Emergency Ops Volume 1 PDF

2/1-00.00 EMERGENCY OPERATION/GENERAL 2/1-01.00 RECEIPT OF ALARMS 2/1-01.01 GENERAL Company Commanders are responsible for correct interpretation of alarms and for notification of all units and drivers that respond from the same quarters. 2/1-01.33 STILL ALARMS Still alarms received while in qu...

2/1-00.00 EMERGENCY OPERATION/GENERAL 2/1-01.00 RECEIPT OF ALARMS 2/1-01.01 GENERAL Company Commanders are responsible for correct interpretation of alarms and for notification of all units and drivers that respond from the same quarters. 2/1-01.33 STILL ALARMS Still alarms received while in quarters shall be reported to Metro using the business phone or radio. Do not use the fire phone to report still alarms. Use the Centrex emergency number (213) 847-5340. This number is to be used for emergencies only. Still alarms received while out of quarters shall be reported via radio. Members receiving an alarm shall, whenever possible, obtain the exact address (including apartment number) of the incident, nearest cross street, type of emergency and a call-back telephone number. These facts shall be relayed to Metro so that a proper record and dispatch can be made. If unit reporting the still alarm is on the radio, press CAV. 2/1-01.66 DURING FIRE PREVENTION When a company or unit is called from company fire prevention duties to work at a fire or other emergency and the members, apparatus, or equipment become wet or dirty, the company will return to quarters to allow members to get themselves, the equipment and apparatus in a clean and serviceable condition. 2/1-07.00 RESPONSE 2/1-07.01 ROUTES OF Apparatus should normally respond along prearranged routes which provide the most expeditious and safe response, and will enable other companies to anticipate potential conflicting routes. Understanding between officers and drivers regarding response procedures and routes must be maintained. In times of, or areas of civil unrest, routes should be varied to minimize the possibility of problems. 2/1-07.05 EMERGENCY RESPONSE The first company on scene shall give a comprehensive and descriptive size-up. If nothing is showing or additional information is received, the remainder of the assignment shall continue nonemergency unless requested otherwise by the on-scene officer. This radio message shall be directed through Metro. The Chief Officer responding has the discretion to continue the response in the mode as directed. Nonemergency, unless directed emergency by Metro. The first unit on scene shall provide the standardized EMS size-up on the TAC channel to the responding units, including whether to continue emergency or nonemergency, e.g., full arrest - continue emergency; sick (non life threatening) -- nonemergency. Any change in resources or resource cancellations, shall be directed to Metro on dispatch channel. Heavy rescue, emergency air, tractor companies, etc., shall respond nonemergency unless directed by Metro or requested emergency by the Incident Commander. 2/1-07.06 DRIVING EMERGENCY The priority of Department resources responding to the scene of an incident shall be the safe arrival of the responding units. **California Vehicle Code 21055:** **The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle is exempt under all of the following conditions If the vehicle is being driven in response to an emergency call or while engaged in rescue operations or is being used in the immediate pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law or is responding to, but not returning from, a fire alarm, except that fire department vehicles are exempt whether directly responding to an emergency call or operated from one place to another as rendered desirable or necessary by reason of an emergency call and operated to the scene of the emergency or operated from one fire station to another or to some other location by reason of the emergency call.** **California Vehicle Code 21056:** **Section 21056 of the California Vehicle Code does not relieve the driver of a vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons using the highway, nor protect him/her from the consequences of an arbitrary exercise of the privileges granted in that section.** 2/1-07.15 SPECIAL RESPONSE PROBLEMS 2/1-07.20 RESPONSE NARROW STREETS 2/1-07.45 USE OF WARNING DEVICES 2/1-07.60 RADIO RETURN OF APPARATUS 2/1-07.75 POLICE TRAFFIC COOPERATION 2/1-07.90 PASSING WITH CAUTION 2/1-07.95 FIRST-IN DISTRICT Companies that have been dispatched or have been given permission to be outside their first-in district shall return to their designated first-in district as soon as possible. Companies shall remain in their first-in districts unless dispatched or otherwise directed by Metro. 2/1-08.00 FIRST ALARM ASSIGNMENTS 2/1-08.01 DETERMINATION OF FIRST ALARM ASSIGNMENTS The following shall be used to determine first alarm assignments to a structure: A. CATEGORY A: Not less than four fire companies, including not less than one truck (e.g., 3 Engines + 1 Light Force + 1BC + 1Paramedic Rescue + 1 800 Series Rescue\* + 1 Squad\*\*). - - B. CATEGORY B: Not less than six fire companies, including not less than two trucks (e.g., 4 Engines + 2 Light Force + 1BC + 1Paramedic Rescue +1 EMS Captain + 1 800 Series Rescue\* + 1 Squad\*\*). - - C. CATEGORY C: Not less than four fire companies, including not less than three engine companies and one truck. D. AUTOMATIC ALARMS - Modified Dispatch. Initial dispatch: one Engine or one Light Force. - - - - E. Required fire flow: The standard used to estimate the number of companies needed to extinguish a fully involved structure fire is 250 GPM per line and two lines (500 GPM) per company. F. Evaluation: The total fire problem shall be evaluated; amount of water required, location of companies, personnel required, special equipment, life hazard, and exposure hazard, etc. 2/1-08.25 DETERMINATION OF EMS INCIDENT ASSIGNMENTS The following shall be used to determine initial assignments to EMS incidents: 2/1-08.50 \"FIRE DEPARTMENT NEEDS HELP\" ASSIGNMENT The following fire department resources will be dispatched on all \"Fire Department Needs Help\" Calls: - - - - 2/1-08.75 FIRST ALARM ASSIGNMENT CHANGE REQUEST 2/1-09.00 SPLITTING ENGINE COMPANIES 2/1-09.01 ENGINE COMPANIES Metro has the authority to split engine companies as the need arises. 2/1-09.60 SPLIT COMPANY OPERATIONS When engine companies are directed by Metro to split, they shall: 2/1-09.80 RADIO DESIGNATION 2/1-10.00 COMPANY STAFFING LEVELS 2/1-10.01 GENERAL Nine Member Task Force Operations Five Member Light Force Operations Division Commanders have authority to authorize the closing of companies for durations longer than two hours as stated above. The Floor Captain at Metro shall be notified via telephone by the Company Commander when companies are unavailable for emergency response because of reduced staffing. A BLS or paramedic ambulance will not be closed to staff fire apparatus without first obtaining the approval of the concerned Division Commander. The detail and hiring of personnel to staff fire companies and Rescue Ambulances at their authorized strength is of the highest priority. 