ottawa fire services. 2 objectivesobjectives refresher of type iii construction know the critical...

OTTAWA FIRE SERVICESOTTAWA FIRE SERVICES

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ObjectivesObjectivesObjectivesObjectives

• Refresher of type III construction• Know the critical areas of operation

• Understanding the tactical principles of type III structures

• Understanding the application of different methods of ventilation in type III structures

• Awareness of collapse potential

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DefinitionDefinitionDefinitionDefinition

Type III buildings also know as Ordinary construction, consist of masonry load-bearing walls that support wooden floor joists used as

simple beams that span from wall to wall.

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Interior structural members, including walls, columns, beams, floors, and roofs, are completely

or partially constructed of wood or othermaterials.

CharacteristicsCharacteristicsCharacteristicsCharacteristics

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Type III buildings tend tobe larger, more imposing structures that include ornate brickwork, large balconies, and masonry

walls on all four sides.

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Identifying Type 3 StructuresIdentifying Type 3 StructuresIdentifying Type 3 StructuresIdentifying Type 3 Structures

Identifying Type III structures can be a challenge

One common mistake is to confuse Type IIIordinary construction with balloon frame

construction.

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Identifying Type 3 StructuresIdentifying Type 3 StructuresIdentifying Type 3 StructuresIdentifying Type 3 Structures

As with all buildings, typical Type III buildings should be identified in each district and

operational planning should be developed.

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Critical Areas of OperationCritical Areas of OperationCritical Areas of OperationCritical Areas of Operation

• Chimney Fires• Cocklofts and Attics

• Ceilings

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Chimney FiresChimney FiresChimney FiresChimney Fires

Most chimney fires occur because of a lack of proper maintenance and cleaning.

Chimney fires in Type III buildings are not to be viewed lightly or as routine.

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Cocklofts and AtticsCocklofts and AtticsCocklofts and AtticsCocklofts and Attics

Once fire takes hold in a cockloft space, it will run unchecked across an entire roof structure.

Depending on the fire’s origin and resource limitations, the cockloft and the basement must be

inspected for fire spread as soon as possible.

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CeilingsCeilingsCeilingsCeilings

Dropped or hanging ceilings are a common problem that firefighters encounter in Type III

buildings.

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While Type III buildings are more collapse resistant than Type V (wood-frame construction) structures, after prolonged exposure to fire floor

joists, aging mortar, and roof supports will begin to fail.

Collapse ConsiderationsCollapse ConsiderationsCollapse ConsiderationsCollapse Considerations

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CollapseCollapseCollapseCollapse

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Parapet Wall CollapseParapet Wall CollapseParapet Wall CollapseParapet Wall Collapse

When firefighters arrive on the scene of any structure, they must look forward and then look up

immediately to identify what the roofline is, the type of roof structure, and if a parapet wall is present.

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Floor CollapseFloor CollapseFloor CollapseFloor Collapse

The failure of a connection point can causelocalized collapse or set in motion a chain of events

that can reduce the entire building to rubble.

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Exterior Signs of CollapseExterior Signs of CollapseExterior Signs of CollapseExterior Signs of Collapse

Firefighters should be aware of the signs of the impending collapse of a building. Upon arrival,

firefighters should examine the building’s exterior for signs of structural instability or pre-fire

stress.

Such signs include

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Visible Cracks in the masonry of the exterior wallsThe presence of reinforcing stars or steel bracing

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Bulging Walls Damaged Brickwork

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Below-grade Fires in Type IIIBelow-grade Fires in Type IIIBelow-grade Fires in Type IIIBelow-grade Fires in Type III

These fires will punish fire companies and canescalate into complex problems that can involve an

entire city block

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If the fire’s intensity prevents access to the basement then fire companies may decide to cut access holes in

the floor near the main body of the fire for the insertion of specialized nozzles such as Bresnan

nozzles and piercing applicators.

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Tactical PrinciplesTactical PrinciplesTactical PrinciplesTactical Principles

The principles outlined in this section are generic and also apply to fires in Type IV and Type V structures. These principles are intended as a

general guide for fire personnel operating on thefireground and are not intended to replace an

officer’s experience and initiative.

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Rescue and EvacuationRescue and EvacuationRescue and EvacuationRescue and Evacuation

Within moments of arriving, the Incident Commander should ensure that an exterior

reconnaissance is completed as part of the initial size-up.

As rescue and life safety are always the first priority, exterior or interior rescue operations are

to be undertaken immediately for the unit of origin, as required.

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Advancing Hose LinesAdvancing Hose LinesAdvancing Hose LinesAdvancing Hose Lines

If the interior occupancy is unknown, then introducing a hose stream into a vent opening will draw air into the structure and push the fire away

from the opening and towards occupants.

Whenever practical, fires are to be fought from the interior unburned side.

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Containing a Fire in a Containing a Fire in a Type III StructureType III Structure

Containing a Fire in a Containing a Fire in a Type III StructureType III Structure

A well-developed fire may seem to be contained to one room, but can migrate into voids before the

fire attack company is aware that it is moving.

The use of a thermal imaging camera and infrared thermometer is a great tool in locating these

hidden fires.

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Coordination of Fire Attack Coordination of Fire Attack and Ventilationand Ventilation

Coordination of Fire Attack Coordination of Fire Attack and Ventilationand Ventilation

Communication is key: Successful fireground operations can’t be undertaken without ensuring that all fire companies understand their task and

are able to seamlessly communicate with all sectors and command.

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RetreatRetreatRetreatRetreat

If the attacking fire company is forced to retreat, then they should do so without turning their

backs on the fire.

Remain calm and in control.

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SalvageSalvageSalvageSalvage

Salvage operations are often ignored or implemented too late in the operation.

A great deal of salvage can be performed before the fire is extinguished.

