Structural Fire Fighting: Initial Response Strategy and Tactics

glue laminated beam

(1)Wooden structural member composed of many relatively short pieces of lumber glued and laminated together under pressure to form long extremely strong beam.(2) Term used to describe wood members produced by joining small, flat strips of wood together with glue.

Combustion

A chemical process of oxidation that occurs at a rate fast enough to produce heat and usually light in the form of either a glow or flame.

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Colorless, odorless, dangerous gas (both toxic and flammable) formed by the incomplete combustion of carbon. It combines more than 200 times as quickly with hemoglobin as oxygen, thus decreases the blood's ability to carry oxygen.

carbon dioxide (CO2)

Colorless, odorless, heavier than air gas that neither supports combustion nor burns; used in portable fire extinguishers as an extinguishing agent to extinguish Class B or C fires by smothering or displacing the oxygen. CO2 is the waste product of aerobic metabolism.

Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN)

Colorless, toxic, and flammable liquid until it reaches 79 degrees Fahrenheit. Above that temperature, it becomes a gas with a faint odor similar to bitter almonds; produced by the combustion of nitrogen-bearing substances.

Free radical

Electrically charged, highly reactive parts of molecules released during combustion reactions.

pilot gauge

Instrument that is inserted into a flowing fluid (such as a stream of water) to measure the velocity pressure of the stream; commonly used to measure flow; functions by converting the velocity energy to pressure energy that can then be measured by the pressure gauge. The gauge reads in units if pounds per square inch (psi) or kilopascals (kPa).

Miscible

Materials that are capable of being mixed in all proportions.

ignition source

Mechanism or initial energy source employed to initiate combustion, such as a spark that provides a means for the initiation of self sustained combustion.

defense strategy

Overall plan for incident control established by the incident commander that involves protection of exposures, as opposed to aggressive, offensive intervention.

hydrocarbon fuel

Petroleum-based organic compound that contains only hydrogen and carbon; may also be used to describe those materials in a fuel load which were created using hydrocarbons such as plastics or synthetic fabrics.

kinetic energy

the energy an object has due to its motion

Horizontal Smoke Spread

Tendency of heat, smoke, and other products of combustion to rise until they encounter a horizontal obstruction. At this point they will spread laterally (ceiling jet) until they encounter vertical obstructions and begin to bank downward (hot gas layer development)

Heat Release Rate

Total amount of heat released per unit time. The heat release rate is typically sky measured in kilowatts (kW) or megawatts (MW) of output.

heat of combustion

Total amount of thermal energy (heat) that could be generated by the combustion (oxidation) reaction if a fuel were completely burned. The heat of combustion is measured in Kilojoules per gram (kl/g) or megajoules per kilogram (Ml/kg).

Crew Resource Management (CRM)

Training procedures intended to improve communications, leadership, and decision making to reduce human error.

Convection

Transfer of heat by the movement of heated fluids or gases, usually in an upward directions.

endothermic reaction

a chemical reaction in which a substance absorbs heat

heat

a form of energy associated with the motion of atoms or molecules in solids or liquids that is transferred from one body to another as a result of a temperature difference between the bodies, such as from the sunrise the earth. To signify its intensity, it is measured in degrees of temperature.

Flow Path

(1) The space between at least one intake and one exhaust outlet. The difference in pressure determines the direction of the flow of gases through this space. Heat and smoke in a high pressure area will flow toward areas of lower pressure. (2) composed of at least one intake opening, one exhaust opening, and the connecting volume between the openings. The difference in pressure determines the direction of the flow. Heat and smoke in a high pressure area will flow toward areas of lower pressure.

Direct Attack

(1) in structural fire fighting, an attack method that involves the discharge of water or a foam steam directly onto the burning fuel

Offensive Strategy

(1) in wildlife fire fighting, a direct attack on the fire perimeter by crews, engines, or aircraft, or an aggressive indirect attack such as backfiring. (2) overall plan fir incident control established by the incident commander (IC) in which responders take aggressive, direct action on the material, container, or process equipment involved in an incident.

Means of egress

(1) safe, continuous path of travel from any point in a structure to a public way. (2) A continuous and unobstructed route of exit from any point in a building to a public way.

Exposure Fire

A fire ignited in fuel packages or buildings that are remote from the initial fuel package or building or origin

fuel

A material that will maintain combustion under specified environmental conditions.

fire

A rapid oxidation process, which is a gas phase chemical reaction resulting in the evolution of light and heat in varying intensities

Flashover

A rapid transition from the growth stage to the fully developed stage.

Personnel Accountability Report (PAR)

A roll call of all units (crews, teams, groups, companies, sectors) assigned to an incident. Usually by radio, the supervisor of each unit reports the status of the personnel within the unit at that time. A PAR may be required by SOP at specific intervals during an incident, or may be requested at any time by the IC or the ISO.

Oriented Strand Board (OSB)

A wooden structural panel formed by gluing and compressing wood strands together under pressure. This material has replaced plywood and planking in the majority of construction applications. Roof decks, walls, and subfloors are commonly made of OSB.

