1
Q
What does the expression apply standard actions to standard conditions for a standard outcomes describe?
A
Emergency responses should have some predictability and apply standard approaches regardless of each event’s uniqueness.
2
Q
Why should firefighters understand principles rather than rules?
A
Because applying principles allows greater flexibility.
3
Q
What should crews appreciate when it becomes necessary to violate a principle?
A
How that violation may impact the event.
4
Q
What are the NIOSH 5?
A
The five major causal factors identified by NIOSH that contribute to firefighter line-of-duty deaths and other incidents.
5
Q
What is the first NIOSH 5 factor?
A
Improper Risk Assessment.
6
Q
What is the second NIOSH 5 factor?
A
Lack of Incident Command.
7
Q
What is the third NIOSH 5 factor?
A
Lack of Accountability.
8
Q
What is the fourth NIOSH 5 factor?
A
Inadequate Communications.
9
Q
What is the fifth NIOSH 5 factor?
A
Lack of SOPs or Failure to Follow SOPs.
10
Q
What does improper risk assessment mean in the NIOSH 5 section?
A
Failure to properly assess and manage risks associated with a fire or incident can expose firefighters to hazards they are not prepared to handle.
11
Q
What 360-related practice does LVFR emphasize to address improper risk assessment?
A
Completing a 360 before committing resources.
12
Q
What tool does LVFR use for assessing and managing risk during incidents?
A
The Strategic Decision-Making Model.
13
Q
Which parts of the Strategic Decision-Making Model specifically deal with risk management?
A
Eight Critical Factors and the Risk Management Plan.
14
Q
At all LVFR incidents, when will the first-arriving unit establish Command?
A
If three or more units are assigned.
15
Q
When fewer than three units are assigned, who is still responsible for Command?
A
The first-arriving unit.
16
Q
What command upgrade does LVFR emphasize to address lack of incident command?
A
Upgrade from Mobile Command to Strategic Command as soon as possible.
17
Q
How does LVFR address accountability?
A
Through frequent CAAN reports that include PARs.
18
Q
What crew practice facilitates accountability?
A
Crews maintaining unit integrity, with captains staying with their crews and crews staying together.
19
Q
What document is referenced for accountability?
A
SNFO 01 Personnel Accountability.
20
Q
What does LVFR strive for regarding communications?
A
Clear, organized communications.
21
Q
What command function is referenced for communications?
A
Command Function 5 - Communications.
22
Q
Which SOP groups are listed as clearly outlining LVFR incident-operation procedures?
A
200 Series Fire Suppression SOPs, 400 Series Safety Procedures SOPs, 500 Series Emergency Medical Services SOPs, LVFR Truck Company Operations Manual, and the Las Vegas Fire & Rescue Strategy & Tactics Manual.
23
Q
What significant fire behavior change is noted over the past 25 years?
A
The shift from legacy to modern fuels.
24
Q
What have modern fuels challenged the fire service to recognize?
A
How these fuels have altered fire behavior.
25
On which end of the spectrum do modern structure fires tend to be more often?
The ventilation-limited end.
26
What is a ventilation-limited fire?
A fire that has plenty of fuel but is limited in size by the amount of available oxygen.
27
What occupies the available space in most ventilation-limited fires?
The products of combustion, or smoke.
28
How does ventilation affect a ventilation-limited fire?
It creates space for oxygen to reach the fire and allow it to reach its potential.
29
What firefighter-created opening must be recognized for its effect on a ventilation-limited fire?
Any ventilation opening, including openings crews make to access the fire.
30
Name one commonly understood practice for ventilation-limited fires.
Door control.
31
Name another commonly understood practice for ventilation-limited fires.
Transitional water application.
32
Name another commonly understood practice for ventilation-limited fires.
Coordinated ventilation after or in conjunction with water application.
33
What could a rogue firefighter do that might catastrophically alter a ventilation-limited fire?
Break a window or open a door, allowing oxygen into the environment.
34
What could be catastrophically altered by adding oxygen to a ventilation-limited fire?
The fire’s intensity, the flow path, and the effectiveness of the firefight.
35
Name one sign of a ventilation-limited fire.
The fire is beyond the incipient stage.
36
Name another sign of a ventilation-limited fire.
Smoke-stained windows on arrival with melted or missing window dressings.
37
Name another sign of a ventilation-limited fire.
Mid to low neutral plane.
38
Name another sign of a ventilation-limited fire.
Poor visibility.
39
Name another sign of a ventilation-limited fire.
Flames exiting outside a window or door.
40
Name another sign of a ventilation-limited fire.
Air is being drawn into the fire when a door opens.
41
Name another sign of a ventilation-limited fire.
Smoke production with no or limited flame.
42
How much water does effective fire stream application to a ventilation-limited fire require?
Substantially less water to achieve knockdown.
