JFRD Structure Fire SOG

• These notes summarize the Standard Operating Guidelines (SOG) for structure fires, signal 25, within the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department.

Purpose (406.00)

• Operations are standardized at structure fires.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (406.01)

• All personnel in the hot zone must wear full PPE at all times.
• Pump and aerial operators working outside the involved structure in the hot zone can optionally wear:
  • Gloves
  • SCBA
  • Face-piece

Command (406.02)

• Command is established by the first-arriving apparatus, with an initial report transmitted per SOG 403 (Incident Command).
• The initial report includes:
  • Unit identification
  • Building description
  • Obvious conditions and initial tactics
  • Fire classification
  • Radio designation ("Command")
  • Hydrant location
• The intensity/size of the fire determines if a defensive attack is required and is communicated over the radio.
• All apparatus arriving at a structure fire in a complex announces "on scene in the complex."
• For increased water pressure, the IC contacts FRCC by radio, who then contacts JEA.

Engine Company Assignments (406.03)

First-Arriving Engine (406.03.01)

• Proceeds to assess the extent of fire involvement
• Identifies hydrant location or the need for a tanker shuttle, transmitting this information.
• Secures a water supply if conditions warrant.
• Positions engine considering:
  • Hose deployment
  • Fire intensity
  • Overhead wires
  • Fire location
  • Ladder company access

Second-Arriving Engine (406.03.02)

• Approaches only as far as the closest hydrant to confirm operability and sufficient flow - report immediately to Command.
• Or, identifies a static water source and prepares to draft water with the TurboDraft eductor or standard methods if no hydrants are present.

Third-Arriving Engine (406.03.03)

• Approaches only as far as the next-closest hydrant to confirm operability and sufficient flow - report immediately to Command.
• Or, identifies a static water source and prepares to draft water with the TurboDraft eductor or standard methods if no hydrants are present.

Hydrant Connection Options (406.03.04)

• Single 5" hose: For engines/squads instructed to "lay out" from a hydrant.
• Options to increase water supply from the hydrant to the attack engine include a 6” soft hose hook-up which is preferable when maximum volume is needed but hard suction is impractical, a full hydrant connection, or a 6” hard suction hook-up within 10' of the hydrant.
• The IC should be clear about which connection is needed and which hydrant connection is being requested over the radio.
• While standing-by, companies shall ensure an adequate water supply by removing the steamer cap and reporting operability and flow to Command.

Ladder Company Assignments (406.04)

First- Arriving Ladder(406.04.01)

• Proceed to a good position near the fire.
• Consider the following when positioning:
  • Aerial placement, Intended use, Expected progression of the fire, Width for jacks, Overhead wires

Second-Arriving Ladder (406.04.02)

• Stays uncommitted, awaiting orders.
• Prepares for RIT (Rapid Intervention Team) duties.

Squad Company Assignments (406.05)

• Squads act as engines in their response areas and perform engine duties.
• Establishes a Rapid Intervention Team per SOG 408 on all other assignments.
• All structure fires need at least one Squad for RIT.

Rescue Company Assignments (406.06)

First-Arriving Rescue (406.06.01)

• Positions to facilitate patient transport without impeding suppression.
• Prepares to assist with fire suppression.
• The OIC immediately notifies Command if egress becomes blocked.
• Identifies and communicates rehab area location.

Second-Arriving Rescue (406.06.02)

• Stages advantageously and awaits instructions.

Tanker Assignments (406.07)

First-Arriving Tanker (406.07.01)

• Stages uncommitted and prepares to deploy the basin for a tanker shuttle while awaiting instructions from Command.

Second-Arriving Tanker (406.07.02)

• Stages uncommitted and awaits instructions from Command.

Third-Arriving Tanker (406.07.03)

• Stages uncommitted and awaits instructions from Command.

Returning Tankers to Service (406.07.04)

• Tankers can return to service if any of the following exist: a confirmed hydrant within 1000 feet, the fire is out, or no fire is present.
• When a tanker shuttle is implemented, the tankers can return to service after shuttle completion, and the fire is extinguished.

Chief Assignments (406.08)

First-Arriving Suppression Chief (406.08.01)

• Assumes command and follows SOG 403 (Incident Command) for command responsibilities
• Establishes RIT per SOG 408.

Second-Arriving Suppression Chief (406.08.02)

• Counsels the Incident Commander (IC).
• Assumes the position of Incident Safety Officer per SOG 442 unless directed otherwise.

Additional Suppression Chief (406.08.03)

• Counsels the Incident Commander (IC).
• Assists with incident control, potentially managing geographic or task-oriented sectors.