2/1-12.00 MOVE-UPS 2/1-12.01 RESPONSE-WARNING DEVICES Unless otherwise directed by Metro, companies moving up to other quarters shall respond \"non-emergency\". When directed to move up \"emergency\" (red lights & siren) to other quarters, responding companies shall change to \"non-emergency\" when entering designated first-in district. This transition from \"emergency\" to \"non-emergency\" operation shall be made in an inconspicuous manner. 2/1-12.25 IDENTITY Companies moving to another company\'s quarters because of greater alarms, drills, etc., will retain their own identity in all communications with Metro. They will respond to all first alarms requiring the response of the company whose quarters they occupy. 2/1-12.75 CARE OF QUARTERS The care, discipline, and regard for property and possessions which companies exercise in their own quarters shall govern companies located in other quarters. Such quarters shall be cleaned and maintained in accordance with Department standards. 2/1-14.00 GUIDELINES DURING TACTICAL ALERT 2/1-14.01 TACTICAL ALERT \"Tactical Alert\" describes a state of preparedness necessary to cope with civil disturbances or natural/man-made disasters. Special consideration shall be given to safety of personnel, special operational tactics, protection of apparatus and equipment, etc. Activities outside of quarters shall be restricted to emergency response. A \"Tactical Alert\" may be initiated in selected first-in districts or Department-wide. Given the dynamics of the demographics of our City, it is impractical to focus on specific geographic areas. The tactics developed must be flexible enough to be applicable to any area. The characteristics and contributing factors of each incident will determine incident perimeters. The presence of organized crime, the availability of automatic weapons, and the increased use of controlled substances exacerbate the risks associated with civil unrest. Operational tactics must allow for the worst-case scenario. 2/1-14.05 PROTECTION OF PERSONNEL Fire Department personnel are especially susceptible to personal attack during periods of civil unrest. Whenever possible, Department resources should respond with an LAPD escort which would remain on the scene and provide protection for personnel during the duration of the incident. If such escort is not available, consideration shall be given to the delay of entry into especially hazardous areas. 2/1-14.10 PROTECTION TO APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 2/1-14.15 PROTECTION OF QUARTERS During times of civil unrest, particular attention needs to be placed on fire station security. Station Commanders shall address security measures to all members under their command, with a special emphasis on securing Department property should it be necessary to \"pull out\" of a fire station due to the degree of civil unrest. The LAPD should be notified of any vacated fire stations through Metro so they can provide necessary security. 2/1-14.20 COMMUNICATIONS 2/1-14.25 FIREFIGHTING TACTICS - - - - 2/1-14.30 PERIMETER DELINEATION It may be assumed that civil unrest may expand to include other areas of the City which would not ordinarily experience such disturbance. It will be an LAPD responsibility to delineate the parameters of a given area of civil unrest. The Department will respond into zones of civil unrest from \"staging areas\" with a LAPD escort. Once available, Department units shall exit that zone and return en masse to the designated \"staging area.\" 2/1-14.35 EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER (EOC) ACTIVATION Activation of the EOC is the most appropriate means of interfacing with other City Departments which may have responsibility during civil unrest. The Fire Department will request EOC activation through the Mayor\'s Office or the Chief of Police, as requested by the Deputy Department Commander and confirmed by the Fire Chief. Selective activation of the EOC may occur, bringing together only those agencies required to effectively manage the incident. 2/1-14.45 DISPATCH MODIFICATIONS It may be necessary to make certain modifications to the existing dispatch procedures during periods of tactical alert. Dispatch modifications should take into consideration the safety of personnel responding into areas of known civil unrest, i.e., single engines and rescue ambulances versus task force operations. 9-1-1 calls shall continue to receive appropriate dispatch; however, within an area of civil unrest, rescue ambulance dispatches require an LAPD escort to ensure personnel safety. A modification of the Deputy Department Commander and Fire Chief notifications by Metro will be implemented in order to give early warning of a possible civil disturbance and allow for advanced planning to cope with the situation. Article X of the City Charter and Section 57.01.20 of the Fire Code gives the Fire Department the responsibility and the authority to take the necessary action to control the spread of fire. The Fire Chief has the flexibility to deploy resources, as necessary, to meet the Department\'s Charter responsibilities. 2/1-14.50 FIREARMS Although all members have \"peace officer\" status, only those properly qualified (Penal Code Section 832) and meeting Department requirements are permitted to carry firearms. At present, this is limited to members assigned to the Arson Investigation Section. At no time will the Department tolerate or condone other on duty members carrying firearms. The unauthorized carrying of weapons is a misdemeanor under California State law. The unauthorized carrying of a loaded weapon is a felony. The Department will take aggressive measures to address the safety concerns of affected members through the provision of LAPD resources and other law enforcement agencies. 2/1-14.55 LOGISTICS During extended Fire Department operations conducted during periods of civil unrest, consideration shall be given to such functions as: 2/1-14.60 HELICOPTER OPERATIONS Helicopter operations during periods of civil unrest should be limited to outside of those affected areas. Necessary reconnaissance will be done by LAPD Air Operations. Fire Department helicopters, except in extenuating circumstances, shall remain one mile outside of area(s) of civil unrest. 