LAFD Expanded Command Operations Manual Book 93 PDF

Los Angeles City Fire Department LAFD Expanded Command Operations Manual Book 93 April 2021  From the office of the Fire Chief... April 16, 2021 TO: ALL MEMBERS SUBJECT: BOOK 93 – LAFD EX...

Los Angeles City Fire Department LAFD Expanded Command Operations Manual Book 93 April 2021  From the office of the Fire Chief... April 16, 2021 TO: ALL MEMBERS SUBJECT: BOOK 93 – LAFD EXPANDED COMMAND OPERATIONS MANUAL The Los Angeles City Fire Department (LAFD) Expanded Command Operations Manual, Book 93 replaces the LAFD Tactical Alert Manual (Book 92) which was last updated in 2002. With the adoption of this manual, the Tactical Alert Manual is hereby cancelled. This new manual reflects many changes in our organization since Book 92 was last updated. Changes include:  Adoption of a Regional Tactical Interoperable Communication Plan  Distribution of new handheld tri-band radios  Development of a Department Operations Center (DOC) that is modern, spacious, well- equipped, and well-staffed  Development of well-trained EOC and DOC management teams  Creation of the four Geographic Bureaus with enhanced staffing in the Bureau Offices  Refined procedures for implementing Area Commands  Development of Zone Commands within Area Commands Book 93 is written with an “All-Hazards” mindset. It applies not only to earthquakes or civil disturbances, but also to any instance where there may be a need to decentralize resource tracking and dispatching. Under normal conditions, the command and control of Department resources is the responsibility of Metropolitan Fire Communications (MFC). All requests for service are routed through MFC, where the incident type is determined and resources dispatched in accordance with established algorithms. Resources keep MFC appraised of their status via MDC or radio. Incidents are created and dispatched in the order they are received by the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD). Dispatch algorithms are written in compliance with the “Closest Forces” concept, whereby the closest, available, appropriate resources are dispatched to an incident. In certain cases, when resource status cannot be maintained by MFC due to system inoperability or when the nature and number of incidents in a specific area call for a higher level of command, the Department can implement as many of the concepts outlined in this manual as needed to mitigate the situation and return to a normal command condition. Stay Safe, RALPH M. TERRAZAS Fire Chief Book 93 – LAFD Expanded Command Operations Manual Table of Contents Chapter 1 – Definitions.................................................................................................... 1 Chapter 2 – Expanded Command Structures.................................................................. 3 Chart 1: AREA COMMAND ORGANIZATION.......................................................... 15 Chart 2: AREA COMMAND REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS.................................. 16 Chapter 3 – Emergency Operations.............................................................................. 17 Chapter 4 – Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Operations....................................... 20 Chapter 5 – Communications........................................................................................ 22 Chapter 6 – Resource Relocation Considerations........................................................ 33 Chapter 7 – Media Relations......................................................................................... 34 APPENDIX A – FALLBACK COMMUNICATION PLANS.............................................. 36 APPENDIX B – LAFD FUEL SITES.............................................................................. 53 Table of Contents Book 93 – LAFD Expanded Command Operations Manual Chapter 1 – Definitions Agency Administrator (AA) The official responsible for administering policy for the Department. Each Geographic Bureau Commander is the Agency Administrator for all incidents in their Bureau. Agency Administrators supervise and provide policy direction to Area Commanders. Area Command Is established as necessary to provide command authority and coordination for multiple incidents in close proximity to each other. Area Command manages incidents by working directly with designated Zone Commanders. In the LAFD, an example could be a major earthquake where a Battalion Commander establishes their Battalion as a Zone with several incident commanders under their control. The Zone Commander (Battalion Chief) reports status and requests resources from their designated Area Commander. If one or more of the incidents within the Area Command is multi-jurisdictional or multi- discipline, a Unified Area Command should be established. Causative Event The primary factor that generates multiple cascading incidents and necessitates the establishment of Area Command. Department Operations Center (DOC) The DOC is a physical location that is staffed on an as-needed basis. Staffing in the DOC consists of a rotation of three Incident Management Teams (IMTs) that have been trained specifically on DOC procedures. Disaster Fallback Communications Plan Alternate radio channel plans designed for the Geographic Bureaus. Each Bureau is allocated a primary channel plan and three contingency plans to be used based upon the condition of the radio network, from all systems working normally to no system working at all. Dispatch Condition (DISCON) One of four operating modes at Metropolitan Fire Communications (MFC). Each DISCON is based on current or anticipated resource demand and changes the dispatch algorithms to conserve the number of resources dispatched to an incident. Emergency Operations Center (EOC) The EOC is a physical location that is staffed on an as-needed basis with representatives from all key City departments. The EOC staff provides coordination between City departments to fulfill the resource needs of each department. Routine communication between Area Command and the EOC is routed through the LAFD Department Operations Center to the EOC Fire Branch Director. Page 1 Book 93 – LAFD Expanded Command Operations Manual Evacuation A Law Enforcement mission to remove the public from an impacted area and to exclude a member of the public from entering an impacted area while that area is under an evacuation order. LAPD is responsible for determining the area of evacuation that may be needed; however, especially in cases of wildfire, LAPD works closely with the LAFD IC to make the determination. Firefighter Protection A Law Enforcement mission to ensure the safety of LAFD members. Firefighter Protection may take the form of providing security at Fire Stations or incident facilities, such as Base, Staging or the ICP; it may be the provision of escorts for resources; or it may be establishment of a perimeter for a safe work area; or it may be any or all of the above. Incident Command – The level of command at which the deployment of resources to accomplish incident objectives occurs. Notification Area – The geographic area identified by the Area Commander in which the Area Command and MFC coordinate the dispatching of resources. The Notification Area is geofenced in the dispatch system as belonging to the Area or Incident Command and MFC will dispatch resources directly to incidents within the Notification Area. Additionally, MFC will provide dispatch information to the Area or Incident Command, which will dispatch its own resources to manage the incident. Notification Areas are typically seen in planned events where resources have been pre-deployed and are under the command of the event’s Incident Commander. Tactical Area – The geographic area identified by the Agency Administrator in which the Area Command will handle the dispatching of resources. The Tactical Area is geofenced in the dispatch system as belonging to the Area Command and MFC will NOT dispatch resources directly to incidents within the Tactical Area. Instead, MFC will provide dispatch information to the Area Command, which will dispatch its own resources to manage the incident. Zone Command – A level of command established between Incident Command and Area Command. Zones are established to reduce span of control for Area Commands. Page 2 Book 93 – LAFD Expanded Command Operations Manual Chapter 2 – Expanded Command Structures Department Command The Department Operations Center (DOC) is the Department’s City-wide Command Post. It is staffed as needed by one of three DOC Incident Management Teams that are trained in DOC procedures. When activated, the DOC works closely with MFC to deconflict competing resource requests from Area Commands, determine the status of “dark” or “dry” stations, reconcile resource status, and approve and transmit mutual aid requests for outside resources. The DOC gathers information from each of the Area Commands and from outside sources to provide situational awareness and status displays for the Fire Chief and command staff. Page 3 Book 93 – LAFD Expanded Command Operations Manual Area Command Area Command is an expansion of the incident command function primarily designed to manage a complex or large incident/event or area that has multiple incident management organizations assigned. An Area Command may be established when incidents are close enough that oversight is required among the incident management organizations to ensure conflicts do not arise. Typically, these types of incidents compete for the same resources. Major events such as earthquakes, floods, civil disturbances, multiple wildland fires, or terrorist activities may cause multiple cascading incidents within a specified area. Due to potential size, complexity, and impact, these events may create an environment that requires the implementation of Area Command. In situations where multiple incidents are occurring, the need for an Area Command allows Incident Commanders and Agency Administrators to be more effective for the following reasons: Inter-incident coordination normally required of each Incident Commander will be accomplished at the Area Command level, allowing the individual Incident Commanders within the identified area to focus attention on their assigned incident Area Command sets priorities between incidents and allocates and reallocates critical resources according to those established priorities Area Command assists Agency Administrators by ensuring that agency policies, priorities, constraints, and guidance are being communicated to the Incident Commanders Criteria