CHAPTER 7 Command of Initial Emergency Operations

Introduction to Fire Officer Responsibilities

• Fire officers serve as first-arriving officers at incidents, assuming command and establishing management structures.
• Must follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and be proficient in the Incident Command System (ICS).
• Recent findings prompt the adoption of model procedures for enhanced incident management and fire behavior tactics.

History of the Incident Command System

• Historically, incident command varied locally, complicating multi-agency responses.
• Post-California wildfires led to the creation of FIRESCOPE, focusing on effective management of large emergencies.
• FIRESCOPE set standards for incident management structure and resource coordination during multi-agency incidents.
• The National Incident Management System Concept (NIMSC) merged FIRESCOPE with the Fire Ground Command (FGC) system to create standardized procedures compliant with NIMS, applicable at any incident size or type.

NIMS and ICS Training

• NIMS offers a nationwide framework for coordinated emergency management and response.
• Principles of NIMS are integrated into incident management training, with federal funds often tied to NIMS compliance.
• ICS training includes various courses covering introductory to advanced incident command principles.
• Core components of NIMS include preparedness, resource management, command, and ongoing maintenance.

Levels of Command in ICS

• ICS defines three command levels with assigned responsibilities.
• Smaller incidents may have one officer covering all levels; as incidents grow, responsibilities are divided.
• Stratified command levels involve overarching strategy, tactical supervision of resources, and task-level operations execution.

Role of the Fire Officer in Incident Management

• Fire officers must effectively operate as the initial Incident Commander (IC) and as company-level supervisors within the ICS.
• IC duties include establishing command, managing incidents, and ensuring the first five minutes dictate follow-up operations.
• Effective incident management requires strategic planning, resource determination, and tactical execution aligned with incident size.

Initial Incident Command Protocols

• The first-arriving officer adopts a strategic focus, shifting to more tactical roles as complexity increases.
• Command priorities prioritize life safety, incident stabilization, and property conservation.
• Command is established by the first person on the scene and communicated through an initial radio report detailing incident specifics and proposed strategies.

Operational Modes and Command Functions

• Command modes are determined based on incident size and severity: Investigation, Fast-Attack, or Command Mode.
• IC responsibilities encompass determining strategy, managing resources, and ensuring scene safety.
• A structured approach to command functions aids in developing the ICS organization and coordinating activities effectively.

Firefighter Accountability and Safety

• Firefighters must operate under accountability protocols in potentially IDLH environments.
• The "two-in/two-out" rule mandates that teams operate in visual or voice contact, enhancing safety during operations.
• Personnel Accountability Reports (PAR) ensure accurate tracking of all personnel on scene.

Fire Behavior and Modern Fire Dynamics

• Fire behavior has evolved; modern fires are often ventilation-limited compared to older fuel-limited fires.
• Recognition of the flow path, controlling ventilation, and deploying water strategically can significantly improve fire management and firefighter safety.
• Modern construction increases risks due to larger homes, open designs, and new materials, reducing available time for suppression efforts.

Risk/Benefit Analysis in Fire Operations

• Effective risk management balances rescuer safety with potential benefits from actions taken during emergencies.
• Criteria for risk assessments include potential for loss of life, property damage, and firefighter safety.
• Strategies utilized include offensive, defensive, and transitional tactics focused on maximizing safety and efficiency.

IAFC Rules of Engagement

• The IAFC promotes safety in firefighting through established rules prioritizing situational assessments, resource adequacy, and tactical decision-making.
• Communication and accountability are crucial during operational transitions and in maintaining firefighter safety.

Importance of Sizing Up the Incident

• Size-up involves a systematic assessment of the incident, gathering crucial information for developing an Incident Action Plan (IAP).
• Pre-arrival knowledge helps prepare officers, while on-scene observations facilitate rapid situational awareness.
• Continuous size-up is vital; experienced officers adjust strategies as new information surfaces throughout the incident lifecycle.### Convection and Radiation
• Convection refers to the transfer of heat through fluids (liquids and gases) via circulation.
• Radiation involves the transfer of heat in the form of electromagnetic waves, not requiring a medium.

