HANOVER COUNTY FIRE•EMS TACTICAL GUIDELINES-STRUCTURES · HANOVER COUNTY FIRE•EMS TACTICAL...

Standard Operating Guideline SOG Name: Tactical Guidelines-Structures SOG Number: 320.01 Guideline Owner: Operations Implementation Date: July 1, 2006 Date of Last Revision: January 1, 2014 Authority: Jethro H. Piland III, Chief

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PURPOSE The purpose of this guideline is to provide a consistent approach to firefighting strategies and tactics. These concepts are written as guidelines to provide fire officers the ability to adjust tactics to a specific emergency. These guidelines are in no way intended the replace one of the most important assets on the fireground, the thinking fire officer. These guidelines are written to provide a standardized vision of strategies that will be used on the fireground. Officers are allowed to deviate from the guidelines when conditions or situations warrant and should immediately notify the Battalion Chief or Incident Commander of their actions. SCOPE All firefighters should be familiar with the tactical guidelines. Company officers should understand all company assignments and how each unit works within the large fireground strategies BACKGROUND These guidelines are the result of tremendous planning by the Chief Officers and Company Officers throughout the department. Some sections are subject to regional tactical efforts through the Richmond Metro Chiefs Association.


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Table of Contents Introduction/Table of Contents ……..…………………………………………………. Pages 1-2 Response Guides………………………………………………………………………. Pages 3-45

Single Family Residential ………………………………………….… Pages 3-5 Multi-Family “High Life Hazard” ………………………………….... Pages 6-8 Commercial/Richmond Metro Big Box ………………….................. Pages 9-18 Richmond Metro High Rise Operational Procedure............................ Pages 19-44

RIC Procedures and Self-Survival Responsibilities/Mayday.………………………… Pages 45-48 Incident Size-Up ………………………………………………………………............ Pages 49-50 Operational Modes ……………………………………………………………………. Page 50 Fireground Progress Reporting (CAN-Conditions, Actions, and Needs)..................... Page 51 Staging Levels ………………………………………………………………………… Pages 52 Rescue/750 Fast Concept, SLICE-RS Tactic & Concept……………..……………… Pages 53-56 Rural Water Supply Plan……………………………………………………………… Pages 57-62 Engine Company Riding Assignments ………………………………………………. Pages 63-69

Truck Company / Heavy Rescue Company Riding Assignments …………………… Pages 70-74 Definitions……… ……………………………………………………………………. Pages 75-78


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Establish Command

(IC)

Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC)

Position Apparatus Near Front or Location Given by IC

If Arrival Before 1st

Truck: Primary

Truck Duties

Assume Command

Manage County-wide

ResourcesUnless

Requested

Establish Accountability

Officer

Initial Size-up, Identify and Initiate

Water Supply

Establish 2nd

Water Supply

Place Ladders on Sides A & C for Escape

IC Completes Lap Around

Building (360 Survey)

Forcible Entry,S & R,

Control Flow Path.

Declare Operational

Mode & Consider Greater Alarms

DPO Operations w/ 2 Attack

Lines In Position

Hanover Fire•EMS Single Family Response Template

1st Engine 3rd

Engine1st Truck 1st Heavy

Rescue

1st Batt. Chief

1st EMS Unit

2nd Batt. Chief

QRV

Secure Water At Primary Source

Rural Water: Pick-up 1st

Engine Supply Line

Ensure Continuous

Water For 1st

Engine

2nd

Engine

Ladder Roof

Unless Advised by

IC

Fire Attack

Secure Water Supply

Ladders, Entry,

Search, Flow Path

Control

RIC, Truck Supply or Dump Site

(Rural)

Command EMS / Rehab

Services

Operations Accountability

Establish 2nd

Water Supply Near Front

Supply the 1st

Truck With Water

Rural Water Supply:

Deliver Water to 2nd Engine

Rural Water Supply:

Apparatus to Establish

Dump Site

Truck Duties As Assigned

By IC

Ladders, Entry,

Search, Flow Path

Control

Report To Command

Tanker Box

1st Tanker Drop Water

at Dump Site and go to Fill Site

2nd Tanker Drop Water

at Dump Site and go to Fill Site

4th Engine Report to

Fill Site and Set-up

Rural Water Supply

Control Utilities, Salvage, Overhaul

Initial On-Deck RIC or Support 1st

Engine w/ Line

Establish Medical /

Rehab Group unless

Advised by IC

Contact Executive Officer for

Operational Support


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Single Family Residential Response Assignment Dispatch Assignment (3) Engines, (1) Truck, (1) Heavy Rescue, (1) Medic Unit/Ambulance, (1) QRV, (1) Battalion Chief and Air Utility First Engine

• Position Engine past structure or stop short to leave room for 1st Truck. • Establish command, give initial size up, identify and initiate water supply (Rural Water Shuttle

if necessary) and state operational mode. • Complete lap around building (360 Survey). • Responsibilities: Rescue Mode-Rescue of occupants. Fire Attack Mode-Initiate SLICERS.

DPO operations. Pull 2 attack lines. Defensive Mode-No entry. Second Engine

• Position apparatus at primary hydrant (when available) and secure water. In rural water settings, pick up the 1st Engine’s supply line and prepare for rural water operations.

• Ensure continuous water to 1st Engine. If 1st engine can get its own water, support the FDC. • Responsibilities: Establish Initial Rapid Intervention Crew (IRIC) when no rescue is evident. In

rescue and fire attack mode, initiate 2nd attack line and support initial attack. DPO/Water Supply Operations. If no Truck Company, prepare for Initial Search.

Third Engine

• Position apparatus at secondary hydrant (At or near front), when available to establish secondary water source.

• Lay-in and supply water for 1st Truck Operations. • If rural water, deliver water to 2nd engine and drop crew. Apparatus to help set-up dump site

for rural water operation. • Responsibilities: Establish On-Deck Rapid Intervention Crew. Initiate a handline dedicated for

RIC use only. DPO/Water Supply Operations. First Ladder Truck

• Position apparatus at or near front. • Ladder roof unless advised otherwise by command. • Prepare for immediate V.E.I.S. when appropriate. • Responsibilities: Prepare for forcible entry, search, flow path control, salvage and overhaul. • Coordinate with command for access for compartment cooling, place ground ladders for escape,

control utilities. Heavy Rescue

• If arriving before Truck with necessary staffing, assume primary Truck Operations duties. Otherwise, position apparatus away from scene.

• Responsibilities: Serve in role appropriate for arrival.


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Medic/Ambulance

• Establish Medical/Rehab Group unless directed by IC

Battalion Chief • 1st BC: Position command vehicle to serve the command function. Obtain progress reports and

assume Command as necessary. Establish an Accountability Officer (QRV, Staff) and Safety Officer (Staff). Maintain dedicated Medic Unit for incident, not involved in firefighting operation.

• 2nd BC: Manage County Wide Resources unless directed to Operations (Forward Ops.) Contact Executive Officer for operational support.

QRV

• Report to Command, establish accountability officer Tanker Box

• 1st Tanker- Report to Dump Site to Deliver Water. • 2nd Tanker - Report to Dump Site to Deliver Water. • Fourth Engine - Report to Fill Site to Set-Up Fill Operation


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Establish Command

(IC)

Rapid Intervention

Crew (RIC)


Assume Command

Manage County Wide

Resources unless

Directed


Officer


Water Supply

Establish 2nd

Water Supply

Control Utilities, Salvage , Overhaul



Forcible Entry, Search

& Rescue, Control Flow

Path

Declare Operational


Place Ladders on Sides A & B for Escape


Lines In Position

Hanover Fire•EMS Multi-Family “High Life Hazard” Response Template

1st Engine 3rd

Engine1st Truck/

Heavy Rescue

2nd Truck 1st Batt. Chief

1st and 2nd EMS

Unit

2nd Batt. Chief

QRV

Tanker Box

Secure Water At Primary Source


Engine Supply Line

Ensure Continuous

Water For 1st

Engine

Take FDC if 1st Engine

Gets Its Own Water

Initial RIC or Support 1st

Engine w/ Line

2nd

Engine

Ladder Roof

Unless Advised by

IC

Fire Attack

FDC, Secure Water Supply

Ladders, Entry,

Search, Flow Path

Control

RIC, Truck Water or

Dump Site (Rural)

Command EMS / Rehab

Services


Rural Water Supply

Establish 2nd

Water Supply Near Front of

Building

Supply the 1st

Truck With Water

Rural Water Supply:


Rural Water Supply:

Apparatus to Establish

Dump Site

Ladders, Entry,

Search, Flow Path

Control

Report To Command

4th Engine

Position Opposite Side of 1st

Truck

Ladder Roof Unless

Advised by IC

Place Ladders on Sides C & D for Escape

Establish Water Supply

Near Rear of Building

Supply 2nd

Truck With Water

Assist Truck w/

DPO Operations

Assist Truck w/

Truck Operations

Truck Water

Forcible Entry, Search

& Rescue, Control Flow

Path

Establish Medical /

Rehab Group Unless

Advised by IC

Assume Operations

When Directed


Operational Support

5th EngineReport to Fill

Site and Set UP

1st TankerDrop Water and Go To Fill Site

2nd TankerDrop Water and Go To Fill Site


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Multi-Family “High Life Hazard” Assignment

Dispatch Assignment

(4) Engines, (2) Trucks, (1) Heavy Rescue, (2) Medic Units/Ambulances, (1) QRV, (2) Battalion Chiefs, Mobile Command and Air Utility

First Engine

Establish command, give initial size up, identify and initiate water supply (Rural Water Shuttle if necessary) and state operational mode.

Determine if Unit commits to FDC (Notify 2nd Engine) or RECON of fire. Position Engine past structure or stop short to leave room for 1st Truck. Complete lap around building (360 Survey). Responsibilities: Rescue Mode-Rescue of occupants. Fire Attack Mode-Initiate search of fire

area and fire attack. DPO operations. Pull 2 attack lines. Defensive Mode-No entry.

Second Engine

Position apparatus at primary hydrant (when available) and secure water. In rural water settings, pick up the 1st Engine’s supply line and prepare for rural water operations.

Ensure continuous water to 1st Engine. If 1st engine can get its own water/commits to Recon and doesn’t take FDC, support the FDC.

Responsibilities: Establish Initial Rapid Intervention Crew (IRIC) when no rescue is evident. In rescue and fire attack mode, initiate 2nd attack line and support initial attack. DPO/Water Supply Operations. If no Truck Company, identify flow path, take on outside vent and initial search.

Third Engine

Position apparatus at secondary hydrant (At or near front), when available to establish secondary water source.

Lay-in and supply water for 1st Ladder Truck Operations. If rural water, deliver water to 2nd engine and drop crew. Apparatus to help set-up dump site

for rural water operation. Responsibilities: Establish On-Deck Rapid Intervention Crew. Initiate a handline dedicated for

RIC use only. DPO/Water Supply Operations.

Fourth Engine

Position apparatus at additional hydrant (At or near the rear), when available to establish an additional water source.

Lay-in and supply water for 2nd Ladder Truck Operations.


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Position on side for 2nd Truck. If access is not available, position to provide coverage for that side.

Responsibilities: Assist with Ladder Truck Operations. DPO/Water Supply Operations.

First Ladder Truck

Position apparatus at or near front. Ladder roof unless advised otherwise by command. Responsibilities: Forcible entry, search, flow path control, vent as necessary, salvage, overhaul,

and control utilities. Place ground ladders for escape on sides A and B.

Second Ladder Truck

Position on side opposite 1st Truck or position to cover that side. Cover any open truck tasks not already completed.

Responsible for ground ladder placement to sides C and D. Ladder roof unless advised otherwise by command. Responsibilities: Search floor above/most severe exposure. Maintain flow path control, salvage

and overhaul.

Heavy Rescue

If arriving before ladder truck with necessary staffing, assume primary Truck operations duties. Otherwise, position apparatus away from scene.

Responsibilities: Serve in role appropriate for arrival.

Medic/Ambulance

Establish Medical/Rehab Group unless directed by IC

Battalion Chief

1st BC: Position command vehicle to serve the command function. Obtain progress reports and assume Command as necessary. Establish an Accountability Officer (QRV, Staff or District Chief) and Safety Officer. Maintain dedicated Medic Unit for incident, not involved in firefighting operation.

