Transcript Firefighter III

Firefighter III
Module C
Fire prevention, public fire education, and
fire cause determination. (4-22)
Question
• Question: Principles of fire prevention, such
as pre-incident planning, inspection
procedures, fire hazards, and dwellings are
covered?
3-15.1. Identify local and state fire codes used during
company inspections:
• A. Model code organizations:
• a) International Conference of Building
Officials (ICBO).
• b) Southern Building Code Congress
International (SBCCI).
• c) Building Officials and Code
Administrators (BOCA).
3-15.1. Identify local and state fire codes used during
company inspections:
• A. Locals Codes:
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Fire prevention codes.
Housing codes.
Zoning ordinances.
Subdivision regulations.
Building codes.
Electrical codes.
Mechanical codes.
Gas codes.
Plumbing regulations.
Life safety codes.
Insurance codes and regulations.
3-15.1. Identify local and state fire codes used during
company inspections:
• B. State codes:
• 1) Fire prevention.
• 2) Life safety code.
3-15.1. Identify local and state fire codes used during
company inspections:
• C. National codes:
• 1) American Insurance Association (AIA)- has
not been revised or published since 1976 but
some jurisdictions still use this code.
3-15.1. Identify local and state fire codes used during
company inspections:
• 2)
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National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):
i) NFPA 101 Life safety code:
(a) Addresses hose construction, protection, and occupancy
features necessary for protection of life from fire, smoke,
fumes, or panic.
(b) Formerly called the ‘Building exits code.’
(c) Does not address criteria or building codes.
ii) National Fire Codes: (NFC)
(a) Comprised of over 270 codes, standards, recommended
practices, manuals, guides, and model laws.
(b) NFPA 1 fire prevention code.
(c) Included in the National Fire Codes.
iii) Many NFPA documents are referenced in the model
building and fire prevention codes.
3-15.1. Identify local and state fire codes used during
company inspections:
• 3) Model building and fire prevention codes
do not become law until adopted by law or
ordinance.
3-15.2. Identify the areas of responsibility of other municipal
and state inspection agencies:
• D. Municipal Agencies:
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1) Construction and occupancy of a building when
it is being planned and constructed:
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i) Building department.
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ii) Zoning board.
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iii) Planning commission.
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2) Regulation of activities that are conducted
within a building once it has been constructed.
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i) Fire inspections.
3-15.2. Identify the areas of responsibility of other municipal
and state inspection agencies:
• E. State fire marshal:
• 1) Code enforcement.
• 2) Fire and arson investigation.
• 3) Plans review.
• 4) Fire prevention inspections.
• 5) Fire data collection.
• 6) Fire data analysis.
• 7) Fire service training.
• 8) Public fire education.
• 9) Fire legislation development.
• 10) Boiler inspections.
• 11) Underground tanks.
3-15.3. Identify that the fire extinguishers
requirement for various occupancies:
• I. Class A:
• 1) Hazard classifications:
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a) Light (low) hazard:
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(i) Few combustibles and only small fires are
expected.
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(ii) Examples:
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(a) Offices
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(b) Churches
(c) Schools rooms
(d) Assembly halls
3-15.3. Identify that the fire extinguishers
requirement for various occupancies:
• b) Ordinary (moderate) hazard:
• (i) The amount of combustibles is such that a
medium size fire may be expected.
• (ii) Examples:
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(a) Mercantile storage.
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(b) Mercantile display areas.
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(c) Auto showrooms.
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(d) Parking garages.
3-15.3. Identify that the fire extinguishers
requirement for various occupancies:
• c) Extra (High) hazard:
• (i) Areas where severe fire may be expected.
• (ii) Examples:
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(a) Wood working areas.
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(b) Aircraft service areas.
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(c) Warehouse with high piled
combustibles.
3-15.3. Identify that the fire extinguishers
requirement for various occupancies:
• a) Light hazard requirements:
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i) 3000 sq. ft./ unit.
ii) 11,250 sq. ft./ extinguisher.
• iii) Maximum travel distance- 75 ft. Question: from points
of egress (3-5 ft off floor).
• b) Ordinary hazard requirements:
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i) 1500 sq. ft./ unit.
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ii) 11,250 sq. ft./ extinguisher.