43
What does appropriate stream application improve for interior occupants in a ventilation-limited fire?
Survivability.
44
What does the document say about water pushing fire?
Water will not push fire.
45
What can affect fire conditions during stream application?
Air entrainment by fog patterns.
46
What nozzle types minimize the amount of air entrained into a structure?
Straight-stream or solid-stream nozzles.
47
What is a fuel-limited fire?
A fire not limited by oxygen availability.
48
What is a typical example of a fuel-limited fire?
An exterior fire.
49
What is an interior example of a fuel-limited fire?
An interior fire with readily available oxygen and an effective flow path to relieve smoke accumulation.
50
How must firefighters extinguish fuel-limited fires?
By directing large quantities of water directly to the source and saturating the fuel.
51
Why is cooling the environment less effective in a fuel-limited fire?
Because the steam will not accumulate in the space but instead follows the path of the smoke and heat, exiting the space.
52
What should recognizing a fuel-limited fire directly impact?
The amount of water needed to effect extinguishment.
53
What may recognizing a fuel-limited fire determine strategically?
Whether a defensive strategy would be more appropriate.
54
What kind of fires are defensive fires described as?
Fuel-limited fires.
55
What is a fire flow path?
The route that air, smoke, heat, and fire take in and out of a building.
56
Why does understanding fire flow paths help firefighters?
It helps them fight fires safely and effectively.
57
What do expanding fire gases seek?
Relief from the source through the path of least resistance toward a lower pressure.
58
How does a ventilation opening affect a fire?
It lowers pressure and draws the flow path.
59
What must fire crews recognize their entry door as?
A ventilation opening.
60
If the entry door remains open, what may the flow path seek?
That opening, because it offers lower pressure.
61
What should crews unable to initiate a transitional attack recognize?
Their potential to operate within a potentially volatile flow path.
62
What can wind significantly impact regarding flow path?
The potential to intensify and or alter the flow path immediately.
63
What is bi-directional movement at an opening?
When smoke and fire blow out of the upper half while air and oxygen move through the lower half.
64
What may bi-directional movement indicate?
That it may be the only available ventilation opening.
65
What is unidirectional flow at an opening?
When smoke or fire moves in one direction and occupies the entirety of the door or window.
66
What does unidirectional flow likely indicate?
That it is an exit for an efficient flow path.
67
What is the first recognized application of door control?
Limiting the amount of oxygen available to a ventilation-limited fire by keeping doors closed before making entry.
68
How can crews perform door control on arrival?
By closing any open doors or by keeping the entry door closed before making entry.
69
What does controlling the entry door allow crews to do?
Keep the fire from intensifying as they prepare to enter.
70
What second door-control practice is recognized?
Closing or controlling how much the entry door is open when fire crews enter.
71
What have NIST studies shown about a partially open door?
A partially open door rather than a fully open one will significantly reduce the opening’s effect on ventilation.
72
Why is recognizing wind common in the Las Vegas valley critical?
Because wind can immediately impact flow path and heat release rates.
73
What can windows losing integrity become in wind-driven fires?
Inlets for wind.
74
What could the firefighters’ entry door immediately become in a wind-driven fire?
An exit port.
75
What fundamentals become more critical in wind-driven fires?
Door control, transitional attacks, and fighting the fire from the windward side.
76
What must firefighters recognize about wind?
Its direction and velocity and their potential impact.
77
What are red flags?
Factors that indicate potential problems requiring immediate attention from the IC and all personnel operating within the Hot Zone.
78
Does a red flag necessarily require a strategy or IAP change?
No.
79
What must crews do with red flags?
Identify, communicate, and promptly address them.
80
What is a critical responsibility of the IC regarding red flags?
Recognizing and responding to them to ensure everyone goes home.
81
Name one red flag related to dispatch or response.
Delayed notification and delayed water application.
82
Name another red flag related to dispatch or response.
Incorrect address or dropped call.
83
Name another red flag related to water supply.
No hydrants or a dead hydrant.
84
Name another red flag related to water supply.
Pump failure.
85
Name another red flag related to hose deployment.
Kinked or ruptured hose line.
86
Name another red flag related to ventilation.
Failure to identify or coordinate the flow path.
87
Name another red flag related to ventilation.
No ventilation plan.
88
Name another red flag related to ventilation.
Lack of door control.
89
Name another red flag related to ventilation.
Indiscriminate window removal.
90
Name another red flag related to ventilation.
PPV applied without an adequate exhaust.
91
Name another red flag related to fire behavior.
Rapidly descending neutral plane.
92
Name another red flag related to wind.
Presence of strong winds.
93
Name another red flag related to structure.
Anything sagging, leaning, or bulging.
94
Name another red flag related to structure.
Direct flame impingement on lightweight construction.
95
Name another red flag related to access.
One way in, one way out.
96
Name another red flag related to building layout.
Large, complicated floor plans.