2nd BC: Manage county resources, Operations when directed (Forward Ops.) 3rd BC: Planning

QRV

Report to Command, Establish Accountability Officer


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Establish Command

(IC)


Assume Command

Manage County Wide

Resources unless

directed


Officer


Water Supply

Establish 2nd

Water Supply




Forcible Entry,

Search & Rescue, Control

Flow Path

Declare Operational


Place Ladders on Sides A & B for Escape


Lines In Position

Hanover Fire•EMS Commercial-Big Box Response Template

1st Engine 3rd

Engine1st Truck/

Heavy Rescue

2nd Truck 1st Batt. Chief

1st and 2nd EMS

Unit

2nd Batt. Chief

QRV

Tanker Box

Supply FDC unless

advised by IC


Engine Supply Line

Ensure Continuous

Water For 1st

Engine

Rapid Intervention

Crew RIC

2nd

Engine

Establish Medical /

Rehab Group unless

Directed by IC

Ladder Roof

Unless Advised by

IC

Fire Attack

FDC Secure Water Supply

Ladders, Entry,

Search, Flow Path

Control

RIC, Truck Water or

Dump Site (Rural)

Command EMS / Rehab

Services


Rural Water Supply

Establish 2nd

Water Supply Near Front of

Building

Supply the 1st

Truck With Water

Rural Water Supply:


Rural Water Supply:

Assist Set-up of Dump Site

Ladders, Entry,

Search, Flow Path

Control

Report To Command

4th Engine

Position Opposite Side of 1st

Truck

Ladder Roof Unless

Advised by IC

Place Ladders on Sides C & D for Escape

Establish Water Supply

Near Rear of Building

Supply 2nd

Truck With Water

Assist Truck w/

DPO Operations

Assist Truck w/

Truck Operations

Truck Water

5th

EngineReport to Fill Site

and Set Up

1st TankerDrop

Water and Go to Fill

Site

2nd TankerDrop Water

and Go to Fill Site

IC Lap Around Building

(360 Survey)

Initial RIC or Support 1st

Engine w/ Line

Forcible Entry,

Search & Rescue, Control

Flow Path


Assume Operations

When Directed

Contact Exec Officer for

Operational Support


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COMMERCIAL “BIG BOX” ASSIGNMENT

Dispatch Assignment


First Engine

Establish command, give initial size up, identify and initiate water supply (Rural Water Shuttle if necessary) and state operational mode.

Determine if Unit commits to FDC (Notify 2nd Engine) or RECON of fire. Position Engine past structure or stop short to leave room for 1st Truck. Complete lap around building. (360 Survey) Responsibilities: Rescue Mode-Rescue of occupants. Fire Attack Mode-Initiate search of fire

area and fire attack. DPO operations. Pull 2 attack lines. Defensive Mode-No entry.

Second Engine

Position apparatus at primary hydrant (when available) and secure water. In rural water settings, pick up the 1st Engine’s supply line and prepare for rural water operations.

Ensure continuous water to 1st Engine. If 1st engine can get its own water/commits to Recon and doesn’t take FDC, support the FDC.

Responsibilities: Establish Initial Rapid Intervention Crew (IRIC) when no rescue is evident. In rescue and fire attack mode, initiate 2nd attack line and support initial attack. DPO/Water Supply Operations. If no Truck Company, take on outside vent and initial search.

Third Engine

Position apparatus at secondary hydrant (At or near front), when available to establish secondary water source.

Lay-in and supply water for 1st Ladder Truck Operations. If rural water, deliver water to 2nd engine and drop crew. Apparatus to help set-up dump site

for rural water operation. Responsibilities: Establish On-Deck Rapid Intervention Crew. Initiate a handline dedicated for

RIC use only. DPO/Water Supply Operations.

Fourth Engine

Position apparatus at additional hydrant (At or near the rear), when available to establish an additional water source.


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Lay-in and supply water for 2nd Ladder Truck Operations. Position on side for 2nd Truck. If access is not available, position to provide coverage for that

side. Responsibilities: Assist with Truck Operations. DPO/Water Supply Operations.

First Ladder Truck

Position apparatus at or near front. Ladder roof unless advised otherwise by command. Responsibilities: Forcible entry, search and rescue, flow path control, vent as necessary, control

utilities, salvage and overhaul. Place ground ladders for escape on sides A and B.

Second Ladder Truck

Position on side opposite 1st Truck or position to cover that side. Cover any open truck tasks not already completed.

Responsible for ground ladders to sides C and D. Ladder roof unless advised otherwise by command. Responsibilities: Search floor above/most severe exposure. Maintain flow path control,

and salvage and overhaul.

Heavy Rescue

If arriving before Ladder Truck with necessary staffing, assume primary Truck Operations duties. Otherwise, position apparatus away from scene.

Responsibilities: Serve in role appropriate for arrival.

Medic/Ambulance

Establish Medical/Rehab Group unless directed by IC

Battalion Chief

1st BC: Position command vehicle to serve the command function. Obtain progress reports and assume Command as necessary. Establish an Accountability Officer (Staff or District Chief) and Safety Officer. Maintain dedicated Medic Unit for incident, not involved in firefighting operation.

2nd BC: Manage county resources, Operations when directed (Forward Ops.) 3rd BC: Planning

QRV

Report to Command, establish accountability officer


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Richmond Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association

Big Box Fire Standard Operational Guideline

Introduction: In our country, recent fires in “Big Box” structures have proven to be deadly to firefighters. Richmond Metro firefighters are experienced in fighting fires in single family dwellings (SFDs). Richmond Metro firefighters have limited experience fighting fires in “Big Box” structures. Findings from several incidents demonstrate that approaching a “Big Box” fire with SFD strategy and tactics can be deadly to firefighters. Hundreds of these types of buildings exist in the Richmond Metro area and more are being built every day. Therefore, Richmond Metro firefighters will fight fires in these buildings. Purpose: The purpose of this guideline is to layout the safe method to approach a fire in one of these buildings. This guideline has been agreed on by the four Richmond Metro fire departments of Richmond City, Hanover County, Henrico County and Chesterfield County. As mutual aid is likely to be utilized with significant fires in these buildings, it is important for all personnel operating in these departments to share expectations of how these fires and resulting firefighter hazards will be managed. Definition: A big box is a large building with non-compartmented space(s), routinely 40,000 square feet or larger in area. Most are a rectangular shaped building with a single floor built on a concrete slab. While the majority of area is one floor, many of these include second floor offices or stock rooms in the front or rear of the building. Some are stand-alone buildings while others share one or both side walls with other occupancies. Most have a flat roof and ceiling trusses made of steel. However, some older buildings may have a wooden truss roof assembly. The walls are concrete block sometimes clad in metal or masonry siding.


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Strategic guidelines: The following strategies have been identified as critical to the safe handling of a fire in a “Big Box” structure. These strategies are to be considered in this order. Tactical considerations to achieve each strategy are detailed in the next section of this guideline:

1. Exterior / Interior size up assessment

2. Supplement fire suppression systems

3. Assess life safety and evacuation

4. Determine fire location

5. Extension considerations / prevention

6. Confinement and extinguishment of fire

7. Ventilation Tactical Considerations 1. Size Up:

• Pre-Arrival

Consider the mode of alarm initiation. Dispatch information as to automatic detection or water flow versus a call from inside reporting visible smoke or fire may prove beneficial. While certainly not always accurate or reliable, this information may offer some early indication as to the potential phase and level of involvement of the fire.

• Exterior

Every attempt should be made to complete a full 360-degree observation of the structure as initial size up. This step is crucial to limiting unnecessary exposure of crews. Note the intensity and action of smoke. Smoke rising from an active fire versus cold smoke from a fire largely controlled by the automatic sprinkler SHOULD be an indicator of whether an entry is feasible or appropriate. Evident smoke or fire conditions indicating involvement of any truss roof system, particularly bowstring truss, SHOULD indicate an exterior attack. The general tactic of “attack from the unburned side” typically deployed in the confined and compartmented spaces of the residential setting, is of little merit in the “Big Box” scenario.


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Entry for hose line deployment, if appropriate, should be made at the point offering the most direct access to the fire. This simple tactic will greatly decrease exposure to crews and help ensure a safer and less hindered escape. An appropriate view of the structure may be completed using any or all of the following methods: Drive Around: The simple size of the building or placement within the complex may hinder the normal walking lap typically made by the first-in incident commander (IC). Driving around the building before committing apparatus placement may reveal useful information such as sprinkler system activation or the exact location of the fire itself. Incoming Resource Recon: Utilizing incoming companies to complete the exploration lap while IC is conducting typical side “Alpha” size-up may be more practical and reveal hazards not seen from the front or normal approach. Thermal Imagery: Use of thermal imagery from the exterior may indicate “hot spots” on walls or overhead doors, indicating possible proximity of the seat of the fire. Elevated Observation: Perhaps not the most practical tool for initial size-up. Size-up however should be an ongoing practice and continued throughout the operation. The “bird’s eye” view of the aerial company may be invaluable to this effort.

• Interior

Interior assessment should be made from exterior vantage points whenever possible before entry. Plate glass storefronts, loading dock doors and multiple pedestrian entry doors offer potential points to observe interior conditions and determine if interior attack is possible or appropriate. Limit unnecessary interior penetration by utilization of these observation points as potential fire attack points. Entry into IDLH environments with poor visibility and no reliable indication of fire location present extreme risks to entry crews under these conditions, consider exterior operations until the fire can be located. If conditions and information indicate interior entry is appropriate, crews must use caution to maintain their position between the fire and their escape route. The potential for hidden fires must be considered and addressed as entry is made and throughout the interior operation. All areas of potential hazard, such as fire spread in concealed spaces, drop ceilings and voids, must be explored as they are encountered to ensure fire does not present itself behind the crews. Any indication of involvement in the structural area of the roof of these types of structures SHOULD be considered as immediate justification to abandon interior operations and explore alternate access to the fire.


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2. Supplement of Fire Suppression System

• Sprinkler System Supplemental support of the fire suppression system is essential for fire control and extinguishments. Supplemental support of the fire suppression system is among the most effective methods limiting crew exposure to interior operations, while simultaneously addressing occupant life safety. Care must be taken to ensure the proper system is actually supplied when multiple systems or split systems exists in the occupancy. Reference to updated pre-plans will assist with this effort. • Standpipe Standpipe utilization should be considered effective only for small incipient fire suppression or later overhaul operations. The most prominent limiting factor affecting utilization of these systems for larger scale suppression operations is the inconsistent or unknown locations. Even when locations may be well documented during pre-planning activities, the typical mid-aisle or end-of aisle placement may prove difficult to locate under dense smoke conditions. Dependence on these systems presents further risk to fire crews entering without the protection of a charged hose line. Other negative factors include potentially limited flow capacity and non-standard attachment sizes.

3. Life Safety / Evacuation:

Citizen Safety: Life safety is the highest incident priority during a big box fire response. Upon arrival, companies may encounter evacuation of citizens in progress. This effort should be continued in order to ensure all citizens exit the building safely. • Due to the inability to quickly remove smoke from these buildings and the amount of time it

will take to completely search a “Big Box”, a focused area search is the most reasonable rescue attempt. If citizens are reported to be missing or trapped, the best chance of a successful rescue is to identify as close as possible where they are. It is necessary to acquire clear, accurate and concise information of the following:

o Number of citizens missing or trapped. o Known location geographically in the “Big Box”. o Location of fire and/or fire conditions in relation to those trapped. o Are occupants in distress or trapped? o Any method to communicate with those trapped?

• The incident commander should consider a substantial direct fire attack with coordinated

ventilation as the best method of protecting trapped citizens. If an interior attack is to be mounted, it needs to be very well coordinated with ventilation efforts and be established with large caliber fire streams.


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Firefighter Safety: We must consider the potential of rapid fire and smoke spread in these non-compartmentalized buildings. Drop ceilings and other voids can easily hide fire, and heavy fuel loads add to the danger. Due to the hazards that these buildings present, specific tactical operations need to be employed to ensure the safety of firefighters:

• Beware the “exterior” fire. Assume that any exterior fire has penetrated the interior.

Conduct any “recon” as if you are entering a known fire situation. • An appropriate sized and equipped R.I.C. should be established prior to interior operations.

