MOP 602 Fire Ground Staging

• The staging procedure provides a standardized initial placement system for apparatus, personnel, and equipment.
• It also provides direction for managing additional resources if the Incident Commander hasn't assigned them tasks immediately.
• Effective utilization of the staging procedure prevents excessive apparatus congestion at the scene.
• The procedure provides time for command to evaluate conditions.
• Apparatus is placed in an uncommitted location near the immediate scene.
• Staging helps reduce radio traffic during the critical initial stages of fire operations.
• It allows command to formulate and implement a plan without undue confusion.
• Staging involves two levels: Level I and Level II.

Level I Staging

• Level I Staging automatically applies to all BOX ALARM type responses.
• The first engine/squad and truck will initiate firefighting tactics to attack the fire and/or cover exposures.
• The first engine/squad and truck will generally be at the front/Side Alpha of the location.
• Other responding units must be notified by radio if conditions change the primary location.
• The engine/squad will lead off from a hydrant, spot pumper and be prepared to supply hand-line, deluge stream reporting the radio location of hydrant used.
• The second engine/squad and truck will cover the rear/Side Charlie of the location and update command on conditions.
• The second engine/squad will lead off from hydrant, spot pumper and be prepared to supply hand-line, deluge stream, reporting the radio location of hydrant used.
• The third engine/squad will secure equipment, report to the Incident Commander, and relieve the Initial Rapid Intervention Team.
• The fourth engine/squad will respond to the hydrant location that the first engine/squad used and report the first engine/squad location.
• The fifth engine/squad will respond to the hydrant location that the second engine/squad used and report the second engine/squad location.
• Delayed units must notify the first assigned Battalion Chief via the assigned fireground talkgroup.
• Fire Communications will verify the Battalion Chief received the message of the delay.
• Next due responding units will fill in as necessary for the delayed unit.
• Responding unit responsibilities are in order of dispatch.
• If conditions require a unit to deviate from the procedure, the other responding units will be notified via radio on the assigned fireground talkgroup.
• All other units responding to the incident will stage in their direction of travel, uncommitted, approximately one block from the scene until assigned by command, unless a specific staging area has been designated.
• Staged companies will report unit designation, standing by, and their direction.
• Staged companies will stay on the air and not transmit except in an emergency until orders are received and will contact command after a reasonable time to advise of their standby status.
• Staging procedures aim to reduce routine traffic without reducing effective communications.
• Staged units will advise command of critical tactical needs and their actions if they observe them.
• Pre-fire planning will identify exceptions to Level I staging.
• Regular Level I staging procedures will automatically apply if there are no exceptions.

Level II Staging

• Level II staging is activated when an on-scene reserve of units is required in a formal staging area designated by command.
• The staging area provides space for assembly and for safe apparatus movement away from command and the emergency.
• All responding companies will report to and remain at the staging area until assigned when a formal staging area is announced.
• The staging area will be commanded by the officer of the last assigned engine company.
• Command will formally announce "Level II staging" when going to Level II.
• Level II staging will automatically supersede Level I.
• Units already staged in Level I will notify Level II staging officer of their availability.
• The first ranking fire officer arriving at the staging area will assume command until the arrival of the designated staging officer.
• Command may ask the staging officer to scout for the best location for the staging area.
• The radio designation for the staging officer, area, and function is "staging."
• All communication will be between staging and command.
• Responding units will stay on the air and respond directly to the designated staging area to report (in person) to the staging officer, standing by with crew intact and warning lights turned off.
• When requested by command, the staging officer verbally assigns units to specific Divisions then advises commands of units being assigned.
• The Division Supervisor may communicate directly with the unit by radio.
• The staging officer is responsible for coordinating with police to block streets and ensure all apparatus is parked appropriately.
• A log of available units in the staging area will be maintained. The log will also maintain an inventory of specialized equipment using tactical worksheet (form 28-2100-0002).
• The staging officer will review with command what resources must be maintained in the staging area and coordinate the request for these resources with Fire Communications
• The staging officer must assume a visible position and accessible to incoming and staged units using warning lights of staging units.
• The staging officer may indicate the best direction of response and routing for responding units.
• Medic units that have not been otherwise directed by Incident Command will be dispatched to the staging area during Level II staging incidents.
• The staging officer will acknowledge the medic unit's arrival and give instructions as requested by command.
• A major medical emergency may require a separate staging area for medic units, which the staging officer will designate.
• Staging will advise command when resources deplete to two engines and one ladder truck or less, or when all resources are depleted, unless otherwise instructed.
• Command will decide whether to call for additional units or additional alarms.
• Command may instruct staging to maintain a base level of resources.
• Staging will communicate directly with Communications to request additional units.
• Fire Communications may contact the fireground commander to ascertain if staged units can be used for dispatch in the event of a second emergency and will advise Communications if replacement units are required in the staging area.
• After clearing the second incident, further assignment for previously staged units will be under the purview of the officer in charge of operations.
• Command will notify the staging officer and Fire Communications when Level II staging is deactivated and advise staging as to the disposition of the remaining units.
• The Incident Commander can modify this plan to provide more effective use of the manpower and available resources.