San Antonio Fire Department Response to Civil Demonstrations or Civil Unrest PDF

SAN ANTONIO FIRE DEPARTMENT Effective Date 8-24-2020 RESPONSE TO CIVIL DEMONSTRATIONS OR CIVIL UNREST Policy# 2008...

SAN ANTONIO FIRE DEPARTMENT Effective Date 8-24-2020 RESPONSE TO CIVIL DEMONSTRATIONS OR CIVIL UNREST Policy# 2008 Review Date Approved by: Assistant Chief Brian O’Neill 3-6-2026 Reviewed by: Assistant Chief Michael Stringfellow PURPOSE: To provide a guide for Fire Department activities during civil unrest including riots, civil disturbances or related hostile and violent encounters that will result in a prompt and coordinated action while providing proper liaison between fire and law enforcement (LE) in accordance with (City/County) Emergency Operations Plan. DEFINITIONS: PHASES OF CIVIL UNREST DEMONSTRATION/ PROTEST A demonstration or protest is a legal public assembly of persons exhibiting sympathy with, or opposition to, a political, legal, economic, or social condition or movement. A demonstration/protest may become illegal and dangerous when it includes active resistance and civil disobedience as a deliberate violation of law. CIVIL DISTURBANCE A civil disturbance is any breach of the peace by a significant number of people assembled in one area or the gathering of an unruly mob. This may include any situation which, in the opinion of the onsite law enforcement commander, could develop into a riot. CIVIL UNREST/ RIOT A riot is civil unrest/disorder wherein crowds display a propensity for violence by setting fires, vandalizing, looting, attacking civilians, firefighters or law enforcement, or engaging in other violent acts. Frequently, such actions will not stop without the intervention of law enforcement personnel. SAFETY ZONES An essential element when responding to civil unrest is the establishment of Safety Zones. Safety Zones are usually dynamic in nature in which personnel looting and rioting seldom stay in the same place for a prolonged amount of time. Safety Zones are implemented for the safety of our first responders and the public and should specify the following: Who is authorized to work in each of the established zones. The type of operations that will occur in each zone. The degree of hazard at each zone. The three Safety zones are: HOT ZONE - Unstable, potentially unsafe given observed protest/riot conditions & actions. SAN ANTONIO FIRE DEPARTMENT Page 2 of 8 Response to Civil Demonstrations or Civil Unrest #2008 o A Hot Zone (or exclusion zone) is the area of civil unrest or riot as designated by the on-scene law enforcement commander, in which civilian vehicle access is denied, and fire department vehicles will not enter unless accompanied by law enforcement escorts. When possible, the hot zone will be designated by perimeter streets. WARM ZONE – An area, in the current state, that is relatively safe for emergency responder operations, with observable indicators that suggest that instability could ensue. COLD ZONE – Safe Area with little likelihood of unrest FUSION CENTER Fusion Centers focus on coordination and collaboration with different agencies at different levels of government to provide a better strategic picture of current events and threats to the region. The Fusion Center is the point where representatives from the emergency response agencies involved will establish a Unified Area Command Post and implement operations to mitigate the event. Personnel reporting to the Fusion Center from the Fire Department will be the On-duty FSC, On-duty MSC, Fire Communications personnel, and the Arson/Fusion Division Chief. EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER The emergency operations center is the point where Elected Officials, Public Safety and City Leadership meet to coordinate Contingency of Operations Plan to support jurisdiction-wide mitigation and recovery efforts. TASK FORCE A task force is a unified group of apparatus and personnel assembled in response to a civil unrest/riot condition. A Fire Task Force will consist of 2 Engines, 1 Ladder, and 1 Battalion Chief w/aide. A Medical Task Force will consist of 1 Medic Unit, 1 Engine, and 1 MOF. Law enforcement protection will be added to these Task Forces during times of Civil Disturbance or Civil Unrest. A task force responds as a single unit, operates as a unified team, and shall not be separated when deployed during a civil unrest event while inside the established perimeter. PROCEDURES: NOTIFICATIONS Field Units – Commanding Officers/Acting Officers confronted with a demonstration in their first due area will immediately notify Communications so that other units may avoid the area of the demonstration. Notification should include the exact location, crowd size, and general conditions observed. On-duty Communications Supervisor– When notified by field units of demonstration conditions will contact law enforcement in order to confirm the incident and apprise him/her