Buffalo Fire Department Operations Manual - Common Fireground Guidelines PDF

BUFFALO FIRE DEPARTMENT UNIT #3 OPERATIONS MANUAL PAGE #12 COMMON FIREGROUND GUIDELINES 3.2.0 GENERAL FIREFIGHTING - COMMON GUIDELINES ALL UNITS - First at the Fire Scene...

BUFFALO FIRE DEPARTMENT UNIT #3 OPERATIONS MANUAL PAGE #12 COMMON FIREGROUND GUIDELINES 3.2.0 GENERAL FIREFIGHTING - COMMON GUIDELINES ALL UNITS - First at the Fire Scene The first unit (Engine, Truck, or Chief) on the scene at an emergency incident has the same initial responsibilities. Your first actions could determine whether or not the outcome of the emergency is successful. I. INITIAL RESPONSIBILITY OF THE FIRST ARRIVING UNIT IS: CONDUCT A SIZE UP This is a fact finding mission where the officer gathers as much information concerning the incident. Generally such aspects as building type, size, construction, area, conditions present (smoke, fire – size, amount, etc) are just a few of the things a first arriving officer must recognize. DETERMINE AN ACTION PLAN After gathering incident information, the officer will determine a course of action. Remember the welfare of your members is your first concern while determining your actions. Most fires are handled through the LOCATE - CONFINE – EXTINGUISH standard with life (FF. and civilians) safety of paramount concern. GIVE AN ADEQUATE RADIO REPORT A brief description of what he/she sees while conducting the size up and what the initial action will be. Include any requests for additional resources to assist. Remember to be as accurate as you can be without going overboard with the “details”. (See Lesson #21 BFD Training Manual. ASSUME COMMAND The first unit to arrive at any incident shall take command of the scene. The company officer in his/her initial radio report shall designate an incident I.D. (street / facility name plus the term “Command” on all broadcasts. This officer will continue to use this designation until relieved of command duties or the incident is terminated (see Unit #1 BFD Ops.) “Engine 3 is on location at 123 Oak, nothing showing, - investigating, Engine 3 will be Oak Command” Rev. 1/19  BUFFALO FIRE DEPARTMENT UNIT #3 OPERATIONS MANUAL PAGE #13 COMMON FIREGROUND GUIDELINES II. FIRST ENGINE ON LOCATION The responsibility of the first pumper on the scene is to try to contain the fire. Whether it is an aggressive interior attack or a defensive position, the main objective is to try to cut off the fire and then extinguish it. Sometimes your goal might be to keep the fire in the room of origin, cutting the fire off from the upper floors by protecting the stairs as a truck crew searches for victims. At other times laying off A “252” which consists of a 5” feed line and 2 - 2 ½” hand lines for protecting the exposures might be your initial objective. It all depends on the situation. Remember, locate. confine, and extinguish would be the basis of your operation while still maintaining safe operation for your crew. Flexibility and good judgment are key to a successful, safe firefight. Some of the important factors the first Engine Officer must take into account are: A. APPARATUS PLACEMENT Offensive interior Attack  Initial apparatus placement should leave room for incoming truck apparatus  Positioning rig take 3 sided view  Watch for obstructions, (wires, fire out of windows etc.)  Check for hydrants – a nearby hydrant can be utilized if you still can reach all parts of the structure without adding additional hose (direct feed)  One or two lengths of 5” hose will easily take advantage of a close hydrant  Let other companies know that you have a hydrant (via radio). It will be the second in pumpers responsibility to hook you up to the hydrant (direct feed). Defensive exterior Attack:  If conditions dictate a defensive attack, drop a “252”, 1 -5” and 2-2 ½” hose lines and proceed to the nearest hydrant.  Position hand lines to adequately cover exposures (lay in enough hose).  Driver will charge pump panel side line first with booster tank water while hook-up member is hooking up to the hydrant. Once hydrant water is established the second 2 ½” line can be charged. Place the pump panel side line at the most advantageous spot.  