This resource SHOULD be established for each crew entry point. • All interior personnel SHOULD remain on a hose line (as a last resort, a rescue tag line can

be utilized for crews conducting a focused rescue attempt). Be wary of the incident with light smoke inside a “Big Box”. Conditions can change suddenly bringing the area to zero visibility. Staying in contact with the hose line/tag line may be the only method to prevent disorientation and allow personnel to exit the building.

• Due to the inherent dangers of penetrating long distances inside a “Big Box” on fire, interior hose stretches should be limited to 150 feet past the entrance point. Attack crews should enter the closest entrance to the fire area.

• Air management is of paramount importance for interior crews. Crews with low pressure SCBA (Henrico and Chesterfield) should work for only 12 minutes of on-air time and then turn around to exit the building. Crews with 45 minutes high pressure SCBA (Richmond and Hanover) should turn around at 20 minutes or 2000 psi left in a crew member’s bottle. If any crew member reaches 50% of air capacity, the crew should exit the building.

• If moderate to heavy smoke is showing at the ceiling, and hose line crews have not reached the seat of the fire – Consider evacuating the building and initiate a DEFENSIVE operation. This smoke is fuel, and can quickly ignite. We cannot generate sufficient gpm from hoselines to overcome fuel burning in the ceiling area over the entire length of a “Big Box” building.

• If heat and smoke conditions are getting worse during an offensive attack, consider evacuating the building and initiating a DEFENSIVE operation. Keep in mind the lead time it takes to put heavy fire streams in operation.

• If fire involves the open truss space of light weight construction, personnel should not work on the roof. In this case, consider evacuation and initiating a DEFENSIVE operation. The building can quickly lose roof stability as the roof structure warps, elongates and gives way. This can result in early collapse of the roof.

o Beware, a “Big Box” with tilt-slab constructed wall. These walls can fall outward if the roof loses stability.

o Personnel and apparatus should operate outside of the collapse zone.

4. Fire Location Determination:

Determine location of the fire as soon as possible. All future tactical operations depend on this vital information. This information can be obtained from citizen accounts, enunciator panel


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indicators in the fire control room, visual observances upon arrival and use of a TIC during the 360 degree survey of the building. If unable to determine the location and magnitude of the fire consider: • Expanding Ventilation – horizontal and vertical (position attack crews prior to initiating this

tactic) limit roof access with unknown fire location. • Large caliber defensive tactics. • PPV if extensive ventilation efforts fail to expose fire location/magnitude.

5. Exposure Protection – Protecting exposures should be addressed at size-up and continuously

reevaluated during the entire operation. The primary responsibility of the first arriving crews should be life safety and exposure protection until sufficient resources are in place to mount an interior attack on the building of origin. Exposure protection could fall into two categories:

• Internal Exposures – Uninvolved parts of the structure separated by firewall. Exposure

protection in this instance would consist of closing fire doors, exposure lines operated from a safe area in the uninvolved part of the structure and aggressive ventilation tactics.

• External Exposures – Uninvolved buildings which are not connected to the involved structure. Large diameter streams, interior operations in the exposed building and roof operations on the exposed building are suitable exposure protection operations.

6. Confinement and Extinguishment – Even small incipient fires in a large square footage

facility could spread and escalate to a structure fire quickly. The fuel loads could be significant, therefore proper preplanning and site familiarization is essential. The following guidelines should be followed with regards to fire confinement and extinguishment in “Big Box” structures: • Maximum hose line advancement – Due to building size, construction characteristics, air

management and safety considerations, the maximum penetration into the structure should be no further than 150 feet.

• Fire attack should be initiated from the closest exterior entry point to the fire – By reading the smoke and witness interviews, an educated guess should be made as to the location of the fire. Once the location of the fire is determined, pick the point of entry that is closest to the fire to initiate fire attack. This entry point should be indicated to command to allow proper coordination of other fire ground priorities.

• Utilize large caliber hose lines – Unless credible information indicates that the fire is incipient in nature, a minimum attack line of 2 ½ inches should be utilized for any interior attack in a “Big Box” structure. Considerations should be made to select a nozzle that will ensure sufficient reach, penetration, and GPM flow for proper extinguishment.

7. Ventilation - Due to construction features and hazards of roof operations, effective ventilation

of a significant fire in a “Big Box” building is often difficult.

• If significant ventilation efforts are needed in order to make entry, consider a defensive operation until the interior can be ventilated and assessed for safe operations.


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• If crews are operating inside the building and conditions worsen, vertical ventilation (coordinated with interior operations) SHOULD be established quickly. This will help interior crews to escape. This ventilation must be made quickly. Therefore, analysis of the roof and preparation to safely vent it must be conducted early in the operation. Opening skylights and operating from aerial apparatus will often be necessary for the safety of ventilation crews.

• EXTREME caution must be used if horizontal or mechanical ventilation is initiated once interior operations have begun. This tactic should only be deployed when interior crews have indicated that they are prepared to manage it. The uncoordinated or untimely initiation of horizontal ventilation may actually degrade interior conditions, increase the intensity and/or extension of the fire, or allow it to cut off the escape route of interior crews. BEWARE of giving more air to the fire without knowing its size or location while crews are inside the structure.

Summary: As a result of numerous “Line of Duty Deaths” and injuries, a guideline that directly addresses “Big Box” fires is required. This guideline is intended to focus and direct our efforts to successfully mitigate this type of incident, while providing the maximum level of safety and accountability to our personnel.

BIG BOX “WATCH OUT” SITUATIONS

1. Indications of fire in any truss roof system, particularly bowstring truss. 2. Any interior “recon” without full PPE and charged hoseline.

3. Interior crews with heat or smoke conditions getting worse.

4. Any interior operation off of a hoseline.

5. Interior with zero visibility.

6. Any operation deeper than 150’ in the building.

7. Any firefighter on the interior continuing to work past half of their air supply.

8. Fire or heavy heat and smoke above interior crews.

9. Crews operating on a roof with active fire in the interior.

10. Operating close to tilt-slab construction.

11. Horizontal ventilation with an unchecked fire and interior crews.


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Establish Command

RIT/RIC (Full Crew)

Obtain Info from lobby

or Fire Command

Center

Search Fire Floor

Assume Command

EMS Staging

Assume Operations

Safety or Medical Branch

Obtain Info from lobby

or Fire Command

Center

2 Floors below Fire or Separate Standpipe

Support 1st

Engine on Fire Floor

Declare Operational

Mode & Consider

Greater Alarms

Forcible Entry, Vent,

Salvage, S & R, etc.

Full Crew to Fire Floor/

OIC Assumes Division

Supervisor

Driver: Ladder

Operation or PPV of

Stairways

Driver: Ladder

Operation or PPV of Stairways

Hose Connection

to Standpipe One floor below Fire

Richmond Metropolitan Regional High-Rise Response Template

1st

Engine/ Quint

3rd

Engine/ 4th Quint

1st Truck/ Heavy

Rescue or 2nd Quint

2nd

Truck/ Squad or

Rescue

1st

Chief1st

EMS Unit2nd

Chief

Safety Officer or

EMS Supervisor

Supply FDC

Assume Lobby

Control

Identify Fire Attack &

Evacuation Stairs

Take Control of Building Systems &

PPV Stairways

Direct Evacuees & In-Coming Companies

2nd

Engine/ 3rd Quint

As directed by the IC

Set Up Staging 2

Floors Below Fire if not

Reassigned

4th

Engine or 5th Quint

Evacuation Assembly

Coordination

Patient Care if needed

Occupant Account-

ability

Secure a set of

Master Keys

Fire Attack

LobbyFire Attack

RIT/RIC Search Staging or Fire Attack

Command EMS & Occupant Services

Operations Safety

Richmond Regional High-Rise Firefighting Operations

Manage County Wide

Resources


Operational Support


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Richmond Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association High Rise Operational Procedure

HIGH RISE ASSIGNMENT

Dispatch Assignment


The following are the basic objectives during an incident involving a high-rise building. Depending upon what is presented to the initial incident commander, the order of these objectives may have to be adjusted.

1. Locate the fire

Determine the fire floor as soon as possible. All future tactical operations depend on this vital information. This information can be obtained by verbal means through eyewitnesses/occupants, readings from the annunciator panel in the fire control room, or by visual observances upon arrival.

2. Occupant Evacuation

Upon arrival, companies might encounter evacuation of occupants from multiple floors already occurring. Panic and chaos might ensue especially in stairways, lobby areas or other points within the structure.

Priority of evacuation: 1. Fire floor. 2. Floor directly above the fire floor. 3. Upper floors.

The location of the fire, extent of the fire, building construction must be considered when determining the evacuation method. Consideration should be given to protecting occupants in place on floors below the fire floor.


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Types of evacuation to be considered: A. Full Evacuation- Total removal of all occupants from the high-rise due to immediate

life threatening concerns (ex. heavy fire involvement, possibility of collapse or contamination), which provide for no safe place of refuge within the structure.

B. Partial Evacuation- The evacuation of occupants from certain locations within the

structure. A situation which presents itself as impractical and unnecessary to remove all occupants due to location of the fire and the ability to safely protect individuals in remote areas of the structure. This type evacuation is less of a resource drain as more of an effort can be placed on fire attack and evacuation of those in the immediate IDLH atmosphere.

C. Protect-in-Place- The non-evacuation of occupants during an incident. Occupants are

left within their own confines or a designated area within the structure as the incident is not at the level of posing a life-threatening hazard or a total effort of all personnel is needed to mitigate the hazard to prevent extension.

3. Gain Control of Buildings Systems • Elevators • Heating, Ventilation, and Air conditioning systems • Communications Equipment • Fire pumps • Standpipe • Sprinkler systems

4. Confine and Extinguish Fire

A serious fire in a high-rise will require a large commitment of personnel and equipment. This is where experience and well-documented site surveys/pre-planning are essential. Companies must be knowledgeable of the location of High-rise structures in their district. Arriving units need to be aware of the locations of standpipe and sprinklers systems or even if they exist in the structure. Numerous factors will determine when to attack the fire and what tactics will be used in meeting this objective. It is vital that situations encountered are communicated to the IC and the Operations Section Chief so that these tactics can be decided upon.

Due to situations presented to the initial arriving companies, there may be a delay in entry to the fire floor. Critical decisions will have to be made by the IC when the fire is beyond the control of initial attack methods.


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Note: opening an apartment door or stairwell during the initial attack might release products of combustion into protected areas being used for evacuation. A risk analysis must be made before gaining entry into the fire room/area.

5. Deploy Lines to Control Extension/Protect Exposures This will depend upon the location of the fire and extent of the affected area.

III. FIREGROUND OPERATIONS The following information serves as a general response guideline. This does not replace sound decision making that may need to be made as the situation dictates.

Examples:

A. Large exodus of occupants from the structure upon arrival.

B. Collapse or potential for collapse.

C. Defensive fire attack Initial Alarm Response

Personnel responding to any high-rise incident (excluding basic EMS calls) shall don all personal protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus prior to entering the structure. Each member shall carry their assigned portable radios on their person as well.

It is understood that the following priorities must, if possible, be met during the initial alarm response to any major High-rise incident. Additional alarms shall be used when needed to meet any of these tasks to ensure a safe and successful mitigation of the incident.

Formation of Incident Command and Incident Command Post

Locate the Fire (initiating suppression operations)

Establish Water Supply (Sprinkler & Standpipe/FDC)

Evacuation (Includes removal of victims and Search & Rescue)


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Logistics to Support Operation (Lobby Control, Staging Area, Base, Rapid Intervention)

Equipment

It is imperative that the proper equipment be brought into the structure to effectively mitigate the incident. First alarm companies have designated assignments. In all instances the first arriving unit shall bring their high-rise pack into the structure in order to set up for fire suppression or protect occupants. The following is a basic list of other equipment that will be needed either for suppression activities or for supplying the staging area.

• High-rise packs • Forcible entry tools (irons, rabbit tool, axes, etc..) • Hand lights • Pike Poles (size dependent on structure, commercial vs. residential) • Rapid Intervention Kits • Positive pressure fans • Thermal Imaging Camera • Spare air cylinders (a variety based upon response –MSA, Survivair,

Scott) • Dry Chemical extinguisher and or pressurized water canister. • Elevator keys • EMS equipment

First Arriving Engine / 1st Quint (Fire Investigation) (Fire Attack/Ventilation) Responsibilities: 1. Initiate incident command

Incident Commander (I.C.) (Officer remains in command until relieved by a Battalion Chief). The transfer of command must take place either verbally via radio or face to face.

