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OTTAWA FIRE SERVICES

LESSON PLAN

Subject: Strategies and Tactics – Type II

Prerequisite: Fire behavior, IMS / Accountability, Ventilation, Water supply, Fire Tactics Intro, Fire Tactics 1

Learning Outcomes:

The firefighter will;Understand type 2 constructionKnow the tactical principles for type 2 buildings Understand the importance of size-upUnderstand duties of responding personnel Understand the common automatic protectionUnderstand the common types of occupancies

Time: 2 hours

References: OFS Strategy and Tactics Manual (issue: June 15, 2010, revision November 8th 2010)

Teaching Aids: OFS Strategy and Tactics Manual, White board, Projector and Screen

Safety Considerations N/A – Classroom Setting

Slide #1 Introduction

Type II structures vary in size, configuration, occupancy, and fire load. Type II construction issued for

• strip malls and warehouses,• grocery stores and big box stores,• school gymnasiums and hockey arenas, and• business and industrial parks.

While commonly referred to as non-combustible, Type II buildings do not resist collapse and fire spread to the same degree as Type I buildings. A good rule of thumb for identifying these structures is that they tend to be no more than four storeys in height and usually have exposed steel roof joists.

Ottawa has many urban, suburban, and rural areas where Type II construction is prevalent. Many of Ottawa’s business parks are comprised of one and two storey buildings that are mainly Type II. This training identifies Type II features and physical characteristics, and outlines the procedures and operational requirements for dealing with fires in this type of construction.

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Presentation

Slide # 2

Slide # 3

3.1.3

Slide # 4

Slide # 5 & 6

Slide # 7

3.1.4.

Objectives

Understanding type 2 construction Responding to type 2 buildings Tactical principles for type 2 buildings Size-upDuties of responding personnel Automatic protection Common types of occupancies

Definition

In Type II construction, also known as non-combustible construction, the structural components can be protected or unprotected.

In unprotected construction, the structural elements are non-combustible, but have no fire resistance rating. The use of unprotected steel is the most common characteristic in unprotected, non-combustible construction. An example of this is the use of unprotected steel columns or steel beams for roof support.

Type II construction differs from Type I fire-resistive construction in that Type II building tend to be lower and are not designed for residential use. The most common height of Type II buildings is from one to three storeys.

Unprotected Structures

Example of unprotected structures is the use of exposed steel columns or steel beams for roof support

Typical construction used for mercantile commercial type buildings.

Protected Structures

Structural steel elements frequently have a degree of fire resistance that is less than what is required for Type I construction. When this is the case, these structural elements can be covered with fire resistive material or encased in fire resistive insulation.

Fire resistance refers to the ability of a structural assembly to maintain its load bearing ability under fire conditions. Non-combustible, a misleading term, refers to the fuel contributed by the structural components, not its resistance to fire spread. Type II construction has structural components that may or may not have a fire resistance rating.

Strategies and Tactics – Type II Construction - 2011 of 25

Slide # 8

3.1.4.

Slide # 9

3.1.4.

Slide # 10

Slide #11

Use of fireproofing material to give the steel a fire resistance. The type of fireproofing and thickness applied dictates the degree of fire resistance provided.

When protected in this fashion, Type II structures are referred to as protected non-combustible construction.

If the building is equipped with sprinklers in areas where there are exposed steelelements, that area can also be considered protected.

Figure in this slide depicts a typical Type II building under construction.

It has load-bearing steel columns supporting a lightweight steel joist assembly.

Long steel I-beams run perpendicular to the roof joists and are supported by the columns.

The joists are often left exposed and unprotected from the underside.

The I-beam is also exposed and supported by steel columns that transfer the weight of the roof down to the footings.

Open-webbed joists are available in various depths and spans of up to 44 metres.

Depending on the occupancy, interior finishing, and fire load, during a fire these steel load-bearing elements must be cooled to prevent collapse.

As with Type I construction, the structural members in Type II construction contribute little or no fuel load.

However, buildings classified as Type II often do not meet the strict definition.

Combustible construction materials are sometimes used in Type II buildings, example can be the roofing material.

Loads and Connections

In Type II buildings, loads are transferred from the roof to load-bearing, non-combustible columns or walls to the foundation. As it is with all structures, the way the different building elements are connected dictate the building’s overall stability.

