Spring Fire Department Policies & Procedures PDF

Manual Name: Spring Fire Department Policies & Procedures Document Title: Operating at Structure Fire Incidents Chief’s Signature Document Number: SFD.015 Date: 03/02/17 Revision Number: 00 PURPOSE The purpose of this guideline is to provide guidance, knowledge, skills, abilities, and equipment to...

Manual Name: Spring Fire Department Policies & Procedures Document Title: Operating at Structure Fire Incidents Chief’s Signature Document Number: SFD.015 Date: 03/02/17 Revision Number: 00 PURPOSE The purpose of this guideline is to provide guidance, knowledge, skills, abilities, and equipment to perform when operating at structure fire incidents. SCOPE This guideline applies to all department personnel. Deviations from this guideline may be made when the IC determines a different course of action is needed to mitigate the incident. This guideline will address fire incidents involving structures less than four stories or 75 feet in height. For structures that exceed four stories or 75 feet please refer to SFD.052 (Fires in High Rise Buildings). RESPONSIBILITY All Spring Fire Department personnel are responsible for knowing and complying with this procedure. REVIEW The Fire Chief or designee is responsible for reviewing this guideline annually and assuring its accuracy. DEFINTIONS/REFERENCES Bi-directional flow: The movement of the products of combustion through an opening, categorized by the heat and smoke exiting from the upper portion of the opening and inward rushing air through the lower portion, below the neutral plane. CAN Report: The firefighter will report the conditions they have, the actions they are currently taking, and the needs they have from their position to mitigate the emergency. Defensive Mode: Operation initiated when the risk vs. benefit analysis determines that offensive operations are not suitable for safe interior operations due to structural instability, inadequate resources, volume of fire present upon arrival and/or conditions that do not allow quick mitigation of the incident. All crews shall operate outside of the collapse zone. Flow Path: The movement of heat and fire gases from an area of high pressure toward an area of low pressure through openings such as doors, windows, hallways, and roof openings. Firefighters must learn to identify the flow paths as there can be multiple flow paths inside a structure. A firefighter puts themselves at extreme risk when they decide to operate within the flow path. Incident Commander (IC): Individual who is responsible for the management of all incident operations. Page 1 of 8 Manual Name: Spring Fire Department Policies & Procedures Document Title: Operating at Structure Fire Incidents Document Number: SFD.015 Date: 03/02/17 Revision Number: 00 Offensive Mode: Operation that takes direct action to mitigate the emergency. Attack lines are operated within the hazard zone, usually in an interior position. Transitional attack is in the offensive mode. On-Deck Company(ies): On-deck is an assignment given by the IC to an available crew for the assignment of: relieving existing working crews, RIT, reinforce existing positions within the attack position, or to cover another position within the attack position. The on-deck crew must position themselves in the warm zone and be prepared for any of the above listed assignments. The first on-deck crew is primarily the RIT, until they are assigned into the hazard zone. Neutral Plane: The intersection of bi-directional flow, occurring at a door or window of a structure, where the products of combustion can be witnessed exiting through the top of the opening while fresh air entrains at the bottom. Transitional Attack (resetting the fire): Attack method where the first arriving unit determines an exterior knock down on the fire issuing from an opening will be needed to rapidly reduce the thermal threat in the interior of the structure, and cool the environment for occupants and firefighters. The transitional attack is still considered in the offensive mode since firefighters will be moving into the interior of the structure to complete the extinguishment process. Unidirectional Flow: The exhaust portion of a structure fire characterized by the products of combustion filling the entire opening and exiting the structure in a single outward direction. The fire and/or products of combustion are moving unobstructed from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure and exhausting through the opening. It is important to understand that if you witness unidirectional flow, air is entering the structure through another opening. Ventilation: The controlled and coordinated removal of heat and smoke from a structure, replacing the exhausting heated fire gases with fresh air. Ventilation creates a bi-directional flow allowing the heat and smoke to exit at the highest point. When this occurs, additional air will entrain from the lowest point and can lead to rapid fire growth without immediate application of water. When ventilation is coordinated, and controlled, it can lead to quicker extinguishment and can limit fire spread. OPERATIONS: Tactical Priorities: 1. Life safety (Firefighter & Civilian) 2. Incident stabilization 3. Property conservation First Arriving Apparatus 1. Size up the incident: a. Evaluate fire conditions and provide initial radio report: i. Building description (size, height, occupancy type) ii. Visible conditions (nothing showing, light smoke, working fire, defensive fire). Page 2 of 8 Manual Name: Spring Fire Department Policies & Procedures Document Title: Operating at Structure Fire Incidents Document Number: SFD.015 Date: 03/02/17 Revision Number: 00 2. 