A. Initiate incident command and provide an on-scene report. Officer may assume a

combat command position.

To ensure unit integrity, the company officer may report with his/her company to the fire floor. They must however continue to communicate conditions and verify that a proper transfer of command takes place.


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• Upon the transfer of command, this officer shall assume the duties of the

named division supervisor. (i.e. “Division 21 supervisor”) • Update the Incident Commander with Progress(C.P.R)

- Conditions encountered Visibility Heat conditions Structural stability if pertinent Change in conditions

- Progress or lack of progress on assigned task - Resource needs or surplus

B. Perform and transmit an initial size-up

• Conditions present • Actions being taken • Request incident move to a different tactical channel.( if not provided)

It is imperative that the request for a separate tactical channel be initiated prior to units being committed on scene. This will make certain that all members receive the order to switch to an assigned channel.

C. Officer announces that units will operate under High-Rise Mode.

D. In event of a working fire, a second alarm shall be requested immediately. Additional

alarms shall be requested as needed.

2. Crew Management A. Park apparatus so that access for additional apparatus is not blocked. All

personnel report to the fire building.

B. Personnel will report to the fire control room/annunciator panel to gather information on location of the alarm.

C. Personnel respond to the floor in question and report conditions back to IC.

• Identify which stairways will be designated as “fire attack” and

“evacuation”. • Determine priority: fire attack/evacuation.


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D. The initial company should carry the following items when reporting to the fire floor.

• High-rise pack(s) • Thermal Imaging Camera • Forcible entry tools • Hand lights

1st Arriving Truck Company / 2nd Quint

Personnel shall report to the lobby area and gather pertinent information on the building.

1. The officer shall:

A. Secure a set of master keys to be used when checking floors for occupants. Any keys for

systems control need to be available to the Lobby Control Unit Leader.

B. Report with crew to the fire floor to assist the engine company with tactical operations (includes but not limited to forcible entry, ventilation, utility control and or salvage and overhaul).

C. The company officer shall report to the combat command IC/Division

Supervisor and assist on the fire floor as directed.

Personnel should carry the following items when reporting to the fire floor.

• Thermal Imaging Camera • 1 set of irons (1flat-head axe and 1 Halligan bar) • Pike Poles (6ft-8ft.) • 1 Pressurized Water Canister (optional) • Master Keys, if possible

2nd Arriving Engine Company / 3rd Quint (Lobby Control and Water Supply)

1. Personnel shall initially report to the Lobby and begin the process of stairway control.

A. The officer shall assume the role of Lobby Control Unit Leader and direct companies as they report to the lobby area.


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When possible, staff personnel (Training, Prevention, etc…) shall perform the functions of lobby control so that the separation of officers from their companies is prevented. However this is an important function that must be filled as soon as possible.

B. Lobby control will identify the stairwells used for evacuation. C. Personnel shall gain control of the elevators (if the elevator has the fireman’s control

feature). His/her assignment shall remain as the sole operator of the elevator systems for transporting equipment and resources to the designated staging area.

• Do not use elevators for fires involving the 7th floor and below.

D. Personnel will ensure that the stairwell is pressurized using proper ventilating procedures (locate the site survey as the building might have pressurizing systems installed in the structure).

E. Access identified roof openings to assist in stairwell ventilation efforts.

F. Personnel shall assist those occupants in the evacuation stairway in either exiting the

structure or reporting to a safe location designated within the building.

2. The Driver shall support the FDC and supply the standpipe/sprinkler system unless this

assignment has been designated to a specific company. Additional companies may be needed to supply standpipe and sprinkler systems.

A Quint or class “A” pumper must be used to supply the Standpipe and Sprinkler system. Units responding with any apparatus other than a Quint or class “A” pumper should notify later arriving units so that this assignment can be given to an appropriate company.

3rd Arriving Engine Company / 4th Quint (Rapid Intervention Crew) 1. Personnel shall serve as the Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) in a stand-by position one floor

below the fire floor.

A. Some structures have multiple standpipe connections on each floor. It is recommended that the Rapid Intervention Crew connect to a separate standpipe (from the attack hand line) when available. This should be implemented into each company’s Pre-incident Plan.


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Personnel should carry the following items when reporting to their assignment.

• High-rise pack(s) • Forcible entry tools (irons, rabbit tool, axes, etc.) • Rapid Intervention Kit

Depending on the design of the structure, it may be feasible to make the following RIC line connections:

• One standpipe – Either connect 2 floors below the fire floor or to the wye connection opposite the attack line.

• No standpipe – Utilize an aerial device to supply the attack and RIC lines.

Heavy Rescue Company/ 2nd Arriving Truck Company (Search and Rescue)

1. If the department utilizes Rescue/Squad Companies, the Rescue personnel will report to the fire

floor to aid in searching all areas for possible occupants/victims. If Rescue Companies are not utilized, then this function will be the responsibility of the second arriving Truck Company.

A. The company officer shall serve as the Search and Rescue Group Supervisor.

B. When a victim is found or the primary search of the floor has been completed, the

Supervisor must convey the message to the IC for documentation. C. Routinely check Fire Attack stairway for occupants.

When occupants are found in the Fire Attack Stairway, the search and rescue group supervisor must relay this information to the IC while immediately removing them to a safe location. Fire attack may be halted while the occupants are being relocated. Rescue/Truck personnel should carry the following equipment:

Thermal imaging camera Rapid Intervention Kit Forcible entry tools. (Irons, TNT tool) Hand lights


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4th arriving Engine Company/ 5th Quint (Staging Area Preparation) 1. Personnel shall begin setting up/supplying the staging area.

A. Personnel should carry the following equipment. Thermal imaging camera High-rise pack(s) Forcible entry tools. (Irons, TNT tool) Hand lights Spare air bottles (staging area)

2. Once in place, a radio announcement shall be made identifying the location of Staging. 3. If necessary, these personnel may be assigned another function once the equipment for the

staging area has been placed in the designated area. If these personnel are re-assigned, the IC must ensure that Staging is managed by a later arriving resource.

1st Arriving Battalion Chief

The first arriving Battalion chief will serve as the Incident Commander.

Duties include:

A. Conduct a briefing with the IC and review the initial Incident Action Plan (IAP).

B. Assume the role of IC and adjust the IAP if necessary. C. Request additional resources as the incident dictates.

Effective logistical support is necessary to sustain firefighting activities in a high-rise incident. The I.C. must ensure that an appropriate staging area is set-up and adequately staffed to support the firefighting crews. Additionally, the I.C. must ensure that Base is established as soon as possible to provide an assembly area for responding apparatus. ESU/Shift Safety Officer/Tactical Safety Officer

The safety officer will assume the Command Staff role of Safety Officer. The Safety Officer will have emergency authority to alter, suspend, or terminate unsafe acts/conditions when imminent danger is involved.


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Responsibilities: A. Receive an incident briefing from the I.C. B. Monitor and assess hazardous or unsafe situations. C. Develop measures for assessing personnel safety. D. Correct unsafe act or conditions. E. Keep the IC informed on safety issues.

2nd Arriving Battalion Chief The second arriving Battalion Chief will serve as the Operations Chief.

A. Receives a briefing from the IC. B. Assumes the role as Operations Chief for the incident.

Implements the strategies and tactics to meet the objectives of the IAP. Determine resource needs and request additional resources. Supervise Operation Section ensuring safety and welfare of personnel. Provide updates and informational flow with the IC. Make recommendations to the IC on adjustments to the IAP. Utilize ICS functions to maintain span of control (Fire Branch, EMS

Branch, and Police Branch) as needed.

C. Determines location for Operations section. Should be located two floors below the fire floor. Can be located in the lobby area if needed.

1st Arriving Medical Unit

1. Personnel will direct evacuated or evacuating occupants to a central location away from fire

operations.

2. Initiate patient care as necessary. Evaluate need for MCI procedures. 3. Begin an account of occupants.

2nd Alarm Companies

1. Park apparatus in an area that does not impede operations. Trucks may be directed to take a tactical position on a side of the building.


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2. Companies report directly to Staging unless otherwise directed by the IC.

3. Equipment: Spare SCBA bottles Hand lights Thermal imaging camera High-rise pack

4. Prepare crews for relief assignments of the 1st alarm

5. Maintain an awareness of radio activity.

Listen for interior communications (Crew locations, Victim searches, Maydays).

3rd Alarm Companies

1. Unless directed otherwise by the IC, the officer of the first arriving unit of the 3rd alarm will have the responsibility of Base Manager.

2. Report to Base and await assignment.

3rd Arriving Battalion Chief The third arriving Battalion Chief will serve as the Planning Section Chief

1. Receive a briefing from the IC. 2. Assume the role of Planning Section Chief for the incident.

3. Prepare and maintain Resource status of apparatus assigned to incident.

4. Prepare and maintain Situation status.

5. Keep IC advised on incident progress or significant incident changes.

6. Assist I.C. in incident forecasting and developing alternative strategies.


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4th Arriving Battalion Chief The fourth arriving Battalion Chief will serve as the Logistics Section Chief

1. Receive a briefing from the I.C.

2. Assume the position of Logistics Section Chief for the incident.

3. Supervise Lobby Control and Base Manager Incident Command Facilities

For multiple alarm or mass casualty incidents, local mobile command units shall be requested in order to properly locate and staff the ICP in a restricted access area. During incidents of working fires or mass evacuations due to other hazards, the formation and location of a Lobby Control Area, Base and Staging facility must be considered. Consideration must also be given to locating facilities for the Planning and Logistics sections.

1. Lobby Control Area

The Lobby Control area is the point of reference for all personnel entering the structure.

Responsibilities of the Lobby Control Unit Leader

A. Operate a personal accountability system for all building entry and exit points.

B. Control all access points and direct personnel to correct stair/elevator routes.

C. Direct building occupants and exiting personnel to proper ground level safe areas.

D. Shall control all systems by identifying a Systems Control Unit.


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E. Provide information and briefings to the Incident Command Post.

F. Maintain a unit/activity log (ICS Form 214). When possible, staff personnel (Training, Prevention, etc…) shall perform the functions of lobby control so that the separation of officers from their companies is prevented. However this is an important function that must be filled as soon as possible.

2. Staging Facility

Support of those fire personnel engaged in fire fighting efforts is of primary concern. It is imperative that this facility be put in place at the earliest opportunity that the incident allows.

When possible, staff personnel (Training, Prevention, etc…) shall perform the functions of Staging Manager so companies will be able to focus on fire fighting and evacuation efforts. However this is an important function that must be filled as soon as possible.

The main purposes of staging are:

A. To provide a designated area to which personnel and equipment will be located at a

close proximity to the involved area.

B. Effectively manage and control the flow of personnel and equipment to the upper floors of the structure.

The Staging facility should be:

A. Located 2 - 3 floors below the fire floor.

B. Provide previously assigned companies an area for rehabilitation, equipment exchange and medical care.

When possible, rehab will be positioned one floor below staging. Responsibilities of the Staging Area Manager:

A. Respond to requests for resource assignments from IC or Operations Chief.

B. Determine required resource levels from the Operations Section Chief.

C. Advise the Operations Section Chief when reserve levels reach minimums.


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D. Maintain and report the status of all resources in staging Establish a check-in function for arriving and departing crews. Per the IC or Operations Chief, direct crews and equipment to designated

locations. Secure operations and demobilize personnel as determined by the

demobilization plan.

E. Maintain a unit/activity log (ICS Form 214) Those companies reporting to the Staging area shall bring the following equipment:

Extra SCBA cylinders Forcible entry tools Hand lights High-rise packs (if requested) EMS equipment (if requested)

3. Base Facility

A. Should be located at a safe distance from the involved high-rise. Typically 200 feet

from the structure.

B. This is the primary point outside the structure to which responding resources report and from which they receive their initial assignments.

C. The Base Manager works in coordination with the Lobby Control Leader.

D. The I.C. will establish the level of resources needed in the Base and once that level of

resource is established, the Base Manager will assure that the level is maintained.

Unless otherwise directed, personnel arriving on additional alarms shall gather their equipment and report to the Base Facility.