Visualization

• The brain connects new information with past experiences instinctively, aiding in rapid decision-making.

Smoke Characteristics

• Dark, vigorous smoke indicates high heat release, suggesting flashover risk.
• Darker smoke typically means proximity to the fire source, while lighter smoke is further away.
• Smoke origin evaluation helps predict fire spread and behavior.
• Dark smoke often contains higher carbon levels and lower oxygen, indicating potential fire intensity.
• Approach caution is advised for modern structures with no visible smoke, indicating potential ventilation-limited fires.

Fuel Load Classes

• Class A fires require direct water attacks (e.g., wood, paper).
• Class B fires need foam for extinguishment (e.g., flammable liquids).

Lloyd Layman’s Five-Step Size-Up Process

• Author Chief Lloyd Layman presented a systematic five-step approach for assessing fire emergencies.
• Facts: Gather all known information; ensure thorough preincident planning for informed decision-making.
• Probabilities: Assess likely fire behavior and resource effectiveness.
• Situation: Evaluate resource capabilities and personnel limitations.
• Decision: Make informed judgments on resource deployment and firefighting strategies.
• Plan of Operation: Formulate an actionable plan for incident management.

National Fire Academy Size-Up Process

• Phase One: Preincident Information: Collect data known prior to incidents to guide responses and action.
• Phase Two: Initial Size-Up: Assess existing conditions and predict fire behavior based on gathered information.
• Phase Three: Ongoing Size-Up: Maintain continual assessment of evolving situations to adapt and modify strategies.

Incident Action Plan (IAP)

• Essential post size-up, outlining strategic objectives and operational conduct.
• Must be simple and succinct; detailed plans needed for complex incidents.
• Incorporates strategies (general approaches) and tactics (specific execution methods).

Incident Priorities

• Life Safety: Protect all individuals at risk, including public and responders.
• Incident Stabilization: Prevent further incident escalation.
• Property Conservation: Limit damage to property, prioritized after life safety.

Tactical Priorities and Acronyms

• RECEO-VS: Tactics for incident response.
  • Rescue, Exposure protection, Confinement, Extinguishment, Overhaul, Ventilation, Salvage.
• S.L.I.C.E.-R.S.: Guiding firefighting priorities.
  • Size up, Locate fire, Identify/control flow path, Cool the space, Extinguish fire, Rescue operations, Salvage property.

Location Designators

• Building sides labeled A (Alpha), B (Bravo), C (Charlie), D (Delta) sequentially.
• Divisions in a building labeled by floor numbers; common terminology like "roof division" is encouraged.

Tactical Safety Considerations

• Hazards persist despite advancements; proper use of PPE is vital for firefighter safety.
• Structural collapse risks and scene safety need strict monitoring.
• Encourage firefighters to carry spare clothing for hygiene and decontamination.

Rapid Intervention Crews (RIC)

• RICs are dedicated teams ready to rescue lost or trapped firefighters, emphasizing swift response in emergencies.

Transfer of Command

• Command management can switch hands more than once during significant incidents to optimize response efforts.
• Standardized procedures ensure structured transfer, focusing on comprehensive briefings about incident status and resource deployment.

Summary of Incident Command

• Fire officers assume initial command, establishing structure and following SOPs.
• The National Incident Management System (NIMS) fosters collaboration across sectors for effective emergency management.
• Three command levels in ICS: strategic, tactical, and task management.
• ICs prioritize life safety, stabilization, and property conservation through structured tactics and strategies.

This quiz covers the essential responsibilities of a fire officer at an incident, including command structure and adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs). Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of competency within the Incident Command System (ICS) and how recent findings have influenced traditional practices.