There are two common types of connections in Type II construction:• With pinned connections, elements are joined with simple connections such as bolts, rivets, or welded joints. These are usually not strong enough to re-route forces if one member is removed or fails.• Rigid-framed connections, as illustrated in next slide, are strong enough to re-route forces if a single member is removed.

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Slide #12

3.1.5.

Slide # 13

3.1.5.

Slide # 14

3.1.5.

Rigid Framing

Rigid framing is designed to resist the bending forces resulting from the supported loads and lateral forces.

In a building constructed with rigid-frame connections, sufficient rigidity exists between the beam and the column so that no change occurs in the angle between the beam and the column as loads are applied.

Protected, non-combustible construction provides a degree of structural stability, depending on the degree of fire resistance provided.

An unprotected, non-combustible building will not provide prolonged structural stability under fire conditions.

To prevent firefighter safety from being compromised, the Incident Commander should anticipate failure of unprotected steel because of excessive heat.

Failure of Type II Construction

The point at which unprotected members fail will depend on the following factors:• Ceiling height of the building;• Dimensions of the unprotected members;• Intensity and duration of the fire and heat exposure; and• The load stress on the unprotected steel.

Figure on this slide shows a Type II structure under construction where the roof load is supported by concrete block load-bearing walls.

The steel column supports an open web beam supporting roof joists, which are pinned to the top chord of the beam.

This is not a rigid-frame design in that the bottom chords of the roof joists are shorter than the top chords and are unattached.

This design allows the bottom chord to expand and twist without exerting horizontal pressure on the load-bearing elements.

Characteristics

The structural components of Type II buildings• are usually steel or concrete;• do not add to the fire load; and• have some or no degree of fire resistance, depending on use and occupancy.


Slide # 15

3.1.6.

Slide # 16

3.2.1

Type II buildings are constructed either with a steel frame or concrete load-bearing walls.

If constructed with a steel frame, they can have either metal or non-load-bearing concrete block exterior wall.

There is a serious risk of early collapse of typical Type II buildings. These buildings are not structurally stable under fire conditions and failure of unprotected steel should be anticipated.

Steel members can fail at as little as 426.66° C (800°F). When heated, steel beams and joists will expand, pushing out walls and creating a potential for load-bearing wall collapse.

Characteristics

• Combustible materials permitted.• Fire loading based on occupancy.• With or without sprinkler protection.• HVAC typically mounted on roof.• Large open space.

Combustible materials can be used in Type II construction for interior finishes, roof coverings and structures, exterior veneers and trim and nailing strips.

Depending on the occupancy type, fire loading will vary and the building may have sprinklers.

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment is usually located on the roof.

Basements, although not common, can exist. Type II buildings can have a large building footprint and large open spaces within them.

Combustible Roofing Material

Type II buildings are usually constructed with a flat, metal deck roof supported on open-webbed steel joists.

Roof composition is commonly combustible metal deck roofing, which is referred to as built-up roofing.

It is comprised of a waterproof cover, rigid insulation, and corrugated metal decking.

Many roofing systems, on Type II non-combustible buildings include fibre-board and polyisocyanurate (polyiso) combustible foam board insulation, which adds to the building’s combustible load.

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Slide # 17

3.2.1.

Slide # 18

3.2.1.

Slide # 19

3.2.1.

Responding to Fires

Combustible Roofing Material = Early Failure

The roofs of warehouses built before 1970 can be comprised of layers of tongue and groove boards over steel roof joists.

The boards are layered to be several centimetres thick and provide the basis for the roof deck.

Many of the warehouses on Holly Lane in Ottawa’s south end have roof assemblies like this.

Fire companies might have time to properly ventilate these roofs vertically if the fire has not taken hold of the roof itself.

The weight of HVAC systems must be kept in mind.

Many older Type II and III buildings have had modifications for HVAC and venting systems for kitchen exhausts.

In some instances, the roof structure might not be engineered for the added load.

Responding to Fires

Roof Bowed by Heat Exposure

These open-webbed, unprotected bar joists can fail in as little as 5 to 10 minutes of intense fire exposure.

Figure on this slide shows open-webbed steel roof joists that are bowed because of exposure to heat.

Responding to Fires

The combustible roofs create a serious problem for fire spread.

It is not advisable to place firefighters on these roof structures if a significant fire is burning.

As a steel roof deck heats, the tar and foam insulation on top of the deck liquefy, they migrate into the channels of the steel decking and flow under unburned material.

Once exposed to air, the material ignites, spreading fire from the area of origin to remote areas.


Slide # 20

3.3

Slide # 21

3.3.2.