for activation of an Area Command may include, but is not limited to: Several major or complex incidents that are in close proximity to each other Critical human or property values at risk when multiple incidents are competing for limited resources Difficulties with inter-incident resource allocation and coordination are encountered The ability of MFC to dispatch and track resources is compromised Incident Commanders must recognize the priorities established by an Area Command. Incident Commanders may not always concur with Area Command decisions on priorities and critical resource allocations; however, it is essential that each Incident Commander understand that the ability to obtain critical resources and services is balanced with the priorities established for the impact area. It is also essential for Incident Commanders to understand that they may have to adjust incident strategies, control objectives, and resource assignments due to a change in the resources available during a given operational period. It is important for the Area Commander to maintain communications with Agency Administrators, assisting and cooperating agencies, and other affected or interested groups through the appropriate channels. This function, if accomplished correctly, will increase the information flow to all interested parties. Page 4 Book 93 – LAFD Expanded Command Operations Manual Primary functions of Area Command are: Provide agency direction or jurisdictional authority for assigned incidents Ensure that Zone and Incident Commanders have a clear understanding of agency expectations, operational objectives, and constraints related to the incident(s) Establish priorities for use of critical resources between various incidents based on incident needs, agency policy and direction Ensure appropriate incident management organization and staffing for the kind and complexity of the involved incident(s) Maintain contact with agency officials in charge, assisting agencies, cooperating agencies and other interested groups Coordinate actions with LAFD Command Staff and Department Operations Center (DOC) as needed Implement a reliable radio communication plan between Area, Zone, and Incident Commanders; Coordinate the demobilization and/or reassignment of resources between incidents There are three different priorities that Area Command may establish: Priorities among the incidents within Area Command (often related to the life and property values at risk) Priorities related to allocation of resources within the identified impacted area Priorities related to demobilization of resources Duties and Responsibilities of Key Personnel in Area Command Fire Chief, Emergency Operations (EOPS) Commander, or Bureau Commander Determine when a Causative Event is of such magnitude, complexity, or operational intensity that resource allocation/prioritization would benefit from the activation of an Area Command. Agency Administrator (AA) The Geographic Bureau Commander, in the role of Agency Administrator is responsible to: Activate an Area Command Provide a briefing to the Area Command Team that includes: o Boundaries of the impact area o List of all incidents ongoing in the impact area o Process for handling new incidents in the impact area o Process for requesting additional Department and/or mutual aid resources o Reporting relationships o Department constraints or concerns Maintain contact with and supervise the Area Command team Evaluate the Area Command when the Area Command is demobilized Page 5 Book 93 – LAFD Expanded Command Operations Manual If time allows, the information provided during the Area Command in-briefing should be documented on a written Delegation of Authority (DA); however, it is understood that DAs are not required for LAFD Area Command Teams operating inside the City. Area Commander (ACDR) The Area Commander oversees the Area Command Team and is responsible to: Set overall strategic objectives Set overall incident-related priorities within the impact area Allocate and reallocate critical resources based on established priorities Ensure that incidents managed by Area Command are properly managed Ensure that objectives for incidents managed by Area Command are met and do not conflict with each other or with agency policy Assistant Area Commander, Logistics (ACLC) The Assistant Area Commander Logistics is responsible for providing facilities, services, and materials at the Area Command level and for ensuring effective use of critical resources and supplies among the incident management teams. The Assistant Area Commander Logistics should perform the following: Provide facilities, services, and materials for the Area Command organization Ensure coordinated airspace temporary flight restrictions are in place and understood Ensure coordinated communication plans are in place and are functioning properly; Assist with Area Command decisions Assistant Area Commander, Planning (ACPC) The Assistant Area Commander Planning is responsible for collecting information from incident management teams in order to assess and evaluate potential conflicts in establishing incident objectives, strategies, and the priority use of critical resources. The Assistant Area Commander Planning should perform the following: Assemble information on individual incident objectives and begin to identify potential conflicts and/or ways for incidents to develop compatible operations Recommend the priorities for allocation of critical resources to incidents Maintain status on critical resources and total resources committed Ensure that advanced planning beyond the next operational period is being accomplished Prepare and distribute Area Commander’s decisions or orders Prepare recommendations for the reassignment of critical resources, as they become available Ensure demobilization plans are coordinated between Zone Commanders and MFC Prepare Area Command briefings and status reports for dissemination as requested or needed Zone Commander (ZCDR) The Zone Commander provides an intermediate level of command between the Incident Commander and the Area Commander. When Zone Command is established, the Page 6 Book 93 – LAFD Expanded Command Operations Manual reporting relationship between the Area Commander and the Incident Commander passes through the Zone Commander, instead. The ZDCR reduces the span of control for the Area Commander. The Zone Commander is responsible for: Receiving a briefing from the Area Command Team Establishing a Zone Command facility Ensuring the Area Command Fallback Communications Plan is established and working correctly in the Zone Establishing a Zone Staging Area for resources assigned to the Zone Receiving new incident information from MFC or Area Command Dispatching Zone resources to new incidents Tracking resource and incident status Returning demobilized resources back to Zone staging or to Area Command Reporting situation status and resource status to Area Command It is important to ensure that Zone Commanders have a clear understanding of agency expectations, intentions, constraints, and priorities related to incidents. It is possible that the Zone Commanders may not have had a full briefing on agency/jurisdictional expectations related to their incidents prior to the time that Area Command is established. Therefore, the Area Commander should have an initial joint briefing with all Zone Commanders by cellphone, landline, or radio as soon as practical. Incident Commander (IC) The Incident Commander is responsible for: Direct management of the assigned incident(s) Develops control objectives and deploys resources to accomplish the objectives and mitigate the incident Requests additional resources through Zone/Area Command. Demobilizes available resources back to Zone/Area Command Maintains incident documentation requested by Area Command as needed to reconcile incident information with MFC at the close of the Area Command Area Command Operations Area Command Post Location Some of the criteria that should be considered when selecting an Area Command facility include: Close proximity to incidents Sufficient size (for staff, displays and meetings) Capable of continuous operation Adequate communications facilities (hardline telephones, computers, copy machines) Availability of back-up power Capable of supporting radio communications Adequate and secure parking Near commercial sources of support for food and lodging Page 7 Book 93 – LAFD Expanded Command Operations Manual The Area Command Post should, to the extent possible, be located in close proximity to the incidents under its authority. This will make it easier to have meetings and direct contact between the Area Commander and Zone Commanders. The facility used to house the Area Command Post should be large enough to accommodate a full Area Command staff and have the capability to accommodate meetings between the Area Command Staff, Zone Commanders, Department staff, and news media representatives. It may be appropriate to utilize a 24-hour geographic Bureau Office for the Area Command Post. These offices maintain communication capabilities, technologies, and media displays with trained support staff to assist with building an Area Command organization. If the Area Command is unified with LAPD, the Area Command Post will need to be large enough to accommodate both command teams. In any case, consider the state of the communications network when selecting the site of the Area Command Post. Communications at a location may function well when all repeaters are working, but may not function at all if none of the repeaters are working. Establishing Communications Each Geographic Bureau has been assigned its own Area Command communications plan which was designed to maximize the number of channels available to the Area Command and minimize the amount of crosstalk between Area Commands on the same channel. Each Area Command communications plan has four separate modes. Each mode takes into consideration the status of the City’s Radio Communications Network (RCN). Area Commands will implement their communications plan in the mode that best reflects the condition of the RCN. For more detailed information on communications, see Chapter 5. The Area Command Disaster Fallback Communications Plans are located in Appendix A of this manual. Page 8 Book 93 – LAFD Expanded Command Operations Manual Identifying the Tactical or Notification Area The Agency Administrator is responsible for specifying the “footprint” of the tactical area for the Area Command. The tactical area may be defined by one or more Fire Station first-in district boundaries, by one