MID-RISE BUILDING FIRES December 2013 Flashcards
(166 cards)
1
Q
A mid-rise building is ____ in height but has less than ___ from the lowest level of fire department vehicle access to the floor of the highest occupible story.
pg 1
A
3 to 6 stories & 75 feet
2
Q
A mid-rise can be a ___ or a ___ occupancy with the presence of elevators.
pg 2
A
residential and/or commercial
3
Q
____ construction can allow for more density than garden apartments without the regulations, fire code, and construction requirements of a high-rise
pg 2
A
Mid-rise building
4
Q
Mid-rise buildings can include commercial or residential occupancies or a combination of commercial and residential occupancies (often referred to as ___).
pg 2
A
mixed use
5
Q
The ___ of mid-rise buildings can be constructed of various materials. These include: solid masonry, brick veneer over wood frame, wood, glass, and various types of siding.
pg 2
A
exterior
6
Q
Mid-rise buildings will typically have long ___ with apartments or offices on one or both sides.
pg 2
A
hallways
7
Q
Depending on the era of construction, many ___ buildings may have balconies made of combustible or noncombustible materials. These balconies can be ___or ___.
pg 2
A
mid-rise & extended or recessed
8
Q
Most of the commercial and older residential buildings will have ___.
pg 2
A
flat roofs
Newer style roofs often have large cross gables and dormers.
9
Q
The ___ of a mid-rise building may contain commercial or retail space, hydraulic elevator rooms, occupied apartments, storage areas, utility rooms, laundry facilities, parking facilities, or trash rooms.
pg 2
A
lowest floor
10
Q
Many newer buildings are constructed on a ___ and do not have the traditional basement storage areas and laundry room.
pg 3
A
concrete slab
11
Q
Residential mid-rise buildings constructed in the ___ are frequently constructed using ordinary methods of masonry walls with dimensional wood floors and roof.
pg 3
A
1950s
12
Q
Modern residential buildings are typically ___ construction.
pg 3
A
lightweight wood
13
Q
Commercial buildings are usually ___ construction using ___ and ___.
pg 3
A
non-combustible & steel and concrete
14
Q
Mixed use buildings with commercial occupancies and residential occupancies typically have ___ construction.
pg 3
A
mixed
The residential portion of the building being ordinary or lightweight wood while the commercial areas are non-combustible steel and concrete.
15
Q
These structures (Mid-rises) may have many of the same characteristics of a ___, such as:
- Full, partial, or no sprinkler protection
- No standpipe system
- Ordinary construction (masonry bearing walls/ wood floor and roof)
- Lightweight wood construction
- Large attic space
pg 3
A
garden apartment
16
Q
These structures (Mid-rises) may also have many of the same characteristics of a ___, such as:
- Full, partial, or no sprinkler systems
- A standpipe system
- Firefighter’s service to the elevators
- Standby and emergency power systems
- Non-combustible construction – concrete and steel
- Hallways to access work or living areas
- Center core floor plan
- Commercial occupancy on lower levels
- Parking garages
pg 3
A
high-rise
17
Q
The interior layout of the structure will vary; some buildings have ___ occupancies on the lower levels with ___ occupancies above.
pg 3
A
commercial & residential
Lower floors typically have exterior access and may contain apartments, storage rooms, community rooms, trash room with compactors, and/or laundry rooms and loading docks.
18
Q
Some mid-rise buildings are constructed in a ___ configuration. The building encircles a swimming pool or court yard, often with parking below.
pg 3
A
“donut”
19
Q
Some mid-rise buildings have commercial, office, and retail space with no residential occupancies. The floor plans are typically ___ or ___.
pg 4
A
central hallway or center core
20
Q
Many mid-rise buildings have specialized occupancies that occupy much of the first floor; examples of specialized occupancies that might be found are ___ or even a ___.
pg 4
A
assisted living facilities or fire/emergency service station
21
Q
Residential mid-rise buildings have floor plans similar to many high-rise buildings in the region but are limited to ___ in height on the addressed side and lack many of the fire code requirements found in high-rise buildings.
pg 6
A
75 feet
22
Q
___ buildings may have central hallways or center core floor plans with circuit corridors around the core of the building.
pg 7
A
Commercial mid-rise
23
Q
___ Construction Occupies the Outer Perimeter of the Structure and Houses the Stairs and Elevators in the Center.
pg 7
A
Center Core
24
Q
With the advent of lightweight building materials, ___ buildings occupied as assisted living facilities are seen throughout the region and have an open atrium and stairway in the lobby.
pg 7
A
lightweight mid-rises
25
The ___ surrounding the building may affect the number of stories visible from the addressed side.
pg 8
**grading**
26
During \_\_\_, Company Officers should Note Nnumber of Floors Accessible from the Front and Rear of the Structure, if Practical.
pg 8
**Size-up**
27
Mid-rise buildings may have a ___ with long hallways. Apartments and offices are generally accessed from an enclosed hallway similar in a high-rise building.