2/1-21.00 COMMAND AT EMERGENCIES 2/1-21.01 OFF-DUTY Any off-duty member encountering an emergency situation which falls within the responsibility of the Los Angeles Fire Department, shall assume command of the incident if no Department apparatus is present. The member shall be responsible for notifying the Fire Department and shall be in command at the scene until relieved by on-duty personnel. During the time a member is complying with provisions of this Section, the member shall be considered on duty. 2/1-21.10 FIRST MEMBER TO ARRIVE The first officer or member to arrive at an emergency shall: 2/1-21.15 INITIAL SIZE-UP Shall include, but is not restricted to, the following information, as applicable: - - - 2/1-21.15 A ONGOING SIZE-UP 2/1-21.16 EMS SIZE-UP A proper EMS size-up should be very brief and should not normally include vital signs. The standardized EMS size-up should normally be given on TAC 10 and include the following information: 2/1-21.20 PRECEDENCE OF COMMAND Except for the provisions outlined in Section 7.d of the Rules and Regulations which provides that at emergencies, acting officers shall yield to regularly appointed officers of the rank involved, precedence of command is hereby established as follows: When a Battalion Chief has assumed command, assumption of Incident Command is discretionary for all ranks above Battalion Chief. At each transition, or passing, of command the new incident commander shall provide an updated size-up to MFC and, if applicable, either reaffirm or change the operational mode. 2/1-21.25 BATTALION COMMANDER RESPONSE Metro shall dispatch the Administrative Battalion Commander (BC regularly assigned to the Battalion where the incident exists) to emergencies that require a Chief Officer. If unavailable, the nearest available Battalion Commander will be dispatched. When more than one Battalion Commander is dispatched, the first Battalion Commander arriving on the scene is in command until relieved by a superior officer. 2/1-21.26 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SPILLS The Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles Fire Department have signed an Agreement giving the authority for scene management of hazardous materials spills on streets and roadways within the City boundaries (other than the freeways) to the Los Angeles Fire Department. Incident Commanders will coordinate with the L.A.P.D. but in every instance assume command when arriving on scene. Hazardous material spills on freeways are under the jurisdiction of the California Highway Patrol. Incident Commanders will coordinate with the CHP in the abatement of hazardous material spills on freeways but in all instances, Fire Department officers will retain command of Fire Department Personnel and equipment. 2/1-21.27 DIVISION COMMANDER RESPONSE Metro will dispatch the Administrative Division Commander to all Greater Alarm Incidents. If the Administrative Division Commander is unavailable, the nearest available Division Commander will be dispatched. Upon arrival, the Division Commander shall take command until relieved or notifies Metro that the fire is under control. In other than greater alarms, when a full assignment is held by a Battalion Commander, Metro will notify the Administrative Division Commander who will have the option of responding or not. Upon arrival at the incident, the Administrative Division Commander shall notify Metro and the previous officer in charge. Unless stating otherwise, the Administrative Division Commander shall be deemed to be in command of the incident. In any event, while on the scene, the Administrative Division Commander shall be held responsible for Department operations. 2/1-21.30 RESPONSIBLITY FOR ORDERS Any officer issuing orders or countermanding the orders of another officer, shall evaluate and assume full responsibility for the effects of such orders and shall obtain authority from the officer in charge of the emergency before diverting companies from their original assignment. 2/1-21.50 COMMAND POST At every greater alarm or major emergency, the officer in charge shall establish and announce the location of, and normally remain at, the Command Post. Should said officer\'s temporary absence become necessary, the officer shall designate another officer to take charge of the Command Post. When a change of command takes place at an incident, the Incident Commander will establish which vehicle will be designated as the Command Post. 2/1-21.60 FORMATION OF STAFF The officer in charge shall initially form a staff from available field personnel. Large scale operations shall be conducted in accordance with the procedures in Vol. 1, 2/3, Emergency Operation/Large Scale. 2/1-21.70 CHIEFS\' EMERGENCY INCIDENT TECHNICIAN Members assigned as drivers of Chiefs\' vehicles shall be designated as Chiefs\' Emergency Incident Technician. An order or directive received from a Staff Assistant in the course of emergency duty, when the name of the directing officer is given, must be promptly carried out as coming directly from the Chief. EIT\'s are strictly forbidden to give orders not specifically authorized. 2/1-21.80 RESOURCES The Incident Commander shall be responsible for the determination for resources of personnel, apparatus, equipment, special equipment, equipment pools, field repairs, and supplies to abate the emergency. Consideration shall be given to the amount of equipment and personnel necessary and the time required to furnish these resources. The destination of requested resources shall be clearly defined. 2/1-21.85 USE OF AIRCRAFT FIREFIGHTING APPARATUS FOR OFF-AIRPORT INCIDENTS The Incident Commander in charge of an emergency, requiring the use of crash apparatus off the airports, shall request through Metropolitan Fire Communications (MFC) whatever apparatus is needed for the protection of life and property. MFC will obtain a verbal list of apparatus available for dispatch from the ARFF Commander of either FS-80 or FS-114 and so advise the Incident Commander. The Incident Commander shall then judiciously evaluate the need and request the necessary apparatus. All officers must be aware of the consequence of taking crash apparatus off the airports in such quantities as to make it impossible to meet part 139 of FAA regulations, thus causing operational difficulties for the airport. There are no specific Federal requirements for aircraft crash apparatus at Van Nuys Airport. However, large and small aircraft traffic is constantly increasing and the possibility of an aircraft crash at this airport is ever present. Therefore, this Department must acknowledge the responsibility of being prepared for such an incident by having aircraft crash equipment available. 2/1-21.90 REPORTING \"AVAILABLE\" It shall be the duty of commanders at all levels to report personnel, apparatus, and special equipment \"available\" at the earliest practicable time (for definition of \"available\", refer to Vol. 2, 4/7-90.20). 2/1-24.00 DEPUTY DEPARTMENT COMMANDER 2/1-24.01 GENERAL The Deputy Department Commander shall be a Chief Deputy or Deputy Chief, as designated by the Fire Chief. During normal business hours and when readily available, the Deputy Department Commander shall be the Deputy Chief in charge of the Emergency Services Bureau. At all other times, this command function is exercised by the designated Deputy Department Commander as listed on the daily Chief Officers\' Assignment Roster in accordance with IMT members only. 2/1-24.25 RESPONSIBILITY AND AUTHORITY The Deputy Department Commander has the following responsibilities and authority: 2/1-28.00 OPERATIONS AT EMERGENCIES 2/1-28.01 REPORTING LOCATION Individuals, fire units, or companies arriving at or leaving the scene of an emergency shall promptly report arrival or departure either personally or by radio to the Incident Commander. 