High Rise Incident Command System PDF

1/07 CHAPTER 1 HIGH RISE INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM This chapter gives a brief overview of the High Ris...

1/07 CHAPTER 1 HIGH RISE INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM This chapter gives a brief overview of the High Rise Incident Command System. More detailed information for each of the components will be offered in Chapter 3, Specific Operations. ORGANIZATION INCIDENT COMMANDER COMMAND STAFF Public Information Officer Safety Officer Liaison Officer PLANNING CHIEF OPERATIONS CHIEF LOGISTICS CHIEF RESOURCE STATUS SUPPORT BRANCH SERVICE BRANCH SITUATION STATUS LOBBY CONTROL COMMUNICATIONS TECHNICAL SPECIALIST SYSTEMS CONTROL MEDICAL UNIT DOCUMENTATION GROUND SUPPORT DEMOBILIZATION BASE SUPPLY UNIT AIR OPERATIONS AIR HELICOPTER AIR SUPPORT STAGING RECON COORDINATOR SUPERVISOR DIVISION VENTILATION DIVISION MEDICAL SALVAGE (FLOOR #) GROUP (FLOOR #) GROUP GROUP SUPERVISOR SUPERVISOR SUPERVISOR SUPERVISOR SUPERVISOR RAPID SEARCH ELEVATOR FIRE ATTACK ROOF EVACUATION INTERVENTION GROUP GROUP DIVISION GROUP GROUP 1  1/07 INCIDENT COMMANDER The Incident Commander is responsible for the management of all incident operations. The Incident Commander plans and directs the overall strategy for control of the incident and establishes the organizational elements necessary to deal with the incident. The Incident Commander may assign a Deputy Incident Commander to assist. During the initial phase of an escalating high rise incident, after the arrival and transition of command to the first arriving Assistant Chief, the first Battalion Chief may be used to assist in this capacity to assist the Incident Commander with the management on various command and tactical radio channels. The Incident Commander approves the ordering and release of resources and directs and coordinates staff activities. COMMAND STAFF Safety Officer The Safety Officer reports to the Incident Commander and is responsible for the recon and assessment of hazardous or unsafe situations such as fire behavior changes to assure personnel safety. The Safety Officer will correct unsafe acts through the regular line of authority, except that emergency authority may be exercised to stop or prevent unsafe acts when immediate action is required. The Incident Commander shall be immediately notified by the Safety Officer if any changes impact accountability or tactical operations. To accomplish this, the Safety Officer maintains awareness of active and developing situations and advises the Incident Commander and incident personnel accordingly. This officer investigates injuries/accidents to identify causes. Until a Safety Officer is assigned, the Incident Commander has the responsibility for monitoring incident safety. Assistant Safety Officers may be assigned as required and will report directly to the Incident Safety Officer. The number of personnel needed to perform the functions of the Safety Officer will depend on the complexity of the incident, the size of the building and size of the incident organization. A single Safety Officer will likely be unable to oversee all areas and perform the duties adequately. Assistant Safety Officers carry the same authority to change unsafe conditions at an incident as the Incident Safety Officer. 2  1/07 Public Information Officer The Public Information Officer provides liaison between the media and the Incident Commander, consults with the Incident Commander regarding any constraints on the release of information and prepares press briefings. Liaison Officer The Liaison Officer provides a point of contact for assisting/cooperating agencies and identifies current or potential inter-agency needs. Note: Safety Officer, Public Information Officer, and Liaison Officer can have Assistants. PLANNING SECTION CHIEF The Planning Section Chief reports to the Incident Commander. The Planning Section Chief assists the Incident Commander in planning the overall strategy for containment of the incident. The Plans Chief supervises and coordinates the activities of the Situation Status Unit (SIT/STAT), the Resource Status Unit (RE/STAT), the Documentation Unit, Technical Specialists, and the Demobilization Unit Leader. Situation/Status The Situation Status Unit creates and maintains a display of current situation status and maintains a record of command personnel. Resource/Status The Resource Status Unit creates and maintains a current roster of the companies assigned to the incident of their status. As the Incident Commander is responsible for overall personnel accountability for an incident, this unit shall initiate an accountability and inventory worksheet (F-666) at the very beginning of company deployment and shall maintain that system through completion of the incident. Documentation Unit The Documentation Unit shall be activated for major fires or unusual incidents to provide a comprehensive, chronological record of incident activities. 3  1/07 Technical Specialists Large-scale incidents may require the assignment of Technical Specialists to augment the Planning Chief's staff. These individuals would have specific technical areas of responsibility and may be LAFD members, e.g., Fire Prevention Inspector, or specialists not associated with the Department such as building engineers and building management personnel. Demobilization Unit Leader The Demobilization Unit Leader within the Planning Section is responsible for the preparation of the Demobilization Plan which includes cause determination and overhaul, and assisting the Incident Commander in ensuring that an orderly, safe, and cost effective movement of personnel and equipment is accomplished in de-escalating the incident. In addition, the Unit Leader may be assigned the responsibility for re-entry of occupants to retrieve necessary personal items, i.e., medicine, clothing, and family pets, etc. NOTE: When interacting with a Law Enforcement agency, the National Incident Management System (NIMS) allows the Planning/Intelligence position to be Established in four areas: Command Staff Officer; Section Chief under the Incident Commander; Branch Director under Operations; or a Unit/Technical Specialist under the Planning Section Chief. OPERATIONS SECTION CHIEF When implemented, the Operations Section Chief manages all tactical operations involving primary fire suppression, search, rescue, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) operations. This officer reports to and consults with the Incident Commander regarding the overall strategy and tactics to be employed. The Operations Section Chief assigns and supervises Fire Attack, Staging, Division Supervisors, Group Supervisors, Rapid Intervention, and Air Operations. The Operations Chief normally operates at the Command Post. Fire Attack Team The first company on scene shall be the Fire Attack Team. The responsibility of this team is to enter the building, determine a safe means of ascent, and locate the emergency. Once they have found the emergency, the officer MUST COMMUNICATE THE LOCATION, NATURE AND EXTENT OF THE PROBLEM TO THE INCIDENT COMMANDER. This company is also responsible to check two floors below the fire floor for the suitability for Staging. If there is an actual fire, the Fire Attack Team can then initiate fire attack. In this situation the officer now becomes a Division Supervisor and 4  1/07 remains in charge of the floor until relieved. The Officer should provide the Incident Commander with progressive reports on their location and fire conditions. The Division is identified by the floor number on which that company is operating. If the company attacks the fire on the 12th floor, that officer would be designated Division 12 until relieved. Rapid Intervention Company A company or companies designated to standby in a state of readiness to perform a rescue effort of Department members. This Officer reports to the Incident Commander/ Operations or a Rapid Intervention Group Supervisor when implemented. In high rise incidents the Rapid Intervention Company(s) is normally assembled and deployed from Staging. This will allow these companies to be deployed in a timely manner. Rapid Intervention Group Supervisor This Group Supervisor is a functional position with the responsibility for supervising one or more Rapid Intervention Company(s) assigned to standby for or perform the rescue of firefighters. Search Group Supervisor This Group Supervisor is a functional position with the responsibility for supervising companies involved in the search and rescue, and the evacuation of building occupants to the ground level. Evacuation Group Supervisor This Group Supervisor is a functional position with the responsibility of the control and safety of building occupants from the ground level to an assembly level outside of the building. This officer, through consultation with the Incident Commander (or Operations Section Chief, if implemented), and the Search Group Supervisor will implement evacuation plans and control building occupants based on the conditions on each floor and the strategic objectives of the incident. Branch Director That organizational level having functional or geographic responsibility for major parts of incident operations. The Branch level is organizationally between Section and Division/ Group in the Operations Section, and between Section and Units in the Logistics Section. Branches are identified by the use of roman numerals or by functional name, i.e., Medical, etc. Based on the need or complexity of the incident, the Incident 5  1/07 Commander/Operations Chief can implement a "Branch Director”, to more effectively manage the incident. Incident Commanders should not prematurely form Branches. Division Supervisor The Division Supervisor reports to the Incident Commander/Operations Chief and is responsible for fire suppression and rescue activities within a geographic area, usually a specific floor. (Division 15, Division 16, or Roof Division, etc.) Group Supervisor A Group Supervisor reports to the Incident Commander/Operations Chief and is responsible for the performance of a specific function, and is not limited to a geographic area. Typical functional assignments would be Ventilation Group, Salvage Group, Rapid Intervention Group, Search Group, Elevator Group, Medical Group, or Evacuation Group. Staging Manager The Staging Area Manager reports to the Incident Commander/Operations Chief. Staging is normally located two floors below the fire. This Officer maintains supplies of equipment and a reserve force at a level specified by the Incident Commander. A medical treatment/rehabilitation area shall normally be established in Staging to provide medical treatment/rehab care for incident personnel. Resources are dispatched from Staging at the direction of the Incident Commander/ Operations Chief. Anytime reserves fall below the specified level, additional resources are requested by the Staging Area Manager through the Incident Commander/Operations Chief to Logistics/Base. Necessary supplies and equipment are requested directly from Logistics/Base. It has proven effective to have Staging monitor two radio channels. One channel is assigned as a Logistical channel to order equipment and supplies and the second channel is a Tactical or Command channel to the Incident Commander/Operations for additional resources. Air Operations Branch Director The Air Operations Branch Director reports to the Incident Commander/Operations Chief and supervises and coordinates air operations as directed. The Air Operations Director is normally located on the ground in the area of the helispot. 