Fire Protection Systems Guidelines

• This document outlines guidelines for operations in buildings equipped with fire protection systems.
• This standard applies to all emergency operations personnel.
• Attachment A relates to Life Safety Systems Activation.
• The second arriving engine at a building fire with a fire protection system should support the system.

Sprinklered Buildings

• The second arriving engine should supplement the water supply to the sprinkler system.
• Connect to the Fire Department Connection (FDC) with at least two 3" supply lines.
• Connect to a hydrant with LDH, and maintain supply lines at 150 psi.
• Avoid using static water sources (lakes, canals, etc.) to support fire protection systems connected to a potable water supply.
• The water supply to the building's fire protection system should not be diminished by water needed for other firefighting activities.
• All sprinkler control valves, including PIV, WIV, OS, and Y, should be verified as open.
• If valves are not completely opened, they should be opened unless instructed not to by the Incident Commander (IC).
• Notify the IC and await orders if a sprinkler control valve is closed and marked "Closed for Repair".
• Verify the fire pump is running.
• If a fire pump is present but not started, initiate it using the manual controls.
• Notify the IC if the pump cannot be started.
• Do not shut off the sprinkler system until the fire is extinguished or at the IC's discretion.
• Stop the flow of water from fused sprinkler heads as soon as practical to minimize water damage.
• In fires with multiple fused heads, it may be necessary to shut down the affected zone via the zone control valve.
• Control valves for sprinkler systems should only be closed upon order of the IC.
• A firefighter with a portable radio should stay at a closed control valve ready to open it if needed.
• Companies may replace activated sprinkler heads and recharge the system.
• Building owners retain responsibility to contact a licensed fire sprinkler contractor for follow-up service, and document it.
• The IC should inform the B.O.S.S. of the sprinkler system status after a fire.
• Contact the building representative and advise them of the need for repairs.
• Building owners are solely responsible for making repairs to the sprinkler system promptly.
• Complete an incident report, and a Life Safety Systems Activation report (100-04 Attachment A) whenever a sprinkler system is activated.
• The incident report should include any problems encountered, actions taken by Fire Rescue personnel, and any valves found closed.

Buildings with Hose Cabinets and Standpipes Only

• The second arriving engine should supplement the water supply to the system.
• Connect to the FDC with at least two 3" supply lines and connect to a hydrant with LDH.
• Charge supply lines to 100 psi initially, then adjust to the correct pressure based on the hose layout.
• Driver Operators should ensure the pressure at the FDC does not exceed 200 psi.
• The PIV, WIV, OS and Y valves should be verified as open.
• If these valves are not completely opened, they should be opened unless instructed otherwise by the IC.
• If a valve is closed and marked with a sign stating "Closed for Repair", notify the IC and await orders.
• If a fire pump is present but not started, it should be started using the manual controls. Notify the IC if the pump cannot be started.
• When connecting to a hose cabinet or standpipe connect one floor below the fire and advance up.
• Fire hose provided in a hose cabinet should not be used.
• The valve should be opened, and the system flushed of debris until clear before connecting hose to a hose cabinet or standpipe.
• Authority belongs to the Fire Rescue Administrator

Combined Systems

• A combined system is an integrated standpipe and sprinkler system sharing a common FDC.
• Maintain a minimum pressure of 150 psi to support the sprinklers when supplying a combined system.
• The Driver Operator may need to pump at a higher pressure to support the hose lines if hose lines are also deployed.
• Discharge pressure should not exceed 200 psi at the FDC.