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iii) Maximum travel distance- 75 ft.
3-15.3. Identify that the fire extinguishers
requirement for various occupancies:
• c) Extra hazard requirements:
• i) 1000 sq. ft./ unit.
• ii) 11,250sq. ft./extinguisher.
• iii) Maximum travel distance- 75 ft.
3-15.3. Identify that the fire extinguishers
requirement for various occupancies:
• II. Class B:
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a) Low:
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i) Minimum 5-B with a travel distance of 30 ft.
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ii) Minimum 10-B with a travel distance of 50 ft.
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b) Moderate:
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i) Minimum 10-B with a travel distance of 30 ft.
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ii) Minimum 20-B with a travel distance of 50 ft.
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Question: What does the NFPA Base NFPA 10 for Class B
Extinguishers on?.
Room Size?
3-15.3. Identify that the fire extinguishers
requirement for various occupancies:
• II. Class B (cont.)
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c) High:
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i) Minimum 40-B with a travel distance of
30 ft.
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ii) Minimum 80-B with a travel distance of
50 ft.
3-15.3. Identify that the fire extinguishers
requirement for various occupancies:
• III. Class C- Wherever there is live electrical
equipment.
• IV. Class D- 75 ft. or less from wherever there
are combustible metals.
3-15.4. Identify the fire exit requirements for
different types of occupancies:
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B
C
D
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G
H
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Width of opening.
Width of stairs.
Occupant load.
Exit capacity.
Number required.
Maximum travel distance.
Marking of exits.
Illumination of exits.
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.
• B. General guidelines:
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1) Notify a responsible party of violations found.
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2) Re-inspection after a pre-determined period of time.
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3) If voluntary compliance is still not obtained, some sort of sanction is
issued:
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i) May vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.
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ii) Citation.
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iii) Fine.
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iv) Court summons.
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v) Stop work order.
3-15.6. Identify the procedures for preparing a pre-fire plan:
• A. Components:
• 1) Information gathering.
• 2) Procedure development.
• 3) Maintenance of information resource
system.
Question: Pre-incident planning is the whole process of
gathering information, developing procedures, and
maintaining information resource systems. The building
inspection is the fact-gathering part of pre-incident
planning.
3-15.6. Identify the procedures for preparing a pre-fire plan:
• B. Steps:
• 1) Call occupant in advance:
• a) Set convenient time for inspection.
• b) Advise purpose of inspection.
3-15.6. Identify the procedures for preparing a pre-fire plan:
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C) Approaching the
building:
1) Observe:
(a) Location of hydrants.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
Location of fire alarm boxes.
Exposures.
Condition of surrounding streets.
General house keeping around the building.
Address numbers for visibility.
All sides of building for accessibility.
Forcible entry problems posed by barred windows or high security doors.
Type of buildings, occupancies and general appearance of area.
Overhead obstructions that would restrict aerial ladder operations.
Record all information.
3-15.6. Identify the procedures for preparing a pre-fire plan:
• 2) Contacting the occupant/ owner:
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a) Enter the building through the main entrance.
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i) Request permission to inspect building.
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ii) Introduce yourself and the other firefighters.
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iii) Advise the purpose of the inspection.
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iv) Request a representative of the owner/
occupant to accompany firefighters during
inspection.
3-15.6. Identify the procedures for preparing a pre-fire plan:
• 3) Conducting the inspection:
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a) Start on the exterior noting information
necessary for sketch of building.
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i) Move to roof or basement and work to
other area.
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ii) Systematically inspect each floor.
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iii) Check any locked doors.
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iv) If multiple buildings inspect each in a
similar manner.
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v) Write necessary notes.
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vi) Make sketches of building, area, and all
floors.
3-15.6. Identify the procedures for preparing a pre-fire plan:
• 4. Conduct final interview:
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a) Advise owner/occupant of favorable conditions found.
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b) Advise owner/ occupant of unfavorable conditions found.
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c) Explain that a written report will be provided soon to them.
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d) Advise of any follow- up inspections that may be necessary.
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e) Thank owner/ occupant.
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f) Explain how information gathered will be used.
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g) Make map and sketch of building.
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h) Complete any written reports necessary.
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i) Update procedures and information systems.
Question: Is final interview general & brief with a more
detailed description to follow in the written report?
