Single Story Residential Operating Guidelines PDF

OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES FOR A SINGLE STORY RESIDENTIAL These structures are usually one or two stories in height and are of wood frame or Concrete Block & Stucco (CBS) construction. Usually the only fire protection devices found in these structures are smoke detectors. PUMPERS The Company Officer wil...

OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES FOR A SINGLE STORY RESIDENTIAL These structures are usually one or two stories in height and are of wood frame or Concrete Block & Stucco (CBS) construction. Usually the only fire protection devices found in these structures are smoke detectors. PUMPERS The Company Officer will need to consider: 1. Fire lines - these structures usually require a 1¾” jumpline to extinguish. Consideration should be given to back-up lines. 2. Type of attack - offensive vs. defensive. These structures are usually offensive but consideration needs to be given to exposures and previous exposure to fire. a. A defensive mode may be considered if the structure is abandoned and has been exposed to repeated fires over time, keeping in mind, however, that many of these abandoned structures may be occupied by homeless individuals and still need to be searched. AERIAL/QUINTS With these structures, the Company Officer will need to consider the following: 1. 2. 3. 4. Life Safety - time of day, age of residents, and residents condition (i.e., invalid) Ventilation - usually horizontal with electric and/or gas powered fans Forcible Entry - locked doors and doors/windows with iron bars Lights - for search and rescue, overhaul, outside of structure during nighttime operations, etc. RESCUES With these structures usually being small, one Rescue will probably be committed to patient care, standby and/or medical rehabilitation (Rehab), while the other is involved in fire fighting. The Incident Commander (IC) shall be advised of assignments or commitments prior to their arrival. Members of Rescue companies should dress out in full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and await assignment, since it is easier to undress if not needed for firefighting operations. DISTRICT CHIEFS With these fires usually being isolated to a single structure and controlled by the initial dispatch, the District Chief on arrival will assume command and direct operations while considering the following: 1. Life Safety assessment is performed and occupants accounted for (primary and secondary searches). 2. Exposures are protected. 3. Hazards - personnel are made aware of any hazards and they are eliminated as soon as possible (i.e.: shutting gas off, switching circuit breakers off, downed power lines, etc.). a. If hazards cannot be eliminated, area where hazard exist should be cordoned off and guarded. 4. Attack lines are being used properly (i.e., not having opposing lines during an inside attack, not having outside lines attacking the fire while personnel are inside attacking the fire, etc.). 5. Assign a Safety Officer. Edited: 1/14/09 6. 7. 8. 9. Rehab is established for personnel. Police for street blockage and crowd control. Initial Rapid Intervention Team (IRIT)/Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) is standing by. PASSPORT Accountability System in place. SPECIFIC PROBLEMS WITH THIS TYPE OF STRUCTURE With these types of structures there are potential problems that could occur that the responding units need to be aware of. Listed below are some of these problems: 1. Attics - If extension does occur, they are extinguished by: • pulling ceiling down with pike poles and extinguishing with hand lines. This is usually the method of choice because it allows for a visual check of the attic, and it limits water damage. • piercing nozzles (ceiling will still need to be pulled down to verify) • ventilation (usually this is not necessary, but should be considered) NOTE: Ventilation is usually not necessary, but should be considered 2. Extension in walls. 3. Exposure protection - since these structures are usually built close to one another and because of the construction material, they are very susceptible to smoke, heat, and flame damage, especially if they are located down wind. If this situation exists: • a good aggressive attack on the involved structure may eliminate the exposure problem. • doors and windows facing the burning structure should be closed to prevent smoke and water damage. • continuously wetting down exposures with a 1¾” line is usually sufficient protection from heat and flames. 4. Iron bars - as a result of the high crime rate, numerous residential buildings have installed iron bars on their windows and doors. There are 3 major problems with these iron bars: • they make entry difficult • residents could be trapped inside and they make escape for Fire Fighters difficult • delays ventilation and forcible entry NOTE: These bars can be removed by cutting them off with a K-12 or knocked off with a sledgehammer. 5. Utilities - the concern is electrical and gas. Electrical problems occur because wire is exposed when walls or ceilings collapse, fixtures fall, and insulation to the wire is burned off. Also, power lines may have fallen because of being burned off at the weather head. Circuit breakers should be turned off and FPL requested to disconnect power at the pole. Gas (natural or LPG) leaks may occur because of faulty appliances, defective lines or connections. The gas should be turned off at the meter or tank and the gas company notified. Edited: 1/14/09