G-RESP Response Guidelines Part 1

General Guidelines

• The Deputy Fire Chief responsible for the Communications Division approves changes to response guidelines.
• The Division Chief of the Communications Division is responsible for implementing changes to response guidelines and providing updates to the Incident Type/Response Guidelines.
• Communications Division personnel should follow approved apparatus response guidelines when dispatching apparatus to emergency incidents.

Changes to Response Guidelines

• Personnel submitting recommendations for changes to response guidelines should follow the chain of command.
• Written or electronic memoranda should be submitted to the Deputy Fire Chief of the Operations Division.
• Copies should be forwarded to the Deputy Fire Chief of Communications, Division Chief of Communications, and Division Commander.
• Proposals should include details of the incident (if applicable), rationale for the recommendation, response times, and printed information supporting the proposal.

Alarm Responses and Notifications

• Additional apparatus may be added to any alarm based on address event type.
• Vehicles for each alarm level are minimum responses, and other vehicles may be added.
• Communications can upgrade the alarm level of an incident prior to apparatus arriving on scene based on factors such as:
  • Amount of calls received related to the incident
  • Report of people trapped
  • Availability and location of first-in apparatus
• Single Source Alarms receive a two-apparatus response, with the second apparatus providing support to the investigating Officer and crew by completing a 360 check and, in high rise buildings, making voice announcements (no requirement for Lobby Control unless escalates) and silencing alarm.

Exceptions to Two-Apparatus Response

• Retirement Homes
• Care Facilities
• Toronto Community Housing Corporation (T.C.H.C.) buildings
• High Rise Residential Buildings constructed prior to 2010
• These occupancies will retain their regular complement response.

Fire Alarm Response and Notifications

• Minimum complement of resources for Initial Alarm:
  • Two (2) Pumpers
  • One (1) Aerial
  • One (1) District Chief
• Fire Response includes:
  • Two (2) Pumpers
  • One (1) Aerial
  • One (1) RIT
  • One (1) Squad
  • One (1) Airlight
  • Two (2) District Chiefs
• For a Support Call Fire Response:
  • Dispatch additional apparatus:

    • i. One (1) Squad (if already assigned add Aerial)

      ii. One (1) Air Light (unless already assigned)

      iii. One (1) Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) (if already assigned add a

      Pumper (1)

      iv. High Rise Unit (if requested)

      v. One (1) District Chief (unless 2 already assigned)

      vi. One (1) Platoon Chief

  • Notify Police, TEMS, Hydro, and Enbridge (in non-high rise cases)