6  1/07 Helicopter Coordinator The Helicopter Coordinator is responsible for coordinating all helicopter tactical operations at the incident. The Helicopter Coordinator is normally airborne and will be either the Chief Pilot or the Senior Pilot at the incident. Air Support Group Supervisor When extended helicopter operations are anticipated a Helicopter Support Unit will be established, and normally staffed by Helitac Personnel. The Air Support Group Supervisor will establish and maintain the helispot and coordinate overall support functions for the helicopters. This officer will report to the Air Operations Branch Director. Air Reconnaissance The Air Reconnaissance (Recon) Officer reports to the Incident Commander/Operations Chief. The position is normally assigned to a Chief Officer to provide the incident command with a continuous and accurate assessment of fire activity which is provided by airborne observation. Airborne Engine Companies Several companies have been designated and trained as Airborne Engine Companies. They are normally dispatched on all fires in High Rise Buildings. During their response, Airborne Engine Companies are designed to the Helicopter Coordinator (Helco), or the Air Operations Branch Director. Upon approval of the Incident Commander or Operations Section Chief they may be deployed on the roof of the involved High Rise Building. Once deployed, the Airborne Engine shall contact the Incident Commander for an assignment and will no longer report to Helco. LOGISTICS SECTION CHIEF The Logistics Section Chief reports to the Incident Commander. The Logistics Section Chief supervises and coordinates the activities of Lobby Control, Systems Control, Base, Ground Support, Supply Unit, Communications Unit, and Medical Unit. Requests from Staging for equipment and supplies will go through the Logistics Section Chief to Base or Ground Support. The Logistics Section Chief must also ensure that incident communications are adequate and functioning properly. The operational location of this officer will normally be near the Command Post. 7  1/07 Lobby Control The Lobby Control Officer reports to the Logistics Section Chief. This Officer is primarily responsible for notifying the Incident Commander of the number of floors in the building and that the elevators have been recalled, maintaining personnel/company accountability for all building entry and exits, accessing information from the fire control room, controlling vertical access of personnel to known safe routes, operating elevators (when determined to be safe), controlling the air handling system, pressurizing the stairwells, and coordinating the movement of supplies between Base and Staging. Note: The location and position of the elevators will dictate whether an Elevator Group is established by the Incident Commander. The Elevator Group's responsibility is to locate and search for unaccounted elevators which may contain building occupants. Systems Control Unit If needed, a Systems Control Unit can be implemented to assist Lobby Control with monitoring and maintaining the buildings built-in fire control, life safety, environmental control, communications and elevator systems. (Systems Control Unit functions may be performed in the initial stages of an incident or in simple high rise buildings by Lobby Control.) The Systems Control Officer reports to the Logistics Section Chief. The unit may respond directly to requests from the Operations Section Chief in the manual operation of the various built-in systems. If implemented, the Systems Control Unit Officer must establish and maintain close liaison with building/facility engineering staff, utility company representative(s), and other appropriate technical specialists. The number of personnel needed to perform the Systems Control Unit functions will depend on the complexity and number of built-in systems, the duration of the incident, the availability of specialists, and the performance of the systems. Ground Support Group (formally Stairwell Support) The Ground Support Group is responsible for providing transportation for personnel, equipment, and supplies; providing refilling of SCBA cylinders and maintenance of SCBAs; provide fueling, service and maintenance of vehicles and portable power equipment and tools; and implementing the ground level traffic/movement plan at the incident including marking safe access routes and zones and coordinates the transport of equipment via the stairwells. The Ground Support Group Supervisor reports to the Support Branch Director (if established) or the Logistics Section Chief. If an auxiliary water supply is required, the Ground Support Group Supervisor will coordinate and supervise this function. 8  1/07 Base Base may be established by available Engineer(s) from the first alarm assignment. In a working incident they will be augmented by an additional company(s). The member responsible for Base reports initially to the Incident Commander and then to the Logistics Chief or Support Branch Director when that position is implemented. Base shall be established a minimum of 200 feet away from the incident structure. It is the point where the primary logistical functions are coordinated and administered. The Base Area Manager designates a marshaling area for equipment being delivered to Lobby Control or Ground Support Group. The Base Area Manager maintains a reserve resource level as determined by the Incident Commander. Additional resources necessary to maintain that level are requested through Logistics to the Incident Commander. Communications Unit The Officer in charge of the Communications Unit reports to the Logistics Section Chief or the Service Branch Director (if implemented) and ensures that an effective communications system is maintained between the Incident Commander and incident personnel. This includes portable radios, spare batteries, cellular phones, and the building's sound powered system. This Officer will also coordinate communication needs with outside agencies. Medical Unit The Medical Unit is primarily responsible for the development of the Medial Emergency Plan, for providing medial aid and transportation for injured and ill incident personnel, for providing rehabilitation services for incident personnel, and for the preparation of reports and records. The Medical Unit may assist the Incident Commander or Operations in supplying medical care and transportation to civilian casualties, but this is normally limited to situations where civilian casualties are few or not anticipated. The Medical Unit reports to the Logistics Section Chief or the Service Branch Director (if established). 9  6/10 CHAPTER 2 PRIORITY DEPLOYMENT OF FIRST ALARM ASSIGNMENT The difference between a successful emergency operation which is brought to an early conclusion and one that becomes a protracted effort, often heavily taxing a department’s resources, depends greatly on actions taken by first arriving companies. Our experience has shown that initial actions at a high rise emergency must fall into a priority order if the operation is to progress smoothly to a successful conclusion. The normal first alarm assignment for a reported fire in a high rise structure is five fire companies, an airborne engine company component (task force), a basic life support (BLS) ambulance, an advanced life support ambulance (ALS), an emergency medical services battalion captain, and a battalion chief. The five fire companies will consist of two truck companies and three engine companies. These companies may arrive in task force or light force configuration. In addition, a squad company will respond on the first alarm assignment to incidents in specific first-in districts. All personnel operating at a high rise incident should have a heightened level of situational awareness due to the ancillary equipment and building systems that are contained within these structures. Pre-incident planning and fire prevention inspections are the key to understanding and locating this equipment. In addition to normal fire protection equipment, other ancillary equipment and utilities, including communication equipment, microwave towers, solar power panels, UPS battery back-up systems, building redundant power supplies, and fuel cell power supplies to name a few, can jeopardize safety to firefighters operating at these incidents. Accountability/Discipline The Incident Commander shall be responsible for the overall personnel accountability at an emergency incident. The Incident Commander shall initiate an accountability and inventory worksheet (F-666) at the very beginning of operations and shall maintain that system throughout the incident. Subordinate officers, such as Division or Group Supervisors, shall be responsible for the accountability of resources and personnel assigned to their area of responsibility. They shall maintain an ongoing awareness of the location and condition of companies assigned to their command. All members shall be responsible to follow personnel accountability system procedures. First-In Company The Officer gives a radio size-up, assumes the initial responsibility of the Incident Commander and leads the company as the Fire Attack Team into the building. Once the first-in company officer commits to a tactical objective (i.e., fire attack) and other resources arrive on scene, command of the incident should be “passed” to another on- 1  