Oxidizer

Any material that readily yields oxygen or other oxidizing gas, or that readily reacts to promote or initiate combustion of combustible materials.

mechanical ventilation

Any means other than natural ventilation. This type of ventilation may involve the use of fans, blowers, smoke ejectors, and fire streams.

Matter

Anything that has mass and takes up space

Fireground

Area around a fire and occupied by the fire fighting forces

Collapse Zone

Area beneath a wall in which the wall is likely to land if it loses structural integrity.

Combustion zone

Area surrounding a heat source in which there is sufficient air available to feed fire.

Energy

Capacity to perform work; occurs when a force is applied to an object over a distance, or when a substance undergoes a chemical, biological or physical transformations

Oxidation

Chemical process that occurs when a substance combines with an oxidizer such as oxygen in the air; a common example is the formation of rust on metal

exothermic reaction

Chemical reaction between two or more materials that changes the materials and produces heat

Plan of operation

Clearly identifies strategic goals and the tactical objectives necessary to achieve that goal; includes assignments, authority, responsibility, and safety considerations.

Open burning

Description of a fire burning in the open with no restrictions to its oxygen supply

Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH)

Description of any atmosphere that poses an immediate hazard to life or produces immediate, irreversible, debilitating effects on health; represents concentrations above which respiratory protection should be required. Expressed in parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3); companion measurement to the permissible exposure limit (PEL)

Metal-Clad door:

Door with a metal exterior; may be flush type or panel type.

asphyxiation

Fatal condition caused by severe oxygen deficiency and an excess of carbon monoxide and/or other gases in the blood.

confinement

Fire fighting operations required to prevent fire from extending from the area of origin to uninvolved areas or structures.

Fuel limited

Fire with adequate oxygen in which the heat release rate and growth rate are determined by the characteristics of the fuel, such as quantity and geometry

Isolated Flames

Flames in the hot gas layer that indicate the gas layer is within its flammable range and has begun to ignite; often observed immediately before a flashover.

Autoignition

Initiation of combustion by heat but without a spark or flame.

Carbon-based fuels

Fuels in which the energy of combustion derives principally from carbon; includes materials such as wood, cotton, coal, or petroleum

Ceiling Jet

Horizontal movement of layer of hot gases and combustion by-products from the center point of the plume, when a horizontal surface such as ceiling redirects the vertical development of the rising plume.

Backdraft

Instantaneous explosion or rapid burning of superheated gases that occurs when oxygen is introduced into an oxygen-depleted confined space. The stalled combustion resumes with explosive force; may occur because of inadequate or improper ventilation procedures.

exhaust

In terms of ventilation, the location where hot gases and the products of construction are leaving a structure

Intake

In terms of ventilation, the locations where air is being entrained toward a fire.

Noncombustible

Incapable of supporting combustion under normal circumstances

First Alarm Assignment

Initial fire department response to a report of an emergency; the assignment is determined by the local authority based on available resources, the type of occupancy, and the hazard of life and property.

Mayday

Internationally recognized distress signal

after-action review

Learning tools used to evaluate a project or incident to identidy and encourage organizational ans operational strengths and to identify and correct weaknesses.

Neutral plane

Level at a compartment opening where there is an equal difference in pressure exerted by expansion and buoyancy of hit smoke flowing out of the opening and the inward pressure of cooker, ambient, temperature air flowing in through the opening.

Bowstring Truss

Lightweight truss design noted by the bow shape, or curve, of the top chord.

Lower explosive (flammable) limit (LEL)

Lower limit at which a flammable gas or vapor will ignite and support combustion; below this limit the gas or vapor us too lean or thin to burn.

Flash point

Minimum temperature at which a liquid gives off enough vapors to form an ignitable mixture with air near the liquid's surface.

Fire Tetrahedron

Model of the four elements/conditions required to have a fire. The four sides of the tetrahedron represent fuel, heat, oxygen, and chemical chain reaction.

Piloted Ignition

Moment when a mixture of fuel and oxygen encounters an external heat (ignition) source with sufficient heat or thermal energy to start the combustion reaction.

laminar flow

Movement of a liquid or gas at a low rate of speed and in a predictable direction.

Draft Curtains

Noncombustible barrier or dividers hung form the ceiling in large open areas that are designed to minimize the mushrooming effect of heat and smoke and impede the flow of heat

Plenum

Open space or air duct above a drop ceiling that is part of the air distribution system.

Conduction

Physical flow or transfer of heat energy from one boys to another, through direct contact or an intervening medium, from the point where the heat is produced to another location, or from a region of high temperature to a region of low temperature.

Fire Triangle

Plane geometric model of an equilateral triangle that is used to explain the conditions/elements necessary for combustion. The sides of the triangle represent heat, oxygen, and fuel.

Mobile Data Computer (MDC)

Portable computer that, in addition to functioning as a mobile data terminal, has programs that enhance the ability of responders to function at incident scenes.