The 5” line will be used to feed either a pumper or aerial. This is at the Chiefs discretion. Note 1 – The advantage of using 2 – 2½” lines vs 1 – 1¾”. The 1¾” line may be more versatile then a 2½” but the flow rate is almost half. If you are deciding to go defensive upon arrival dropping a “252” will put you at a better advantage of controlling the fire and keeping it out of the exposures. Remember confining the fire first is the main objective before extinguishment. The only delay putting the “252” into operation compared to a 1¾” is the travel time to the hydrant. The big advantage is you will have almost four times the amount of water and a continual water source. Flow rates (minimum suggested flow rates) 1¾” lines 150 – 185 gpm. 2½” lines 250 -325 gpm. Rev. 1/19  BUFFALO FIRE DEPARTMENT UNIT #3 OPERATIONS MANUAL PAGE #14 COMMON FIREGROUND GUIDELINES Note 2 - It is a poor practice to stay at the scene and work a 2½” line off your Booster tank to cover exposures, you will shortly run out of water and cause a delay in establishing a continuous water supply to the fire. Occasionally a deck gun could be employed to knock down a fire but only when a Feed pumper is ready and in position to supply a feed and the I.C. authorizes the Action. B. HOSE LINE SELECTION *No breaking of 1 ¾” pre-connected hand lines ** Pre-connected hand lines shall be loaded on the pumpers as follows: 1st Crosslay – four (4) Lengths of 1 ¾” 2nd Crosslay – five (5) Lengths of 1 ¾” Rear pre-connect – must have six (6) pre-connected 1 ¾’ lengths. No Exceptions. - For pumpers with Three (3) crosslays, the third crosslay will have six (6) 1 ¾” lengths. - Proper amount of hose to reach your goal Four lengths for the first floor Five lengths for the second floor Six lengths for the attic - Interior hose use - 4 lengths minimum - Exterior 2½” hose - must reach around the building * * Fires in high-rise, commercial structures, etc. – utilize 2½” hose C. Line Placement - If rescue is in need, take the first line to protect members conducting the search / cover victims escape route. - Make a direct attack on the seat of the fire and extinguish it. - Front door/side door entry point, which route would most advantageous action plan. - Use the first line to protect most endangered exposures from an exterior defensive position. - Fan out line to open up kinks - Take only enough line into the structure to adequately reach the fire, leave the remaining hose outside fanned and ready to advance. Rev. 1/19  BUFFALO FIRE DEPARTMENT UNIT #3 OPERATIONS MANUAL PAGE #15 COMMON FIREGROUND GUIDELINES D. Crew Responsibility 1. (Interior Line) - Try to locate the staircase that runs from the Basement to the Attic and deploy from there. “Gain control of the staircase, gain control of the building.” - Officer determines which length line to stretch and entry point. Assists attack member with stretch. Backs up attack member. -Attack member takes nozzle, three folds, proceeds to point of entry. - Hook-up removes remaining hose from bed and fans out. Constantly advancing hose line,checking for kinks and pinch points. - Driver verifies all hose is out of bed before charging, charges hose, checks hose for kinks. The sole responsibility of this crew is to stretch, charge and maintain the first in line until the second in pumper establishes the feed. 2. “252” Exposure lines w/ feed line - Officer determines which exposure to protect with first water, this will be the drivers side 2 ½”. Pulls off enough 2 ½” to reach the rear of the structure. Generally two lengths. -Attack pulls off the other 2 ½” to cover the 2nd exposure, taking enough off to reach the rear of the structure. - Hook-up member pulls off 5” line and returns to cab. - Attack member will secure 5” line as Officer instructs driver to proceed to the hydrant. - After hydrant is spotted the Driver will break the driver side 2 ½” and charge it with tank water. Once the Hook-up member has established the hydrant the Driver will charge the Second 2 ½” line. The 5” line will then be hooked up but not charged until ordered by a Chief Officer. Hook-up member will then return to the scene and report to their Officer. E. Booster Tank - When operating off the booster tank on interior attack, remember you only have a limited supply of water, so do not charge multiple lines until a feed is established. - Don’t use just booster tank water when covering exposures with a 2½” line unless a hydrant is about to be hooked up, your water will be quickly exhausted and cause a serious delay in exposure protection - When you use your booster tank, make sure you refill it as you’re getting a feed just in case of an emergency with the supply line. III. SECOND ENGINE ON LOCATION Unless you are notified otherwise, your primary responsibility is to provide a continuous water supply to the scene. ( i.e. supply 1st pumper). The following are general supply tactics that may be employed to achieve adequate water to the scene. A. The standard supply requirements should be 1 – 2 ½” hose + 1 – 5” hose (“52 lay”). -Officer will stretch 2 ½” line to the driver’s side of the attack pumper, remove nozzle and attach to