Toronto Fire Bomb Threats Standard Operating Guideline PDF

STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINE BOMB THREATS Date Issued: March 29, 2019 Rescinds: December 1, 2008 Section: Incident and Emergency Operations File Code: G-BOMB PURPOSE To provide all Toronto Fire Services personnel with a guideline for the management of incidents involving the threat that a suspected...

STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINE BOMB THREATS Date Issued: March 29, 2019 Rescinds: December 1, 2008 Section: Incident and Emergency Operations File Code: G-BOMB PURPOSE To provide all Toronto Fire Services personnel with a guideline for the management of incidents involving the threat that a suspected explosive device may or may not be detonated. RESPONSIBILITY All personnel are responsible for understanding and following bomb threat guidelines. Company Officers are responsible for ensuring that bomb threat guidelines are followed by all personnel. City of Toronto supervisors are responsible for ensuring that City guidelines (evacuation, etc.) are followed by all their personnel during bomb threat scenarios. Communications Centre personnel are responsible for keeping Police advised of all information and developments in bomb threat situations. Incident Commanders are responsible for establishing communication with Police. GUIDELINES 1. General 1.1. Toronto Fire Services (TFS) recognizes Toronto Police Service (TPS) as the authority governing bomb threat incidents. 1.2. TFS recognizes that all threats to the life and safety of citizens and residents must be responded to in an effective and efficient manner. Uncertainties and inherent dangers accompanying all bomb threat incidents require that personnel and equipment be deployed in a manner that will minimize subsequent risks. 2. Bomb Threats Received by Toronto Fire Services (TFS) 2.1. All bomb threats received by TFS personnel shall be reported immediately to TPS, including threats made through the following: a) TFS Communication Centre b) Fire station telephones c) Any other TFS telephone File Code: G-BOMB Page 1 of 5  STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINE 2.2. The TFS Communications Centre shall be advised immediately of any bomb threats received by TFS personnel and subsequent actions being taken. 2.3. The Communications Centre Officer shall be immediately advised of all information related to bomb threat situations. 2.4. The Communications Centre shall dispatch the following: a) First Alarm response, b) Squad, and c) Hazardous Materials Unit. 2.5. Responding apparatus shall respond to one of the following: a) General vicinity of the incident (150 metres away). b) Police designated staging area. c) Staging area approximately two blocks from the threatened address. 2.6. The TFS Communications Centre shall immediately advise Police of any bomb threats received by TFS and subsequent actions being taken. 3. Responses to Bomb Threats 3.1. Apparatus may be directed by the Communications Centre to respond in non- emergency mode (no emergency lights or sirens) at the request of Police. 3.2. When responding at the request of Police, apparatus shall report to a location at least 150 m away from the location and establish a staging area for fire suppression apparatus, personnel and other emergency services units (if not already established). 3.3. Drivers and Officers arriving aboard apparatus should position apparatus in areas not typical for staging during responses to the building in question. This prevents TFS apparatus or personnel from becoming a target of a secondary device that targets emergency responders. During multiple responses to the same address the staging location should be changed each time. 3.4. The first arriving Officer shall advise the Communications Centre of the following: a) ARRIVAL b) Confirm the incident address and apparatus location (if not the same) c) IN COMMAND of fire department resources on-scene d) Any changes to the location(s) of designated staging areas e) Additional resources required 3.5. TFS radios and associated equipment should not be used within 150 metres of any reported device location as radio interference has the potential to cause a detonation. 3.6. Toronto Fire Services personnel may be involved in the evacuation of citizens from buildings or properties. During such operations all TFS personnel should be wearing full personal protective equipment (PPE) including SCBA. File Code: G-BOMB Page 2 of 5  STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINE 3.7. Toronto Fire Services personnel shall not be involved in search and discovery of a suspected bomb or explosive device. Personnel may be asked to assist Police in the event the search is in their own familiar workplace. 