How is a vacant building defined under FFP, and what must members determine during size-up?
A vacant building is completely unoccupied where the owner has abandoned maintenance. These buildings are often open, unguarded, lack utilities, and are unsafe. Members must determine whether the building is occupied and assess its current condition and degree of maintenance during size-up.
FFP – Vacant Buildings 2.1
What symbol is used to mark a vacant building?
A vacant building is marked with a square containing an “X” to identify increased hazards and limited life hazard.
FFP – Vacant Buildings 3.1
What are the size, color, and placement requirements for vacant building markings?
Markings must be spray-painted with fluorescent paint, approximately 18” x 18”, with 2” wide lines. They are placed alongside the front entrance, in line with the area directly over the entrance, high enough for visibility. Sealed doors or windows must not be marked.
FFP – Vacant Buildings 3.1
Where are “RO” and “FO” markings placed on a vacant building marking, and what do they indicate? Mm
“RO” (Roof Open) is placed directly over the marking when the roof has already been opened. “FO” (Floor Openings) is placed directly under the marking when floor openings exist that may endanger members.
FFP – Vacant Buildings 3.1
After a vacant building is marked, what administrative actions are required?
The supervising officer must notify the administrative company. Vacant buildings must be entered into eCIDS noting vacancy and hazards. Memos are forwarded to units and command, and DOB referral reports are submitted when appropriate.
FFP – Vacant Buildings 3.1
Why is member safety considered the highest priority during risk assessment at vacant building fires?
Member safety is the highest priority because vacant buildings are less likely to contain occupants, and firefighters often represent the only life hazard at the scene, requiring a more risk-averse strategy.
FFP – Vacant Buildings 4.1
What is the most important concern during the size-up process at a vacant.
Protection of life
- A known life hazard must be addressd within the limits of safety.
Vacants: 4.1
What visible building features may indicate structural instability during size-up at a vacant building?
Indicators include sagging floors, doors or windows out of line, diagonal plaster cracks, cracks between walls and ceilings, beams pulling from bearing walls, bowed ceilings, cracked or bulging exterior walls, loose or missing bricks, and cracked lintels.
FFP – Vacant Buildings 4.2.1
Why are signs of previous fires a significant concern during size-up of a vacant building?
Previous fires may have compromised structural members, as evidenced by charred or blackened components, conical soot stains, overhaul debris, and burned or missing floors, roofs, partitions, or stairs.
FFP – Vacant Buildings 4.2.1
How do sealed and unsealed vacant buildings each increase operational risk during fire operations?
Unsealed buildings are more structurally unstable due to weather exposure and vandal access and have a higher probability of fire extension, while sealed buildings restrict firefighter egress, making search operations extremely dangerous; both conditions significantly increase risk.
FFP – Vacant Buildings 4.2.1
At a vacant building fire, what indicators may suggest the presence of occupants inside the structure?
• Lights in windows
• Curtains, window shades, plants, or window gates
• Electric extension wires supplying the building
• Open doors or windows
• Signs of forced entry in a sealed building.
Vacant 4.2 #4
Why must members continue to consider life hazards at vacant building fires despite NFIRS data showing a low probability of occupancy?
Because vacant buildings may still contain transient occupants such as homeless individuals, vandals, workers, or children, and some people may be squatting in buildings that appear vacant.
Where should a Tower Ladder be positioned at a vacant building fire and why?
In front of the fire building due to the increased likelihood of an exterior attack.
Vacants 4.2 #6
Why may an Engine Company be positioned close to a vacant fire building?
To operate the DECK PIPE for an EXTERIOR attack, while remaining outside the collapse zone.
Vacants 4.2 #6
At vacant building fires, what factor most often becomes the primary concern?
Exposed, occupied buildings or occupancies, based on life hazard or amount of property exposed.
Vacants 4.2 #9
Why are sprinklers and standpipes frequently unreliable in vacant buildings?
Due to lack of maintenance, illegal removal of components, system damage, or water supply shutdown.
Vacants 4.2 #10
When do vacant residential fires most commonly occur, and why is this dangerous?
Late night to early morning (10 p.m. – 2 a.m.), leading to delayed discovery and advanced fire conditions.
Vacants 4.2 #12
Why is arson often more dangerous in vacant buildings than occupied buildings?
Fires may be set on multiple floors, ignited on lower floors, or placed to limit access and endanger members.
Vacants 4.3
Why do marble stairways pose a serious collapse hazard in vacant buildings?
They may be cracked, heat-damaged, or supported only by deteriorated angle iron that can fail under load.
Vacants 4.4 #1