Responsibilities of the Base Manager: Unless directed otherwise by the IC, the officer of the first arriving unit of the 3rd alarm will have the responsibility of Base Manager.


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When possible, staff personnel (Training, Prevention, etc…) shall perform the functions of Base Manager so companies will be able to focus on fire fighting and evacuation efforts. However this is an important function that must be filled as soon as possible.

A. Reports to the Logistics Section Chief or Support Branch Director (if

established).

B. Evaluate safety, layout, and suitability of the Base location.

C. As requested by Operations, Logistics or Incident Command, direct crews and equipment to designated locations.

D. Establish Base layout and identify each function area as appropriate to the incident size

and expected duration to include: Crew ready area Equipment pool Rehab area Command Post Apparatus parking Personnel facilities

E. Maintain a unit/activity log (ICS Form 214).

IV. CHARACTERISTICS

1. Occupancy:

There are 3 types of occupancy designs as it relates to High-rise structures.

Residential - Includes apartment buildings, hotels, dormitories, hospitals or assisted living facilities. These buildings are characterized by center corridors and interior compartments (rooms, laundry area, dining hall). They are occupied 24 hours a day.

Commercial - Characterized by central core construction, circuit corridors around the core of the building, and large, open areas on each floor. Occupancy is greater during normal operation periods.

Combined – Structures that house both residential and commercial. Usually there are living quarters located on upper floors while businesses occupy the lower levels.


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2. Construction:

Listed below are structural components of the building and its systems.

A. Stairways

The familiarization of occupants and fire personnel to the location of stairways with in a structure cannot be overstated. The proper labeling of stairways as well as the early determination of which will be designated as fire attack and evacuation aide in a rapid and safe evacuation of the structure. These designations should be provided not only to the fire department but to the staff of the high-rise buildings. Building staffs should include this information in their evacuation plan so that fire department efforts will not be hampered due to occupied stairways. Enclosed stairways are extremely important in buildings for:

Safe evacuation of occupants.

Movement of firefighters and equipment for various operations.

Ventilation of products of combustion (heat, smoke, toxic gases).

In the event of a fire alarm, some stairways may contain fans that are activated automatically to pressurize the stairwell. Other types include manual systems for pressurizing stairways while others contain no means of protection. A well designed stairway may prevent heat and smoke from entering into it. All site surveys shall include the location of stairways in the structure as well as whether natural or mechanical openings are present for ventilation. A copy of the building preplan shall be located within the fire control room.

Open stairways, better known as “Access Stairways” or “Accommodation Stairs” are sometimes located between floors in a high-rise building. This usually occurs when a business firm owns or leases two or more floors.

Scissor stairs may be found in core type construction. These stairs are simply independent stairwells on either side of the core. However, in some cases, each stairwell will only serve every other floor. Some serve even floors while others serve odd floors.


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Transverse Stairs connect to a common hall on each floor. They are located at 2 remote points in the structure. Firefighters must travel the hallways to go from one stairwell to another.

Many structures require the use of a code or key to access certain floors from the stairway. These security devices are used to restrict access to businesses located on certain floors. Alarm systems should be equipped so that these doors will automatically unlock in case of a fire alarm.

The importance of a thorough site survey and pre-fire planning cannot be over emphasized.

B. Elevators

Familiarity with the functions of elevator machinery in high-rise buildings is necessary. The extrication of persons trapped in elevators requires a thorough knowledge of its operating systems. The push button type elevator systems that are installed in most modern buildings may or may not have a “Capture System.” The “Capture System” when activated will return all elevators nonstop to the ground floor. Significant features of this type of system are:

1) Keeps hoist ways from being filled with smoke.

2) Keeps elevators from stopping on floors that may be involved in fire and smoke.

3) Causes occupants of building to use stairways for evacuating the building. 4) Firefighters entering the lobby on ground floor can quickly ascertain that all

elevators are accounted for and none are stuck in the hoistway requiring rescue efforts.

5) Elevators are readily available for Fire Department use.

6) After all elevators have returned to the lobby of the ground floor, it may

be good practice to shut down the elevator cars that are not being used by the Fire Department.


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Buildings of extreme height will normally have two (2) or more banks of elevators. The illustration below shows three (3) elevator banks, two (2) of which are for passenger operations and one (1) for freight.


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As you can see in the illustration, elevator 1 serves floors 1 – 6 while elevator 2 serves floors 7 – 10. The freight elevator serves all floors within the structure.

Express elevators, which bypass a portion of the building via a blind shaft, are found in many of the high-rises throughout the area. A blind shaft is one that has no openings on certain floors, but serves a specified portion of the building. Factors that shall be considered before firefighters take over and use elevators during operations.

1) Elevators are essential if they can be used safely for reaching upper floors in tall buildings. Elevators save time and eliminate fatigue. Do not use elevators for fires involving the 7th floor and below.

2) In a multi-bank arrangement select a safe bank.

3) Four (4) firefighters to an elevator.

4) Equipment – do no ascend upper levels without the proper equipment per team.

Helmet, turnout coat and boots

SCBA – Each officer and firefighter should have a mask properly

donned and ready to connect the facepiece Forcible entry tools

Hose and nozzles

Portable radios

Master keys, if possible

Spare cylinders high-rise packs

5) Test elevator communications system

6) Check controls


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Emergency stop button

Close door button

Constant pressure button for opening door

Stop every 5 floors to check car control and elevator shaft.

If in doubt, GET OUT.

7) Exit 2 floors below the fire floor.

8) Should elevator stop at fire floor:

Put SCBA into operation

Try to prevent door from opening

If door opens, try to force it closed

If car will not move, communicate using elevator system and portable radio

Open vent above car

Exit car if it can be done safety, either on the fire floor, overhead vent,

adjoining car or by breaching a wall.

9) Determine as early as possible the relationship of the fire to elevators and communicate to the Incident Command Post.

10) A command decision could allow access to floors above fire floor for search and

rescue by using a blind shaft elevator to pass the fire floor. See illustration on page 7.

11) Elevators may be used to shuttle equipment to the staging area. This helps

alleviate fatigue encountered by fire personnel while using the stairwell.

Resources can be supplied at higher pace (air bottles, emergency medical equipment, radios).


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A firefighter shall standby on the ground floor as well as the staging floor to send the elevator back and forth.

By using the blind shaft elevator (E-2), firefighters can gain access to the floors above the fire without the possibility of accidental stoppage on the fire floor itself.

Elevator 1 serves floors 1 - 6 Elevator 2 only serves floors 7 - 10


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A thorough site survey should include a diagram of all elevator systems as well as the type and location of the control room. A copy of the sire survey shall be located in the fire control room for reference by fire personnel. Remember, assume all elevators are functional until it has been ascertained that power has been disconnected to the unit. Do not remove occupants from an elevator unless the power has been disconnected.

C. Window assemblies

Many newer high-rises are constructed with glass/mirrored windowpanes, which during incidents makes it nearly impossible to determine which floors are affected by fire. Most of these windows are constructed of tempered glass, plate glass or Lexan. When trying to remove a window system for ventilation, the following factors must be considered.

1) Determine if other more appropriate means of ventilation are available.

2) Windows that are to be removed shall be done so that its components are not

allowed to fall to the exterior of the structure. Some systems require a special key to remove windowpanes.

3) The area below the window to be removed must be clear of personnel and

equipment so that no injuries or damage can occur in the event of falling debris.

Falling windowpanes and glass particles have been known to travel many blocks injuring and killing many individuals. Information on a structures window system shall be included in the buildings site survey. A copy of the site survey shall be kept in the fire control room for reference by fire personnel. Central air conditioning and pressurized systems have resulted in windowless buildings or buildings with fixed sashes. Some sashes are removable but for all practical purposes they are fixed windows.


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Buildings with windows that are able to be opened are usually of casement or double hung types. These windows are primarily found in residential occupancies.

D. Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

Activation of an alarm or detection device will normally shut down HVAC systems. The supply and return fans shut down on activation and the supply and return dampers close. This may reduce the spread of fire and the recirculation of the products of combustion via the ducts.

In buildings of extreme height, HVAC systems are usually divided into two (2) or more zones. Zoning prevents shutting down the entire system throughout the building when a fire occurs. Some zones may connect from 10 to 20 floors. Ducts, shafts, and poke through holes penetrate fire resistive floors, walls and ceilings. This may allow smoke, heat and gases to travel from floor to floor.

When the system is shut down, it seals areas where the fire is in progress and will magnify the effect of the heat generated by the fire. During normal operations of a building, the HVAC system is necessary because if it were shut down the building would not be inhabitable within an hour or so. You can see how great an effect this would have on firefighters with an uncontrolled and un-vented fire in progress.

More complex systems may pressurize stairwells and elevator shafts in order to maintain tenability in the areas critical to building evacuation as well as areas, which might be used by the fire department in their operations.

Points to remember:

1) Check with building officials to be certain that the system has been shut down.

Activation devices could fail and fire would be fed by air supply.

2) Systems that automatically shut down provide controls to allow activation once it has been determined that the system will not effect fire spread but assists in ventilation efforts.

3) If a return system is to be used for ventilating fire area, be sure there is no

recirculation of contaminated air.


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Fire personnel must recognize the severity of operating the HVAC during high-rise incidents. If improperly used, products of combustion may be spread throughout the entire building. The site survey must identify the type of system, where the power source for the equipment is located and who is the contact for operating the buildings systems (security, maintenance, and tenant).

Building plans should be located within the fire control room. These documents will assist in determining how the HVAC zones are set and which floors are affected.

E. Stack Effect/ Reverse Stack Effect/Stratification

Stack effect is the natural movement of air within a tightly sealed building due to the difference in temperature between the air on the interior and exterior of the structure. On a cold day, as the colder outside air flows into the lower levels of the building, it displaces the warmer, lower density air which as a tendency to rise, causing an upward air current or stack action. As the colder air is heated and expands, its density drops and it will rise to maintain the continuity of upward flow. This upward flow creates a pressure inside the shaft.

Reverse Stack (Summer Stack) effect occurs during warmer days. The flow of air is in a downward mode. Smoke and by products of combustion may appear on floors below the fire floor. The movement of air is not as dramatic as the normal stack effect as the difference in temperature between the exterior and interior are not as great as in the winter period.

Stratification occurs in sealed buildings when the temperature of the smoke produced is not sufficient enough to cause it to rise to the top of the structure.

In firefighting operations, a very important atmospheric feature to notice is the neutral pressure plane that usually occurs somewhere near the midsection of the building. This location may vary for a number of reasons; however, the important thing to realize is that air movement in this section is very moderate. Airflow in and out of the building may be hardly noticed. Above and below this neutral zone, the strength and direction of airflow may be quite significant. Ventilation and HVAC systems may have some effect on this normal action.


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A fire occurring below the neutral zone would be drawn towards the shaft, spreading inward and upward. A fire occurring above the neutral zone would probably spread with less intensity and would likely spread toward the periphery of the building.

F. Fire Control Room

Fire control rooms are usually located near, or at the main lobby entrance. Locations of the fire control room should be indicated on the site survey.

1) Information located in the fire control room relates to buildings systems and fire

alarm systems.

Building systems refer to ventilation controls, electrical controls, and elevator banks and their mechanical locations.

Fire alarm systems include the locations of the annunciator panel,

sprinkler control rooms, fire pumps, and detector/pull stations.