of the demonstration. If confirmed or notified first by law enforcement, the SAN ANTONIO FIRE DEPARTMENT Page 3 of 8 Response to Civil Demonstrations or Civil Unrest #2008 Communications Supervisor will make the appropriate administrative and operational notifications. DEMONSTRATIONS RESPONSIBILITY Companies responding to assignments in the area of a demonstration are to avoid the affected area as much as possible. Companies responding to assignments at the location of a demonstration are to: Ensure that the scene is secure by contacting the identified SAPD supervisor on the established radio frequency prior to entering the identified area of response. Shut off lights and sirens at least three blocks from the scene. Use all normal precautions Meet with the LE Supervisor on the scene, or if a rallying point has been determined, proceed to that location to meet with LE. Assess the need for additional assistance Leave promptly after service is rendered CIVIL DISTURBANCES AND CIVIL UNREST/RIOT RESPONSIBILITY Fire Shift Commander/Medic Shift Commander – Upon receipt of confirmation of a civil disturbance from Communications: Continuously monitor the situation by obtaining updated reports on conditions from Communications Request the appropriate resources to establish a Unified Area Command at the Fusion Center Assign a Battalion Chief and a MOF to proceed to any law enforcement assembly/organization locations (branches) if established, meet with the law enforcement Supervisor and conduct an on-scene assessment of conditions and FD needs. Assess the needs for MSOU for SAPD operations Gather RTF equipment for use on Task Force units Make the appropriate notifications to stations in or around the affected area Begin to assemble the necessary number of units for Task Forces based on the situation. Stage Task Forces at SAFD locations close to the hot zone, but not in the hot zone. Relocation of personnel and apparatus from a station in the immediate area of the civil disturbance to another station if necessary. SAN ANTONIO FIRE DEPARTMENT Page 4 of 8 Response to Civil Demonstrations or Civil Unrest #2008 Battalion Chiefs / Medic Officers – Upon receipt and confirmation of a civil disturbance, civil unrest, or riot situation, the Battalion Chief / Medical Officer will: Be responsible for seeing that all orders relative to this procedure are carried out in their respective Battalions. Ensure that companies on radio and not engaged in emergency activities return to their respective stations. Notify the officers of all companies under their command of the location of the disturbance area, as well as nature and conditions. Periodic updates should be provided as they become available. If assigned by the Unified Command, respond to the Law Enforcement (LE) Command Post and conduct an on-scene assessment of conditions including the following. o Ascertain the location of the Forward or Incident Command Post from Unified Command and proceed, out of service, to that location. o Meet with the on-scene LE Commander and determine the following. ▪ The LE evaluation of the situation, including the current level of response by LE. ▪ The assistance required from the FD, including the need to assign a Medic unit to the Command Post. Company Officers and EMS Personnel - Upon notification of a civil disturbance by any official departmental authority, Company Officers and EMS Personnel will ensure compliance with the following directives. If the station is in the area of the disturbance, fire station doors will be closed and members will remain inside. The station should be secured to prevent unauthorized entry. When riding in the apparatus or in service on an assignment within the affected area, all personnel will wear all protective clothing with turnout coats fully closed. Apparatus drivers are exempt from wearing gloves and boots. EMS personnel will don RTF gear provided. All members are to ride in the cab or crew cab with windows closed. Keep Communications informed of any witnessed changes in conditions related to the disturbance. WARNING LIGHTS, SIRENS AND AIR HORNS WILL NOT BE USED IN THE AFFECTED AREA. Position apparatus at intersections whenever possible to affect a rapid exit, if necessary. Use caution and common sense to avoid increasing tensions. Avoid hostile verbal exchanges, gestures, brandishing firefighting tools in an aggressive manner or physical contact. Complete the assignment, if possible, and leave the scene. THE USE OF WATER LINES OR TOOLS FOR CROWD CONTROL IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN. CROWD CONTROL IS A LE FUNCTION. SAN ANTONIO FIRE DEPARTMENT Page 5 of 8 Response to Civil Demonstrations or Civil Unrest #2008 If, in the Officer’s opinion, conditions present an unreasonable risk to the safety of members or safe operations, leave the area immediately by the most expedient route and notify Communications of the same. Units should not