pg 8
**Large footprint**
28
Many mid-rise buildings with long hallways have self-closing ___ placed to divide the hallway and slow the lateral spread of fire and smoke. In older mid-rise buildings, these doors may not be self-closing.
pg 9
**fire partition doors**
29
a truck company with an outrigger deployed can concentrate weights over 40,000 lbs. on the spot where the outrigger contacts the roadway, exceeding 400 pounds per square inch. The use of a jack plate can decrease the weight to the singular outrigger to ___ or less than \_\_\_per square inch
pg 10
**25,000 lbs or 35 pounds**
30
The ___ area is typically designated for residential occupancy while non-combustible areas combustible areas typically contain parking garages, commercial occupancies, or community areas (e.g., gym, areas (e.g., gym, swimming pool),
pg 11
**lightweight wood**
31
**Ordinary Construction (Pre-1960s)**
Older mid-rise buildings are typically built of \_\_\_, with masonry loadbearing walls and wood floor and roofing components.
pg 12
**ordinary construction**
32
**Roof/Attic (Ordinary)**
Flat roofs are naturally ventilated through \_\_\_.
pg 12
**cockloft vents**
33
**Roof/Attic (Ordinary)**
As the flat roof leaks, ages, and begins to decay, owners may cover them with a lightweight gabled rain roof, resulting in \_\_\_.
pg 12
**multiple void spaces**
34
**Roof/Attic (Ordinary)**
\_\_\_ roofs are typically 2” x 6” joists spanning from the bearing walls to the ridge pole. 1” x 6” planks are sealed with slate or tar shingles.
pg 13
**Gable**
35
**Roof/Attic (Ordinary)**
\_\_\_ roofs are typically vented at the gable ends, ridge vents, and/or soffit vents.
pg 13
**Gable**
36
**Roof/Attic (Ordinary)**
Attics, if present, are generally unfinished. Sometimes the space is used to hide \_\_\_.
pg 13
**HVAC appliances**
37
**Roof/Attic (Ordinary)**
pull-down attic staircases are rated to ___ lbs and should not be used if exposed to heat.
pg 13
**250 lbs**
38
**Walls (Ordinary)**
\_\_\_ walls are bearing masonry. Many ___ walls have parapets above the flat roofline.
pg 14
**Exterior**
39
**Walls (Ordinary)**
\_\_\_ walls are normally lathe and plaster.
pg 14
**Interior**
40
**Insulation (Ordinary)**
Insulation was of very little concern when these buildings were completed. Insulation in the attic or cockloft area may be present but is rarely seen in \_\_\_.
pg 14
**the walls**
41
**Firewalls (Ordinary)**
Firewalls of this generation are usually ___ *(Ordinary Construction (Pre-1960s))*
pg 14
**masonry**
42
**Floors (Ordinary)**
The Masonry Firewall that Extends above the Roofline Affords the \_\_\_.
pg 14
**Greatest Protection.**
43
**Floors (Ordinary)**
Joists are normally spaced ___ on center.
pg 14
**16 inches**
44
**Floors (Ordinary)**
The Mass of Dimensional Lumber Provides Moderate Resistance to Collapse but Keep in Mind that the Metal Joist Hanger (Shown Outlined) is \_\_\_.
pg 15
**the Weakest Point.**
45
**Basement (Ordinary)**
The walls are masonry while the ___ may be concrete, lathe and plaster, or unfinished dimensional lumber.
pg 15
**ceiling**
## Footnote
The basement level may contain utility rooms, laundry rooms, trash rooms, or other service utilities along with apartments or offices
46
**Windows (Ordinary)**
The residential windows in mid-rise buildings of this era were typically ___ or \_\_\_. These metal frame style windows can create a safety hazard for firefighters.
pg 15
**casement or double hung**
47
**Windows (Ordinary)**
Commercial windows are normally \_\_\_.
pg 15
**plate glass**
## Footnote
Many of these aging windows have been updated to insulated vinyl windows in residential buildings and safety or tempered glass in commercial buildings
48
**Windows (Ordinary)**
\_\_\_ are prevalent in residential mid-rise buildings constructed in the 1940s and 1950s and pose their own unique hazards. The windows have steel frames set in concrete or masonry. While breaking all the glass in the windows will ventilate the affected area, entrance and exit through the remaining window frame will be physically blocked.
pg 15
**Casement windows**
49
**Windows (Ordinary)**
\_\_\_ are extremely dangerous to egress. The location and status of them should communicated when firefighters are operating in the compartment they enclose. Ventilation should only occur with coordination of interior operations.
pg 15
**Casement windows**
## Footnote
Firefighters and officers should make note of these windows during preplanning and in their size-up on arrival at a structure fire. Outside ventilation crews must remove these windows whenever encountered.