6/10 scene officer or transitioned to a higher-ranking officer. The primary responsibility of this Team is to locate and identify the emergency and determine its scope. In a high rise incident, a minimum of a four-member initial fire attack team shall ascend to the reported floor. As the team ascends to the fire floor, progressive reports as to the location and conditions should be provided to the Incident Commander. This Fire Attack Team should check conditions two floors below the reported fire floor as to ascertain if it is suitable for Staging. This information should also be transmitted to the Incident Commander. Two members of this team shall be used as fire attack while the remaining two members standby in the stairwell. In this situation, the company officer could remain in the stairwell with another standby member while two members advance a hose line into the fire floor or the company officer could be part of the two member fire attack team while the other members remain in the safe atmosphere. The Incident Commander shall provide back up for the initial fire attack team as soon as possible through the use of additional fire attack teams or companies assigned to Staging. Second-In Company This company establishes Lobby Control and the Officer becomes the Incident Commander. This is a critical assignment. Lobby Control has a significant responsibility for occupant and personnel safety because they are responsible for controlling the elevators, vertical access routes, and responsible for initially activating the building’s communication systems. Lobby Control also controls the air handling system, the initial pressurization of stairwells, and coordinates logistical support between Base and Staging. In a working incident, this responsibility will probably require the assignment of an additional company. If the incident warrants, a Systems Control Unit can be implemented to operate, support, or augment building system controls, life safety, environmental controls, communications, and elevator systems once additional companies arrive on scene. Supplying water to the building standpipe system will be the responsibility of the first arriving 200 Series Engineer, except when the first arriving and second arriving companies are single engine companies. In this case, the Engineer of the second arriving company has the responsibility for water supply. Additional Companies Staging should be established utilizing a company from the first alarm assignment consistent with strategic considerations and priorities. Staging personnel must ascend by a safe route and set up Staging, normally two floors below the fire. Staging is the assembly point where a reserve of personnel and equipment are maintained awaiting assignment within the building. Base may be established by available engineers from the first alarm assignment, or by a greater alarm company. Once Base has been established, it will be augmented at the direction of the Incident Commander. 2  6/10 The basic requirements of the Incident Command System have been met with the establishment of Fire Attack, Lobby Control, Staging and Base. Any additional resources will be assigned by the Incident Commander to supplement the system and implement incident strategy. As incidents expand beyond the first alarm assignment, the Incident Commander shall ensure the assignment or designate a Rapid Intervention component to stand by. There may be a need for more than one Rapid Intervention Company based on the size and complexity of the incident. In high rise fire incidents, a Rapid Intervention Company/Companies shall be located in, or proximity to, Staging. This will allow for a Rapid Intervention Company to be deployed in an expedient manner. PRIORITY ASSIGNMENT OF COMMAND OFFICERS In a routine high rise incident, company priorities of assignment can be implemented as described above. A command officer (Battalion Chief) arrives, relieves a subordinate officer as the Incident Commander, implements strategic objectives, and deploys resources to control the incident. In a major high rise incident involving greater alarm companies it is necessary to build and augment the basic system established by the first alarm assignment. As more resources are committed to the incident, command level responsibilities must be assigned on a priority basis to ensure a smooth and effective expansion of the incident. Based on incident determined priorities, consideration for assignment of Chief Officers: The first arriving Battalion Chief assumes the duties of Incident Commander. The second arriving Battalion Chief may be assigned as a Division Supervisor on the fire floor. The first arriving Assistant Chief will relieve the Incident Commander (first arriving Battalion Chief who should remain at the Command Post) and be utilized at the discretion of the Incident Commander (i.e., Deputy Incident Commander, Plans Chief, Operations Chief, etc.). The next arriving Battalion Chief may be assigned as the Search Group Supervisor, depending on the needs of the incident. The next arriving Battalion Chief may be assigned as the Logistics Section Chief. The next arriving Battalion Chief may be assigned as the Division Supervisor on the floor above the fire. The next arriving Battalion Chief may be assigned as the Safety Officer to provide an assessment of hazardous or unsafe situations and assure personnel safety. 3  6/10 Note: Incident development may dictate a different prioritization of assignment(s). Consider the need for a Battalion Chief as a Rapid Intervention Group Supervisor when more than one Rapid Intervention Company is assigned and an additional Battalion Chief has not been included as part of the RIC component. Additional Chief Officers may be assigned as needed by the Incident Commander/ Operations Chief. Depending on the needs of the incident, consideration should be given to the formation of an Evacuation Group, Salvage Group, Roof Division, Ventilation Group, Staging Officer, etc. 4  6/10 CHAPTER 3 SPECIFIC OPERATIONS This chapter will discuss the responsibilities of personnel assigned to implement various elements of the Incident Command System at a high rise emergency. In addition to the description of these responsibilities, some of the considerations that impact on the decisions of these individuals will be noted. INCIDENT COMMANDER INCIDENT COMMANDER COMMAND STAFF Public Information Officer Safety Officer Liaison Officer PLANNING CHIEF OPERATIONS CHIEF LOGISTICS CHIEF RESOURCE STATUS SUPPORT BRANCH SERVICE BRANCH SITUATION STATUS LOBBY CONTROL COMMUNICATIONS TECHNICAL SPECIALIST SYSTEMS CONTROL MEDICAL UNIT DOCUMENTATION GROUND SUPPORT DEMOBILIZATION BASE SUPPLY UNIT AIR OPERATIONS AIR HELICOPTER AIR SUPPORT STAGING RECON COORDINATOR SUPERVISOR DIVISION VENTILATION DIVISION MEDICAL SALVAGE (FLOOR #) GROUP (FLOOR #) GROUP GROUP SUPERVISOR SUPERVISOR SUPERVISOR SUPERVISOR SUPERVISOR RAPID SEARCH ELEVATOR FIRE ATTACK ROOF EVACUATION INTERVENTION GROUP GROUP DIVISION GROUP GROUP 1  6/10 RESPONSIBILITIES - INCIDENT COMMANDER Management of Total Incident Operations Including inside and outside the building and the entire surrounding area. Establish Command Organization As the incident expands, the organization must expand in order to effectively manage the incident. 1. For investigations or minor incidents, implementation of the command organization might be limited to a Battalion Chief, a member tracking resource status at the Command Post, a Fire Attack Team, and Lobby Control. For major incidents, the total organization would normally be implemented. Develop Preliminary Strategy 1. Determine the scope of the problem. Where is the emergency located, where is it going? In there an immediate life hazard? Is there a need to control evacuation? Does the Building Inventory Plan or private Building Plan (e.g., Massey Plans) indicate any unusual features that will assist or complicate operational or logistical planning? Will a Medical Group be required? Will an Elevator Group be required? Will a Search Group be required? 2. Remember, the lead-time necessary to get personnel and equipment in position at their assignment is the single greatest difference between controlling an incident in a high rise structure as opposed to an incident at ground level. The Incident Commander MUST plan ahead. At an actual working fire on the 21st floor of a high rise building, 36 minutes elapsed from receipt of the alarm until water was applied to the fire. This was a well fought fire and this is considered a normal time frame for a high rise incident. 2  6/10 Determine Level of Resources Needed to Implement Strategy Some important considerations are: 1. Operations Number of companies required on fire floor/floors. Plan for early relief (10 to 15 minutes) for fire control personnel. Evacuation. (Consider use of building security personnel, floor wardens, and the use of building communication systems to assist the Evacuation Group.) Search. (Consider the use of airborne companies to initiate search on upper floors.) Ventilation Dewatering Salvage Medical Designated Rapid Intervention Company/Companies 2. Logistics Number of companies needed to staff Lobby, Base, Ground Support, Communications, etc. All requests for additional resources for the incident shall be made through the Incident Commander. Utilize Building Engineer if available. 3. Outside Agencies Will the services of Police, Utility Companies, etc., be needed? 4. Command Officers Number of chief officers needed to staff the organization. Direct Activities 1. Command Post Personnel 3  6/10 Planning Section (Re/Stat, Sit/Stat, Technical Specialists, Documentation, Demobilization) Command Staff (Public Information, Safety, Liaison) 2. Operations Inform as to strategy, resources and overall responsibility. 3. Logistics Inform as to strategy, resources and overall responsibility. 4. Perimeter Control The Incident Commander must assign the responsibility for establishing and maintaining control of the safety zone around the incident building. Considerations should include the structural integrity of the building and evacuation considerations. This responsibility may be delegated to the LAPD. ESTABLISH LOCATIONS Command Post 1. A safe distance from the building; minimum 200 feet. 2. Consider the location as it relates to observation of the involved structure and control of resources entering the structure. 