3-15.6. Identify the procedures for preparing a pre-fire plan:
• Another question: Unfavorable conditions
may be discussed in general, but the
firefighter should avoid technicalities and
direct conclusions at the time. Explain that
such conditions will be studied more fully
and that recommended solutions will be
submitted in a written report!
3-15.6. Identify the procedures for preparing a pre-fire plan:
• Question: Fire department personnel should
include some sort of a sketch with their
inspection report to show the general
arrangement of the property with respects to
streets, other buildings, and important
features that will help determine fire fighting
procedures. This sketch is commonly call a
plot plan of the area.
3-15.6. Identify the procedures for preparing a pre-fire plan:
• 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
inspection was made and review the recommendations that
were made. (If premises is past due inspection or there were
no major problems, a complete fire safety inspection should
be made.)
• B. Check with the person in charge of the event and
determine of any hazardous event or display (in terms of fire
safety) will take place. (If so, the inspector should receive a
detailed briefing describing exactly what is proposed. The
inspector can then determine if the display will be allowed
or what special precautions, if any, are necessary.)
3-15.7. Identify the duties and responsibilities of a firefighter
assigned to a fire prevention detail in places of public
assembly:
• C. Check equipment brought in to be sure that it
meets code requirements and where appropriate,
the equipment is of an approved type.
• D . Check the ‘temporary’ wiring used for the
event.
• E. Work with building management to be sure that
the occupancy limit is not exceeded.
• F. Just before the event begins, have an
announcement made calling attention to the
location of the exits.
3-15.7. Identify the duties and responsibilities of a firefighter
assigned to a fire prevention detail in places of public
assembly:
• G. Keep aisles open. (Prevent people from standing or sitting
in the aisles.)
• H. If smoking is not allowed, enforce this rule.
• I. In case of any significant fire, transmit and immediate
alarm, then direct an orderly evacuation. (Make special
efforts to control panic.)
• J. Be sure that all exits are unlocked & the exit lights are on.
Question!
• K. Check emergency lights to be sure they are working.
Question!
3-15.8. Identify smoke, flame, and heat-detection alarm
systems. (4-22.9)
• A. Smoke detectors:
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1) Ionization type:
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a) Contain a minute quantity of radioactive
material that causes the air within a ‘sensing’
chamber to conduct electricity.
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b) When smoke particles enter the ‘sensing’
chamber, they impede to flow of electricity across
the terminals in the detector, thus sounding the
alarm.
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c) Slightly faster response to open flaming fires
than photoelectric detectors.
3-15.8. Identify smoke, flame, and heat-detection alarm
systems. (4-22.9)
• 2) Photoelectric type:
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a) Contain a small light source:
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(1) Incandescent bulb.
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(2) Light emitting diode (LED)
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a) Light from light source illuminates a chamber known as the
sensing chamber.
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b) Sensing chamber contains a photocell, which is light
sensitive.
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c) Light from the light source does not reach the photocell
during standby operation.
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d) Particles entering the sensing chamber of the detector cause
the light from the light to bounce off the smoke particles and
activate the photocell, closing the electrical circuit during a fire
situation.
3-15.8. Identify smoke, flame, and heat-detection alarm
systems. (4-22.9)
• 3) Power sources:
• a) Batteries.
• b) 110 volt household electric current.
• c) 110 volt with battery back up.
3-15.8. Identify smoke, flame, and heat-detection alarm
systems. (4-22.9)
• 4. Heat detectors:
• a) Fixed temperature:
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1) Activate when they reach a predetermined temperature
3-15.8. Identify smoke, flame, and heat-detection alarm
systems. (4-22.9)
• b) Types:
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(1) Bimetallic strip or disk:
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(a) contain 2 metals or metal alloys that have different expansion
rates when heated.
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(b) Metals mend as they expand and trip and electrical circuit that
activates the alarm.
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(2) Soft metal alloy or thermoplastic resins that melt:
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(a) Usually use a link or latching mechanism that is made if the soft
metal alloy or thermoplastic resin.
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(b) When heat melts the alloy or plastic the link separates or the
latch is released which activates the alarm.
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(3) Expansion of heated solvents;
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(a) Contain a small glass bulb that is designed to break at a predetermined pressure.
