SOP 629 Multi-Family Dwelling

The most important priority at any structure fire is the safety of human life.

In multi-family dwelling fires, the potential for multiple civilian casualties is high.

The rapid spread of fire within multi-family dwellings is a major concern.

Finding and rescuing occupants quickly is a top tactical priority.

The initial search should prioritize areas close to the fire and escape routes, followed by bedrooms.

Proper ventilation is essential to support a thorough and safe search.

The Incident Commander and operating units should be aware of smoke and fire flow paths.

An offensive interior attack is the default tactic for fire suppression.

The officer in charge of the second arriving engine company is responsible for ensuring a water supply plan is in place, especially if the first engine is investigating without laying a supply line.

The engine company responsible for the water supply must flush the hydrant while standing by.

If an engine company uses their own hydrant, it must be announced and located within 100 feet of their final parking position, allowing the driver to connect the hose alone.

Any deviations from the standard water supply procedures require approval from the responding District/Assistant Chief or Command Officer.

Apparatuses are typically positioned on the Alpha side of the incident, considering the space needed for truck companies' operations.

The initial attack line should be strategically placed between the fire and potential trapped civilians, also protecting interior stairs.

Even if there's no visible fire, consider advancing an attack line to the reported problem area. This reduces response time in larger buildings.

The Engine Driver is responsible for setting up the Decontamination facilities and procedures.

The primary objective is to protect property, while minimizing risk to firefighters throughout the entire incident.

Multi-family dwellings include apartment buildings, townhouses, and garden apartments. These structures often have multiple units and can be up to four stories tall.

The initial response to a multi-family dwelling fire typically includes three engine companies, one truck company, one rescue unit, one squad, two command officers, a fire medic lieutenant, and a CL-320 if available.

After the initial response, the working fire resources include one engine company, one truck company, one rescue unit, one command officer, an ambulance, law enforcement, and utility representatives.

When a fire becomes more extensive, additional resources are called in, including two engine companies, one truck company, one rescue unit, one squad, and a command officer.

The first-arriving engine company is responsible for conducting an initial size-up, reporting the situation, and establishing a water supply if necessary.

The first-arriving engine company determines the plan of action, which could include establishing a water supply or investigating the fire scene.

The first engine company may lay a supply line from the hydrant when multiple calls indicate smoke and flames, or other signs of a fire.

The first engine company arriving at a multi-family dwelling fire should immediately establish a water supply, connect to a hydrant, and ensure the hoseline is operational.

The second arriving engine company must prioritize ensuring the first attack line is functional and advancing towards the fire. This is especially crucial if the first arriving rescue unit is busy with medical care or hasn't arrived yet.

The second engine company should deploy an attack hose line with sufficient GPM flow and length to cover any location within the structure, including upper floors. This line can serve as backup, protect exposures, or cover adjacent units.

The second engine company's attack hoseline position should be communicated to the Incident Commander or assigned to a specific location by the Incident Commander.

The second engine company should provide updates to the Incident Commander, using the C.A.N. report, including information about the fire's progress, the location of the hoseline, and any obstacles encountered.

When responding to a multi-family dwelling fire, it's crucial for all personnel, including engine companies, to wear full protective clothing and SCBA in accordance with the department's SOPs.

Engine companies should prioritize leaving accountability tags at the designated location or command post upon arrival at the fire scene.

If assigned to a floor above the fire, the second engine company should closely monitor the first engine company's attack on the fire and consider the fire's spread and smoke movement.

The officer in charge of the arriving rescue unit is responsible for conducting the primary search of a multi-family dwelling fire and ensuring the safety of firefighters and civilians throughout the search.

The Safety Officer for a multi-family dwelling fire is responsible for conducting a 360-degree recon of the structure, evaluating its stability, and communicating any concerns to the Incident Commander.

The first-arriving command officer takes charge of a multi-family dwelling fire by establishing a command post, maintaining scene accountability, and managing the incident according to established protocols.

The second-arriving command officer reports to the Incident Commander and brings all personal protective equipment (PPE) to the Command Post, ready for deployment.

All other responding command personnel report to the Incident Commander at the Command Post, bringing their PPE for potential deployment to various positions within the Incident Command System.

The working fire engine company arrives at a multi-family dwelling fire fully equipped, ready to provide fire suppression, and assists in coordinating water supply operations.

The working fire engine company's role in multi-family dwelling fires involves ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of water to the fireground, whether it's by establishing a water supply or providing support for an existing hydrant.

The second arriving engine company takes responsibility for establishing a water supply plan, especially if the first engine is engaged in other tasks.

The Third Due Engine is responsible for wearing full protective gear and SCBA, becoming the Rapid Intervention Team (RIT), and leaving accountability tags at the designated location.

The First Due Truck Company's main tasks include conducting an initial size-up, wearing full protective gear, positioning for aerial/ground ladder access, providing ventilation and scene lighting, and conducting primary search and rescue if no other company is assigned.

The First Due Squad Company's role is to wear full protective gear (including SCBA for hazardous environments), ensure a primary search is completed (taking the lead if they arrive first), secure utilities, provide scene lighting, and assist other companies.

Engine companies should position their vehicles on the Alpha side of the incident, considering space needed for truck company operations.

Even if there's no visible fire, consider advancing an attack line preemptively to the suspected area. This reduces response time and potentially saves lives.