SOG 420-03: Large Area Search

• Standard operating guideline SOG 420-03 concerns large area searches.
• The purpose is to identify safe procedures for operating in a large area.
• The authority is the Fire Rescue Administrator.
• Applies to all Emergency Operations personnel.
• Provides a basic framework for most incidents.

General

• Large areas present significant challenges for Fire Rescue personnel.
• Large areas are difficult to search for victims and locate fires to extinguish.
• Large structures, very large structures, and commercial structures are classified in accordance with 420-04 Rapid Intervention Crew.
• Commercial structures with open floor plans are often referred to as "big box" structures.
• Primary Search in large structures, very large structures, and commercial structures may involve multiple companies covering specific areas of the complex.
• The person holding the search companies' passport shall maintain accountability and ensure the entire area is searched.

First Arriving Responsibilities

• The need for crew integrity is increased, therefore a minimum of five personnel (first arriving Engine unit and Rescue unit) should work together to accomplish the Primary Search task.
• Size up for large areas is critical to determine a proper risk benefit analysis.
• Critical factors such as the life hazard of occupants must be balanced against the extent of fire conditions before firefighters are sent inside the structure.

Incident Command Responsibilities

• The Incident Commander will establish accountability according to SOG 220-01 Personnel Accountability and assign an Accountability Officer.
• The Incident Commander will establish a RIG in accordance with SOG 420-04 Rapid Intervention Crew due to the increased potential for firefighters to activate a Mayday (refer to SOG 220-04 Mayday).
• The Incident Commander should consider assigning a person to lead the Search operation (i.e., Branch Director, Group or Division Supervisor, etc...)
• Access and egress doors must be identified and forced open (as necessary) to allow for egress of firefighters operating in the interior, and all openings must be controlled to limit ventilation flow paths.
• Aerial unit to roof operations should be considered (refer to SOG 420-06 Roof Operations).
• Ventilation should be performed in accordance with SOG 420-05 Ventilation.
• Ventilation in large structures, very large structures, and commercial buildings can be difficult as they are often subdivided or may have been subject to multiple renovations.

Search Company Responsibilities

• Deploying personnel in large areas with limited visibility requires discipline and compliance with basic safety guidelines.
• At least one Thermal Imaging Camera (TIC) is required for large area searches.
• Primary Search in large areas must maintain situational awareness and practice effective air management practices (refer to SOG 220-03 Situational Awareness).
• When conducting a Primary Search in a large area, companies may use a search rope and/or a fire hose line.

Search Rope

• When a search rope is utilized, it should be anchored to a substantial non-moveable object.
• There are a variety of rope bags on units that may be used to accomplish this function.

Fire Hose Line

• When a dry hose line is utilized, it should be close enough to the structure to allow for the deployment of at least 200 feet.
• At any time, the hose line may be charged should the search company request (i.e., close to the fire location, increased heat, etc...).
• The search company should give Progress Reports in accordance with SOG 210-01 Communications.
• The search company may activate a “Mayday” and follow appropriate firefighter safety and survival procedures (refer to SOG 220-04 Mayday).