Salvage is the glimpse of brightness for the owner/occupant on such a sad and dark day. What

ever we can do to help brighten that day will be remembered!

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OverhaulOverhaulOverhaulOverhaul

Because of their age and design, Type III buildings generally tend to have a great deal of

lath andplaster as the interior wall coverings. Exposing the

hidden void spaces in between the studchannels and pulling down ceiling areas within

these buildings is labour-intensive work.

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Ventilation in Type III Ventilation in Type III StructuresStructures

Ventilation in Type III Ventilation in Type III StructuresStructures

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VentilationVentilationVentilationVentilation

Type III roof operations can be one of the most challenging tasks on the fireground.

The roof is a critical area in Type III constructionand must be a priority in the incident action plan.

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Positive Pressure VentilationPositive Pressure VentilationPositive Pressure VentilationPositive Pressure Ventilation

The use of positive pressure fans can assist in reducing interior temperatures, increasing visibility and limit the migration of smoke.

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Roof Operations for Roof Operations for Type III Flat RoofsType III Flat Roofs


Ventilating a flat roof on a Type III structure will initially require the following equipment:

• Chain saws, circular saws, or axes;• Plaster hooks or pike poles;• A hose line for personnel protection;• Square nose shovel for clearing away roof ballast; and• A thermal imaging camera and heat gun, if available.

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Escape RoutesEscape RoutesEscape RoutesEscape Routes

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Depending on the location of the fire and situation, vertical roof venting should begin with natural openings such as roof vents, hatches, and

skylights.


(continued) (continued)



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The roof sector officer should determine the optimum location for a roof vent. Before

ascending to the roof, the officer should be aware of the fire’s location through a reconnaissance of the building and examination for visual indicators

of the fire’s location.





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After the hole is cut and the interior ceiling area has been breached, fire personnel should monitor

the effectiveness of the vents through visual observation and by liaising with fire attack.





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Trench Cutting ProcedureTrench Cutting ProcedureTrench Cutting ProcedureTrench Cutting Procedure

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Once the trench has been cut, the decking can be left in place to avoid drawing any products of

combustion toward the trench cut. If the fire has taken hold in the cockloft, the decking in thetrench is removed and hose lines directed to

prevent fire spread.

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At every structure fire, ground ladders are to be placed strategically on all sides of the

building and to service floors where fire personnel are conducting fire operations.

Unless a ground ladder is being positioned for a Rapid Intervention Team (RIT), it should be

placed at a 70°angle.

Ground Ladder ConsiderationsGround Ladder ConsiderationsGround Ladder ConsiderationsGround Ladder Considerations

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SectorsSectorsSectorsSectors

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Fire ControlFire ControlFire ControlFire Control

The fire control sector officer directs companies in the Hot Zone to perform search, rescue,

ventilation and fire suppression.

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RITRITRITRIT

The RIT should be staged in a shaded area with SCBA on and turnout clothing open during hot

humid weather and sheltered as close to the scene as possible during cold weather.

Equipment on the RIT tarp shall be for the exclusive use of the RIT.

A dedicated hose line shall also be in place

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Water SupplyWater SupplyWater SupplyWater Supply

During a fire, the water supply sector officer is responsible to manage the

supply pump, tankers and the fill site.

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AccountabilityAccountabilityAccountabilityAccountability

Initial arriving Crews shall operate under Phase I

A minor incident escalates, or initial size-up indicates the safety and accountability of personnel is beyond the span of control of

Command, Phase II shall be established and an accountability officer designated.

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StagingStagingStagingStaging

Staging refers to the use of a temporary stopping place where resources can be assembled before

they are engaged in the incident.

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RehabRehabRehabRehab

Personnel operating at an emergency scene or training exercise shall be sent to the Rehab Sector

after using two air cylinders, or after 30 – 45 minutes of exertion. In extreme weather

conditions, shorter times shall be considered.

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Special ConsiderationsSpecial ConsiderationsSpecial ConsiderationsSpecial Considerations

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Different detached Type III single-family residences and rooming houses can look similar

from the exterior, but have dissimilar interior floor configurations.

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Group Homes, Halfway Houses, Group Homes, Halfway Houses, and Sheltersand Shelters

Group Homes, Halfway Houses, Group Homes, Halfway Houses, and Sheltersand Shelters

Under maximum occupancy loading, the rescue and evacuation requirements may prove

overwhelming for the first arriving companies.

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Row HousingRow HousingRow HousingRow Housing

Fires in Type III row houses have the potential tolast a very long time and typically require

significant commitments of human and physicalresources.

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High Type III Multi‐Residential High Type III Multi‐Residential BuildingsBuildings

High Type III Multi‐Residential High Type III Multi‐Residential BuildingsBuildings

These buildings can be quite large and are generally between three to six storeys in height,

with some even taller.

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Modified Type III BuildingsModified Type III BuildingsModified Type III BuildingsModified Type III Buildings

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Abandoned Type III BuildingsAbandoned Type III BuildingsAbandoned Type III BuildingsAbandoned Type III Buildings

One of the primary questions is whether the Incident Commander decides to undertake primary

search activities.

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SummarySummarySummarySummary

This chapter has explained the characteristics of Type III buildings and some general principles

for responding to fires in them.

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Questions?Questions?Questions?Questions?

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EvaluationEvaluationEvaluationEvaluation

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Question #1Question #1Question #1Question #1

Type III construction is also known as?

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Name the three types of collapse.

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Explain the importance of coordination between Fire attack and Ventilation

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The Rapid Intervention Team shall:

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In abandoned buildings, one of the primary questions is whether the Incident Commander decides to undertake primary search activities.

What considerations should be taken into account?

ottawa fire services. 2 objectivesobjectives refresher of type iii construction know the critical...

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