202.002b - Residential Structures, Garage.pdf

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES TACTICAL OPERATIONS 202.002b RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES, GARAGE EFFECTIVE: APRIL 2017 PURPOSE To establish a standard and consistent method for the Fresno Fire Department to combat residential garage fires. APPLICATION All operational units responding to a reported struct...

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES TACTICAL OPERATIONS 202.002b RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES, GARAGE EFFECTIVE: APRIL 2017 PURPOSE To establish a standard and consistent method for the Fresno Fire Department to combat residential garage fires. APPLICATION All operational units responding to a reported structure fire will apply the following definitions, policies, and guidelines when a garage is found to be involved with fire. DEFINITIONS Attached Garage Typically consists of a large enclosed storage space, a large roll-up or tilt-up door to the exterior, and/or a window, and may also include an exterior access door and a doorway which opens into the home. Detached Garage A parking structure whose exterior walls are surrounded by open space and are not attached to the residence. OPERATIONAL POLICIES 1. During active fire conditions inside a garage, NO personnel shall be on the roof over the garage performing any tasks. 2. During active fire conditions inside a garage, NO personnel shall enter the interior space of the garage unless there is a confirmed rescue. EXCEPTION: If it can be confirmed that an attached residential garage has been converted to a living space with interior walls, and structural roof members have been protected (addition of sheetrock), the garage may be Section 202.002b Page 1 of 2 considered as a living space for the purposes of search and ventilation. COMMON HAZARDS 1. Fire load including flammable liquids and hazardous materials. 2. Structural considerations, which may include large spans, overhead storage, and unprotected structural members. 3. Increased risk of catastrophic collapse when exposed to fire. OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES 1. Tactical priorities for first alarm companies are proper placement of initial hand lines to prevent fire extension into the residence; safety of crewmembers performing interior search; and rapid extinguishment of the fire within the garage. 2. The priorities above should be accomplished by placing a minimum of two (2) hand lines into service. 3. Deploy one (1) attack line to the exterior of the garage and one (1) attack line to the interior of the home to check for extension. 4. Priority should be given to opening the overhead door in conjunction with fire attack. 5. If during size up, the officer determines the fire has extended into the home, the primary attack line should be stretched to the interior. An additional line should then be stretched to the exterior of the garage either to the overhead garage door, exterior access door, or exterior window to extinguish the garage. The preferred access would be from the overhead door. Communication and coordination with the interior companies is crucial during this type of attack. • When the garage is determined to be structurally sound, the IC may authorize crews to advance to the interior to conduct search and overhaul operations. • If during the size up process it is determined that the structural members are protected and not involved with fire, then entry may be approved by the IC. Section 202.002b Page 2 of 2 • If during the size up process it is determined that the garage has been converted to living quarters, and the interior walls are present, entry may be approved by the IC. • Entry for fires not involving the structure (i.e., vehicle fire inside the garage may be approved by the IC). • Consideration may be given to use of a master stream to cool the garage fire and prevent extension into the residence. Section 202.002b Page 2 of 2