PRIMARY ROOF OPERATIONS AT MULTIPLE-DWELLING FIRES

摘要

The success of an aggressive interior attack in a structure fire depends largely on the effectiveness of roof operations. Primary roof operations consist of size-up, roof access, and ventilation of natural (preexisting) openings. Accomplishing these tasks quickly and efficiently will channel the products of combustion up and out of the building, reducing heat and increasing visibility within. It is not always necessary to cut an opening in the roof to obtain these benefits, and that is not normally a part of primary roof operations. First, let's review the definition of some basic terms so we will all be speaking the same language. Bulkhead. A partitioned enclosure at the top of a stairway fitted with a door to provide access from the stairway to the roof. Gooseneck ladder. The part of a fire escape ladder that extends up from the top fire escape balcony and curves back over the edge of the roof. Many fire escapes do not have goosenecks. The presence of a front fire escape without a gooseneck, however, is often an indication that there is also a rear or side fire escape that does have a gooseneck. Impact load. A force applied to a structure suddenly that is much greater than the actual weight of the load on the building. This great-ly increases the likelihood of a collapse, compared with applying the load slowly and evenly. Scuttle. An opening in the roof or ceiling of a residential building that provides access to the roof or attic. It may be covered with only a pressure-fitted hatch or more securely nailed down or tarred over. Size-up. Obtaining as much information as possible concerning the problem at hand, which may be helpful in determining a course of action. Skylight. An opening in the roof of a building covered with translucent or transparent panes designed to admit sunlight to the area below.