TN 104.1.11- Incident Commanders Rules of Engagement

Study Notes

Rules of Engagement for Firefighter Safety

Developed by the International Association of Fire Chiefs to assist Incident Commanders in risk assessment and decision-making
Adopted by Toronto Fire Services as a decision tree to determine whether a fire is fought offensively or defensively

Objectives

Rapidly conduct or obtain a 360-degree size-up of the incident to determine the safest approach for tactical operations
Obtain an early 360-degree survey and risk assessment to prioritize occupant survival and firefighter safety
Determine the Occupant Survival Profile to decide on search and rescue operations

NO GO Situations

If an assigned objective cannot be achieved due to conditions, revise the Incident Action Plan
If the occupants cannot survive, do not commit to a rescue; obtain fire control before searching
If the fire has or will destroy the structure, adjust the action plan
If there are not enough resources to safely support and protect firefighters, consider a Defensive Strategy

Risk Assessment and Action Plan

Develop a safe action plan by completing a thorough risk assessment before placing firefighters at risk
Conduct ongoing progress reports to provide critical information for decision-making and revisions to the action plan
Prevent committing firefighters to high-risk tactical objectives that cannot be accomplished safely
Prioritize savable property and lives, and extend measured risk to protect and rescue them

Safety Considerations

Stop, evaluate, and decide on reported unsafe practices and conditions that can harm firefighters
Allow any member to raise an alert about a safety concern without penalty
Maintain frequent two-way communications and keep interior crews informed of changing conditions
Obtain frequent progress reports and revise the action plan accordingly

Accountability and Support

Ensure accurate accountability of all firefighter locations and status
Maintain a constant and accurate accountability of firefighter locations and status
Always have a Rapid Intervention Team in place at all working fires
Provide Firefighter rehab services, including hydration, at all working fires

THE CHECKLIST

• Rapidly Conduct, or Obtain, a 360 Degree Size‐Up of the Incident.

• Determine the Occupant Survival Profile.

• Conduct an Initial Risk Assessment and Implement a SAFE ACTION PLAN.

• If You Do Not Have The Resources to Safely Support and Protect Firefighters -Seriously Consider a Defensive Strategy.

• DO NOT Risk Firefighter Lives for Lives or Property That Can Not Be Saved -

Seriously Consider a Defensive Strategy.

• Extend LIMITED Risk to Protect SAVABLE Property.

• Extend Measured Risk to Protect and Rescue SAVABLE Lives.

• Act Upon Reported Unsafe Practices and Conditions That Can Harm Firefighters. Stop, Evaluate and Decide

• Maintain Frequent Two‐Way Communications and Keep Interior Crews Informed of Changing Conditions.

• Obtain Frequent Progress Reports and Revise the Action Plan.

• Ensure Accurate Accountability of All Firefighter Location and Status.

• If, After Completing the Primary Search, Little or No Progress Towards Fire

Control Has Been Achieved ‐ Seriously Consider a Defensive Strategy.

• Always Have a Rapid Intervention Team in Place at All Working Fires

• Always Have Firefighter Rehab Services in Place at All Working Fires.