pump panel side intake. -Attack member stretches the 5” feed line to the Attack pumpers 5” Intake and connects it. Rev. 1/19  BUFFALO FIRE DEPARTMENT UNIT #3 OPERATIONS MANUAL PAGE #16 COMMON FIREGROUND GUIDELINES Once these tasks are complete the Feed Pumper Officer will have a face to face with the Attack Pumper driver to inform them that the feed lines are hooked-up and the gates are closed. -The hook-up member will proceed to the hydrant, assist the driver in spotting the hydrant, Flush hydrant and connect suction hose. Open hydrant when driver is ready for water. -Driver after putting pumper in pump will hook-up the 2 ½” feed line to a discharge and give tank water to the attack pumper without radio communications. Immediately charge the 5” Supply line as soon as the Hydrant has been established. Advise the attack pumper they now have hydrant water. There is no need for radio communications when supplying a feed. The feed pumper does not need to ask if the attack pumper is ready for water, it only needs to advise them when they are on hydrant water. **A Chief Officer is the only one that can hold up the 5” feed. ** B. A 100’ length of 5” supply line may be directly attached from the attack pumper to the hydrant, if feasible. It is the 2nd in pumpers responsibility to handle this duty. The 2nd in pumper will back into position if needed for additional water supply. Driver and Hook-up member will report to the attack pumper. They will establish the hydrant for the attack pumper. The Officer and Attack member of the 2nd in pumper will start stretching a backup line. Once hydrant water is established the Hook-up member will Join up with the Officer and Attack member and assist them in stretching the backup line. Driver of the 2nd in pumper will report back to their apparatus and await further orders. SECOND IN ENGINE GUIDELINES: 1. Unless you are certain that you can drive by the scene to the hydrant, you should back down to the scene. While backing down members of the crew shall guide the driver, watching for obstructions, hydrant locations, etc. Note: To insure that you can quickly get back to the hydrant, you may have to wait for other apparatus (Chief’s rig, Truck Co.) to get down the street before you back down. 2. Initial 2 ½”feed line (first line with water sent to attack pumper) is placed pump panel to pump panel. This procedure insures uniformity throughout the city. Once completed report for orders from the I.C. (generally second 1¾” hose line is stretched by this crew) 3. The feed pumper will initially send the attack pumper booster tank water as the hydrant is being connected. If at any time the hydrant is inoperable or the feed pumper can not supply the incident with water, the driver of the feed pumper must immediately notify the I.C. with this information and await further orders. Do not move off the hydrant without first contacting the I.C. 4. Do not block intersections with the pumper, this can usually be accomplished using the side suction. If you lay 5” hose across busy intersections, you must put cones down to try to protect hose from civilian cars driving over charged lines. (Notify Dispatch for Police) Rev. 1/19 BUFFALO FIRE DEPARTMENT UNIT #3 OPERATIONS MANUAL PAGE #17 COMMON FIREGROUND GUIDELINES IV. THIRD ENGINE ON LOCATION The role of the third Engine arriving to the incident is flexible. If you were not given specific orders enroute, monitor the radio and consider the following: A. Position your apparatus so it is ready to establish a secondary water source with a minimal amount of delay. Do not take the 2nd Engine’s hydrant. B. Consider responding from around the block if possible. You may have to be utilized for a second source of water and you will be well situated. When possible try to take a hydrant on a different main, preferably on the largest main. C. Report to I.C. for orders. V. UNIVERSAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR ENGINES 1. If at all possible, pull past the fire building. This not only gives you a three side view of the incident, but it keeps the front of the building open for the placement of aerial equipment and keeps the area clear for unrestricted fire operations. 2. When hooking up to the hydrant, spot apparatus as close to the curb as possible. Do not block the street or intersection when using front suction. To maximize water availability front or side suction must have no restrictions (kinks). 3. Front suction vs. side suction: Remember that while the front suction may be a little faster and easier, side suction will deliver more water. First water to the incident (i.e. attack lines, initial supply line) should be the quickest possible. While secondary sources of water (i.e. master streams should come from maximum water supply (no kinks, side suction) when ever possible. 