Chapter 9 Defensive Operations

Question 1

When is an offensive fire attack the preferred strategy?

Answer 1

Whenever conditions and resources permit.

Question 2

A defensive decision limits operations to the exterior, generally resulting in a larger property loss, and limiting rescue options.

Question 3

What is the basis for an offensive/defensive decision?

Answer 3

1. Staffing available to conduct an interior attack
2. water supply
3. Ventilation
4. (Most important) a risk-verses-benefits analysis

Question 4

Rate of flow formulas do not apply to what?

Answer 4

Defensive operations

Question 5

Changing from an offensive to defensive attack is a potentially hazardous time for several reasons, including:

Answer 5

1. The defensive attack should be delayed until the building is completely cleared of FFs
2. A PAR be conducted prior to commencing the defensive attack.
3. Fire companies must be reassigned to defensive operational tasks / Firm command and control of the operation is essential during this critical transition.
4. Master streams

Question 6

Typically, defensive attacks are conducted in the following situations:

Answer 6

1. Structural integrity concerns, fire conditions, or other hazards prohibit entry.
2. Resources needs outweigh resource capability
3. A risk-verses-benefits analysis indicates that the risk is too great compared to what can be saved

Question 7

What is the first consideration in placing exterior streams?

Answer 7

Safety

Question 8

What is the second consideration in placing exterior streams?

Answer 8

The ability to apply water to exposures and to the interior of the building

Question 9

In an urban setting, define conflagration.

Answer 9

When a fire spreads from building to building over a considerable distance, beyond a natural or artificial barrier.

Question 10

What is the difference between a conflagration and a group fire?

Answer 10

A group fire is confined within a complex or among adjacent buildings (city block of origin)

Question 11

Some common contributing factors to conflagrations:

Answer 11

1. Closely built structures, especially combustible structures
2. Wood shingle roofs
3. Poor water supplies or fire suppression weaknesses (automatic or manual)
4. Dilapidated structures, especially abandoned buildings in large numbers
5. Large-scale combustible constriction or demolition projects
6. Residential and/or commercial developments near wildlands
7. Built-up areas near high-hazard locations, where a transportation or industrial fire/explosion could quickly involve large numbers of buildings

Question 12

The six tactical elements of a successful conflagration strategy are:

Answer 12

1. Evacuation and rescue people in imminent danger
2. Evacuate and rescue people in the endangered area to beyond the secondary line of defense
3. Set up a line of defense in an area with natural or artificial fire breaks
4. Establish a secondary line of defense
5. Narrow the flame front
6. Provide flying brand patrols beyond the line of defense

Question 13

When Inadequate resources, collapse probability, or fire volume makes a direct attack on the fire ineffective, applying water directly__________________ is the best tactic.

Answer 13

on the exposed structures

Question 14

Any tactic that hinders the upward and outward movement of heat and smoke is usually

Answer 14

Detrimental to the operation

Question 15

Conflagrations: Once the flame front widens, _________ is the primary means of fire extension from building to building and from groups of buildings to other groups of buildings.

Answer 15

radiant heat

Question 16

If the fire is extending along a wide radiant flame front, the primary tactics are:

Answer 16

Narrowing the flame front and setting up primary and secondary lines of defense while protecting exposures.