Tactical Principles

• Forcible Entry• Locating the Fire• Using Master Streams• Managing Air Supply• Advancing Hose Lines• Ventilation• Hazards and Safety

We will now outline the strategies and tactics required for fighting fires in Type II structures. The information is based on the latest North American research pertaining to fires in these types of buildings. As with other types of building design, there are unique aspects to Type II construction that require specific treatment. From big box stores to small garages, Type II buildings present unique challenges to fire personnel. Type II structures are present in just about every area of Ottawa and have a wide variety of occupancy with various fire loads. While primarily used for commercial and manufacturing use, Type II structures are also used for office space, medical offices, and even restaurants.

Forcible Entry

Rule 1: Try before you pry. It is inexcusable to have a crew go through the entireforcible entry process only to find out that the door was unlocked.

Rule 2: Don’t ignore the obvious. Look for the easiest way to get in. There isoften more than one entry point into a structure. Depending on the urgency of the situation and the purpose for forcing entry, all options should be consideredbefore you undertake to gain entry forcibly.

Rule 3: If possible, use the door that the occupants normally use to enter or exitthe premises. Not only does this place you in the occupants’ most likely path ofegress for rescue purposes, it also makes your task much easier.

Rule 4: Maintain the integrity of the door. In other words, keep the door intact.One of the least desirable methods of forcible entry is to smash open a plate glassdoor or window, even if it is obvious that a serious fire is burning. This approachcan create the circumstance for a backdraft, as the sudden in-flow of fresh air can cause the triggering mechanism for a significant fire event.

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Slide # 22

3.3.2.1.

Slide # 23

3.3.2.1.

Slide # 24

3.3.2.1.

Slide # 25

3.3.2.1.

Forcible Entry Methods

Figure shows where bolts for the panic bar are located and how these bolts can be cut using a circular saw.

This method allows for the removal of the panic bar from the exterior.

However, it is time consuming and may also require the removal of the deadbolt lock.


One of the most effective methods of defeating a deadbolt lock in a steel frame is to tap door wedges in the space between the door and the frame approximately 15-20 centimetres above and below the location of the lock.

The wedges will expose the deadbolt sufficiently so that it can be cut using a circular saw blade.

See the diagram on this slide.


Figure on this slide shows a rotary saw being used to cut a deadbolt lock on a double hinged door assembly.

This method is the least destructive way to gain entry and leaves the door intact so that it can be used to control air flows and pressure.

It also allows the building owner to effectively secure the building after the incident by simply replacing the lock.


Figure on this slide shows how a triangular cut can be made to defeat a bar jam.

This type of cut allows a firefighter to reach in and release the panic bar and remove the steel jam.

This should only be done if interior conditions permit, as it would be inadvisable for any firefighter to reach into a super heated environment to release a door lock.

In such an instance, a short pike pole or halligan could be used to push the bar out of the way and exert pressure on the panic bar.


Slide # 26

3.3.2.1.

Slide # 27

3.3.2.1.

Slide # 28

3.3.2.1.

Slide # 29

3.3.3.


Figure on this slide shows how a halligan can be used with a sledge hammer to break bolts on the exterior of a steel door to defeat a locking mechanism.

The adze end of the tool is struck with the sledge hammer.

A flat headed axe can also be used to perform a striking function, but it tends to have less weight and may not be as efficient for this purpose.


Figure 3–17 shows how a halligan can be used to defeat the hinges on a steel door frame.

Figure 3–18 shows how a halligan can be used to force a door in a steel frame.


When using tools like halligans and pike poles, firefighters must be sure to pry down on the tool using body weight to reduce any back strain.

Locating the Fire

• Officer/IC; 360 degree size-up.• Use thermal imaging camera.• Assess condition of smoke.• High ceilings can hide things.• Watch for signs of flashover.

The first arriving officer should ensure that a 360⁰ exterior reconnaissance is performed as part of the initial size-up. This reconnaissance provides important information that can be used in the decision-making process and formulation of incident action plans.

Thermal imaging cameras and heat guns should be included as part of the on-scene size-up tools to allow companies the opportunity to locate any high heat areas prior to making entry. These tools will not provide accurate readings through glass.

Visible smoke may not provide an accurate indication of the size and advanced state of the fire.

High ceilings with few or no openings to the exterior can mask the level of involvement and the high heat conditions that may be present at the upper levels of the building.

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Slide # 30

3.3.4.

