G-ROOF Roof Operations

Study Notes

All personnel are responsible for determining the type of roof they will be working on and following proper procedures regarding firefighting and roof operations.
Incident Commanders should establish a Roof Sector, as required by the incident, to ensure a coordinated fire attack.

Consider the need for an aerial ladder or ground ladders for access and direct deployment as required (fire attack, search and rescue, emergency escape) for roof operations.
Place aerial and/or ground ladders where crews can work/travel from the uninvolved to the involved areas.
Use roof ladders for operations on rooftops where pitch presents a safety concern, there is a possibility of structural weakness, or any time there is a traction issue on the roof covering.
Place ladders on the strong areas of the building's roof, typically at the corners, hips, and valleys.
Raise the fly of an extension ladder/aerial three to five rungs above a roofline to allow firefighters to easily get on and off the roof.

Communicate and coordinate with the Interior Fire Attack crew, Sector Officer, or Incident Commander.
Wear full PPE, including SCBA.
Size-up the roof including landmarks (vents/stacks, etc.), location of perimeter edges, and pitch, prior to leaving the ladder.
Ensure an inspection cut is completed prior to committing to the roof.
Monitor conditions and crew with a Thermal Imaging Camera.
Establish proper roof travel patterns by ensuring the roof is safe by sounding the path of travel with a tool.
Attempt to maximize travel above/on top of exterior load-bearing walls.
Position a secondary means of egress along the path of travel close to where crews are venting.
Use smoke indicator holes during roof travel.
Bring proper equipment that is dictated by the roof construction (roof ladder, ventilation saw, sounding tool, etc.).
Immediately vacate the roof when a defensive fire is declared or when directed by the IC or the Roof Sector Officer.

Roof Sector Officer should be in direct contact with Interior Fire Attack Crew(s) for CAN reports/updates.
Consider the need for ventilation and coordinate its implementation with interior crews as soon as possible.
Have a charged hose line in place for protection.
In low visibility, utilize a Thermal Imaging Camera.
If a crew member becomes disoriented, they should remain still or ‘take a knee' and attempt to re-establish contact with their crew.
Hoist any tools utilizing rope, anytime equipment cannot be safely or efficiently carried.
Exercise extreme caution when operating at an abandoned structure.