Home Fires Involving Air Conditioning or Related Equipment, Essay Example

You are made aware that there are unprotected structural steel supports in the cellar holding up the first floor. What is the best action to take in regard to this information?

My first act would be to ensure that individuals living in the cellar are evacuated. I would then secure the steel supports so emergency services can be rendered.

Suppose you were the incident commander. The ladder company has reported to you that there is a large air conditioning unit on the roof. What action do you take?

Since air conditioners contribute to a fire’s outbreak, it would be key to disarm the system before attempting to put out the fire. I would, therefore, order a team to secure the device so as to ensure progress at the site.

Suppose you are about to stretch down to the cellar. The ladder company forces the door, and you are confronted with a severe smoke as well as a set of large, portable rollers over the stairs that move stock into the cellar. They cover about 2/3 of the narrow stairwell. What is your action?

I would first seek to find another entryway as ? is too narrow for a team to get through. If there is no other entrance, then I would reduce the number of men entering the cellar and devise a plan that ensures the safety of workers and proficiency in putting out the fire.

As the first-arriving engine officer, what is your primary responsibility?

It is my responsibility to give the location of the building and describe the construction of the edifice. It is also my responsibility to ensure that victims trapped inside are rescued.

 In regard to the location and extent of this fire, what is the best action regarding fire attack?

It would be best to work exposure D in this fire. The central focus would be to keep the fire away fr exposure B, where commercial and residential edifices are located.

After the initial attack has knocked down the fire, you have a report that the gas meter is burning. Again, as incident commander, what is the best action to take?

Securing the situation would be the primary aim so as to ensure that no further damage is done to the meter. I would also recommend the workers continue to put out the fire from a distance.

As you are advancing the line with your crew, you come across a victim. What action do you take?

I would remove the victim from the danger zone and ensure that medical attention is given. In addition, I would initiate a search to ensure that no other victims are trapped inside.

What action would you take next?

After all victims are secure, I would resume efforts to put out the fire. The focus would be keeping the fire away from exposure point B.

References

Avillo, Anthony (2008). Fire Strategies. PennWell Corporation. Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Hall, John (2012). ‘Home Fires Involving Air Conditioning or Related Equipment.’ National Fire Protection Association. http://www.nfpa.org/research/reports-and-statistics/fire-causes/appliances-and-equipment/home-fires-involving-air-conditioning-or-related-equipment