192 Questions
What is the minimum required personnel for a Ladder Truck?
3
What is the minimum required personnel for a Tanker unit?
1
What certification is required for all drivers to operate the correct vehicle classification?
EVOC
How many minutes before replacement can secondary on-shifted units such as Tanker and Brush units be replaced?
5 minutes
What is the minimum required personnel for an Ambulance?
2
What is the requirement for Fire units responding to EMS emergencies?
At least one EMT-B
What type of certification is required for personnel operating a Foam Unit?
EVOC
What is the requirement for all personnel operating units?
Valid Virginia DMV Driver’s License
What is the minimum required personnel for a Heavy Rescue unit?
3
Who has the discretion to replace secondary on-shifted units such as Tanker and Brush units?
Battalion chief
What is the primary goal of the first engine while responding to a structural fire?
To identify and communicate the primary water source
How should the first arriving engine position itself at the scene?
No more than 100 feet past or prior of the involved structure
What should the first arriving engine communicate via radio?
The primary water source
What mode should the IC indicate when operating in a high-rise structure?
Fire Attack Mode
What is the purpose of the 360 Survey?
To communicate a report to as many sides of the involved structure as practical
What is the effective response force for a structural fire?
38 personnel
What is the purpose of the first arriving engine securing its own water source?
To have a sufficient water supply within 100 feet or less to the hydrant
What type of units would respond to a structural fire in a non-hydrant area?
(3) Large Capacity Tankers, (1) Amb/Medic Unit
What is the primary responsibility of the first engine responding to a single-family dwelling structure fire?
To identify and communicate the primary water source as soon as possible
What is the purpose of positioning the arriving engine no more than 100 feet past or prior to the involved structure?
To leave room for the arriving ladder truck
What is the dispatch assignment for a Structure Box Alarm?
4 Engines, 1 Truck, 1 Ambulance/Medic, 1 Safety Officer, 1 Battalion Chief
What is the total number of personnel in the Effective Response Force (ERF)?
31 personnel
What is the purpose of the 1 arriving engine securing its own water source within 100 feet or less to the hydrant of the involved structure?
To ensure a reliable water source
What is the upgrade for a residential or working fire?
1 Heavy Rescue, 1 Ambulance/Medic, 1 Air/Light Unit, FE Administration
What is communicated by the first engine while responding to a single-family dwelling structure fire?
The type of layout and the location of the water source
In a non-hydrant area, what is the response to a single-family dwelling structure fire?
1 Engine, 3 Large Capacity Tankers
What is the primary responsibility of the First Ladder Truck upon arrival at the scene?
To provide an initial on-scene size-up and establish command
What is the primary consideration for the Tactical Deployment of the Sixth Engine?
To report two floors below the fire floor to prepare a staging area
When should consideration be made to return the 2nd transport unit to service?
When crews have knockdown of fire and deem no civilians need evaluation or treatment
What is the primary responsibility of EMS units?
None of the above
What is the role of the First Ladder Truck in supporting fire attack operations?
To proceed to the attack stairwell and fire floor to assist the 1st engine
What is the first task of the 1st BC upon arrival?
Position the command vehicle to serve the command function
What is an important consideration for the Third Engine in a hydrant area?
To prepare to supply the 2nd ladder truck if connecting to the FDC
What is a key responsibility of the First Ladder Truck in rescue operations?
To prepare for immediate V.E.I.S. when appropriate
What is the role of the Tactical Safety Officer (TSO)?
To ensure scene safety
What is a key responsibility of the First Ladder Truck in securing the scene?
To secure utilities and assist fire attack when necessary
What is the purpose of maintaining a dedicated medic unit on scene?
Until personnel are no longer operating in an IDLH/working environment
What mode can the First Ladder Truck operate in upon arrival at the scene?
Rescue Mode, Fire Attack Mode, Defensive Mode, or Investigative Mode
What is the task of the 2nd BC upon arrival?