2/1-28.05 GENERAL OPERATIONS Supervisors of field resources shall remain with their assigned personnel and maintain company unity, or know the whereabouts of their personnel at all times. Commanders shall require that members work in pairs, especially during extreme hazardous situations (e.g.,IDLH environments), for the protection of their personnel. They shall promptly apprise the officer in charge of all pertinent conditions within their sphere of operation. They shall maintain close liaison and coordination with adjacent commanders. Members, other than Company Commanders, shall remain with the apparatus while awaiting orders. 2/1-28.06 SAFETY AT EMERGENCIES Safety at emergencies is the responsibility of all members. The Official Safety Policy of the Department is contained in Book 75, Accident Prevention and Safety Program Manual. All members shall familiarize themselves with hazards identified in Book 75. 2/1-28.07 FIREFIGHTER EMERGENCY The term "Emergency Traffic" shall be used to clear radio traffic when a Firefighter Emergency exists during emergency operations. Clear text shall be used to identify the type of emergency "Firefighter Down", "Firefighter Missing", or "Firefighter Trapped." A distinctive "Emergency Traffic" tone transmitted by Metro on the Incident TAC Channel(s) and the Incident command channel will be followed by clear text that identifies the type of emergency. This radio procedure is to be used to notify on-scene personnel that a firefighter emergency has occurred or a firefighter is missing at the incident. The use of "Emergency Traffic" is used to clear the radio channels for an important radio message. When an "Emergency Traffic" is announced, other personnel shall refrain from using these radio channels unless a radio message is necessary for the safety of personnel or involves the emergency situation. When a member activates the emergency button on their handheld radio, Metro will attempt to make contact with member on TAC 6. Metro shall immediately notify the Incident Commander at the scene, and provide identification of the radio assignment. The Incident Commander, Metro and members on-scene of a Firefighter Emergency shall follow the procedures outlined in the Department's Firefighter Incident Safety and Accountability Training Bulletin No. 2. 2/1-28.08 RAPID INTERVENTION COMPANY The Incident Commander shall designate at least one fire company as a Rapid Intervention Company (RIC) if any additional fire resources above the initial alarm assignment are requested. The Incident Commander shall consider the number of Rapid Intervention Companies based upon potential hazards present. When an incident becomes a greater alarm(greater than 6 companies) the following will be added to the assignment and designated as RIC, at the discretion of the IC: - - - The designated Rapid Intervention Company shall develop a plan based upon the situation present and have tools available that would assist in the rescue of personnel involved in the incident. When a Rapid Intervention Company is deployed to rescue personnel in trouble, their function is to make every attempt in providing a rapid rescue. When a Rapid Intervention Company(ies) are deployed, the Incident Commander should designate a secondary Rapid Intervention Company(ies) as soon as possible. When multiple rapid intervention companies are assigned, consideration shall be given in forming a Rescue Group Supervisor to coordinate the multiple Rapid Intervention Companies. 2/1-28.10 PLACING APPARATUS AT FIRES Members shall use good judgment in placing apparatus at fires. Unless otherwise directed, the roadway in the immediate vicinity of a fire shall not be obstructed by apparatus nor shall fire hydrants, apparatus, or railroad tracks be blocked unnecessarily. When absolutely necessary to block the above locations, a competent driver shall be immediately available. Apparatus shall be parked heading towards safety in dead end canyons or roads, or in situations when a hasty withdrawal may become necessary. 2/1-28.15 TRAFFIC CONGESTION The officer in charge shall cause suitable warning devices to be established at a distance sufficient to insure safe operations when the passage of trains, automobiles, or pedestrians would interfere with fire fighting operations. Refer to Vol. 1, 2/1-07.45 E. 2/1-28.16 SIGALERT It shall be the Incident Commander\'s responsibility to notify Metro when situations develop that a sigalert would help to inform the citizens of an inconvenience or hazardous condition. This notification would include the estimated duration of the incident. Examples of such conditions would include street closings due to emergency incidents greater than 30 minutes, areas expected to sustain storm damage, areas possibly exposed to a moving brush fire, which may or will cause evacuation of areas and information on reentering an evacuated area. In addition, information on the location of sandbags, emergency preparedness procedures, the location of evacuation centers and other instructions that are useful to the citizens in need, may be broadcast as a sigalert. It is extremely important that the highest ranking officer in charge at the termination of the sigalert, CANCEL IT. 2/1-28.18 PUMP OPERATION To prevent damage to pump packing seals, all pumps shall not be operated dry for a period exceeding 30 seconds. Where practical, fire pumps shall be carried wet. 2/1-28.20 PUMPING OPERATIONS Company Commanders shall be guided by the judgment of pump operators as to the advisability of handling additional lines. 2/1-28.22 DAMAGED HYDRANTS During emergency incidents when a hydrant is found to be damaged and inoperative, and/or a break in the main is detected, the officer in charge shall cause Metro to immediately notify the Department of Water and Power. 2/1-28.25 AERIAL OPERATIONS Members using aerial ladders or aerial platforms shall be guided by the advice of the officer in command of the company, or a certified operator of the apparatus, regarding safe operations. 2/1-28.27 LADDER PIPE OPERATIONS Task Force Commander shall establish operational policies to ensure that the largest nozzles used for ladder pipe operations are: [L.T.I. and American LaFrance Apparatus] using the Akron 1495 Ladder Pipe Assembly: [All Other Truck Apparatus (Seagrave Aerial Ladder Trucks)] using the Akron 1495 Ladder Pipe Assembly: Members are prohibited from using the 2\" tip or flowing 1,000 G.P.M. on Seagrave aerial ladder trucks. 