TN 106.8- Attic Fires Part 1

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Questions and Answers

What is a crucial factor in understanding fire behavior and building construction for firefighters and Incident Commanders?

Identifying the location of the attic

Determining the type of roof system used

Knowing the best methods to wet down the void space

Understanding the science behind fire behavior (correct)

What is a common difficulty in attic fires that firefighters must consider?

The presence of smoke

The lack of available oxygen

The possibility of ceiling collapse (correct)

The type of roof system used

What is a key characteristic of attic fires, according to Underwriters Laboratories (UL) research?

They are fuel limited

They are vent limited (correct)

They are smoke heavy

They are oxygen rich

What can happen to the plastic ridge vent in an attic fire?

It can melt, sealing the gap at the ridge Signup and view all the answers

What can be a challenge for firefighters executing searches in the cool and clear space below the attic?

The conditions deteriorating quickly Signup and view all the answers

What may not necessarily indicate the absence of a fire in an attic?

Little or no smoke showing Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of a vent-limited fire?

It is not receiving enough oxygen to free burn Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus when dealing with a vent-limited fire and life safety is the priority?

Keeping the fire vent-limited Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a vent-limited fire is attacked from the right location?

The fire can be controlled Signup and view all the answers

What is the main fire spread mechanism in an attic fire?

The sheathing Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to wet the entire section of sheathing between structural members?

To wet the entire section between structural members Signup and view all the answers

What did UL's tests reveal about light weight construction vs legacy wood construction?

The structural collapse times of all types of systems were within the operational timeframe of the fire service Signup and view all the answers

What did UL's tests reveal about sounding as an indicator of stability?

Firefighters were unable to determine structural stability using a tool Signup and view all the answers

What is essential before committing resources to a fire?

Conducting a 360 size-up Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of putting water on the fire as soon as possible?

It improves conditions throughout the structure Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consideration when deciding on tactics in a building with light weight trusses?

The larger the span, the greater the chance of collapse Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Understanding Attic Fires

Firefighters and Incident Commanders need to understand the science behind fire behavior and building construction to effectively and safely extinguish an attic fire.
Attic fires create difficulties for the fire service, including deciding whether to fight the fire from the inside, outside, or a combination of both.

Attic Fires are Vent Limited

Underwriters Laboratories (UL) research shows that attic fires are commonly vent-limited, meaning the fire's growth is limited by available oxygen.
The air entering the eaves and escaping through the vents does not supply the fire with enough oxygen in the growth stage.
A vent-limited fire is in a state of stability, allowing firefighters to attack the fire when and where they want.

Sheathing is the Main Fire Spread Mechanism

Exposed sheathing of the roof is the main source of off-gassing, so applying water to the sheathing as soon as possible is crucial to gain the upper hand.
Wetting the sheathing eliminates the major flame spread mechanism.

Light Weight Construction vs Legacy

UL tests showed that structural collapse times of light weight joist and truss systems vs legacy wood construction were within the operational timeframe of the fire service (4-20 min).
The strength of the roof system can only be gauged by inspecting from underneath.
Lightweight trusses can span large open spaces, increasing the chance of collapse.

Tactical Considerations

Conducting a 360 size-up before committing resources is essential.
Information gathered during the size-up helps determine: victims and tenability, location and extent of the fire, stage in the fire life cycle, vent limited or vented, building construction features, accessibility of roof/soffits, and salvage of property.
Put water on the fire as soon as possible to improve conditions throughout the structure, reducing the chance of flashover. "Quick Hit".

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