← Making Synapses
Making Synapses · Bringing Knowledge to Mankind

FirefightersOverhaul and evidence protection: Sign of arson: simulated accelerant balloons (water balloons) hanging from the ceiling (house, night)

Sign of arson: simulated accelerant balloons (water balloons) hanging from the ceiling. The building is a house. It happens at night. With protective gear, an attack line or a pressurized water extinguisher, hand tools, a flashlight and an assignment, you overhaul a fire scene: the structure stays sound, every hidden fire is found, the evidence of the fire cause is preserved and the fire is out. It is station 4-15 of Ohio's Firefighter I practical exam (NFPA 1001 4.3.13).

Free to start
Better than a PDF: practice it live with Blocky See how it works

This scenario

  • Sign of arson: simulated accelerant balloons (water balloons) hanging from the ceiling.
  • The building is a house.
  • It happens at night.

The steps

  1. Deploy and operate an attack line as needed, applying the water for maximum effect.
  2. Remove flooring, ceiling and wall parts to expose the void spaces without compromising the structural integrity.
  3. Expose and put out hidden fires in walls, ceilings or under the floor.
  4. Identify and preserve the obvious signs of the area of origin and of arson.
  5. Check for complete extinguishment.
  6. No unsafe act during the evaluation.

To pass

  • All 6 steps.
  • Protecting the evidence can include saying you will wait for the fire investigator's instructions and identifying the obvious signs of arson.
  • The prop can be a wall or ceiling simulator with drywall inserts and straw inside; hot or smoldering material is taken out with a pressurized water extinguisher and an ash bucket or metal trash can.
  • The evaluator can stop the station at any time for an unsafe act.

Official source

State · Ohio EMS 5919

Firefighter I Practical Examination Skill Sheets (EMS 5919)

Ohio publishes every Firefighter I skill sheet free: the steps, the critical points and the minimum to pass.

Making Synapses is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by NFPA, IFSAC, Pro Board, OSHA or any state agency. NFPA 1001 and NFPA 1010 are trademarks of their respective owners and are named only to describe the exams.

Better than a PDF: practice it live with BlockyAll the scenarios of this station