97
Name another red flag related to fire position.
Active fire below or behind firefighters.
98
Name another red flag related to progress.
An extended offensive strategy with no improvement.
99
What must ICs do with condition reports when red flags arise?
Listen critically and respond appropriately.
100
What should firefighters be familiar with in their response area before incidents?
Buildings in their response area.
101
What should firefighters conduct to become familiar with their area?
Building walk-throughs and pre-plans.
102
What should firefighters monitor each shift?
The weather.
103
What weather questions should firefighters ask each shift?
Where is the wind coming from and what are the temperatures going to be.
104
What else should firefighters be aware of each shift besides weather?
Training and public relations events.
105
Upon receiving dispatch, what must the captain ensure regarding PPE?
All crew members are in appropriate PPE, including SCBA if appropriate.
106
Upon receiving dispatch, what must the captain ensure regarding seatbelts?
All crew members are seatbelted before the apparatus moves.
107
Upon receiving dispatch, what must the captain ensure regarding radios?
The unit radio and mobile radios are on the proper tactical channel.
108
Upon receiving dispatch, what must the captain ensure regarding route?
The engineer has the best possible route to the incident.
109
Upon receiving dispatch, what must the captain do regarding status?
Place the unit en route via MCT or radio.
110
While en route, what should the captain identify regarding access?
Alternative access routes.
111
While en route, what should the captain locate regarding water supply?
The primary and secondary water supplies.
112
While en route, what staging areas should the captain identify?
Level 1 and 2 Staging Areas.
113
What should the captain review on the MCT while en route?
Aerial views, preplans, and supplements.
114
What should the captain observe while en route?
The weather, time of day, and smoke in the area.
115
What should the captain do with dispatch notes while en route?
Read them and update the crew.
116
What should the captain do if necessary while en route?
Upgrade the alarm.
117
What should the captain consider regarding responding units while en route?
Where they are coming from, their estimated response times, and intersections where routes may cross.
118
What should the captain secure while en route?
Passports.
119
What is the Point of Entry Rule of Thumb?
The safest, most effective path is the path of least resistance.
120
Any crew working in, over, or under the Hot Zone must include whom?
A captain.
121
What is the minimum crew size in, over, or under the Hot Zone?
Two personnel.
122
In many structures, what is the Alpha side?
The street side.
123
In garden-style apartments, what is the Alpha side typically?
Where the hose enters the structure.
124
If a RIT tool cache is not already established when a crew is assigned On-Deck, what must they do?
Begin establishing one.
125
What should On-Deck crews do while waiting for an assignment?
Listen to radio traffic and be prepared to deploy as RIT.
126
What does SLICE-RS direct crews to do first?
Size up all scenes, including a 360.
127
What is the second SLICE-RS action?
Locate the fire and announce the location.
128
What is the third SLICE-RS action?
Identify and control the flow path if possible.
129
What is the fourth SLICE-RS action?
Cool the heated space from a safe location.
130
What is the fifth SLICE-RS action?
Extinguish the fire and transition to the interior.
131
In SLICE-RS, what is Rescue?
An action of opportunity that may occur at any time.
132
In SLICE-RS, what is Salvage?
An action of opportunity that may occur at any time.
133
What does SLICE-RS focus on?
The initial arriving crews.
134
What should the IC consider establishing whenever a working fire is declared?
An uninterrupted water supply.
135
Why is water essential for incident priorities?
It extinguishes the fire and protects firefighters from the lethal products of combustion.
136
What five water supply factors must the IC have acute awareness of?
Required fire flows, projected producible fire flows, whether enough water is available, water supply options, and whether key tactical areas are adequately supplied.
137
How should crews lay supply lines relative to the hydrant?
Along the side of the roadway the hydrant is located on, crossing over at the fire scene if necessary.
138
When should first due companies consider laying their supply line?
When approaching the scene with any evidence of a working structure fire.
139
What should Command identify early regarding water distribution?
Key tactical positions.
140
What should crews use before distant hydrants when possible?
The hydrants closest to the fire area.
141
What is often the best option to increase flows?
Welling the hydrant.
142
What should not be used if structural failure or fire extension may jeopardize them?
Hydrants located too close to the fire building.
143
What is welling the hydrant?
Positioning an engine at the hydrant and maximizing hydrant capacity to pump a supply line to the attack engine at the fire scene.
144
Name one reason welling the hydrant is essential.
It ensures an uninterrupted water supply.
145
Name another reason welling the hydrant is essential.
It provides maximum hydrant volume when needed.
146
Name another reason welling the hydrant is essential.
It reduces forward scene congestion.
147
Name another reason welling the hydrant is essential.
It allows pumping water through the engine in the event of mechanical failure.
148
Name one condition requiring welling the hydrant.
Any defensive incident.
149
Name another condition requiring welling the hydrant.
