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What essential equipment should the two firefighters who go to the top floor have when responding to a fire in a high rise?
What essential equipment should the two firefighters who go to the top floor have when responding to a fire in a high rise?
- Fire hose and ladder
- SCBA and forcible entry tools (correct)
- Water pump and emergency radio
- Thermal imaging camera and fire blanket
What is a critical factor for the Incident Commander (IC) to consider before allowing the HVAC system to operate?
What is a critical factor for the Incident Commander (IC) to consider before allowing the HVAC system to operate?
- The type of building materials used
- The time of day the fire started
- The color of the smoke
- The exact location of the fire (correct)
What two factors outweigh all other others for ventilation in high-rise fires?
What two factors outweigh all other others for ventilation in high-rise fires?
- Temperature and humidity
- Building design and fire load
- Occupant density and response time
- Wind and the stack effect (correct)
When is it most appropriate to utilize the HVAC system for ventilation during a fire?
When is it most appropriate to utilize the HVAC system for ventilation during a fire?
What is the primary reason that vertical ventilation often becomes difficult to achieve in high-rise buildings?
What is the primary reason that vertical ventilation often becomes difficult to achieve in high-rise buildings?
What defines the stack effect?
What defines the stack effect?
What should a firefighting team do first upon reaching the roof of a high-rise building during a fire?
What should a firefighting team do first upon reaching the roof of a high-rise building during a fire?
What additional steps should be taken after accomplishing initial ventilation on the roof?
What additional steps should be taken after accomplishing initial ventilation on the roof?
What should firefighters prioritize when using stairs during a fire evacuation?
What should firefighters prioritize when using stairs during a fire evacuation?
What challenges might occur when attempting to land a helicopter on a high-rise rooftop during a fire?
What challenges might occur when attempting to land a helicopter on a high-rise rooftop during a fire?
What is a necessary condition for a helicopter to land safely on a rooftop?
What is a necessary condition for a helicopter to land safely on a rooftop?
When evacuating occupants from a building during a fire, what should firefighters do with those in the stairway?
When evacuating occupants from a building during a fire, what should firefighters do with those in the stairway?
What is a primary danger of using elevator shafts for ventilation during a fire in tall buildings?
What is a primary danger of using elevator shafts for ventilation during a fire in tall buildings?
Why is it not effective to vent a floor using the elevator hoistway?
Why is it not effective to vent a floor using the elevator hoistway?
What action should be taken regarding the elevator hoistway door on the fire floor during ventilation efforts?
What action should be taken regarding the elevator hoistway door on the fire floor during ventilation efforts?
What should be done to vent smoke that has entered the elevator shaft?
What should be done to vent smoke that has entered the elevator shaft?
What happens during the stratification of smoke in sealed buildings?
What happens during the stratification of smoke in sealed buildings?
What is the reverse stack effect in high-rises?
What is the reverse stack effect in high-rises?
In which situation is smoke stratification most likely to occur?
In which situation is smoke stratification most likely to occur?
What phenomenon occurs in air-conditioned high-rise buildings during hot weather?
What phenomenon occurs in air-conditioned high-rise buildings during hot weather?
Under what conditions is the reverse stack effect likely to pose a severe problem?
Under what conditions is the reverse stack effect likely to pose a severe problem?
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Study Notes
Ventilation Strategies in High-Rise Fires
- Ventilation is crucial for removing smoke and heat during serious fires, with options including vertical ventilation via stairways, horizontal ventilation through windows, and HVAC systems.
- Both natural and mechanical methods can be employed to move fire gases; wind and the stack effect are key factors influencing upper-level ventilation decisions.
Vertical Ventilation Considerations
- Important information for using HVAC systems includes fire location, floor layout, stair placement, HVAC openings, personnel locations, and current fire conditions.
- Knowledge of these elements is essential before controlling smoke with HVAC systems to avoid endangering firefighters or civilians.
Understanding the Stack Effect
- The stack effect is the upward movement of warm air in tall buildings, becoming significant in structures above 60 feet.
- This natural air movement is present year-round and can accelerate with height, allowing smoke and gases to escape if upper windows are opened, especially beneficial during fires.
Firefighting Procedures
- Firefighters should carry SCBA and forcible entry tools, using elevators only to two floors below the fire before taking stairs to the roof.
- Maintain the fire floor door closed until reaching the roof to prevent exposure to smoke and flames; clear stairways of occupants, redirecting them to evacuation routes.
Helicopter Deployment in Firefighting
- Helicopters can be used for rooftop ventilation but require prior planning and practice; difficult conditions can complicate this during emergencies.
- Upon arrival at the roof, firefighters must assess fire behavior when opening doors to ensure safety and effectiveness in ventilation.
Utilizing Elevators in Ventilation
- Using elevator shafts for ventilation is discouraged due to the dangers posed by open hoistway doors and insufficient venting capacity.
- Recommended practice involves venting through the roof while keeping hoistway doors on fire floors closed to prevent smoke and heat spread.
Unique Phenomena in High-Rise Fires
- Smoke stratification can occur when smoke does not rise sufficiently due to inadequate heat, causing it to accumulate below upper floors.
- Inverse stack effect represents a situation where cooler indoor air draws smoke downward during hot weather, which can complicate fire management but is generally manageable unless significant temperature differences exist.
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