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(b) As the solvent is heated the solvent vaporizes which exerts
additional pressure on the bulb.
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(c) When the pressure breaks the glass, two electrical contacts are
allowed to touch flossing the alarm circuit activating the alarm.
3-15.8. Identify smoke, flame, and heat-detection alarm
systems. (4-22.9)
• 4) Rate of rise:
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a) Have a small chamber filled with air.
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b) As the air is heated, it cooled it expands or contracts.
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c) Small vent holes that allow for gradual changed in
pressure.
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d) When air in the detector heats rapidly, the air pressure
increase faster than the vent can relieve the pressure.
• e) This increased pressure is exerted on a diaphragm that
closes two electrical contacts activating the alarm.
• f) Rate of rise detectors react more quickly to a fire but
are less reliable than fixed temperature detectors.
3-15.8. Identify smoke, flame, and heat-detection alarm
systems. (4-22.9)
• 5) Flame detectors:
• a) Ultraviolet- Can be activated by bright sunlight
or arc welding therefore they should not be used in
areas where these light sources can be picked up by
the detector.
• b) Infrared- Requires the flickering action of
moving flame front which results in a lower false
alarm rate. Infrared detectors are capable of
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.
3-15.9. Identify target fire hazards commonly found in
manufacturing, commercial, and public assembly
occupancies: (4-22.10)
• II. Manufacturing occupancies:
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a) Flammable liquids in dip tanks, ovens, and
dryers; plus those used in mixing, coating,
spraying, and degreasing products.
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b) High piled storage of combustible material.
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c) Vehicles, such as fork trucks, and other trucks
inside building.
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d) Large, open areas.
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e) Large scale use of flammable and
combustible gases.
3-15.9. Identify target fire hazards commonly found in
manufacturing, commercial, and public assembly
occupancies: (4-22.10)
• 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.
3-15.9. Identify target fire hazards commonly found in
manufacturing, commercial, and public assembly
occupancies: (4-22.10)
• 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)
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A
Heating appliances.
B
Cooking appliances.
C
Smoking materials.
D
Electrical distribution.
E
Electrical appliances.
F. Question: Know that poor house keeping is
a factor! Pre-plan these houses on EMS Calls.
3-15.11. Identify the human factors that result in
electrical fires:
• A. Improper installation:
• 1) Overloading.
• 2) Damage to equipment.
• 3) Excessive heat exposure to nearby
combustibles.
3-15.11. Identify the human factors that result in
electrical fires:
• B. Lack of maintenance:
• 1) Improper installation.
• 2) Laying cords across heavy traffic areas.
• 3) Deterioration due to age.
3-15.11. Identify the human factors that result in
electrical fires:
• C. Improper use:
• 1) Not used in accordance with proper
conditions.
• 2) Mismatching wire size with equipment
wattage.
3-15.11. Identify the human factors that result
in electrical fires:
• D. Carelessness or oversight:
• 1) Failure to turn off devices.
• 2) Dropping combustibles into equipment.
• 3) Draping equipment over operating
equipment.
3-15.12. Identify standard types of chimneys and flues, and
recognize deficiencies likely to cause fires: (4-22.11)
• A. Types:
• 1) Factory built:
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a) An assembly of manufactured
components that form a complete chimney.
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b) Tested for compliance with safety
standards.
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c) Installed for residential type heating
appliances.
3-15.12. Identify standard types of chimneys and flues, and
recognize deficiencies likely to cause fires: (4-22.11)
• 2) Masonry:
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a) Field built and subject to the skills and abilities of the assembler.
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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 to
prevent leakage and to center and support the tile liners.
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c) One course of common brick around the liner suffices for usual
residential chimneys.
• d) High temperature classifications use firebrick as the liner, with
additional courses of brick for larger size and greater strength and
security.
Know about Spark Arrestor value.
3-15.12. Identify standard types of chimneys and flues, and
recognize deficiencies likely to cause fires: (4-22.11)
• 3) Metal:
• a) Constructed of single wall metal for low
temperature use, such as with gas appliances, or
metal lined with firebrick or refractory mortar for
medium and high heat service.
• b) May be locked inside or outside of building but
may not be inside one and two family dwellings.
• c) Metal chimneys are not subjected to any kind of
safety testing.
