Commercial Occupancies: Enclosed Malls and Supermarkets Fire Tactics

Flashcards covering fireground size-up, construction hazards, offensive tactics, search and rescue, ventilation, and refrigeration risks in enclosed malls and supermarkets based on text chapters and review materials.

Why must fire attack hose-lines be stretched into the interior mall area rather than through public exits during an enclosed mall fire?

Interior placement contains the fire, protects interior mall walkways, protects interior exposures, and avoids pushing fire between stores. Hose-lines must never be stretched through doorways used by exiting occupants because they will impede evacuation.

What water supply challenges are commonly encountered at suburban shopping malls compared to urban malls?

Suburban malls may have inadequate water supplies requiring long hose-line stretches, relay pumping, or water tender operations. Using large-diameter hose-lines delivers large water volumes but restricts vehicle movement through driveways and sprawling parking lots.

How can dispatchers and firefighters quickly locate a reported store fire in an enclosed mall during size-up?

By utilizing preplans that contain plot plans and referencing fire alarm panels. Callers may identify the fire location by the store name, the color of the zone, or the store number shown on the plot plan.

What typical construction classifications are found in newer suburban malls versus older downtown malls?

Newer suburban malls are typically noncombustible construction. Older downtown malls may be fire-resistive, ordinary, or noncombustible construction.

What tactical hose-line sizes should be considered for an offensive attack in an enclosed mall or large supermarket?

$1\frac{1}{2}\text{-inch}$ or $1\frac{3}{4}\text{-inch}$ hose-lines may be ineffective; instead, $2\frac{1}{2}\text{-inch}$ hose-lines may be needed.

What initial attack priority helps confine an enclosed mall fire to the store of origin?

A simultaneous attack on the fire and an immediate check of adjacent stores on Sides B and D and the floor or floors above.

Where and when was the first modern supermarket opened?

King Kullen opened in Long Island, New York, on August 4, $1930$.

What deadly event occurred in Brooklyn, New York, in $1978$ that highlights supermarket structural hazards?

$6$ firefighters died while operating on a supermarket roof when a wood bowstring timber truss assembly collapsed.

What is the common construction type of modern supermarkets, and what is their typical height equivalent?

One-story noncombustible buildings with masonry walls and steel bar joist roof assemblies with metal Q decking, often reaching the height equivalent of a $3\text{-story}$ building.

What should firefighters assume about a supermarket roof assembly if the specific construction type is unknown on arrival?

It should be presumed to be lightweight construction and subject to early collapse.

What exterior sign on a supermarket wall indicates that the steel roof assembly is expanding from heat?

Wall cracks on the exterior near the roof line.

What key safety recommendations did NIOSH Report #98-F04 make following a supermarket firefighter fatality?

Firefighters entering a structure should always maintain a hose-line or safety line to exit, and at least $2$ firefighters must stand by outside ready to provide assistance or rescue.

How much refrigerant is required for a $35,000\text{-square-foot}$ supermarket, and what is its projected annual leakage rate?

It requires $3,000$ to $5,000\text{ pounds}$ of refrigerant, with expected annual leakage ranging from $20\%$ to $50\%$.

What atmospheric hazards are presented by a catastrophic refrigerant leak in a supermarket?

The coolant acts as an asphyxiant by displacing oxygen or generating a toxic atmosphere; it can also hydrogenate an area, creating flammability concerns.

What health condition makes exposure to chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) particularly dangerous?

Preexisting heart conditions, because CFCs can cause cardiac arrhythmias.

Where is ammonia commonly found within grocery supply chains versus retail supermarkets?

Ammonia is not found in the retail supermarket environment, but is present in central refrigeration centers and large supermarket warehouse operations.

Why is high rack storage up to $25\text{ feet}$ dangerous in supermarket backrooms protected only by ceiling sprinklers?

Ceiling sprinklers may not suppress fires burning on lower tiers beneath upper rack shelving, allowing fire to spread unimpeded at floor level and laterally while generating steam and smoke that reduces visibility to zero.

Why must walk-in freezers always be inspected during a supermarket primary search?

Store employees may seek shelter inside walk-in freezers during a fire.

According to the Phoenix Fire Department study following a supermarket line-of-duty death, how many personnel may be required to rescue one downed firefighter?

Up to $12$ personnel.

What procedure must be followed before removing large plate glass windows for supermarket ventilation?

Interior crews must give approval and receive warning prior to removal; breaking should start with a single window to assess fire and airflow reaction, ensuring wind will not cause a wind-driven fire.

Why is positive pressure ventilation (PPV) generally a poor initial choice at a supermarket fire?

PPV requires knowing the exact fire location, where the smoke will exhaust, and whether occupants will be endangered—information that is difficult to ascertain early in the incident.

What must occur before a supermarket is permitted to resume food sales following a fire?

The authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) must inspect the store and confirm that fire and smoke did not contaminate the food products.

What unique challenge makes high-rise fires particularly hazardous for fire departments compared to other commercial structures?

The fire can occur on upper floors that cannot be reached by apparatus ladders, making operational success dependent on the reliability of the building's internal systems.

Which USFA Technical Report documents the Logan Valley Mall fire in Altoona, Pennsylvania?

USFA Technical Report $085$, investigated by T. H. Miller.