To report to the Incident Command Post in full PPE
What is a key consideration for the First Ladder Truck when positioning apparatus?
To position apparatus in the best location for operations
What is the maximum distance from the entry point that an attack line should not exceed?
150’
What should the first engine do when committing to Fire Department Connection (FDC) for sprinkler/standpipe operations or Recon?
Communicate to responding units
What is a key tactical consideration during structural fire operations?
All of the above
What should the second engine do upon arrival at the scene?
Proceed to the 1st engine’s water source and secure water supply
What is the purpose of the first engine securing its own water source?
To ensure continuous water to the first engine
What should the DPO or crew ensure during initial operations?
Successful deployment/advancement of initial attack line/master stream
When should the first engine notify the Incident Commander?
When water is on fire
What should the first engine do upon arrival at the scene?
Rescue/Place 1st attack line/master stream in service
What is the role of the Sixth Engine when it arrives at the scene?
Report two floors below fire floor to prepare staging area for responding companies
What is the first task of the First Ladder Truck when it arrives at the scene?
Provide an initial on-scene size up and establish command
What is an important consideration for the Third Engine in a hydrant area?
Ensuring water supply for the 3rd engine
What is a key responsibility of the First Ladder Truck in rescue operations?
Preparing for immediate V.E.I.S. when appropriate
What is the primary responsibility of the First Ladder Truck in securing the scene?
Preparing for forcible entry, search, ventilation, flow path control, elevated master stream, scene lighting, and salvage and overhaul
What is the role of the First Ladder Truck in supporting fire attack operations?
Proceeding to attack stairwell and fire floor to assist the 1st engine
What is the primary responsibility of the First Ladder Truck upon arrival at the scene?
Providing an initial on-scene size up and establishing command
What mode can the First Ladder Truck operate in upon arrival at the scene?
All of the above
What is the primary role of the Fourth Engine in a structural fire?
Assume the role of Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC)
Where should the Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) position themselves in a high-rise structure?
One floor below the fire floor
What is the consideration for the Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) if the fire floor is below grade?
Position outside the IDLH in close proximity to the fire floor, but not below
What is the purpose of the Fourth Engine securing water for the 2nd engine and 1st ladder truck?
To supply water for the fire attack
When should the Fourth Engine lay in and/or supply water for the 1st ladder truck?
When the 1st ladder truck is on scene
What is the purpose of connecting to a separate standpipe from the attack handline when available?
To establish a secondary water source
What is the role of the DPO in a structural fire?
To remain with the apparatus until requested or assist other DPOs
What is the primary consideration for the Tactical Deployment of the Fourth Engine?
Assuming the role of Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC)
What is the primary purpose of a Commercial-Big Box Structure?
To conduct activities of business, industry, or trade
What is a key characteristic of a High Rise Procedure?
Total evacuation is not practical, ground-based operation is not possible, or resources are stretched beyond the capacity of one jurisdiction
What is the definition of a Hazmat incident?
An incident involving a gas, liquid, or solid that poses a threat to life, health, and property
What is the purpose of the 750/Fast concept in Fire Attack Mode?
To rapidly deliver a water stream to the seat of the fire
What type of building is a Residential Fire typically associated with?
A single-family dwelling
What is the primary goal of the Fire Attack Mode?
To extinguish the fire using a water stream
When would the Fire Attack Mode be used?
When rescue is not imminent
What is the purpose of the Command option in the High Rise Procedure?
To determine if rescue is imminent or not
What is the role of the Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) in a structural fire?
To perform proactive measures to increase the safety of crew members operating inside IDLH environment
What should the RIC crew receive from the Incident Commander?
Face-to-face strategic brief
What is the purpose of the RIC crew maintaining an immediate readiness throughout the incident?
To be ready to assist if activated by Incident Commander
When should on-deck rotations of RIC take place?
When deemed necessary by Incident Commander
What is the purpose of the RIC Pack in a structural fire?
For rescue/escape operations
What should the DPO do when a water source has been secured?