2/1-28.28 WAGON BATTERIES Company Commanders shall have the option to equip wagon batteries with one of the following tips: Other sizes of tips may be placed on wagon batteries during on-scene emergency incidents at the direction of the Incident Commander or officer in charge. 2/1-28.30 DRIVING OVER FIRE HOSE Fire apparatus shall not be driven over hose lines, except in cases of absolute necessity. Police action shall be requested when hose \"in use\" is driven over by unauthorized vehicles. Members are urged to use good judgment in these situations and properly weigh all factors involved before taking action. Aggravated cases shall be reported by telephone to the Arson Unit Code-A-Phone (Ext. 5-2225), followed by a letterhead report. 2/1-28.32 HARASSMENT Officers shall submit a F-225 report of harassment to the Commander of Arson/Counter Terrorism Section, when any of the following occur: Include the following information in the report: A Journal entry shall be made of the incident. A verbal report of the incident shall be made to the Administrative Battalion Commander for transmittal through the chain of command. No additional reports are required unless specifically requested. 2/1-28.40 RELIABILITY OF EQUIPMENT Members shall, if possible, use only Department hose and equipment where reliability of equipment is of first consideration. 2/1-28.45 USING EXTERIOR STANDPIPES When operating Department hose lines on fires above the third floor, exterior standpipes shall be used when practical. 2/1-28.50 SMOKING AREAS The Incident Commander has the option to cause smoking areas to be designated and signs indicating the smoking area to be posted. This shall apply particularly to incidents in mountain areas. 2/1-28.53 SMOKING WHILE ON APPARATUS Members shall not smoke while on or in any Department apparatus. 2/1-28.55 FIRE DEBRIS Debris shall not be thrown from heights unless, essential in the extinguishment of the fire. When material must be thrown or glass broken, it must be known that the falling material will do no serious damage nor cause injury to anyone. 2/1-28.60 REFUELING The officer in charge shall be notified as much in advance as practical when oil, gasoline or repairs are required at any emergency. 2/1-28.65 EQUIPMENT CHECK Company Commanders shall, before leaving the fire scene, take an inventory to determine that their equipment is complete. If it is not, a search shall be made before leaving the scene. Upon return to quarters, the Company Commanders of companies which have lost or found equipment shall notify their Battalion Commander and be guided by the Battalion Commander\'s instructions. Failure to report excess equipment will be considered as serious, as failure to report lost equipment (refer to Vol. 4, 8/5-42.60). 2/1-28.66 BACKFIRING BRUSH OR GRASS Backfiring is a drastic measure that is to be used only in extreme emergencies. Prior to backfiring, approval shall be obtained from the Incident Commander. Backfiring brush or grass shall be used as an extinguishment tool in the same mode as brush or grass removal by tractor, hand tools, etc. Backfiring shall not be attempted unless all exposed structures are protected or considered as risks (refer to Brush Fire Operations Manual Chapter 3). 2/1-28.70 DELAYED ALARMS When it is detected that there has been a delay in reporting fires in hotels, apartment hotels, or institutional occupancies, the following shall be adhered to: 2/1-28.75 RESPONSE TO ALARMS INVOLVING PRIVATE ALARM SYSTEMS Upon arrival of Fire Suppression personnel at any incident involving operation of a private fire alarm system, a thorough search shall be made to make certain that no fire exists. If the system must be left in an inoperative condition, a Fire and Life Safety Violation will be issued to the person in charge, ordering that: A fire alarm system can be de-energized as follows: 2/1-36.00 PERSONNEL 2/1-36.01 ALERTS When, in the judgment of the Incident Commander, additional or rotation of companies may eventually be necessary, companies may be alerted and placed on a ready basis. When companies receive instructions from Metro to alert for move-up or assignment, members, except officers, may change into working uniform and prepare themselves in every respect. 2/1-36.12 DETAILS OF STAFFING When additional staffing is required at an emergency, companies or fire units will be dispatched. As far as is possible, officers at the incident will arrange their operations to maintain the identity of companies with members working under their regular officers. Companies shall not add themselves to incidents without the permission of Metro. Special Duty members, not in uniform, assigned to furnish special staff or technical assistance shall wear their badge in plain view at all times while on the scene. This requirement does not apply to members of the Arson Section or to members who have been supplied with identifying arm bands (refer to Vol. 2, 3/7-77.12). 2/1-36.36 ANTICIPATING REQUIREMENTS Anticipating resource requirements at emergencies shall be requested through normal channels at the earliest possible time. No attempt will be made to meet such requirements by the utilization of off-duty personnel unless such personnel have been recalled. 2/1-36.48 OFF-DUTY MEMBERS REPORTING AT EMERGENCIES Off-Duty members who wish to volunteer their assistance in an emergency may use their identification card for crossing fire lines. They shall identify themselves to the Incident Commander. If their services are not needed they shall return outside of the area of operation. 2/1-36.60 MERITORIOUS SERVICE All officers are responsible for reporting in writing to the Fire Chief the circumstances and name of any member of the Department who performs their duties in a distinguished manner. 2/1-36.72 USE OF CIVILIANS Accepting the services of civilians in actual fire fighting work is prohibited. All such offers must be courteously, but firmly declined. 2/1-36.84 CIVILIAN PERFORMANCE AT EMERGENCIES Officers in command of emergencies should be alert for meritorious acts of citizens at emergencies. Reports of such acts shall be forwarded, through channels, to the Division office for approval, and for determination of appropriate level of recognition. These reports shall be forwarded without delay. Types of acknowledgments from the Department include the following: Letter of Appreciation: An act performed showing initiative and a clearly, proven display of good judgment, but where no personal life-risk is involved. Special Commendation: An act of rescue, or attempted rescue, involving considerable personal risk. 2/1-42.00 COMMUNICATIONS DURING EMERGENCIES 2/1-42.01 IMMEDIATE NOTIFICATION REQUIRED Metro shall be notified immediately: 2/1-42.17 PROGRESS REPORTS At the scene of any emergency, reports shall be made to Metro for the following: 2/1-42.20 FIREFIGHTER EMERGENCY At the scene of any emergency, where a "Firefighter Emergency" has been declared, all members not involved in the rescue shall remain on their assigned Incident TAC Channel and use the radio only to give information necessary for the safety of personnel or communications critical to the management of the incident. 