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RAPID INTERVENTION CREW PROCEDURES

“ON-DECK” PROGRESSION STAGING MANPOWER POOL RAPID INTERVENTION CREW 1. POSITIONED IMMEDIATELY (IRIC OR RIC) OUTSIDE OF THE IDLH 2. MUST HAVE FULL PPE AND SCBA 3. MUST OPERATE IN A MINIMUM

TEAM OF TWO (2). ONCE THE DRIVER HAS SECURED THE APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT, A MINIMUM TEAM OF THREE (3)

FIRE ATTACK 4. PORTABLE RADIO AND OTHER RESCUE EQUIPMENT 5. INITIATE A CHARGED DEDICATED HOSE LINE 6. THE CREW IS DEDICATED TO PERFORM

RESCUES ONLY


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IRIC / RIC CONSIDERATIONS AND FIREFIGHTER SELF-SURVIVAL RESPONSIBILITIES

1. General Considerations for RIC

When searching for a lost member, rescue crews should consider the following:

• Visible sighting of trapped firefighters, such as arms or legs • Knowledge of their last known location • The sound of the PASS device’s audible tone • Shouts for help from the collapsed area • Tapping noises, etc. • Sounds of portable radio broadcast in the collapsed area • Breathing, moaning sounds • The sound of the SCBA warning alarm sounding • Radio request for help from within the collapsed area • Tracing attack lines into the collapse area • Tracing search ropes into the area Evidence of building structures or locations that were described by the lost fire

fighter(s) • Flashlight beams • Location of ladders, fans, lights, or other equipment being used by the missing

firefighter(s) • Open or unlock all doors • Search the immediate area of doorway first • Search hallways before interior rooms • Search exterior walls (interior sides) before searching interior spaces • Search large interior spaces in a detailed grid pattern • Ensure all areas are searched • Take one extra SCBA for each lost firefighter • Use life lines when searching "off hose line" to ensure safety of rescuers

2. Basic Firefighter Self-Survival Responsibilities

Firefighters and Emergency Medical Technicians operating within Hanover County shall use the Mayday, Accountability System and the Incident Management System as adopted in the department’s standard operating guidelines, procedures and policies. Firefighters and Emergency Medical Technicians who find themselves in unsafe conditions including being lost or trapped must immediately declare a MAYDAY to announce their situation. Personnel should continue to attempt to find safe evacuation and should not delay providing notification of distress. Prolonged delay of emergency notification could jeopardize survival and limit activation of Rapid Intervention Crews (RIC) by the Incident Commander (IC). If a team member is in trouble, the other member(s) of the team shall take appropriate steps in declaring a MAYDAY while continuing to help those member(s) in distress.


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FOUR STEP PROCESS FOR DECLARING A MAYDAY SITUATION

1. Personnel will depress and activate the RED radio emergency button 2. Transmit a distress call by declaring “MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY” 3. Provide a LUNAR report

L – Location = “Division 2, Bravo side” U – Unit = “Engine 17” N – Name = “Firefighter Joe Smith” A – Assignment = “Search Team” R – Resources needed = “Fallen through and stuck in floor opening, bring tools and

spare SCBA” 4. Press and activate PASS device to full alert mode ADDITIONAL ACTIONS

All radio transmissions are to be acknowledged. If personnel hear a non-

acknowledged emergency radio transmission they will report it immediately to the IC.

The activation of an Emergency Button on the radio will be treated as a MAYDAY

transmission until confirmed otherwise.

Once the IC has acknowledged the MAYDAY transmission, a Personnel Accountability Report (PAR) request will be made to verify status of personnel on the scene.

The IC will notify all personnel of the MAYDAY situation. The IC will then

activate the RIC and assign any other appropriate resources to the rescue operation.

Crews not assigned to the rescue operation by the IC will continue their assigned functions and must resist the temptation to freelance.

The IC shall move incident operations to another radio TAC-channel to limit

confusion and increase direct communication with those in distress. A rescue


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operation normally involves heavy radio traffic, moving incident operations to a new channel helps reduce this pressure.

SAFETY OFFICER

When a MAYDAY situation is received, a Safety Officer will be assigned to monitor the radio traffic on the RIC – MAYDAY radio channel and act as a liaison for the rescue operation and the IC. The IC will maintain command and control of all emergency incident activities. CANCELLATION OF THE MAYDAY SITUATION

A MAYDAY situation may be cancelled when all personnel have been rescued or the distress condition has been resolved. The IC will communicate to all personnel that the MAYDAY and rescue operation has been cancelled. Once the IC has confirmed the cancellation of the MAYDAY situation, a PAR request will be made to verify status of all personnel on the scene.

For additional detailed information and procedures involving MAYDAY, review Richmond Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association

MAYDAY Procedure.


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INCIDENT SIZE UP

It is critical that the company officer communicate a concise size up of every situation. This information sets the tone for the incident and prompts the dispatcher to ensure the appropriate resources are allocated based on the incident type. The Incident Commander should complete a complete lap (360 Survey) of the complete structure or incident. A typical size up should include the follow:

Unit Number Conditions (Verify situation or declare a “working incident” and specify the type) Building construction type Establish Command Declare operational mode

Situation Type Definition High Life Hazard Any location that poses multiple life threats due

to difficulty exiting or lack of mobility of the inhabitants: (Churches, Hospitals, Hotels, Nursing Homes, Schools)

Multi-Family (High Life Hazard) A building that can or does contain a large number of people. An apartment complex is an example, as long as people can easily exit.

High Rise A building where total evacuation is not practical, ground based operation is not possible or when resources are stretched beyond the capacity of one jurisdiction.

Commercial-Big Box Structure A structure in which the primary purpose is to conduct activities of business, industry, or trade.

Residential Fire A building occupied by a single family. Hazmat An incident involving a gas, liquid or solid that,

in any quantity, poses a threat to life, health and property.

Requesting Additional Resources: Ensure conditions reported to the dispatcher are accurate so that the correct units can be dispatched. The incident commander can either request specific units as needed or request a second alarm. A second alarm doubles the resources currently assigned to the appropriate situation type.


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Example of an escalating incident: Engine 1 is dispatched for a residential fire alarm Engine 1 arrives with a working house fire. Engine 1 transmits, “E1 is on the scene of a working residential fire in a 1 story wood frame dwelling. E1 is establishing “Any Street Command” and operating in Fire Attack Mode. The dispatcher will “reclassify” the call from fire alarm to working residential fire and automatically dispatch the appropriate resources for that call type.

For additional detailed information and procedures involving Personnel Accountability, review Richmond Metropolitan Fire

Chiefs Association Personnel Accountability System Procedure.

OPERATIONAL MODES Fire Attack Mode: Command option when a determination of the first arriving officer deems rescue is NOT imminent. This mode may start out with a quick exterior “Reset” of the fire and transition to an interior attack. Command will announce as a “Working Fire”

• The SLICE-RS concept is a Fire Attack Mode tactic and personnel will “Reset” the fire from the exterior to reduce temperatures inside before an interior attack begins.

Rescue Mode: Command option where critical life safety situations are present. Command will announce as a “Working Fire”. This mode will be declared when there is entrapment of occupants or firefighters. This should be considered on non-fire related emergencies. (structural collapse, confined space, trench collapse) The Rescue Mode ends when the occupants or firefighters have been removed or the determination for rescue is NOT possible Investigative Mode: Command option where the first-in unit investigates and other apparatus stage. This is when there is NO visible or apparent emergency upon arrival. Example: Responding for a fire alarm with nothing out of the ordinary evident upon arrival. Defensive Mode: Command option when the Rescue Mode is not imminent and there are NO life-safety issues. This is also when resources are not available (second or third due engine companies). This Mode is declared when risks outweigh benefits. This Mode identifies an exterior attack for an extended duration-“Risk a little to Save a little” . High Rise Mode: Command option where the first-in unit identifies the need for High-Rise operations in a structure. This may occur in buildings where the technical definition of a High-Rise does not fit; however, it may be employed if total evacuation is not practical, ground based operation is not possible, or where resources are stretched beyond the capacity of one jurisdiction. High rise structures are 5 or more stories.


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FIREGROUND PROGRESS REPORTING (CAN)

Progress reporting on the fireground during all phases of operations relays vital information between Incident Commanders and companies operating at the incident. Incident plans are driven by the completion of tactical objectives. If an objective cannot be completed, the IC needs to be advised so that the safety of crews operating can be evaluated and the tactical and strategic plan modified. An easy way to answer and transmit a progress report is by the use of the CAN report. The CAN report stands for Conditions, Actions, Needs. By using this order model, the person giving the report easily identifies how well they are doing, the conditions they are facing and any support or resource needs they have. On scene CAN reports should be requested or given to the IC every 10 minutes until the incident has been declared under control. This 10 minute notification time is also a benchmark for PAR (Personnel Accountability Reports). In our system the ECC officer will prompt and request a PAR at the benchmark times of 10 minutes.

Example of CAN report: E-20 to Command; E-20 on division 2 with moderate heat and smoke conditions, knocking down fire, additional crew needed with tools to pull ceiling on division 2.

Conditions Examples of Conditions

• Conditions observed • Smoke & heat

conditions • Interior visibility • Obstacles • Structural stability • Fuel loads • What’s burning • Interior layout

Actions Examples of Actions

• Actions being taken • Completing

primary/secondary search

• Knocking down fire “Water on fire”

• Pulling ceiling • Performing salvage • Completing assigned

objective

Needs Examples of Needs • What’s needed

(resources, staffing) • Urgent help • Relief • Tools or equipment • Additional hoselines

or more water • Support to current

assignment


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STAGING LEVELS Level 1 Staging Level 1 staging is a strategic stand by point for units arriving on a multi company response other than the first arriving unit. Level 1 staging should be an uncommitted location close to the scene (approx. 1 block) for deployment. All arriving units other than the first arriving unit should secure a secondary water source; approach the incident from alternative routes, and position units in a strategic location to be rapidly and effectively deployed. During Level 1 staging all personnel stay with their apparatus until Command gives further assignment. Level 2 Staging Level 2 staging is a designated location to centralize all resources potentially needed by command. Level 2 staging should be considered when responding to Hazardous-Material incidents, Mass Casualty Incidents, Working Fires or any other Special Operations Incidents. Command should communicate to Hanover ECC the location for Level 2 staging and assign a staging officer on an alternate fire/rescue tac channel. The location should be an appropriate distance away from the scene to reduce further congestion. Level 3 Staging Level 3 staging is an area designated by command to assemble personnel and firefighting equipment utilized during fire ground operations in the HOT ZONE. During High Rise Operations, Level 3 staging should be considered two floors below the fire floor. Equipment such as spare bottles, high rise packs, forcible entry tools, and personnel can be designated to Level 3 staging. Level 3 staging can also be utilized in areas associated with Lobby Control or during large commercial incidents. Command or Operations Sector when implemented assigns the location.


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RESCUE/750 FAST CONCEPT Hanover Fire•EMS operates on the general strategy of rapidly delivering a single water stream to the seat of the fire. Fire companies only have a matter of minutes to deliver water to the fire, if we hope to make a positive impact because of limited staffing and excessive travel distances. With this in mind, it is often necessary to deploy and operate attack lines on tank water and conduct a primary search of the structure before a sustainable water supply can be established. The tactics contained in these guidelines are designed to support those two primary objectives: rescue the occupants and quickly get water on the fire. All of the tactics in this document are designed to be fluid with these two overarching goals in mind. We also must adhere to regulations set forth understanding the “two in-two-out rule” as we are engaged in Fire Attack Mode.

S.L.I.C.E-R.S CONCEPT The purpose of the SLICE-RS concept is to provide a consistent approach to structural firefighting strategies and tactics based off the 750 Fast Concept. These concepts are written as guidelines to provide fire officers the ability to adjust tactics to a specific emergency. SLICE-RS is a Fire Attack Mode tactic used to reduce temperatures inside a building from a safe exterior location prior to entry by firefighting personnel for extinguishment or rescue.


