Firefighter III

Firefighter IIIFirefighter III

Module CModule CFire prevention, public fire education, and Fire prevention, public fire education, and

fire cause determination. (4-22)fire cause determination. (4-22)

QuestionQuestion

• Question: Principles of fire prevention, such Question: Principles of fire prevention, such as pre-incident planning, inspection as pre-incident planning, inspection procedures, fire hazards, and dwellings are procedures, fire hazards, and dwellings are covered?covered?

3-15.1. Identify local and state fire codes used during company inspections:

• A. Model code organizations:A. Model code organizations:• a) International Conference of Building a) International Conference of Building

Officials (ICBO).Officials (ICBO).• b) Southern Building Code Congress b) Southern Building Code Congress

International (SBCCI).International (SBCCI).• c) Building Officials and Code c) Building Officials and Code

Administrators (BOCA).Administrators (BOCA).


• A. A. Locals Codes:Locals Codes:• 1) Fire prevention codes.1) Fire prevention codes.• 2) Housing codes.2) Housing codes.• 3) Zoning ordinances.3) Zoning ordinances.• 4) Subdivision regulations.4) Subdivision regulations.• 5) Building codes.5) Building codes.• 6) Electrical codes.6) Electrical codes.• 7) Mechanical codes.7) Mechanical codes.• 8) Gas codes.8) Gas codes.• 9) Plumbing regulations.9) Plumbing regulations.• 10) Life safety codes.10) Life safety codes.• 11) Insurance codes and regulations.11) Insurance codes and regulations.


• B. State codes:B. State codes:• 1) Fire prevention.1) Fire prevention.• 2) Life safety code.2) Life safety code.


• C. National codes:C. National codes:• 1) American Insurance Association (AIA)- has 1) American Insurance Association (AIA)- has

not been revised or published since 1976 but not been revised or published since 1976 but some jurisdictions still use this code.some jurisdictions still use this code.


• 22) National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):) National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):• i) NFPA 101 Life safety code:i) NFPA 101 Life safety code:• (a) (a) Addresses hose construction, protection, and occupancy Addresses hose construction, protection, and occupancy • features necessary for protection of life from fire, smoke, features necessary for protection of life from fire, smoke, • fumes, or panic.fumes, or panic.• (b) (b) Formerly called the ‘Building exits code.’Formerly called the ‘Building exits code.’• (c) (c) Does not address criteria or building codes.Does not address criteria or building codes.• ii) National Fire Codes: (NFC)ii) National Fire Codes: (NFC)• (a) (a) Comprised of over 270 codes, standards, recommended Comprised of over 270 codes, standards, recommended • practices, manuals, guides, and model laws.practices, manuals, guides, and model laws.• (b) NFPA 1 fire prevention code.(b) NFPA 1 fire prevention code.• (c) Included in the National Fire Codes.(c) Included in the National Fire Codes.• iii) Many NFPA documents are referenced in the model iii) Many NFPA documents are referenced in the model • building and fire prevention codes.building and fire prevention codes.


• 3) Model building and fire prevention codes 3) Model building and fire prevention codes do not become law until adopted by law or do not become law until adopted by law or ordinance.ordinance.

3-15.2. Identify the areas of responsibility of other municipal and state inspection agencies:

• D. Municipal Agencies:D. Municipal Agencies:• 1) Construction and occupancy of a building when 1) Construction and occupancy of a building when

it is being planned and constructed:it is being planned and constructed:• i) Building department.i) Building department.• ii) Zoning board.ii) Zoning board.• iii) Planning commission.iii) Planning commission.• 2) Regulation of activities that are conducted 2) Regulation of activities that are conducted

within a building once it has been constructed.within a building once it has been constructed.• i) Fire inspections.i) Fire inspections.

3-15.2. Identify the areas of responsibility of other municipal and state inspection agencies:

• E. State fire marshal:E. State fire marshal:• 1) Code enforcement.1) Code enforcement.• 2) Fire and arson investigation.2) Fire and arson investigation.• 3) Plans review.3) Plans review.• 4) Fire prevention inspections.4) Fire prevention inspections.• 5) Fire data collection.5) Fire data collection.• 6) Fire data analysis.6) Fire data analysis.• 7) Fire service training.7) Fire service training.• 8) Public fire education.8) Public fire education.• 9) Fire legislation development.9) Fire legislation development.• 10) Boiler inspections.10) Boiler inspections.• 11) Underground tanks.11) Underground tanks.

3-15.3. Identify that the fire extinguishers requirement for various occupancies:

• I. Class A:I. Class A:• 1) Hazard classifications:1) Hazard classifications:• a) Light (low) hazard:a) Light (low) hazard:• (i) Few combustibles and only small fires are (i) Few combustibles and only small fires are

expected.expected.• (ii) Examples:(ii) Examples:• (a) Offices(a) Offices• (b) Churches(b) Churches• (c) Schools rooms(c) Schools rooms• (d) Assembly halls(d) Assembly halls


• b) Ordinary (moderate) hazard:b) Ordinary (moderate) hazard:• (i) The amount of combustibles is such that a (i) The amount of combustibles is such that a

medium size fire may be expected.medium size fire may be expected.• (ii) Examples:(ii) Examples:• (a) Mercantile storage.(a) Mercantile storage.• (b) Mercantile display areas.(b) Mercantile display areas.• (c) Auto showrooms.(c) Auto showrooms.• (d) Parking garages.(d) Parking garages.