Remain with the apparatus until requested or assist other DPO's
What is the Tactical Consideration for ensuring continuous water supply in a hydrant area?
For 3 engines
What is the purpose of the RIC crew preparing necessary equipment such as ladders?
For rescue/escape operations
What is the primary responsibility of the Heavy Rescue unit when arriving first on scene?
To establish command and communicate operational mode
What operational mode would the Heavy Rescue unit communicate when performing a 360 survey of the involved structure?
Rescue Mode
Why would the Heavy Rescue unit prepare for immediate V.E.I.S. when appropriate?
To ensure scene safety and rescue operations
What is the purpose of the Heavy Rescue unit's 360 survey of the involved structure?
To assess the situation and communicate a report
What would the Heavy Rescue unit do after performing a 360 survey of the involved structure?
Communicate a report
In what operational mode would the Heavy Rescue unit operate when arriving first on scene?
Rescue Mode
What is the role of the 4th BC at a structural fire incident?
Report to Incident Command in full PPE and prepare to assume role of Staging Officer
What is the task of the 1st Tanker at a structural fire incident?
Report to Dump Site to Deliver Water, Drop Portable Tank, Shuttle water
What is the role of the Air/Light Unit at a structural fire incident?
Position apparatus in a location that does not impede access/egress for additional responding units
What is the task of the 2nd Tanker at a structural fire incident?
Report to Dump Site to Deliver Water, Drop Portable Tank, Shuttle water
What is the role of the Tactical Safety Officer (TSO) at a structural fire incident?
Report to Command, establish tactical safety officer
What is the task of companies responding to a 2nd alarm at a structural fire incident?
Report to designated staging area
What is the task of the 3rd Tanker at a structural fire incident?
Report to Dump Site to Deliver Water, Drop Portable Tank if necessary, Shuttle water
What is the task of the Air/Light Unit in terms of rehab at a structural fire incident?
Assist with rehab
What is the primary role of the Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC)?
To perform proactive measures to increase the safety of crew members
What should the RIC crew receive from the incident commander?
A face-to-face strategic brief
What is the primary consideration for RIC rotations?
To rotate only when deemed necessary by Incident Commander
What should the DPO ensure during initial operations?
That the water source is secured
What is the primary goal of ensuring a continuous water supply?
To support structural firefighting operations in a hydrant area
What is the role of the RIC crew in a structural fire?
To perform proactive measures to increase the safety of crew members
What should the RIC crew maintain during an incident?
An immediate readiness
What is the primary responsibility of the RIC crew?
To perform proactive measures to increase the safety of crew members
What is the primary role of the Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC)?
To maintain readiness if activated by Incident Commander
What is the procedure for on-deck rotations of RIC?
Rotate personnel when deemed necessary by Incident Commander
When should the RIC crew remain in place?
Until the incident has been placed under control
What is the role of the Fifth Engine?
To secure the 3rd Engine's water supply if needed
What is the primary goal of the RIC crew?
To increase safety of crew members
Who should receive a face-to-face strategic brief from the Incident Commander?
The RIC crew
What is the role of the DPO in relation to the apparatus?
To remain with the apparatus until requested or assist other DPO's
What is the role of the Fifth Engine in relation to the RIC?
To supplement the RIC crew if needed
When arriving at a structure fire, what is crucial for units to be aware of?
The existence and location of standpipe and sprinkler systems
Why is it vital for situations encountered to be communicated to the Incident Commander?
To set the tone for the incident and allocate resources
What should a typical size-up include?
The unit number, conditions, building construction type, and operational mode
What defines a High Life Hazard situation?
Any location that poses multiple life threats due to difficulty exiting or lack of mobility
Why is it important to complete a 360 Survey of the incident scene?
To identify potential hazards and develop an effective incident response
What is the primary purpose of communicating a concise size-up to the ECC?
To ensure the appropriate resources are allocated based on the incident type
What is a key consideration when opening a door or stairwell during the initial attack?
