2.1 Alarm Source How was the alarm reported? UCT 911/ Phone, ERS, Class-3, BARS, Verbal.

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1 SIZE-UP CHAPTER 2 December 7, INTRODUCTION Size-up begins with the receipt of the alarm and continues until the fire is under control. It is an ongoing process that may require modification as operations progress. As with all other types of occupancies, size-up in private dwellings is essential to a successful operation. Observations upon arrival are key to formulating appropriate strategies and tactics. The following are factors that can be included in the size-up for engine and ladder companies operating at private dwellings: 2. SIZE-UP 2.1 Alarm Source How was the alarm reported? UCT 911/ Phone, ERS, Class-3, BARS, Verbal. Phone alarms may provide more accurate information, e.g. specific address, "across the street from 10 Main St." "next door to 12 Smith St." 2.2 Alarm Assignment In general, response distances in private dwelling areas are greater than other areas of the city because they are more sparsely populated. First arriving units may be operating alone for longer periods of time. Units should be cognizant of the status of surrounding units. All members should be made aware of the information provided by the response ticket, including the number of companies assigned and depending on conditions found units should be proactive in calling for additional units early. 2.3 Time of Day At night, expect a greater number of sleeping occupants and delayed alarms. 2.4 Type of Occupancy (Photo 2.1) Private dwellings are intended to be occupied by one or two families. They are often illegally converted into SRO s or multiple dwellings with the possibility of living areas found in cellars and/or attic areas. Possible indications of multiple families may be: the number of electric meters, several mailboxes, fire escapes, multiple entrance doors, numerous cars in driveway, exterior cellar/basement entrance, and/or garage doors removed and replaced with a normal entrance door. Modern three family MDs are often built with three separate entrances that have no common area. These structures require private dwelling tactics due to their PD style design. 1

2 Possible indications of attic occupancy may be: attic area with a dormer, adequate height (approximately seven feet in attic), air conditioner at attic level, and/or windows of fair size and normal appearance with curtains and drapes. 2.5 Life Hazard A rapid build-up of heat and smoke in the confined areas of a private dwelling aided by the normally open interior stairs is an extreme threat to the occupants. A coordinated effort by the inside team and outside team to search for and remove all endangered occupants is required. Additional families and "roomers" may be found living in attic spaces and in cellars. Due to their often transient nature, accounting for all occupants will be extremely difficult. 2.6 Construction The main entrance is usually located in the front of a PD, but sometimes it is located on the side as seen from the street. Secondary entrances can be located on the front, side and/or rear. (Photos 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5 and 2.6) Platform frame construction limits fire extension. Balloon frame construction lacks fire stopping between floors on exterior walls, allowing for rapid fire extension. Combustible exterior walls may contribute to auto exposure. Wood truss, wood "I" beams and "C" joists exposed to fire will lead to early failure and collapse. See Chapter 6 for more information on lightweight construction and tactics. Open joist construction of cellar ceilings increases the potential for the rapid spread of heat, smoke and fire. Open lightweight construction (absence of a sheetrock ceiling) will lead to early collapse. 2.7 Windows If the upper floor windows are inaccessible, or cannot be entered due to their size or construction, the Ladder Company Officer shall be notified and those rooms will have to be searched by the interior team. Any ventilation of these windows shall be coordinated and vented as directed by the Ladder Company Officer operating inside the area to be vented. All horizontal ventilation tactics must be coordinated with interior operations. Window spacing can be an indication of room locations. (Photo 2.7) Window size up on the exposure 2 and 4 side of the dwelling may indicate the location of staircases to the upper floors. For example, when there are only one or two offset windows (not in line with the other windows of the house) on the exposure 2 or 4 side of a dwelling, this indicates that these are the windows at the top and/or bottom of the second floor staircase. The lack of windows on the side of a PD combined with a secondary entrance on that side of the house with a stoop is indicative of a possible second floor apartment with the only entrance to the second floor from that side of the house. These offset windows are windows that should not be entered for VEIS. (See photos 2.1, 2.2, 2.7) 2

3 Porch and garage roofs of normal wood frame construction may provide a suitable platform from which to work. Windows at these locations will allow quick access to the upper floor rooms. Be aware that screened or open porches may not provide protection from fire venting below. Note: Members shall not use porch and garage roofs constructed of aluminum or similar lightweight materials to conduct operations. The installation of window bars has become increasingly prevalent in residential occupancies throughout the city. (Photos 2.8 & 2.9) They vary from aluminum child guards to heavy wrought iron. The method of installation and type of structure (brick, wood, etc.) determines how difficult removal will be. They can be found covering windows on all levels. Refer to Safety Bulletin 84 for guidelines on operations when window bars are encountered. Windows with sills that are approximately chest high may require a drop of 5-6 feet to floor level. This presents a serious problem if fire conditions force members to exit via this window. Immediately upon entering, consider placing a dresser, chair or another piece of furniture below this window to assist in egress. Unconventional locking devices added for security reasons have complicated the problem of opening windows from the inside. 2.8 Roof Design Outside ladder company positions are predicated on whether the roof is flat or peaked. This information must be transmitted with the signal 10-75, if this can be determined upon arrival. 3

4 2.9 Street Conditions Overhead wires, trees, narrow streets, and houses set back from the street, may interfere with ladder apparatus placement. Photo 2.1 shows a typical 2½ story wood frame house. The front door seen here is considered the main entrance. Note: Offset window indicating the bottom of the stairs leading to the second floor. Photo 2.1 Note: Offset window indicating the bottom of the stairs leading to the second floor. Photo 2.2 shows a side door, which can be used as a secondary entrance. This side entrance may have a few steps that lead up to the first floor and a stairway that will lead down to the cellar. Photo 2.2 4

5 Photo 2.3 Photo 2.4 Photos 2.3 and 2.4 show exterior cellar entrances. These entrances lead directly into the cellar. Exterior cellar entrances may be found at the front, rear or sides. Note: The entrances above both indicate a cellar area used as a living space. Photo 2.5 Photo 2.6 Photos 2.5 and 2.6 are another example of an exterior cellar entrance. The exterior cellar stairs are covered by a Bilco type door. At the bottom of the stairs there may be a door that provides access to the cellar. Note: Private Dwellings were constructed with interior cellar stairs. In some cases these stairs were removed or blocked off during renovations. 5

6 1 2 3 Photo 2.7 Photo 2.7 shows a private dwelling that has 3 windows across the front of the 2nd floor. There are 2 separate rooms in the front. The distance between windows 1 and 2 is less than between 2 and 3. Windows 1 and 2 give access to the same room. Note: The awning over the front door should not be used for operations. Also note the single offset window on the exposure 4 side indicating a staircase on that side of the house. 6

7 Photo 2.8 Photo 2.9 7