Fire Incident Size Up Evaluation

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following factors is NOT typically evaluated by Incident Command during a reconnaissance phase?

Type of occupancy

Building construction type

Speed of fire spread (correct)

Resources available

What is the primary benchmark for life safety/rescue objectives in incident priorities?

Fire control established

Primary search all clear (correct)

Victims evacuated

Situation contained

Which aspect is essential to assess regarding building characteristics during an evaluation?

Historical significance

Neighborhood demographics

Local building codes

Compartment/separation (correct)

In evaluating exposures, which factor is critical for assessing the potential for fire spread?

Distance of external exposures Signup and view all the answers

What should be assessed regarding life hazards during an incident evaluation?

Status of occupants Signup and view all the answers

When considering resource evaluation, which of the following is a direct indicator of the effectiveness of personnel?

Condition of personnel and equipment Signup and view all the answers

Which criterion is fundamental for incident stabilization?

Situation contained Signup and view all the answers

What consideration is vital when evaluating 'other factors' during an incident assessment?

Weather conditions Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of the fire should be examined to evaluate its current stage during reconnaissance?

Type and amount of material left to burn Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the defensive operations when they transition from offensive ops?

Life safety Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a factor affecting fire growth and development according to vent factors?

Fire stream placement Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'surround and drown' refer to in defensive attack operations?

Extinguishing the fire by saturating it with water from all sides Signup and view all the answers

In establishing command during firefighting operations, which element should be prioritized first in a defensive attack?

Command structure formation Signup and view all the answers

Which action is considered part of property conservation after fire suppression activities have ceased?

Evaluating the salvage value of various areas Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of determining strategic hose line placement in fire stream management?

To ensure faster fire extinguishment Signup and view all the answers

The phrase 'prioritize streams' in defensive operations refers to which aspect?

Choosing which hose lines to deploy first Signup and view all the answers

What tactical position is most likely identified when establishing collapse zones?

Safety from falling debris Signup and view all the answers

Which element is NOT part of the fire attack plan in an Incident Action Plan (IAP)?

Risk assessment Signup and view all the answers

What is an effective technique to limit fire growth according to flow path principles?

Keep doors closed to limit oxygen Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary action taken by the local biowatch steering committee upon receiving a BAR notification?

They contact the EPA to mobilize testing. Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical responsibility of ES2 after a BAR is confirmed?

To communicate with HazMat 1 or the special ops deputy chief. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions is part of the HazMat action plan for first responders?

They isolate the scene and deny entry to unprotected individuals. Signup and view all the answers

In Threat Level Staging, how far must responding companies remain from the incident?

1/4 mile Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by a positive test from a detector used by the biowatch system?

A BAR has been registered and requires action. Signup and view all the answers

What type of clothing is required for the EPA team visiting a detector that tested positive?

Level C protective clothing Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum number of firefighters required for RIT company compliance in an IDLH atmosphere?

4 firefighters Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following responsibilities is NOT assigned to the OUT firefighters?

Performing 360 assessments Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition can the 2 IN 2 OUT rule be bypassed?

In the event of a known life hazard Signup and view all the answers

What equipment is included in the RIT pack for residential scenarios?

200' rope Signup and view all the answers

What should OUT firefighters NOT do while maintaining constant awareness of IN firefighters?

Reposition themselves constantly Signup and view all the answers

What equipment is listed as necessary for commercial scenarios under RIT?

Stokes basket Signup and view all the answers

During an urgent message, what should members do before reporting the situation?

Call 'urgent' on the current operating channel Signup and view all the answers

What signifies the start of an emergency evacuation according to the procedures?

An airhorn blast pattern Signup and view all the answers

During RIT operation, what is the primary function of the RIT supervisor?

Manage communication on all talk groups Signup and view all the answers

Which task is allowable for one of the OUT firefighters during an IDLH scenario?

Serve as an apparatus operator Signup and view all the answers

Which steps must be taken by the 3rd ENG and 1st MED upon arrival at a high-rise incident?

Obtain elevator keys and assign firefighters to operate in fire service mode. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of the USE GROUP during high-rise operations?

Perform upper search and rescue and evacuation. Signup and view all the answers

What equipment is essential for High Rise Stairwell Support?

SCBAs and hand tools. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors significantly influences effective ventilation during high-rise operations?

Location of fire and smoke, and building layout. Signup and view all the answers

What should be the priority order for search and evacuation operations in a high-rise fire?

Attack stairwell, floor above fire, elevators, other areas. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the High Rise Resource Group's responsibilities?

They determine equipment levels and assess manpower needs. Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for moving equipment from the lobby to the resource support floor in a high-rise situation?

High Rise Stairwell Support. Signup and view all the answers

What should continuous CO monitoring ensure during high-rise operations?

