common crawl spaces in multi-family structures, as they can facilitate rapid fire spread through utility lines.

Firefighting Safety Reminders

Maintain awareness of any plan changes regarding hoselines and operations.
Coordinate ventilation efforts with hoseline deployment to prevent fire spread.
Avoid opening ventilation points above a fire, as this can create hazards for firefighters retreating from lower levels.

Recommended Practices

During initial firefighting operations, applying hose streams from the exterior has been shown to improve conditions faster and more safely than interior-only methods.
In multi-story buildings, approach from the same level or utilize stairways wisely, avoiding retreat through potentially compromised paths.
Always ensure a charged hoseline covers areas where firefighters may need to retreat, protecting escape routes from fire regression.

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Description

This quiz explores the concept of subcellars in architectural designs, particularly in large high-rise buildings. Participants will learn about the structure and accessibility of subcellars, as well as their numbering system related to below-ground levels. Enhance your knowledge of building layouts and underground spaces.