OCFA Strategy and Tactics – Truck Operations Practice Test

Opening a skylight creates an upward exhaust path for heat and smoke, so in a multi‑residential building the venting effect primarily occurs on the upper level. Hot gases rise and escape through the skylight, which ventilates the top hallway and improves conditions there for crews and occupants. This opening won’t mainly ventilate the lower floors, and it doesn’t obscure visibility—removing smoke from the top area typically helps you see better. So the skylight serves as an upper-level ventilation point, i.e., it vents the top hallway.