4. If you have a choice of hydrants, hook up to the largest capacity. Basic preplanning of your districts and current hydrant maps will indicate which are the best water source. - White top hydrant Larger then 12” main - Blue top hydrant 10” – 12” main - Red top hydrant Less then 10” main 5. Try not to connect the hydrant on the same water main, this is especially found on side streets. Same main hook ups steal water from other units using the main. Best choice is to head out to a main street or use an alternate main. 6. If you are responding to a multiple alarm or as extra equipment, remain uncommitted. Report to the I.C. with your crew (Engine driver always stays with rig – except as F.A.S.T.) When your apparatus is ordered to “stage,” stay with the rig until directed. Rev. 1/19  BUFFALO FIRE DEPARTMENT UNIT #3 OPERATIONS MANUAL PAGE #18 COMMON FIREGROUND GUIDELINES 7. Pump Pressures: - Preset is 160 psi. This is for charging hand lines not for feeding other pumpers or aerials. - An attack pumper and an aerial with a pump should try and maintain 50 psi incoming Pressure. - Minimum Intake pressure is 10 psi, 20 psi if in a relay situation. - Aerials without a pump should get 160 psi at the base (intake) of the aerial. If you do not have enough incoming pressure check with the feed pumper to see if they can boost the pressure. If the feed pumper is unable to boost the pressure the Chief Officer will be notified of the low water pressure situation immediately. 8. Anytime an apparatus has received a feed whether at a fire or during training the Intake Suction screen should be inspected for any debris. 9. If in a relay situation, up to 2100’ of 5” hose can be fed between pumpers. Each pumper is to carry 700’ of 5” hose on its back bed. A Pumper will have 100’, 50’, and 25’ rolls of spare 5” hose in a compartment. 10. Officer of every engine will report to the scene with TIC VI. FIRST LADDER COMPANY ON LOCATION A. Spotting Apparatus: - position apparatus to allow for close proximity of tool, ground ladders, etc - spot rig advantageous to permit utilizing its aerial for access to roof, upper stories (i.e. rescue work, ladder pipe use, so forth). B. Tool Assignment - Tool assignment will reflect duties assigned - Tool assignment should also be specialized for type of structure – i.e. frame vs. masonry - All truck officers will insure thermal imaging camera (T.I.C.) is deployed to all structure fire. Truck Co. Tool Assignments: Wood Frame Commercial Structures a. Officer Halligan / TIC Halligan / TIC b. Forcible Entry (behind officer) Maul Maul, Water Can c. Tillerman (behind driver) Pike axe Maul d. Driver 6’ Hook 6’ Hook & Rabbit Tool GUIDELINES: Crew Assignment: - frame building assignments (1.5 & 2.5 frame) and some smaller apartment fires, the first in Truck company may split into two teams (both radio equipped). One team “inside” consisting of the Officer and Forcible Entry, the other “outside” team made up of the Driver and Tillerman. Rev. 1/19 BUFFALO FIRE DEPARTMENT UNIT #3 OPERATIONS MANUAL PAGE #19 COMMON FIREGROUND GUIDELINES Inside Team: - Carries unit designation, Ex: “Ladder 11” - Assignment as directed by the I.C. - Assist Engine Co. with forcible entry - Assist in stretching hose line when necessary - In all cases conduct primary search for victims and fire extension in the most active area, expanding as needed. - Conduct basic recon – search for fire extension in walls, ceilings, etc. - Secure route to fire area for handling - Establish interior communication with the I.C. – relay info on conditions found, resources required, structural status, etc. - Interior ventilation as needed - General overhaul/ salvage duties - Officer to continuously check with outside crew - Check floor below obvious fire location (i.e. basement) for fire (maybe origin) - General firefighting duties as prescribed by the I.C. Outside Team: - Carries unit’s Alpha designation, Ex: “Ladder11 Alpha” - Assignment as directed by the I.C. - Assist with forcible entry (secondary access points) open board-ups - Conduct outside check for victims (jumpers) - Place ground ladder to the front of the building - Conduct horizontal ventilation that is most appropriate for fire attack* * must be coordinated with Engine Co. (charged hose line in place) - Report exterior safety issues: wires down, exposure problems, structural aspects, etc to I.C. - Keep in communication with company officer – i.e. your location and status (tasks) - Re-group with inside crew when appropriate - General firefighting duties