Slide # 31

3.3.4.

Smoke without any appreciable heat or cold smoke is of grave concern. Although this smoke is cold it still contains volatile fuel elements that can ignite when exposed to a flame source.

Firefighters must constantly look up and analyse the smoke layer to guard against a potential flashover.

Using Master Streams

• Use large master streams to cool structure.• Direct hose streams through open windows & doors.• Smooth bore nozzles preferred to deliver large volume of water.

If high heat conditions exist at the roof level of a fire in a Type II building, large diameter hose streams must be directed onto the exposed structural steel to control the heat of the fire and to cool the steel elements before they fail.

Hose streams should be directed from protected windows or doorways to allow rapid egress for fire crews should the building begin to fail.

Smooth bore nozzles or straight streams are preferred because of their penetration characteristics and ability to rain the water down onto the source after cooling the exposed steel.

Using Master Streams

• Ladder stream at ground level.• Push fire back to burnt area.• Effective fire attack method for large floor spaces.

In heavily involved structures, the use of elevating devices with their master streams operating at ground level should be considered.

As a rule, hose streams should be positioned in such a way as to head off the advancing fire and push it back towards the main body; see Figure 3–26.

It is too easy for Incident Commanders to focus on the most involved unit and neglect the adjoining exposures.

This method of fire attack can be extremely effective and fire conditions can improve within minutes if the stream is effective and the device is in the right position.

Fire companies should practice vehicle placement to master this technique.

Fire personnel will not be able to properly position the apparatus in a timely fashion without practice.


Slide # 32

3.3.6

Slide # 33

3.3.6

Slide # 34

3.3.5

Advancing Hose Lines

Because of the large areas involved with many Type II structures, exterior signs may not indicate a serious fire.

Smoke can stratify in large buildings and accumulate along the entire roof area before banking down.

Smoke is fuel.

Big box stores should not be horizontally ventilated until a reconnaissance of the building has been conducted.

Improperly ventilating a big box store can result in a rapid acceleration of the fire that can overwhelm fire companies in seconds.

Advancing Hose Lines

• Determine origin & extent of fire before advancing.• Use easily identified large openings.

Hose lines should not be advanced into a building until the origin and extent of fire involvement has been determined.

Hose lines should be advanced through the largest openings available to facilitate rapid egress if required.

Managing Air Supply

NO MORE THAN 60 METERS INTO STRUCTURE

Air supply is 16 to 19 minutes.• ¼ of the air supply to advance• ¼ to accomplish a task• ¼ to retreat• ¼ as a safety margin

Tests conducted by the Phoenix Fire Department demonstrated that firefighters should not advance more than 60 metres into a structure when relying on their self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) for survival.

Firefighters, company officers, and Incident Commanders must maintain awareness of how long a particular company has been “on air” and how much air time remains in their air bottle.

DO NOT wait for your low air alarm to sound! It’s too late!

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Slide # 35

3.3.7.

Slide # 36

3.3.7.

Slide # 37

3.3.7.

Ventilation

Indiscriminate breaking of windows can allow the fire to develop so rapidly that interior crews can quickly become victims of extreme heat and smoke.

The incident action plan will identify the amount and extent of ventilation to be undertaken.

If stores are equipped with large windows on one or more sides, they should remain intact until the heat impinging on the exposed steel elements has been effectively addressed.

Windows should not be removed until the initial attack crew can confirm that they are cooling and extinguishing the fire.

Most Type II buildings are equipped with a rear door that should be opened as soon as possible to allow an additional means of egress as well as to establish an avenue for cross ventilation or positive pressure ventilation (PPV).

PPV can help fire suppression, improve fresh airflow for firefighters, and aid visibility.

Big box stores should not be horizontally ventilated until a reconnaissance of the building has been conducted.

Improperly ventilating a big box store can result in a rapid acceleration of the fire that can overwhelm fire companies in seconds.

Ventilation

In strip malls, PPV can also be used to pressurize exposed units on either side of the unit on fire to help keep the fire and smoke from migrating out of the fire compartment.

Ventilation

• Avoid roof ventilation if possible.• Unprotected steel joists fail 5-10 minutes.• Assume defensive attack if unsure.

Roof ventilation should not be undertaken on thin roof decks regardless of the structural elements that have been used.

Unprotected steel bar joists can cause roof systems to fail rapidly (5 to 10 minutes) and without warning when exposed to direct flames or high heat.

