Strategies and Tactics Flashcards

What is the primary goal of size-up at a fire scene?

Answer: To evaluate conditions and risks to form an action plan

Size-up is the ongoing mental evaluation of conditions used to develop and adjust the incident action plan.

Flashover is best described as:

Answer: The near-simultaneous ignition of all combustibles in a compartment

Flashover occurs when radiant heat ignites all exposed combustible surfaces in a room almost at once.

Which condition is a strong warning sign of an imminent backdraft?

Answer: Smoke pushing out of small openings under pressure with pulsating behavior

Backdraft signs include pressurized, pulsating smoke from an oxygen-starved, superheated space.

Why is a continuous and reliable water supply critical to fire attack?

Answer: It sustains the flow needed to control and extinguish the fire

Without adequate sustained water, hose streams cannot maintain the gallons-per-minute needed for extinguishment.

When laying a supply line, a 'forward lay' typically goes:

Answer: From the hydrant to the fire

A forward lay drops a line at the hydrant and lays hose toward the fire as the apparatus advances.

What is the purpose of horizontal ventilation?

Answer: To release smoke and heat through doors and windows at the same level

Horizontal ventilation channels heat and smoke out through wall openings on the same floor level.

Span of control in the Incident Command System refers to:

Answer: The number of resources one supervisor can effectively manage

Span of control keeps each supervisor's number of direct reports manageable, typically three to seven.