2/1-42.34 UNUSUAL INCIDENT CRITERIA Metro shall be notified by the Incident Commander of the following situations in order to properly notify outside agencies. 2/1-42.51 REQUESTING ASSISTANCE AT EMERGENCIES Use the following procedure: 2/1-42.58 REQUESTING POLICE Members shall use the following terms to indicate the urgency of the situation when requesting police response through Metro: 2/1-42.68 PUBLIC ASSISTANCE When human needs exist as the result of fire, building collapse, flooding, etc., the Incident Commander shall notify Metro immediately. In the case of one or two family situations, assistance can often be expedited by telephone. In multiple victim incidents, it is generally more effective to have, a public assistance organization on the scene. Prior to relocating of fire victims, the Public Assistance Organization will receive permission from the Incident Commander. 2/1-42.85 COMMUNICATIONS WITH AIRPORTS Radio communication with Los Angeles International and Van Nuys Airport Control Towers will be used only for the purpose of instruction and information pertaining to the location and safest means of approach to an emergency on the field. All other communications shall be directed to Metro. The Airport Ground Control Frequency Radio shall be used to communicate with the International and Van Nuys Airport Control Towers. Neither Airport Control Tower monitors Fire Department radio frequencies. 2/1-49.00 SPECIAL PROCEDURES 2/1-49.01 CATASTROPHES In the event of a disaster such as flood, earthquake, bombing, etc.: 2/1-49.05 FLOOD CONTROL Sandbags for flood control are available for issuance to homeowners at all fire stations locations. Sand will be distributed to designated locations with locations announced via Administrative Teletype. Issue slips from homeowners are no longer necessary. However, authorization by the County Flood Control District is required for issuance in excess of 25 Sandbags to any one citizen. The numbers to call for authorization are: 2/1-49.09 FLAMMABLE LIQUID SPILLS When a company responds to a flammable liquid spill, they shall concern themselves primarily with the fire hazard. If a highly flammable liquid is involved, the fire hazard shall be abated by \"wash-down\" or other type of removal. The company shall remain at the scene while any such flammable liquid is exposed, or creates a fire hazard. If only a traffic hazard is involved (e.g., heavy oil spills or other slippery substances), police assistance shall be requested. The police have primary responsibility in matters of traffic safety. They will make arrangements for barriers, etc. When the police have arrived to accept this responsibility, companies shall return to quarters if there is no further fire hazard. 2/1-49.12 FPB HAZ-MAT SPECIALIST The FPB Hazardous Materials Specialist will be on 24-hour call and is prepared to respond to a hazardous materials incident. Incidents involving gases and/or chemicals that endanger the health and welfare of personnel and/or civilians justify requesting the FPB Haz-Mat Specialist. Liaison between the FPB Hazardous Materials Specialist and the Command Post will be provided by the FPB Chief on call. Requests for services of the FPB Haz-Mat Specialist should be made through Metro. 2/1-49.13 WARNING PLACARDS There are two placarding systems used to assist members in identification of hazardous materials. The colored backgrounds shall be used for the four categories: The numerals indicate the order of severity by five divisions ranging from \"four\" (4), indicating a severe hazard, to \"zero\" (0), indicating no special hazard. The letters and symbols indicate additional information in the bottom space of the diamond. For detailed information on the N.F.P.A. 704 Identification System refer to Manual of Operation, 12/7-80.00, F.P.B. Standard \#25 and N.F.P.A. Handbook. Refer to the Department of Transportation \"Hazardous Materials, Emergency Response Guidebook\" carried on all apparatus for D.O.T. numbering system. 2/1-49.15 CHEMICALS AND/OR GASES Large-scale incidents involving gases and/or chemicals that endanger the health and welfare of personnel on the scene, justify requesting the services of members from the State Office of Emergency Services (OES). Members from the State Office of Emergency Services (OES) Emergency Response Team will assist the Incident Commander in analysis, method of handling, and the removal and disposal of hazardous gases or chemicals. The Incident Commander shall include in the request the following information, if available. Requests for services of the Emergency Service Response Team should be made through Metro. 2/1-49.17 CHLORINE CYLINDER LEAKS Chlorine emergency repair kits, designed to control leaks in chlorine containers, are available through Metro at locations throughout the City. Repair kits are manufactured for the three sizes of chlorine containers: When requesting these emergency kits, the Incident Commander shall contact Metro with a size-up of the type, size, and number of containers involved. Personnel trained to use these kits are the FPB Haz-Mat Specialist and personnel assigned to the Hazardous Materials Companies. 2/1-49.18 RUPTURED OIL OR GASOLINE LINES It is not desirable for members of this Department to shut off oil or gasoline lines, as a valve shut off under pressure may cause a line to break in other places. 2/1-49.22 COMBUSTIBLE GASES At any emergency where combustible gases are present or suspected of being present, the Incident Commander may obtain combustible gas indicators by contacting Metro. (Refer to Vol. 3, 6/11-01.80). 2/1-49.27 FLAMMABLE LIQUID SPILL - HARBOR AREA At the scene of a flammable liquid spill or a broken gas or oil line in the Harbor area, the first company arriving shall notify Metro of details of the emergency, giving the exact location, identifying the type of material involved, and estimating the rate of flow or amount of spill. Metro will then notify the proper private agency in order to facilitate control and arrange for cleanup measures. Every effort shall be made to limit contamination of the Harbor waters with flammable liquids. Flammable liquids shall not be washed into storm drains. If the liquid has entered a storm drain terminating in the Harbor waters, an \"oil boom\" shall be placed at the drain outlet to limit the spread of the liquid upon the waters of the Harbor. Request oil boom placement through Metro. The Incident Commander shall request Metro to send \"vacuum trucks\" to pick up flammable liquids from the street when these trucks can be used as an advantage. 