50
**Balcony (Ordinary)**
The majority of ___ buildings of ordinary construction do not have balconies.
pg 16
**mid-rise**
51
**Doors (Ordinary)**
Early residential mid-rise buildings typically have ___ doors. Many of these ___ doors have a metal center or are covered in light metal.
pg 16
**wood**
**Rim locks and chains** are common securing methods.
52
**Stairs (Ordinary)**
Stairs in a mid-rise typically provide access from the ___ to the \_\_\_.
pg 16
**basement & top floor levels**
53
**HVAC Systems (Ordinary)**
In older mid-rise buildings, heat was typically supplied via ___ and \_\_\_.
pg 17
**hot water boiler and radiator**
54
**HVAC Systems (Ordinary)**
In older construction, the central heating unit may be located in ___ and consist of large oil or natural gas boilers with hot water heat transfer.
pg 17
**the basement**
55
**Chimney (Ordinary)**
Lacking central HVAC inherently reduces the ___ in these buildings.
pg 17
**amount of void spaces**
## Footnote
The chimney in older mid-rise buildings usually originated in the boiler room and are of masonry construction
56
**Fire Protection (Ordinary)**
Most residential mid-rise buildings have some type of ___ and smoke detectors.
pg 17
**local fire alarm**
57
**Fire Protection (Ordinary)**
Commercial mid-rise buildings typically have some form of monitored ___ with smoke detectors
pg 17
**fire alerting system**
58
**Fire Protection (Ordinary)**
Mid-rise buildings may or may not have a standpipe system. If available, the riser may be located in the ___ or \_\_\_.
pg 17
**stairway or hallway**
59
**Non-combustible Construction**
Many mid-rise buildings, particularly with commercial occupancies, are of ___ construction (steel and concrete)
pg 18
**non-combustible**
60
**Roof and Attic (Non-combustible)**
The roof consist of an insulated metal deck roof and/or concrete, with a weather barrier installed. A common type of flat roof construction uses a ___ with a rubberized or tar and gravel top layer supported by steel bar joist. Newer or re-roofed buildings may have several inches of foam used for added insulation.
pg 18
**metal Q-deck**
61
**Roof and Attic (Non-combustible)**
non-combustible buildings do not contribute to the fire load and have moderate overall resistance to ___ under fire conditions.
pg 19
**collapse**
62
**Roof and Attic (Non-combustible)**
As fire extends to the roof, the tar and rubber roofing and adhesive material are all heated. These hydrocarbon materials release combustible vapors that may ignite and spread fire under the roof area. This is commonly known as a \_\_\_.
pg 18
**running metal deck roof fire**
## Footnote
The subsequent superheated atmosphere within the roof may cause weakening of the metal truss support system leading to collapse
63
**Roof and Attic (Non-combustible)**
The underside of the metal truss system often has a \_\_\_. If applied correctly, this coating may delay the affects of heat on the metal members.
pg 19
**spray-on fire resistant coating**
## Footnote
This coating may contain asbestos in older buildings
64
**Exterior Walls (Non-combustible)**
\_\_\_ mid-rise buildings may be metal or concrete framed and have a brick, block, metal, or glass exterior sheathin.
pg 19
**Non-combustible**
65
**Interior Walls (Non-combustible)**
\_\_\_ walls are usually 2” x 4” metal studs with drywall. Some commercial spaces have open floor plans with cubical dividers.
pg 20
**Interior**
66
**Insulation (Non-combustible)**
\_\_\_ buildings typically have insulation in both the attic and exterior walls.
pg 20
**Modern**
67
**Insulation (Non-combustible)**
Insulation may also be found in ___ adjacent to parking garages, storage rooms, or other non-climate conditioned areas.
pg 20
**interior walls**
68
**Insulation (Non-combustible)**
Insulation may also be used between occupancies as a \_\_\_.
pg 20
**sound reduction method**
69
**Firewalls (Non-combustible)**
Firewalls in non-combustible buildings are typically \_\_\_.
pg 20
**masonry**
## Footnote
**_Newer buildings may use multiple layers of drywall to create a firewall_**
70
**Firewalls (Non-combustible)**
Many buildings will use drywall to create ___ in large, open void spaces such as the cockloft or drop ceiling areas
pg 20
**draft-stops**
71
**Floors (Non-combustible)**
Concrete floors are the most popular option for non-combustible buildings. In non-combustible construction the concrete flooring may be supported by ___ or ___ columns. Steel rebar or tensioned steel cables are usually embedded in the concrete to add tensile strength
pg 20
**steel or concrete**
72
**Floors (Non-combustible)**
The steel bar joist system which supports the floors is usually protected by a ___ or ___ style ceiling in occupied living and office areas
pg 21
**drop or membrane**
73
**Basements (Non-combustible)**
\_\_\_ construction incorporates brick, cinderblock, or concrete basement walls.
pg 21
**Non-combustible**
74
**Basements (Non-combustible)**
\_\_\_ fires are serious and labor intensive fires due to limited access, ventilation challenges, exposure to the rest of the structure, and potential for involving the utilities.
pg 21
**Basement**
## Footnote
Basements may have a sidewalk stairway or sidewalk freight elevator access.
