HFPD Operations Guide (Hard)

HFPD Operations Overview

• These are the operating guidelines and policy statements.
• They serve as tactical and strategic guidelines for single-family/attached home incidents.
• Revised as of June 1, 2023.

Mission Statement

• The Huntley Fire Protection District (HFPD) aims to provide emergency medical services.
• The HFPD focuses on fire suppression.
• They handle fire prevention.
• They provide public education to save lives and prevent injuries.
• The HFPD also protects property

Purpose

• The document standardizes fireground operations within the Huntley Fire District.
• The OG/PS provides fire-ground procedures.
• Personnel can deviate from this OG/PS if circumstances require it.

Scope

• This Operating Guideline/ Policy Statement applies to all Huntley Fire District members.

Responses

• Activated Commercial Fire Alarm responses include 1 Engine, 1 Truck, and 1 BC (Battalion Chief).
• Responses to a reported fire in a building include 3 Engines, 1 Ambulances, 1 Truck, and 1 BC.
• Responses to a working fire include 3 Engines, 1 Ambulances, 1 Truck, and 1 BC.

First Due Suppression Company Responsibilities

• The first company's responsibility is to initiate fire attack and life safety.
• Size-up is needed.
• An accurate arrival report is needed.
• Pull past the structure to allow room for the first-arriving ladder company and to establish command.
• The officer must conduct a 360-degree view and use a thermal imaging camera to assess the building.
• Victim profile is important (High, Medium, Low):
  • High: Confirmed/High Probability
  • Medium: Moderate probability of a victim.
  • Low: No Known Occupants/No Viable Space.

High Victim Profile

• The company should operate "Split."
• The crew stretches appropriate hose line for fire attack/rescue protection.
• The main body of fire might not be the priority.
• The driver is to assist in stretching the hose line.
• The driver may secure a water supply if a hydrant is within 50’ of apparatus.
• Relay information to 3rd due regarding water supply needs.

Medium Victim Profile

• The company should operate "Split."
• The crew is to stretch an appropriate hose line for fire attack/exposure/search protection.
• Priority is dependent, the main body of fire may not be the priority.
• The officer assumes the “Fire Attack” group supervisor role.
• After the initial attack line is placed and operating, consider search operations.
• The driver is to assist in stretching the hose line.
• The driver may secure the water supply if the hydrant is within 50' of the apparatus.
• Relay information to the 3rd due regarding water supply needs.

Low Victim Profile

• The company should operate "Split".
• Crew stretches appropriate hose line for fire attack/exposure protection depending on the priority.
• The main body of fire might not be the priority.
• The driver assists in stretching the hose line.
• Driver may secure the water supply if a hydrant is within 50' of the apparatus.
• Relay information to the 2nd due regarding water supply needs.

Second Due Suppression Company Responsibilities

• The primary responsibility is to conduct a primary search/fire attack.
• Take over uncompleted tasks, if 1st due crews are committed to medical aid.

igh Victim Profile (2nd Due)

• The company should operate "All In."
• Work as members of the “Search” group.
• Perform primary search and victim removal, consider VEIS (Victim Extrication and Intervention Strategy).

Medium Victim Profile (2nd Due)

• The company should operate "All In."
• Work as members of the “Fire Attack” group assisting in deployment of the initial attack line.
• Once the initial attack line is in place and operating, consider search operations.

Low Victim Profile (2nd Due)

• The company should operate "Split."
• The crew stretches a second hose line to the main body of fire/exposure based on priority.
• The main body of fire may not always be the priority.
• Drivers may connect to a hydrant and lay a supply line, typically a 5-inch line.
• When "reversing out", maximize the hydrant, utilize all apparatus intakes, for large or far dwellings (300'+).

Third Due Suppression Company Responsibilities

• The primary responsibility is to search, secure a water supply, and stretch a second attack line.
• Take over uncompleted tasks, if prior companies are committed to medical aid.

High Victim Profile (3rd Due)

• The company should operate "Split."
• The crew stretches a second hose line for fire attack/rescue protection.
• The main body of fire might not be the priority.
• Drivers may connect to a hydrant and lay a 5-inch supply line.
• Maximize the hydrant and utilize all apparatus intakes when "reversing out."
• This is important for large or far dwellings (300'+).

Medium Victim Profile (3rd Due)

• The company should operate "Split."
• Crew stretches a second hose line for attack/rescue protection based on priority.
• The main body of fire might not always be the priority.
• Crews may perform secondary searches, deploy ground ladders, or vent the fire area.
• Drivers may connect to a hydrant and lay a 5-inch supply line.
• When "reversing out," maximize the hydrant and utilize all apparatus intakes for large/far dwellings (300'+).

Low Victim Profile (3rd Due)

• The company should operate “All In”.
• Ensure water supply has been established.
• Stretch an additional hose line of equal or greater diameter to confine fire attack/exposure protection.

Fourth Due Suppression Company Responsibilities

• The primary responsibility is to be the Rapid Intervention Team (RIT).
• Take over uncompleted tasks if prior companies are committed to medical aid.
• The company should operate "All In."

Rapid Intervention Team (RIT)

• The officer is designated as the R.I.T. officer.
• Recon the building and provide a report of the perimeter.
• Announce and soften rear and side doors, avoiding adverse effects on flow paths and fire control.
• Stage equipment/tools/personnel near the Command Post, remaining a resource while acting as the R.I.T.
• Assume proactive RIT, familiarizing with interior company and building layouts, identifying other hazards.
• Monitor all radio communications for crucial information on the location and progress of interior fire crews.
• Confirm utilities are controlled.