3.8. Once apparatus are positioned at a bomb threat incident, the following shall occur: a) Fire Officer in Charge shall advise the Communications Centre of the location of the fire apparatus staging area. b) TFS Communications Centre shall notify Toronto Police of the fire vehicle staging area. c) Communication with the Police shall be established through each departments' respective Communications Centre. d) Entry into the affected area or building to perform fire suppression or rescue shall not be attempted by fire personnel until the responsible Police Officer in Charge has informed the responsible TFS Incident Commander that the situation is under control. 3.9. As soon as possible, a TFS Officer shall be instructed by the Incident Commander to report to the Police Command Post with a portable radio to act as the Liaison Officer. 3.10. Where the Police Command Post is not readily established, the uniformed Patrol Sergeant is usually in charge of the incident unless a higher ranking Officer is at scene. 3.11. The Incident Commander shall do the following: a) Report directly to the Police Incident Commander. b) Assume command of all fire suppression units and their operations. c) Provide the Police Incident Commander with an operational plan of action for fire suppression units in the event of fire due to a detonation, including; i. Special consideration given the location of the device and the explosive consequence to structures and the surrounding area should there be an explosion, detonation or chemical release. ii. Consideration of the location of the device in relation to the structure's fire protection systems (if applicable). d) Evaluate on-scene resources and determine additional needs based on the developed operational plan. (If a terrorist incident, the Incident Commander should consider the need for a TFS Hazardous Materials Unit at the scene). e) Designate a “TFS Base Sector” to assist maintaining on-scene resources. f) Assemble pre-plans and other tactical support information while waiting. 3.12. Repositioning of the TFS Command Post and/or staging area(s) should be considered at any time. This decision is the responsibility of the TFS Incident Commander and should be considered based upon the following: a) Feasibility b) Safety of personnel c) Proximity of apparatus d) Response capability File Code: G-BOMB Page 3 of 5  STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINE e) Additional information received from Police 3.13. Personnel shall remain in stand-by mode as per TFS operating guidelines dictate. 3.14. Once a threat has been declared a non-threat by the Police Officer in charge, all responding and staged apparatus and personnel shall be cleared from the incident. 4. Threats within City Buildings 4.1. All threats to city buildings have the potential to be real and shall be treated seriously. 4.2. Upon receipt of a bomb threat call, personnel are encouraged to ask questions of the threat-maker. Such questions include, but are not limited to the following: a) Where is the bomb? b) When is it going to explode? c) What does it look like? d) Why did you place the bomb? 4.3. Personnel shall take detailed notes on the following: a) Everything said during the conversation, and b) Detailed description of background noise, voice, accents, gender and telephone number (display or *69) 4.4. For administrative buildings, notifications shall be provided to the following: a) Corporate Security at (416) 392-6666 b) Supervisor c) Floor Fire Warden 4.5. Callers to Corporate Security shall listen carefully and follow the instructions provided. 4.6. For a bomb threat at a fire station, notifications shall be provided to the following: a) Company Officer(s) b) Fire station Duty Officer who notifies c) TFS Communications Centre that notifies d) Toronto Police Service e) On-duty Platoon Chief who notifies f) Division Commander. 4.7. Evacuation of fire stations shall be in accordance with the following: a) On site supervisory personnel advises as necessary. b) Established site evacuation procedures are in accordance with Standard Operating Guideline F-EVAC — Evacuation of Fire Station. 4.8. Under the direction and guidance of Corporate Security and/or TPS, personnel may be required to search their own work area(s) due to their personal knowledge of their work space. File Code: G-BOMB Page 4 of 5  STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINE a) Directions of on-site security and emergency personnel shall be followed. b) Personnel shall search for any item out of the ordinary. 4.9. If a device or suspicious object is discovered, observe the following: a) DO NOT TOUCH OR ATTEMPT TO MOVE IT b) Notify; i. Corporate Security at (416) 392-6666 ii. Supervisor iii. Fire Floor Warden c) Follow the instructions of on scene security/police personnel d) DO NOT assume there is only one device e) DO NOT use hand held radios or cellular telephones 4.10. Personnel should avoid panic at all times during these circumstances. ATTACHMENT(S) N/A RELATED SOGS F-EVAC — Evacuation of Fire Station G-EVID — Evidence Protection G-HAZA — Hazardous Materials Incidents – Alarm Levels G-POPT — Police (Toronto) G-VIOL — Violence Related Incidents G-WITN — Witness Statements File Code: G-BOMB Page 5 of 5