75
**Basements (Non-combustible)**
Basement, storage, and other non-living spaces may not have ___ protection. A fire in this unsprinklered basement would represent a significant collapse hazard and should be noted in the preplan.
pg 21
**drop ceiling**
76
**Windows (Non-combustible)**
Windows in many of the residential non-combustible mid-rise buildings are ___ or ___ types. Commercial buildings frequently use larger plate glass windows, most of which do not open.
pg 22
**typical double hung or sliding glass**
77
**Balcony (Non-combustible)**
Balconies in non-combustible mid-rise buildings are usually ___ or \_\_\_.
pg 22
**concrete or metal**
78
**Doors (Non-combustible)**
Exterior lobby entry doors of commercial non-combustible mid-rise buildings are usually ___ or \_\_\_.
pg 22
**metal- framed tempered or safety glass**
## Footnote
Older buildings may have **plate glass**. Side stairway, utility, and service entrance doors are usually **metal doors.**
79
**Stairs (Non-combustible)**
The stairways in most non-combustible mid-rise buildings are ___ or \_\_\_.
pg 22
**metal or concrete**
80
**HVAC (Non-combustible)**
\_\_\_ mid-rise buildings may have HVAC units on the roof, in the basement, or adjacent to the building.
pg 23
**Commercial non-combustible**
81
**HVAC (Non-combustible)**
\_\_\_ buildings may have large central HVAC units similar to a commercial building or they may have individual HVAC units for each living space.
pg 23
**Residential**
82
**Chimney (Non-combustible)**
\_\_\_ and ___ buildings may have a chimney from the boiler room.
pg 23
**Commercial and Residential**
They (Commercial buildings) may also have chimneys or exhaust stacks for restaurant cooking
83
**Fire Protection System (Non-combustible)**
Both commercial and residential buildings may have a wide range of fire protection systems based on the year of their construction and occupancy. Some of these older buildings may have nothing more than a ___ while newer buildings with commercial occupancies may have ___ protection.
pg 23
**local alarm (manual pull station) & full sprinkler**
84
**Lightweight Wood Frame Construction**
To provide reductions in cost and assembly time, lightweight wood construction began replacing ordinary and dimensional wood frame construction in the ___ and has continued throughout today.
pg 23
**1980s**
85
**Roof and Attic (Lightweight)**
\_\_\_ may be decorative or indicate that the attic space is utilized as a bedroom, office, or loft
pg 23
**Dormers**
86
**Roof and Attic (Lightweight)**
In buildings of ___ construction, the roof is typically pitched with lightweight trusses, plywood, and shingles
pg 24
**lightweight wood frame**
87
**Roof and Attic (Lightweight)**
Attics interior access is usually achieved through a ___ or ___ located on the ceiling of the top floor
pg 25
**scuttle or pull-down staircase**
88
**Roof and Attic (Lightweight)**
Pull-down attic staircases are rated to ___ lbs. and should not be used if exposed to heat.
pg 25
**250**
89
**Roof and Attic (Lightweight)**
In lightweight wood frame mid-rise buildings with large attics, ___ may be required.
pg 25
**draft stops**
## Footnote
Draft stops are typically gypsum or plywood and act as a partition to help slow the horizontal movement of fire.
However, over time, these draft stops may be breached due to renovation or construction, reducing their effectiveness
90
**Roof and Attic (Lightweight)**
\_\_\_ may be found in units with lofts and dormers.
pg 26
**Knee walls**
## Footnote
Knee walls may contain hidden fire and must be opened to check for fire extension.
91
**Exterior Walls (Lightweight)**
Exterior walls are typically ___ covered in an insulating material which is covered by some type of siding, either masonry or a mix of both.
pg 27
**oriented strand board (OSB)**
## Footnote
OSB and insulation found under the vinyl siding may contribute to rapid fire spread on the exterior of the building
92
**Interior Walls (Lightweight)**
Most residential ceilings are ___ or ___ while most commercial occupancies use the ___ system.
pg 28
**plaster or drywall & drop ceiling**
## Footnote
When commercial, utility, or storage areas have residential occupancies above, they typically have concrete or multiple layered drywall ceilings to provide the needed fire rating.
93
**Insulation (Lightweight)**
\_\_\_ being non-flammable, can help slow the spread of fire into the attic space around lights, wires, and other access points.
pg 28
**Fiberglass insulation**
## Footnote
Blown-in insulation, shredded and treated newspaper, or cellulose may smolder and rekindle
94
**Fire Walls (Lightweight)**
\_\_\_ may be:
* Located between each address;
* Located between every other address;
* Located between the living spaces (occupied floors) only, with no extension into the attic or basement; or
* Non-existent.
pg 28
**firewalls**
## Footnote
There are two material types of firewalls:
1. **Masonry** (concrete block or reinforced concrete), generally found in older buildings.
2. **Multiple layers of drywall**.
95
**Fire Walls (Lightweight)**
Generally, personnel should be aware of the following:
* ___ may stop at the exterior bearing wall, leaving the soffit/ overhang unprotected.