2/1-49.30 POLLUTANT SPILLS OR DISCHARGES The Incident Commander of a spill or discharge of oil, gasoline, or other pollutant into the environment in an amount which could enter the storm drain system (or any other system) and eventually find its way to United States navigable waters, shall supply Metro with the following information as soon as possible: This information will be passed on to the U.S. Coast Guard, who will respond. 2/1-49.35 RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL Whenever the presence of radioactive material is discovered at an emergency, the Incident Commander shall be notified immediately. The Incident Commander at a scene involving radioactive materials shall: Metro shall notify the Occupational Health and Radiation Management Office, County of Los Angeles, Department of Health Services, of radiation incidents. This County Department has the primary responsibilities for radiological monitoring and decontamination, and will dispatch a radiological monitoring team if needed. Whenever the incident involves any type of radioactive materials, Metro shall dispatch a Hazardous Materials Company. 2/1-49.45 CONNECTING TO PIPING SYSTEMS Members shall not make any connection to a fire hydrant in order to supply any piping system other than a sprinkler system, standpipe, refrigerant diffusing system, or other system designed and intended for firefighting purposes. In the event that a request is received to attach to a piping system other than those excepted, permission must first be secured from a Chief Officer. If permission is received, the water must be supplied through a broken connection which will require the water to be delivered to an open tank before entering the pump. 2/1-49.47 REMOVAL OF HAZARDOUS WASTE 2/1-49.54 SEWAGE When response is made to an emergency involving a broken sewer line or sewage accumulation in a building, the Incident Commander shall request Metro to inform the Bureau of Sanitation, Department of Public Works. When any member of the Department is contacted by a citizen regarding such a situation, member shall refer the citizen to the Bureau of Sanitation. 2/1-49.68 EVACUATION - RESPONSIBILITY The Fire Department and the Police Department have concurrent jurisdiction in emergencies involving evacuations. The Fire Department\'s authority to close an area and order an evacuation is found in the Los Angeles Fire Code, the Los Angeles Municipal Code, and the Los Angeles Administrative Code. Fire Department and Police Department Incident Commanders must view the nature of the problem as the factor that will determine which Department should order the evacuation. Fire Department personnel must exercise their professional judgment at an emergency that is a fire department control responsibility. At a police emergency, the expertise of the Police Department must be given the same consideration. The two departments must make every effort to coordinate their activities at the scene of the emergency. If the Department with the primary responsibility of control is unavailable at the scene, authority exists for either Fire or Police Department personnel at the scene to make the determination and to take appropriate action. The following standardized policy and terminology has been approved by both the Police and Fire Department and shall be in effect at all emergency incidents when an evacuation is anticipated or in process: 2/1-49.72 HIGH VOLTAGE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Members shall remain a safe distance away from all high voltage installations, equipment, and conductors, until assurance is received from Metro or an authorized Water & Power representative that the installation may be approached safely. Refer to Book \#23, Training Bulletin No. 8. 2/1-49.81 FUMIGATION Members shall not enter an occupancy undergoing fumigation unless they are equipped with self-contained respiratory protection, or until after thorough and adequate ventilation of the building. If the fumigant being used is a cyanide or methyl bromide, entry will not be made until the building has been thoroughly ventilated. 2/1-49.90 U.S. MAIL 2/1-49.95 UNSAFE BUILDINGS OR STRUCTURES Buildings or structures unsafe to enter due to fire damage or fire or explosion hazard. In addition to procedures outlined in Vol. 1, 2/1-42.34 follow the special procedure outlined in Vol. 6, 11/5-51.01 for posting buildings using an F-339. 2/1-56.00 REPORTS REQUIRED 2/1-56.01 AT SCENE OF EMERGENCY The necessary information for completing the Field Incident Report, F-902, shall be obtained at the scene of the field incident. It shall be the responsibility of the Incident Commander to cause the completion of the F-902 at the scene or upon return to quarters. Entries are made in accordance with instructions in the Field Incident Code Book (Book 2). Metro shall be notified if the police arrive on the scene. The term \"Field Incident\" shall mean and include all emergency and non-emergency responses except \"move-ups.\" The F-902S shall be completed for all field incidents by each company responding or moving-up as the result of a field incident. The F-902C shall be completed in all cases where an injury or death occurs as a result of a fire incident. An EPCR shall be initiated and completed by any resource when patient contact is established and/or patient care is rendered. 2/1-56.50 UPON RETURN TO QUARTERS The following steps shall be taken: 2/1-63.00 FIRE INVESTIGATION 2/1-63.01 GENERAL The primary responsibility for determining the most probable cause of the fire rests with the Incident Commander. CAUSE DETERMINATION: Investigations are initiated to determine the cause of the fire; and, for criminal fires, to establish the \"Corpus Delicti\" (body of the crime). Cause investigation has as its main purpose the determination of how the fire started: what was ignited, how, and why. Upon such determination, the cause is categorized into one of four major groupings: 2/1-63.10 IMMEDIATE ARSON INVESTIGATION UNIT RESPONSE The Incident Commander shall request the immediate response of an Arson/Counter Terrorism Section when any of the following conditions exist: 2/1-63.20 RADIO DESIGNATION Arson/Counter Terrorism Section units shall be referred to as an \"A-Unit\" in radio messages. 2/1-63.40 PRESERVING AND GUARDING EVIDENCE When requesting immediate Arson response, the Incident Commander shall be responsible for directing the following: 2/1-63.50 REPORTING PROCEDURES The Incident Commander is responsible for entering all 902 incident reports to the Arson/Counter Terrorism Section prior to end of duty shift. 2/1-63.60 WE TIP When the Incident Commander or Arson Investigator determines that a fire has been intentionally set and that there is a need for a \"We Tip\" Program, they shall: Posters, when placed at a fire scene, shall be removed no later than 90 days after the incident. \"We Tip\" posters and business cards shall be ordered from Supply and Maintenance as needed. 