Supplying aerial master streams.
150
Name another condition requiring welling the hydrant.
Hooking to a building system such as a sprinkler or standpipe.
151
Name another condition requiring welling the hydrant.
Any commercial structure.
152
Name another condition requiring welling the hydrant.
Whenever the initial intake is less than 50 psi.
153
Name another condition requiring welling the hydrant.
Any 5-inch lay of more than 300 feet.
154
Name another condition requiring welling the hydrant.
An elevation gain of 20 feet or more from the hydrant to the incident.
155
What will welling the hydrant not do when initial intake is less than 50 psi?
Increase pressure.
156
What can it do when intake is less than 50 psi?
Allow more gallons per minute at a lower pressure.
157
How often should an additional relay pump engine be added after the first two-engine relay?
Every 500 to 700 feet.
158
When should Command assign a water shuttle operation?
When no hydrant is within range of the scene to provide a water source.
159
What is the key to a successful water shuttle operation?
Minimizing the idle time of the water shuttling apparatus.
160
What are the three main components of a water shuttle operation?
Transfer Site, Travel Time, and Fill Site.
161
What is a Transfer Site in a water shuttle operation?
Using a tank-to-tank transfer at the scene.
162
What is Travel Time in a water shuttle operation?
The time it takes to travel between a transfer site and a fill site, and back.
163
What is a Fill Site in a water shuttle operation?
A fire hydrant away from the scene used to fill the water shuttle apparatus.
164
What strategy must the IC consider if adequate fire flows cannot be established early due to water supply issues?
A defensive strategy.
165
What is a transitional attack?
An offensive tactic of applying water from the exterior before entering the structure.
166
What should crews commonly use when making a transitional attack?
Straight streams.
167
Why are straighter streams desirable in a transitional attack?
They minimize the amount of air entrained by the stream.
168
How should the stream be applied for better cooling in a transitional attack?
To the compartment’s ceilings and walls at a steep angle.
169
How should the stream be positioned in the window?
To permit hot gases, steam, and smoke to continue exiting the opening.
170
How long should water typically be applied in a transitional attack?
About 10 seconds.
171
What might it mean if a 10-second application does not reset compartment conditions?
The application angle is wrong, the fire may not be in that immediate area, or the fire may be fuel-limited.
172
What must ventilation be coordinated with?
Fire suppression operations.
173
What can tactical ventilation help achieve when properly implemented?
Life safety, incident stabilization, and property conservation priorities.
174
What can improperly applied ventilation do?
Increase the danger to firefighters, victims, and the structure.
175
What must ventilating crews consider in the ventilation plan?
Wind direction.
176
Name one indication for horizontal ventilation.
Light, lazy smoke showing from the front door.
177
Name another indication for horizontal ventilation.
The fire is in the early stages.
178
Name another indication for horizontal ventilation.
You have limited personnel, or the fire is small.
179
Name one small fire example that may call for horizontal ventilation.
A pot on the stove with little to no extension.
180
What risk does horizontal ventilation create if not properly coordinated?
It can create a flow path that draws fire and toxic gases toward uninvolved areas or personnel.
181
What can introducing a large amount of fresh air through a horizontal opening do in a ventilation-limited fire?
Cause rapid fire growth.
182
What is one listed indication for vertical ventilation?
The fire is on an upper floor.
183
What must creating a roof exhaust opening be coordinated with?
Interior crews.
184
Name one inherent risk of vertical ventilation.
Falling through a roof compromised by fire.
185
Name another inherent risk of vertical ventilation.
Falling off a roof.
186
Name another inherent risk of vertical ventilation.
Coming into contact with power lines.
187
What is Positive Pressure Attack (PPA)?
A technique that uses fans to create controlled airflow into a structure and push smoke and heat out through designated openings before interior commitment.
188
What must be in place before opening a door and turning the fan in during PPA?
An appropriately sized exhaust opening.
189
How large should an adequate exhaust opening be for PPA according to NIST?
2 to 3 times the size of the inlet opening.
190
Before committing to the interior during PPA, how long should crews wait after turning the fan in?
Approximately 15 seconds.
191
When should crews avoid PPA?
If crews are already committed to the interior.
192
What should be considered instead of PPA when crews are already interior?
PPV after water is on the fire.
193
Name one sign of ineffective PPA ventilation.
Smoke is overcoming your inlet.
194
Name another sign of ineffective PPA ventilation.
No indication of an established flow path.
195
Name another sign of ineffective PPA ventilation.
Rapid increase in the intensity of heat or fire.
196
What is PPV?
Positive Pressure Ventilation that occurs after water application.
197
When does PPV typically occur?
After the fire’s extinguishment.
198
When ventilating with PPV after extinguishment, what do current practices typically involve?
Opening all possible flow paths completely.
199
If there is no smoke in a particular room during PPV, what should crews consider?
