Promotional Scenario #11 – Promotional Prep

Promotional Scenario #11

Fire Service Promotional Test Preparation

On a hot summer day, you respond as the first due Ladder Company to a report of a fire on the top floor of a 4 story, Class 3/Ordinary multiple dwelling. Battalion 1 arrives on the scene first and reports that he has fire showing from the top floor of an occupied multiple dwelling. He contacts you via radio and advises that he wants you and your company to vertical vent the top floor.

Question:
What actions will you take to complete the assigned task?

*Student note: This is a “task based” question. Because of this you need to describe practically every step of the task to answer the question.

ANSWER KEY:
• Acknowledge the order.
• Advise all members of the assigned task.
• Ensure members are on the designated fire ground radio frequency.
• Ensure all members are in full PPE/SCBA.
• Upon arrival, direct/place apparatus away from overhead wiring to access the roof. (see photo)
• Check in/radio/advise, Accountability Officer of arrival and assignment.
• Stabilize apparatus, raise aerial ladder to roof, 3-5 rungs above parapet.
• Have members proceed up ladder with all necessary tools to complete the task.
• Check stability of parapet wall (coping stones) before exiting ladder.
• Check/sound roof for stability before exiting ladder and parapet wall.
• Identify/request secondary means of egress off the roof.
• In the event of an emergency, advise all members of plan(s) to evacuate the roof.
• Coordinate vent with the Engine Co.’s water and movement on to the top floor.
• Assign members to open/vent bulkhead door.
• Direct them to search inside bulkhead area for any trapped/unable to escape building occupants.
• Report bulkhead vent and search results to Command.
• Assign members to cutting operations; Saw FFer and guide FFer.
• Plan cut and inform all members.
• Planned cut should cover multiple rooms. (see photo)
• Identify the “circle of danger.”
• Keep wind at your back.
• Cut hole over the main fire room/apartment.
• Initial cut and opening should be a minimum of a 4’x4’ opening.
• Utilize 7-9-8 cut.
• Push down ceiling.
• Report vertical ventilation cut and results to Command.
• Continue to enlarge vertical cut/opening from the 7-9-8 cut.
• Monitor roof deck stability.
• Assign member to vent top floor windows w/pike pole, halligan/rope in coordination with the Engine Co.s movement.
• Drop/cut inspection hole(s) to identify horizontal fire extension throughout cockloft.
• Give progress report to Command.
• After task is complete contact Command for a new assignment.
• After a period of time, request reliefs for your members.
• Check out with Accountability Officer and/or Chiefs aide.

References:

Promotional Prep Seminars: promotionalprep.com
“Assessment Center Strategy and Tactics” from Fire Engineering books: Author Deputy Chief Terpak – Jersey City

For additional information:

Text Books:

Assessment Center Strategy and Tactics from Fire Engineering Books
Fire Ground Operational Guides from Fire Engineering Books
Fire Ground Size-Up from Fire Engineering Books