F01 Fire Emergency Procedures and Response 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the FIRST action an F-01 fireguard should take upon discovering a fire at a torch operations site?
- Attempt to extinguish the fire regardless of size
- Activate the building fire alarm and call 911 (Correct answer)
- Continue monitoring other areas of the hot work zone
- Notify the building owner before calling 911
Correct answer: Activate the building fire alarm and call 911
The first action must always be to activate the building fire alarm and call 911. Life safety and getting FDNY on the way takes priority over any attempt at extinguishment.
FDNY's life safety protocol requires that upon discovering any fire, the building alarm must be activated and 911 called immediately before any fire-fighting attempt. This ensures occupants can evacuate and professional firefighters are dispatched without delay. An F-01 fireguard may then attempt extinguishment only if the fire is very small (incipient stage), there is a safe exit behind them, they have a proper extinguisher, and they are trained to use it — but never at the cost of delaying the alarm.
Question 2: After activating the fire alarm, what is an F-01 fireguard's next priority?
- Secure all propane cylinders and tools before evacuating
- Ensure all workers in the hot work area are alerted and begin evacuation (Correct answer)
- Document the fire in the logbook before leaving the building
- Shut down all HVAC systems to prevent smoke spread
Correct answer: Ensure all workers in the hot work area are alerted and begin evacuation
After activating the alarm and calling 911, the fireguard must ensure all workers in the hot work zone are aware of the fire and begin to evacuate safely.
Once the alarm has been activated and emergency services notified, the fireguard's immediate responsibility is ensuring all personnel in the hot work area are aware of the emergency and are moving toward exit routes. Propane cylinders should be shut off only if it can be done quickly and safely without delaying evacuation. Paperwork is never a priority during an active fire. HVAC control is a building management function, not the fireguard's primary duty during evacuation.
Question 3: An F-01 fireguard notices a small fire starting in insulation material ignited by torch sparks. The fireguard has a charged ABC extinguisher nearby. When is it appropriate to attempt extinguishment?
- Only after all other workers have fully exited the building
- Only when the fire is incipient (small), there is an exit behind the fireguard, and they are trained to use the extinguisher (Correct answer)
- Never — the fireguard should always wait for FDNY
- Only if a supervisor gives verbal authorization
Correct answer: Only when the fire is incipient (small), there is an exit behind the fireguard, and they are trained to use the extinguisher
A fireguard may attempt to extinguish a fire when it is incipient (small, just starting), a clear exit is behind them, they have the proper extinguisher, and they know how to use it — after activating the alarm.
NFPA and FDNY guidance permits an attempt at extinguishment when all of the following are true: the alarm has been activated, 911 has been called, the fire is incipient (about the size of a wastebasket), the operator has a charged extinguisher rated for the fire class, the operator is trained, and there is a clear escape path behind them. If any condition fails — the fire has grown, the exit is blocked, or the extinguisher is empty — the operator must evacuate immediately.
Question 4: If a fire cannot be controlled with a portable extinguisher, what must the F-01 fireguard do?
- Retrieve a second extinguisher and continue fighting
- Evacuate immediately and close doors behind them to slow fire spread (Correct answer)
- Stay at the location to direct FDNY when they arrive
- Use nearby water sources such as buckets or hoses
Correct answer: Evacuate immediately and close doors behind them to slow fire spread
If the extinguisher fails to control the fire, the fireguard must evacuate immediately, closing doors behind them to contain the fire and slow its spread, and meet FDNY outside.
A portable extinguisher has a limited discharge time (typically 8–20 seconds). If the fire is not controlled after the extinguisher is emptied or the fire grows beyond incipient stage, the operator is trained to evacuate at once. Closing doors as you exit is critical — a closed door can significantly slow fire and smoke spread, buying time for evacuation. Meeting FDNY at the building entrance to provide information about fire location is helpful but should not delay personal evacuation.
Question 5: While monitoring after hot work ends, an F-01 fireguard detects smoke coming from a wall cavity. What should the fireguard do?
- Mark the area and check again after 30 minutes
- Immediately activate the alarm, call 911, and begin evacuation (Correct answer)
- Wet the wall surface with a water bottle before calling for help
- Open the wall cavity to determine the extent of the fire before alerting anyone
Correct answer: Immediately activate the alarm, call 911, and begin evacuation
Smoke from a concealed space indicates a potential smoldering fire. The fireguard must immediately activate the alarm and call 911 — hidden fires can grow rapidly and become life-threatening.
One of the most dangerous scenarios during post-hot work monitoring is a smoldering fire hidden inside walls, ceilings, or floor assemblies. These fires can burn undetected for hours before flashing over. FDNY requires that any sign of fire — including smoke, unusual heat, or burning odors — triggers immediate alarm activation and 911 notification. Opening the wall can introduce oxygen and accelerate the fire. Only FDNY with proper equipment should investigate concealed space fires.
Question 6: What information must an F-01 fireguard be prepared to give the 911 dispatcher when reporting a fire?
- Only the building address
- Building address, floor, nature of fire, and any propane cylinders or hazardous materials on site (Correct answer)
- The name and contact information of the building owner
- The estimated dollar value of property at risk
Correct answer: Building address, floor, nature of fire, and any propane cylinders or hazardous materials on site
When calling 911, the fireguard should provide the exact address, floor or area, nature of the fire, and any hazardous materials (such as propane cylinders) so FDNY can respond with appropriate resources.
Effective 911 communication enables FDNY to pre-position the correct resources. For torch operation sites, it is especially important to mention the presence and quantity of propane cylinders, the floor and location of the fire, and access points. This allows FDNY to approach safely and avoid unexpected explosions. The F-01 fireguard should stay on the line with the dispatcher until FDNY arrives or until directed to evacuate.
F01 Fire Emergency Procedures and Response 2
What is the FIRST action an F-01 fireguard should take upon discovering a fire at a torch operations site?