The potential for releasing products of combustion into protected areas
What defines a Multi-Family (High Life Hazard) situation?
A building that can or does contain a large number of people
What is the primary responsibility of the Third Engine in a hydrant area?
Communicate secondary water source in hydrant area
What is the role of the Fourth Engine?
Proceed to 3rd engine's water source and secure water supply when necessary
What should the Third Engine report to the Incident Commander?
Conditions, actions, and needs
What is the purpose of the Third Engine's secondary supply line?
To ensure continuous water to 1 engine
Where should the Fourth Engine report to?
Opposite side of involved structure with 3rd attack line
What should the Third Engine do upon arrival?
Communicate secondary water source in hydrant area
What is the purpose of the Fourth Engine's layout?
To complete the layout, forward, split, or reverse
What should the Third Engine do when arriving before the 1st ladder truck?
Primary search if arriving before ladder truck
What is the primary purpose of the operations tactical guide?
To aid training and provide a consistent thought process for operating on the fire ground
Who should be intimately familiar with the tactical guidelines?
All Company Officers, Acting Officers, and firefighters
What is the first priority in incident priorities?
Life Safety
How often will the Tactical Guidelines be reviewed and adjusted?
Annually
What is the role of Company Officers in fire ground operations?
To think and act in a manner that is consistent with the situation they encounter
What is the purpose of the operations tactical guide in relation to firefighter and citizen survival?
To leverage all available research and tactics to ensure firefighter and citizen survival
What is the primary responsibility of firefighters in relation to the tactical guidelines?
To be intimately familiar with the tactical guidelines
What is the purpose of the annual review and adjustment of the Tactical Guidelines?
To ensure that tactical considerations are adapted to organizational and resource changes
When can EMS units take on suppression responsibilities?
Only when deemed necessary by the Incident Commander
What is the primary task of the 1st BC upon arrival?
Perform all of the above
What is the purpose of maintaining personnel accountability on scene?
To ensure everyone is accounted for during operations
When should consideration be made to return the 2nd transport unit to service?
When crews have knockdown of the fire and no civilians need evaluation or treatment
What is the role of the Tactical Safety Officer (TSO)?
To ensure personnel safety during operations
What is established when available to maintain personnel accountability?
An Accountability Officer and Tactical Safety Officer (TSO)
What is the primary responsibility of the First Ladder Truck upon arrival at the scene?
To perform primary search and rescue
What should the Second Ladder Truck do upon arrival?
Position on opposite side of 1st ladder truck
What is the purpose of placing ground ladders on all sides of the involved structure?
For rescue and escape
What should the First Ladder Truck do when advised otherwise by command?
Do not ladder roof
What is the role of the First Ladder Truck in supporting fire attack operations?
To provide ventilation and flow path control
What should the First Ladder Truck ensure when positioning apparatus?
That it is positioned to support fire attack operations
What is the primary responsibility of the First Ladder Truck in rescue operations?
To perform primary search and rescue
What should the Second Ladder Truck do when it arrives at the scene?
Cover any open truck tasks not already completed
What is the primary role of the Air/Light Unit at a fire scene?
To refill/swap SCBA bottles as necessary for responding companies
What is the purpose of supplementing the fire suppression system in an apartment structure?
To limit fire spread and address occupant life safety
What is the dispatch assignment for a Structure Box Alarm?
(4) Engines, (1) Truck, (1) Medic Unit, (1) Safety Officer, (1) Battalion Chief
What is the role of the Tactical Safety Officer (TSO)?
To establish tactical safety officer
What is the task of the 1st Tanker upon arrival at the scene?
To drop a portable tank and shuttle water
What is the purpose of maintaining a dedicated medic unit on scene?
To maintain dedicated medic unit for incident until personnel are no longer operating in an IDLH/working environment
What is the task of the 2nd BC upon arrival at the scene?
To report to the Incident Command Post in full PPE
What is the role of the Air/Light Unit in supporting responding companies?