• c) Extra (High) hazard:c) Extra (High) hazard:• (i) Areas where severe fire may be expected.(i) Areas where severe fire may be expected.• (ii) Examples:(ii) Examples:• (a) Wood working areas.(a) Wood working areas.• (b) Aircraft service areas.(b) Aircraft service areas.• (c) Warehouse with high piled (c) Warehouse with high piled

combustibles.combustibles.


• a) Light hazard requirements:a) Light hazard requirements:• i) 3000 sq. ft./ unit.i) 3000 sq. ft./ unit. ii) 11,250 sq. ft./ extinguisher.ii) 11,250 sq. ft./ extinguisher.• iii) Maximum travel distance- 75 ft. Question: from points iii) Maximum travel distance- 75 ft. Question: from points

of egress (3-5 ft off floor).of egress (3-5 ft off floor).• b) Ordinary hazard requirements:b) Ordinary hazard requirements:• i) 1500 sq. ft./ unit.i) 1500 sq. ft./ unit.• ii) 11,250 sq. ft./ extinguisher.ii) 11,250 sq. ft./ extinguisher.• iii) Maximum travel distance- 75 ft.iii) Maximum travel distance- 75 ft.


• c) Extra hazard requirements:c) Extra hazard requirements:• i) 1000 sq. ft./ unit.i) 1000 sq. ft./ unit.• ii) 11,250sq. ft./extinguisher.ii) 11,250sq. ft./extinguisher.• iii) Maximum travel distance- 75 ft.iii) Maximum travel distance- 75 ft.


• II. Class B:II. Class B:• a) Low:a) Low:• i) Minimum 5-B with a travel distance of 30 ft.i) Minimum 5-B with a travel distance of 30 ft.• ii) Minimum 10-B with a travel distance of 50 ft.ii) Minimum 10-B with a travel distance of 50 ft.• b) Moderate:b) Moderate:• i) Minimum 10-B with a travel distance of 30 ft.i) Minimum 10-B with a travel distance of 30 ft.• ii) Minimum 20-B with a travel distance of 50 ft.ii) Minimum 20-B with a travel distance of 50 ft.•

Question: What does the NFPA Base NFPA 10 for Class B Question: What does the NFPA Base NFPA 10 for Class B Extinguishers on?.Extinguishers on?.Room Size?Room Size?


• II. Class B (cont.)II. Class B (cont.)• c) High:c) High:• i) Minimum 40-B with a travel distance i) Minimum 40-B with a travel distance

of 30 ft.of 30 ft.• ii) Minimum 80-B with a travel distance of ii) Minimum 80-B with a travel distance of

50 ft.50 ft.


• III. Class C- Wherever there is live electrical III. Class C- Wherever there is live electrical equipment.equipment.

• IV. Class D- 75 ft. or less from wherever there IV. Class D- 75 ft. or less from wherever there are combustible metals.are combustible metals.

3-15.4. Identify the fire exit requirements for different types of occupancies:

• A Width of opening.A Width of opening.• B Width of stairs.B Width of stairs.• C Occupant load.C Occupant load.• D Exit capacity.D Exit capacity.• E Number required.E Number required.• F Maximum travel distance.F Maximum travel distance.• G Marking of exits.G Marking of exits.• H Illumination of exits.H Illumination of exits.• I Occupancy of building.I Occupancy of building.

3-15.5. Identify the procedures to be used whenever fire hazards, or suspected fire hazards, are encountered during

inspections:

• A. Usually covered by local code.A. Usually covered by local code.• B. General guidelines:B. General guidelines:• 1) Notify a responsible party of violations found.1) Notify a responsible party of violations found.• 2) Re-inspection after a pre-determined period of time.2) Re-inspection after a pre-determined period of time.• 3) If voluntary compliance is still not obtained, some sort of sanction is 3) If voluntary compliance is still not obtained, some sort of sanction is

issued:issued:• i) May vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.i) May vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.• ii) Citation.ii) Citation.• iii) Fine.iii) Fine.• iv) Court summons.iv) Court summons.• v) Stop work order.v) Stop work order.

3-15.6. Identify the procedures for preparing a pre-fire plan:

• A. Components:A. Components:• 1) Information gathering.1) Information gathering.• 2) Procedure development.2) Procedure development.• 3) Maintenance of information resource 3) Maintenance of information resource

system.system.Question: Pre-incident planning is the whole process of Question: Pre-incident planning is the whole process of gathering information, developing procedures, and gathering information, developing procedures, and maintaining information resource systems. The building maintaining information resource systems. The building inspection is the fact-gathering part of pre-incident inspection is the fact-gathering part of pre-incident planning. planning.


• B. Steps:. Steps:• 1) Call occupant in advance:1) Call occupant in advance:• a) Set convenient time for inspection.a) Set convenient time for inspection.• b) Advise purpose of inspection.b) Advise purpose of inspection.


• C) ) Approaching the building:Approaching the building:• 1) Observe:1) Observe:• ((a) Location of hydrants.a) Location of hydrants.• (b) Location of fire alarm boxes.(b) Location of fire alarm boxes.• (c) Exposures.(c) Exposures.• (d) Condition of surrounding streets.(d) Condition of surrounding streets.• (e) General house keeping around the building.(e) General house keeping around the building.• (f) Address numbers for visibility.(f) Address numbers for visibility.• (g) All sides of building for accessibility.(g) All sides of building for accessibility.• (h) Forcible entry problems posed by barred windows or high security doors.(h) Forcible entry problems posed by barred windows or high security doors.• (i) Type of buildings, occupancies and general appearance of area.(i) Type of buildings, occupancies and general appearance of area.• (j) Overhead obstructions that would restrict aerial ladder operations.(j) Overhead obstructions that would restrict aerial ladder operations.• (k) Record all information.(k) Record all information.