* ___ may stop at the interior ceiling leaving the attic/ cockloft area unprotected.
* ___ might be penetrated or significantly compromised due to construction faults and/or renovations.
* ___ might be penetrated to allow the running of utilities.
pg 28
**Firewalls**
96
**Floors (Lighweight)**
Lighweight construction often uses parallel chord trusses or plywood I-beams. These trusses, or Ply-Is, are typically spaced from ___ inches on center, Figure 42.
pg 29
**16 to 24 inches**
## Footnote
Due to their low mass, when exposed to fire they are prone to rapid collapse.
97
**Floors (Lightweight)**
In ___ construction, floor decking is typically plywood or OSB.
pg 30
**lightweight**
## Footnote
Floor coverings include carpet, masonry tile, vinyl tile, hardwood, or other finished floor material.
98
**Balconies (Lightweight)**
Balconies are of three general types: \_\_\_, ___ and \_\_\_.
pg 30
**cantilevered, recessed, and hinged**
99
**Balconies (Lightweight)**
\_\_\_ balconies generally project out over the load-bearing walls; the balcony is open to the exterior on three sides and extends away from the building.
pg 30
**Cantilevered**
100
**Balconies (Lightweight)**
\_\_\_ balconies are supported on three sides by bearing walls; there is a railing between the two walls and the balcony is open on only one side.
pg 31
**Recessed**
101
**Balconies (Lightweight)**
Some corner units have ___ balconies which are supported on two sides by bearing walls and columns on the corner from the ground to the roof.
pg 31
**hinged**
102
**Doors (Lightweight)**
Most of the residential mid-rise doors found in Northern Virginia will be solid wood, wood covered in metal, or metal. Most will have a ___ or greater fire rating
pg 32
**2 hour**
## Footnote
Commercial occupancies will typically have aluminum-framed tempered glass doors with mortise style locks.
103
**Stairs and Stairways (Lightweight)**
\_\_\_ are usually enclosed with masonry or thick fire rated drywall with concrete or steel steps and risers
pg 32
**Stairways**
## Footnote
Mid-rises generally have one or more stairways.
104
**Stairs and Stairways (Lightweight)**
The ___ is One of the Strongest Portions of the Lightweight Building
pg 32
**Stairway**
105
**Stairs and Stairways (Lightweight)**
\_\_\_ located over the stairway, provides direct stairway access to the roof
pg 33
**Roof top bulkhead doors**
## Footnote
Other stairways do not provide direct stairway access to the roof; rather, companies must climb a ladder located at the top of the stairway, accessing the roof through a roof hatch,
This hatch may be at the top of the stairway, top floor hallway, or hidden in a top floor closet.
106
**HVAC (Lightweight)**
The ___ may be large central units found on the roof or in the basement.
pg 34
**HVAC**
## Footnote
In some buildings, each apartment may have an individual HVAC unit in a closet, commonly found on the balcony.
107
**Chimney (Lightweight)**
Zero- clearance fire places are very common in ___ construction.
pg 34
**lightweight**
## Footnote
In these zero-clearance systems, the firebox is vented via triple-lined metal piping to the roofline or short horizontal piping directly to the closest exterior wall of the structure
Commercial occupancies, particularly restaurants, may have large cooking ventilators. These may vent out a side wall to the roof line or travel up the interior of the building to the roof line.
108
**Garages (Lightweight)**
\_\_\_ may be above or below ground, attached to the building, or in the middle of the building (donut-style)
pg 35
**Parking garages**
## Footnote
* There are two types of garages found in mid-rise structures:
* **under or centered**
* Depending on the age of the building, the garage may be sprinklered and have a wet or dry standpipe
109
**Fire Protection (Lightweight)**
Early, lightweight-constructed mid-rise buildings may have no more than a ___ alarm system. Many newer buildings have a full complement of protection systems such as sprinklers, monitored alarms, and standpipes in the hallway or stairway.
pg 36
**local pull station**
110
**Fire Protection (Lightweight)**
Many buildings use ___ residential sprinkler systems. These sprinkler heads are designed to contain the fire but may not completely extinguish it.
pg 36
**NFPA 13R**
## Footnote
They are constructed using (usually orange) PVC plastic pipes.
111
**Elevators (Lightweight)**
\_\_\_ in mid-rise buildings are normally hydraulic, but electric traction types may also be found
pg 36
**Elevators**
## Footnote
**Control rooms for hydraulic elevators** are normally found on the lowest floor while control rooms
**Control rooms for electric traction elevators** are normally found on the top floor or in the penthouse on the roof.
112
**Utilities (Lightweight)**
In rental units, the service meters are usually combined for all occupancies into a ___ found in the basements or garage areas. In condominiums, each unit will normally have a \_\_\_, generally found in a utility closet or in a bank in the basement or exterior.
pg 37
**single meter & separate meter**
113
\_\_\_ are often found in a normal egress pathway (e.g., near windows, doorways, elevator lobbies, hallways).
pg 38
**Victims**
## Footnote
a protect in place strategy will evacuate only occupants on certain floors or areas and leave the remainder in place if not in hazard areas
114
\_\_\_ buildings are considered to have a low fire loading.
pg 39
**Residential mid-rise**
## Footnote
Fire flow estimates are based on a flow rate of 10 GPM per 100 square feet of involved area
1 3⁄4-inch attack lines should be adequate for most single unit fires.
