Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Vehicle Fires SOG 400-04 PDF

Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Standard Operating Guideline SOG 400-04 Vehicle Fires Issue Date: 05/21/2018...

Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Standard Operating Guideline SOG 400-04 Vehicle Fires Issue Date: 05/21/2018 Effective Date: 06/21/2018 PURPOSE: To provide a framework for safe and effective fire attack operations involving motorized vehicles. AUTHORITY:  Fire Rescue Administrator SCOPE: This standard operating guideline shall apply to all Emergency Operations personnel. PROCEDURE: These guidelines provide a basic framework for most incidents. For vehicle fires, the following general guidelines apply: 1. General a. Refer to the 100 series SOGs for all Pre-Incident Planning, Response and Communication Center guidelines. b. Refer to the 200 series SOGs for all Incident Management System, Communication and Accountability guidelines. c. Refer to the 300 series SOGs for all General Operations guidelines. d. Refer to the 400 series SOGs, paying particular attention the 420 series for tactical guidelines. 2. Response a. While responding, the Communication Center may be able to provide additional information, such as hydrant availability and location. b. The first arriving unit may request additional units based on: i. Visible or reported conditions ii. Knowledge of the roadway iii. Water supply in the area iv. Other unusual circumstances 3. Vehicle Fire Tactical Considerations a. Units should position to: i. Block the Safe Work Area from traffic and other hazards (refer to SOG 310-01 Traffic Operations). ii. Be upwind, when possible. b. When smoke is low hanging and moving upstream of traffic: SOG 400-04 Vehicle Fires Page 1 of 3  i. Blocking for a Safe Work Area takes priority. ii. Consider placing the Attack Engine upwind and other units downwind as Blockers. c. Fire Rescue personnel shall not approach a vehicle fire from the front or rear. d. Fire Rescue personnel should approach a vehicle fire from a 45-degree angle from the sides. e. Vehicle hoods, airbags, and hatchbacks contain compressed cylinders, which have injured firefighters and damaged apparatus. f. The Fire Attack hose line on vehicle fires should be, at a minimum, 1 ¾” pre-connected hose line flowing a minimum of 100 GPM. g. The battery cables shall be disconnected or cut from the battery, both positive and negative. h. The entire vehicle, including the trunk, shall be searched for possible victims. 4. Responsibilities a. First Arriving Unit Responsibilities i. The first arriving unit shall establish Incident Command and manage the incident until Incident Command is transferred or terminated (according to SOG 200-02 Incident Command Sequence). ii. The first arriving unit shall give an Arrival Report (refer to SOG 420-01 Fire Attack Operations). b. Incident Command Responsibilities i. The Incident Commander shall: 1. Manage the incident (refer to SOG 200-02 Incident Command Sequence). 2. Ensure Benchmarks are performed and communicated (refer to SOG 210-01 Communications). 3. Assign an Incident Safety Officer. 4. Ensure all personnel on scene are wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. 5. Ensure personnel accountability is in place and being followed (refer to SOG 220-01 Personnel Accountability). 6. Ensure the two-in/two-out rule is being followed (i.e., for any entry into 18 wheel trailers) (refer to SOG 220-02 Two in/Two out). 7. Assign Fire Rescue personnel to assess for any patients. 8. Consider requesting a Fire Investigator according to Investigator Call Out Procedure (PPM FR-B-101). c. Company Responsibilities i. Each Company Officer is responsible for communicating benchmarks and progress reports (according to SOG 210-01 Communications). d. Firefighter Responsibilities i. It is the responsibility of each firefighter to perform in a safe manner and following all applicable SOG’s. ii. During vehicle fire operations, all personnel involved in firefighting operations shall wear full personal protective equipment and Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). SOG 400-04 Vehicle Fires Page 2 of 3 Supersession History 1. SOG #2210, issued 04/01/2005 2. SOG #2210, issued 10/01/2012 3. SOG 400-04, clerical 05/01/2018 4. SOG 400-04, issued 05/21/2018 SOG 400-04 Vehicle Fires Page 3 of 3