Other Arriving Chiefs and Special Personnel (406.08.04)

• Reports directly to the IC.

Control of the Incident (406.09)

Command Options (406.09.01)

• The Company Officer of the first-arriving unit chooses an appropriate commitment: nothing showing, fast attack, or command.

Nothing Showing (406.09.02)

• Requires an investigation by the first-arriving unit while maintaining command via portable radio and directing incoming units to staging.

Fast Attack (406.09.03)

• Immediate action is needed to stabilize.
• The Company Officer uses a portable radio to remain involved without neglecting Command.
• Direction is provided briefly to incoming companies.
• The next unit assumes Command if the first unit is still performing the initial Fast Attack.

Command (406.09.04)

• Situations require strong, direct Command from the start.
• The Company Officer establishes and maintains Command until relieved.
• Subsequent commitment of units aims for maximum tactical advantage.

Benchmarks (406.09.05)

• Command must be informed when benchmarks are reached.
  • Primary Search Complete: "All Clear on Primary Search"
  • Situation Under Control: "Situation Under Control" or "Signal 77".
  • Secondary Search Complete: “All Clear on Secondary Search”
  • W4: "W4 (if fresh crews are needed) or W4 for units on scene"

Search and Rescue (406.10)

Primary Search (406.10.01)

• Conducted in all involved and exposed occupancies that can be entered.
• Companies search all affected areas and verify occupant safety.
• Fireground operations should prioritize the primary search.
• Considered a rescue mode until an "All Clear" is given, with completion relayed to the IC.

Secondary Search (406.10.02)

• Confirms the presence or absence of victims after initial fire control.
• Completed by companies not involved in the primary search, with completion relayed to the IC.

Fire Control (406.11)

• A critical Command decision involves offensive/defensive strategies.

Offensive Strategy (Interior Attack) (406.11.01)

• A properly performed interior attack increases the chances of saving lives and property by quickly bringing the fire under control.
• Personnel in hazardous areas must operate in teams of two or more and maintain communication.
• If a JFRD engine or ladder responds with fewer than three firefighters, FRCC dispatches an extra apparatus.
• Should be abandoned when the fire prohibits effective suppression or the structure becomes unsafe.

Defensive Strategy (Exterior Attack) (406.11.02)

• Protects exposures, stops fire spread, and brings the fire under control.

Radio Designation (406.12)

• Personnel use Group Officers' normal unit designations for radio communications if the incident is within one operational period.
• Example: Fire-7 remains Fire-7 even when assigned as Lobby Control Group Officer.

Evacuation (406.13)

• The IC ensures life safety and assesses building tenability, utilizing structured evacuation methods to protect on-scene personnel.
• Evacuation orders are signaled by radio ("Evacuate!") or repetitive blasts of apparatus air horns.
• Company Officers assemble crews and exit to a safe location for a Roll Call.
• Once accounted for, efforts are made to re-deploy forces.
• A shift from offensive to defensive strategy should be communicated prior to water application by heavy appliances or aerial streams.

Subdividing Incidents (406.14)

• Divisions are established to oversee geographic areas. For example, the direction/side of the structure, the interior/roof divisions, or the street divisions.
• Groups oversee specific tasks at large incidents;
  • Search and Rescue: Determines, coordinates, and advises if victims are found
  • Attack: Determines fire location/extent, chooses attack lines, deploys and calls lines
  • Water Supply: Locates/evaluates water sources, ensures proper operation, and organizes tanker shuttles
  • Ventilation: Locates/evaluates openings, determines ventilation type
  • Air Supply: Ensures adequate air supply, fills/distributes bottles, requests units/compressors.

Post Fire Gross Decon (406.15)

• It will be performed by an in accordance with SOG 450
• The Rescue District/Battalion Chief will make sure the Decon is completed by members prior to them reporting to Rehab

W4 Signal (406.16)

• The W4 Signal reduces exposure to carcinogens during overhaul operations.
  • Command ensures transmission, with mandatory SCBA and PPE use
  • The minimum apparatus dispatched to the W4 Signal includes one additional engine, ladder, rescue, Rehab 5, and Air 5
  • The IC can amend the apparatus by notifying FRCC
  • The Rescue District/Battalion Chief manages incident rehab and documentation

Disposition Code Delta (406.17)

• When released, all contaminated units immediately return to quarters for PPE decontamination and showering.
• Units use disposition code “Delta” without checking back "Available".
• "Delta" places units out of service for 45 minutes.
• The Company officer can pick up another assignment call while under the designation "Delta"