Operating at structure fire incidents

Incident Command

• The first arriving officer establishes the Incident Command (IC) position
• The first arriving officer completes the Initial Radio Report
• The first arriving officer is also responsible for selecting apparatus placement, identifying water supply, evaluating fire conditions
• The IC position is automatically established when the Initial Radio Report is given
• The IC should consider transferring command to another officer

Initial Radio Report (IRR)

• The first arriving officer is responsible for completing the IRR
• The IRR should include:
  • Building description, including size, height, and occupancy type
  • Visible conditions, such as light smoke or working fire
  • Initial incident action plan (IAP)
  • Declaration of strategy, such as investigative mode, offensive mode, or defensive mode
  • Assignment of incident command
• All units, except the first engine, ladder, and chief officer, should level one stage after the IRR is given
• The IRR should be transmitted via the apparatus mobile radio

Apparatus Placement

• The first arriving engine company deploys the appropriate hose lines
• The first arriving aerial should be positioned for optimal truck operations
• Apparatus should be placed for optimal access and safety

First Arriving Chief Officer

• The first arriving chief officer conducts a 360 degree assessment of the incident
• Contact the IC (if established)
• Establishes accountability

Tactical Considerations

• Rescue
• Transitional attack
• Extinguishing the fire
• Exposure protection
• Ventilation
• Strategic Shift
• Utility control
• Property conservation
• Overhaul
• Customer support

Transfer of Command

• When the IC determines it is necessary to transfer command, they should:
  • Advise other units of the strategy change
  • Advise the company and role of the incoming IC
  • Advise the IC position
  • Provide a situation update, including IAP
  • Provide a summary of the fireground resources
  • Advise the incoming IC of any unique safety concerns
  • Provide a transfer of command acknowledgement

Extinguishing The Fire

• The IC should ensure that the bulk of the fire is knocked down before firefighters move into the structure to complete extinguishment
• Multiple attack lines should be used to ensure the fire does not reignite
• Back-up lines should be assigned to protect the attack crew's means of egress

Ventilation

• Ventilation should be coordinated with suppression activities to improve interior conditions
• IC should complete a ventilation profile of the building
• Management and control of all openings is necessary to limit the fire's access to oxygen

Exposure Protection

• The company officer should prevent the fire from extending to neighboring structures
• The officer must consider the integrity of the main fire building, and the potential for exposure suppression lines to be in a safe location
• Operations are coordinated with all crews operating on the main fire building

Strategic Shift (Change of Strategy)

• The IC calls out the strategic shift over the radio using a radio alert tone
• The IC calls for an evacuation of the structure for the strategic shift to a defensive mode
• Once crewmembers have evacuated the structure, the IC completes a PAR (Personnel Accountability Report)
• When the IC determines it is safe to return to an offensive mode, they will contact the dispatcher and advise of the strategy change

Utility Control

• The IC should ensure utility services are controlled, and the safety of personnel and the public is maintained
• The IC should verify the location of any utilities prior to operations
• Utilities should be disconnected if necessary
• When operating near downed power lines, the IC should proceed with extreme caution

Property Conservation

• The IC should minimize property damage while performing their duties
• Firefighters should take steps to prevent damage while conducting operations, including using salvage covers, removing valuables, and keeping traffic clear of the scene

Overhaul

• The IC should prioritize the overhaul of the incident
• Overhaul should be conducted only when the building is declared safe
• The IC should assign responsible personnel to oversee the overhaul
• Overhaul should consist of removing debris, extinguishing any remaining embers, and ensuring the fire is completely out
• The IC should use caution to ensure no hidden fire remains

Customer Support

• The fire department should focus on providing adequate and timely customer support
• The fire department should attempt to provide as much information as possible to the affected individuals
• Individuals should be treated with dignity and respect