3. 4. 5. iii. Initial incident action plan (IAP) (task, location, and objective(s)). iv. Declaration of strategy (Investigative Mode, Offensive Mode, Defensive Mode). v. Assume and name incident command (IC). b. Conduct 360° assessment of building. If not possible, delegate an individual or other resources to view parts of the structure not seen. A 360° assessment is a mandatory requirement, and shall include the following: i. Identify known rescue or potential known rescue problems. ii. Identify flow path locations or potential flow path locations. If one is visible consider closing doors and windows to limit air flow. iii. Locate the fire and its extent. Consider use of a thermal imaging camera for assistance in locating the fire. iv. Determine building size, age, and construction type. On large open span construction, the IC must consider truss construction, and take that into consideration when determining the mode of operation. v. Assess structural stability. vi. Identify any other additional hazards (exposures, powerlines, etc.) vii. Consider securing utilities during the 360° assessment. c. 360° follow up radio report: i. Results of 360° assessment. Include any pertinent information concerning hazards, obstacles, location, and extent of the fire. ii. Any changes to IAP. iii. First arriving apparatus geographical location (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta). If the first arriving apparatus is an engine company, they shall position the apparatus with consideration in leaving room for an aerial device in front of the structure, i.e. pull past structure or stop short. Deploy appropriate attack line(s) of sufficient size to control the fire. Ensure an un-interrupted water supply is established. If in an area without hydrants, consider apparatus placement for arriving tanker apparatus. If first arriving apparatus is a non-suppression unit they are still responsible for completing: a. Size up, including initial radio report. b. 360° assessment. c. 360° follow up report. d. Apparatus placement instructions. First Arriving Aerial Apparatus: 1. Position apparatus in most advantageous location for aerial operations, (scrub area, multiple sides of building access, aerial operations, aerial rescue, etc.). 2. Unless otherwise instructed, perform truck company operations: a. Search and rescue b. Ventilation c. Forcible entry d. Laddering the structure for ingress and egress e. Salvage Page 3 of 8 Manual Name: Spring Fire Department Policies & Procedures Document Title: Operating at Structure Fire Incidents Document Number: SFD.015 Date: 03/02/17 Revision Number: 00 f. Overhaul g. Elevated streams h. Lighting i. Utility control 3. Prepare apparatus for aerial operations (engage aerial master PTO, outriggers deployed, etc.). First Arriving Chief Officer: 1. Contact IC if command is already established. Consider command transfer if IC is operating in the hazard zone. 2. Conduct a size up of the incident and 360° assessment. 3. Establish electronic accountability. Transfer of Command: When the situation warrants a higher-ranking officer to assume command of an incident or a transfer of command is needed, the preferred method is a “face to face” conversation between the person being relieved and the person now assuming IC. Radio transfer is acceptable, but both parties must ensure all information is transferred and received. This is required to ensure all pertinent details regarding the incident are communicated. Once this communication is completed, the person assuming IC shall notify the dispatcher of the change in IC. The following steps must be accomplished: 1. Verify operating crew’s positions match current conditions. 2. Announce you are on scene. 3. Contact IC. 4. Verify the position of all units operating in the hazard zone. 5. Confirm the transfer of command, strategy, and resources. 6. Obtain a condition, actions, needs (CAN) report from the current IC. 7. Reassign previous IC to a most appropriate task (return to crew or division officer, etc.). Additional Engine Companies: 1. Level one stage and prepare to provide a 5” supply line from a water supply directly into 1st in apparatus. 2. If a water supply is already established, locate secondary water supply. 3. Assist first in engine company apparatus operator with establishing un-interrupted water supply. 4. Additional apparatus operators if not committed to pump operations, shall report to command post to assist IC. 5. Any other assignment given by the IC. Additional Aerial Apparatus: 1. Level one stage until instructions are given. 