or more Battalion boundaries or by Bureau boundaries. Instead of district boundaries, Agency Administrators may use streets, freeways or topographic features (such as a river) to define the tactical area. Considerations for determining the tactical area include: The type of Causative Event causing the cascading incidents Projected expansion of the tactical area Number of resources available to handle all incidents within the tactical area Once the tactical area is defined, MFC will enter the boundaries into the CAD. When the Area Command is ready to accept the dispatch function, MFC will activate the tactical area. From that point, until the tactical area is turned off, all incidents with addresses inside the tactical area will be forwarded directly to the Area Command as undispatched incidents. Area Command will receive the incident information from MFC, and dispatch an available resource(s) from within the Area. If Zones are established, Area Command will pass the undispatched incident information to the Zone Commander, who will dispatch a resource(s) from within the Zone. Zone and Area Commanders should advise the Agency Administrator when tactical areas may be reduced in size. Reducing the size of the tactical area returns more of the City to a normal command condition and allows Area and Zone Commanders to give more attention to the incidents within the tactical area. Agency Administrators may delegate the responsibility for determining and revising the size of the tactical area to Area Commanders, if desired. Separate from the Area Command process, the Incident Commander at an Active Shooter incident may establish a Tactical Area perimeter that is the same as, or larger than the perimeter of the Cold Zone. The Tactical Area allows the Incident Commander to control any Fire Department responses into what could be designated as a Warm Zone. (See Training Bulletin 135). The difference between a Tactical Area and a Notification Area is whether or not MFC will co-dispatch resources into the area. For example, in the case of an Active Shooter incident, MFC will NOT co-dispatch outside resources into that area. Sending resources to an unrelated call nearby the Active Shooter incident could cause resources to cross into the Warm Zone without realizing the danger they are in. Therefore, the Incident Commander receives the undispatched incident information from MFC and dispatches incident resources to handle the call. During a planned event, such as a parade or the Los Angeles Marathon, MFC will co-dispatch resources not assigned to the event to any call in or near the event area. MFC will notify the Incident Communications Unit of the call and the MFC resources responding. Incident Communications will dispatch event resources as well. The first resources to arrive will Page 9 Book 93 – LAFD Expanded Command Operations Manual conduct a size-up and notify MFC and Incident Communications if the other resources will be needed or if they may discontinue. The use of Notification Areas instead of Tactical Areas eliminates the possibility that a call for service will be dropped by Incident Communications. Notification Areas should be used whenever the event poses no real threat to responders. Forming Resources Resources assigned to Area or Zone Commands by MFC may come as Strike Teams, Task Forces, or single resources. A Task Force is a group of resources (other than a Strike Team) with a leader, temporarily assembled for special missions. A Task Force can be comprised of any configuration of resources that will assist with meeting the operational objectives of the incident. The leader of a Task Force will normally be a Captain. Strike Teams and Task Forces formed from single resources by Area, Zone or Incident Commanders shall be designated in accordance with the FIRESCOPE Resource Designation System. Examples of Task Forces: TF1031, three fully staffed engine companies TF1032 a fully staffed engine company, ALS ambulance, and BLS ambulance TF1033, truck company, fully staffed engine company, and ALS ambulance TF1034, a fully staffed engine company, brush patrol, and BLS ambulance Note that Task Forces do not have a letter designator in the way that Strike Teams do. This is because Task Forces can be any number of any kind and any type of resources, whereas a Strike Team is a pre-designated number of a specific kind and type of resource. Therefore, in the example above, it would not be correct to refer to TF1031 as “Task Force Ten Thirty-One Alpha,” even though all its resources are of the same kind and type. If single resources are going to stay together throughout the Operational Period, forming them into Task Forces or Strike Teams makes resource tracking much easier than if each resource is tracked separately. If the resources are continually being reconfigured every time an ambulance transports to a hospital or a brush patrol is left behind, then it is better to track the resources separately. For consistency, each geographic bureau has been allotted the following designators: OCB 1031 – 1040 OSB 1041 – 1050 OWB 1051 – 1060 OVB 1061 – 1070 Dispatching Incidents, Tracking Resources and Maintaining Documentation Field resources learn of incidents in one of two ways: They are dispatched by MFC Page 10 Book 93 – LAFD Expanded Command Operations Manual They happen upon a Still Alarm, from conducting windshield surveys or from persons flagging down resources or reporting to the Fire Station In the normal command condition, whenever a resource receives a Still Alarm the resource reports the alarm information to MFC and the incident is generated and relayed back to the resource. It is critical that MFC be notified of all Still Alarms immediately. In situations where MFC has passed the responsibility for command and control of resources to Area Commands, resources will relay Still Alarm information to the Area Command. Area Command will record the alarm information from the resource and issue an incident number from the table below. Area Command is responsible for relaying the alarm information and incident number to MFC for entry into the CAD. This reconciliation of incident information need not take place immediately, but shall be accomplished before, or shortly after, the Area Command demobilizes. NOTE: MFC should control incident creation and incident number assignments if the CAD is operational. The Area Commanders must decide when the dispatching, tracking, and assigning resources is to be done by the Area Command. This transition must be carefully coordinated with MFC. MFC can pass responsibility for command and control of resources to Area Commands, or to Incident Commands at Active Shooter incidents or planned events. However, MFC shall always retain the responsibility for entering incidents into the CAD. Incidents Created by MFC and Dispatched by Area or Zone Commanders When the Area Commander is ready to assume dispatch responsibility, MFC will activate the tactical area in CAD and provide a list of incidents created by the CAD from calls within the tactical area. A high-volume incident (HVI) file of incidents can be sent via a dedicated dispatch printer, FAX, radio, email, landline telephone, cellular telephone, or satellite telephone to the Area Command Post. MFC will continue to send to Area Command all new incidents generated from calls inside the tactical area. Once these incidents have been received by Area Command and sorted into their specific Zone, the Area Commander will dispatch the incidents to the corresponding Zone Commander. The Zone Commander will prioritize, assign, and track resources necessary to abate the incidents within their Zone. When the incident has been completed, the Zone Commander will close the incident and return any resources back to staging. For every incident sent to Zone by Area or created by Zone based on Still Alarm, Zone Commands shall track the following: Incident number Incident Type Time received Time resources dispatched List of resources assigned Time incident closed Page 11 Book 93 – LAFD Expanded Command Operations Manual If Zones are not established, Area Command is responsible for tracking the information listed above. If Zones are established, then Area Commands need only track the following information from each Zone: Number of incidents received but not yet dispatched Number of active incidents (dispatched and/or resources on scene) Number of closed incidents Incidents Created by Still Alarm and Sent to MFC Pre-established sequential Bureau incident numbers shall be used for Still Alarms. To further expedite the assignment of incident numbers to field resources, Area Commanders should allocate these pre-established incident numbers to their Zone Commanders as soon as possible. BUREAU INCIDENT NUMBERS OCB 5000 – 5999 OSB 6000 – 6999 OWB 7000 – 7999 OVB 8000 – 8999 ZONE INCIDENT NUMBERS Zone 1 5000 – 5300 Zone 2 5301 – 5600 Zone 4 7000 – 7300 Zone 5 7301 – 7600 Zone 6 6000 – 6300 Zone 9 7601 – 7900 Zone 10 8000 – 8200 Zone 11 5601 – 5900 Zone 12 8201 – 8400 Zone 13 6301 – 6600 Zone 14 8401 – 8600 Zone 15 8601 – 8800 Zone 17 8801 – 8999 Zone 18 6601 – 6900 Page 12 Book 93 – LAFD Expanded Command Operations Manual The Area Commander shall contact MFC if additional incident numbers are needed. Incident information tracked by Area and Zone Commands is exactly the same for Still Alarms as it is for incidents created by MFC Area and Zone Commands shall maintain resource status tracking for all resources assigned to their command. Zone Commands shall record the following information for each resource: Time dispatched to incident Incident number Time arrived at incident Time demobilized from incident Time in at Staging Time out of service/unavailable, and reason for being out of service Time released to Area Command/Demobilized from Zone If Zones are not established, Area Command is responsible for tracking the information listed above. If Zones are established, then Area Commands need only track the following information from each Zone: Resource identifiers of all resources in the Zone Number, kind, and type of resources available for redeployment Number, kind, and type of resources committed to incidents Number, kind, and type of resources out of service Area and Zone Commanders must ensure that Incident Commanders are documenting each incident’s activities on an F-666, and that Strike Team and Task Force Leaders and single resource bosses are documenting each resource’s activities on an ICS Form 214. The documentation must include: Incident Number (as assigned by Zone or Area Command) Time of Dispatch (by Area or Zone, or