Firefighters could cut off one of the tack welded areas causing the area they are standing on to become unstable.


Slide # 38

3.3.8.

Slide # 39

3.4.1.

A quick check for skylights, roof vents, or ventilation scuttles should be conducted after the roof’s stability has been verified. Opening these natural breaches in the roof will provide some degree of vertical ventilation.

If the fire is extensive and the backdraft potential is apparent, it would be advisable to break the glass on all sides of the structure and assume a defensive posture.

Hazards & Safety

• Early roof collapse.• Exterior wall collapse.• High fuel load, big box store.• Large floor area = Firefighter disorientation• High ceilings deceiving to firefighters below.• Drop ceilings possible entanglement.• Backdraft & Flashover• Possible service pits in repair garage.

Officers are responsible for the actions of their personnel at all times and must give them direction on the fireground.

They must ensure that their personnel are properly dressed for the tasks they are expected to perform.

Officers generally oversee the execution of tasks, but do not execute them.

Unless it is absolutely required, officers should not be using tools. An officer using a tool will not be focused on the safety of his or her personnel.

Size-UpPre-Call

Size-up should begin with pre-fire planning.

Pre-fire planning identifies the protective elements in a structure and the critical considerations before any call is received.

Understanding the strengths and limitations of on-duty personnel is an important consideration for officers.

For fire personnel size-up includes reviewing memorandums pertaining to street closures and ensuring that members leaving duty provide a complete update as to what transpired on their tour of duty.

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Slide # 40

3.4.2

Slide # 41

3.4.3

Size-UpResponding

All fire services personnel should be engaged in the process of size-up upon receipt of a call.

Time of day, Weather conditions, Radio reports, etc

The time of day is relevant depending on the building type and occupancy and has a bearing on rescue.

If a fire service is responding to a Type II building during rush hour, it must expect heavier traffic patterns and possibly more people at the subject building.

Big box parking lots can be full depending on the time of day and even the day of the week.

Valuable information can be obtained from the computer-aided dispatch (CAD) printout and should be used in the formulation of decisions.

Company officers should take a moment and read the information on the printout while they are responding. All personnel should listen to the radio reports as the dispatchers will provide important information pertaining to the type of call, what the caller said, and whether a large number of calls are being received confirming an actual fire.

Size-UpUpon Arrival

• Announce & assume command.• Description of building.• Declaration of strategy.• Declaration of operational mode.• Request for additional information.

For fire responses, the first arriving officer must provide a clear and concise report based on visual indications upon arrival. The initial radio report should include the above information.

This information must be communicated clearly so that all incoming companies will be prepared to begin operations to fulfill the requirements of the initial action plan. Tactical objectives should be assigned to the next due apparatus according to the requirements of each incident.

As with all incidents, the basic concepts and requirements of incident management must be satisfied. Refer to the Ottawa Fire Services (OFS) Incident Management System (IMS) Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for more information.


Slide # 42

3.4.5

Slide # 43

3.5

Size-UpPost-Incident Analysis

• Update pre-fire plan as required.• COAL WAS WEALTH

Size-up must be a continuous process throughout the incident that re-evaluates each critical factor and provides the necessary information to adjust or redevelop the current action plan.

C Construction (Type I to V, or hybrid?)O Occupancy (number of people and what is inside the building?)A Apparatus and personnel (what do I have available for immediate use?)L Life Hazard (is rescue going to be the overriding concern?)

W Water supply (hydrant or non-hydrant area, locations, and available supply?)A Auxiliary appliances (are there sprinklers, standpipes, and so on?)S Street conditions (where can apparatus be placed to best advantage? are there obstructions?)

W Weather (extreme cold, extreme heat, wind speed and direction, high humidity, etc.)E Exposures (are adjacent structures or occupancies threatened or involved?)A Area and height of the involved buildingL Location and extent of the fireT Time (how long has this fire been burning?)H Hazards (hazardous materials, overhead wires, construction work, etc.)

Duties for Fires in Type II Buildings

The Ottawa Fire Services (OFS) response model is flexible and vehicles regardless of their type may have to perform duties according to their arrival sequence.

This section outlines operational procedures for Type II buildings based on the arrival sequence of the apparatus.

A basic template for establishing operational procedures should be developed during pre-fire planning.

This section outlines the duties for fire companies when responding to fires in Type II structures based on fire company type and order of arrival.

The tactics described in this section are based on the following response model:• Pump companies have one officer and three firefighters upon arrival;• Ladder companies have one officer and two firefighters upon arrival; and• Rescue companies have one officer and two or three firefighters upon arrival.