• 2) Contacting the occupant/ owner:2) Contacting the occupant/ owner:• a) Enter the building through the main entrance.a) Enter the building through the main entrance.• i) Request permission to inspect building.i) Request permission to inspect building.• ii) Introduce yourself and the other firefighters.ii) Introduce yourself and the other firefighters.• iii) Advise the purpose of the inspection.iii) Advise the purpose of the inspection.• iv) Request a representative of the owner/ iv) Request a representative of the owner/

occupant to accompany firefighters during occupant to accompany firefighters during inspection.inspection.


• 3) Conducting the inspection:3) Conducting the inspection:• a) Start on the exterior noting information a) Start on the exterior noting information

necessary for sketch of building.necessary for sketch of building.• i) Move to roof or basement and work to i) Move to roof or basement and work to

other area.other area.• ii) Systematically inspect each floor.ii) Systematically inspect each floor.• iii) Check any locked doors.iii) Check any locked doors.• iv) If multiple buildings inspect each in a iv) If multiple buildings inspect each in a

similar manner.similar manner.• v) Write necessary notes.v) Write necessary notes.• vi) Make sketches of building, area, and all vi) Make sketches of building, area, and all

floors.floors.


• 4. Conduct final interview:4. Conduct final interview:• a) Advise owner/occupant of favorable conditions found.a) Advise owner/occupant of favorable conditions found.• b) Advise owner/ occupant of unfavorable conditions found.b) Advise owner/ occupant of unfavorable conditions found.• c) Explain that a written report will be provided soon to them.c) Explain that a written report will be provided soon to them.• d) Advise of any follow- up inspections that may be necessary.d) Advise of any follow- up inspections that may be necessary.• e) Thank owner/ occupant.e) Thank owner/ occupant.• f) Explain how information gathered will be used.f) Explain how information gathered will be used.• g) Make map and sketch of building.g) Make map and sketch of building.• h) Complete any written reports necessary.h) Complete any written reports necessary.• i) Update procedures and information systems.i) Update procedures and information systems.

Question: Is final interview general & brief with a more Question: Is final interview general & brief with a more detailed description to follow in the written report?detailed description to follow in the written report?


• Another question: Unfavorable conditions Another question: Unfavorable conditions may be discussed in general, but the may be discussed in general, but the firefighter should avoid technicalities and firefighter should avoid technicalities and direct conclusions at the time. Explain that direct conclusions at the time. Explain that such conditions will be studied more fully such conditions will be studied more fully and that recommended solutions will be and that recommended solutions will be submitted in a written report!submitted in a written report!


• Question: Fire department personnel should Question: Fire department personnel should include some sort of a sketch with their include some sort of a sketch with their inspection report to show the general inspection report to show the general arrangement of the property with respects to arrangement of the property with respects to streets, other buildings, and important streets, other buildings, and important features that will help determine fire fighting features that will help determine fire fighting procedures. This sketch is commonly call a procedures. This sketch is commonly call a plot plan of the area.plot plan of the area.


• Question: Written reports not only serve as records of the inspection, but also can be used as the basis for legal action. Without written evidence of an inspection, no proof exists that the firefighter or inspector gave the owner notice of hazardous conditions or corrective measures to be taken.

3-15.7. Identify the duties and responsibilities of a firefighter assigned to a fire prevention detail in places of public

assembly:

• A. Check the files to see when the last regular fire safety A. Check the files to see when the last regular fire safety inspection was made and review the recommendations that inspection was made and review the recommendations that were made. (If premises is past due inspection or there were were made. (If premises is past due inspection or there were no major problems, a complete fire safety inspection should no major problems, a complete fire safety inspection should be made.)be made.)

• B. Check with the person in charge of the event and B. Check with the person in charge of the event and determine of any hazardous event or display (in terms of fire determine of any hazardous event or display (in terms of fire safety) will take place. (If so, the inspector should receive a safety) will take place. (If so, the inspector should receive a detailed briefing describing exactly what is proposed. The detailed briefing describing exactly what is proposed. The inspector can then determine if the display will be allowed inspector can then determine if the display will be allowed or what special precautions, if any, are necessary.)or what special precautions, if any, are necessary.)


assembly:

• C. Check equipment brought in to be sure that it C. Check equipment brought in to be sure that it meets code requirements and where appropriate, meets code requirements and where appropriate, the equipment is of an approved type.the equipment is of an approved type.

• D . Check the ‘temporary’ wiring used for the D . Check the ‘temporary’ wiring used for the event.event.

• E. Work with building management to be sure that E. Work with building management to be sure that the occupancy limit is not exceeded.the occupancy limit is not exceeded.

• F. Just before the event begins, have an F. Just before the event begins, have an announcement made calling attention to the announcement made calling attention to the location of the exits.location of the exits.


assembly:

• G. Keep aisles open. (Prevent people from standing or sitting G. Keep aisles open. (Prevent people from standing or sitting in the aisles.)in the aisles.)

• H. If smoking is not allowed, enforce this rule.H. If smoking is not allowed, enforce this rule.• I. In case of any significant fire, transmit and immediate I. In case of any significant fire, transmit and immediate

alarm, then direct an orderly evacuation. (Make special alarm, then direct an orderly evacuation. (Make special efforts to control panic.)efforts to control panic.)