3. Announce the Command Post location to OCD. Base 1. A safe distance from the building (at least 200 feet) and not in proximity to the command post. 2. Consider the location as it relates to a safe corridor for personnel approaching and entering the building. 3. Announce the location of "Base" to OCD and direct that all companies report to that location. In some situations it may be helpful to specify an approach route to "Base" thus avoiding companies responding directly past the building, or through the incident operations area. 4  6/10 Staging 1. Consider input from the fire attack team who will have made an initial assessment of the staging area. 2. When the location for "Staging" is determined, normally two floors below the fire, announce its location over the fireground tactical channel. Air Operations Helispot 1. At least one-half mile from involved building. 2. Consider large, open area where noise, rotor down wash, traffic congestion and crowd control problems will be minimal. Be alert to obstructions; trees, fences, power lines, etc. 3. Normally, helicopters should remain a minimum of 500 feet from the involved building while in flight and away from the Command Post. STRATEGY 1. Consult with the Operations, Plans, Logistics and Command Staff Chiefs. Evaluate effectiveness of preliminary strategy. Modify preliminary strategy as necessary to develop overall strategy. 2. The Incident Commander must evaluate overall strategy on a continuing basis throughout the duration of the incident. Conditions will definitely change and these changes will impact strategic planning. 3. Investigation/demobilization Determine fire cause. Use Arson Section Investigators Develop and implement an overhaul plan. Develop and implement a demobilization plan. Develop safe re-entry procedures for occupants to retrieve necessary personal items or reoccupy parts of the building. 5  6/10 COMMAND STAFF INCIDENT COMMANDER COMMAND STAFF Public Information Officer Safety Officer Liaison Officer RESPONSIBILITIES Manage command staff functions of Safety, Liaison and Information. These officers report to the Incident Commander. 1. The Incident Commander assigns the Safety Officer. The Safety Officer will "recon" the incident and assess, identify, and report hazardous conditions, unsafe activities or fire behavior to the Incident Commander. The Safety Officer will correct unsafe acts through the regular line of authority, except that emergency authority may be exercised to stop or prevent unsafe acts when immediate action is required. The Incident Commander shall be immediately notified by the Safety Officer if any changes impact accountability or tactics. The Safety Officer investigates accidents occurring in the incident area and submits follow-up reports. The need, size, complexity, or duration of an incident can necessitate the need for Assistant Safety Officers. Incidents such as a high-rise fire may require additional assistance. In these cases, The Incident Safety Officer should request for the Incident Commander the need to establish Assistant Safety Officers under the direction of the Incident Safety Officer. Assistant Safety Officers can be assigned to handle scene monitoring, action planning, risk management, interior safety at a high rise incident, or serve as relief for the Safety Officer during extended incidents. 2. The Incident Commander designates a Liaison Officer*. The Liaison Officer is the point of contact for assisting agency representatives. The Liaison Officer will assess and monitor active and potential agency involvement, ensure an adequate communications capability is established and that the logistical needs of the assisting agencies are met. 6  6/10 3. The Incident Commander designates the Public Information Officer*. The Public Information Officer will be advised of any constraints on the method or content of news releases pertaining to the incident. The Public Information Officer will coordinate dissemination of information to the news media, including interviews with incident personnel. This activity is normally performed by a Department Public Information Officer (P.I.O.) Large incidents may require more than one Public Information Officer. *At the direction of the Incident Commander these officers will establish work areas accessible to, but removed from, the Command Post in order to minimize congestion in the Command Post area. Note: Safety Officer, Public Information Officer, and Liaison Officer can have Assistants. PLANNING SECTION CHIEF INCIDENT COMMANDER PLANNING CHIEF RESOURCE STATUS SITUATION STATUS DOCUMENTATION TECHNICAL SPECIALIST DEMOBILIZATION 7  6/10 RESPONSIBILITIES 1. After consultation with the Incident Commander, develops plans to support the Incident Commander's strategy, from initial implementation through demobilization. Reports to the Incident Commander. Supervises and coordinates the activities of the Resource Status Unit. This Unit, normally staffed by an assigned member, works closely with the Situation Status Unit to ensure that the status of resources committed to the incident are accurately recorded. Resource assignments should be recorded on the incident tactical worksheet’s (F-666) resource status log. Supervises and coordinates the activities of the Situation Status Unit. This Unit, normally staffed by an assigned member, maintains a diagram of the incident depicting the concerned structure, pertinent structure components, the fire location, size and the current situation. To assure accountability, the tactical worksheet (F-666) diagram should identify where specific companies are assigned, the location of divisional boundaries, the names of command officers, and a list of resources in reserve in base and staging. For major fires or unusual incidents, a Documentation Unit shall be activated to provide a comprehensive, chronological documentation regarding the incident. Documentation is necessary for administrative needs, provides accurate information for post-incident analysis, and is used during cost recovery. Supervises and coordinates the activities of technical specialists. As necessary, activates a Water Resource Specialist to assess overall water supply and recommend solutions for existing or potential water supply problems. 2. Control Resources, Maintain Records. All resources requested for the incident shall be approved by the Incident Commander and ordered through the Resource Status Unit. To assure accountability of companies, records shall be maintained of ALL resources requested and/or assigned to the incident. 8  6/10 LOCATION The Planning Section Chief manages the Command Post under the direction of the Incident Commander. This Chief assigns working locations to Command Post personnel. INVESTIGATION Coordinate with the Arson Section in determining cause. OVERHAUL Consult with the Incident Commander to determine overhaul responsibility and method. 1. Extent of Department involvement. 2. Building management responsibility. DEMOBILIZATION Consult with Incident Commander to develop overall plan for de-escalation of the Incident. All resources released from the incident shall be released by the Incident Commander through the RESOURCE/STATUS Unit. When Incident Command is transferred to another officer, overhaul and demobilization plans shall be clearly understood. This Unit Leader may be assigned the responsibility for re-entry of occupants to retrieve necessary personal items. OPERATIONS SECTION CHIEF INCIDENT COMMANDER OPERATIONS CHIEF AIR OPERATIONS STAGING AIR HELICOPTER AIR SUPPORT RECON COORDINATOR SUPERVISOR DIVISION VENTILATION DIVISION MEDICAL SALVAGE (FLOOR #) GROUP (FLOOR #) GROUP GROUP SUPERVISOR SUPERVISOR SUPERVISOR SUPERVISOR SUPERVISOR RAPID SEARCH ELEVATOR FIRE ATTACK ROOF EVACUATION INTERVENTION GROUP GROUP DIVISION GROUP GROUP 9  6/10 RESPONSIBILITIES - OPERATIONS Manage all tactical operations and maintains accountability of resources. Reports to the Incident Commander. Responsibilities includes the supervision of: 1. Fire Attack 2. Staging 3. Search/Rescue 4. Rapid Intervention 5. Air Operations 6. Medical 7. Evacuation 8. Ventilation 9. Salvage 10. Overhaul COMMAND LOCATION The Operations Section Chief will normally be located at the command post to manage the tactical operations and maintain accountability of assigned companies. If the Operations Section Chief leaves the command post for any reason, the responsibility for accountability of resources still remains with that member. For example, if poor radio communications is a problem at an incident, the movement of the command post to a better location, use of a radio relay, or a telephone/ cellular phone may be better options than the Operations Chief leaving the command post to assure company accountability. STRATEGY AND TACTICS Consult with the Incident Commander regarding broad overall strategy and implement the tactics necessary to achieve the incident objectives. 1. Determine resource commitment, including relief, needed to accomplish necessary tasks, e.g. Fire Attack Staging 10  6/10 Search Rescue Evacuation Rapid Intervention Ventilation Medical Salvage Protect elevator shafts, elevator mechanical rooms from water. Overhaul Air Operations 2. Communicate strategy and tactical assignments to subordinate officers. Direct activities and maintain accountability of subordinates. When conditions dictate, provide tactical direction to subordinates. Keep subordinates informed of changing conditions, fire behavior, spread, lapping, etc. 3. Communicate with Logistics Officer. Establish reliable means of communication: telephone, building sound powered phone system, radio tactical channel, building communication (public address) systems, building radios, messengers, etc. The logistics function supports the overall incident. The Incident Commander/Operations Chief must anticipate needs for personnel and equipment with sufficient lead time to permit Logistics to deliver the needed resources to the area of need in a timely manner. A separate tactical channel should be assigned to Logistics to allow for communication between Base, Lobby, and Stairwell Support. This channel would also allow Staging to communicate with Logistics to request equipment and supplies. 4. The Operations Section Chief shall assure the accountability of companies and personnel is maintained. 