Leaving that room isolated.
200
Why leave unaffected rooms isolated during PPV?
To prevent smoke damage to items that were unaffected before operations.
201
What is vertical ventilation?
Creating roof openings to allow heat, smoke, and toxic gases to escape.
202
How does vertical ventilation affect a ventilation-limited fire?
It provides a more efficient flow path and releases smoke, giving the fire more oxygen to reach its potential.
203
How does LVFR define coordinated vertical ventilation?
As occurring immediately before or after water application.
204
Why does LVFR define coordinated vertical ventilation this way?
To avoid negatively affecting the event.
205
What is vent-point ignition?
Smoke exiting a roof opening and immediately igniting.
206
What does vent-point ignition remind crews to think of smoke as?
Fuel.
207
When does LVFR not recommend vertical ventilation in attic space?
When there is a fully developed fire in an attic space of lightweight construction.
208
What is hydraulic ventilation?
Using a fog nozzle wide enough to fill an exhaust opening to entrain air and remove smoke and heat.
209
When is the optimal time to use hydraulic ventilation?
Immediately after knocking down the fire within a compartment.
210
What is natural ventilation?
Opening doors and windows to take advantage of natural wind currents.
211
When can natural ventilation be effective?
During periods of high winds when wind might overcome positive-pressure ventilation.
212
When do firefighters typically use natural ventilation?
After Knockdown is declared.
213
What should crews open rather than break whenever possible during natural ventilation?
Windows.
214
Why open windows rather than break them when possible?
To maintain control of the flow path.
215
What classification does OSHA give firefighting?
An ultra-dangerous profession.
216
What safety measure focuses on rescuing a downed firefighter?
Rapid Intervention Team, or RIT.
217
What assignment may be combined with On-Deck?
RIT.
218
What is 2-In 2-Out?
The first and lowest level of protection for a single crew operating in an IDLH atmosphere.
219
How can an initial captain meet the 2-In 2-Out requirement?
By conducting fire attack with one firefighter while the other firefighter and engineer remain outside.
220
What does the 2-Out Standby Team continuously monitor?
The number and identities of firefighters in the hazardous area and their locations, roles, and times of entry.
221
What must the firefighter on the Standby Team wear?
Full turnout gear with an SCBA.
222
How should the engineer keep their PPE and SCBA?
Readily accessible, not stored in a bag or compartment.
223
What are the two acceptable reasons to deviate from 2-In 2-Out?
A known victim and an incipient stage fire.
224
What will the 2-Out Standby Team become for communications?
The Engine XX crew.
225
If the 2-Out crew deploys for firefighter rescue, what do they become?
IRIT.
226
What is IRIT?
The second level of protection for crews operating in an IDLH.
227
What may the IC assign a Rescue crew to do during initial phases?
Serve the IRIT function.
228
What is the aim of IRIT?
To track resources in the IDLH, monitor changing conditions, and be prepared to initiate rescue of a distressed firefighter.
229
What may IRIT crews do outside the IDLH if it does not distract them?
Single-function tasks such as securing utilities or performing recon.
230
Where should IRIT position itself once the Personnel in the Structure benchmark is transmitted?
At or near the entry point.
231
When shall Command upgrade to a full RIT?
As soon as a company is available from the first alarm.
232
What is RIT?
The highest level of protection for crews operating in an IDLH.
233
How many people make up a full RIT crew?
Four.
234
What should one RIT member be assigned to?
The Entry Attendant position.
235
What should On-Deck and RIT crews create?
A RIT cache with necessary tools and equipment.
236
What should RIT do to prepare the building for rescue?
Create additional egress routes and soften the building.
237
What must be controlled when softening the building for RIT?
Any openings created.
238
What must Command assign from the first alarm?
An entire RIT team.
239
If RIT is activated, what should the IC consider assigning?
A command officer as the RIT Group Supervisor and two additional RIT crews.
240
What is checking for extension?
Actively searching for areas where a fire may have spread into concealed spaces within a building.
241
When does checking for extension usually happen?
Immediately after the Knockdown offensive priority.
242
How many sides of the fire compartment are checked for extension?
All seven sides.
243
What does checking for extension verify?
That the Fire Control benchmark has been achieved.
244
What should happen after verifying Fire Control before significant overhaul?
Preserve evidence for investigators.
245
What is overhaul?
The broader process of completely extinguishing remaining pockets of fire by opening walls, ceilings, and other areas, including checking for extension.
246
When does overhaul happen?
After the Fire Control benchmark.
247
Before significant overhaul operations, what should crews ensure?
That investigators have finished their work.
248
What should crews also do before major overhaul?
Salvage the building’s contents.
249
What is one typical reason an attic fire starts?
An exterior fire spreading into the attic space.
250
What is another typical reason an attic fire starts?
A room-and-contents fire that extended into the attic space.