• J. Be sure that all exits are unlocked & the exit lights are on. J. Be sure that all exits are unlocked & the exit lights are on. Question!Question!

• K. Check emergency lights to be sure they are working. K. Check emergency lights to be sure they are working. Question!Question!

3-15.8. Identify smoke, flame, and heat-detection alarm systems. (4-22.9)

• A. Smoke detectors:A. Smoke detectors:• 1) Ionization type:1) Ionization type:• a) Contain a minute quantity of radioactive a) Contain a minute quantity of radioactive

material that causes the air within a ‘sensing’ material that causes the air within a ‘sensing’ chamber to conduct electricity.chamber to conduct electricity.

• b) When smoke particles enter the ‘sensing’ b) When smoke particles enter the ‘sensing’ chamber, they impede to flow of electricity across chamber, they impede to flow of electricity across the terminals in the detector, thus sounding the the terminals in the detector, thus sounding the alarm.alarm.

• c) Slightly faster response to open flaming fires c) Slightly faster response to open flaming fires than photoelectric detectors.than photoelectric detectors.


• 2) Photoelectric type:2) Photoelectric type:• a) Contain a small light source:a) Contain a small light source:• (1) Incandescent bulb.(1) Incandescent bulb.• (2) Light emitting diode (LED)(2) Light emitting diode (LED)• a) Light from light source illuminates a chamber known as the a) Light from light source illuminates a chamber known as the

sensing chamber.sensing chamber.• b) Sensing chamber contains a photocell, which is light b) Sensing chamber contains a photocell, which is light

sensitive.sensitive.• c) Light from the light source does not reach the photocell c) Light from the light source does not reach the photocell

during standby operation.during standby operation.• d) Particles entering the sensing chamber of the detector cause d) Particles entering the sensing chamber of the detector cause

the light from the light to bounce off the smoke particles and the light from the light to bounce off the smoke particles and activate the photocell, closing the electrical circuit during a fire activate the photocell, closing the electrical circuit during a fire situation.situation.


• 3) Power sources:3) Power sources:• a) Batteries.a) Batteries.• b) 110 volt household electric current.b) 110 volt household electric current.• c) 110 volt with battery back up.c) 110 volt with battery back up.


• 4. Heat detectors:4. Heat detectors:• a) Fixed temperature:a) Fixed temperature:• 1) Activate when they reach a pre-1) Activate when they reach a pre-

determined temperaturedetermined temperature


• b) Types:b) Types:• (1) Bimetallic strip or disk:(1) Bimetallic strip or disk:• (a) contain 2 metals or metal alloys that have different expansion (a) contain 2 metals or metal alloys that have different expansion

rates when heated.rates when heated.• (b) Metals mend as they expand and trip and electrical circuit that (b) Metals mend as they expand and trip and electrical circuit that

activates the alarm.activates the alarm.• (2) Soft metal alloy or thermoplastic resins that melt:(2) Soft metal alloy or thermoplastic resins that melt:• (a) Usually use a link or latching mechanism that is made if the soft (a) Usually use a link or latching mechanism that is made if the soft

metal alloy or thermoplastic resin.metal alloy or thermoplastic resin.• (b) When heat melts the alloy or plastic the link separates or the (b) When heat melts the alloy or plastic the link separates or the

latch is released which activates the alarm.latch is released which activates the alarm.• (3) Expansion of heated solvents;(3) Expansion of heated solvents;• (a) Contain a small glass bulb that is designed to break at a pre-(a) Contain a small glass bulb that is designed to break at a pre-

determined pressure.determined pressure.• (b) As the solvent is heated the solvent vaporizes which exerts (b) As the solvent is heated the solvent vaporizes which exerts

additional pressure on the bulb.additional pressure on the bulb.• (c) When the pressure breaks the glass, two electrical contacts are (c) When the pressure breaks the glass, two electrical contacts are

allowed to touch flossing the alarm circuit activating the alarm.allowed to touch flossing the alarm circuit activating the alarm.


• 4) Rate of rise:4) Rate of rise:• a) Have a small chamber filled with air.a) Have a small chamber filled with air.• b) As the air is heated, it cooled it expands or contracts.b) As the air is heated, it cooled it expands or contracts.• c) Small vent holes that allow for gradual changed in c) Small vent holes that allow for gradual changed in

pressure.pressure.• d) When air in the detector heats rapidly, the air pressure d) When air in the detector heats rapidly, the air pressure

increase faster than the vent can relieve the pressure.increase faster than the vent can relieve the pressure.• e) This increased pressure is exerted on a diaphragm that e) This increased pressure is exerted on a diaphragm that

closes two electrical contacts activating the alarm.closes two electrical contacts activating the alarm.• f) Rate of rise detectors react more quickly to a fire but are f) Rate of rise detectors react more quickly to a fire but are

less reliable than fixed temperature detectors.less reliable than fixed temperature detectors.


• 5) Flame detectors:5) Flame detectors:• a) Ultraviolet- Can be activated by bright sunlight a) Ultraviolet- Can be activated by bright sunlight

or arc welding therefore they should not be used in or arc welding therefore they should not be used in areas where these light sources can be picked up by areas where these light sources can be picked up by the detector.the detector.

• b) Infrared- Requires the flickering action of b) Infrared- Requires the flickering action of moving flame front which results in a lower false moving flame front which results in a lower false alarm rate. Infrared detectors are capable of alarm rate. Infrared detectors are capable of covering large areas.covering large areas.