11  6/10 DIVISION/GROUP SUPERVISORS RESPONSIBILITIES Division Supervisors manage a specific Division under the Incident Commander/ Operations Chief. A Division is a specific GEOGRAPHIC area, usually one floor in a high rise incident. Group Supervisors manage a specific FUNCTION under the Incident Commander/ Operations Chief. This function may not be confined to a specific geographic area, e.g., the Ventilation Group, Elevator Group, Search Group, Rescue Group, or Salvage Group, and may be working on several floors simultaneously, or a Medical Group could be operating both inside and outside of a building. Division and Group Supervisors shall be responsible for the accountability of companies and personnel assigned to their area of responsibility. COMMAND LOCATION Division and Group Supervisors will normally be located in proximity to their area of responsibility. 1. Good communications capability is essential. Radio tactical channels, building sound powered phone system, telephone, or messengers. 2. The Incident Commander/Operations Chief and subordinate officers should be informed of the Division/Group Supervisor’s location. STRATEGY AND TACTICS Consult with the Incident Commander/Operations Chief 1. Overall Strategy 2. Specific Responsibility 3. Resources Previously Committed and Tasks Assigned 4. Status of Additional Resources Ordered Communicate Strategy and Assignments to Subordinate Officers 1. Direct Activities of Subordinates 12  6/10 2. Provide Tactical Direction to Subordinates 3. Establish Communication Methods 4. Keep Subordinates Informed of Changing Conditions Organization 1. Company officers must keep their personnel together and under their control. Company effectiveness and personnel safety will be greatly enhanced by adherence to this fundamental rule. 2. Tasks should be assigned on a company basis, and be specific as to the area and limits of responsibility. Who To Report To Where To Report When To Report 3. When tasks exceed the capability of a single company, several companies may be assigned under the command of a specific officer, with clearly defined responsibilities. 4. Division/Group Supervisors must maintain current status of resources assigned to their Command indicating status and area of responsibility. This is essential in maintaining accountability of their resources. 5. Division/Group Supervisors must coordinate the activities of their Division/Group with those of related Divisions/Groups. FIRE ATTACK RESPONSIBILITIES The first company on the scene, by the use of a safe route, shall proceed to the area where the emergency exists, assess the scope of the emergency, communicate this information to the Incident Commander, and take measures to mitigate the emergency. Once the first-in company officer commits to a tactical objective (i.e., fire attack) and other resources arrive on scene, command of the incident should be “passed” to another on-scene officer or transitioned to a higher-ranking officer. 13  6/10 A minimum four-member initial fire attack team shall ascend to the reported floor. Two members of this team shall be used as fire attack and the remaining two members shall standby in the stairwell. Upon the arrival of additional company(s) the standby members may be deployed and committed as necessary. ACTIONS Upon arrival, give size-up and order additional resources if indicated. Proceed to Lobby taking ALL company personnel, with appropriate equipment and the high rise operational packet. 1. Obtain information from security/building management. What is the nature of the emergency? Where is the emergency located? Is there an alarm system annunciator panel in the building? Are stairwell locking mechanisms “unlocked” with alarm activation? Is the building equipped with a Fire Control Room for emergency use? What is the lobby phone number? How many people are in the building at this time? (habitational vs. office building). Type of stairs? (return or scissor) 2. Obtain items from lock box, if provided. Retain one copy of the building inventory sheet and ONE SET OF KEYS. Remaining contents of lock box are to be used by the Lobby Control Officer. 3. Captain determines the means of ascent. If a stairwell is utilized, the Captain relays stairwell identification to incoming companies. The company then begins their ascent. As the Fire Attack Team ascends, the officer should periodically report conditions in the building to the Incident Commander for information purposes and to assure adequate communications are maintained. Elevators, equipped with Phases I and II Emergency Service, may be used for access to upper floors under certain conditions. When elevators are utilized, strict 14  6/10 adherence shall be followed to Department procedures and guidelines when elevators are used in a highrise building under investigation or during fire fighting operations. The Incident Commander has the ultimate responsibility to authorize (or discontinue) the use of elevators. The decision to use an elevator as a means of ascent is a critical decision the company officer will make. Under fire conditions, elevators may malfunction due to the exposure of fire, heat, smoke or water. It is imperative that the company officer has the knowledge, training, and familiarization with operating elevators in the Emergency Service (Phase II) mode in order to understand the differences from normal operations. Since various makes, models and age of elevators operate differently and may not be identical, officers should become familiar through training including pre-incident planning of specific elevators in high-rise occupancies within the respective response districts, with their controls and how to properly operate. Specific operational procedures for elevator use will be discussed in Chapter 5, “Fire Extinguishment” and Chapter 7, “Elevators.” 4. Fire Attack Team informs the Incident Commander begins ascent and shall take the following equipment. Breathing Apparatus Portable Radios Rotary Saw of Forcible Entry Tools Thermal Imaging (Infrared) Camera High Rise Hose Packs When feasible, the following additional equipment should be taken. Portable Spotlight Extra Air Bottles Portable Extinguisher (mandatory if elevators are used) 5. The Fire Attack Officer shall evaluate the two floors below the reported fire floor for its use as a staging area and communicate this information to the Incident Commander. In addition, this officer should determine the floor plan of the building. Floor layout signs in elevator lobbies can assist with determining the floor plan. If elevators are utilized as a means of ascent, they shall not be taken to a location closer than two floors below the reported fire floor or two floors below the lowest 15  6/10 indicated alarm floor location. In this situation, the Fire Attack Team will exit the elevator two floors below the reported incident floor and proceed to an appropriate stairwell. The Officer shall notify the Incident Commander of the stairwell identification being utilized for continuing aloft and conditions found. 6. The Fire Attack Team shall then locate the emergency, check for vertical extension and give a size-up. If it is a fire: What is burning? Are occupants endangered? What is the potential for vertical extension; interior and exterior? What is the potential for horizontal extension? What is the best route for resources going to Staging? What is the best route for resources going from Staging to the fire floor and above? (Is this consistent with the identification of the fire attack and evacuation stairwell?) 7. This officer now assumes the role of Division (floor number) and attacks the fire. Two members of this team shall be used as fire attack and the remaining two members shall standby, outside of the I.D.L.H. atmosphere. Upon the arrival of additional company(s) the standby members may be deployed and committed as necessary. If they cannot extinguish the fire, the Fire Attack Team must endeavor to protect the vertical openings and contain the fire until assistance arrives. If unable to effect a direct and sustainable attack, consider exposure protection and assisting with search and/or evacuation. The Division Supervisor must keep the Incident Commander informed as to progress and conditions in the fire area. Division Supervisors should attempt to maintain a sustained fire attack. They should maintain sufficient companies in the stairwell or close proximity to facilitate a rotation of companies on the fire floor. Division Supervisors should not have to wait for relief companies from staging. The Division Supervisor must project and request enough companies from staging to facilitate this rotation. 16  6/10 STAGING RESPONSIBILITIES The Staging Area Manager verifies the location of Staging with the Incident Commander. 1. Plan layout of Staging area. 2. Manage all Staging activities. Control of reserve and rehab personnel, in separate areas. Maintain separate stockpile of reserve and expended equipment. Medical treatment station/Rehabilitation area for incident personnel. Maintain complete, accurate record of resource status to assure accountability. When available, the Staging Officer should procure a building sound powered phone from Lobby. The Staging Area Manager is subordinate to the Incident Commander/Operations Chief. LOCATION The Staging Area Manager will be located in or adjacent to the Staging area to facilitate effective control of its activities. Resources should arrive at Staging via a common route. Staging personnel should be positioned to meet, check in, and direct them to the appropriate area. All stairwell access to staging must be controlled to prevent companies from bypassing staging. TACTICS Consult with the Incident Commander or the Operations Chief (when implemented) to determine resource levels to be maintained in Staging. As resources are dispatched from Staging, the Staging Area Manager will order additional resources through the Incident Commander/Operations Chief. Equipment and supplies will be ordered through the Logistics Officer to Base, preferably on a separate tactical radio channel. 17  6/10 Communications When feasible, use an additional radio tactical channel to access the logistics system. This will improve communications and effectiveness overall. Consider: Separate Tactical Frequency (if a radio channel has not been assigned, request one through the Incident Commander or the Logistics Section Chief, if established); Building Sound Powered Phone System; Building Telephone System; Messengers; Spare Batteries for Portable Radios. An effective communications link must be maintained with the Incident Commander/Operations Chief. Staging will normally be located two floors below the fire, unless it is unsuitable, e.g., two floors below the fire will be a noisy cramped machinery area, while the third floor below the fire may be vacant. (Note: Some buildings do not have a 13th floor.) If the Incident Commander/Operations Chief does not specify equipment, develop an equipment inventory and order from Logistics/Base. When ordering equipment, specify quantities. 