Fire in a Structure

All members of the Division of Fire shall conform to the following S.O.P. when working at ba fire in a structure, except structures equipped with:

          - Automatic Sprinkler Systems

          - Standpipe Installations

          - Private Firefighting Installations

          Any combination of these private firefighting installations.

          - Structures which have been pre-planned.

      All units responding to a fire in a structure must follow the procedures outlined in the Incident Command S.O.P. (17) in establishing a command post.

     All responding units shall operate according to the Standard Fireground Priorities (1) and Risk Management Principles (2).

     All responding members shall be in full turn-out gear as outlined in G.O. 9-1.

     The type of structure that is on fire, its size, and the type of construction shall dictate what type of tactic to be used.  The types of structure are classified as:

          - Residential

          - Commercial

          - Standard or Light Weight (truss) construction; interior attack according to Risk Management Principles (2).

          - Vacant or Abandoned structures (Board-ups)

          - Hi-Rises

          - Large warehouses

FIRST ARRIVING ENGINE COMPANY:

     Upon approach to the fire structure, take time to observe fire conditions, and report scene size-up to the F.D.C.

     Leave the front of the structure clear for the ladder company.

     In most cases, the first arriving engine will drive past the fire structure, observing 3 sides of the structure, and allowing the first due Hook & Ladder to properly position its aerial turntable.

     On narrow, congested streets, the first due engine shall stop short if the ladder is coming from the opposite direction to allow the first ladder truck to be properly positioned in front of the structure.

     The first arriving engine should be positioned in front of the structure only when a deck gun or squirt (tower) is to be used because the volume precludes the use of handlines.

First Hoseline:

     The first line shall be placed between the fire and any persons endangered by it.

     This may be accomplished by stretching the hoseline via the primary means of egress, usually the main stairway.  This tactic:

         -  Provides a base for controlling the fire.

         -  Allows occupants to evacuate via the stairs (the safest way.)

         -  Allows other members to proceed above the fire for Search & Rescue.

     *  The first attack line will go to the lowest level of heavy fire.  This will protect subsequent attack lines working above.

     *  Generally, the first attack line shall be the last line to leave the structure especially if going to a defensive operation;  This action will protect the egress of withdrawing firefighters.

SECOND ARRIVING ENGINE COMPANY:

     The Primary duties of the second arriving engine company shall be:

          -  Water Supply

          -  Second Attack Hoseline

     *  The first hoseline should be in operation before a second hoseline is stretched.

         The second engine shall position apparatus to allow laying out a supply line to the first engine if necessary (on many streets in the city this will require that they back-up into the scene.)

     *  If a poor Water supply is encountered, the second engine will need to lay a supply line from the attack engine to an appropriate hydrant.

     The second  engines position must not prevent the ladder company from reaching its position in front of the structure.

     *  If second arriving engine arrives at the same time as the first engine, the driver of the second engine shall assist with the back-up to the hydrant of the first engine (if a relay is not needed).

     The second engines crew (minus the driver) will report ti the I.C. as an intact crew to ascertain if a second line is needed.  Most cases the second line will come from the first engine.

     *  The second attack line has 3 objectives:

          -  Backing up the first hoselines position

          -  To ensure that the first line is sufficient and meeting its objective. If so;

          -  To prevent extension of fire.

Second Hoseline

     Unless otherwise ordered, the second line shall be placed to back-up the first line.  This tactic is used for the following reasons:

          -  To provide a back-up to the first hoseline in case of a burst length of hose

          -  To provide a second hoseline to be used simultaneously with the first line (if fire conditions warrant)

          -  *  If the second line is not needed on the fire floor, it can be advanced to the floor above, or to cover lateral extention.  The second line stretched must consist of sufficient hose to cover the floor above and the attic if needed.

          -  If the second hoseline is needed on another floor, a third hoseline shall be deployed  as a back-up line.

THIRD ARRIVING ENGINE COMPANY:

     The third arriving engine company shall respond and position the apparatus within reasonable distance from the fire structure.  Every effort shall be made not to block the street or impede  the movement or placement of other fire apparatus.

     The officer shall report to thr I.C. and work as needed.

Third Hoseline

     *  A third hoseline may be required, depending on the occupancy and on the fire conditions.  Unless otherwise ordered, this line may be stretched to:

          *  Cover a secondary means of egress

          *  Protect persons trapped on the floors above the fire

          -  Adjoining structures to protect exposures or operate across shafts or voids

          *  Prevent  vertical extension or lateral spread

          -  To be used as a back-up line if the second hoseline is deployed elsewhere.