resource, if a still alarm) Time on Scene Resource Assignments at the Incident and Actions Taken Time Available Time Incident Complete Documentation shall be collected by the Zone or Area Command prior to a resource’s demobilization from the Area. If possible, all documents should be copied. Originals shall be retained by the Area Command. The copy should be returned to the resource. Area Command and MFC shall reconcile all incident information in the CAD. Reconciliation with MFC may occur before or shortly after the Area Command is demobilized. Members in charge of each resource shall use the documentation to make thorough entries in the Station or Company Journal (F-2). Officers shall complete NFIRS reports Page 13 Book 93 – LAFD Expanded Command Operations Manual once all incident information is reconciled in the CAD. MFC will publish an Official Notice on the Intranet notifying officers when NFIRS is ready to accept report entries. Demobilization Planning Area Command shall ensure that Demobilization Plans are coordinated and do not allow Incident Commanders and/or Zone Commanders to release resources that are needed elsewhere. It is essential that the Area Command establish good communications with all Zone Commanders and MFC to coordinate the demobilization of designated resources within the Area Command. If a formal, written Demobilization Plan is created by any of the incidents in the Area, the Area Command must approve the plans. Zone Commands shall receive all resources released by Incident Commanders. Incident Commanders shall not release resources directly to MFC. Once a Zone Command is aware that a resource is available, the Zone Command shall determine if the resource is needed at another of the Zone’s incidents. If the resource is not needed at another incident within the Zone, the resource should be directed to Zone Staging. If the Zone Command determines that the resource is excess to the needs of the Zone, the resource shall be released to the Area Command. Area Command will go through the same process to determine if the resource is needed elsewhere in the Area. If not, the resource may be directed to Area Staging or it may be released to MFC. Page 14  Book 93 – LAFD Expanded Command Operations Manual Chart 1: AREA COMMAND ORGANIZATION LA CITY EOC Emergency Operations (if activated) Commander Deputy Department Commander LAFD DOC Area Metropolitan Fire (if activated) Commander Communications “Central/South/Valley/West” Command” Safety Public Information Officer* Officer* Staging Area Liaison Manager* Officer* Assistant Area Assistant Area Area Command Area Command Commander, Commander, Finance Aviation Planning Logistics Officer* Coordinator* Resource Unit Situation Unit Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 11 (Battalion 1) (Battalion 2) (Battalion 11) Incident Incident Incident * Optional Positions Incident Incident Incident Page 15 Book 93 – LAFD Expanded Command Operations Manual Chart 2: AREA COMMAND REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS Coordinates allocations of resources MFC / DOC between Area Commands. Coordinates deployment of resources Area Commander between Zone Commanders. (Bureau) Coordinates deployment of resources with Zone Commander Zones – Various incidents. (Battalion) Incident Coordinates deployment of resources at Commanders specific incident(s). (Company Officers) Page 16 Book 93 – LAFD Expanded Command Operations Manual Chapter 3 – Emergency Operations Depending upon the timing of the Causative Event, the Department will move into one of three phases of planning and deployment. The three phases are intended to be sequential, with the first phase involving heightened awareness and planning through to the third phase, which involves the deployment of resources into impacted areas. However, if there is little to no warning of a Causative Event, the Department may move directly into Phase 2 or Phase 3. Phase 1 – Notification Phase 1 begins when the Department is notified, or becomes aware, that conditions are building toward a Causative Event. In the case of a natural cause, notification may come from the National Weather Service, the National Tsunami Warning Center, or the U.S. Geological Survey, etc. In the case if a human cause, the notification may come from local law enforcement agencies or from the Joint Regional Intelligence Center (JRIC). All the above sources have a direct link to MFC. If the Causative Event is a planned event, such as the Los Angeles Marathon, Phase 1 begins when the Event Planning Process begins. Once notification is received, the Commander, Emergency Operations (EOPS) ensures that all information received is properly vetted and disseminated, as needed, to senior staff. Additional activities include: Review of relevant operations plans Develop Area Command Daily Action Plans and/or preliminary Incident Action Plans Determine which kind(s) of surge-staffed resources might be needed Determination of decision points to implement other Phases of operations Dialog with other City departments Dialog with other Fire Departments in Area A and Region I Confirm with LAPD that Firefighter Protection is available Phase 1 activities normally occur at or above the Bureau level. When information gleaned from Phase 1 activities is to be disseminated to the field, it will be posted as an Official Notice on the LAFD Intranet. Phase 2 – Preparation Phase 2 activities prepare the Department to implement specific operational plans developed in Phase 1. Phase 2 includes all the Phase 1 activities, plus: For all Causative Event types: o Activate the Department Operations Center o Set up Area Command Posts, assemble Area Command teams o Set up Zone Command Posts (if needed) o Notify field personnel to take home all Personal Protective Equipment and uniforms when going off duty, in anticipation for recall Page 17 Book 93 – LAFD Expanded Command Operations Manual o Monitor the LAFD Intranet and Department email for official Department information o Monitor radio and television news media for additional information o Identify the location in each Geographic Bureau where recalled members shall report. The location should be outside of the impacted area. o Determine which, if any, Fire Stations should be closed and determine where resources from the closed stations should go. Consider Regional Fire Stations (such as Fire Stations 5, 64 or 94, etc.) to be staging areas and/or to house displaced resources o Confirm the status of all reserve, ready reserve and relief apparatus and ensure that the Apparatus Tracking System (ATS) is properly updated o Load reserve apparatus as directed and be prepared to move to alternate locations o Consider staffing all surge-staffed resources, as determined in Phase 1 o No Cadets or visitors shall remain in quarters. Consider providing an escort out of the area, if needed o Paramedic interns who are LAFD members shall continue their ride-along o Paramedic interns who are not LAFD members may continue their ride-along, as determined by their school’s Course Director o Consider adding one EMT (any rank) to all Paramedic and EMT Rescue Ambulances (RAs), except for Paramedic RAs with an intern For Causative Event types that involve a possible human threat to firefighter safety: o Discontinue all outside non-emergency activities o Shop off duty for meals, if possible o Avoid impacted areas when commuting to and from work o Wear body armor on all responses and when in public areas o Maintain 24-hour radio and security watch when in quarters o Clearly dress like firefighters (wear helmets and brush jackets) on non-fire responses and when out in public o Limit use of dome and interior lights on apparatus that would silhouette personnel o Move all exposed equipment into compartments, lock in place, or remove if deemed not essential o Cover station windows with heavy material to prevent members from being visible or silhouetted o Package up F-2, F-351’s, Personal Record Books and Personnel files in preparation for quick removal if station is vacated o Wait for apparatus doors to close completely before departing on response o Use the "buddy system" in answering the station doorbell, fueling apparatus, and all situations involving public contact Page 18 Book 93 – LAFD Expanded Command Operations Manual Phase 3 – Activation Phase 3 is the implementation of the plans developed in Phases 1 and 2. MFC will notify Department Command of the status of the Radio Control Network and of their capability to continue to dispatch resources. If established, Area Commands shall maintain situation and resource status for all incidents in their areas with the goal of being ready to accept dispatch responsibility if needed. Activities in Phase 3 include: Close stations identified in Phase 2 and relocate resources, including reserve and ready reserve resources to their designated station Resources from closed stations shall deliver personnel files to the designated station for safekeeping Deploy Law Enforcement resources to firefighter protection details Activate the Geographic Bureau Fallback Communications Plan as needed Area/Zone Commands assume command and control responsibility from MFC Employ Minimum Exposure Suppression Tactics at fire incidents Page 19 Book 93 – LAFD Expanded Command Operations Manual Chapter 4 – Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Operations Patient Care/Firefighter Safety Principle In unsafe, or potentially unsafe environments, EMS intervention prior to transport should be limited to treatment necessary to save a life. Any treatment beyond immediate life saving measures should be performed while en route to a hospital or other safe location. ALS Protocols Patients requiring Advanced Life Support (ALS) intervention shall be treated in accordance with treatment protocols as established in the DHS Prehospital Care Policy Manual. Patient Transportation Patient destination shall normally be to the closest open emergency room or specialty center needed to provide time-urgent treatments such as Trauma Centers, STEMI Receiving Centers and Stroke Centers. Additionally, service areas for hospitals with catchment boundaries are typically waived by DHS during a disaster and such a waiver can be obtained by contacting the Medical Alert Center (MAC). Members should recognize that emergency facilities might quickly become overwhelmed with patients. In situations involving widespread unavailability of hospitals it may become necessary to establish patient care holding areas. In such cases, consideration should be given to transporting stable patients to an