1. Equipment to consider: Air Bottles Hose with Fittings Breathing Apparatus Smoke Ejectors Forcible Entry Tools Salvage Equipment Pike Poles Ladders 18  6/10 Resuscitators Medical Supplies Drinking Water or Fluids for rehabilitation of firefighters Spare Radio Batteries Maintain a record of equipment ordered, time ordered and delivery time to minimize duplication of equipment orders. 2. Separate equipment and store like equipment together, e.g., full bottles, empty bottles and breathing apparatus should be stored apart from each other. Make signs and tape to wall to identify different areas. 3. It is imperative that officers maintain control of their companies when assigned to rehabilitation or reserve areas. 4. Breathing apparatus will be a critical need in a working high rise fire. Provide an adequate area to function as an air cylinder exchange station. Use reserve companies to perform tasks in Staging, e.g., changing air bottles, separating arriving equipment, etc. 5. Designate specific personnel to maintain records, e.g., time and identification of companies arriving at Staging; assignment, time and identification of companies when they leave Staging. 6. Rapid Intervention Company(s) are assigned to Incident Commander/Operations but are to standby in Staging. This designated company(s) shall be suited up in a state of readiness. RAPID INTERVENTION OPERATIONS Rapid Intervention Company operations at a high rise incident will include special challenges in regards to personnel, equipment, travel time, preparation, readiness, and rescue procedures. The Rapid Intervention Company at a high-rise should involve a Light Force, Engine, or Squad and an ALS resource at a minimum. There may be a need for more than one Rapid Intervention Company based on the size and complexity of the incident. Resources assigned to Rapid Intervention will initially report to the Incident Commander/Operations Chief. As the incident escalates, the Incident Commander should expand to a task force for standby and immediate deployment, if needed, in Staging. When more than one company is assigned to rapid intervention operations, a Battalion Commander should be assigned as the Rapid Intervention Group Supervisor. 19  6/10 The Rapid Intervention Group Supervisor will be responsible for the overall firefighter rescue operation. This officer shall coordinate rescue operations throughout the incident area and monitor appropriate radio communication channels. Staging or the floor below the fire may be an appropriate location for Rapid Intervention Company(s) to locate as this will facilitate a rapid deployment to an emergency and will assist the Rapid Intervention Company(s) in locating and identifying which companies occupy the floors and stairwells. It is imperative that resource and situation status for assigned companies be accurately maintained and documented for quick reference. Consider the assignment of a Rapid Intervention Company(s) per stairwell. Also adequate reserve company(s) should be maintained in Staging in case of deployment. One of the challenges facing the assigned Rapid Intervention Company during a high rise fire will be the selection and delivery of the necessary equipment to the identified area of operation. Considerations should be given to a minimal amount of equipment to begin operations. As additional companies are assigned to the “Rapid Intervention Group” additional equipment can be requested, and delivered to Staging. 1. Special equipment considerations include: Rapid Intervention Company (RIC) SCBA Kit The RIC SCBA Kit will be assigned to all Truck Companies, Hazardous Material Squads and US&R apparatus. These kits include: a. Nylon bag with sling and carrying handles. b. 45 minute or 60 minute air cylinder. c. First stage pressure reducer with 20 feet of intermediate pressure hose. d. Second stage regulator. e. Facepiece f. 150 feet drop bag line g. Flashlight with integrated holder Thermal Imaging (Infrared) Camera Extra one-hour SCBA air bottles (maintained in a separate location from equipment cache in Staging.) Rambar, Hayward or Haligan tool Porter wire cutters Portable spotlights Drop bags 20  6/10 Chalk E.M.S. Equipment (including collapsible flat, stair chair, backboards, and gurney if feasible.) SEARCH Any successful fire suppression operation includes a concurrent search component to ensure the accountability and safety of building occupants. The establishment of a Search Group ensures and provides for a primary and secondary search for building occupants is conducted and completed. Simultaneous to fire suppression efforts, primary searches should be initiated and a systematic approach to searching all areas compromised by smoke should be immediately addressed. The Search Group should work in concert with the Evacuation Group (if or when established). The Search Group Supervisor works closely with the Evacuation Group Supervisor and manages all building occupants located above the ground floor of the involved building. Searches shall be conducted on a priority basis beginning with the fire floor and all areas above the fire. Search efforts can be extremely laborious and personnel intensive due to the area required to be covered. Even though the incident might dictate the relocation of occupants from the immediate area surrounding the fire floor to safe refuge areas, all areas above the fire floor and subsequently all areas of the building shall be searched. This includes all hallways and stairways. Attention should be given to continually monitoring stairwells, particularly the fire attack stairwell above the fire floor. Conditions in the evacuation stairwell should also be continuously monitored. Unless absolutely necessary, the stairwell door to the fire floor should not be opened into the evacuation stairwell when building occupants are present. The only exception is when it necessitates a civilian and/or firefighter rescue. The Search Group Supervisor reports to the Incident Commander or Operations Section Chief (if implemented). RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Ensure that primary and secondary searches are properly conducted, paying particular attention to stairwells. 2. Control and Coordination of resources assigned to the Search Group. 3. Determine appropriate areas of safe refuge, if appropriate. Continually monitor safe refuge areas for carbon monoxide. 4. Assess and report smoke conditions on upper floors, the potential number of occupants, and additional resources needed to complete primary and secondary searches of the building. 21  6/10 5. Remove occupants out of the fire attack stairwell to the evacuation stairwell or to an identified safe refuge area. 6. Coordinate with the Evacuation Group on the potential number of occupants requiring relocation or evacuation and the stair or stairways to be utilized. EVACUATION Evacuation of a building, in conjunction with fire suppression activities, will be a crucial and time-critical task. Evacuation should be based on the risk to the occupants. Unnecessary evacuation may hinder firefighting operations. Occupants of numerous floors may have self-initiated the evacuation process based on the buildings alarm system. This spontaneous evacuation may result in confusion, panic, and overcrowded conditions in the building’s stairwells and the lobby area negatively impacting fire attack efforts. Traditionally, occupant evacuation of the fire floor and the two floors above and below has been sufficient. However, following the events of New York’s World Trade Center, firefighters may find self-evacuation more common. Occupants directed to a safe refuge area can be relocated on a priority basis should the need arise. Thereafter, evacuation priorities are determined on specific needs of the incident and conditions within the building. The Evacuation Group Supervisor works closely with the Search Group Supervisor and manages all building occupants from the ground floor to the assembly area outside of the involved building. The Evacuation Group Supervisor reports to the Incident Commander or Operations Section Chief (if implemented). RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Management and control of all evacuation activities from the ground floor to an assembly area. 2. Determine the need for additional evacuation and develop a plan for implementation. 3. Determine the stair or stairways to be used by the occupants for evacuation. 4. Coordinate with Lobby or Systems Control in the use of the building communication system. 5. Establish a police liaison. 22  6/10 Once occupants have been evacuated, either through self-evacuation or directed by fire service personnel, Police Department assistance should be requested to assist in directing evacuees to a safe location, at a minimum 200 feet from the affected structure. AIR OPERATIONS BRANCH DIRECTOR RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Manage all helicopter activities. 2. The Air Operations Branch Director reports to the Incident Commander/Operations Chief. LOCATIONS The helispot location should be located at least one-half mile from the incident site. This will result in minimum impact on incident operations from the noise and rotor down wash from the aircraft. Normally, helicopters should remain at least 500 feet from the involved building while in flight. Air Operations should be accessible to the helispot but protected from the noise/ rotor down wash to the extent feasible. STRATEGY 1. Consult with the Incident Commander/Operations Chief about planned or potential helicopter missions. Develop a plan identifying the resources needed for the expected duration of the incident. Consider: Specialized aircraft, night sun, Infra-red (F.L.I.R.), hoist, or air ambulance. Helicopter tender apparatus, lights, fuel, etc. Helitac personnel. Relief pilots. 2. Depending on the time of year, availability, and most importantly if conditions warrant, consider the use of the Erickson Skycrane, equipped with the water cannon. The Incident Commander must utilize this option with extreme caution and with consideration to occupants and firefighting resources within the building. 23  6/10 TACTICS 1. Order resources through the Incident Commander/Operations Chief. 