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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSOG 202.04 NEW 6-2010-Residential SF202.04 - Residential Structure Fires Effective: 6/5/2010 Revised: Replaces: I. Guiding PhilosophX While all structure fires will vary in complexity, scope, and magnitude, we recognize that there are standard components common to most residential structure fires that can be used to our advantage. We strive to capitalize on these routine situations or commonly found features so that we approach operations with a common understanding and provide members with guidance on consistently working safely within a demanding and quickly changing environment. II. Purpose The purpose of this document is to provide a progression of considerations and options common to residential structure fires, so that members will have the ability to order critical decisions in a predictable, standardized manner. The focus of these options and the order of their importance are: 1) life safety (our own workers as well as the public we serve), 2) incident stabilization, and 3) property conservation. This policy is not intended to reduce or diminish an Officer's vital responsibility in choosing the appropriate strategy, establishing effective tactics, and providing for the safety and welfare of victims or our members. III. Goals The goals of this policy are to: A. Establish general safety guidelines. B. Establish guidelines for first arriving units to assist them in making standardized decisions to: 1. Establish command. 2. Size -up the situation. 3. Implement initial operations based on the Department's Risk Management Plan. C. Establish guidelines to continue to modify strategies, tactics, and fire ground operations as needed within the Incident Command System, with a continued emphasis on safe operations for the duration of the response. D. Establish a standardized approach to terminate the incident and provide for: 1. Conducting a determination of the point of origin and fire cause. 2. Performing salvage and overhaul of the fire. 3. Minimizing property loss and safely securing the structure. 4. Providing victim assistance and customer support. SOG 202.04 - Residential Structure Fires Page 1 of 9 IV. Definitions A. RECEO — an acronym for the standard priorities at a structure fire. These priorities are listed in the order of their importance as: 1) Rescue, 2) Exposures, 3) Confinement, 4) Extinguishment, 5) Overhaul B. Freelancing — the unsafe act(s) of persons engaging in activities or work without being assigned the responsibility through the Incident Command System; operating outside of the established Incident Action Plan. C. Risk Management Plan — as outlined in S.O.G. 200.01, the Department's established policy for determining the appropriate level of emergency intervention to be taken on -scene, defining what risks we will take with our personal safety in the effort to preserve both life and property. D. IDLH —acronym that stands for an area that is Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health. V. General Safetv Considerations A. Beaumont Fire/Rescue Services will always operate at every reported structure fire under the Incident Command System with one recognized Incident Commander (for detailed information on the Incident Command System, refer to S.O.G. 201.01). B. All members operating at a fire scene should be in appropriate PPE in relation to their assigned duties. No member should be allowed to enter or work in an IDLH environment without properly wearing full PPE including an SCBA. More information on proper PPE and SCBA can be found in S.O.G. 202.05A and 202.0513. C. All members inside the hot zone will work and operate as part of an assigned unit and maintain crew integrity at all times. D. All units operating within the hot zone will have at least one operational portable radio and whenever possible, all members in the hot zone will have their own assigned portable radio. E. All fire ground roles and assignments will come from within the Incident Command System. No freelancing! F. The first arriving unit should proceed directly to the scene. All later arriving units should follow standard staging guidelines upon arrival unless otherwise directed by the Incident Commander (staging guidelines can be found in S.O.G. 205.06). VI. Responsibilities and Decisions for First Arriving Unit A. The first responsibility of any arriving unit at a structure fire is to announce their arrival, give a brief description of the situation, and to establish the Incident Command process by declaring what type of Command mode that they will be operating in (Investigative, Fast Attack/Rescue, or Command). ff Z tngine 8 o� ilpn" li�cene ia,5550 11'e hot ! iillt.inndl jire lihiilp"'V')ing I�����roil IM'�u il .l "ails .� ��M"'�iP� ail ��iP: �iC nuih' buihfing h'ngine 'W nWltm ill�er i ii�ing, n illi B. The next step after assuming Command and choosing the initial Command Mode is to perform a critical size -up of the situation. Here the member will need to make a quick but thorough analysis of the available information. This is a crucial SOG 202.04 - Residential Structure Fires Page 2 of 9 step that requires taking what is currently known about the situation and referencing it with past experiences, training, and preplanning for similar events. 