Safety of firefighters operating without SCBA. Signup and view all the answers

Which tool is not typically included in the equipment list for upper search and rescue operations?

Axe. Signup and view all the answers

What should an operator focus on when controlling the building's communication system?

Sustain communication lines with all emergency crews. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Incident Size Up

The Incident Commander (IC) evaluates the following factors during a size-up:
- Building: Construction type, size, interior arrangement, age, condition, value, compartment/separation, vertical/horizontal openings, utility characteristics, concealed spaces, exterior access, fire's effect on the structure, time projection on fire's continued effect.
- Fire: Size, extent, location, stage, ventilation limitations, vent openings and flow path, direction of travel, type and amount of material involved, material left to burn, smoke volume/velocity/density/color, duration of fire.
- Occupancy: Specific occupancy, type-group, associated value characteristics, fire load, status (open/closed/vacant), contents, time of day, property conservation profile
- Life Hazards: Number, location, condition, incapacities of occupants, commitment required for search and rescue, fire control needed for search and rescue, need for Emergency Medical Services (EMS), estimated time of fire's effect on victims, spectator exposure, hazards to fire personnel, rescuer access to victims, escape route characteristics
- Exposures: Access/arrangement/distance of external exposures, access/arrangement/nature of internal exposures, combustibility of exposures, direction of fire spread.
- Resources: Personnel and equipment on scene, responding, and in reserve, estimated response time for personnel and equipment, personnel and equipment condition, capabilities of personnel, commander capabilities, apparatus capabilities and limitations, hydrant numbers and locations, supplemental water sources, water supply adequacy, built-in fire protection systems, outside agency resources.
- Other Factors: Time of day, day of week, season, special hazards due to holidays or events, weather, traffic, social conditions, operational obstructions, apparatus movement and use limitations.

Incident Priorities and Benchmarks

Life Safety/Rescue: "Primary search all clear"
Incident Stabilization: "Situation contained"
Command Structure: Must match the incident's complexity, not just its size.

Defensive Fire Attack Steps

Establish Command:
Evaluate fire spread/write off:
Establish collapse zones:
Identify tactical positions:
Prioritize streams:
Provide large, well-placed water:
Determine additional resources:
Surround and drown:

Offensive Operations

The IC develops a clear Incident Action Plan (IAP) including:
- Fire attack plan:
- Search plan:
- Coordination of tactics:

Defensive Operations

Defensive from onset: Used for structures with advanced fire showing and no savable victims, structures with a low probability of extinguishment in a salvageable condition, structures with low value and/or high risk, advanced fire conditions, and a low life hazard.
Offensive operations transitioned to defensive operations: Used for offensive fire attacks that are not making progress, lack of on-scene resources, a "call for PAR" announced on the ALL-CALL talk group.
- Actions include: withdrawal, repositioning of hose lines to protect exposures, adjusting hose lines to protect exposures.
Primary goal: Life safety.
Secondary goal: Exposure protection.

Property Conservation

Initiated after fire suppression activities have stopped.
Steps: Evaluate damage to the overall fire area, evaluate salvage value of various areas, determine manpower and equipment needs, comment required companies for salvage functions, redirect hose lines from fire control to salvage.

Fire Stream Management

Factors for effective hose lines: Size, placement, speed, mobility, supply.

Vent Factors

Factors affecting fire growth and development:
- Wind speed and direction
- Other vent openings
- Progress of fire attack

Flow Path Principles

Enlarging or creating openings increases fire growth and spread.
Interrupting the flow path by limiting or controlling openings can limit fire growth.
Keeping doors closed limits oxygen feeding the fire.

RIT Company

Requires a minimum of 4 firefighters present prior to any IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health) atmosphere; two IN and two OUT.
- The OUT firefighters are responsible for maintaining awareness of the IN firefighters.
- One OUT firefighter maintains visual, voice, radio, or signal line contact with the crew in the IDLH atmosphere.
- Standby members maintain:
  - Number
  - Location
  - Function
  - Time of entry
  - Identity
- One standby member may perform other functions.
2 IN 2 OUT exception: In cases of known life hazards where immediate action could prevent loss of life,
- The RIT is staffed by at least two companies.
If 4 firefighters are not initially present, the following actions can be performed:
- Exterior, transitional attack
- Exposure protection
- Equipment setup
- Water supply
- Stretching and charging attack line

RIT Super

Operations as Safety Officer until relieved.
Performs a 360-degree assessment.
Monitors all talk groups.
Reviews accountability.

RIT Equipment

Residential:
- 200' rope
- Chain saw and circular saw with a metal blade.
- Attic ladder.
- RIT Pack
- 2 Thermal Imaging Cameras (TICs)
- Hand tools
- Charged hose line.
Commercial:
- 200' search rope
- Chain saw and circular saw with metal blade
- 2 TICs
- Hand tools, rabbit tool, battering ram
- Stokes basket
- RIT pack
- Charged hose line.