2. Announce helispot location to OCD and the Incident Commander. 3. Organize resources to support helicopter operations. 4. Roof operations. Airborne Engine Company personnel may be deployed to the roof. Personnel deployed to the roof needs to be coordinated and approved by the Incident Commander. 5. Use F.L.I.R. to assist in identifying occupants above the fire and for fire extension. LOGISTICS SECTION CHIEF INCIDENT COMMANDER LOGISTICS CHIEF SUPPORT BRANCH SERVICE BRANCH LOBBY CONTROL COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS CONTROL MEDICAL UNIT GROUND SUPPORT BASE SUPPLY UNIT RESPONSIBILITIES Manage the logistics function to provide resources necessary for the control of the incident. The system will consist of some, or all, of the following components. 1. Base 24  6/10 2. Lobby Control 3. Systems Control 4. Communications 5. Ground Support 6. Supply Unit 7. Medical Unit a. Rehabilitation COMMAND LOCATION The Logistics Section Chief is a critical element in the Incident Command System. This officer will typically be set up in the vicinity of the Command Post and monitors the various components of the system beginning at Base and following up at Lobby Control to ensure that adequate equipment and resources reach Staging. Subordinate officers will normally be located with their personnel in, or adjacent to, their area of responsibility. STRATEGY AND TACTICS 1. Consult with the Incident Commander regarding overall incident strategy. 2. Determine level of resources necessary for: Operations Tactical Activities Logistics System Activities Reserves Relief 3. Develop plan for implementing the Logistics system. 4. Communicate incident strategy, Logistics system plan, and assignments to subordinate officers. 5. Coordinate with the Incident Commander and the Operations Section Chief to ensure proper Logistics system performance. 25  6/10 COMMUNICATIONS Effective communications are critical to Logistics system communications. This will improve communications and effectiveness overall. Consider: 1. A separate Tactical Frequency is needed for Logistics 2. Building Sound Powered Telephone System 3. Building Telephone System 4. Messengers 5. The buildings public address system can provide one-way communication 6. Building radio system 7. Spare Batteries for Portable Radios Assess incident communication problems, implement solutions. BASE RESPONSIBILITIES 1. The Base Area Manager shall verify the location of Base with the Incident Commander (normally located 200 feet from the incident building). 2. Manage all operations at Base. The Base Officer reports to the Support Branch Director, Logistics Chief or to the Incident Commander if Logistics position has not been established. 3. Consult through Logistics to the Incident Commander to determine resource levels to be maintained at Base and what priority equipment is to be moved to Lobby Control. Additional resources are to be ordered through the Incident Commander. Normally, two companies should be kept at Base for each company held in staging. 4. Deliver equipment from Base to Lobby Control or Stairwell Support. Use Ground Support Unit personnel or companies en route to Staging to assist in the movement of priority equipment to Lobby. An important consideration is to provide drinking fluids for the rehabilitation of personnel at Staging to prevent dehydration of fire attack members. 5. Direct companies from Base to Lobby Control. 26  6/10 6. When a water supply is established via the stairwell, Base shall provide a supply line to the entrance to the stairwell. COMMAND LOCATION The Base Officer should be situated to control resources as they arrive at Base. Arriving companies must be checked in and given specific instructions as to where and how to park apparatus. Company officers shall keep their personnel together at their apparatus while awaiting assignment. The Base Officer is responsible for establishing and maintaining a security perimeter around Base and a safe corridor from Base to the entry point of the building. APPARATUS Apparatus Parking Area 1. Block streets as necessary, use DOT/LAPD to relieve LAFD personnel. 2. Control apparatus parking. Park diagonally so apparatus can be moved independently. 3. Base personnel are responsible for apparatus security. EQUIPMENT The equipment pool should be located in a secure area. 1. Consider a traffic flow that will facilitate unloading of equipment and transportation to Lobby Control. 2. Equipment should be transported on a priority basis. 3. Movement of equipment should be coordinated with Lobby Control. PERSONNEL Companies in Base shall be kept together at their apparatus under the control of their officer. Companies may be utilized to accomplish necessary tasks at Base. RECORDS Specific personnel shall be assigned to maintain records of activities at Base. Companies and equipment shall be checked in and out by time and assignment to which they are committed. 27  6/10 LOBBY CONTROL The second in company at a high rise incident is responsible for establishing Lobby Control and the Officer becomes the Incident Commander (until relieved by a higher ranking officer). Lobby Control has a significant responsibility for personnel safety because they control elevators and vertical access routes. RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Manage Lobby Control Activities Elevators - Recall and Location Verify all elevators are accounted for and returned to lobby Provide operators for elevators Stairwell Access Building Engineer Contact Activate the building communication system Air Handling System Monitor Fire Control Room or Station Ensure fire pumps are operating properly (until the establishment of the Systems Control Unit.) Priority movement of personnel and equipment between Base and Staging. Initial Pressurization of Stair Shafts Request additional resources to assist with Lobby Control 2. Inform the Incident Commander of the number of floors within the building and whether the elevators have been recalled. 3. Reports to the Logistics Section Chief or the Incident Commander if Logistics has not been established. 4. Verify water supply is established into standpipe system. 28  6/10 LOCATION The Lobby Control Officer will be located in, or adjacent to, the lobby area. TACTICS Control Fire Department personnel and civilians: 1. Entering the building. 2. Exiting the building; ensure both civilian and Fire Department traffic exits through a safe corridor and moves directly away from the building a minimum of 200 feet (use LAPD to control civilians evacuated from the building). 3. On older high rise buildings (pre-1960) that have fire escape balconies, the Incident Commander needs to inform Lobby and Staging regarding companies sent into the building by fire escapes that bypass Lobby control. NOTE: Companies utilizing exterior means of ascent still need to check in with Staging. 4. Ascending to upper floors. Designate a stairwell for Fire Department use. When the elevators are determined safe, the Lobby Control Officer shall designate specific elevators to be used and assign Fire Department operators. 5. Initial pressurization of stair shafts. The assurance of a smoke free environment within the building stairways will assist in providing a tenable environment for occupants exiting the building and firefighters ascending or operating within the stair shafts. Lobby Control shall verify that built-in stairwell pressurization features are activated in order to maintain positive pressure within the stairwell. If the building is not equipped with pressurized stair shafts, utilize smoke ejectors to pressurize the stairwells. All access stairwells should be pressurized. Obtain fire alarm information from annunciator panel or fire control room. Access lock box for building inventory plan, elevator and stairwell keys, etc. Activate the buildings communication system. Lobby Control will have the initial responsibility to evaluate and support the buildings public address system. Initial communications should attempt to control evacuation efforts and not direct occupants to evacuate until conditions are known. 29  6/10 Establish equipment stockpiling areas proximate to their anticipated route of ascent. Use companies en route to Staging or request additional assistance through the Incident Commander to assist in the movement of priority equipment. Designate personnel to maintain records; checking personnel and equipment in and out by time and destination. Coordinate with Staging and Base to determine the priority of movement of personnel and equipment. MEANS OF ASCENT Stairwells Stairwells shall be used for the initial ascent until the elevators can be verified by LAFD personnel as safe for our use. (See requirements for specific operational procedures for elevator use in Chapter 5, “Fire Extinguishment” and Chapter 7, “Elevators.”) 1. Designate stairwells for specific use. It may be desirable to designate specific stairwells for Fire Department personnel use (ground to roof access) and a secondary stairwell for movement of equipment or possible civilian evacuation. 2. Locate stairwell ground floor openings and open only as necessary. Post personnel to control entry and direct civilians exiting the building (consider using LAPD personnel for this purpose). Elevators 1. Elevators are the most effective means of transporting personnel and equipment aloft in high rise buildings. However, improper use of elevators in a fire situation can expose personnel to serious risk. Elevators SHALL NOT be used until it can be determined that the shaft is not threatened or contaminated with fire, smoke or water. 2. Lobby Control shall recall all elevators to the lobby, using the emergency service control (Phase I), and secure them at that location. Specific attention should be provided to those elevators not recalled by smoke detectors. Lobby Control shall notify the Incident Commander of the elevator status and any elevators that are not accounted for and their location. 3. The judgment whether or not the elevators are safe for personnel will rely heavily on conditions found and reports from the Fire Attack Officer. Under specific circumstances, elevators equipped with Phases I and II Emergency Service may be used for access to upper floors under certain conditions. When elevators are utilized, strict adherence shall be followed to Department procedures and guidelines when used as a means of ascent in a highrise building under investigation or during fire fighting operations. 