In rural response areas, the Incident Commander will have to determine a course of action in accordance with the human resources available on scene.

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Slide # 44

3.5.1

Slide # 45

3.5.23.5.3

Slide # 46

3.5.4

Rules of Operations

• Do not hesitate to use 65mm hose lines,• Avoid directing hose streams into a vent,• Never enter beyond 60 M when heavily involved,• Limit vertical ventilation,• Do not cut steel roof deck, and• Roof operations include hose lines.• NEVER FREELANCE!

Never freelance.

Fire personnel who lack the discipline to remain with their assigned company are a danger to themselves and to others.

This rule includes officers who freelance with their company.

Command & Sectors

• Additional sectors might have to be assigned according to the size of the building and number of personnel on scene.

• Multiple entry control points might have to be established.• Sectors need to work and plan at the tactical level.

Command procedures for Type II buildings are generally the same as for any other types of structures. However, the following specific points should be kept in mind:• Additional sectors might have to be assigned according to the size of the building;• Multiple entry control points might have to be established; and• Multiple sectors might have to be established for large structures. Assigning sectors allows the Incident Commander to break a large fire problem down into smaller, more manageable units of operation. Each company officer in charge of a sector should mentally formulate a plan for the tactical objective he or she is attempting to achieve and ensure that the plan is consistent with the overall incident action plan.

Duties for Fires in Type II Buildings

• Duties for officers and trucks specific to Type II buildings:• 1st Arriving Pump• 2nd Arriving Pump• 1st Arriving Ladder


Slide # 47

3.5.5

Slide # 48

3.5.6

Slide # 49

3.5.7

Duties – 1st Arriving Pump

• Assume Command & First Radio Report• Establish Water Supply• Supplement Sprinkler System• Allow space for ladder.

The first arriving pump company officer assumes command, transmits the first radio report, performs a complete size-up and ensures that a continuous and reliable water supply is established, depending on the following factors:

• The size of the fire;• Exposures;• The arrival time of the second due pump company;• Accessibility of the water supply; and• Pump vehicle water tank capacity.

First pump should immediately supply the subject building’s fire protection system if there is no immediate requirement for rescue; the fire is not directly impinging on or threatening to spread to an exposure; and the available water supply is sufficient to support the building’s protection system. Whenever possible, allowance for ladder placement must be made when apparatus are arriving on the scene.

Duties – 2nd Arriving Pump

• Ensure adequate water supply • Non-hydrant area; establish rural water supply

• Supplement sprinkler system • 65mm hose line for safety & cool the roof

The second arriving pump company performs the following duties:• Ensure that the first arriving pump has an adequate water supply;• Supply the building’s sprinkler Siamese connection, if the first pump

has not done so;• Stretch a 65 millimetre hose line to protect the fire attack company and

cool the steel roof members; and

If required by Command, the second arriving pump company can assist with fire attack or search and rescue operations.

Duties – 1st Arriving Ladder

• Ladder the building.• Forcible entry if needed.• Ventilation, PPV• Overhaul

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Slide # 50

3.6

The first arriving ladder company performs the following duties:• Ladder the building according to the needs of the incident;• Perform forcible entry, as required;• Open any doors opposite the fire attack to allow for ventilation;• Set up positive pressure ventilation (PPV), as required; and• Perform overhaul.

Doors to be opened for ventilation can include garage bay doors, roll-down shutters, and exit doors. Opening these doors is dependent on the needs of the incident and must be consistent with the incident action plan. Regardless of the construction type, wind and air temperature must beassessed before ventilating any building.

Protective Features

• Fire Alarm System• Sprinkler & Standpipe System• Fire Separations

Depending on several factors, including the age of the building, number of storeys, height, occupancy and use, Type II buildings may have protective features such as fire alarm systems, sprinkler and standpipe systems, and fire separations.

Sprinkler and Standpipe SystemsA standpipe or sprinkler system can be expected in Type II buildings that are greater than three storeys or 14 metres in height; are large in both height and area; or have an occupancy classification that would warrant such a system.

Fire SeparationsFire personnel can expect to find various separations within Type II occupancies. For example, a fire separation might exist between an office area and the manufacturing area, or between floors within a unit. Fire separations can consist of the following materials:

• Concrete block walls;• Reinforced concrete walls;• Dry wall on steel studs; and• Steel roll-down fire doors activated by a fusible link


Slide # 51

3.7.