251
What is another typical reason an attic fire starts?
A fire originating in the attic, often caused by an electrical malfunction.
252
What are typical indicators of an attic fire on arrival?
Caramelized smoke from the roof, attic vents, and gable vents, often with clear interior conditions.
253
If an attic fire started outside and extended into the attic, where should the initial attack be directed?
Toward the area where the fire entered the attic.
254
What should crews do for a room-and-contents fire that extended into the attic?
Knock down the room fire and make minimal openings into the attic to check for extension.
255
If the attic fire is ventilation-limited, what should crews maintain?
Limited openings and utilize compartmentation.
256
What is the typical process when a fire starts in the attic?
Locate the heat signature with a TIC, make a hole just large enough for the nozzle, put the nozzle on a fog pattern into the attic, recheck with the TIC, then coordinate with the truck crew on the roof after knockdown.
257
What should the interior crew deploy before pulling ceiling in an attic fire?
Salvage covers.
258
What should the interior crew pull only in appropriate locations during attic overhaul?
The ceiling.
259
What should salvage operations emphasize during attic fires when feasible?
Deploying salvage covers before pulling the ceiling.
260
What exterior fire-attack access points are common for attic fires?
Gable vents and eaves through bird blocks.
261
What may be a good tool to consider for attic fires?
Piercing nozzles.
262
What should crews recognize about PPV in attic fires?
Its potential to feed oxygen to a concealed-space fire.
263
Why are basement fires sometimes challenging to recognize immediately?
They often appear to be first-floor fires.
264
What should crews always do when a basement fire is suspected?
Sound the first floor to confirm structural integrity.
265
Why are basement fires particularly dangerous to the first floor?
They may directly impinge on floor joists and cause the first floor to collapse without warning.
266
What primary tactic should be considered for basement fires?
Breaking a basement window and directing a straight stream into the basement to reset the fire.
267
If attacking through a basement window is not an option, what alternative should be considered?
A piercing nozzle or creating an opening in the first floor to direct hose streams onto the seat of the fire.
268
Why is ventilation of basement fires complicated?
Because smoke and heat naturally rise through the stairwell to the main floor.
269
Once the first floor is safe to operate on, what may crews do with the basement door?
Close it to limit the spread of smoke and fire to the main occupancy.
270
What kind of fire does closing the basement door create?
A vent-limited fire in the basement.
271
What should not be attempted in high heat and low visibility at a basement fire?
Descending a stairwell to attack the basement fire.
272
What should be the priority in basement fire attack?
Apply water through exterior openings or a safe location.
273
What rarely used tactic may improve stairwell conditions at a basement fire?
Opening the floor with a chainsaw on the opposite side of the structure from the stairwell.
274
How should PPV be applied at a basement fire?
At the attack crew’s entry point.
275
How should the exhaust opening compare to the basement doorway in PPV?
It should be larger than the doorway leading to the basement.
276
Name one exterior feature that may indicate a basement or cellar.
Stairs leading up to the front door.
277
Name another exterior feature that may indicate a basement or cellar.
Window wells.
278
Name another exterior feature that may indicate a basement or cellar.
Lookout windows.
279
Name another exterior feature that may indicate a basement or cellar.
A walkout on the Charlie side.
280
How may concealed-space fire smoke differ from attic-fire smoke?
It may appear slightly scrubbed or lighter in color and less pressurized.
281
What should crews suspect if a supposed attic fire is more difficult to extinguish than expected?
A concealed-space fire.
282
What tool can be valuable in locating a concealed-space fire?
A thermal imaging camera.
283
What should crews check during overhaul of concealed-space fires?
Concealed spaces where the fire may have extended.
284
What is the usual path of extension from a garage to the residence?
The interior door between the garage and the residence.
285
What should be a high priority in garage fires regarding the interior door?
Ensuring it is closed and intact.
286
In resource-poor situations, what should the first-arriving engine consider at a garage fire?
Applying water from the exterior while simultaneously conducting a primary life search and confirming the integrity of the interior garage door.
287
If the garage door is intact and the fire appears ventilation-limited, what should be the priority?
A small opening to apply water.
288
What opening cut is recommended before fully opening a garage door?
A small triangular cut that fits a nozzle.
289
If the garage door is open or has already failed, what should crews consider?
Multiple hand lines or a large-diameter hand line.
290
How should firefighters approach a garage when an EV is known to be inside on fire?
From a 45-degree angle, not directly in front of the garage door.
291
When an EV fire is known or suspected in a garage, what should Command strongly consider?
A deck gun attack.
292
Name one key indicator of potential lithium-ion involvement.
An acrid, sharp, or pungent odor.
293
Name another key indicator of potential lithium-ion involvement.
Horizontal flame spread with jet-like intensity.
294
Name another key indicator of potential lithium-ion involvement.
Hissing, popping, or crackling noises.