3-15.9. Identify target fire hazards commonly found in manufacturing, commercial, and public assembly

occupancies: (4-22.10)

• I. Commercial occupancies:• a) Large amounts of contents.• b) Mixed variety of contents.• c) Difficulties in entering during closed

periods.• d) Common attics and cock lofts in multiple

occupancies.



• II. Manufacturing occupancies:• a) Flammable liquids in dip tanks, ovens, and

dryers; plus those used in mixing, coating, spraying, and degreasing products.

• b) High piled storage of combustible material.• c) Vehicles, such as fork trucks, and other trucks

inside building.• d) Large, open areas.• e) Large scale use of flammable and

combustible gases.



• III. Public assembly occupancies:• a) Large numbers of people present.• b) Insufficient, blocked, or locked exits.• c) Highly combustible interior finishes.• d) Storage of materials in paths of egress.



• Question: Know definition of fire hazard: as a condition that will encourage a fire to start or will increase the extent or severity of the fire.

• Question: A special hazard may be defined as one that arises from the process or operations that are characteristics of the individual occupancy. T/F But will ask if this is common?

• Question: A target hazard as a facility or process that could produce or stimulate a fire that could cause a large loss of life or property.

3-15.10. Identify the fire hazards commonly found in residential occupancies: (4-22.10)

• A Heating appliances.A Heating appliances.• B Cooking appliances.B Cooking appliances.• C Smoking materials.C Smoking materials.• D Electrical distribution.D Electrical distribution.• E Electrical appliances.E Electrical appliances.• F. Question: Know that poor house keeping is F. Question: Know that poor house keeping is

a factor! Pre-plan these houses on EMS Calls.a factor! Pre-plan these houses on EMS Calls.

3-15.11. Identify the human factors that result in electrical fires:

• A. Improper installation:A. Improper installation:• 1) Overloading.1) Overloading.• 2) Damage to equipment.2) Damage to equipment.• 3) Excessive heat exposure to nearby 3) Excessive heat exposure to nearby

combustibles.combustibles.


• B. Lack of maintenance:B. Lack of maintenance:• 1) Improper installation.1) Improper installation.• 2) Laying cords across heavy traffic areas.2) Laying cords across heavy traffic areas.• 3) Deterioration due to age.3) Deterioration due to age.


• C. Improper use:C. Improper use:• 1) Not used in accordance with proper 1) Not used in accordance with proper

conditions.conditions.• 2) Mismatching wire size with equipment 2) Mismatching wire size with equipment

wattage.wattage.


• D. Carelessness or oversight:D. Carelessness or oversight:• 1) Failure to turn off devices.1) Failure to turn off devices.• 2) Dropping combustibles into equipment.2) Dropping combustibles into equipment.• 3) Draping equipment over operating 3) Draping equipment over operating

equipment.equipment.

3-15.12. Identify standard types of chimneys and flues, and recognize deficiencies likely to cause fires: (4-22.11)

• A. Types:A. Types:• 1) Factory built:1) Factory built:• a) An assembly of manufactured a) An assembly of manufactured

components that form a complete chimney.components that form a complete chimney.• b) Tested for compliance with safety b) Tested for compliance with safety

standards.standards.• c) Installed for residential type heating c) Installed for residential type heating

appliances.appliances.


• 2) Masonry:2) Masonry:• a) Field built and subject to the skills and abilities of the assembler.a) Field built and subject to the skills and abilities of the assembler.• b) Consists of a refractory fire clay tile liner and an air space of roughly b) Consists of a refractory fire clay tile liner and an air space of roughly

one inch between the liner and brick, with all liner joints grouted both one inch between the liner and brick, with all liner joints grouted both to prevent leakage and to center and support the tile liners.to prevent leakage and to center and support the tile liners.

• c) One course of common brick around the liner suffices for usual c) One course of common brick around the liner suffices for usual residential chimneys.residential chimneys.

• d) High temperature classifications use firebrick as the liner, with d) High temperature classifications use firebrick as the liner, with additional courses of brick for larger size and greater strength and additional courses of brick for larger size and greater strength and security.security.

Know about Spark Arrestor value.Know about Spark Arrestor value.


• 3) Metal:3) Metal:• a) Constructed of single wall metal for low a) Constructed of single wall metal for low

temperature use, such as with gas appliances, or temperature use, such as with gas appliances, or metal lined with firebrick or refractory mortar for metal lined with firebrick or refractory mortar for medium and high heat service.medium and high heat service.

• b) May be locked inside or outside of building but b) May be locked inside or outside of building but may not be inside one and two family dwellings.may not be inside one and two family dwellings.

• c) Metal chimneys are not subjected to any kind of c) Metal chimneys are not subjected to any kind of safety testing.safety testing.


• B. Hazards:B. Hazards:• 1) General:1) General:• a) Operator error or ignorance.a) Operator error or ignorance.• b) Control failure.b) Control failure.• c) Improper installation.c) Improper installation.• d) Use of defective or unlisted appliance.d) Use of defective or unlisted appliance.• e) Ignition of combustible soot or creosote deposits.e) Ignition of combustible soot or creosote deposits.• f) Serious cracks or internal collapse of the masonry.f) Serious cracks or internal collapse of the masonry.• g) Defective construction.g) Defective construction.• h) Failure to secure joints of factory built products.h) Failure to secure joints of factory built products.