To refill/swap SCBA bottles as necessary and assist with rehab and personnel decontamination
What is the primary role of Heavy Rescue when arriving first on scene?
Establish command and communicate operational mode
What tactical consideration is crucial for ensuring scene safety?
Ensuring utilities have been controlled
What mode should Heavy Rescue operate in when arriving at a high-rise structure?
Rescue Mode
What is the purpose of the 360 Survey in Heavy Rescue operations?
To identify hazards and obstacles
What is the primary responsibility of Heavy Rescue when arriving before a Ladder Truck?
Assume primary ladder truck responsibilities
What tactical consideration is crucial for supporting fire attack operations?
Rescue and primary search support
What is the primary purpose of the Incident Command System?
To improve the use of resources and tactical effectiveness
Who assumes command at an incident?
The ranking member of the first arriving engine company
What is the primary responsibility of Command during an incident?
To implement an organizational structure
What is the scope of the Incident Command System?
For all incidents for which the department has management responsibility
What is the language requirement for all communications during an incident?
Plain English
What is the prerequisite for personnel to implement the Incident Command System?
Meeting officer and acting officer standards and qualifications
What is the purpose of the organizational structure during an incident?
To stay ahead of or even with the tactical deployment of companies
What is the goal of the Incident Command System?
To improve the safety of members operating at emergency incidents
What is the primary responsibility of the first arriving engine during a structural fire response?
To establish command and communicate operational mode
What should the first engine do when committing to Fire Department Connection (FDC) for sprinkler/standpipe operations?
Communicate to responding units and begin FDC operations
What is the purpose of the 360 survey during a structural fire response?
To gather information about the involved structure and communicate a report
What should the DPO do when deploying the second attack line?
Deploy the second attack line only if the first is in operation
What mode should the IC indicate when operating in a high-rise structure?
High Rise Procedures
What should the first engine do when water is on fire?
Notify the Incident Commander
What is the primary responsibility of Heavy Rescue when arriving first on scene?
Provide initial scene size-up and establish command
What should Medics/Ambulances do upon arrival at the scene?
Position unit(s) upon arrival for immediate egress
What is the purpose of the 360 Survey?
To communicate report to command and fire attack
What mode can the First Ladder Truck operate in upon arrival at the scene?
All of the above
What should the Incident Commander ensure before leaving the scene?
That personnel are no longer operating in an IDLH/working environment
What is the primary responsibility of the First Ladder Truck upon arrival at the scene?
Prepare for forcible entry, complete primary search, ventilation, flow path control
What is the purpose of maintaining a dedicated medic unit on scene?
To ensure personnel are no longer operating in an IDLH/working environment
What should Heavy Rescue do if arriving before ladder truck?
Assume primary ladder truck responsibilities
What is a key consideration for the First Ladder Truck in rescue operations?
Ensuring ground ladders on all sides of involved structure for rescue/escape
What is the primary responsibility of EMS units?
Treating patients, assisting and monitoring personnel in rehab
What is the primary responsibility of EMS units at a fire scene?
To provide medical treatment to civilians
What is the role of the Accountability Officer at a fire scene?
To maintain personnel accountability
When should consideration be made to return the 2nd transport unit to service?
When crews have knockdown of fire and deemed no civilians need evaluation or treatment
What is the primary task of the 1st Battalion Chief upon arrival at the scene?
To position command vehicle to serve the command function
What is the purpose of maintaining a dedicated medic unit on scene?
Until personnel are no longer operating in an IDLH/working environment
What is the task of the 2nd Battalion Chief upon arrival at the scene?