295
Name another key indicator of potential lithium-ion involvement.
Solar panels on the roof or exterior-mounted inverters.
296
What should second-in units ensure at a garage fire?
That the man-door to the garage is closed, check for extension, and provide a primary life search.
297
Where should crews also check for extension from the garage?
The attic space above the interior door to the garage.
298
Why does LVFR seldom use vertical ventilation over garages?
Because the garage door usually provides a large opening for smoke and heat to exit, and roof stability can be compromised.
299
What unique hazard do lithium-ion battery fires create?
Highly toxic gases such as Hydrogen Fluoride.
300
Do turnouts protect firefighters from Hydrogen Fluoride?
No.
301
How should crews suppress vapors at lithium-ion battery fires?
With a fog pattern from a distance.
302
What runoff concern is created when water converts Hydrogen Fluoride gas?
It creates highly toxic Hydrofluoric Acid solution that must be diverted away from personnel and prevented from entering the sewer system.
303
If an EV is involved in a fire, what may crews consider for underside water application?
Tilting the vehicle.
304
What is not recommended with an EV battery?
Forcing access into the high-voltage battery.
305
How long should post-fire observation last after an EV fire?
At least 45 minutes.
306
How should an EV be moved after a fire?
On a flat-bed tow truck.
307
How far away should the tow company place the vehicle from yard exposures?
50 feet.
308
What should be done after lithium-ion battery fires regarding decon?
Perform thorough PPE and personal decontamination procedures.
309
What does RIT stand for in tactical standard-based orders?
Rapid Intervention Teams.
310
What do OSHA regulations and NFPA 1550 require whenever crews are in the Hot Zone?
A RIT to remain on standby.
311
What does SNFO 03 Rapid Intervention require regarding first alarm?
A full RIT assigned from the first alarm.
312
What is one tactical responsibility of RIT?
Maintain overall awareness of critical incident factors and the location and function of all Hot Zone units.
313
If deployed for firefighter rescue, what should RIT immediately request?
Two units for RIT 2 and RIT 3 and a command officer to serve as RIT Group Supervisor.
314
Name one RIT task.
Establish a tool cache.
315
Name another RIT task.
Soften the building.
316
Name another RIT task.
Force locked doors.
317
Name another RIT task.
Cut bars.
318
Name another RIT task.
Control any opening created.
319
Name another RIT task.
Control utilities if not already done.
320
Name another RIT task.
Perform a 360 for the crew’s recon.
321
Name another RIT task.
Ladder the second story and a secondary ladder to the roof if vertical ventilation is happening.
322
Name another RIT task.
Maintain awareness of crews operating in the hazard area, their locations, functions, line assignment, and time of entry.
323
Name another RIT task.
Have a hose line pulled to use if deployed to rescue a firefighter.
324
Name one RIT tool.
RIT bag.
325
Name another RIT tool.
RIT rope bag with Entry Attendant Pouch.
326
Name another RIT tool.
Chain saw.
327
Name another RIT tool.
Circular saw.
328
Name another RIT tool.
TIC.
329
What information might RIT communicate to Command?
Utilities secured, downed firefighter located and condition, downed firefighter packaged, and downed firefighter removed from the structure.
330
What is EMS Group used for on fires?
To maintain a reasonable span of control and organize EMS functions under a single supervisor.
331
Who is the ideal candidate to handle EMS Group?
EMS1.
332
What functions can the IC assign to EMS Group?
Fire Medical, EMS, Rehabilitation, and Firefighter Decon.
333
What should the EMS Group supervisor ensure before firefighters enter Rehab?
That crews grossly decontaminate all firefighters.
334
What must EMS Group ensure regarding patients?
Treatment and transport of all patients when necessary.
335
What must EMS Group ensure regarding Fire Medical?
That a rescue is available.
336
What must EMS Group determine for displaced victims?
American Red Cross needs for temporary housing, including number and gender of adults and children, number and type of pets, and contact phone number.
337
What is one listed EMS Group tool?
CyanoKit.
338
What benchmark is listed for EMS Group?
DECON Established.
339
What is Fire Attack expected to do?
Extend a hose line into the structure to support the primary search, extinguish the fire, and check for extension.
340
Before making entry for fire attack, what should be considered?
A transitional attack.
341
During advance, what should the Fire Attack crew search for?
Life and fire.
342
After extinguishing the fire, where should Fire Attack perform a Primary Search?
In its area of origin.
343
After initial knockdown, what should Fire Attack aggressively check?
The immediate fire area for extension.
344
In defensive fire conditions, what is the first Fire Attack priority?
Apply a large volume of water to the main body of the fire.
345
What is a Blitz Attack?
Applying a large volume of water with a deck gun, ground monitor, or large-diameter handlines.
346
What is critical when flowing large volumes of water?
Quickly securing a water supply.
347
What are the Fire Attack tasks?