• 2) Factory built chimneys:2) Factory built chimneys:• a) Installation of chimney ceiling support a) Installation of chimney ceiling support

above ceiling framing.above ceiling framing.• b) Failure to secure joints or align gas-b) Failure to secure joints or align gas-

carrying parts.carrying parts.• c) Use of mismatched chimney parts.c) Use of mismatched chimney parts.


• 3) Masonry chimneys:3) Masonry chimneys:• a) Filling the space between the chimney and wood framing a) Filling the space between the chimney and wood framing

with combustible insulation, or placing framing into or against with combustible insulation, or placing framing into or against the chimney wall.the chimney wall.

• b) Using the restrictive chimney cap in combination with b) Using the restrictive chimney cap in combination with cracks or failed mortar in a chimney, which may cause cracks or failed mortar in a chimney, which may cause excessive leakage of hot gas at roof level, thus endangering excessive leakage of hot gas at roof level, thus endangering rafters and roofing.rafters and roofing.

• c) Prolonged over firing, which may cause excessive heating c) Prolonged over firing, which may cause excessive heating of adjacent walls.of adjacent walls.

• d) Creosote or soot fires.d) Creosote or soot fires.• e) Upward velocity of airflow may be sufficient to propel e) Upward velocity of airflow may be sufficient to propel

sparks and combustibles nearby.sparks and combustibles nearby.


• 4) Metal chimneys- Inadequate clearance to 4) Metal chimneys- Inadequate clearance to combustibles where they penetrate ceilings combustibles where they penetrate ceilings and roofs.and roofs.

3-15.13. Identify how fire spreads through air conditioning and utility ducts:

• A. Exit corridors that are used as plenums.A. Exit corridors that are used as plenums.• B. Lack of adequate smoke activated B. Lack of adequate smoke activated

controls.controls.• C. Crawl spaces that are used as plenums, C. Crawl spaces that are used as plenums,

which are usually made with combustible which are usually made with combustible material.material.

• D. Ductwork itself, which is combustible.D. Ductwork itself, which is combustible.

3-15.14. Identify the functions of automatic and manual controls of air conditioning and utility ducts:

• A. Automatic or manual controls in duct systems can control A. Automatic or manual controls in duct systems can control the opening or closing of smoke and fire dampers.the opening or closing of smoke and fire dampers.

• B. Smoke control systems may be separate from HVAC B. Smoke control systems may be separate from HVAC system or they can utilize the HVAC system to remove system or they can utilize the HVAC system to remove smoke and limit the input of fresh air to the fire area.smoke and limit the input of fresh air to the fire area.

• C. Functions:C. Functions:• a) Sound the fire alarm.a) Sound the fire alarm.• b) Activate extinguishing systems.b) Activate extinguishing systems.• c) Provide occupants time to escape from the building in a c) Provide occupants time to escape from the building in a

smoke free environment.smoke free environment.

Question: Used to push fresh air into system to prevent spread of fire/smoke?

3-15.15. Identify code requirements covering the proper storage and use of flammable liquids and gases:

A. Flammable liquids:Flammable liquids: 1. Standards:1. Standards: a) The American Petroleum Institute. (API)a) The American Petroleum Institute. (API) b) NFPA 30 flammable and combustible liquids code.b) NFPA 30 flammable and combustible liquids code. c) Underwriters Laboratories. (UL)c) Underwriters Laboratories. (UL) d) Local building and fire prevention codes. d) Local building and fire prevention codes. e) Evaluation considerations:e) Evaluation considerations: 1) Hazards of product being stored.1) Hazards of product being stored. a. Design features of the tank:a. Design features of the tank: i) Foundations and supports.i) Foundations and supports.

ii) Size and location of vents.ii) Size and location of vents.iii) Connections, valves, and piping used in storage systems.iii) Connections, valves, and piping used in storage systems.

2) General guidelines for handling, transferring, and transportation of flammable 2) General guidelines for handling, transferring, and transportation of flammable liquids:liquids:

a. Keep class I and class II liquids in covered containers when not in use.a. Keep class I and class II liquids in covered containers when not in use. b. Provide for safe disposal of the product in case of spill or leak.b. Provide for safe disposal of the product in case of spill or leak. c. Isolate class I liquids from ignition sources such as:c. Isolate class I liquids from ignition sources such as: i) Open flames.i) Open flames. ii) Electrical arcs. ii) Electrical arcs. iii) Heating elements.iii) Heating elements. d. Do not use air-pressurized containers for class II liquids.d. Do not use air-pressurized containers for class II liquids.

Question: Store Question: Store all flammable all flammable liquids outside liquids outside home except home except paint thinner & paint thinner & dry cleaning dry cleaning fluids?fluids?


B. Flammable gases:B. Flammable gases: 1. Regulated by Department of Transportation under Title 49 under the Code of 1. Regulated by Department of Transportation under Title 49 under the Code of

FederalFederal a) Regulations.a) Regulations.