To report to Incident Command Post in full PPE
Study Notes
Apparatus Minimum Staffing (SOG)
- Engine: 3 personnel required (Driver/Operator, Officer, Firefighter)
- Ladder Truck: 3 personnel required (Level 3 Driver/Operator, Level 2 Operator/Level 1 Officer, Firefighter)
- Heavy Rescue: 3 personnel required (Driver/Operator, Officer, Firefighter)
- Tanker: 1 personnel required (Driver/Operator)
- Brush: 1 personnel required (Driver/Operator)
- FR: 1 personnel required (Driver/Operator)
- QRV: 1 personnel required (Driver/ALS)
- Utility: 1 personnel required (Driver/Operator)
- Car: 1 personnel required (Driver/Operator)
- Ambulance: 2 personnel required (Driver/Operator, BLS/AIC)
- Medic: 2 personnel required (Driver/Operator, ALS/AIC)
- Air Utility: 1 personnel required (Driver/Operator)
- Mobile Command: 1 personnel required (Driver/Operator)
- Foam Unit: 1 personnel required (Class 5 EVOC Driver/Operator)
Quality and Accountability
- Fire units must have at least one qualified EMT-B responding to EMS emergencies
- All personnel operating units must have a valid Virginia DMV Driver’s License
- All drivers must have EVOC certification to operate the correct vehicle classification
Structural Fire Tactical Guidelines (SOG)
Dispatch Assignment
- Structure Box Alarm: 4 Engines, 1 Truck, 1 Ambulance/Medic, 1 Safety Officer, 1 Battalion Chief (ERF 19 personnel)
- Upgrade-Residential/Working Fire: 1 Heavy Rescue, 1 Ambulance/Medic, 1 Air/Light Unit, FE Administration
- Effective Response Force (31 personnel)
First Engine
- Identify and communicate primary water source as soon as possible while responding
- Communicate type of layout (forward, split, or reverse lay)
- Position 1st arriving engine no more than 100’ feet past or prior of involved structure
- 1st arriving engine may secure own water source within 100 feet or less to hydrant of involved structure
- Communicate operational mode (Rescue, Fire Attack, Defensive, or Investigative)
Battalion Chief
- 1st BC: Position command vehicle, perform 360 Survey, communicate report, and establish/assume command
- Maintain personnel accountability of all those operating on scene
- Establish an Accountability Officer and Tactical Safety Officer (TSO) when available
- 2nd BC: Report to Incident Command Post in full PPE, prepare for Forward Ops role or task assigned
Structural Fire Tactical Guidelines (SOG)
- A DPO (Driver/Operator) remains with the apparatus until requested or assists other DPO's.
- Assume the role of Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) to increase safety and prepare necessary equipment.
RIC Crew Responsibilities
- Perform proactive measures to increase safety in IDLH environments.
- Prepare necessary equipment, such as ladders, for rescue/escape, forcible entry, and RIC Pack.
- Maintain readiness and receive face-to-face strategic brief from the Incident Commander.
- Remain a fresh crew throughout the incident, with on-deck rotations only when deemed necessary.
First Engine Responsibilities
- Notify the Incident Commander when water is on fire.
- Deploy a 2nd attack line if the first is in operation.
- Deploy initial ground ladders for rescue/escape.
- Communicate to responding units if committing to Fire Department Connection (FDC) for sprinkler/standpipe operations or Recon.
Tactical Considerations
- Continuously supply water to all engines in a hydrant area when necessary.
- Consider size-up, locate the fire, and establish command.
- Ensure water supply/layout and locate all future tactical operations.
- Rescue/place 1st attack line/master stream in service.
Second Engine Responsibilities
- Proceed to 1st engine's water source and secure water supply.
- Complete layout; forward, split or reverse lay when necessary.
- Ensure continuous water to 1st Engine.
- Position apparatus to become the initial fire attack engine if 1st engine commits to FDC.
Fourth Engine Responsibilities
- Assume the role of Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC).
- Proceed to attack stairwell and standby on floor below fire floor.
- Secure water for the 2nd engine and 1st ladder truck.
- Lay-in and/or supply water for 1st ladder truck.
- Establish Rapid Intervention Crew, prepare to deploy handline dedicated for RIC use only.
Tactical Considerations
- Supply 1st arriving ladder truck or 2nd engine.
- Position RIC crew one floor below fire floor.