115
The fire load in ___ occupancies is considered moderate and requires a fire flow of 20 gpm per 100 square feet of involved area.
pg 39
**commercial**
## Footnote
If a fire occurs in a commercial occupancy, engine companies may be paired up to use a 2 1⁄2-inch attack line.
Another option would be to operate two 1 3⁄4-inch lines side-by-side.
116
When an ___ is encountered on arrival, a quick knock down of the fire from the exterior must occur prior to enetering the building to slow the spread of the fire.
pg 39
**exterior fire**
117
\_\_\_ fire extension can occur by several means:
* Fire lapping out of windows and extending into windows above;
* Fire extending upward through unprotected or compromised void spaces;
* Fire extending upward through holes created by the fire;
* Fire extending upward within a unit that occupies more than one floor and has an accommodation or convenience stairway; and/or
* Exterior fires originating from a patio, balcony, vehicle, electrical transformer, flammable liquid, etc., can spread upward into the building and attic.
pg 39
**Vertical**
118
Buildings of ordinary and wood frame construction tend to ___ better than lightweight wood frame buildings.
pg 39
**resist collapse**
## Footnote
Firefighters should expect modern lightweight non- combustible concrete structures to collapse unlike older concrete buildings that can withstand longer burn times
119
\_\_\_ construction is subject to early failure and has two distinct factors with regard to the potential for collapse:
1. The presence of lightweight trusses
2. Fire entering the void spaces degrading the wooden structural members.
pg 40
**Lightweight wood frame**
120
\_\_\_ are also being installed on the roof areas over the common stairways.
pg 40
**A/C units**
121
Storage rooms may be present anywhere in the building. They may contain ___ or ___ materials and may be inaccessible from the exterior.
pg 42
**flammable or hazardous**
122
During renovations, ___ and ___ may have been added and some of the building’s original structural components may have been altered or removed
pg 42
**void spaces and utility shafts**
123
If the first due engine company officer makes the tactical decision to deploy the initial handline from the standpipe, a declaration via the radio must be made for all responding personnel to assume their respective ___ assignments.
pg 44
**high-rise**
## Footnote
If the decision is made to use high-rise assignments, the officer should **request an additional engine company.**
124
The purpose of ___ is to gain access to perform primary search, advance attack lines, and check for fire extension.
pg 45
**forcible entry**
125
Hydraulic forcible entry tools are effective on ___ opening metal doors in metal frames.
pg 45
**inward**
126
\_\_\_ forcible entry tools are preferred for any door set in a wood frame.
pg 45
**Conventional**
127
cypher locks and automatic/magnetic locks may be present based upon the type of occupancy, such as a \_\_\_.
pg 45
**government facility**
128
\_\_\_ will determine whether the initial attack line is stretched from the engine directly to the fire area or from a standpipe, if available.
pg 45
**Fire location**
129
For fires that are located below grade, or on the first, second, or third floor, personnel may choose to \_\_\_, as they are faster to deploy and place in service.
pg 46
**stretch pre-connected lines from the engine**
130
In most cases, the ___ hoseline will enter the fire unit from the public hallway. Several alternatives for entry include:
* In the involved unit at ground level through a patio door.
* In the involved unit over a ladder and onto the balcony.
* Via a rear entrance.
* Through an adjoining unit to gain access to the involved unit.
* Through a large window.
pg 48
**initial**
131
In residential mid-rise buildings, all floors above the ___ normally have an identical layout and floor plan.
pg 48
**first floor**
## Footnote
Companies must inspect the floor below the fire floor to learn the layout prior to entering the fire floor. **This is only practical if the fire is located on the third floor or higher,** as the first floor (and lobby) often has a different layout than all floors above.
132
Before committing to the position of the initial line, the second line’s crew should check ___ or ___ to ensure the fire did not originate below the unit where smoke or fire is evident.
pg 49
**the basement or floor(s) below the fire**
## Footnote
The second line must be capable of equal or greater flow than the original line. **The need for advancement will be determined by the progress of the initial attack line.**
133
The second line must be capable of equal or greater flow than the original line. The need for advancement will be determined by the progress of the \_\_\_.
pg 49
**initial attack line**
134
There are two purposes for the line above the fire. The **first** is to protect the company performing the primary search of the floor above and the **second** is to \_\_\_.
pg 49
**extinguish any vertical extension**
135
The line assigned to the floor above the fire in these types of structures will generally be the ___ line, allowing for speed, mobility, and fire flow.
pg 49
**1 3⁄4- inch**
## Footnote
Often the third-due engine company will be responsible for this task.