Items regulated:Items regulated: 1)Cover metal composition.1)Cover metal composition. 2) Joining methods.2) Joining methods. 3) Wall thickness.3) Wall thickness. 4) Heat treatments. 4) Heat treatments. 5) Marking containers. 5) Marking containers. 6) Proof testing.6) Proof testing. 7)Type of openings. 7)Type of openings. 8) Cylinder testing.8) Cylinder testing. 9) Safety devices. 9) Safety devices. 10) In-service transportation. 10) In-service transportation. 11) Design pressure.11) Design pressure. 12)What gases the cylinders contain.12)What gases the cylinders contain. 13) Cylinders, tanks, and pipelines for flammable gases.13) Cylinders, tanks, and pipelines for flammable gases.


b) Guidelines for the safe installation and storage:b) Guidelines for the safe installation and storage: 1) Identify container contents with large letters.1) Identify container contents with large letters. 2) Store cylinders in areas designed for the storage of 2) Store cylinders in areas designed for the storage of

flammable gases.flammable gases. 3) Store cylinders on a level fireproof roof.3) Store cylinders on a level fireproof roof. 4) Store with valve end up.4) Store with valve end up. 5) Segregate gases by dividing wall.5) Segregate gases by dividing wall. 6) Segregate empty and full containers.6) Segregate empty and full containers. 7) Protect from adverse weather conditions.7) Protect from adverse weather conditions. 8) Do not expose to temperatures greater than 8) Do not expose to temperatures greater than 130130 F. F.

3-15.16. Identify school exit drill procedures: (4-22.4)

• Purpose:Purpose:– To ensure that exit facilities are used to greatest advantage.To ensure that exit facilities are used to greatest advantage.– Ensure an orderly evacuation of the children under adult supervision.Ensure an orderly evacuation of the children under adult supervision.– Prevent panic.Prevent panic.

• Guidelines:Guidelines:– Speed of the evacuation is secondary to an orderly exit where all persons Speed of the evacuation is secondary to an orderly exit where all persons

evacuated are accounted for.evacuated are accounted for.– Drills should be conducted frequently enough that all occupants establish Drills should be conducted frequently enough that all occupants establish

regular exit routes.regular exit routes.– Drills should be held randomly to simulate special circumstances or Drills should be held randomly to simulate special circumstances or

situations found under fire conditions.situations found under fire conditions.– Planning and conducting drills should be the responsibility of someone Planning and conducting drills should be the responsibility of someone

who has the leadership and authority to ensure that the drill is conducted who has the leadership and authority to ensure that the drill is conducted safely and that all occupants are required to participate.safely and that all occupants are required to participate.

3-15.16. Identify school exit drill procedures: (4-22.4)• Guidelines (cont.)

– All persons should report to their designated meeting places where roll call should be conducted to determine if any occupants may still be in the school.

– Designated meeting places should be remote enough from the school to ensure safety and so as not to hinder fire suppression activities.

– No occupants should be allowed to return to the school until the drill is terminated or approval has been given by the fire official.

– The regular fire alarm signal is to be used, and not the regular dismissal signal.The regular fire alarm signal is to be used, and not the regular dismissal signal.– School officials must notify the fire department immediately if they determine

there is a confirmed fire in the school.– School officials shall inspect all exits daily to ensure:

• All exit doors are unlocked.• Exit egress is not blocked.• Stairs and fire escapes are free of obstructions.

– Any condition that will impede the evacuation should be remedied immediately.– Firefighters should supervise school exit drill regularly and determine:

• How much time it takes to evacuate the school.• Fire alarm audible signals can be heard in all parts of the building.• The fire alarm can be activated from all parts of the building.• All occupants participate.• School officials are prepared to promptly notify the fire department in case

of a confirmed fire.

3-15.17. Identify life safety programs for the home: (4-22.5)

• Home escape planning for the occupants in case of fire:– Practice on a regular basis with emphasis on participation by children.Practice on a regular basis with emphasis on participation by children.– Have at least two preplanned exit paths from every room of the house.Have at least two preplanned exit paths from every room of the house.– Keep doors closed and occupants should be able to open windows.Keep doors closed and occupants should be able to open windows.– Stay low to the floor if awakened by smoke, do not stand up.Stay low to the floor if awakened by smoke, do not stand up.– Keep whistle or other noise maker by each bed so a person awakening to the Keep whistle or other noise maker by each bed so a person awakening to the

smell of smoke and alert other occupants.smell of smoke and alert other occupants.– Slide or roll out of bed. Crawl to door, feel the door, if it’s hot, exit out Slide or roll out of bed. Crawl to door, feel the door, if it’s hot, exit out

window.window.– Do not re-enter house once you are outside.Do not re-enter house once you are outside.– Have a pre-planned meeting place outside house and account for all family Have a pre-planned meeting place outside house and account for all family

members.members.– Call the fire department from a neighbor’s house or ask the neighbor to call Call the fire department from a neighbor’s house or ask the neighbor to call

the fire department.the fire department.– Houses that are two or more stories should have an escape ladder in each Houses that are two or more stories should have an escape ladder in each

room above the ground floor. All occupants should practice escape down the room above the ground floor. All occupants should practice escape down the ladder.ladder.

– Teach children ‘stop, drop, and roll’ if their clothes catch on fire.Teach children ‘stop, drop, and roll’ if their clothes catch on fire.

3-15.18. Identify common fire hazards and make recommendations for their correction: (4-22.6)

A. Definition- a condition that is prevalent in almost all occupancies and will encourage a fire to start.

B. ‘Common’ relates to frequency, not severity.C. Hazards and corrective action:

1. Poor housekeeping:1. Poor housekeeping:• Trash and debris is stored safely.Trash and debris is stored safely.• Proper disposal of trash and debris.Proper disposal of trash and debris.

2. Heating:• Store and use combustibles well away from them.• Proper maintenance.


C. Hazards and corrective action: (cont.)C. Hazards and corrective action: (cont.)3. Lighting and power equipment;3. Lighting and power equipment;

a) Maintenance performed by qualified personnel.a) Maintenance performed by qualified personnel.b) Proper grounding.b) Proper grounding.c) Good housekeeping in and around equipment.c) Good housekeeping in and around equipment.

