TB 164 - Transitional Attack

Question 1

The Transitional Attack Option is based on scientific studies by:

Answer 1

-Underwriters Laboratories (UL)

-Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF)

-National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

Question 2

The LAFD definition of a Transitional Attack is the coordinated application of water with a _______ stream from the exterior of a structure that provides a brief “BREAK of the fire triangle” by COOLING the environment prior to transitioning into an offensive attack

Answer 2

straight

(This method underscores the fact that the faster water is applied, the quicker interior conditions become safer and more tenable.)

Question 3

The UL, ATF, and NIST studies all show that water applied through a window or door exhausting fire or high velocity turbulent smoke can have a positive impact on interior conditions by _________ thus, improving survivability of civilians and increasing firefighter safety.

Answer 3

reducing temperatures

Question 4

Transitional Attack is not intended to provide final extinguishment; therefore, interior attack teams must be ready to immediately engage in interior fire attack following ___________.

Answer 4

the termination of exterior water application.

Question 5

The Transitional Attack Option should be considered whenever the following conditions exist:

Visible fire or high velocity turbulent smoke indicative of imminent flashover presenting from any door or window with consideration given to the following:

Answer 5

• Fire conditions at the point of access make it UNSAFE TO ENTER.
• ENTRY IS DELAYED by forcible entry challenges.
• VENTILATION IS DELAYED or non-existent.
• WATER SUPPLY IS DELAYED or insufficient.
• Excessive storage or packrat conditions.

Question 6

The following critical TACTICAL considerations must be identified and assessed PRIOR to executing a Transitional Attack:

Answer 6

-Officers should attempt to gain as much SITUATIONAL AWARENESS as possible prior to initiating this tactic (i.e., “360 degree size-up”).

-ALWAYS COMMUNICATE AND COORDINATE your tactical intent on the TAC CHANNEL to all companies prior to employing this tactic.

-LAFD personnel SHALL NOT be inside the structure at time of application.

-ONLY apply water into windows or doors that have “FIRE showing” or VOLATILE smoke indicative of imminent flashover.

-DO NOT employ if window pane is still intact.

-Transitional Attack streams shall ONLY FLOW water UNTIL a CHANGE in conditions are seen (i.e. bulk of fire is knocked down).

Question 7

Consider the following when applying water through the window or door for a transitional attack:

Answer 7

-ONLY use a STRAIGHT STREAM to apply water into an opening.

-The straight stream shall be directed at a STEEP ANGLE and TOWARDS THE CEILING so it has the least amount of effect on the existing thermal balance.

• The straight stream allows water to enter and steam/smoke to exit the opening.

-Do not use a swirling motion while flowing the straight stream into the opening.

• Excessive water will unnecessarily increase generation of steam.

Question 8

Why should you not use a fog pattern or any stream other than a straight stream for transitional attack?

Answer 8

• A fog pattern would cover the entire opening and not allow steam/smoke to exhaust.
• A fog pattern would rapidly create additional steam and thoroughly disrupt the thermal balance.

Question 9

Transitional Attack Checklist:

Answer 9

Question 10

To use the transitional attack technique effectively, direct a STRAIGHT STREAM through an open window or door at an EXAGGERATED ANGLE towards the ceiling of the involved room.

This action is similar to activation of a fire ______, thus cooling the upper atmosphere

Answer 10

-Sprinkler

(the same technique is used when encountering volatile smoke conditions).