Perform a 360, pull a line and extinguish the fire, check for extension, and perform a Primary Search in the area of origin.
348
What benchmark is listed for Fire Attack?
Water on the Fire.
349
What offensive priorities are listed for Fire Attack?
Knockdown and Personnel in the Structure.
350
What should crews do if there is an apparent working fire regarding water supply?
Establish an adequate, uninterrupted water supply.
351
What Water Supply tasks are listed?
Flush the hydrant, connect hoses to the hydrant and engine intakes, open the hydrant when the engineer is ready, and place cones or flares to warn drivers.
352
What information should Water Supply communicate to Command?
Water Supply Established.
353
What are the Ventilation tasks?
Check the flow path, perform a 360, create an exhaust opening, coordinate with crews assigned for fire attack, ventilate, and systematically ensure ventilation is complete.
354
What benchmark is listed for Ventilation?
None.
355
What offensive priorities are listed for Ventilation?
Ventilation in Place and Personnel in the Structure if applicable.
356
What information should Ventilation communicate to Command?
Roof Report.
357
What is a Primary Search?
A rapid search while smoke and fire conditions remain active.
358
What should a search crew consider doing when it encounters a closed door?
Open it to enter and quickly close it behind them to maintain a more tenable environment.
359
Where are adult victims often found during searches?
Bedrooms, hallways, and living rooms.
360
Where may children try to hide from the fire?
Under beds or in closets.
361
What is VEIS?
Vent, Enter, Isolate, Search.
362
What is priority-based search?
The standard order the IC uses to prioritize and manage searches in the Hot Zone.
363
What is the first priority in priority-based search?
The most endangered.
364
What is the second priority in priority-based search?
The largest group.
365
What is the third priority in priority-based search?
The remainder of the structure.
366
What is the fourth priority in priority-based search?
The exposures.
367
What tactic may be more effective than removal in larger compartmentalized residential structures?
Shelter in place.
368
What should Command do when a search crew finds and removes victims?
Assign another company to finish the interior search started by that company.
369
What should the IC strongly consider for patients with significant smoke inhalation or burns?
A rescue and a four-person ALS crew.
370
Who should perform the Secondary Search?
A different crew.
371
What are the Search tasks?
Systematically search the entire structure, notify Command of the specific entry point and any victims located, and remove the victims.
372
What benchmarks are listed for Search?
Primary All Clear and Secondary All Clear.
373
What offensive priorities are listed for Search?
Personnel in the Structure and Search.
374
What is VEIS used for?
Locating and rescuing victims when traditional search methods are not feasible or efficient.
375
What are VEIS tasks?
Search a specific room or rooms with confirmation of a victim or high probability of survival, notify Command of the entry point and any victims, and remove the victims.
376
What is On-Deck?
A forward staging position located just outside the Hot Zone and safely distanced from the entrance of a tactical position or Division.
377
Once assigned On-Deck, what must a crew prepare to serve as?
A Rapid Intervention Team until assigned to the Hot Zone or a formal RIT is established.
378
How does the on-deck deployment model help the IC?
It helps manage Hot Zone unit work and rest cycles and air supplies.
379
What are On-Deck tasks?
Begin establishing a RIT cache if needed, secure utilities when readily accessible, position near the entry point in a safe location, meet face-to-face with the crew being relieved, maintain awareness of crews in the hazard area, and have a hose line pulled if deployed as RIT.
380
What information should On-Deck communicate to Command?
Utilities secure.
381
What is the primary responsibility of Backup?
Protecting the unit advancing for fire attack.
382
What does protecting the fire attack crew include?
Protecting egress, including stairwells and hallways.
383
In larger structures, where should the backup line be positioned?
Approximately two-thirds of the way between the point of entry and the attack nozzle.
384
What must the backup line be compared with the primary attack line?
The same length or larger.
385
What should the Backup crew do if conditions begin to deteriorate behind the attack crew?
Notify the unit performing fire attack.
386
What are Exposures assignments used for?
Protecting adjacent property and preventing fire spread.
387
What should crews do if the exposure ignites?
Extinguish the exterior and enter to ensure the fire has not extended into the interior in coordination with Command.
388
What should Exposures consider securing?
A secondary water supply.
389
What is Check for Extension typically used for in apartment and strip mall fires?
Checking adjacent compartments.
390
What should crews remember to check when assigned to Check for Extension?
The remaining six sides of the fire compartment, including concealed spaces above, below, and on all horizontal sides.
391
What should Check for Extension crews bring with them?
A hose line.
392
What should Check for Extension crews do with civilians in the compartment?
Evacuate them.
393
What should Check for Extension crews use to locate hot spots?
TIC and touch.
394
When time permits during Check for Extension, what should crews do before opening ceilings or walls?
Salvage.
Strategy and Tactics
flashcards
Decks in class (14)
# Cards