30  6/10 4. Attempt to verify that elevator equipment rooms are free from fire, water and smoke residue. SYSTEMS CONTROL If needed, a Systems Control Unit can be implemented to relieve Lobby Control of the responsibilities associated with monitoring and maintaining the buildings built-in fire control, life safety, HVAC systems, communications and elevator systems. RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Operate, support or augment building systems as required. Identify type of built-in systems and monitor their current performance. 2. Assess current situation and request needed personnel and resources. Examine building layout, system display/control panels. Obtain briefing from currently assigned personnel and on-scene building/ facility management and engineering staff. Obtain system layout/operation documents from building inventory, private pre- fire plans, or management representatives. 3. Request response of, and make contact with, building engineer, utility representatives, elevator service personnel, appropriate fire prevention personnel, etc. In a major incident, anticipate the failure of important systems by the following actions: Request necessary technical specialists/assistance. Assign personnel with communications capability to technical specialists assigned to problem systems. Communicate and plan with Logistics Chief regarding solutions to systems failures so that plans and resource needs can be prepared. 4. Assign personnel to monitor and operate system display/control panels. 5. Evaluate the status and operation of the fire and domestic water pumps and water supply. Support or repair system as required. The Systems Control Unit monitors and supports the water supply after the meter. 31  6/10 Protect fire pumps from flooding and power loss. Investigate and remedy any failure of automatic fire suppression systems, and conditions of inadequate water pressure or volume within the building. 6. Evaluate and operate, as required (in conjunction with the Building Engineer), the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC) and the smoke removal and stairwell protection systems. (Operation or deactivation of these systems must be closely coordinated with the Operations Section to minimize smoke and fire spread and protect occupants and fire personnel.) 7. Evaluate, support and control, as needed, the building electrical system and emergency power. Building engineers and utility company personnel should be requested early in the incident to control, and restore power as required. Protect ground level and basement electrical rooms from flooding. 8. Evaluate and support, as needed, the buildings public address, telephone, emergency phone and other building communications systems. LOCATION The Systems Control Officer will be located in, or adjacent to, the buildings fire control room/area. COMMUNICATIONS RESPONSIBILITIES 1. The Communications Unit Leader shall manage on-site Communication Activities. Building Communications System 800 MHz Radio Cache (Replacement Radios and Spare Batteries) Sound Powered Systems Telephones and Cellular Phones 2. Inform Logistics Section Chief regarding the status of communications in building. 3. Create an effective Communications System between the Incident Commander and Incident personnel. 32  6/10 4. Reports to the Logistics Section Chief or the Incident Commander if Logistics has not been established. LOCATION The Unit Leader in charge of Communications will be located to facilitate communications needs. TACTICS Control and Implement the Communications System utilized by Fire Department personnel. 1. 800 MHz Radios (Replacement Radios and Batteries) 2. Telephones and Cellular Phones 3. Sound Powered Systems 4. Building Communications Systems GROUND SUPPORT UNIT RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Transport equipment via a stairwell, on a priority basis, from ground level to the Staging floor. 2. When equipment is delivered to the roof by helicopter, transport equipment via the stairwell to the Staging floor. 3. If an auxiliary water supply is required, the Officer in charge of the Ground Support Unit will coordinate and supervise this effort. Request Base to provide a supply line to the entrance of the stairwell. 4. Reports to the Support Branch Director, Logistics Section Chief or Incident Commander if Logistics position has not been established. STRATEGY AND TACTICS 1. Consult with the Logistics Section Chief and the Lobby Control Officer to determine which stairwell is to be used. 2. Determine the number of personnel necessary to accomplish the task. Consider one member per two floors and one officer per four or five members. 33  6/10 Officers must remain mobile to supervise the operation. Ground support is very demanding work and the officers must ensure a smooth flow of equipment at a pace that can be sustained. Officers must monitor their personnel closely for signs of undue fatigue or distress. If it is to be an extended operation, arrange for timely relief and rehabilitation. Consider assigning two-member teams alternating with one carrying and one resting. 3. Ground Support or Base will deliver equipment to the stairwell entrance at ground level. 4. Assign Floors Normally one member per two floors, e.g., one member picks equipment up at ground floor entrance to stairwell and carries it to the third floor landing. Member then returns to ground floor for another load. Member at third floor carries the equipment to the fifth floor landing then returns to the third floor for another load. This process continues until the equipment is delivered to the Staging floor hallway. Moving the equipment beyond that point is the responsibility of the Staging Officer. If the route involves unusual problems, long hallways, etc., supervising officers shall adjust assignments. 5. Equipment Ground Support personnel shall have their personal safety equipment, turnouts, helmets, breathing apparatus, and spotlights available to them in the stairwell. In addition, officers will have their portable radios and building sound powered phones. MEDICAL UNIT LEADER The Medical Unit Leader is primarily responsible for the development of the medical emergency plan, for providing medical aid and transportation for injured and ill incident personnel, for providing rehabilitation services for incident personnel, and for the preparation of reports and records. The Medical Unit Leader reports to the Service Branch Director (if established) or the Logistics Section Chief. The Medical Unit may assist the Incident Commander/Operations in supplying medical care and transportation to civilian casualties, but this is normally limited to situations where civilian casualties are few or not anticipated. 34  6/10 RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Identify the location of fire operations, Staging Area, Base, and approved usable stairwells. Determine which, if any, elevators are approved for use. 2. Assess current situation and request necessary resources. Evaluate current fire conditions and building layout with reference to injury potential and medical evacuation limitations. Identify number of personnel needed to staff medical aid stations in Staging. Determine number of rescue ambulances needed to standby. 3. Establish aid stations, arrange equipment, transportation and assign personnel. 4. Assign personnel and equipment to rehabilitation locations as directed or required. Designate and staff a medical treatment/rehabilitation area in Staging. 5. Coordinate plans and activities with the Operations Section Medical Branch or Group. 35  1/07 CHAPTER 4 SEARCH/EVACUATION Over the last few years several disastrous fires have occurred in high rise buildings. These fires, some of which have occurred in relatively new and ostensibly state-of-the- art buildings, have resulted in a large loss of human life. Whether accidental in nature or the result of a terrorist act, occupants of high rise occupancies must be carefully managed during a fire situation. Life hazard to occupants will vary greatly with the type of occupancy as well as the location and extent of the fire. Evacuation of a building can prove to be a monumental and complex task requiring the commitment of a large amount of resources. Gaining control of stairwells during a spontaneous evacuation may require a considerable amount of time, personnel, and may negatively impact access by fire attack teams to the fire location. It should go without saying that the Incident Commander at a high rise incident is faced with more complex operational priorities such as life safety, extinguishment, and property conservation than those in smaller structures. Considerations including occupant safety, personnel safety, personnel accountability, fire confinement, and evacuation are all of paramount importance. Evacuation of a high rise, or the management of building occupants during a spontaneous evacuation, can be one of the top priorities in effectively managing and controlling a high rise emergency. Evacuation of a high rise can be one of the biggest challenges facing the fire service today in controlling a high rise fire emergency. We must be prepared to control panic and safely manage the evacuation of occupants from high rise occupancies. This Chapter will provide an orientation into the pertinent codes, policies and procedures that contribute to effective management of building occupants during a high rise fire emergency. High Rise Occupancy Type High rise buildings designed for human occupancy are of two basic types, either residential or commercial. Residential high rise buildings may be hotels, apartment houses, condominiums, hospitals or care facilities. These occupancies are generally characterized by center hall corridors, numerous interior compartments, and 24-hour occupancy. Commercial high rise buildings are characterized by center core construction, circuit corridors around the core, and relatively larger, more open spaces. Human population density is usually greater in commercial buildings than residential buildings, with the greatest concentrations during business hours. 1  1/07 Building Features and Systems For our purposes, a high rise building is defined as a building which is over 75' in height, measured from ground level access to the floor level of the highest floor intended for occupant use. High rise buildings in the City of Los Angeles have a number of design features which will assist us in protecting and, when necessary, evacuating occupa