Piercing Nozzle Utilization

Question 1

Piercing nozzles are not intended to be used as the sole method of water application in firefighting, but are integrated with other offensive or defensive firefighting tactics, depending on the circumstances. Consider the use of piercing nozzles a ……. tool.

Answer 1

fire control (not extinguishment)

Question 2

Attic Fires: piercing nozzles provide several options for dealing with attic fires.

As an alternative to working from the roof Attack piercing nozzles may also be used through the….. (existing or drilled openings) or from the ….. of the roof.

Answer 2

eaves

gable ends

Question 3

Piercing Nozzles may also be used defensively to develop a….. to uninvolved areas of a larger attic space. In this application, multiple piercing nozzles are placed to produce a dense barrier of water fog to serve as a fire break. Note that this may not be an absolute barrier and should be supported by interior handlines to check for extension.

Answer 3

barrier to fire spread

Question 4

Piercing Nozzles may also be used defensively to develop a barrier to fire spread to uninvolved areas of a larger attic space. In this application, ….. are placed to produce a dense barrier of water fog to serve as a fire break. Note that this may not be an absolute barrier and should be supported by interior handlines to check for extension.

Answer 4

multiple piercing nozzles

Question 5

Fires in Void Spaces: piercing nozzles provide an effective tactic for controlling fires in void spaces. In this application, piercing nozzles may be inserted into the void space from the ….. However, if used on the interior, crews placing the piercing nozzles(s) must be protected by a standard handline.

Answer 5

exterior or interior.

Question 6

Fires in Void Spaces: piercing nozzles provide an effective tactic for controlling fires in void spaces. In this application, piercing nozzles may be inserted into the void space from the exterior or interior. However, if used on the interior, crews placing the piercing nozzles(s) must be …..

Answer 6

protected by a standard handline.

Question 7

Unvented Compartment Fires: When a compartment fire has self-vented, a ….. may be the fastest way to reduce the heat release rate (HRR). In other cases, it may be faster to directly initiate an interior attack. However, when staffing is limited and there is no known imminent threat to live (i.e., reported or visible occupants), operation from the exterior may be the only acceptable option. Under these circumstances, firefighters may be presented with a challenging decision. If water cannot be applied into the fire compartment from a door, do they break a window to allow exterior application of water? Breaking a window provides access for water application, but also increases ventilation. In addition, unlike a door which may be closed after water application, a window cannot be unbroken and the increased ventilation may allow fire growth in areas beyond the reach of the stream applied through the window.

Answer 7

brief application of water from the exterior

Question 8

Unvented Compartment Fires: When a compartment fire has self-vented, a brief application of water from the exterior may be the fastest way to reduce the heat release rate (HRR). In other cases, it may be faster to directly initiate an interior attack. However, when …… (i.e., reported or visible occupants), operation from the exterior may be the only acceptable option. Under these circumstances, firefighters may be presented with a challenging decision. If water cannot be applied into the fire compartment from a door, do they break a window to allow exterior application of water? Breaking a window provides access for water application, but also increases ventilation. In addition, unlike a door which may be closed after water application, a window cannot be unbroken and the increased ventilation may allow fire growth in areas beyond the reach of the stream applied through the window.

Answer 8

staffing is limited and there is no known imminent threat to live

Question 9

Use of a piercing nozzle allows firefighters to introduce water into the fire compartment without……. In this case the piercing nozzle would be inserted through the exterior wall or window frame into the fire compartment. If multiple compartments are involved, multiple piercing nozzles may be required or the initial piercing fog may be move from one location to another.

Answer 9

increasing ventilation

Question 10

Use of a piercing nozzle allows firefighters to introduce water into the fire compartment without increasing ventilation. In this case the piercing nozzle would be inserted through the exterior wall or window frame into the fire compartment. If multiple compartments are involved, ….. may be required or the initial piercing fog may be move from one location to another.

Answer 10

multiple piercing nozzles