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(Table 1: SLICERS Acronym) SEQUENTIAL ACTIONS: To take place in order: Size Up Size-up must occur at every fire, and as a result of the size-up, the resources available and situational conditions; weather, fire location, size, structure, construction etc. A tactical plan for that fire must be developed, communicated and implemented. First arriving officers/incident commanders are responsible for obtaining a 360 degree view of the structure involved. Where impractical because of building size or obstructions, the incident commander should delegate other arriving units to view parts of the structure unseen by the incident commander. Radio Benchmarks

➡ Initial Radio Report ➡ Declare Operational Mode (Rescue Mode, Fire Attack Mode, Defensive Mode, Investigative Mode)


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Locate the Fire The location and extent of the fire in the building must be determined. Officers should use all means available to make this determination. Thermal Imagers should be booted prior to arrival and at the ready for the initial 360 degree lap of the structure. The location of the fire and current conditions will dictate the best location to attack the fire. Identify the Flow Path The incident commander should identify the presence and/or location of the flow path. Effort should be taken to control ventilation and the flow path to protect potential building occupants and limit fire growth. If a flow path is visible, consider closing doors and windows to limit air flow. When closing doors and windows, firefighters should be aware of any potential rescues readily accessible via doors/windows. Cool the Space from the Safest Location Given information obtained during the size up, locating the fire and identifying the flow path, the incident commander will determine if high heat conditions exist inside the structure. When high conditions are present, the incident commander will determine the safest and most direct way to apply water to the superheated space, or directly on the fire when available. The primary goal in this step is to reduce the thermal threat to firefighters and potential occupants as soon as reasonably possible. The term used is “Resetting the fire”. This term must be communicated when used to allow responding companies to understand the tactic being employed and often may dictate their assignment. Radio Benchmarks

➡ Fire has been “Reset” (State location) ➡ Communicate method of continued operations

Extinguish the Fire Once the thermal threats have been controlled, the fire should be extinguished in the most direct manner possible. The incident commander should recognized the potential for the thermal threat to return and should move to extinguish the fire quickly. The incident commander should ensure the proper initial rescue crews (IRIC) are in place for interior fire attack operations. Radio Benchmarks

➡ “Water on the Fire,” when water is applied to seat of fire


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ACTIONS OF OPPORTUNITY: May occur at any time Rescue The incident commander should consider the potential for rescues at all times. Firefighters should be prepared to remove occupants. It should be reinforced that often the best action the fire department can take is to suppress the fire. The incident commander and fireground officers must make a rapid and informed choice on the priority and sequence of suppression activities verses occupant removal. As life safety is the highest tactical priority, rescue shall always take precedence. The incident commander must determine the best course of action to ensure the best outcome for occupants based on the conditions at that time. Salvage Firefighters should use compartmentalization to control fire spread and smoke whenever possible. Special Note on Ventilation: Fire departments should manage, and control the openings to the structure to limit fire growth and spread and to control the flow path of inlet air and fire gases during tactical operations. All ventilation must be coordinated with suppression activities. Uncontrolled ventilation allows additional oxygen into the structure which may result in a rapid increase in the size and hazard of the fire due to increased heat release rates.


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RURAL WATER SUPPLY PLAN

The goal of the rural water supply plan is to provide the necessary fire flow in areas that are not served by a municipal water system. Hanover’s large capacity tankers serve as the backbone of the rural water supply operation. This guideline will outline the rural water supply mission and its components. Dispatch Procedures A “Tanker Box (TB)” which will consist of two large capacity tankers and a support engine company, also known as a “Tanker Task Force (TTF)” though IMS, will be dispatched. Each tanker should respond directly to the scene to immediately drop off its portable tanks and water. The engine assigned to the TB is designed to proceed to the fill site to set up quick-fill operations. The BC on duty may elect to assign the 3

rd

due engine on the initial assignment to the fill site, should their proximity to the water source dictate. When this occurs, the engine assigned to the TB will assume the 3

rd

due engine’s fireground responsibilities. The TB interfaces with the fireground at the 2

nd

arriving engine. The first arriving tanker should immediately deploy its portable tank(s) in a forward or side fill configuration. The tanker crew should then begin to fill the tank(s) via jet dump and drop the necessary fill equipment on site. Once the water is fully deployed the tanker will proceed to the designated fill site. The minimum equipment to be dropped on the fireground includes the following: • Portable Tank(s) • Tarp for each Tank • Minimum (1) low-level strainer w/water buddy. • Hose clamps for tanks. When the tanker has additional personnel on board, they should remain with the 2

nd

due engine operator to assist in setting up the rural water supply operation. Command shall appoint a “Water Supply Officer (WSO)” to coordinate the water shuttle. The WSO shall ensure the water supply operation is set up according to this guideline.


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Dump Site Configurations There are two primary dump site configurations. Side Dump Site The Side Dump configuration is best suited for dump sites where the traffic flows adjacent to the 2

nd

due engine. In this configuration, the portable tanks shall be set on the corners or in a “diamond” shape configuration. The Pump Panel Keystone serves as the draft connection into the primary portable

tank. The 2nd

engine operator should establish a draft on the portable tank as soon as possible. The operator should also establish a jumper line from the primary portable tank to the secondary portable tank using a hard-sleeve hose and a low level strainer with a built-in water buddy. Front Dump Site For fireground operations where there is limited road access, the 2

nd

engine should BACK IN to driveway and pick up the supply line from the 1

st

arriving engine. The 2nd

engine operator should immediately prepare to supply the 1

st

engine with its tank water. Once the first tanker arrives, the 2nd

engine operator will place two portable tanks flush with the front bumper and establish a draft using the front intake of the apparatus. The operator should also establish a jumper line from the primary portable tank to the secondary portable tank using a hard-sleeve hose and a low level strainer with a built-in water buddy. The most forward portable tank should align with the roadway, allowing inbound tankers to easily pull alongside to jet-dump their water. Care should be taken to ensure the large-capacity tankers have access to the tanks for immediate dumping. The WSO shall ensure the path is clear for the large capacity tankers on their arrival to the dump site.

Ensure water supply operations are set per guidelines. Ensure large capacity tankers have access to portable tanks for jet-dumping. Provide guidance to inbound tankers on which part of the site they may dump their water.

(Traffic cones make good markers for the dump locations)

A minimum of 3” line should be established to feed the portable tanks. This line should lead to a manifold, which allows for up to 4 separate dumps for other water-carrying apparatus. This allows for other units to contribute to the water supply without impeding the access of the large-capacity tankers. Remember, the large capacity tankers are the key to the operation.


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Fill Site Operations There are two basic fill site configurations. Hydrant Fill Site The Fill Site Engine shall immediately establish its largest available hose connection with the hydrant. A 4” supply line shall be laid to a point where up to 4 tankers can arrive and fill simultaneously. The 4” supply line shall be connected to a manifold, making use of the 4 outlets. A minimum of 3” lines should be run from each manifold outlet to the 4 fill station, generally marked by a traffic cone. The Fill Site Engine Operator’s goal is to fill the large capacity tankers as quickly as possible. To help fill the tankers in a timely manner, the large capacity tankers may occupy two fill stations at once. Other apparatus may fill secondary to the larger tankers. Ground Water Source When hydrants are unavailable, ground water sources may be used. Sites with dry hydrants are a preferred fill site over natural water sources. The Fill Site Engine should lay a 4” supply line into the water source and immediately establish a draft. The 4” supply line shall be connected to a manifold, making use of the 4 outlets. A minimum of 3” lines should be run from each manifold outlet to the 4 fill station, generally marked by a traffic cone. The Fill Site Engine Operator’s goal is to fill the large capacity tankers as quickly as possible to help fill the tankers in a timely manner; the large capacity tankers may occupy two fill stations at once. Other apparatus may fill secondary to the larger tankers. Key Water Supply Officer Duties • Ensure water supply operations are set per guidelines. • Ensure large capacity tankers have constant access to portable tanks for jet-dumping. • Provide guidance to inbound tankers on which site they may dump their water. (Traffic cones

make good markers for the dump locations) • Communicate with Fill Site to monitor progress. • Communicate with Command projected water availability ASAP Water Availability Calculations To calculate water availability in a rural water supply operation, use the following formula:

80% of the tank volume = Water per Tanker Time (Fill+Dump+Travel)

The WSO should calculate the water availability for each unit in the shuttle and add them together to form the total water availability. The water availability figure should be compared to the projected fire flow needs from Command to determine if the water supply operation is sufficient. If the predicted fire-flow is greater than the predicted water availability, additional tankers should be added to the shuttle to increase the capacity.


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Hanover Fire•EMS Rural Water Supply Plan

Dump Site “Side Site” Operations

Additional

Dump Lines For Smaller Apparatus


61

Hanover Fire•EMS Rural Water Supply Plan

Dump Site “Front Dump” Operations for Limited Access

Capacity

Tankers Only


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Hanover Fire•EMS Rural Water Supply Plan Fill Site – Remote Access


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Hanover Fire•EMS Crew Riding Assignments

Engine Company Riding Assignments

Engine Positions (Top View)

A B D C

Front Rear

Officer Seat “A”

1st Due Working Fire (All hands to work) Tool: Radio Hand light Halligan Bar TIC with spare battery Tasks: Identify and initiate water supply

Determines if Unit commits to FDC (Notify 2nd Engine) or Recon of fire Establish Command Size-Up (including 360 Survey)

Determine Operational Mode Assist with forcible entry Fire Attack Provides leadership as needed and ensures that assigned tasks are completed

2nd Due Fire Tools: Radio Hand light Halligan Bar TIC with spare battery Tasks: Establish Initial Rapid Intervention Crew (IRIC) when no rescue is evident Initiate 2nd attack line and support initial attack If no Truck, provide outside vent and initial search Provides leadership as needed and ensures that assigned tasks are completed


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3rd Due Fire

Tools: Radio Hand light Halligan Bar TIC with spare battery Tasks: Establish On-Deck Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) Monitor radio traffic of incident

RIC size up and staging of necessary tools and equipment Provides leadership as needed and ensures that assigned tasks are completed

4th Due Fire Tools: Radio Hand light Halligan Bar TIC with spare battery Tasks: Establish Staging Officer Assist with Truck Operations Provides leadership as needed and ensures that assigned tasks are completed Leader line Operations Tools: Radio Hand light Halligan Bar TIC with spare battery Tasks: Establish Command

Size-Up (including walk around) Determine Operational Mode

Deploy Leader-line (3” with water thief) If 4 man Engine “C” seat will deploy MVC (Motor Vehicle Collisions) Tools: Radio Tasks: Establish Command

Scene size up Command Safety of scene and operations EMS Assignments Tools: Clipboard – Patient information for reporting system needs Tasks: Assist with patient or responder care when directed


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Engine Company Crew Riding Assignments


A B D C

Front Rear

Driver Seat “D” 1st Due Working Fire (All hands to work) Tasks: Wrap the hydrant and lay-in

Position past structure or stop short of to leave room for 1st Truck Secure water supply (if applicable) Help deploy primary (1) and secondary hose lines (2) Deploy appropriate tools to point of entry:

- Pike poles, saws, air bottles, etc. Throw ladders if indicated by Officer “Outside Vent Man” if indicated by Officer

2nd Due Fire Tasks: Position @ primary hydrant (when available) secure water source

Secure water supply – Pick up 1st Engine supply line and/or prepare for Rural Water supply operations

Support FDC if not supplied by 1st Engine 3rd Due Fire Tasks: Position at secondary hydrant (At or near front), when available to establish secondary

water source. Lay-in and supply water for 1st Truck Operations If Rural Water, deliver water to 2nd Engine and drop crew Establish dump site for rural water operations 4th Due Fire Tasks: Position at additional hydrant (At or near rear) when available to establish additional water

source Lay-in and supply water for 2nd Truck Operations


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Leader line Operations Tasks: Wrap the hydrant and lay-in

Position past structure or stop short of to leave room for 1st Truck Secure water supply (if applicable) Help deploy primary (1) and secondary hose lines (2) Deploy appropriate tools to point of entry:

- Pike poles, saws, air bottles, etc. Throw ladders if indicated by Officer “Outside Vent Man” if indicated by Officer

Helps Deploy 3” lead out, make connection to Engine MVC (Motor Vehicle Collisions) Tasks: Safely place apparatus to ensure scene safety and protection of crews Deploy cones/flares if needed Assist with stabilization if needed Deploy hose line if needed Tool deployment as needed EMS Assignments Tasks: Deploy Immobilization Equipment if needed Assist with patient care



A B D C

Front Rear

Officer Jump Seat “B”

1st Due Working Fire (All hands to work) Tool: Nozzle

Flat head axe/striking tool Radio


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Light Tasks: Stretch hand line for entry Forcible entry Stand-by at entry site for crew and officer Fire Attack 2nd Due Fire Tools: Radio Hand light Irons Rope Bag Tasks: Establish Initial Rapid Intervention Crew (IRIC) when no rescue is evident Initiate 2nd attack line and support initial attack If no Truck, provide outside vent and initial search 3rd Due Fire

Tools: Radio Hand light Irons Rope Bag Tasks: On-Deck Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) Monitor radio traffic of incident Initiate 3rd handline for RIC use only

RIC size up and staging of necessary tools and equipment 4th Due Fire Tools: Radio Hand light Irons Rope Bag Tasks: Assist with DPO/Water supply operations Assist with Truck Operations Leader line Operations Tools: Radio High Rise Pack Light Tasks: Brings high rise pack Forcible Entry tools


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MVC (Motor Vehicle Collisions) Tasks: EMS Triage Extrication tool operation EMS Assignments Tools: Jump Bag Tasks: AIC