established care holding or triage area, which may or may not be located at a hospital. Fatalities Providing security of a decedent, personal effects, and the surrounding crime scene, if applicable, is a function of law enforcement. Moving or disturbing the body of a decedent without the permission of the Coroner is a misdemeanor. In some cases, if firefighter safety is at risk (i.e., decedent is in a partially-collapsed structure, and aftershocks threaten further collapse, etc.) the body may be removed from the scene to a location out of the hazard area. As soon as the ambulance is safely away from the immediate hazard, the RA shall pull over and contact the Coroner Watch Commander by telephone at (323) 343-0711 to request permission to transport the decedent directly to the Coroner’s Office. RAs shall not continue to transport once they are out of harm’s way. RAs shall request through Area/Zone Command that an EMS Battalion Captain respond to their current location or meet them at the Decedent Intake Area at the Coroner’s Office. Attempt to obtain the following information and report to the Coroner Watch Commander and document accordingly on the electronic Patient Care Report Name of decedent (if known), along with gender and approximate age Exact location of injury (if known) Exact location of death (where pronounced) Page 20 Book 93 – LAFD Expanded Command Operations Manual Date and time of death Circumstances of death (e.g., multiple gunshot wounds, found down in street and then noted to have lividity once placed in back of ambulance, etc.) Name of investigating law enforcement agency (e.g., LAPD, California Highway Patrol, etc.) Name and badge number of detective or ranking police officer on scene Coroner’s Case Number, as provided by the Coroner Watch Commander at the time of approval to transport Disaster EMS Supply and Equipment Trailers The Department maintains two sizes of EMS supply and equipment caches. Medical Supply Trailers (MSTs) are equipped with sufficient inventory to manage 50 patients and Casualty Collection Point (CCP) Trailers are equipped to manage 200 patients. Area Commands may request the trailers from MFC or, if activated, from the DOC. MSTs are located at: Fire Stations 3, 34, 59, 83, 89, and 112. CCP Trailers are located at: Two at Fire Station 114 One at Fire Station 44 Page 21 Book 93 – LAFD Expanded Command Operations Manual Chapter 5 – Communications Fallback Communications Plans The Department developed the Fallback Communications Plan (FCP) to maximize the use of its assigned frequencies and to facilitate the transition from normal operations to Area Command or other significant incidents. FCPs effectively use of all LAFD channels in addition to the Los Angeles Simulcast Trunked Radio System (STRS), National Mutual Aid shared channels, LA Regional interoperability channels and the six (6) Mutual Aid Channels (8TAC’s). The LAFD channels will be used in either the direct or repeat mode, based on the assignment of each frequency. The mutual aid 8TAC channels will work in both the direct and repeat mode. The mutual aid frequencies in the REPEAT mode have limited transmit/receive capabilities. Members may only use one 8TAC channel per repeater site. (8TAC91 SPH and 8TAC91 VPK shall not be used simultaneously because they will interfere with each other). When a tactical area is activated in the CAD, MFC will switch to the Fallback Communications Plan for the affected Bureau(s). Each FCP provides additional frequencies for dispatch purposes. For example, in Operations Central Bureau (OCB), MFC will dispatch on LFD T-1 for incidents inside the tactical alert area. MFC will use Channel 7 to dispatch incidents outside the tactical alert area in OCB. If it becomes necessary for MFC to pass off the dispatch responsibility to the Area Command for incidents within the tactical alert areas. MFC will release the tactical area dispatch frequencies to the Area Command for their use (Channels 1, 2, 3 or 13). This will allow the companies who are already assigned to incidents to continue to operate on the same channel. Once an FCP is activated, all Incident Commanders must use the tactical channels assigned to the Area Command (Bureau) in which their incident is located. These tactical channels are to be used in the direct mode. Operations South Bureau, Operations Valley Bureau and Operations West Bureau share tactical frequencies. This was done to allow for the maximum distance separation possible to minimize frequency interference. Radio communications between Incident Commanders and their respective Area Command shall be on the Bureau Command frequency. When it becomes necessary for MFC to communicate with an Area Command or for communications between different Area Commands, Channel 11 shall be used. This plan is designed to be a guideline for the use of Fire Department frequencies, and is subject to change based on the overall needs of the Department. MFC will notify Area and Bureau Commands when frequency changes are required. This does not preclude the Area Commanders from making frequency use changes utilizing their assigned Tactical Channels. If an Area Command requires a second dispatch frequency, the Area Command shall coordinate with any other Area Command Page 22 Book 93 – LAFD Expanded Command Operations Manual where Tactical Channels are shared prior to using a shared tactical channel in the repeat mode. For example, OCB needs a second dispatch channel for RA’s. They could use Tactical Channel 17 in the “repeat mode”, but they must coordinate this with OVB to remove this channel from the OVB radio plan. OSB could use Channel 14 without notification as this channel is only assigned to OSB. The development of the FCP was approached using the PACE acronym. The four modes of operation represent Primary (Mode-1), Alternate (Mode-2), Contingency (Mode-3) and Emergency (Mode-4) plans that would be implemented based on system availability. The initiation of the FCP must be done in close cooperation between the Metropolitan Fire Communications Battalion Chief (MFC BC), Command 42, and Command 22. During normal business hours the Geographical Bureau Commanders will be part of the communication and decision to initiate the FCP. The Deputy Department Commander and the EOPS commanders shall be notified of the implementation. In each mode of the FCP there is a unique menu of channels used for Dispatch, Area Command, Zone Command, and tactical operations for companies to use. In addition, each command vehicle, MFC BC and Geographic Bureau has satellite phones as an alternate means of communication. Mode-1 Mode-1 can be used in cases where all voice repeaters are operational and functioning properly, essentially when there are no communication issues. Mode-1 can be implemented when the normal dispatch channels are overwhelmed due to an earthquake, civil disturbance or when MFC has initiated the Emergency CAD (eCAD). During daily operations MFC functions in Normal Dispatch mode using Channel 8 to dispatch Fire and EMS for Operations Valley Bureau (OVB), and Channel 4 and 7 to dispatch Fire and EMS incidents for the balance of the City. Mode-1 provides MFC the ability to decentralize dispatching into four separate dispatch channels and use available talk groups and mutual-aid channels to increase our communication capability. An example of when the use of Mode-1 was effective was during the height of the 2020 Safe LA Protest. Due to the number of incidents and the initiation of Area Command, MFC had one tactical channel available for use. By initiating Mode-1, MFC was able to increase its radio channel capability to more effectively manage the City. Mode-2 Mode-2 can be implemented when our 9-site voice repeater system is compromised, but the Mount Lukens (Single Site Repeater – 18 Channel Backup), Los Angeles Simulcast Trunking Radio System (STRS) and Mutual-Aid repeaters are operational. The impact to the field in Mode-2 will have a reduction of in-building voice performance on the primary LAFD Channels. MFC will offset the loss of voice repeaters by switching on the Mount Lukens repeater. Repeat mode will be limited in areas throughout the City, particularly in South and West Bureaus. Resources may have to Page 23 Book 93 – LAFD Expanded Command Operations Manual use direct for incident tactics, however Incident Commanders will be able to use the repeat mode to communicate with MFC. Mode-3 Mode-3 will be initiated when Mutual Aid repeaters are operational at only two sites (San Pedro and Verdugo). In Mode-3, normal dispatch capability is completely compromised. In this case, dispatching will be conducted on designated mutual aid channels. Department wide command will be conducted via Satellite Phones with Sat Radio (MSAT) phones. All primary tactical channels will be functional in DIRECT mode only. Mode-4 Mode-4 would be implemented when no repeaters are operational. Field commanders may be required to locate high points to effectively communicate. All channels will have to be used in the Direct Mode and Department wide command will be conducted via Cellular and Satellite Phones with Sat Radio (MSAT). (See Mode-4 Plan) The goal of the FCP is to give field commanders communication options needed to successfully manage extraordinary events. The FCP defines channels of communication and alternate means of communication when systems have been compromised. In any case MFC will work simultaneously with technicians to return systems to normal and effectively manage City wide operations. The Department has various tools available to communicate between resources. The following are both hardware and radio based: MODE 4 / EMERGENCY PLAN COMMUNICATION TOOLS Mobile Data Computers (MDC) Cache Radios (Battalion & Bureau) Cellular Phones (WPS/GETS) Cache Radio Batteries Satellite Phones with Sat Radio (MSAT) Portable Repeaters (FCDSS VHF/UHF Mutual Aid Channels maintains) Business Phone (GETS CARDS) Portable Repeater Trailer (ITA Operational Area Satellite Information System maintains) (OASIS) ACS (Amateur Radio operators) NOTE: The California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) has provided LAFD and LA City EOC with eight (8) analog OASIS Sat Phone lines located at the MFC/EOC building. Dispatch Conditions In addition to the Fallback Communication Plan modes, MFC operates under a set of Dispatch Conditions (DISCONs). The first 3 DISCONs determine the resource allocation algorithms applied to an incident. DISCON IV is an overlay to any of the other 3 DISCONs. Page 24  Book 93 – LAFD Expanded Command Operations Manual The CAD monitors how