SFD.015 - Operating at Structure Fire Incidents

Tactical Considerations for Interior Operations

• Evaluate building stability, occupancy, and fire behavior before starting interior operations.
• Ensure firefighter safety and victim survivability are top priorities during structure fires.

Highest Tactical Priority During Structure Fire

• Protecting human life, both victims and firefighters, is the primary focus during any structure fire response.

Firefighter Preparedness

• Prepare to adapt to rapidly changing situations; readiness for rescues and evolving fire conditions is crucial at any time during a fire incident.

Incident Commander's Considerations

• Increase the chance of survival by assessing risks and making informed decisions on resource allocation and evacuation strategies.

Transitional Attack Implementation

• When a transitional attack is selected, coordinate master stream use to suppress flames before entering for direct suppression.

Purpose of Overhaul Operations

• Overhaul operations aim to prevent rekindling by ensuring that all potential hotspots are extinguished and necessary property protection measures are in place.

Equipment for Overhaul Operations

• Crews should bring thermal imaging cameras, water supplies, and firefighting hand tools when assigned to overhaul.

Support for Occupants

• The Incident Commander should offer assistance to occupants by ensuring evacuations are safe and providing necessary aid and information.

Purpose of PPE in Overhaul Operations

• Personal Protective Equipment protects firefighters from thermal hazards, chemical exposures, and structural hazards during overhaul tasks.

Importance of Assisting Occupants

• Helping occupants during a fire incident is vital for ensuring their safety and providing essential information regarding the incident.

Acceptable Actions During Transitional Attack

• Direct application of water from the exterior can be performed to control fire conditions before advancing into the structure.

Safety Precautions After Master Stream Usage

• The Incident Commander must confirm fire control and structural integrity before allowing firefighters to enter after using a master stream.

Considerations for Large Single-Story Structures

• The IC should assess potential for rapid fire spread and ensure adequate firefighting tactics are in place to mitigate risks.

Ventilation Considerations

• When ventilating a structure, the IC must ensure that airflow does not inadvertently create dangerous conditions for either occupants or firefighters.

Exposure Protection Assignment

• The company officer must evaluate surrounding exposures and implement protective tactics to safeguard adjacent properties from fire spread.

First Arriving Engine Company Responsibility

• The initial engine company should prioritize establishing water supply, initiating fire attack, and performing search and rescue operations.

Positioning Aerial Apparatus

• The first arriving aerial apparatus should consider access points, potential hazards, and the need for aerial operations when positioning at the incident.

Actions Post-Size Up

• The first arriving chief officer should establish a command structure, provide incident strategy, and coordinate resources after conducting a size-up and 360° assessment.

Transfer of Command

• A verbal briefing outlining the incident's current status, priorities, and necessary resources is preferred for effective transfer of command.

Role of Additional Engine Companies

• Additional engine companies should provide support by establishing additional water supplies, conducting searches, and reinforcing initial fire attack teams.

Compliance Responsibility

• All personnel involved must understand and adhere to the established procedures outlined in the guidelines.

Purpose of the Guidelines

• The guidelines serve to ensure consistent and safe operational practices during firefighting incidents for enhanced effectiveness.

Deviations from Guidelines

• Deviations are permissible when officer judgment deems necessary for operational safety or during extreme emergencies.

Bi-Directional Flow Definition

• Bi-directional flow describes the movement of smoke and heat through a structure, which can impact firefighting tactics and strategies.

Defensive Mode Operations Purpose

• Operating in defensive mode minimizes risk to firefighters and protects exposures while focusing on containing the fire from a safe distance.

Flow Path Definition

• Flow path indicates the route taken by heat, smoke, and combustion gases within a structure, crucial for effective ventilation and attack strategies.

Incident Commander Role

• The IC is responsible for incident management, resource allocation, and ensuring the safety of both victims and firefighting personnel.

Neutral Plane Definition

• The neutral plane is the layer of smoke within a structure that separates the upper smoke layer from the cooler, breathable air layer below.

Transitional Attack Definition

• A transitional attack refers to a firefighting strategy that combines exterior suppression with an eventual interior assault to control fire conditions effectively.

Ventilation Definition

• Ventilation involves the systematic removal of smoke and heat from a structure to improve visibility and conditions for both occupants and firefighters during an incident.