be left unattended. If, however, the Officer determines it is necessary to abandon the unit for safety, try and turn the in-service switch and engine off prior to abandonment. RESPONSE CONSIDERATIONS The severity of the situation, as well as the area affected may vary significantly. Personnel must be flexible in their response to the conditions presented by such events. Communication will establish a hot zone in the CAD. However, in a fluid situation, units should monitor radio channels and read the notes on the MDT for guidance. Unified Area Command will have LE investigate and verify the need for Fire and EMS responses in the affected area BEFORE the commitment of FD units. Assignment of LE escorts and stay with all FD units for all Fire and EMS responses in the affected area. SAFD Units responding around the affected area will follow the route instructions on the MDT. This will prevent units from driving through the hot zone. Protestors and Rioters often block streets and intersections. Communications is monitoring these developments and using that information to route around the obstructions. SAFD units will be dispatched as a Task Force and will respond to a rallying point to assemble with PD units to provide force protection for incidents in the hot zone. This communication may happen by phone with dispatchers providing a route to the responding Task Force. All patients inside the hot zone will be considered “load and go”. Units should exit the hot zone as soon as possible. Further treatment can happen outside the hot zone and during the movement of the unit. At no time should SAFD personnel enter a hostile crowd. FIREGROUND OPERATIONS The first priority at an emergency scene is life safety, including the safety of firefighters. During fire ground operations, the perimeter should be secured by LE officers prior to initiating firefighting operations. Only connect to hydrants in the secured area. The Task Force Commander will position the apparatus and determine which tactics will be used. Master streams and exterior hand lines are preferred to control the fire in a defensive mode. Control and containment are the primary objectives. Laddering and/or roof operations should only be undertaken if necessary for rescue of known occupants in imminent threat of injury or death. Apparatus should be positioned in a manner to allow for rapid evacuation. If ordered to evacuate, personnel should make an effort to get nozzles and equipment back on the SAN ANTONIO FIRE DEPARTMENT Page 6 of 8 Response to Civil Demonstrations or Civil Unrest #2008 apparatus and shut down the hydrant if possible to do so safely. If it is not possible, then companies should leave hose and other equipment on the scene. The task force must remain intact. EMS OPERATIONS EMS calls in the hot zone may be a result of injuries from civil unrest activities, but can also be individuals with illnesses or needs separate and apart from the unrest. Task force units remain together throughout an EMS response. LE personnel should bring the patient to a casualty collection point for medical care. If this cannot be done and it is absolutely necessary to enter the crowd, with approval of Unified Area Command, a Rescue Task Force (RTF) should be assembled from the task force units and operate the same as in Active Shooter response with adequate LE personnel. Once a patient/victim is extracted and prepared for transport, all task force units go with the ambulance. Upon completion of the transport, the EMS and LE units will return to the staging area and regroup with the rest of their task force. ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS A riot condition presents extreme hazards to firefighting personnel. The potential dangers may include the usual hazards of fire duty plus the threat of physical injury from a variety of weapons, such as rocks, bottles, and firearms. Ballistic vests, when issued or supplied to SAFD members, will be worn under bunker gear by all members if possible. Store a tarp and CO2 of Dry Chemical extinguisher in the cab of the apparatus to protect firefighters from thrown rocks, bottles, or fire bombs. CO2 EXTINGUISHER IS NOT TO BE USED TO SPRAY PROTESTORS. (CO2 works by removing oxygen so be prepared to don SCBA if a window isn’t already broken by the Molotov cocktail.) Fire Shift Commanders should make the decision to discontinue the use of squads during the time of unrest or through the remaining of the shift. Once the decision to discontinue the use of squads has been communicated, Company Officers will not be able to down grade a run to the squad. Incident Commanders should assemble their personnel and pass on all relevant information including the type of tactical operations that will be used on the scene SAFD units will not commit to any fire attack until the Incident Commander has assessed the situation and determined an appropriate strategy and the safety of the