many resources are assigned to active incidents as well as monitoring the rate in which emergency incidents are created. At predetermined levels of activity, MFC will degrade the initial dispatch as a proactive response to coincide with the increase of activity or the large commitment of resources, as follows: Dispatch Condition I (DISCON I) This is the normal operating condition. MFC is not in any degraded dispatch mode and full resource assignments are sent. Dispatch Condition II (DISCON II) When the LAFD has committed twenty-five to forty (25-40) fire companies to a large- scale incident the MFC BC, in collaboration with the Deputy Department Commander (DDC), shall consider transitioning to dispatch DISCON II. The most probable situations requiring the Department to operate in DISCON II are when resources are depleted due to: One Major Scale Incident Multiple Large-Scale Incidents Weather Conditions Minor Earthquake DISCON II will: Reduce initial response by conserving engine companies There are four no send categories: fire-out, fireworks, hydrant, and snake Limit response to any structure fire to an “A” assignment EMS response will be reduced in some cases to a single company or unit (designed to conserve engine companies) While in DISCON II the MFC BC, in coordination with the DDC, shall consider: Limiting the number of Light Forces Dispatched to Brush Fires Splitting Light Forces Balancing Battalion Chief Coverage Staffing Battalion Ready Reserves Deploying FIMT and IMTs Dispatch Condition III (DISCON III) DISCON III: The Department may go into DISCON III when MFC is being inundated with 9-1-1 calls, resulting in the rate of creation of over 80 incidents per hour or when there are 40 or more fire companies assigned to a Major Emergency. The dispatch floor is unable to keep up with incoming calls and priority dispatching must be implemented to gain control. Department resources are depleted due to: One Major Incident with up to eighty (40) plus resources assigned Multiple “Major” incidents Extreme Weather Conditions Major Earthquake Page 25 Book 93 – LAFD Expanded Command Operations Manual DISCON III will: Reduce initial resource response to a single engine on most dispatches Identify 34 “no-send” incident types Limit EMS responses If needed, MFC can eliminate the use of Tiered Dispatch Cards While in DISCON III the MFC BC in coordination with the DDC shall consider: Splitting all Light Forces (leaving trucks in quarters will allow on coming platoons to staff an available apparatus) Recalling selected Command and General Staff Positions Contacting EMD Duty Officer to activate the EOC Activating the DOC Dispatch Condition IV (DISCON IV) DISCON IV: An operational mode rather than a dispatch mode set in the CAD to alter resource response. It can be used in any of the three modes outlined above and is designed for the dispatching of resources into a Tactical Area that requires Firefighter Protection or contact with the IC before MFC will dispatch resources. Additional Communications Considerations Radio and Battery Caches Fire Communications Dispatch Support Section (FCDSS) and each Bureau Office maintains a cache of tri-band radios and spare batteries for use during major emergency incidents. FCDSS has 100-150 radios and each Battalion and Bureau office has 10 radios. The Area Commander, Zone Commander,or Department Logistics Officer should consider distributing this cache to base or command posts. Bureau and Battalion Caches should be utilized prior to the FCDSS cache which is located at MFC. Members shall contact the Department Communications Officer through MFC for assistance. Company officers should consider taking spare batteries from the fire station and place them on their apparatus as replacements. All new apparatus have on board battery chargers, which can be utilized to charge depleted batteries. If companies are vacating quarters to respond to Zone or Area Staging, or it appears likely that the station will be vacant for the duration of the incident, company officers shall take all spare radios, batteries, and chargers with them. Cellular Telephones with Wireless Priority Service (WPS) Wireless Priority Service (WPS) has been added to Department cellular phones assigned to all personnel identified as crucial in ensuring the Department’s continuity of operations (COOP) during critical times of need. During emergencies, cellular networks can experience congestion due to increased call volumes and/or damage to network facilities, hindering our ability as public safety personnel to complete emergency calls. The WPS provides our key personnel priority access and prioritized processing in several regional and all nationwide cellular networks, greatly increasing Page 26 Book 93 – LAFD Expanded Command Operations Manual the probability of wireless call completion. WPS is intended to be used in an emergency when cellular networks are congested and the probability of completing a normal cellular call is reduced. WPS has been deployed by cellular service providers throughout the United States. WPS calls will receive priority over normal cellular calls; however, WPS calls do not preempt calls in progress or deny the general public’s use of cellular networks. Satellite Phones (MSAT & IRIDIUM) All Bureaus, Battalions, and Command Staff vehicles are equipped/assigned with Satellite Phone/Radio. In addition, MFC, Bureau Commanders and Command Post Vehicles also have Satellite phones available. Mobile Satellite (MSAT) Sat Phone/Radios have been installed in all Command and Control vehicles and MFC. The MSAT system provides a two-way radio feature referred to as the “Sat Radio”. The LAFD Sat Radio Talkgroup channel is LFD -1. MFC also has a MSAT on the Floor at the MFC BC Console. Should the normal communication infrastructure fail, the Sat Radio will still have communications between MFC and all the Command vehicles. Government Emergency Telecommunications Service (GETS) The Government Emergency Telecommunications Service (GETS) provides our essential personnel priority access and prioritized processing in the local and long- distance segments of the LANDLINE networks, greatly increasing the probability of call completion. GETS is intended to be used only in an emergency or when the network is congested and the probability of completing a normal call is reduced. The Fire Communications Dispatch Support Section (FCDSS) will secure GETS cards for all Chief Officers and other personnel identified as having “key” support roles or assignments. GETS cards and access numbers will be acquired by the FCDSS and issued to members. Oversight will be provided by the Department Telephone Coordinator. Radio Emergency Triggers The portable radios have an emergency trigger that transmits the radio I.D. back to MFC in the event the trigger is activated. Once the trigger is activated, the radio automatically switches to ALERT 6 in the repeat mode and continues to transmit its I.D. (6 times – 30 SECONDS) or until the trigger transmission is acknowledged by the system. The radio will remain on ALERT 6 until it is reset by the user (depressing the trigger button for 2 seconds). That will allow MFC to attempt to contact the person on ALERT 6 who activated the trigger. If no contact is made, the Incident Commander will be notified by MFC. Members using cache radios or radios not regularly assigned should notify MFC through their assigned officer so the radio identification and company/member assignment can be programmed into the MFC Radio Alias Database for trigger Page 27 Book 93 – LAFD Expanded Command Operations Manual identification. IF MFC IS NON-OPERATIONAL, THERE WILL BE NO EMERGENCY TRIGGER CAPABILITY. Bureau/Area Communications Units At each Area Command Post, there will be a communications unit leader and several emergency communicators. The primary function of this unit will be to pass radio traffic to the Area Command, DOC or EOC or vice versa. The Area Communications Unit will also be responsible for covering any Battalion Communications Unit that does not come on-line when activated. Auxiliary Communication Service (ACS) Should the radio system fail to operate properly, amateur radio operators can relay important information (Mode-4). A system has been established whereby amateur radio operators will respond to MFC, Zone and Area Command Posts, as well as to the Mobile Radio Command Trailer (maintained at Fire Station 88) and old CP-88 maintained at old Fire Station 77. The Fire Department manages and operates the amateur radio program for the City’s Emergency Operations Organization (EOO). To meet the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) requirements, these amateur radio operators have been formed into a Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) group. Under state law, CalOES has the authority, during disasters and other emergencies, to control and manage amateur radio communications between governmental units. When local resources are overwhelmed, the City, through CalOES, can receive and give mutual-aid emergency auxiliary communications equipment and staffing. The RACES is not limited to just the amateur radio program. For this reason, the name Auxiliary Communications Service – Los Angeles (ACS-LA) was selected. In addition to RACES communications, ACS will provide radio communications for CERT and US&R teams, and non-emergency health and welfare. Non-amateur radio communicators may also carry out these communications. ACS will provide the City of Los Angeles with auxiliary communications during disasters and other emergencies where normal communications systems are inoperative or overtaxed. The ACS volunteer communicators have the technical and operational skills to provide emergency administrative, tactical, and logistical communications among the following: City Departments: The Auxiliary Communications Service (ACS), is part of the Emergency Operations Organization (EOO), and is committed to assist City Departments with auxiliary communications when the normal communications systems are inoperative or overtaxed. Following the 1994 earthquake, ACS provided amateur radio communications for a two-week period to the City Personnel Department. These communications assisted that Department with the delivery of relief supplies. ACS uses Ham Radio capability to communicate. The ACS has Page 28 Book 93 – LAFD Expanded Command Operations Manual systems built into the dispatch center and can be used to supplement communication capability when there is complete system failure. City, County, and State OES Emergency Operations Centers: ACS will