Slide # 52

3.7.1

Occupancies

Variety of Occupancies:• Mercantile• Industrial• Storage• Assembly• Office• Service

Type II buildings can include the following occupancies:• Mercantile buildings like big box stores, strip malls, and convenience

stores;• Industrial buildings like manufacturing facilities or repair garages;• Storage and warehouse facilities;• Assembly occupancies like churches, theatres, schools, community

facilities, arenas, restaurants, exhibition halls, television studios, and so on;

• Office buildings; and• Windowless service buildings such as municipal pumping stations and

hydro-electric substations.

Type II buildings vary greatly in their size, occupancy, fire loads, hazardous materials content, and the degree of fire protection. Physical similarities among Type II buildings do not necessarily mean that fires in them can be fought in the same manner.

The type of occupancy and building construction type will be the primary factors in determining the overall tactical approach taken by the Incident Commander.

Mercantile Occupancies

• Commercial business; under 3 storeys in height• Challenges:

• Non standard fire load• Multiple tenants/uses

• Look for different company signs.

Mercantile occupancies are Type II buildings at which business in the trade of goods is conducted.

They are primarily commercial businesses. Typically less than 3 storeys in building height.

The challenge concerning these occupancies is the variable fire load from one unit to the next. A printing shop might neighbour a paint store that is next to a flooring company. Containing the fire to the unit of origin by establishing containment tactics is key when fighting fires in these structures.

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Slide # 53

3.7.2

Slide # 54

3.7.2

For the building shown, the load bearing walls separating the units are detectable as brick outcroppings along the front façade. Roof joists generally run across the span between load-bearing walls.

As part of a comprehensive size‐up, firefighters should look at the signage at the front of a building. Signage will indicate the type of business occupancy, which can aid in assessing the potential fire load.

Big Box Stores

• Large footprint & high ceilings, high rack storage.• Extremely high fuel load.• Flammable & combustible liquid.• Fast-moving fire.

Big box mercantile occupancies occupy a large footprint and have high square footage.

These buildings tend to encompass large open areas and have high ceilings.

In the case of large home renovation and hardware stores, such as Home Depot, there is an extremely high fire load with a wide variety of combustibles and flammable liquids.

A typical big box store has a significant amount of material stored on high steel shelving units.

While many of these stores follow similar shelving configurations; based on a series of rows, some have areas within the rows that act as nodes for the sale of flooring, window treatments, paint and tools, and so on.

A concentrated fire involving such a diverse fire load could quickly overcome any built-in fire protection system and create the circumstance for an extremely large, fast-moving fire.

Big Box Stores

Firefighters should only fight these fires from the end of the rows while hose streams cool the upper environment and roof joists.

Firefighters should only fight these fires from the end of the rows while hose streams cool the upper environment and roof joists.

When directing hose streams, the firefighter on the nozzle should ensure that the hose pattern does not disrupt heavily stocked shelves.

A straight stream or a solid stream can knock material off shelving and even destabilize shelves.


Slide # 55

3.7.3.

Slide # 56

3.7.3

Fallen material and stock can also block means of egress. For an example of flammable materials stored in rows of shelving.

Typically, the roof and structural components of this kind of store are exposed with no fire resistance rating.

These buildings might have sprinkler or standpipe systems or both.

Depending on the occupancy, there might be few window openings, which can make ventilation challenging.

These buildings usually have a high fire loading because of stock that includes Class A, B, C, and D combustibles.

Strip Malls

• Long, narrow buildings.• Several small businesses.• Individual entrances.• Fire separations between units.

Strip malls are commonly long, narrow buildings that house several small businesses. Many of these malls have anchor tenants that are larger brand-name grocery or clothing stores.

Each unit will have a separate individual entrance from the exterior, as there are no interior public corridors. Sometimes these buildings have a rear service corridor for deliveries and to access services and storage rooms.

As in other Type II buildings, the roof and structural components of strip mall buildings are typically exposed with no fire rating. Depending on the occupancy type, the interior ceiling may be suspended. It is always sound practice to pull any suspended ceiling panels down as fire attack companies advance into a fire compartment.

Strip Malls

Many strip malls have overhanging canopies that cover walkways from one end of the mall to the other.

Canopies can be a conduit for fire and smoke spread and can contribute to the fire load. In older strip malls, the overhanging canopies might be made of various kinds of insulation and wood supporting elements.

