Fire Rescue Incident Command Manual

Clearwater Fire & Rescue Operations Division Incident Command Manual

• This manual outlines incident command procedures for fire and rescue operations
• Procedures are structured to ensure command and control, safety, and communication
• The Incident Command System (ICS) is used to manage resources and personnel
• ICS is used to expand and contract based on incident needs
• Training aligns with National Incident Management System (NIMS)
• Uniformity, consistency, and teamwork are prioritized

Command Objectives

• Life safety of all civilians and first responders is the top priority
• Establish command and control for effective incident management
• Continuously evaluate the situation, hazards, and potential consequences
• Maintain effective communication with all units and resources
• Develop and implement Incident Action Plan (IAP)
• Maintain accountability of personnel and their assignments
• Optimize resource allocation based on the situation
• Ensure proper decontamination and readiness of personnel and equipment
• Stabilize the incident
• Notify appropriate personnel (staff, PIOs, other city officials)
• Notify appropriate officials (Fire Inspector and Fire Marshal)
• Preserve property
• Demobilize and return resources to a ready state
• Provide proper incident documentation and post-incident training

Types of Incident Command

• Initial Command: Established by the first arriving company officer, remains mobile
• Incident Command: Stationary command post, established by a Chief Officer when three or more companies are involved, highly visible location
• Unified Command: Used at incidents requiring coordination between multiple agencies (e.g., major incidents, multiple victims)

Initial On-Scene Radio Report

• Includes specific information (address, number of floors/occupancy, observations, etc)
• Adheres to Clearwater Fire & Rescue SOP 625

Modes of Operation

• Investigative Mode: No clear indicators of a fire, focus on investigation (investigation of incident)
• Offensive Mode: Active fire attack, prioritizing the problem in the structure
• Defensive Mode: Structure integrity compromised, prioritizing outside safety/extinguishment first
• Transitional Attack: Exterior knockdown first, then interior attack (not used by Clearwater Fire Rescue)

Transfer of Command

• The initial company officer transfers command to a chief officer when the chief arrives
• Company officers explain the initial situation/current situation/plan/status of units/search
• Accountability for personnel
• Chief officer takes control
• The term "Clearwater Command" should not be used repeatedly

Command Post Staffing

• Requires specific personnel including:
  • Incident Commander (IC)
  • Incident Safety Officer (ISO)
  • Command Post Aide

General Rules for ICS

• Use of command board for resource tracking
• Maintain awareness of crew and personnel locations and functions
• Use of appropriate terminology (avoid excessive radio chatter)
• Accountability for personnel (PAR)
• Follow ICS standard procedures for transfers/assignments
• Comply with all regulations, maintaining safety and effectiveness

Incident Safety Officer

• Responsible for safety monitoring
• Reports directly to IC
• Reports and assesses unsafe conditions/practices
• Develops safety protocols
• Identifies and communicates risk/benefit assessment

Incident Command Aide

• Supports IC, managing accountability and communications for better incident oversight

Expanding the Command Structure on Larger Incidents

• Establishes Supervisory levels based on needs to ensure effective management
• Use of Divisions, Groups, and Branches to divide tasks efficiently
• Creates geographical areas for better management

Handling Mayday's, Emergency Retreats, and Tactical Withdrawals

• Procedure for when an incident presents a life-safety issue
• Clear procedures for command's decision making
• Radio discipline and alert tones for tactical changes
• Procedures for rescue teams and personnel in distress
• Incident Command assumes primary control

EMS Operations and Mass Casualty Incidents

• EMS/Medical Officer manages triage, treatment, and transport of all casualties
• Reports directly to IC
• Records patient information and locations
• Expansion to Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) management
• Management of deceased patients

High Rise Fires

• Command Post (CP) location: safe but with visibility of fire activity
• Establishing and assigning Divisions for better control over the incident
• Staging locations: used to re-organize crews outside the building

Geographical Designations and Terminology

• Use of standard alphabetical designations for structure identification
• Use of compass points to delineate exterior areas, or internal zones, to clarify spatial relationships

Incident Command Reporting

• Template for 20-minute progress reports detailing pertinent information for incidents
• Detailed checks required to complete incident records

Command Forms (Checklist, Forms)

• Checks required to report and document information in different events