3-15.12. Identify standard types of chimneys and flues, and
recognize deficiencies likely to cause fires: (4-22.11)
• B. Hazards:
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1) General:
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a) Operator error or ignorance.
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b) Control failure.
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c) Improper installation.
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d) Use of defective or unlisted appliance.
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e) Ignition of combustible soot or creosote deposits.
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f) Serious cracks or internal collapse of the masonry.
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g) Defective construction.
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h) Failure to secure joints of factory built products.
3-15.12. Identify standard types of chimneys and flues, and
recognize deficiencies likely to cause fires: (4-22.11)
• 2) Factory built chimneys:
• a) Installation of chimney ceiling support
above ceiling framing.
• b) Failure to secure joints or align gascarrying parts.
• c) Use of mismatched chimney parts.
3-15.12. Identify standard types of chimneys and flues, and
recognize deficiencies likely to cause fires: (4-22.11)
• 3) Masonry chimneys:
•
a) Filling the space between the chimney and wood framing
with combustible insulation, or placing framing into or against
the chimney wall.
• b) Using the restrictive chimney cap in combination with
cracks or failed mortar in a chimney, which may cause
excessive leakage of hot gas at roof level, thus endangering
rafters and roofing.
• c) Prolonged over firing, which may cause excessive heating
of adjacent walls.
• d) Creosote or soot fires.
• e) Upward velocity of airflow may be sufficient to propel
sparks and combustibles nearby.
3-15.12. Identify standard types of chimneys and flues, and
recognize deficiencies likely to cause fires: (4-22.11)
• 4) Metal chimneys- Inadequate clearance to
combustibles where they penetrate ceilings
and roofs.
3-15.13. Identify how fire spreads through air conditioning
and utility ducts:
• A. Exit corridors that are used as plenums.
• B. Lack of adequate smoke activated controls.
• C. Crawl spaces that are used as plenums,
which are usually made with combustible
material.
• 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
the opening or closing of smoke and fire dampers.
• B. Smoke control systems may be separate from HVAC
system or they can utilize the HVAC system to remove smoke
and limit the input of fresh air to the fire area.
• C. Functions:
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a) Sound the fire alarm.
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b) Activate extinguishing systems.
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c) Provide occupants time to escape from the building in a
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:
Question: Store
1. Standards:
a) The American Petroleum Institute. (API)
all flammable
b) NFPA 30 flammable and combustible liquids code.
liquids outside
c) Underwriters Laboratories. (UL)
d) Local building and fire prevention codes.
home except
e) Evaluation considerations:
paint thinner &
1) Hazards of product being stored.
a. Design features of the tank:
dry cleaning
i) Foundations and supports.
fluids?
ii) Size and location of vents.
iii) Connections, valves, and piping used in storage systems.
2) General guidelines for handling, transferring, and transportation of flammable
liquids:
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.
c. Isolate class I liquids from ignition sources such as:
i) Open flames.
ii) Electrical arcs.
iii) Heating elements.
d. Do not use air-pressurized containers for class II liquids.
3-15.15. Identify code requirements covering the proper
storage and use of flammable liquids and gases:
B. Flammable gases:
1. Regulated by Department of Transportation under Title 49 under the Code of
Federal
a) Regulations.
Items regulated:
1)Cover metal composition.
2) Joining methods.
3) Wall thickness.
4) Heat treatments.
5) Marking containers.
6) Proof testing.
7)Type of openings.
8) Cylinder testing.
9) Safety devices.
10) In-service transportation.
11) Design pressure.
12)What gases the cylinders contain.
13) Cylinders, tanks, and pipelines for flammable gases.
3-15.15. Identify code requirements covering the proper
storage and use of flammable liquids and gases:
b) Guidelines for the safe installation and storage:
1) Identify container contents with large letters.
2) Store cylinders in areas designed for the storage of
flammable gases.
3) Store cylinders on a level fireproof roof.
4) Store with valve end up.
5) Segregate gases by dividing wall.
6) Segregate empty and full containers.
7) Protect from adverse weather conditions.
8) Do not expose to temperatures greater than
130 F.
3-15.16. Identify school exit drill
procedures: (4-22.4)
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Purpose:
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To ensure that exit facilities are used to greatest advantage.