as prescribed by the I.C. *Commercial Structures, high–rise, large apartment fires, etc. dictate that the crew stay together. Although many of the tactics may be the same, the assignments become more difficult and complicated i.e. difficult forcible entry tasks, more risky searches (large areas, complicated search areas filled with stock. etc.) VII. SECOND LADDER COMPANY ON LOCATION - Position apparatus in a non committed area if possible - don’t block hydrants or access for pumpers laying off hose. - Report to the I.C. as one team (face to face) - Report with proper tool selection for the assignment Rev. 1/19 BUFFALO FIRE DEPARTMENT UNIT #3 OPERATIONS MANUAL PAGE #20 COMMON FIREGROUND GUIDELINES Crew Assignment - If roof ventilation is necessary, it’s this crews #1 priority. - Additional forcible entry requirements, incl. more formidable access points (steel doors) ring nailed board-ups, etc. - Supplement ventilation needs: * expanding horizontal ventilation when appropriate * vertical ventilation of roof (primary ventilation assignment when required - Check exposures for extension - Check for hidden fire – in walls, ceiling - General overhaul / salvage duties when required - Check utilities VIII. UNIVERSAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR LADDER COMPANIES  Report to the I.C. for orders  Apparatus placement for aerial work must be initially considered  Flat roof operations especially on apartments building (opening bulk head doors)  Should be an essential part of truck co. size -up  If aerial is to be used a member must be at turntable, pump panel (if pumps used)  Thermal imaging camera will be deployed at all structure fires.  Use locator phrase to track position in structure.  Report to I.C. / Accountability any change in floor level within a structure.  Report in/out of structure through Command Post / Accountability Officer.  Keep crew intact, Officer is to know where each member of crew is at all times.  Additional incoming truck companies (extra, multiple alarms) shall stage and wait for orders.  General tool selection must reflect assignment and type of structure especially in non- frame buildings, i.e. rabbit tool, mauls, halligan. Master Streams – will not be charged without the approval of the I.C. Apparatus set up and feed lines can be put in place but in the interest of safety, final orders to charge the Ladder Pipe must come from the I.C. Rev. 1/19 BUFFALO FIRE DEPARTMENT UNIT #3 OPERATIONS MANUAL PAGE #21 COMMON FIREGROUND GUIDELINES IX. Rescue Company The duties of the Rescue Co. must be flexible, due to the driving distance and arrival time at scene, assignments may vary. Crew might take initial / second truck duties if they arrive at the scene before assigned companies. Apparatus should be positioned so as to not get blocked in. If a call comes in, they may respond if released by the I.C.  Report to the I.C. for orders  Assist as required with:  Forcible entry (heavier duties  Saws, hydraulic, etc)  Ventilation needs  Search & rescue activities (generally above the fire area)  Overhaul, salvage as needed  Recon any areas of fire building or exposures  Crew may split into two crews when needed, when splitting into two crews they X. Command Officers Command Officers have a responsibility to control the emergency scene so as to protect the members of the Department engaged at the incident. Firefighter safety will always be the number one priority. - First chief on scene (usually Battalion Chief - B.C.) conduct 360 size up to gather info - De-brief with current I.C. (Company Officer) face to face or via radio (or B.C. / D.C.) - Initiate / assume the “Command” position until relieved or incident is terminated - Formulate action plan and the tactical assignments to accomplish overall goals - Request additional resources required – release un-needed units - Correct, redirect, initiate, re-evaluate, any activity on the scene which will accomplish - Command and control fireground activities - Give appropriate radio reports and updates - Insure that incident safety issues are addressed - i.e. accountability, scene safety, etc. - Assign additional Command positions to fill incident management needs i.e. divisions, groups etc - Assume/pass Command to other individuals when required (Division, Deputies, C-1) changes in Command should be announced by Dispatch - Continue in the Command position until relieved, passed down, or incident is terminated. Rev. 1/19 BUFFALO FIRE DEPARTMENT UNIT #3 OPERATIONS MANUAL PAGE #22 COMMON FIREGROUND GUIDELINES 3.2.1 THERMAL IMAGING CAMERA (TIC) 3.2.2 PURPOSE: The purpose of this guideline is to identify the tactical deployment of Thermal Imaging Cameras in the Buffalo Fire Department (aka TIC’s). 