In the case of a single unit fire, it is imperative that the underside of the canopy be overhauled in conjunction with the fire attack. If fire starts running along the inside of a canopy, extreme caution must be used in working under it because it can collapse without warning.

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Slide # 57

3.7.4

Slide # 58

3.7.5.1

The use of master streams can be a useful means to control fire spread in void spaces such as those found in canopies. However, fire personnel must be careful to ensure that their hose streams do not entrain oxygen into the fire compartment or push fire into unburned areas.

Industrial Occupancies

Industrial buildings vary in size from small manufacturing shops and auto repair garages to large facilities like OC Transpo vehicle maintenance buildings located throughout the city.

Few fire separated compartments.

Special hazards:• fuel, oil, compressed gases, flammable liquids, cleaning solvents,• battery recharging• storage areas.

Firefighters can expect to find non-conforming mezzanines in some Type II storage, manufacturing and industrial occupancies. These mezzanines are, in effect, makeshift second storeys within the structure.

Stretching protective hose lines for fire attack personnel is a priority.

When available resources permit and depending on the size of the structure, the assignment of more than one Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) should be considered.

Storage & Self-Storage

• Low occupant load, high fuel load.• Single or multiple storey• Security controlled access.• Pre-fire plan.• Ladder building for 2nd exit.• Assume the worst fuel load.• Consider indirect attack.

Multiple storey self-storage temperature regulated buildings.

The problems associated with fighting fires in these structures are similar to those associated with fighting fires in Type I structure, except that the fire load can be much more highly concentrated.

Access may be difficult because of electronic security measures, as tenants usually access these buildings using a pass card system.


Slide # 59

3.7.5.2

Slide # 60

3.7.6

Ladders are important in fighting fires in multi-storey facilities. Fire companies inside must have multiple means of egress and the Incident Commander should ensure that, wherever possible, ladders are strategically placed to ensure that a secondary means of egress to the exterior is established.

Indirect fire attack methods can be employed in situations where the fire will be difficult to suppress using a direct frontal attack.

The indirect method can include partially opening the door and injecting a series of one-to-two-second bursts of fog stream set at an approximately 30° angle into the gaseous layer of the fire compartment and closing the door for several seconds.

Warehouse Storage Facilities

• Large footprint.• Same hazards as big box stores.• Height of storage is a hazard to firefighters.• Rule of Thumb

Large Building + Large Fire = Large Hose

Warehouse-type storage buildings can occupy a large footprint and present many of the same challenges as big box stores.

The height of the stored materials is a concern. For example, shipping containers can be stacked one on top of another.

Fire personnel must make a point of identifying the warehouses in their response area in an effort to determine the type of storage:• Movers’ warehouse and storage;• Paper distribution;• Dead file storage;• Textile storage;• Furniture;• Sporting goods;• Food;• Mechanical equipment;• Flammable liquid storage; and• Compressed gas storage.

Assembly Occupancies

• Schools, Movie Theatres, Arenas• 1 or 2 storeys.• High occupant load, low fuel load.• Fire alarm systems.• Several egress and access points.

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Slide # 61

3.7.7

Type II buildings are used for assembly purposes such as• school gymnasiums;• movie theatres;• sports arenas;• community centres; and• art centres.

Most assembly occupancies are no more than one or two storeys in height. However, major sports arenas with seating for 20,000 people or more can exceed eight storeys in height.

Alarm and sprinkler systems are common in assembly occupancies.

Contents such as furnishings are the main fire load. Movie theatres can be a challenge if the fire occurs in a large seating area.Tend to have a great deal of ceiling height and are equipped with well-marked means of egress.

Office Occupancies

• 1 or 2 storeys.• Occupant load high during normal working hours.• Fire alarm and sprinkler systems• Downtown or business parks.

One and two storey office buildings can be of Type II construction and are often located in suburban business parks.

Access and egress points are usually sufficient for the purposes of fire fighting and rescue.

Alarm and sprinkler systems are common, but not guaranteed.

Occupant loads tend to be highest during normal daytime business hours.

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3.8

Summary

Type II buildings are extremely dangerous and diverse.

High probability of building collapse.

Pre-fire Planning is Very Important

Diverse fire loads and unpredictable floor configurations pose a grave life safety hazard. As businesses stay open longer and longer hours, the risk to life is present throughout their entire extended workday. A proper and thorough size-up and effective and accurate pre-fire plans are the key to safe and efficient fireground operations in Type II buildings.


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