Ensure an orderly evacuation of the children under adult supervision.
Prevent panic.
Guidelines:
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Speed of the evacuation is secondary to an orderly exit where all persons
evacuated are accounted for.
Drills should be conducted frequently enough that all occupants establish
regular exit routes.
Drills should be held randomly to simulate special circumstances or
situations found under fire conditions.
Planning and conducting drills should be the responsibility of someone
who has the leadership and authority to ensure that the drill is conducted
safely and that all occupants are required to participate.
•
3-15.16. Identify school exit drill procedures: (4-22.4)
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Guidelines (cont.)
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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.
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)
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Home escape planning for the occupants in case of fire:
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Practice on a regular basis with emphasis on participation by children.
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Have at least two preplanned exit paths from every room of the house.
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Keep doors closed and occupants should be able to open windows.
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Stay low to the floor if awakened by smoke, do not stand up.
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Keep whistle or other noise maker by each bed so a person awakening to the
smell of smoke and alert other occupants.
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Slide or roll out of bed. Crawl to door, feel the door, if it’s hot, exit out
window.
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Do not re-enter house once you are outside.
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Have a pre-planned meeting place outside house and account for all family
members.
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Call the fire department from a neighbor’s house or ask the neighbor to call
the fire department.
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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
ladder.
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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:
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•
Trash and debris is stored safely.
Proper disposal of trash and debris.
2. Heating:
•
•
Store and use combustibles well away from them.
Proper maintenance.
3-15.18. Identify common fire hazards and make
recommendations for their correction: (4-22.6)
C. Hazards and corrective action: (cont.)
3. Lighting and power equipment;
a) Maintenance performed by qualified personnel.
b) Proper grounding.
c) Good housekeeping in and around equipment.
4. Floor cleaning compounds:
a) Proper use.
b) Proper storage.
5. Packing materials:
a) Proper use.
b) Proper storage.
6. Fumigation substances:
a) Proper use.
b) Proper storage.
3-15.18. Identify common fire hazards and make
recommendations for their correction: (4-22.6)
C. Hazards and corrective action: (cont.)
7. Flammable and combustible liquids:
a) Proper use.
b) Proper storage.
c) Proper bonding and grounding.
8. Personal hazards:
a) Examples:
i) Individual traits.
ii) Habits.
iii) Personalities.
b) Corrective action:
i) Public fire education programs.
ii) Good fire prevention practices.
3-15.19. Identify responsibilities of the firefighter in determining the
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
3-15.19. Identify responsibilities of the firefighter in determining the
point of origin, cause, and protection of evidence in fires. (4-22.7)
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
the point of origin, cause, and protection of evidence in fires. (422.7)
c. During firefighting operations:
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.
3-15.19. Identify responsibilities of the firefighter in determining the
point of origin, cause, and protection of evidence in fires. (4-22.7)
d. After fire is extinguished:
i) Report all facts and pertinent observations to the incident
commander.
ii) Make written notes of all observations of a suspicious
nature.
iii) Minimize overhaul until the investigation is complete.
iv) Be observant for further evidence.
3-15.19. Identify responsibilities of the firefighter in determining the
point of origin, cause, and protection of evidence in fires. (4-22.7)
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.
3-15.19. Identify responsibilities of the firefighter in determining the
point of origin, cause, and protection of evidence in fires. (4-22.7)
C. Scene security:
1) No one including the property owner,
unessential firefighters, or media people should
be allowed to enter the fire scene unless
approved by the investigator and accompanied
by a fire official.
3-15.19. Identify responsibilities of the firefighter in determining the
point of origin, cause, and protection of evidence in fires. (4-22.7)
D. Personal conduct on the fire ground.
1. Do not attempt to interrogate persons at the fire scene.
2. Allow owners or occupants to ‘talk freely’ about the fire.
3. Do no make any accusatory statements.
4. Do not express personal opinions except to the fire investigators.
5. Do no make public statements regarding the cause of the fire.
6. Do not make jokes or statements ‘in jest.’
7. If statement must be made, “the fire is under investigation” is a
sufficient and factual statement.
8. Legal ramifications of right of entry and search and seizure laws and
court rulings.
a) Michigan Vs. Tyler.
b) Michigan Vs. Clifford.