location. Incident Commanders will also determine if and when units withdraw due to deteriorating conditions. Based on previous civil unrest/riot history, the number of fires could be very high. The most effective tactical considerations may include the following actions. o Unless a life hazard is present an exterior attack using master streams from deck guns may be most effective. No interior firefighting should be SAN ANTONIO FIRE DEPARTMENT Page 7 of 8 Response to Civil Demonstrations or Civil Unrest #2008 undertaken unless necessary for rescue of known occupants in imminent threat of injury or death. Master streams and a quick knock down should be the preferred strategy. o Depending on the number of fires in an area, fires that present no exposure hazard should be left to burn. o Depending on the number of fires in an area, units should respond only to structure fires. Autos and rubbish, unless creating an imminent exposure threat, should be by-passed. o Depending on the number of fires in an area, no overhauling should be attempted after the fire is knocked down. While this may present the possibility of a re-kindle, the strategy is to protect exposures, knock down the fire, and move on. o If it becomes necessary to abandon an apparatus, the apparatus radio microphone should be removed and the apparatus immobilized, if possible. o If multiple alarms are required in the hot zone, additional companies will respond to a rallying point for LE escort and force protection. o Consider the fatigue factor for personnel operating within the perimeter of the hot zone. Emotions will be highly charged. Command should monitor the physical and mental status of response personnel and provide relief companies as deemed appropriate. ABANDONING FIRE STATIONS During a large scale disorder or riot, it may become necessary to temporarily abandon fire stations due to safety considerations, especially in the hot zone. If the safety of firefighters and equipment cannot be assured within the confines of a fire station, then the ranking officer at that location has the authority to remove the company from the area. This decision may also be made at the Unified Area Command Post by the Fire Shift Commander after consultation with LE. Companies abandoning a station will notify Communications and their Battalion Chief of their actions and proceed to the closest fire station in a safe area. NOTE: This section does not pertain to a company that has been relocated and combined with other units to form a Task Force unless that company commander has explicitly been ordered to “abandon the station.” Company officers, when ordered to abandon their station, will carry out the following actions. Take all portable radios and battery chargers with them. Take any cellular phones and battery chargers. Take all SCBA cylinders (bottles) on board the apparatus. Take Commanding Officers Journal, Company logbook and Company run book. SAN ANTONIO FIRE DEPARTMENT Page 8 of 8 Response to Civil Demonstrations or Civil Unrest #2008 Take bunker gear of all on-duty members. Lock all doors, windows, lockers (including the medical supply cabinets if possible) and the parking lot gate (if applicable) Secure and lock the station. All members are to leave on FD apparatus when abandoning a station. Personal vehicles should be stored in a locked parking area, if available. If the station has no secure parking, then personal vehicles may be moved inside to the apparatus floor before leaving. Provision should be made for the removal of personal vehicles to a safe location at the earliest convenience depending on conditions. NOTE: UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES IS ANY MEMBER TO REMAIN BEHIND WHEN A STATION IS ABANDONED. ADDITIONAL FORCE PROTECTION MEASURES: The fire department incident commander shall stage all fire department resources in a safe area until the law enforcement agency has secured the scene. When violence occurs after emergency operations have been initiated, the fire department incident commander shall either secure immediate law enforcement agency protection or shall withdraw all fire department members to a safe staging area. Apparatus should never be left unattended in a hot zone. Personnel remaining with the apparatus should be at a minimum paired. Drivers should not be left alone with the apparatus. All responding apparatus should be positioned for quick exit/retreat. Firefighters and paramedics are strictly prohibited from carrying firearms or other weapons on the apparatus. Should firefighters or paramedics be attacked, any means necessary should be used for self-defense. Self-defense measures should be limited to those necessary to disengage and retreat. If units are leaving a scene under hostile circumstances a PAR should be conducted by the Officer prior to leaving the scene and again when in a safe location. The PAR should be reported over the radio when safe.