provide auxiliary communications, using amateur radio and other means, to communicate between the City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, the CalOES Region 1, and the State Emergency Operations Centers. City and Federal Urban Search and Rescue Resources: ACS is equipped with all- mode “world-wide capable” amateur radio equipment. This capability could provide communications with CATF-1, wherever they may be deployed within the country. This may fill a communications gap, in the first few days, when normal commercial methods may be non-operational or overtaxed. ACS radio facilities at Fire Station 88 and old Fire Station 77 can also be utilized to provide communication links for US&R Task Forces that are brought to the City during an emergency. ACS personnel will ultimately be trained to a US&R Communications Specialist level. Community Emergency Response Teams: The organization of ACS by Battalion and Bureau Communications Units lends itself to provide a communications link for the Battalion Office to communicate with the CERT teams in their area. The CERT program provides a civilian volunteer coordinator for each Battalion. This volunteer coordinator, in concert with the Battalion Communications Unit Leader will be charged with developing pre-incident communications plans and contacts. As a result, ACS will be able, at the time of an event, to provide the Battalion Commanders with a large amount of intelligence and status information about conditions in their Battalions or provide a communications link between a Battalion and MFC. The City’s EOO has funded the installation of amateur radio equipment in fire facilities to aid amateur radio communications. To date, amateur radio equipment has been installed at the City EOC, MFC, and at a large facility at Fire Station 88 and old Fire Station 77. The long-range plan is to supplement the ACS members’ personally owned equipment with city equipment installations at the remaining Battalion Offices. Family Notification System: In a large and prolonged disaster, the ability to provide information on the status of a member (to his/her family) or the member’s family (to the member) may significantly impact the member’s performance. The radio equipment provided at the Battalion and Bureau Communications Units can provide the type of communication needed to reach in or out of impacted areas. As time permits, these communications units can provide health and welfare information for the Department members. Field supervisors should be aware of this capability, and utilize it when possible; to keep families informed of each other’s wellbeing. It may Page 29 Book 93 – LAFD Expanded Command Operations Manual also be used to reach “out-of-state family contact numbers” for updates on separated family members. ACS would only be used in extreme cases when the communications infrastructure has been severely damaged and the LAFD is operating in the FCP, Mode-4. The ACS program has been organized to parallel the Fire Department’s Emergency Earthquake Operational Management Structure. An ACS communications unit can be established at a major Incident, Zone/Area Command Posts, the DOC and the EOC. When activated, these communications units will report their status and move radio traffic according to the pre-designated communications plans. MFC has created a work station for ACS volunteers adjacent to the Floor Captain in case there is a need to have the ACS member dispatch incidents to Zone/Area Commanders. ACS is a totally volunteer organization. The Fire Department has a positive relationship with ACS volunteers who have provided auxiliary and supplemental radio communications, over the years, at emergencies and large-scale earthquake drills. The City and the Fire Department support the active involvement of these communications specialists in the day-to- day operations so that in times of need, they are cognizant of LAFD operational procedures, personnel, and can integrate into the system easily. The ACS volunteers have received background checks and are required to be active with the organization. Battalion Communications Unit At each Zone Command (if established), there will be a Communications Unit, a leader, and several ACS emergency communicators. A primary function of this unit will be to provide status information on City facilities, CERT damage reports, and other intelligence information, for events occurring within that geographic area. This information, based on predetermined criteria, may be passed on to surrounding Zone Commanders, Area Commanders, the DOC or EOC. This unit will also provide the auxiliary communications needed by the local Battalion Commander to support CERT teams, or during any other communications emergency. The Battalion Commander may request the activation of the Battalion ACS Communications Unit through MFC (if operational). ACS members will respond with their own equipment and antennas. The ACS Battalion Communications Units are checked-in on a weekly radio net. The net is held on Monday nights, at 1930 hours, on 147.300 MHz, +600, PL 110.9. This frequency can be monitored on any scanner. Page 30  Book 93 – LAFD Expanded Command Operations Manual LAPD TACTICAL CHANNELS LAPD CENTRAL BUREAU WILL USE LAPD CHANNEL 47 (CW T- x) LAPD Address and Phone Battalion / Map book Routine LAPD Division Number Fire Station page Division Channel Central 251 East 6th Street 516.4165 Battalion 1 / FS 9 Channel 01 Division (213) 485-3294 TB 634 – F5 Rampart 1401 W. 6th Street 516.2483 Battalion 11 / FS 11 Channel 02 Division (213) 484-3403 TB 634 – D3 Hollenbeck 2111 E. 1st Street 515.2666 Battalion 1 / FS 2 Channel 04 Division (323) 342-4185 TB 635 – A5 Northeast 3353 San Fernando Road 468.3776 Battalion 2 / FS 50 Channel 11 Division (213) 485-2563 TB 594 - F1 Newton 3400 S. Central St. 537.3366 Battalion 1 / FS 14 Channel 13 Division (323) 846-6524 / 6589 TB 674 – E2 Olympic 1130 S. Vermont Ave. 517.4672 Battalion 11 / FS 13 Channel 20 Division (213) 382-9110 TB 634 – A4 LAPD VALLEY BUREAU WILL USE LAPD CHANNEL xx (CW T- x) Address and Phone Battalion / Map book Routine LAPD LAPD Division Number Fire Station page Division Channel Devonshire 10250 Etiwanda Ave. Battalion 15 / FS 70 TB Channel 17 Division (818) 898-8283 / 8285 Van Nuys 6240 Sylmar Ave Battalion 10 / FS 39 TB Channel 09 Division (818) 989-8383 / 8343 Foothill 12760 Osborne Street Battalion 12 / FS 98 TB Channel 16 Division (818) 989-8861 No. Hollywood 11640 Burbank Blvd Battalion 14 / FS 60 TB Channel 15 Division (818) 989-8822 / 8824 West Valley 19020 Vanowen Battalion 17 / FS 73 TB Channel 10 Division (818) 989-8542 Mission 11121 N. Sepulveda Blvd. Battalion 12 / FS 75 TB Channel 19 Division (818) 838-9800 Topanga 21501 Schoenborn St. Battalion 17 / FS 104 TB Channel 21 Division (818) 756-4800 Page 31  Book 93 – LAFD Expanded Command Operations Manual LAPD TACTICAL CHANNELS LAPD WEST BUREAU WILL USE LAPD CHANNEL xx (CW T-x) LAPD Battalion / Map book Routine LAPD Address and Phone number Division Fire Station page Division Channel Hollywood 1358 N. Wilcox Ave. 516.4165 Battalion 5 / FS 27 Channel 06 Division (213) 485-4302 TB 634 - F5 Wilshire 4861 W. Venice 468.3776 Battalion 18 / FS 68 Channel 07 Division (213) 485-4022 TB 594 - F1 West LA 1663 Butler Ave. 516.2483 Battalion 9 / FS 59 Channel 08 Division (310) 312-8401 / 8404 TB 634 – D3 Pacific 12312 Culver 515.2666 Battalion 4 / FS 62 Channel 14 Division (310) 202-4501 / 4502 TB 635 – A5 LAPD SOUTH BUREAU WILL USE LAPD CHANNEL xx (CW T-x) LAPD Battalion / Map book Routine LAPD Address and Phone number Division Fire Station page Division Channel Southwest 1546 W. Martin Luther King Battalion 13 / FS 46 516.4165 Channel 03 Division (213) 485-2582 Harbor 2175 John S. Gibson Blvd. 516.2483 Battalion 6 / FS 49 Channel 05 Division (310) 513-7017 TB 634 – D3 77th 7600 Broadway St. 515.2666 Battalion 13 / FS 33 Channel 12 Division (213) 485-4164 TB 635 – A5 Southeast 145 W. 108th Street 468.3776 Battalion 13 / FS 64 Channel 11 Division (213) 972-7828 TB 594 - F1 Page 32 Book 93 – LAFD Expanded Command Operations Manual Chapter 6 – Resource Relocation Considerations Each Geographic Bureau shall identify alternate quarters locations for each resource in the Bureau. Consideration must be given to the type of Causative Event, its effect on the resources and the duration of the effect. The amount of time a resource is relocated as a safety precaution during civil unrest is different than the amount of time a resource is relocated due to station damage from an earthquake. Ensure additional logistic support for any location housing relocated resources. If the duration is for less than one week: Consider moving resources from Single Engine stations to Light Force Stations or Task Force stations Resources from the same station should go to the same relocation station Consider Regional Fire Stations as consolidation points if multiple stations in an area require closing. If the duration is for one to four weeks consider establishing a Base operation for all relocated resources. Base should be located in a secure location and include sleeping trailers, mess facility, and showers. If the relocation is scheduled to be for longer than four weeks: Consider splitting the resources and distributing them individually among nearby available stations Consider requesting construction of a temporary facility in the affected district to be used until the Fire Station is ready for use Companies being relocated shall: Ensure that the station and grounds are secured. If a station cannot be adequately secured, notify Zone/Battalion or Area/Bureau Command. Take all spare radios, batteries, and chargers Take all reserve apparatus Take all PPE for off duty members. Take the Station and Company Journals and all necessary timekeeping records. Take or secure PRBs and Personnel Files. Move personal vehicles into the apparatus bays, if possible. Leave the ignition key in the vehicle, or tag it with an F-175 tag and place the keys in a location that can be accessed by other personnel if it is necessary to move the vehicles later. The purpose of moving vehicles into the station is to protect them from objects thrown over the fence, not to secure them from theft if someone breaks into the station. Page 33 Book 93 – LAFD Expanded Command Operations Manual Chapter 7 – Media Relations Media Interface Considerations When a Causative Event has a nexus to violence, there is an increased risk of injury to everyone in the affected area. This increased risk applies to newsgathering agencies and the Public Information Officers who may