The location from which this line is deployed will be determined by the Incident Commander or the assigned unit officer.
136
\_\_\_ streams are more efficient in exterior exposure protection.
pg 49
**Narrow fog**
## Footnote
The narrow fog offers moderate reach, additional surface area coverage, and is not as damaging to the structure as smooth bore nozzle streams.
High wind conditions will negatively affect fog streams; the officer and nozzle person must assess conditions and deploy/adjust the stream accordingly.
137
Mid-rise basement fires may involve a combination of electrical and combustible liquids. A priority would be to shut the power down and consideration should be given to attacking the fire with ___ or \_\_\_.
pg 50
**foam lines and dry chemical extinguishers**
138
In buildings without exterior basement access, attack line deployment may require an advance down the ___ into the involved area
pg 50
**interior stairway/hallway**
139
Fires in ___ are difficult to ventilate with much efficiency or speed. This being the case, the stream for the attack must be a solid or straight stream.
pg 50
**below-grade areas**
## Footnote
Use of a fog stream in advanced fire situations may lead to burn injuries to the attack crew or the attack crew being driven out of the area.
140
When fire has taken possession of a large area in a basement completely underground, personnel may consider employing a ___ introduced from the exterior or inserting a ___ from the floor above.
pg 51
**defensive, indirect attack or cellar nozzle**
## Footnote
The door(s) between the basement and the common area(s) must be located and closed. **When using this tactic, the attack line should change to a fog stream.**
141
The objective when attacking fires that originate in an attached garage is to confine and extinguish the fire from the unburned area of the structure, secure the overhead door in the open position, and prevent extension of the fire to the living area. A ___ must also be advanced through the closest hallway connecting the garage to the building to prevent extension.
pg 51
**second hoseline**
142
One of the fastest ways to advance hoselines to above grade floors of a parking garage is to use a ___ or ___ to asecend and either lower hose down or hoist hose up with a hoist hose up with a rope.
pg 52
**portable ladder or the garage stairway**
143
When entering through an overhead exterior garage door, whatever the size, secure it in the open position to maintain the means of egress for crews. Securing may consist of:
pg 54
1. Removing power
2. Chocking open with locking pliers
3. **Bending the track (preferred)**
4. Pulling the manual release to disengage the motor
144
Fires that originate in the attic are typically caused by ___ or \_\_\_.
pg 54
**equipment located in the attic or lightning strikes**
## Footnote
Many top floor units have cathedral ceilings. These ceilings can be greater than 10 feet in height.
145
During attic-only fires, primary search and aggressive salvage operations should be considered prior to \_\_\_.
pg 55
**pulling the ceiling**
146
If the attic fire has vented through the roof, companies should get ahead of the fire, access the attic area, and place the nozzle inside the attic, using a ___ or ___ to extinguish the fire.
pg 55
**straight stream or narrow fog pattern**
147
In situations where fire is visible from the soffit area, personnel should first perform a ___ of the soffit and eave line with a hose stream.
pg 55
**quick sweep**
## Footnote
Steam conversion drawn into the attic area can help slow fire advancement before an attack on the seat of the fire.
148
In those instances where elevated master streams are required, streams should be ___ or \_\_\_, into the involved space.
pg 55
**directed through or at the top-floor level**
## Footnote
Avoid flowing streams down onto the roof, as roofs are meant to shed water. This method will not only fail to extinguish the fire, but may collapse the roof. Also, personnel in the affected area must be relocated to a safe area within the structure prior to initiating a master stream operation.
149
If a large volume of fire is encountered, it may be appropriate for the first arriving officer to ___________ immediately after life safety concerns are addressed.
pg 55
**address the most severely threatened exposures**
150
Before any water is allowed to flow from a master stream, all personnel operating in the involved area must be ___ in a safe area.
pg 55
**relocated and accounted for**
151
The three basic ventilation tactics used in mid-rise buildings include:
pg 56
**horizontal, vertical, and mechanical**
## Footnote
* Ventilation is most often accomplished horizontally via windows and balcony doors.
* Observation of smoke conditions from the attic or cockloft may indicate that early vertical ventilation will be necessary
152
The ___ and the ___ are the highest priority areas for search
pg 57
**fire unit and the unit above**
## Footnote
* Primary search of these areas takes priority over all other tasks. Other tasks may be done simultaneously as staffing allows.
* The first-arriving truck or rescue squad will report to the fire unit to conduct a primary search.
153
Initial ___ is based on the location of the fire, location of occupants in immediate danger, and the need to facilitate emergency egress for interior crews.
pg 58
**ladder placement**
154
Ladders for rescue and egress should be placed at:
1. In
2. Order
3. Of
4. Importance
pg 58
1. The fire unit.
2. The unit above the fire unit.
3. Adjacent to the fire unit.
4. Any other unit where smoke is evident.
155
Except for immediate rescue, there are two instances when bedroom windows should not be laddered first:
pg 59
1. **When fire is showing from the window, and**
2. **If the ladder would be exposed to flame impingement from below.**
## Footnote
In these cases, the balconies or living room windows will be used for laddering.