4. Floor cleaning compounds:4. Floor cleaning compounds:a) Proper use.a) Proper use.b) Proper storage.b) Proper storage.

5. Packing materials:5. Packing materials:a) Proper use.a) Proper use.b) Proper storage.b) Proper storage.

6. Fumigation substances:6. Fumigation substances:a) Proper use.a) Proper use.b) Proper storage.b) Proper storage.


C. Hazards and corrective action: (cont.)C. Hazards and corrective action: (cont.)7. Flammable and combustible liquids:7. Flammable and combustible liquids:

a) Proper use.a) Proper use.b) Proper storage.b) Proper storage.c) Proper bonding and grounding.c) Proper bonding and grounding.

8. Personal hazards:8. Personal hazards:a) Examples:a) Examples:

i) Individual traits.i) Individual traits.ii) Habits.ii) Habits.iii) Personalities.iii) Personalities.

b) Corrective action:b) Corrective action:i) Public fire education programs.i) Public fire education programs.ii) Good fire prevention practices.ii) Good fire prevention practices.

3-15.19. Identify responsibilities of the firefighter in determining the 3-15.19. Identify responsibilities of the firefighter in determining the point of origin, cause, and protection of evidence in fires. (4-22.7)point of origin, cause, and protection of evidence in fires. (4-22.7)

A. Responsibility:1) The Chief of the fire department shall investigate the cause, origin,

and circumstances of every fire.2) Firefighters have the responsibility of noting everything that could

point to the cause of the fire:a) En-route or in the vicinity:

i) Time of day.ii) Weather and natural hazards.iii) Man made barriers.

• iv) People leaving the scene


b) On Arrival:i) Time of arrival and extent of fire.ii) Wind direction and velocity.iii) Location of the fire.iv) Color of the smoke.v) Color of the flame.vi) Indications of forcible entry.vii) Covered windows or doors.viii) Suspicious or discarded containers.ix) Discarded burglary tools.x) Familiar faces or persons seen at multiple fires.

3-15.19. Identify responsibilities of the firefighter in determining 3-15.19. Identify responsibilities of the firefighter in determining the point of origin, cause, and protection of evidence in fires. (4-the point of origin, cause, and protection of evidence in fires. (4-

22.7)22.7)c. During firefighting operations:

i) Unusual orders. (do not remove SCBA to detect odors)i) Unusual orders. (do not remove SCBA to detect odors)ii) Abnormal fire behavior when water is applied.iii) Item out of place or normally not found at that location.iv) Obstacle hindering entry or firefighting.v) Structural alterations to help fire spread.vi) Incendiary devices and trailers.vii) Burn patterns.viii) Heat intensity.ix) Rate of fire spread.x) Availability of documents, ready access to insurance papers.xi) Fire detection system inoperative or impaired.xii) Burglar alarms inoperative, impaired, or activated.xiii) Fire in unusual places.xiv) Absence of shortage or possessions, equipment, or stock.xv) Business records left out.xvi) Missing or out of place household appliance.


d. After fire is extinguished:d. After fire is extinguished:i) Report all facts and pertinent observations to the incident i) Report all facts and pertinent observations to the incident

commander.commander.ii) Make written notes of all observations of a suspicious ii) Make written notes of all observations of a suspicious

nature.nature.iii) Minimize overhaul until the investigation is complete.iii) Minimize overhaul until the investigation is complete.iv) Be observant for further evidence.iv) Be observant for further evidence.


B. Fire cause:1) Items necessary to properly analyze:

a) Protect and preserve evidence at the scene.b) Use the evidence to determine exact cause.c) Properly document the entire process.

2) Items to identify to determine cause:a) First fuel ignited.b) Form of heat ignition.c) Source of heat ignition.d) The act or omission by a person that helped to bring these entities

together.


C. Scene security:C. Scene security:1) No one including the property owner, 1) No one including the property owner,

unessential firefighters, or media people should unessential firefighters, or media people should be allowed to enter the fire scene unless be allowed to enter the fire scene unless approved by the investigator and accompanied approved by the investigator and accompanied by a fire official.by a fire official.


D. Personal conduct on the fire ground.Personal conduct on the fire ground.1. Do not attempt to interrogate persons at the fire scene.1. Do not attempt to interrogate persons at the fire scene.2. Allow owners or occupants to ‘talk freely’ about the fire.2. Allow owners or occupants to ‘talk freely’ about the fire.3. Do no make any accusatory statements.3. Do no make any accusatory statements.4. Do not express personal opinions except to the fire investigators.4. Do not express personal opinions except to the fire investigators.5. Do no make public statements regarding the cause of the fire.5. Do no make public statements regarding the cause of the fire.6. Do not make jokes or statements ‘in jest.’6. Do not make jokes or statements ‘in jest.’7. If statement must be made, “the fire is under investigation” is a 7. If statement must be made, “the fire is under investigation” is a

sufficient and factual statement.sufficient and factual statement.8. Legal ramifications of right of entry and search and seizure laws and 8. Legal ramifications of right of entry and search and seizure laws and

court rulings.court rulings.a) Michigan Vs. Tyler.a) Michigan Vs. Tyler.b) Michigan Vs. Clifford.b) Michigan Vs. Clifford.

Firefighter III

Documents

state codes

building codes

prevention codes

national codes

insurance codes

gas codes

housing codes

mechanical codes