2/1-60.80 NOTIFICATION UPON RETURN TO QUARTERS The Incident Commander shall follow the instructions set forth in the Procedures Section of the Field Incident Code Book. 2/1-70.00 SAFEGUARDING PROPERTY 2/1-70.01 PREVENTING LOSS OR THEFT Members shall make every effort to prevent loss or theft of money, jewelry, or any contents at the scene of an emergency. Full authority is granted by the City Charter to officers of the Fire Department, when in command of fires, to prevent the approach of any person or to remove and keep away all persons not usefully employed, in the judgment of the Fire Department officers, in extinguishing the fire or preserving property in the vicinity. This authority will be used to prevent entrance to, or loitering at, the scene of fires by any individual not having a legitimate reason for being present. 2/1-70.33 COMPLAINT OF THEFT OR LOSS BY CITIZEN Any member receiving a complaint of theft or loss of valuables or damage to property at the scene of an emergency shall report it to member\'s commanding officer without delay, who will report it to the Incident Commander of the emergency. As soon as possible, the Incident Commander will institute an investigation. If the complaint cannot be satisfactorily cleared at this level; the Incident Commander shall immediately notify, through channels, the Bureau Commander or, during other than normal business hours, the Division Commander. Any subsequent investigations and reports will be made as authorized by the Bureau Commander. 2/1-70.66 FINDING VALUABLES AT EMERGENCIES Any member finding money, jewelry, or other valuables at the scene of an emergency, will report the fact to member\'s commanding officer who will report it to the Incident Commander. When satisfied that the proper owner has been located, the Incident Commander will turn over the valuables and secure a receipt. This receipt shall be forwarded immediately in a mailing envelope to the Arson Investigation Section. If the proper owner cannot be located, such valuables will be retained by the Department until proper disposition of them can be made. A letterhead report with the valuables will be forwarded to the Arson Investigation Section without delay. 2/1-70.77 LEAVING THE SCENE OF AN UNATTENDED INCIDENT Form F-337, Information Notice, may be used to relate any necessary information regarding an incident handled by the Department, when a responsible person is not at the scene. Do not leave the notice where unauthorized persons will be alerted to unattended premises. 2/1-74.00 AIR OPERATIONS 2/1-74.01 REQUESTING DEPARTMENT HELICOPTERS The Incident Commander of an emergency may request the use of helicopters and helicopter support equipment anytime they may be needed. This equipment is automatically dispatched to certain fires in the mountain area. When helicopters are requested, the Incident Commander of the emergency should state the intended needs, so that the helicopter will have the proper equipment such as stretchers, water tanks, cargo baskets, etc. A support company and helicopter tenders will be dispatched when needed. 2/1-74.03 EMERGENCY HELISPOTS AND STAGING AREAS For example, Helispot 12-A is Green Verdugo Helispot, located in Battalion 12. The map symbol used is a triangle with the Battalion number and the letter inside as shown here:\ This symbol immediately identifies the general location of the helispot by Battalion\ This symbol immediately identifies the general location of the helispot by Battalion. \ This symbol immediately identifies the general location of the staging area by Battalion. 2/1-74.20 HELICOPTER PHYSICAL RESCUES Members should be guided by the following information when utilizing helicopters in rescue operations: 2/1-74.40 FLIGHT COMMAND The Pilot of any helicopter shall be responsible for the aircraft. The Pilot shall be in complete command of the aircraft and have the authority to veto any proposed operation which, in the Pilot\'s opinion, would be unsafe. 2/1-74.60 RESTRICTED AIR TRAFFIC F.A.A. Regulation No. 91.91 permits control of the airspace over a fire area, to prohibit private aircraft which may interfere with Fire Department Air Operations. The local F.A.A. Flight Office will invoke the regulation at the request of the Incident Commander, the Air Operations Branch Director or the Senior L.A.F.D. Helicopter Pilot on the scene. The F.A.A. can only be contacted on a special air control radio frequency or by Metro via telephone. While F.A.A. Regulation No. 91.91 is in effect, no unauthorized aircraft will be allowed in the area, except that the Incident Commander may permit aircraft used by news media to enter the restricted air space, providing air attack operations are not in progress. Notifications of this permission will be relayed to the media via the proper radio frequency directly from either the Air Operations Branch Director or Senior L.A.F.D. Helicopter Pilot on the scene. 2/1-74.80 CONTACTING AIRCRAFT If difficulty is encountered in communicating with the Fire Department helicopter by Fire Department radio, or if a need exists for communicating with any other aircraft, messages of an emergency can be relayed through Engine Company 90 or the Commander of Air Operations as both are equipped with a special air control frequency. 2/1-77.00 SPECIALIZED APPARATUS AND PERSONNEL 2/1-77.01 BRUSH PATROL APPARATUS Brush Patrol Apparatus have been assigned to designated stations and may be used to respond to grass and brush fires per Bureau policy. 2/1-77.51 UTILITY APPARATUS 2/1-77.60 COMMAND POST The Command Post apparatus are available for any incident, for use as a command post or adjunct to a unified command post. The Command Post apparatus will continue to be assigned to Fire Stations 3 and 88 and are identified as COMMAND 1 and COMMAND 3. The following equipment is installed in each apparatus: Civilians who have been involved in an incident and need to utilize the telephone, fax or copy machine may do so. All members are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the apparatus. 2/1-77.85 FOAM CARRIER When a (Foam Carrier) is dispatched to an emergency, an Engine Company shall be dispatched to operate each apparatus dispatched. It shall be the responsibility of the respective Battalion Commander to see that all Companies located in the vicinity of a housed foam carrier apparatus are trained to operate the equipment. 2/1-77.92 SCUBA FIREFIGHTERS The Incident Commander may request SCUBA firefighters for emergencies where needed. Such requests should indicate how many divers are needed. 2/1-78.00 SPECIALIZED EQUIPMENT 2/1-78.01 SPECIAL EQUIPMENT A detailed list (including descriptions and pictures) of special equipment items included below is maintained at Metro, In-Service Training Section, Emergency Services Bureau Commander\'s Office, and Divisions 1, 2, and 3. This list contains equipment available from outside the Department which may be requested by the Incident Commander through Metro as the need arises. Officers shall use good judgment when requesting special equipment because of possible rental fees.