Backup Team Assignment PDF

RIVERSIDE FIRE AUTHORITY FIELD OPERATING GUIDELINES BACK UP TEAM ASSIGNMENT The role of a backup team by definition is to get a hose line into a position where it can back up, augmen...

RIVERSIDE FIRE AUTHORITY FIELD OPERATING GUIDELINES BACK UP TEAM ASSIGNMENT The role of a backup team by definition is to get a hose line into a position where it can back up, augment or protect the first attack hose line. This is most often accomplished by stretching the second line via the same route and to the same position as the first line or the line it is being called to back up. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BACK UP TEAM  Push into a fire that is not being darkened down by the first hose line. In this case, the backup line advances up to the position the first line is holding and they go into operation in unison, directing their streams into the same area, room or compartment.  Protect the first line. The first attack hose line may be in a position where it is operating on the fire, but the firefighters are being exposed and threatened by fire in another room or other area. In this situation, the backup line may be stretched to the same location or to another location where it can darken down the fire that is exposing the first nozzle team.  Augment and maintain situational awareness. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS  The backup line should be stretched to the floor above the fire when the volume and intensity of the fire dictates.  If possible, the back up team stretching the second line should make sure it takes one or even two more hose lengths to the fire area than the firefighters on the first line did. The first hose line is almost always the line that will locate, darken down and finally extinguish the main body of fire. The back up team, however, often extends the line that prevents the fire from taking hold on the floor above the fire or in an adjacent exposure.