**Any ladder that is raised to a window MUST be positioned so that the tip of the ladder is NOT extended into the window opening, but is located at or just below the sill.**
156
Laddering ___ shall be done to the front and rear of all floors at and above the level of fire involvement. Priority shall be given to the side of the building in which the fire is located.
pg 59
**bedroom windows**
## Footnote
Bedrooms with windows on the front and one side, or the rear and one side, will still require ladder placement to the front and rear
157
The ___ may be used to ladder windows and/or balconies that are out of reach of ground ladders. This may take priority over laddering the roof.
pg 59
**aerial device**
158
The minimum initial alarm assignment for a mid-rise building fire consists of:
pg 60
* 4 engines
* 2 trucks
* 1 rescue squad
* 1 EMS unit
* 2 Battalion Chiefs
* 1 Command Aide
* 1 EMS Supervisor
Unless otherwise directed by the Incident Commander, companies shall position and report as follows.
159
The ___ shall:
* Position in proximity to the building so as to not block access by other apparatus.
* Determine method of water supply.
* View as much of the structure as possible. Take note of fire/ smoke location, number of floors and persons in distress.
* Bring rapid entry keys (i.e., Knox) and retrieve building keys in fire control room or other designated location.
* Check the status of elevators and HVAC systems, if present.
* Check the annunciator panel (if present) before proceeding to the reported fire floor/area to verify location and extent of the fire.
* Proceed to the fire floor and commence firefighting operations.
pg 60
**first due engine**
If the first due engine decides to use the building’s standpipe and fire protection system for fire attack, the engine should be parked out of the way and abandoned; the entire crew proceeds in together. **The officer must announce that all units will take their respective highrise assignments.**
160
The ___ shall:
* Establish water supply – driver/operator must remain with the apparatus.
* Remaining crew reports to the fire floor to assist the first engine in placing the first hoseline in service.
* Prepare to deploy a second hoseline, depending on fire conditions, only after ensuring that the initial line is in place and making progress.
pg 61
**second due engine**
## Footnote
Upon arrival, the driver shall establish water supply and stretch three inch or larger lines into the FDC. All connections, except test connections, at the FDC in use shall be supplied
161
The ___ shall:
* Position on the opposite side of the building from the first due engine. If the rear is not accessible, position apparatus at the end of the structure closest to the involved unit to allow for hoseline deployment to Side Charlie. Do not block access of incoming units.
* The officer shall report conditions from the side opposite the first engine.
* Obtain a secondary water supply. Advise Command if an additional engine will be required to complete the water supply.
* Supply the rear FDC, if present.
* Advance a hoseline to the floor above the fire, or as directed.
* For top-floor fires, personnel should be prepared for an aggressive attack on fire that has extended into the attic or cockloft.
pg 62
**third due engine**
162
The ___ shall:
* Complete a secondary water supply, if necessary.
* If the vehicle is not needed for water supply, position out of the way.
* Assume the role of RIT.
pg 63
**fourth due engine**
163
The ___ shall:
* Determine and communicate the location of the fire. If the location of the fire is not readily apparent on that floor, the truck or rescue crew should advance to determine the location, while the engine prepares the line to be stretched. At this point, the engine crew is the rescue team for the truck, if needed.
* Forcible entry on the fire unit, when the charged hoseline is in place.
* Initiating primary search in the fire unit.
* Coordinating the evacuation of the fleeing occupants.
* Removing obstructions hindering fire attack and hoseline deployment.
pg 64
**first due truck or rescue**
## Footnote
The truck or rescue squad shall open the ceiling on the fire floor to expose the plenum area, if one is present, to check for fire before the engine begins their attack. Crews should not advance under fire in this area. It must be knocked down as the attack commences.
164
The ___ shall:
* View as much of the structure as possible. Take note of fire/smoke location, number of floors, conditions evident, and persons in distress.
* Position opposite the first truck. If inaccessable, position on side alpha in front of the uncovered portion of the structure.
* Assess the need for elevated master streams.
* Take note of wind direction and strength.
* Bring rapid entry keys (i.e., Knox).
* If not yet identified, the officer should ensure that a stairway has been identified as the evacuation stairway and that it is clear of smoke.
* Communicate any previously unreported conditions.
* Proceed to the floor above the fire
pg 65
**second due truck**
165
The ___ shall:
* Deployment of a tagline from the attack stairway.
* Forcible entry on the adjacent units for primary search and possible alternative fire attack options.
* Coordinating the evacuation of occupants.
* Assessment of fire extension into the adjacent units.
* Horizontal ventilation.
* Depending on the number and type of hoselines deployed, personnel may assist in the movement and operation of hoselines.
pg 65
**first due rescue**
166
EMS Units and Command Officers do the same in a mid-rise as in a high rise.
If an EMS supervisor has responded and will not function as the command aide, he or she shall report to the Command Post in full protective clothing and SCBA as well.