International association of fire chiefs (IAFC)

Professional organization that provides leadership to career and volunteer chiefs, chief fire officers, managers of emergency service organizations throughout the international community through vision, information, education, representation, and services to enhance their professionalism and capabilities

Life Safety

Refers to the joint consideration of the life and physical well-being of individuals, both civilians and firefighters.

medical surveillance

Rehabilitation function during an incident intended to monitor responders vital signs and incident-stress levels

Incomplete combustion

Result of inefficient combustion of fuel; the less efficient the combustion, the more products of combustion are produced rather burned during the combustion process.

Green roof

Roof of a building that is partially or completely covered with vegetation and s gym rowing medium, planted over waterproof roofing elements. Term can also indicate the presence of green design technology including photovoltaic systems and reflective surfaces.

Joule (J)

SI unit of energy; the energy or work when a unit force (1 newton) moves a body through a unit distance (1 meter). Joules are defined in terms of mechanical energy. In terms of thermal energy, joules refer to the amount of additional heat needed to raise the temperature of a substance, such as the 4.2 Joules needed to raise the temperature of 1 gran if water 1 degree Celsius. Takes the place if calorie for heat measurement (1 calorie = 4.19 J)

Fire Stop

Solid materials, such as wood blocks, used to prevent or limit the vertical and horizontal spread of fire and the products of combustion in hollow walls or floors, above false ceilings, in penetrations for plumbing or electrical installations, in penetrations of a fire-rated assembly, or in cocklofts and crawl spaces.

Fire point

Temperature at which a liquid fuel produces sufficient vapors to support combustion once the fuel ignited. The fire point is usually a few degrees above the flash point.

Jargon

Specified or technical language if a trade, profession, or similar griuo

Exposure

Structural surfaces or speared parts of the foreground to which a fire or products of combustion could spread

Concealed space

Structural void that is not readily visible from a living/working space within a building g, such as area between walls or partitions, workings and roofs, and floors and basement ceilings through which fire may spread undetected; also includes soffits and other enclosed vertical or horizontal shafts through which fire may spread.

Negative pressure ventilation (NPV)

Technique using smoke ejectors to develop artificial air flow and to pull smoke out of a structure. Smoke placed in ejectors are windows, doors, or roof vent holes to pull the smoke, heat, and gases from inside the building and eject them to the exterior.

Natural Ventilation

Techniques that use the wind, convection currents, and other natural phenomena to ventilate a structure without the use of fans, blowers, smoke ejectors or other mechanical devices.

National incident management system - incident command system (NIMS-ICS)

The U.S. mandates incident management system that defines the roles, responsibilities, and standard operating procedures used to manage emergency operations; creates a unified incident response structure for federal, state, and local governments

Entrainment

The drawing in and transporting of solid particles or gases by the flow of a fluid

Autoignition Temperature (AIT)

The lowest temperature at which a combustible material ignites in air without a spark or flame. Always higher than the piloted ignition temperature of a substance.

Heat flux

The measure of the rate of heat transfer to a or from a surface. Typically expressed in kilowatts per square meter (kW/m2)

ignition

The process of initiating self-sustained combustion

Flammable (Explosive) Range

The range between the upper flammable limit and lower flammable limit in which a substance can be ignited.

buoyant

The tendency or capacity of liquid or gas to remain afloat or rise

Fuel Load

The total quantity of combustible contents of a building, space, or fire area, including interior finish and trim, expressed in heat units of the equivalent weight in wood.

Compartmentation

The way that the arrangement of compartments creates or does not create a series of barriers designed to keep flames, smoke, and heat from spreading from one room or floor to another

life safety, incident stabilization, property conservation (LIP)

Three priorities at an incident, in order of importance

entrain

To draw in and transport solid particles or gases by the flow of a fluid.

Freelance

To operate independently of the incident commanders command and control

Occupant survival profile

Type if incident size-up that evaluates whether an incident should be treated as a rescue or recovery

Fire watch

Usually refers to someone who has the responsibility to tour a building or facility on at least an hourly basis, look for actual or potential fire emergency conditions, and send an appropriate warning if such conditions are found

Hydraulic Ventilation

Ventilation accomplished by using a spray stream to draw the smoke from a compartment through an exterior opening.

Load Bearing Wall

Wall that supports itself, the weight of the roof, and/or other internal structural components such as floor beams and trusses above it.

Non-Load Bearing Wall

Wall, usually interior, that supports only its own weight. These walls can be breached or removed without compromising the structural integrity of the building

End of service time indicator (ESTI)

Warning device that alerts the user that the respiratory protection equipment is about to reach its limit and that it is time to exit the contaminated atmosphere: its alarm may be audible, tactile, visual, or any combination thereof.

Incident Action Plan (IAP)

Written or unwritten plan for the disposition of an incident; contains the strategic goals, tactical objectives, and support requirements for a given operational period during an incident. All incidents require an action plan. On relatively small incidents, the IAP is usually not in writing: on larger, more complex incidents, a written IAP is created for each operational period and disseminated to all units assigned to the incident. When written, the plan may have a number of forms as attachments.