Truck Company Responsibilities

• The primary responsibility is searching and ventilating the structure.

High Victim Profile (Truck Company)

• The company should operate "Split."
• The crew is to perform a primary search.
• The officer assumes the “Search” Group Supervisor role.
• The driver deploys ground ladders, coordinates outside ventilation and lighting.
• Check and report conditions at the rear of the fire building to provide a report of the perimeter/exposures.

Medium Victim Profile (Truck Company)

• The company should operate "Split."
• The crew is to perform the primary search.
• The driver deploys ground ladders, coordinates outside ventilation and lighting.
• Check and report conditions at the rear of the fire building to provide a report of the perimeter/exposures.
• Secure utilities, electric and gas if needed.

Low Victim Profile (Truck Company)

• The company should operate "Split."
• The crew may provide access to concealed areas (walls, ceilings, etc.).
• Perform salvage and overhaul.
• The driver is to set up Ariel and prepare for master stream operations.

Additional Companies

• Additional companies report to the command post and stage for assignment.

First Due EMS

• The primary responsibility is the life safety of victims and firefighters.
• Position the ambulance for patient transport from the scene.
• Considered initial Two Out on Low victim profile until RIT is established.
• Prepare a stretcher with appropriate ALS equipment and report to the established IC.
• Ensure exposed occupants/police officers/bystanders are not injured.

Second Due EMS

• The primary responsibility is to set up Rehab and position the ambulance for patient transport.
• Call command and announce the rehab location.

First Due Chief Officer

• The first arriving chief establishes/assumes IC, preferably face-to-face.
• Relieve the I.C. by radio and assign him/her to return to work with their assigned company, if needed.
• Determine the need for additional resources.
• Provide regular progress reports to dispatch.
• Notify the Illinois State Fire Marshal early for suspicious fires resulting in injury/death of a civilian/responder.
• Notify command staff and the Fire Chief for fires resulting in the injury/death of a civilian/responder.
• If the situation warrants, request law enforcement for traffic and crowd control.
• If EMS transports a patient, an additional EMS unit will need to respond to allow rapid exit from the incident.
• EMS brings their stretcher, monitor, and airway bag to an area near the command post.
• Rehab and personnel rotation should be considered.

Additional Chiefs

• Report to command in full PPE/SCBA.
• Be prepared to assume division/group supervisor roles, safety officer, or command post aid.

Quick Reference Sheet (QRS)

• To be referenced during private dwelling fires.
• It guides companies in completing tasks based on arrival.
• Use the QRS as a guideline to deviate if necessary.
• Bolded items are primary responsibilities for each company at a dwelling fire.
• Other actions are possible based on fire conditions and the Incident Commander's discretion.

Structure Fire Quick Reference Sheet - Victim Profile

• High: Confirmed
• Medium: Moderate
• Low: No Known Occupants/Viable Space

Structure Fire Quick Reference Sheet - 1st Due Company

• Size-Up & 360
• Stretch initial attack line
• Initiate attack
• Establish/assign water supply

Structure Fire Quick Reference Sheet - 2nd Due Company

• ALL IN - Initial Attack or Search
• Ensure initial attack line is stretched and operating.
• Complete task order by command.
• SPLIT

Structure Fire Quick Reference Sheet - 3rd Due Company

• Split: Water supply
• Stretch a Second attack line

Structure Fire Quick Reference Sheet - 4th Due Company

• Proactive RIT
• ALL IN
• Control utilities
• Stage equipment
• Deploy ladders
• Forcible entry/open exit points

Structure Fire Quick Reference Sheet - Truck Company

• Search Group, Split/Driver
• Deploy ground ladders
• Coordinate outside ventilation

Structure Fire Quick Reference Sheet - 1st EMS Company

• VICTIMS
• Victims/Firefighters
• Park Exit in mind
• 2 Out

Structure Fire Quick Reference Sheet - 2nd EMS Company

• Rehab
• Park Exit in Mind

Structure Fire Quick Reference Sheet - 1st Chief Officer

• Establish / Assume Command

Structure Fire Quick Reference Sheet - 2nd and Additional Chief Officers

• Report to Command in full PPE/SCBA to assume division/group assignment.
• Always leave the "A" side for the ladder company
• Park apparatus close to the curb.
• Don't let hose lines block the road.
• If possible, the 2nd due apparatus passes the 1st due.
• Officers take a view of the building and use the thermal camera to assist with building size up.

Victim Profile Definitions

• High: Confirmed Victim/High Probability
• Medium: Reasonable assumption that the building is not occupied, but survivable/searchable space exists, Done to confirm building is “ALL CLEAR”.
• Low: Little to no survivable/searchable space

Terms

• All in: Officer/Engineer/Backstep Split: Officer/Backstep – Engineer task oriented.
• Victim Profile: An educated assumption on the possibility of survivable victims or survivable.
• Size Up: Initial announcement of Building Size, Building Condition, Mode of Operations & Victim Profile if known.
• Follow Up: Updated information gathered from Bystanders, Police. Must include Victim Profile if not given during Size Up
• Group Supervisor: Officer/Acting Officer in charge of a Task Group.
• Engineer/Driver: Used interchangeably. Should arrive on scene prepared to work defined assignments.
• Crew: Officer and Backstep Firefighter.
• Company: Officer, Driver, Backstep Firefighter.