be assisting the media with their information-gathering needs unless appropriate safety measures are applied. News agencies generally will attempt to gain access to incidents in progress within an impact area, placing themselves at risk of bodily harm. Unlike normal emergency incidents, Causative Events can cover large geographic areas with several incidents occurring in multiple locations. It becomes virtually impossible, and extremely dangerous, to attempt to have an Information Officer present at these locations to provide the news media with an overview or specific information regarding ongoing fire department operations. During normal operations, the Community Liaison Office staffs two sworn public information officers (PIOs). There is a cadre of approximately seven sworn members who are certified to function as supplemental PIOs at large or long duration incidents. These members can be activated to assist the Incident Commanders and Executive Command Staff for a variety of information tasks at the request or direction of the Fire Chief, Chief Deputies, DOC Director, MFC Assistant Chief, Geographic Bureau Commanders, Community Liaison Officer (CLO), or Incident Commanders. Phase 1 Considerations Prior to implementing Phase 2, the Community Liaison Officer should be included in planning meetings and/or briefings. Information Officers should plan to establish a press briefing area near the Incident Command Post (ICP) or Area Command to accommodate a large contingent of news media. Public Information Officer Guidelines A designated press briefing area at the ICP or Area Command staffed by a minimum of one Information Officer should be provided. If the ICP is located within the impact area, direct responding Information Officers to wear assigned protective equipment appropriate of the incident, and if necessary, consider providing firefighter protection. Information Officers should communicate via cellular, satellite, or land-based telephone via the internal line, instead of radio when providing updates or briefings to the Public Service Officer. The Information Officers may also create a communications group via text message to keep all PIOs and PSOs informed of real-time events/concerns. Page 34 Book 93 – LAFD Expanded Command Operations Manual Consider using the Community Liaison Officer (who will likely be co-located with the Fire Chief and Chief of Staff) as the coordinator to facilitate media relations and liaison with LAPD, elected officials, and other agencies. Consider assigning a second Public Information Officer to assist the Public Service Officer at MFC with updates on situation status of incidents within the impact area for the media. Include the Incident Information Officer in incident briefings and planning meetings during resource deployment. Public Information Officers should update the Public Service Officer at 30-minute to 1- hour intervals (or more frequently with especially dynamic situations) during operations which involve fire and EMS resources. Consider deploying assistant Information Officers to safe locations if media are present. Under Phase 3 operations, Information Officers should not be dispatched into an impact area to address the media at the scene of an incident. Information Dissemination Messaging to the public shall be approved prior to release. The Incident Commander is the first level of approval. If established, Zone, Area and Department Commands shall also approve public messaging. Public Information Officers at the command post shall coordinate their information releases, after approval by the Incident Commander, with the Community Liaison Officer, LAPD Press Relations Officer, and the Public Service Officer at MFC. Information can be released via the following methods: LAFD Alert; Social Media; Press Release, and live interviews. The additional Public Information Officer at MFC should relieve the Public Service Officer from the burden of protracted "live" on the air commentary with news stations regarding incidents in progress. Page 35 APPENDIX A – FALLBACK COMMUNICATION PLANS  OPERATIONS CENTRAL BUREAU - FALLBACK COMMUNICATIONS MODE 1 – ALL VOICE REPEATERS ARE OPERATIONAL Zone / Mode Function Channel Name Remarks (Repeat or Direct) MFC FIRE Dispatch LFD T-7 Zone 3 / Repeat METRO FIRE DISPATCH MFC EMS Dispatch LFD T-4 Zone 3 / Repeat METRO EMS DISPATCH DISPATCH COORDINATION LFD T-1 Zone 3 / Repeat MFC TO AREA COMMAND DISPATCH CENT TG Zone 56 / Repeat AREA CMD TO ZONE COMMAND LFD T-11 Zone 3 / Repeat CITY-WIDE COMMAND COMMAND EVENT 1 Zone 59 / Repeat AREA CMD TO ZONE OCB Staging Managers INTEROP 1 Zone 60 / Repeat AREA COMMAND STAGING BATT. 1 - Zone Dispatch BATT 1 TG Zone 56 / Repeat BATTALION 1 TO B1 RESOURCES BATT. 2 - Zone Dispatch BATT 2 TG Zone 56 / Repeat BATTALION 2 TO B2 RESOURCES BATT. 11 - Zone Dispatch BATT 11 TG Zone 56 / Repeat BATTALION 11 TO B11 RESOURCES TACTICAL 7LP01D Zone 6 / Direct BATTALION 1 TACTICAL 7LP02D Zone 6 / Direct BATTALION 2 TACTICAL 7LP03D Zone 6 / Direct BATTALION 11 TACTICAL 7LP04D Zone 6 / Direct ADDITIONAL TAC Fire Interop VTAC11 Zone 10 / Direct FIRE MUTUAL AID TACTICAL Air to Ground – Command LFD A/G Zone 7 / Direct AIR TO GROUND (A/G) TO HLCO Air to Ground – Tactical 7AG58D Zone 55 / Direct ALTERNATE A/G TO HLCO MAYDAY ALERT 6 Zone 3 MAYDAY/EMERGENCY TRAFFIC ADDITIONAL OCB TACTICAL CHANNELS FOR INCIDENT OPERATIONS LAW INTEROP UTAC42 Zone 21 - CH: 71 LAPD FIREFIGHTER PROTECTION LAW INTEROP CALAW4CHP Zone 27 / CH: 23 CHP FIREFIGHTER PROTECTION Department-wide Logistics LOGISTICS TG Zone 59 / Repeat LAFD LOGISTICS OCB Command Vehicle Satellite Radio/Phone Roster LANDLINE TO IRIDIUM TO IRIDIUM / POSITION / APPARATUS CELLULAR PHONE SAT PHONE MSAT “SAT RADIO” (480) 768-2500 OCB BUREAU COMMANDER IRIDIUM TO IRIDIUM: THEN DIAL (949) 212-5522 (CM21) 8816-234-76147 8816-234-76147 MSAT IRIDIUM TO IRIDIUM: OCB COMMAND 22 (CM22) (213) 434-2404 (703) 574-1595 8816-234-83835 MSAT IRIDIUM TO IRIDIUM: N/A COMMAND 722 (213) 776-9674 (877) 252-9939 USE MSAT SAT RADIO: “LAFD TG” MSAT IRIDIUM TO IRIDIUM: N/A BATTALION 1 (213) 434-2449 (571) 934-6378 USE MSAT SAT RADIO: “LAFD TG” MSAT IRIDIUM TO IRIDIUM: N/A BATTALION 2 (213) 434-2523 (703) 665-6147 USE MSAT SAT RADIO: “LAFD TG” MSAT IRIDIUM TO IRIDIUM: N/A BATTALION 11 (213) 434-2533 (571) 934-6363 USE MSAT SAT RADIO: “LAFD TG” MSAT IRIDIUM TO IRIDIUM: N/A BATTALION 701 (213) 776-9667 (877) 683-3288 USE MSAT SAT RADIO: “LAFD TG” MSAT IRIDIUM TO IRIDIUM: N/A METRO DISPATCH (MFC) (213) 359-8416 (800) 413-6769 USE MSAT SAT RADIO: “LAFD TG” OASIS SAT PHONE OASIS Number EXTENSIONS: MFC/DOC EXTENSIONS: (916) 912-4685 FLOOR CAPTAIN: EXT 61308 THEN DIAL 61308, 61307 or METRO DISPATCH (MFC/DOC) MFC BC: EXT 61307 61308, 61307 or 61305 LAFD DOC: EXT 61305 61305 COMMAND 2 & 3 TBD TBD  OPERATIONS SOUTH BUREAU - FALLBACK COMMUNICATIONS MODE 1 – ALL VOICE REPEATERS ARE OPERATIONAL Zone / Mode Function Channel Name Remarks (Repeat or Direct) MFC FIRE Dispatch LFD T-7 Zone 4 / Repeat METRO FIRE DISPATCH MFC EMS Dispatch LFD T-4 Zone 4 / Repeat METRO EMS DISPATCH DISPATCH COORDINATION LFD T-2 Zone 4 / Repeat MFC TO AREA COMMAND DISPATCH SOUTH TG Zone 56 / Repeat AREA CMD TO ZONE COMMANDERS COMMAND LFD T-11 Zone 4 / Repeat CITY-WIDE COMMAND COMMAND EVENT 2 Zone 59 / Repeat AREA CMD TO ZONE COMMANDERS OSB Staging Managers INTEROP 2 Zone 60 / Repeat AREA COMMAND STAGING BATT. 6 - Zone Dispatch BATT 6 TG Zone 56 / Repeat BATTALION 6 TO B6 RESOURCES BATT. 13 - Zone Dispatch BATT 13 TG Zone 56 / Repeat BATTALION 13 TO B13 RESOURCES BATT. 18 - Zone Dispatch BATT 18 TG Zone 56 / Repeat BATTALION 18 TO B18 RESOURCES TACTICAL 7LP05D Zone 6 / Direct BATTALION 6 TACTICAL 7LP06D Zone 6 / Direct BATTALION 13 TACTICAL 7LP07D Zone 6 / Direct BATTALION 18 TACTICAL 7NAT03D Zone 6 / Direct ADDITIONAL TAC FIRE INTEROP VTAC12 Zone 10 / Direct Air to Ground – Command LFD A/G Zone 7 / Direct AIR TO GROUND (A/G) TO HLCO Air to Ground – Tactical 7AG60D Zone 55 / Direct ALTERNATE A/G TO HLCO MAYDAY ALERT 6 Zone 4 MAYDAY/EMERGENCY TRAFFIC ADDITIONAL OSB TACTICAL CHANNELS FOR INCIDENT OPERATIONS LAW INTEROP UTAC41 Zone 21 - CH: 70 LAPD FIREFIGHTER PROTECTION LAW INTEROP CALAW4CHP Zone 27 / CH: 23 CHP FIREFIGHTER PROTECTION Department-wide Logistics LOGISTICS TG Zone 59 / Repeat LAFD LOGISTICS OSB COMMAND VEHICLE SATELLITE RADIO/PHONE ROSTER LANDLINE TO IRIDIUM TO IRIDIUM / POSITION / APPARATUS CELLULAR PHONE SAT PHONE MSAT “SAT RADIO” (480) 768-2500 OSB BUREAU COMMANDER IRIDIUM TO IRIDIUM: THEN DIAL (213) 864-4662 (CM31) CM31 - IRIDIUM SAT PHONE 8816-234-51585 OSB COMMAND 32 (CM32) (213) 509-1573 MSAT IRIDIUM TO IRIDIUM: N/A USE MSAT BATTALION 6 (213) 434-2428 (571) 934-6385 SAT RADIO: “LAFD TG” MSAT IRIDIUM TO IRIDIUM: N/A USE MSAT BATTALION 13 (213) 434-2536 (703) 665-5779 SAT RADIO: “LAFD TG” MSAT IRIDIUM TO IRIDIUM: N/A USE MSAT BATTALION 18 (213) 434-2464 (571) 934-6508 SAT RADIO: “LAFD TG” MSAT (213) 776-9671 IRIDIUM TO IRIDIUM: N/A USE MSAT BATTALION 706 (877) 520-7892 SAT RADIO: “LAFD TG” MSAT METRO DISPATCH (MFC) (213) 359-8416 IRIDIUM TO IRIDIUM: N/A (800) 413-6769 OASIS SAT PHONE OASIS Number EXTENSIONS: MFC/DOC EXTENSIONS: THEN DIAL METRO DISPATCH MFC BC: EXT 61307 61308, 61307 or 61308, 61307 or 61305 (MFC/DOC) LAFD DOC: EXT 61305 61305 COMMAND 2 & 3 TBD TBD  OPERATIONS WEST BUREAU - FALLBACK COMMUNICATIONS MODE 1 – ALL VOICE REPEATERS ARE OPERATIONAL Zone / Mode Function Channel Name Remarks (Repeat or Direct) MFC FIRE Dispatch LFD T-7 Zone 3 / Repeat METRO FIRE DISPATCH MFC EMS Dispatch LFD T-4 Zone 3 / Repeat METRO EMS DISPATCH DISPATCH COORDINATION LFD T-13 Zone 3 / Repeat MFC TO AREA COMMAND DISPATCH WEST TG Zone 56 / Repeat AREA CMD TO ZONE COMMANDERS COMMAND LFD T-11 Zone 3 / Repeat CITY-WIDE COMMAND COMMAND EVENT 4 Zone 59 / Repeat AREA CMD TO ZONE COMMANDERS OCB Staging Managers INTEROP 4 Zone 60 / Repeat AREA COMMAND STAGING AREAS BATT. 4 - Zone Dispatch BATT 4 TG Zone 56 / Repeat BATTALION 4 TO B4 RESOURCES BATT. 5 - Zone Dispatch BATT 5 TG Zone 56 / Repeat BATTALION 5 TO B5 RESOURCES BATT. 9 - Zone Dispatch BATT 9 TG Zone 56 / Repeat BATTALION 9 TO B9 RESOURCES TACTICAL 7NAT01D Zone 6 / Direct BATTALION 4 TACTICAL 7NAT03D Zone 6 / Direct BATTALION 5 TACTICAL 7LP08D Zone 6 / Direct BATTALION 9 TACTICAL CAFIRE1D Zone 6 / Direct Fire Interop VTAC14 Zone 11 / Direct FIRE MUTUAL AID TACTICAL Air to Ground – Command LFD A/G Zone 7 / Direct AIR TO GROUND (A/G) TO HLCO Air to Ground – Tactical 7AG68D Zone 55 / Direct ALTERNATE A/G TO HLCO MAYDAY ALERT 6 Zone 3 MAYDAY/EMERGENCY TRAFFIC ADDITIONAL ZONE TACTICAL CHANNELS LAW INTEROP UTAC43 Zone 21 - CH: 72 LAPD FIREFIGHTER PROT