A B D C

Front Rear

Driver Jump Seat “C”

1st Due Working Fire (All hands to work) Tools: Irons Hand light Radio Tasks: Helps Deploy Primary Line Assists with Forcible Entry Fire Attack 2nd Due Fire Tools: Radio Hand light Irons Tasks: Establish Initial Rapid Intervention Crew (IRIC) when no rescue is evident Initiate 2nd attack line and support initial attack If no Truck, provide outside vent and initial search


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3rd Due Fire

Tools: Radio Hand light Irons Tasks: On-Deck Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) Monitor radio traffic of incident

RIC size up and staging of necessary tools and equipment 4th Due Fire Tools: Radio Hand light Irons Tasks: Assist with DPO/Water supply operations Assist with Truck Operations Leader line Operations Tools: Radio Light Tasks: Deploys 3” leader line MVC (Motor Vehicle Collisions) Tasks: Stabilization Hazard Control Assists with extrication tool operation EMS Assignments Tools: AED Suction Tasks: Obtain Vital Signs Helps provide patient care as directed


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Truck / Heavy Rescue Company Crew Riding Assignments

Truck / Squad Positions (Top View)

A B D C

Front Rear

Officer Seat “A” Inside Crew

1st Due Working Fire (All hands to work) Tool: Radio Hand light 5 ft hook Water Can TIC with spare battery Tasks: Forcible Entry

Assists with search and rescue Vent as you go, coordinated with Fire Attack Opens walls and ceilings Salvage and overhaul Provides leadership as needed and ensures that assigned tasks are completed 2ndDue Fire Tools: Radio Hand light 5 ft hook Water Can TIC with spare battery Tasks: Forcible Entry Search floor above/most severe exposure Salvage and overhaul Coordinate with 1st Truck to complete Truck tasks as needed Provides leadership as needed and ensures that assigned tasks are completed


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MVC (Motor Vehicle Collisions) Tools: Radio Tasks: Scene size up Command Safety of scene and operations

Truck / Heavy Rescue Company Crew Riding Assignments

Truck / Squad Positions (Top View)

A B D C

Front Rear

Driver Seat “D” Outside Crew-Outside Vent (OVM)

1st Due Working Fire (All hands to work) Tools: Radio

Pike pole Ground ladders Lighting equipment PPV fan

Tasks: Positions Truck at or near front Ladder roof unless advised otherwise by Command Place ground ladders all sides Provides Outside Vent on Fire Compartment VES if necessary Assist roof operation with Driver Jump Seat “C” Control utilities Deliver PPV fan to front door Coordinate water supply from 3rd due Engine

2nd Due Fire Tools: Radio


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Pike pole Ground ladders Lighting equipment

Tasks: Position Truck opposite 1st Truck or position to cover that side Ladder roof unless advised otherwise by Command Place ground ladders side C and D

Cover any open Truck tasks not completed Coordinate water supply from 4th due Engine

MVC (Motor Vehicle Collisions) Tools: Radio Tasks: Scene Lighting Staging of Extrication equipment Disconnects battery and vehicle power systems

Secures cover for airbag

Truck / Heavy Rescue Company Crew Riding Assignments Truck / Squad Positions (Top View)

A B D C

Front Rear

Officer Jump Seat “B”

Inside Crew

1st Due Working Fire (All hands to work) Tool: Radio

Irons Hand light

6 ft hook Hydra-Ram (If required) Tasks: Forcible Entry Search floor above/most severe exposure Vent as you go Open walls and ceilings Salvage and overhaul


73

2ndDue Fire Tools: Radio Irons Hand light 6 ft hook Hydra-Ram Tasks: Forcible Entry Search floor above/most severe exposure Vent as you go Open walls and ceilings Salvage and overhaul

Cover any open Truck tasks not completed MVC (Motor Vehicle Collisions) Tools: Radio Cribbing Extrication tools Tasks: Stabilize vehicle Operate Extrication tool

Truck / Heavy Rescue Company Crew Riding Assignments Truck / Squad Positions (Top View)

A B D C

Front Rear

Driver Jump Seat “C”

Outside Crew-Roof (RM) 1st Due Working Fire (All hands to work) Tools: Radio

Hand light 6 ft hook or Pike pole

Saw (roof)


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Ground ladders Tasks: Place ground ladders all sides

VES if needed Provide roof operations with Driver “D” Assist in Providing Outside Vent on Fire Compartment Assist in PPV fan operation

2ndDue Fire Tools: Radio Hand light 6 ft hook or Pike pole

Ground ladders Tasks: Place ground ladders side C and D Search floor above/most severe exposure Vent as you go Open walls and ceilings Salvage and overhaul

Cover any open Truck tasks not completed MVC (Motor Vehicle Collisions) Tools: Radio Cribbing Extrication tools Tasks: Stabilize vehicle Operate Extrication tools


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Definitions Accountability Officer – Assigned Officer responsible for the tracking and verification of per-sonnel on the fireground. CAN (Fireground Progress Report- On scene report provided to command by working companies assigned to report their progress. CAN is the acronym to report Conditions, Actions, and Needs. Defensive Mode – Command option when the Rescue Mode is not imminent and there are NO life-safety issues. This is also when resources are not available (second or third due engine companies). This Mode is declared when risks outweigh benefits. This Mode identifies an exterior attack for an extended duration-“Risk a little to Save a little” Door Control – The process of ensuring the entrance door providing access to the fire area is controlled and closed as much as possible after the search team enters without the protection of a hoseline. Steps must be taken to prevent the door from locking behind the entering members. By controlling the door, we are controlling the flow path of fire conditions from the high pressure of the fire area towards the low pressure area on the other side of the door. Door control also limits fire development by controlling the flow path of fresh air at the lower level of the open door towards the seat of the fire. Driver Pump Operations (DPO) – A description of the duties and responsibilities that the Drivers (Position “D”) are required to perform on scene. Fire Attack Mode-When a determination of the first arriving officer deems rescue is NOT im-minent. This mode may start out with a quick exterior “reset” of the fire and transition to an interior attack. Command will announce as a “Working Fire” Fire Department Connection (FDC) – Water supply connection on Commercial and Multi-Family Buildings, which supplies water to the sprinkler system and/or standpipe system. Fire Investigation/Fire Attack (High-Rise) -Personnel respond to the floor in question and report conditions back to Incident Commander. They identify which stairways will be designated as “fire attack” and “evacuation”. This team determines the priority of fire attack versus evacuation. Flashover - A transition in the development of a compartment fire when surfaces exposed to thermal radiation from fire gases in excess of 1100°F reach ignition temperature more or less simultaneously. This causes the fire to spread rapidly throughout the space, resulting in fire involvement of the entire compartment or enclosed space.


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Flow Path - The movement of heat and smoke from the higher pressure within the fire area towards the lower pressure areas accessible via doors, window openings and roof structures. As the heated fire gases are moving towards the low pressure areas, the energy of the fire is pulling in additional oxygen from the low pressure areas. Based on varying building design and the available ventilation openings (doors, windows, etc.), there may be several flow paths within a structure. Any operations conducted in the flow path will place members at significant risk due to the increased flow of fire, heat and smoke toward their position. Flow Path Control - The tactic of controlling or closing ventilation points which will:

Limit additional oxygen into the space thereby limiting fire development, heat release rate and smoke production.

Control the movement of the heat and smoke conditions out of the fire area to the exterior and to other areas within the building.

High-Rise Mode - Command option where the first-in unit identifies the need for High-Rise operations in a structure. This may occur in buildings where the technical definition of a High-Rise does not fit; however, it may be employed if total evacuation is not practical, ground based operation is not possible, or where resources are stretched beyond the capacity of one jurisdiction. IDLH – Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health as defined by the Virginia Department of Labor. Any atmosphere that poses potential short term and/or long term health effects to the re-sponder. Incident Commander – Referred to as “Command” of the incident. This is the first or highest ranking Officer or Acting Officer on the incident, who is responsible for the oversight or direction of the incident strategy. Initial Rapid Intervention Crew (IRIC) – Crew of personnel who temporality assembles to provide for the safety and rescue of the firefighting crews. Once additional manpower assemble to meet the required “Two-In, Two-Out” Rule, they assume their primary function on the fireground. Investigative Mode - Command option where the first-in unit investigates and other apparatus stage. This is when there is NO visible or apparent emergency upon arrival. Example: Responding for a fire alarm with nothing out of the ordinary is evident upon arrival. Lobby Control – Assigned Officer who will operate a personal accountability system for all building entry and exit points. Control all access points and direct personnel to correct stair/elevator routes. Direct building occupants and exiting personnel to proper ground level safe areas. They shall control all systems by identifying a Systems Control Unit. Provide information and briefings to the Incident Command Post. Maintains a unit/activity log.


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On-Deck – A Hanover version of movement from one position to another. This is used as a de-scription when personnel move from the Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) to interior Fire At-tack/Search Crews etc. Operations (Forward Ops.) – Assigned Officer who provides tactical direction to personnel engaged in firefighting and rescue operations. This person can be located close to or in the building where the incident is taking place. Outside Ventilation (OV) – Typically a truck company position assigned to ensure the fire compartment has been properly ventilated. This does not replace or impede interior ventilation operations as necessary. Manpower Pool – Group of personnel assembled away from the incident, which are prepared and teamed for incident operations. Mayday – A standard three-word distress call to indicate that a firefighter, emergency medical technician, or team is in immediate danger and requires assistance. Medical Rehab Group – Group of personnel who are assigned to monitoring, documentation and possible care of personnel who have been engaged in firefighting operations. Personal Accountability Report (PAR) – A system utilized by the Incident Commander (IC) via the radio and accountability System, to verify the status of personnel at an incident. Planning – Assigned Officer who is responsible for the overall incident plans. Primary Hydrant/Water Source – Hydrant or water source closest to the incident. Quick Response Vehicle (QRV) - ALS provider who responds to emergencies in an SUV. Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) – Crew of personnel solely dedicated to the safety and rescue of the firefighting crews. RECON (Reconnaissance) - An inspection or exploration of an area, especially one made to gather information. Rescue Mode - Command option where critical life safety situations are present. Command will announce as a “Working Fire”. This mode will be declared when there is entrapment of occupants or firefighters. This should be considered on non-fire related emergencies. (structural collapse, confined space, trench collapse) The Rescue Mode ends when the occupants or firefighters have been removed or the determination for rescue is NOT possible. Reset- Term used to notify crews that the SLICE-RS concept is in use and the fire has been reset to


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reduce temperatures inside a structure before and interior fire attack will begin Rural Water Supply - A water supply system established where a distribution system is not present. Mostly found in the rural parts of the County where apparatus is required to shuttle water to the incident. Safety Officer – Assigned Officer responsible for the overall safety of the incident operation. Secondary Hydrant/Water Source – Hydrant or water source near the incident, but from another direction that is separate from the primary hydrant or water source. SLICE-RS – Slice is a Fire Attack Mode tactic used to reduce temperatures inside a building prior to entry by firefighting personnel for extinguishment or rescue. Stairway Control – Assigned personnel who will ensure that the stairwell is pressurized using proper ventilating procedures (locate the site survey as the building might have pressurizing systems installed in the structure). Access identified roof openings to assist in ventilation efforts. Personnel shall assist those occupants in the evacuation stairway in either exiting the structure or reporting to a safe location designated within the building. Truck Operations – Support Operations that are assigned to Truck Companies that provide as-sistance in firefighting and rescue operations. VENT-ENTER-ISOLATE-SEARCH (VEIS) – is the approved tactic when entering a structure through an opening (door or window) to search an area for the location of the fire or to locate possible victims. The priority upon entering the area via a window is to close the door to that room or area in order to isolate that area being searched from the fire area. When entering a fire area via a doorway entrance, the door needs to be controlled until the fire area is further isolated or a charged hoseline is advancing on the fire. By isolating the area, we are controlling the flow path of the fire, heat and smoke towards the ventilation point as well as controlling the air flow from the ventilation point towards the fire area.

APPENDICES The following appendices are components and references for the Fire Operations Tactical Guidelines.

o Hanover County Fire•EMS Incident Command Guideline o Richmond Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association Personnel Accountability System Procedure o Richmond Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association MAYDAY Procedure o Richmond Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association Big Box Guideline o Richmond Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association High Rise Procedure

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