Ch 9 Flashcards
(24 cards)
The offensive/defensive decision of attack is based on…
Staffing available to conduct an interior attack
Water supply
Ventilation
A risk versus benefit analysis
The non-attack strategy is used for
When a building is so far involved that the main concern is to cover the exposures
When available water supply will not support an offensive or defensive attack and must be used for exposure protection
Each transfer of command or assumption of command requires the commander reconsider…
Critical size of factors and determine whether the operation should continue in the present strategic mode.
The risk versus benefit analysis should be reassessed at every major tactical objective
When changing from an offensive to defensive attack, the following should be considered:
If the building is clear of occupants and interior risks, can’t be justified
If conditions have deteriorated which create a further risk
A PAR must be conducted prior to commencing the defensive attack. The building must be completely cleared of firefighters.
The objective to a defensive fire attack is to
Save property that has not already been destroyed and or to protect the environment
Regarding structural collapse, the book uses these measurements to determine the height per story of different building buildings.
This factor is used to determine collapse distance
Older multi story, residential and office buildings use a factor of 12 feet per story
Modern buildings are usually less than 12 feet per story
Regarding exposure protection, radiant heat increases as
The size of the flame front increases.
Knocking down the main body of fire can reduce the flame front thus reducing radiant heat energy.
When a direct attack is not possible or effective, you should protect exposures by
Applying water directly to the exposed structures. If it’s wet, it can’t burn.
Radiant heat will travel through windows and water, therefore directing a water stream between buildings is less effective than water applied directly to the exposed building
The formula for the energy levels of radiant heat
The energy level for radiant heat is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the heat source and the exposure.
In defensive operations, anything less than ?? is ineffective
Anything less than a 2.5” hose line is ineffective
When setting up master streams, it’s difficult for a person to see the defensive fire stream from behind the nozzle. A better option is to:
Have a firefighter or officer step to the side, using a TIC, to give directions to the nozzle man.
When selecting a position for master streams, there are two considerations:
The first in placing exterior streams is safety
The second consideration is the ability to apply water to exposures and to the interior of the building, preferably in a direct application.
Unstaffed ground monitors are sometimes the best answer.
In regards to staffing needs, defensive attacks are less/more?
Defensive attacks or less personnel intensive but more apparatus intensive.
definition – a fire that spreads from building to building over a considerable distance, beyond a natural or artificial barrier
A conflagration in the urban setting
Wildland – urban interface fires the spread into urban areas and destroy a large number of buildings are defined as conflagrations
Definition – a fire confined within a complex or among adjacent buildings, or confined to the city block of origin
A group fire, similar to conflagration
When conflagrations are studied, common contributing factors are evident, including:
Closely built structures
With shingle roofs
Pour water supplies
Dilapidated or abandoned structures
Large scale, combustible construction
Residential and/or commercial development near wildlands
Built up areas near high hazard locations
The one condition that is historically posed the greatest problem and most I often cited as a configuration factor
Wood shingle roofing
In regards to heat transfer, the the primary means of fire extension from building to building is
A widening flame front causing higher radiant heat. The larger the flame front, the more exponential the radiant heat.
Secondary is which shingle roofs and flying brands
In regards to large area of fires, set up lines of defense, such that
Create a primary and secondary line of defense, but place apparatus so that they can be rapidly deployed if a lot of defense must be abandoned 
Within a conflagration, use of water must be prioritized. In most cases, water being discharged into….
Water being discharged into the flame front is a little value. The top priorities are maintaining the fire break at the lines of defense and protecting exposures.
Six tactical elements of successful conflagration strategy
Evacuate and rescue people in eminent danger
Evacuate and rescue people in the endangered area to beyond the secondary line of defense
Set up a line of defense with natural or artificial breaks
Establish a secondary line of defense
Narrow the flame front
Employee flying brand patrols beyond the land of defense
Two key considerations during a defensive attack are
Water supply and apparatus positioning 
