pump ops Chap 4

Question 1

What determines an ARFF airport index?

Answer 1

The length of aircraft and average number of daily departures of those aircraft.

Question 2

What is the ‘inside/outside method’ for positioning pumpers and aerials on a building less than 5 stories?

Answer 2

Attack pumper(s) on same side as building, aerial apparatus placed outside (outboard) of the pumper(s).

Question 3

What is the ‘inside/outside method’ for buildings over 5 stories?

Answer 3

Attack pumper(s) positioned outside, aerial apparatus closer to the building for maximum reach.

Question 4

Why must a pumper avoid blocking access for aerial devices?

Answer 4

Blocking access can jeopardize the incident outcome and aerial device placement is critical for reach.

Question 5

When is Level I Staging used?

Answer 5

For multi-unit responses. First-arriving units proceed, others stage 1–2 blocks away until ordered.

Question 6

What is Level II Staging?

Answer 6

Used for large-scale incidents; apparatus go to a remote location designated by Operations Section Officer.

Question 7

Why should pumpers not park under overhead utility lines?

Answer 7

It is especially dangerous during fire or severe weather as lines may fall.

Question 8

What does tandem pumping provide that standard pumping may not?

Answer 8

Higher pressures required than one pumper can supply.

Question 9

What is the preferred position of a pumper during a hazardous materials incident?

Answer 9

Well short of the scene, approaching from upwind and uphill until hazard is confirmed.

Question 10

Define ‘Hot Zone’ during hazmat incidents.

Answer 10

The area closest to the release with hazardous exposure; technician-level personnel only.

Question 11

What is the ‘Cold Zone’ during a hazmat incident?

Answer 11

Safe area with command post, staging, triage; no special PPE required.

Question 12

What’s the recommended collapse zone distance for a 20’ building?

Answer 12

At least 30 feet (1.5 times the building height).

Question 13

What is the purpose of preincident planning for collapse?

Answer 13

To identify buildings at high risk of collapse even before an incident occurs.

Question 14

What is the driver/operator’s responsibility when aerials are present?

Answer 14

Seek the best position for their pumper and avoid blocking aerial access.

Question 15

What should driver/operators consider with wind direction during positioning?

Answer 15

Position apparatus upwind of the incident to avoid exposure.

Question 16

How far should apparatus park from high-rise structures during fire?

Answer 16

At least 200 feet (60 m) to avoid falling glass and debris.

Question 17

Where should driver/operators position for structural collapse potential?

Answer 17

Outside the collapse zone; corners of the building are safest.

Question 18

What must the first-arriving driver/operator do when fire conditions are evident?

Answer 18

Place the apparatus in a safe position that offers the best tactical advantage and allows for withdrawal if necessary.

Question 19

Why should a pumper pull past the front of the building in investigation mode?

Answer 19

Allows personnel to view three sides of the building.

Question 20

Why is it important to lay supply lines in accessible areas?

Answer 20

To allow later-arriving units to access the scene without obstruction.

Question 21

When should onboard tank water be used?

Answer 21

Only after a proper size-up confirms the fire location and extent.

Question 22

What is the primary concern for the driver/operator and company officer on arrival?

Answer 22

Establishing a water supply.

Question 23

What should a driver/operator consider in limited access areas?

Answer 23

First-arriving pumper should lay its own supply line.

Question 24

What is a major benefit of positioning upwind of the incident?

Answer 24

Reduces the need for SCBA and lowers apparatus exposure risk.

Question 25

Where should apparatus be parked for wildland fires?

Answer 25

Downhill of the main fire body, as wildland fires move uphill faster.

Question 26

Why park on hard surfaces when possible?

Answer 26

To avoid ice, snow, or unstable ground which could cause apparatus instability.

Question 27

Why should you avoid soft banks at drafting sites?

Answer 27

They can collapse, injure firefighters, or tip the apparatus.

Question 28

What are structural collapse indicators?

Answer 28

Bulging walls, falling bricks, traveling cracks, ornamental stars or bolts.

Question 29

Why should apparatus be placed at corners of buildings?

Answer 29

They are considered safer if a collapse occurs.

Question 30

Why maintain a collapse zone?

Answer 30

To protect personnel and apparatus from falling debris during structural failure.

Question 31

Why must hard intake hose connected to hydrants be pressure-rated?

Answer 31

Because hard intake hose is typically not designed for positive pressure.

Question 32

Why place gate valves on hydrants?

Answer 32

Allows connection of additional hoselines without shutting down the hydrant.

Question 33

What’s the preferred hose type for hydrant connection?

Answer 33

Large diameter intake hose (LDH).

Question 34

What is the optimal distance from curb to hydrant for side intake connections?

Answer 34

A few feet short of alignment to prevent kinks and ensure proper hose twist.

Question 35

What is dual pumping?

Answer 35

A strong hydrant supplies two pumpers positioned close together.

Question 36

When is tandem pumping used?

Answer 36

When higher pressures are needed than one pumper can provide, such as high-rises.

Question 37

What is the maximum recommended spacing for tandem pumping?

Answer 37

Up to 300 feet (90 m).

Question 38

What is the risk of tandem pumping?

Answer 38

Exceeding hose pressure limits.

Question 39

What is a dry hydrant?

Answer 39

A permanent pipe installation at a static water source with a shore-side connection.

Question 40

Why are boat ramps ideal drafting locations?

Answer 40

They’re accessible, hard-surfaced, and minimize lift distance.

Question 41

What is the standard connection distance for drafting?

Answer 41

15 inches (375 mm).

Question 42

What is the purpose of preplanning draft sites?

Answer 42

Identify access points, volume, and location before emergencies.

Question 43

Why keep windows and doors closed in wildland fire apparatus?

Answer 43

To prevent heat and ember intrusion.

Question 44

Why use anchor points in wildland fire attack?

Answer 44

To reduce risk and maintain safe working zones.

Question 45

What is mop-up?

Answer 45

Extinguishing or removing burning materials after initial fire attack.

Question 46

Where should Level I staging units stop?

Answer 46

Approximately one block from the scene in their direction of travel.

Question 47

Who becomes the initial Staging Area Manager in Level II staging?

Answer 47

The Company Officer of the first unit to arrive at staging.

Question 48

What are the staging area requirements?

Answer 48

Large, secure area free of civilian traffic, like a parking lot or field.

Question 49

Where should EMS apparatus park at incidents?

Answer 49

Off the road, with space for ambulance access and lights off when possible.

Question 50

What control zone contains the decontamination corridor?

Answer 50

Warm Zone.

Question 51

What PPE is required in the Cold Zone during hazmat response?

Answer 51

None.

Question 52

Where is the apparatus placed in hazardous materials incidents?

Answer 52

Uphill, upwind, and well short of the scene until hazards are confirmed.

Question 53

What’s a safe apparatus clearance near rail tracks?

Answer 53

At least 30 feet (9 meters).

Question 54

What should be done before laying hose across railroad tracks?

Answer 54

Confirm rail traffic is halted with the railroad company.

Question 55

How should pumpers approach bridge incidents?

Answer 55

Use aerial devices or ladder for hose lays if over/underpass is inaccessible.

Question 56

Why should you not park under overhead wires?

Answer 56

They may fall during fire or storm, posing serious risks.

Question 57

Why back into position at wildland incidents?

Answer 57

So the apparatus faces the escape route.

Question 58

Why must driver/operators know local light/siren policies?

Answer 58

To comply with DOT MUTCD guidelines and coordinate safely with law enforcement.