Fire Stream Management 202-05

Question 1

What is the critical impact of an adequate water supply during fire attack operations?

Answer 1

It significantly affects fire control outcomes.

Question 2

How does a good water supply and adequate flow rates affect fire control?

Answer 2

They result in more favorable outcomes.

Question 3

What are the consequences of a delayed or limited water supply?

Answer 3

Delayed fire control, increased risk to firefighters and victims, greater fire loss.

Question 4

What can excessive amounts of water lead to during firefighting?

Answer 4

Increased property loss inside the structure and hindered fire investigations.

Question 5

What is a Master Stream?

Answer 5

A stream of water flowing 1100 L/min (300 gpm) or greater.

Question 6

What are examples of tools classified as Master Streams?

Answer 6

• Elevated streams
• Deck guns
• Deluge guns

Question 7

Who must control the use of Master Streams during firefighting operations?

Answer 7

The Incident Commander (IC).

Question 8

What must be coordinated with all Division/Group Officers when using Master Streams?

Answer 8

Strict procedures and awareness of high risk.

Question 9

True or False: A good water supply leads to increased risk for firefighters.

Answer 9

False.

Question 10

Fill in the blank: A Master Stream flows at _______ or greater.

Answer 10

1100 L/min (300 gpm)

Question 11

What factors must be considered when establishing supply lines for master stream operations?

Answer 11

Diameter and length of the line, anticipated volume of water required for effective fire suppression

These factors ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the water supply during firefighting operations.

Question 12

What is the typical supply capacity of a 125 mm (5”) hose?

Answer 12

4500 L/min (1000 gpm) up to 300 meters away without being relay pumped

Relay pumping may be necessary for long lays of hose to ensure adequate water supply.

Question 13

What is the minimum hose size for residential fire operations?

Answer 13

1¾ in (45 mm) - 550 L/min (125 gpm)

This size is deemed sufficient to effectively combat residential fires.

Question 14

What is the minimum hose size for commercial fire operations?

Answer 14

2½ in (65 mm) - 1100 L/min (250 gpm)

Larger hoses are required for commercial structures due to the potential for larger fires.

Question 15

What is the primary objective of choosing an attack hose line?

Answer 15

To provide enough water flow to overcome the volume of fire being produced or to effectively cool and protect exposures

This is crucial for effective fire suppression and risk management.

Question 16

How should attack hose lines be advanced inside a fire building?

Answer 16

Never more than 150 ft (45 meters) to put water on the fire and control access

This distance ensures firefighter safety while effectively combating the fire.

Question 17

What should be the first stream placed in a fire situation?

Answer 17

Between the fire and the persons endangered by it

This prioritizes the safety of individuals potentially affected by the fire.

Question 18

What is the role of a second hose line in an attack operation?

Answer 18

To protect a secondary means of egress

This ensures an additional escape route for firefighters and civilians.

Question 19

What should crews consider when positioning hose lines?

Answer 19

Support rescue activities, begin confinement, protect exposures, and control loss

Proper positioning is critical for effective firefighting and safety.

Question 20

What should crews do if conditions deteriorate during an offensive operation?

Answer 20

Pull handlines out of the fire building only if safe to do so

Safety should always be prioritized over salvaging equipment.

Question 21

What are the characteristics of a solid stream?

Answer 21

• Greater penetration
• Greater reach and striking power
• Less steam conversion

Solid streams are effective for direct fire suppression.

Question 22

What are the characteristics of a fog stream?

Answer 22

• Indirect
• Increased heat absorption/expansion
• Shorter reach
• Most effective in confined spaces

Fog streams are useful for protecting exposures and personnel.

Question 23

What is the maximum water supply capacity of elevated master streams?

Answer 23

2250 L/min (500 gpm) to 4500 L/min (1000 gpm)

Elevated master streams are used for large-scale fire suppression.

Question 24

What is the importance of mobility in offensive attack activities?

Answer 24

Offensive attack activities must be highly mobile to remain effective

Slowed mobility can shift operations from offensive to defensive.

Question 25

What should crews do if water applied to an offensive attack position does not extinguish the fire?

Answer 25

Re-evaluate and predict where the fire is going to go ## Footnote Anticipating fire behavior is critical for effective fire control.

Question 26

What should be monitored regarding hose lines during fire operations?

Answer 26

The effectiveness of hose line operations must be continually evaluated ## Footnote Adjustments may be needed if conditions change.

Question 27

What is a limitation of operating nozzles through holes in the structure?

Answer 27

Mobility of such streams is necessarily limited and difficult to evaluate their effectiveness. ## Footnote Sometimes breaching walls or floors is required to operate.

Question 28

When should crews not open nozzles while entering basement fires?

Answer 28

Until they can see and/or are near the fire. ## Footnote Fog streams should not be used due to extensive steam production.

Question 29

What should be ready during forcible entry operations?

Answer 29

Attack lines. ## Footnote Attack crews must be fully protected and supervised before forcible entry.

Question 30

Who is responsible for the effectiveness of fire streams?

Answer 30

Division/Group and Company Officers. ## Footnote They must maintain awareness of fire streams and report operational characteristics.

Question 31

What may be necessary to produce an effective stream?

Answer 31

Nozzle diameter adjustment or nozzle tip reduction. ## Footnote This is the responsibility of Company Officers.

Question 32

In what mode are master streams used?

Answer 32

Tactical defensive mode. ## Footnote They are only used when the IC gives the order to flow water.

Question 33

What must the IC identify before introducing master streams?

Answer 33

The intention to change the strategy from offensive to defensive mode. ## Footnote This is preceded by an order to 'Exit' or 'Abandon' the structure.

Question 34

What must the IC conduct before applying master streams?

Answer 34

A Personnel Accountability Report (PAR). ## Footnote Communication must follow to confirm the strategy has changed to defensive mode.

Question 35

What must Command closely coordinate with Division/Group Officers?

Answer 35

Any exterior streams, particularly aerials and pumper mounted master streams. ## Footnote Exterior master streams should not be used with interior operations unless absolutely necessary.

Question 36

What should be evaluated after shutting down master streams?

Answer 36

The structure's stability before committing crews to interior positions. ## Footnote Crews should not be deployed if there is any question regarding stability.

Question 37

What should be prioritized when changing strategy from offensive to defensive?

Answer 37

Handline operations. ## Footnote Large volume handlines may protect exposures from outside the collapse zone.

Question 38

What should be done with smaller handlines after changing to a defensive operation?

Answer 38

They should be shut down. ## Footnote Pump operators must close the discharges to prevent ineffective use inside the collapse zone.

Question 39

Who must monitor the situation when using master streams?

Answer 39

Designated companies and the Incident Safety Officer. ## Footnote They must immediately advise the IC of any structural or safety hazards.

Question 40

Under what condition may handlines be used with master streams from the same apparatus?

Answer 40

Only when no other reasonable option exists for exposure protection. ## Footnote This should be done with extreme caution.

Question 41

What is the minimum number of firefighters required on master stream lines?

Answer 41

Two firefighters. ## Footnote Handlines must first be shut down prior to shutting down the master stream.

Question 42

What flow rates do pumper mounted master streams offer?

Answer 42

From 2250 L/min (500 gpm) to 5600 L/min (1250 gpm). ## Footnote They provide quick operation and greater reach and penetration.

Question 43

When should pumper mounted master streams be considered?

Answer 43

For structures that are well involved, beyond reach of attack lines, for exposure protection, and in unusual safety risk situations. ## Footnote They should never be operated where firefighters are inside the structure.