2. When given an assignment, position apparatus in most advantageous location for aerial operations. (Scrub area, multiple sides of building access, aerial operations, aerial rescue, etc.). If not instructed where to position, consider a location opposite from already operating aerial apparatus. Having aerial apparatus positioned in multiple Page 4 of 8 Manual Name: Spring Fire Department Policies & Procedures Document Title: Operating at Structure Fire Incidents Document Number: SFD.015 Date: 03/02/17 Revision Number: 00 divisions will allow the IC to accomplish critical objectives simultaneously, as well as give the IC an option for a division officer if not already assigned. 3. Prepare to perform truck company operations that the first arriving aerial has not accomplished yet: a. Search and rescue b. Ventilation c. Forcible entry d. Laddering the structure for ingress and egress e. Salvage f. Overhaul g. Elevated streams h. Lighting i. Utility control 4. Prepare apparatus for aerial operations (engage aerial master PTO, outriggers deployed, etc.). Rapid Intervention Team 1. First On-deck company assigned by command shall assume the duties and responsibilities of the rapid intervention team. 2. Rapid Intervention Teams (RIT) shall be assigned by IC as soon as feasible following the entry of personnel into the designated hot zone. RITs shall be comprised of at least three firefighters and shall immediately establish an area to accumulate all necessary equipment including a RIT bag, exit locator light, and other items deemed necessary. 3. All RIT operations shall be in accordance with SFD.030 (Rapid Intervention Teams) which covers this topic in its entirety. Specialty Apparatus: Additional Chief Officers: 1. Division officer. 2. Group supervisor. 3. Accountability officer. 4. Command aide. 5. Any other tasks assigned by IC. Rescue: 1. Level one stage until instructions are given. 2. Park as close as possible to scene so that cascading SCBA bottles can be performed with a quick turnaround. 3. Rescue apparatus operators shall remain with their own apparatus unless instructed otherwise by the IC. 4. Park apparatus in a position that will not block access to the incident location. 5. Personnel should prepare to team up with any working company assigned on the fireground. Page 5 of 8 Manual Name: Spring Fire Department Policies & Procedures Document Title: Operating at Structure Fire Incidents Document Number: SFD.015 Date: 03/02/17 Revision Number: 00 Tanker: 1. Level one stage until instructions are given. 2. Locate quickest route from incident to fill site for replenishing water supply. 3. Set up dump tank(s) and dump water, then go to closest water supply to fill and return if instructed. 4. Assist first in engine company apparatus operator with establishing uninterrupted water supply if one is available. 5. Park apparatus in a position that will not block access to the incident location. 6. Personnel should prepare to team up with any working company assigned on the fireground. Booster / Other department units: 1. Level one stage until instructions are given. 2. Park apparatus in a position that will not block access to the incident location. 3. Personnel should prepare to team up with any working company assigned on the fireground. Personal Operating Vehicles (POV): 1. Park vehicle in a position that will not block access to the incident location. 2. Personnel should report to personnel resource if established, and prepare to team up with any working company assigned on the fireground. TACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS: Rescue: The potential to affect a rescue can happen at any time during the incident. Firefighters should be prepared to search for, rescue and provide care for occupants at any time. A realistic victim survivability profile must be made prior to initiating search and rescue operations. Protection of life is the highest tactical priority. The IC should take into consideration that fire suppression might be the best course of action to improve survivability of victims and firefighters. By reducing the thermal threat, and limiting the growth of the fire, the IC can give extended time to affect a rescue. Transitional Attack (resetting the fire): This attack method has been proven as a method to rapidly reduce the thermal threat in the interior of the structure and cool the environment for occupants and firefighters. Even though this method is not required on every structure fire, it should be taken into consideration prior to entry. This can be done prior to initiating interior operations, helping to reduce, and in some cases, eliminate, the incidence of rollover and flashover. If a transitional attack is chosen by the IC, the IC should determine if a knock down from a hand line is sufficient or if a master stream is needed. 1. If the use of a handline is sufficient, a solid stream from a smooth bore nozzle or a straight stream from a fog nozzle must be flowed into the upper portion of the room through the opening from which the fire is issuing. You must have the stream at a steep angle pointed towards the ceiling and below the neutral plane. A slow horizontal back Page 6 of 8 Manual Name: Spring Fire Department Policies & Procedures Document Title: Operating at Structure Fire Incidents Document Number: SFD.015 Date: 03/02/17 Revision Number: 00 and forth action is acceptable, however a whipping action or a fog stream shall not be used. The firefighter must ensure that the water stream does not interfere with the exhaust portion of the opening, which is found above the neutral plane. The firefighters will still need to move into the interior to complete the extinguishment process. 