3.2.3 BACKGROUND: All Buffalo Fire Companies have been assigned a Thermal Imaging Camera. This piece of equipment identifies, translates, and communicates what it sees into an image we would not normally be able to “see” due to obstructions such as smoke or extreme darkness. It can be used for any number of situations, from gathering valuable information during size-up, to searching for victims that are trapped within a burning structure. The TIC is now in reach of every crew in the BFD and has the potential to enhance our Department's ability to better protect our members and better serve the Citizens of Buffalo. 3.2.4 PRIMARY APPLICATION: The principal use of the Thermal Imaging Camera in the Buffalo Fire Department will be for firefighting duties. The use of a camera during a search and rescue mission could prove to be valuable as it could reduce the exposure time a firefighter faces when using conventional search techniques. The TIC will also be used for fire recon undertakings and tracking fire extension and hot spots. By rapidly locating the fire, crews will be able to enhance firefighter safety by better determining tactical priorities (i.e. line placement, overhaul requirements) of fire control and the protection of our members. The thermal imaging camera may also be used to locate man-traps or determine structural concerns within the building crews are working in. Crews will be able to locate holes in floors, missing stairs, and other structural conditions that could prove to be safety issues during firefighting operations. 3.2.5 SECONDARY APPLICATIONS The TIC can be used to find sources of heat while tracking odors of smoke and electrical problems. There is a potential use for a TIC on virtually every call.  Can be used in Tower Ladder bucket to see through heavy smoke.  Hazardous Material incidents to determine liquid levels in drums and tanks as well as identifying the presence of a spill on top of a body of water.  Thermal Imaging Cameras may also be utilized for assisting in exterior victim searches.  Locating downed wires at structure fires and motor vehicle accidents.  Locating a person on the surface of water in extreme darkness.  The TIC can be used during MVA response to check for heat signatures left in a vehicle by victims that either left the scene (walking wounded) or were ejected. Rev. 1/19 BUFFALO FIRE DEPARTMENT UNIT #3 OPERATIONS MANUAL PAGE #23 COMMON FIREGROUND GUIDELINES V. DEPLOYMENT LADDER COMPANIES All Ladder Company Officers shall deploy or assign a member to deploy the TIC at all structure fires for recon, search and rescue efforts, structural reference or any other application deemed necessary by the I.C. The Crew member assigned to the TIC must be radio equipped so that any vital information can be relayed to the Company Officer or the I.C. ROOF OPERATIONS: Although deployment of the TIC will not be required during roof ops, there may be times when a TIC can be used to an advantage on a roof for fire location or to find existing holes or venting locations on a flat roof under heavy smoke conditions. ENGINE COMPANIES All Engine Company Officers shall deploy the TIC as a regular part of their firefighting arsenal. It should be used whenever possible to determine where the fire is or is not, extent of fire travel or any structural issues that may otherwise go unnoticed.  Exterior view- prior to entry into the structure, the Officer can possibly pinpoint fire location as well as extent of travel and involvement of exposures.  Interior view- the TIC can be used as an aid to “SEE” a quick route to the fire’s point of origin. The Engine Officer can also track deteriorating conditions as the camera will detect rapid increases in temperature, thermal movements, and secondary fires to name just a few. F.A.S.T. COMPANIES All F.A.S.T. company officers shall deploy, or assign a F.A.S.T. member to deploy, the TIC upon arrival to the incident scene. This deployment may provide the Incident Commander with valuable information and assist in determining an action plan and related strategies. The use of a TIC from the exterior may give advance indication of the location of the fire especially in large, complex or multi-story structures. The assigned F.A.S.T. member, if possible, should complete a (360 degree) “walk around” of the involved building and relay any pertinent information to the I.C. At this time the F.A.S.T. member should also make note of any unusual conditions, points of ingress/egress, dangerous conditions and possible ground ladder locations for firefighter escape should a F.A.S.T. activation become necessary. Rev. 1/19