Emergency Evacuation

Do not remain in the hazard zone to reposition lines or retrieve equipment.

Urgent Message

Airhorn blast: 10-second blast, 5 seconds silence, another 10-second blast.
PAR performed after:
- Airhorn blast

Urgent/Mayday Communications

Member calls "Urgent" on the foreground or tactical channel being used.
Gives the situation and appropriate recommendations to protect members.
PRV (Pressure Reducing Valve) - adjust: if non-adjustable PRV is found, the IC must be notified.
PRD (Pressure Relief Device) - disconnect.

Lobby Control/System Group

3rd Engine and 1st Medic to arrive:
- Bring a small status board and obtain a large account board.
- Maintain an activity log using ICS 214 to record crew designations and assignments.
- Obtain elevator keys and stairwell keys.
- Recall elevators and locate stairwells
- Assign firefighters to operate the elevator in fire service mode.
- Locate the fire control station.

System Control Functions

Contact the building engineer.
Control the building communication system.
Assign a firefighter to check and operate the fire pump.
Locate the elevator control room.
HVAC system.
Electrical system.
Maintain an activity log.

USE Group

Upper search and rescue/evacuation.
2nd Ladder and 1st Rescue.
Tools include: 200' rope, TIC, rabbit, forcible entry tools, water can.
Search and evacuation priorities:
- Attack stairwell
- Evacuation stairwell
- Floor above the fire
- Top floor
- Elevators
- Other areas.
Victims found are moved to the CCP (Casualty Collection Point).
Occupant evacuation is accomplished using in-house public address systems.
Only evacuate floors in immediate danger or those affected by smoke.

High Rise Resource Group

Maintain appropriate equipment levels 2 floors below.
Resources include: SCBAs, hose and standpipe kits, hand tools, RIT packs, rope, lights, fans.
The Resource Group Super determines appropriate equipment levels.
The Operations Section Chief determines manpower.

High Rise Stairwell Support

This group moves equipment from the lobby to the resource support floor.
One company gathers equipment.
One company receives equipment at the resource level.
One firefighter for every two floors.
Continuous carbon monoxide (CO) monitoring takes place where companies are operating without SCBAs.

High Rise Vent Group

This group determines effective ventilation based on:
- Location of fire and smoke conditions
- Building and fire floor layout
- Wind velocity and direction
- Accessible horizontal and vertical openings
- Smoke stratification and stack effect

BioWatch

BAR - BioWatch Actionable Result: Means a BioWatch detector has detected the DNA of a substance, triggering a response by the local BioWatch Steering Committee.
HazMat 1 and the Special Ops Deputy Chief are part of the BioWatch Steering Committee and response plan.
BioWatch detectors test for different biological agents in Central Ohio.
Each detector is visited daily by the EPA.
BAR Notification:
- The public health officer contacts the Fire Administration Officer (FAO) and requests to speak with Environmental Safety 2 (ES2).
- ES2 is notified of the detector's location and contacts HazMat 1 or the Special Ops Deputy Chief.
- Notifications usually occur in the evening.
ES2 Responsibilities: ES2, HazMat 1, and/or the Special Ops Chief contact the station with the detector to provide information..
BAR Activities: EPA visits the detector that tests positive, wearing Level C protective clothing.
Confirmation of a BAR:
- Columbus Health provides prophylaxis to all firefighters and immediate family members who worked at the station at least 48 hours prior to the BAR.

Threat Level Staging

Designed to eliminate the possibility of a secondary device deployment.
Staging occurs in multiple locations, not in one announced location.
Upon notification, all responding companies pull to the side of the road or a convenient area no closer than 1/4 mile from the incident.
Companies announce they are "Threat Level Staged".
Staging locations are varied but not within 100 yards of another responding company.

Use of Threat Level Staging

Used when a threat is known.
Used for reports of known terrorist incidents.
Used for explosions in large venues.

HazMat Action Plan

First Responder Ops Level: All CFD members are trained to this level.
Expected actions: Take defensive actions without trying to stop the release, protecting persons, property, and the environment.
Response will include:
- 3 Engines
- 2 Ladders
- 1 Rescue
- 2 Battalion Chiefs
- 1 Medic
- 1 EMS Officer
- Air supply
- SO2 (Sulfur Dioxide)
- HazMat 4.

First Arriving Unit

Respond from upwind, uphill.
Determine and announce a safe staging area.
Isolate the scene.
Deny entry to unprotected personnel.

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Description

This quiz covers the critical factors that Incident Commanders assess during a fire incident size-up. It includes elements about building characteristics, fire dynamics, occupancy details, and potential life hazards. Test your knowledge on how these factors influence incident management strategies.