- If fire floor is below grade, position RIC outside of IDLH in close proximity to fire floor.
Sixth Engine Responsibilities
- Report two floors below fire floor to prepare staging area for responding companies.
- Supplement tasks directed by the Incident Commander.
First Ladder Truck Responsibilities
- Provide an initial on-scene size up, establish command, and communicate operational mode (Rescue, Fire Attack, Defensive, or Investigative).
- Position apparatus in the best location for operations.
- Ladder roof unless advised otherwise by command.
- Prepare for immediate V.E.I.S. when appropriate.
High Rise Procedure
- A procedure used in a building where total evacuation is not practical, ground-based operation is not possible, or when resources are stretched beyond the capacity of one jurisdiction.
Structural Fire Tactical Guidelines (SOG)
Heavy Rescue
- If arriving first on scene, provide initial scene size-up, establish command, and communicate operational mode
- Perform 360 survey of involved structure and communicate report
- Prepare for immediate V.E.I.S. when appropriate
- Assume the role of Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC)
Tactical Considerations
- Ensure continuous water supply for 3 engines in a hydrant area when necessary
- Assume the role of Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC)
- RIC crew performs proactive measures to increase the safety of crew members operating inside IDLH environment
- RIC should receive face-to-face strategic brief from incident commander
- RIC should maintain an immediate readiness and remain a fresh crew throughout the incident
Fifth Engine
- Secure the 3rd Engine's water supply if needed
- Secure water for the 2nd ladder truck
- DPO remains with apparatus until requested or assist other DPO's
- Supplement Rapid Intervention Crew if needed
Incident Size-Up
- A concise size-up should include unit number, conditions, building construction type, establishment of command, and declaration of operational mode
- A typical size-up should be communicated by the company officer
- The Incident Commander should complete a 360 survey of the complete structure or incident
Situation Types
- High Life Hazard: any location that poses multiple life threats due to difficulty exiting or lack of mobility of the inhabitants (e.g. churches, hospitals, hotels, nursing homes, schools)
- Multi-Family (High Life Hazard): a building that can or does contain a large number of people, with easy exit routes (e.g. apartment complex)
Operations Tactical Guide
- A guide to aid training and provide a consistent thought process for operating on the fire ground
- Not a "cookbook" that applies to all incidents, as all fire grounds present unique challenges
Prerequisites
- All Company Officers, Acting Officers, and firefighters should be intimately familiar with the tactical guidelines
Responsibilities
- Officers are required to think and act in a manner that is consistent with the situation they encounter
- Should not rely on the guide as an answer-all solution for every incident
- Expected to take aggressive action to mitigate the emergency while leveraging all available research and tactics to ensure firefighter and citizen survival
Procedure
- Incident priorities:
- Life Safety
- Incident Stabilization
- Property Conservation
Quality and Accountability
- All firefighters should be intimately familiar with the tactical guidelines
- Company officers should understand all company assignments and how each unit works within the large fire ground strategies
- Tactical Guidelines will be reviewed and adjusted annually based on organizational and/or resource changes
Structural Fire Tactical Guidelines (SOG)
- Ensure continuous water supply to 1st engine
- Rescue/2nd attack line/master stream in service
- Primary search if arriving before ladder truck
- Third Engine:
- Communicate secondary water source in hydrant area
- Layout secondary supply line when possible
- Ensure successful deployment of 2nd attack line
- Fourth Engine:
- Ensure continuous water to 3rd engine in a hydrant area when appropriate
- Complete primary search
- Prepare for forcible entry, secure utilities, ventilation, flow path control, elevated master stream, scene lighting, and salvage and overhaul
- Second Ladder Truck:
- Position on opposite side of 1st ladder truck or in position to cover that side
- Ensure ground ladders for rescue/escape have been placed
- Ladder roof unless advised otherwise by command
- Battalion Chief:
- 1st BC: Position command vehicle to serve the command function
