Fire Incident Control Procedures

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Questions and Answers

What should the Incident Controller consider when conducting an initial appraisal of the situation?

The presence of vehicles in the driveway and information from occupants (correct)

Only the structural integrity of the building

Time of the day and weather conditions

The geographical location of the fire

What critical factor determines whether a rescue operation is possible?

The level of threat to life and building safety (correct)

The number of firefighters present

The availability of water supply

The time of the day the incident occurs

Which of the following options represents the highest priority in rescue operations?

Occupants most severely threatened (correct)

Occupants in exposed areas

Largest group of occupants

Remaining occupants within the building

In a situation where immediate rescues are not apparent, which area should be searched first?

Known and suspected occupied areas Signup and view all the answers

What does the structure fire risk assessment graph assist the Incident Controller in?

Determining the maximum safe time for entry Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents the correct order of search priorities in heavily smoke-logged buildings?

Known occupied areas, entry and exit points, windows and balconies, other areas Signup and view all the answers

Why might an immediate rescue operation be deemed impossible in certain situations?

Extensive fire involvement or structural risks Signup and view all the answers

What strategy should be employed if a building is confirmed to have no severely threatened occupants?

Conduct a search based on previously established priorities Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the Entry Control Officer at an Entry Control Point?

To ensure the safety and accountability of BA wearers Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT need to be considered when deciding the location of an Entry Control Point?

The number of spectators present Signup and view all the answers

What action should the Entry Control Officer take if a Merlin failure occurs?

Inform the Officer in Charge and arrange for a replacement Signup and view all the answers

What is one key responsibility of the Entry Control Officer regarding BA wearers?

Monitor the location and tasking of BA wearers before giving clearance Signup and view all the answers

When should the Entry Control Officer collect tallies from BA wearers?

Before entering the risk area Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for the Entry Control Point to be positioned away from noise and fumes?

To enhance communication among team members Signup and view all the answers

What should the Entry Control Officer do if they suspect a BA emergency?

Immediately inform the Incident Commander or Sector Commander Signup and view all the answers

What must be ensured about the Entry Control Point’s location in terms of air quality?

It should be positioned in fresh air Signup and view all the answers

What is the main responsibility of the Sector Commander during a Mayday situation?

To carry out a dynamic risk assessment Signup and view all the answers

Which action is NOT a duty of the Incident Controller in a Mayday situation?

Direct the BA Emergency Team to a different sector Signup and view all the answers

What should the Sector Commander do with external BA Emergency Teams upon declaring a Mayday?

Hold them back until internal BA Teams have assessed the situation Signup and view all the answers

During a sudden air loss, what is the first action you should take?

Check if the cylinder valve is turned on Signup and view all the answers

What should the Incident Controller ensure during Mayday operations?

That the Safety Officer is advised about the Mayday Signup and view all the answers

Which additional action may the Sector Commander consider during a Mayday emergency?

Reviewing the tactical mode for the response Signup and view all the answers

In the context of a Mayday response, what constitutes a potential follow-up action by the Incident Controller?

Declare when Mayday operations have concluded Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical step in performing a dynamic risk assessment during a Mayday situation?

Reviewing the IAP and IGC plans Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Size Up on Arrival

The Incident Controller assesses the situation upon arrival, determining if any persons are missing or unaccounted for and necessary immediate actions.
Factors considered during the size up include information provided by other emergency services, signs of current occupation, identifying occupants still in the building and their location, immediate threats to life, and the availability of personnel and equipment.
Based on the information, the Incident Controller determines tactical approaches.
In extreme cases, if the fire is well advanced or the building is structurally unsafe, immediate rescue may not be possible, prioritizing firefighter safety.
The structure fire risk assessment graph highlights the relationship between time and temperature, indicating the point of structural collapse and the "window of safety". This graph guides the Incident Controller's decision regarding offensive or defensive structural fire attack.

Prioritising the Search and Rescue Operation

Rescue operations follow set priorities for a coordinated approach and maximizing firefighter effort.
Priorities include occupants most severely threatened, the largest group of occupants, remaining occupants within the building, and occupants in exposed areas.
When immediate rescues are not obvious, searches are conducted with priorities: known and suspected occupied areas, entry and exit points, windows and balconies, and other areas.
Occupants tend to move towards exits or ventilation points in heavily smoke-logged buildings. Areas behind doors and under windows should be thoroughly checked.

Sector Commander Actions

The Sector Commander acknowledges Mayday calls, notifies the IC, tasks the BA Emergency Team, directs emergency response of deployed BA Teams, conducts a dynamic risk assessment, and requests necessary resources.
Ideally, the BA Emergency response is directed from the affected ECP.

Incident Controller Actions

The Incident Controller acknowledges Mayday calls, assumes responsibility, delegates response to the Sector Commander (if appointed), restricts radio traffic during Mayday operations, provides resources, advises ComCen, conducts a dynamic risk assessment, reviews tactical modes, and advises the Safety Officer.
The Incident Controller declares the conclusion of Mayday operations.
Considerations include upgrading the alarm, establishing a sector to support rescue activities, and evacuation requirements.

ComCen Notifications

Upon receiving a Mayday call, ComCen requests an ambulance, informs the Duty Commander, and applies existing ComCen Standard Operating Procedures for any confirmed injuries.

Sudden Air Loss Procedure

In case of sudden air loss, confirm the cylinder valve is turned on.
If the valve is on, operate the supplementary supply valve.

Entry Control Points

Entry Control Points (ECP) are set up on the inner cordon perimeter to control entry and exit, monitor safety, and ensure rapid emergency response.
Each ECP has an assigned Entry Control Officer.

Entry Control Officer Responsibilities

Site and setup the ECP under direction.
Wear a jerkin.
Collect tallies, record 'time in', and place in the ECB.
Ensure PPE is correct.
Monitor radios and alert the IC or SC to any BA Emergencies.
Ensure task agreement and working location before clearance.
Bracket BA teams.
Record task/location/delivery details, TDO/TOW, RA, and RI times.
Ensure the BA Emergency Team and BA relief team are available.
Dispatch relief teams when needed.
Identify exiting team members and return their tallies.
Instruct exiting teams to report to the IC/SC for information and further tasking.
Follow BA Mayday procedures.

Merlin Failure

Inform the Officer in Charge.
Arrange for a replacement Merlin ECB as soon as possible.
The main clock on the Merlin may continue working for several hours even if the power fails.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the crucial initial assessment procedures conducted by an Incident Controller when responding to fire emergencies. Participants will explore essential factors that influence decision-making, such as assessing the situation, prioritizing rescues, and evaluating structural safety. Understanding these elements can significantly enhance firefighting tactics and safety protocols.