2. If a master stream is to be used, the IC must ensure the bulk of the fire is knocked down before firefighters move into the structure to complete the extinguishment process. Extinguishing the Fire: Once determined that the thermal threat has been reduced inside the structure, the fire must be extinguished in the most direct manner possible. The IC must consider the use of multiple attack lines when dealing with large single story structures. If operating at a multiple story structure, multiple attack lines must be deployed to ensure that the thermal threat doesn’t return. The IC must ensure that any ventilation efforts are coordinated with the crews that are moving to an interior position for final extinguishment. Ventilation: When deciding to ventilate a structure, the IC must complete a ventilation profile of the building to ensure they recognize ventilation points showing the flow paths of heat and smoke as well as air movement into the structure. The IC must ensure that management and control of all openings is occurring to limit the fire’s access to oxygen. Ventilation must be coordinated with suppression activities. The IC should be looking for the following when performing a ventilation profile: 1. Building construction, integrity, size, and occupancy type. 2. Location of smoke or fire venting from the structure. 3. Smoke’s volume, velocity, density, and color venting from the structure. 4. Direction and speed of the wind and its potential influence. The IC must ensure that ventilation is being coordinated with suppression activities to improve the interior conditions for interior firefighters and any potential victims. Exposure Protection: When given the assignment of exposure protection, the company officer must ensure they prevent the fire from extending to neighboring structures, or other spaces within the fire building. When performing a size-up of the exposure buildings or spaces, the officer should consider: 1. Exposure structures on all sides of the involved structure. 2. Evaluate the integrity of the main fire building to ensure operation of exposure suppression lines are in a safe location. 3. Coordinate operations with all crews operating on main fire building. 4. Secure water supply for exposure suppression lines. 5. Request additional companies if additional resources are needed. Change in Strategy / Strategic Shift: If the IC determines conditions have deteriorated to a point where a defensive mode is needed, the IC shall request an evacuation of the structure, and have the dispatcher alert all units of the Page 7 of 8 Manual Name: Spring Fire Department Policies & Procedures Document Title: Operating at Structure Fire Incidents Document Number: SFD.015 Date: 03/02/17 Revision Number: 00 strategy change via a radio alert tone. The IC must also ensure that the accountability officer alert all crewmember’s TPASS devices with the evacuation tone. After all crewmembers, have evacuated the structure, and acknowledged the evacuation on their TPASS device, the IC must complete a verbal and electronic PAR. When the IC determines it is safe to return to an offensive mode, they must contact the dispatcher and advise them of the strategy change. Utility Control: During all working structure fires, utilities must be shut off and the utility company must send a representative. Leaking natural or liquefied petroleum gas can hamper suppression activities and must be addressed as soon as feasible. All crews must ensure that if electrical wires become exposed, the IC is made aware so they can communicate with working crews, the location of the hazard. Property Conservation: When given the assignment of property conservation (salvage), crews must be prepared to protect buildings, and their contents from unnecessary damage from water, smoke, heat, or any other elements. Property conservation should always be a concern of working crews no matter what phase of the incident. Crews should come prepared to work with salvage covers and hand tools when assigned. Overhaul: Overhaul is the method of searching for and extinguishing any hidden or exposed fires, and to ensure the structure and its contents are in a safe condition. Crews with the assignment of overhaul shall take into consideration the recognizing/preserving of evidence for fire investigators. The IC must understand the risks that firefighters face during overhaul when it relates to exposures of carcinogens and other toxins. Operating in PPE is necessary to ensure exposure is limited. Refer to SFD.002 (Cancer Reduction Initiative), for the procedure(s) on how to protect firefighters during overhaul operations. Supporting the Occupant: Supporting the occupant shall be the responsibility of the IC or a designee if assigned. The IC or designee shall consider calling for a chaplain or the red cross early into the incident. Assisting the occupant with transitioning into another place to stay during the fire will pay dividends to the organization’s reputation. Often, this is forgotten about, but can be one of the most important tasks to complete. Page 8 of 8