- Perform 360 survey of the structure and communicate report and establish/assume command as necessary
- Maintain personnel accountability of all those operating on scene
- Establish an Accountability Officer and Tactical Safety Officer (TSO) when available
Tactical Safety Officer (TSO)
- Report to Command, establish tactical safety officer
Tanker Box – Large Capacity Tankers
- 1st Tanker: Report to Dump Site to Deliver Water, Drop Portable Tank, Shuttle water
- 2nd Tanker: Report to Dump Site to Deliver Water, Drop Portable Tank, Shuttle water
- 3rd Tanker: Report to Dump Site to Deliver Water, Drop Portable Tank if necessary, Shuttle water
Air/Light Unit
- Position apparatus in a location that does not impede access/egress for additional responding units
- Refill/swap SCBA bottles as necessary for responding companies
- Assist with rehab and personnel decontamination as necessary
Additional Alarms/Resources
- Tasks will be assigned by the Incident Commander
Apartment Structure Notes
- Supplement of Fire Suppression System
- Sprinkler System: Supplemental support of the fire suppression system is essential for fire control and extinguishment
Commercial Big Box Structure Fires
- Dispatch Assignment:
- Structure Box Alarm: 4 Engines, 1 Truck, 1 Medic Unit, 1 Safety Officer, 1 Battalion Chief (ERF 19 personnel)
- Upgrade-Commercial/Working Fire
Incident Command (SOG)
- The purpose of Incident Command is to ensure the safety of members operating at emergency incidents, improve resource usage, and meet OSHA/EPA and NFPA 1500 regulations.
Scope
- The Incident Command System will be implemented at all incidents for which the department has management responsibility.
Prerequisites
- Qualified personnel must meet and adhere to officer and acting officer standards and qualifications as outlined within the Department's SOGs.
Responsibilities
- Command is responsible for implementing an organizational structure to manage fireground/rescue operations effectively.
- The organizational structure should begin with initial tactical control measures and expand as needed.
Procedure
- Communications:
- All communications shall be in plain English.
- Assumption of Command:
- Command shall be established at all incidents.
- The ranking member of the first arriving engine company or the first arriving officer shall assume command.
- Declaration of Operational Mode:
- The operational mode must be communicated via radio.
- The first arriving engine shall provide an initial on-scene size-up, establish command, and communicate operational mode.
Operational Modes
- Rescue Mode
- Fire Attack Mode
- Defensive Mode
- Investigative Mode
Tactical Considerations
- Water supply/layout
- Size-up
- Establish Command
- Operational Mode
- Rescue/Place 1st attack line/master stream in service
- Coordinate with command and fire attack when ventilating or altering flow paths
- Salvage and overhaul
Structural Fire Tactical Guidelines (SOG)
- If arriving first on scene, provide initial scene size-up, establish command, and communicate operational mode.
- Perform 360 Survey to as many sides of the involved structure as practical and communicate report.
- If arriving before ladder truck, assume primary ladder truck responsibilities.
- Prepare for forcible entry, complete primary search, ventilation, flow path control, and scene lighting.
Medics/Ambulances
- Position unit(s) upon arrival for immediate egress should emergency transport become necessary.
- Crews should assemble their EMS equipment to an area that provides rapid access to potential civilians or responding members requiring treatment.
- EMS crews should be solely responsible for treating patients, assisting and monitoring personnel in rehab.
- The Incident Commander should maintain a medic unit on scene until personnel are no longer operating in an IDLH/working environment.
Heavy Rescue
- If arriving first on scene, provide initial scene size-up, establish command, and communicate operational mode.
- Perform 360 Survey to as many sides of the involved structure as practical and communicate report.
- If arriving before ladder truck, assume primary ladder truck responsibilities.
Battalion Chief
- 1st BC: Position command vehicle to serve the command function, perform 360 Survey, and communicate report.
- Establish an Accountability Officer and Tactical Safety Officer (TSO) when available.
- 2nd BC: Report to Incident Command Post in full PPE, prepare for Forward Ops role or task assigned.
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