1. Is there evidence or knowledge of trapped occupants? a. Verbal reports or witness accounts of trapped occupants b. Night time hours when people would generally be at home c. Cars parked in the driveway or garage d. Signs of handicapped residents such as wheel chair ramps or invalid stickers e. Premise information relayed by dispatcher or available on the MCT 2. Are there any visible hazards that pose a threat to responders? a. Downed power lines (or possible energized fences) b. Propane tanks or stored household chemicals c. Signs of violence or criminal activities 3. Are there exposures at risk from the fire? 4. Where is the fire currently located? 5. In what direction is the fire likely to spread? 6. Age and condition of the building/construction type/collapse considerations? 7. What actions will be needed to contain the situation? 8. Wind and weather conditions which may impact tactics and/or create a need to reconsider or change the initial strategy? C. Once a size -up of the situation has been done, the member will use this information to determine: 1. Are there enough units responding to handle this emergency situation? a. If not, then call for additional help. b. Err on the side of caution and always think what will happen if the situation quickly gets worse. 2. Is the appropriate initial mode going to be Offensive, Marginal, or Defensive (this choice will be based heavily on the Department's Risk Management Plan)? a. Offensive fires are fought aggressively with interior hose streams and should only be merited when there is a legitimate possibilitX that a savable victim can be rescued or when the aggressive firefighting tactics would stop the spread of damage to a valued structure that hasn't been condemned or otherwise already destroyed beyond recovery. b. Marginal fires are situations where there is still a small window of opportunity to make an interior offensive attack for rescue purposes, but the time scale is dramatically reduced before having to back out. In these situations, there must be a legitimate concern for a savable person to consider a marginal operation as a possible strategy. If initial efforts within the first 2-3 minutes can't make headway into controlling the fire or reaching a savable victim then the strategy should be quickly reassessed. It is not acceptable for crews to continue to work in a "marginal situation" past the initial 2-3 minutes. The strategy must quickly be reassessed in these types of situations and changed to either a full SOG 202.04 - Residential Structure Fires Page 3 of 9 offensive attack or pull back for a defensive operation, depending on the conditions. c. Defensive fires are fought only from the exterior with large streams from outside the building collapse zone (the collapse zone is considered to be the areas one and a half times the building's height perpendicular to the outside walls). This strategy is employed when there is no possibility of a savable victim and when the structure is damaged to the point that it does not warrant the risk to personnel by attempting an interior fire attack. ��� o Note: r !, 1111 If*the fire is being fought offensively then hose streams will not be deployed from the exterior onto interior attack positions. If *a fire is being fought defensively then no crew or firefighter should be inside the structure or within the collapse zone outside the structure. If *a strategy is changed for any reason then this must be announced over the radio by Command and acknowledged by all crews operating at the scene. (This does not mean that defensive tactical operations like exposure protection can't be employed during offensive operations) D. Once Incident Command has been established, a size -up has been performed, and a determination of the most appropriate initial strategy has been reached, the first arriving crew must then choose the initial tactics and actions (tasks). The priority and choice of the initial tactics should be based on the fk�aECEO system riori given in this order: rescue considerations, exposure concerns, confining the fire, extinguishing the fire, and overhauling the fire). The crew's initial actions based on these choices will be dependent on the type and staffing available on the first arriving unit and the type of situation encountered. Most often, one of the following possibilities will exist upon arrival: 1. Only one three-member quint or engine crew has arrived and there is a legitimate concern that there is a savable victim. a. With due consideration given to the Department's Risk Management Plan, the crew may attempt a quick interior rescue operation. b. Consideration should be given to the limited water supply available in this type of operation and the emphasis should be heavily placed on a quick primary search and rescue effort in the unburned portions of the structure as opposed to fire control. c. If the fire is limited in size to one small area of a room or an easily extinguished area, then it is recognized that the best course of action to help the victim could be to simply extinguish the fire. 2. Only one three-member quint or engine crew has arrived on scene and the Officer determines that there is no savable victim, but there is savable property. a. If the fire is small enough that it has not progressed beyond the incipient stage or:uu�ru u u 111IJ i � ql u Vi ail;, then crews can make a quick interior attack on the SOG 202.04 - Residential Structure Fires Page 4 of 9 fire for property conservation purposes—provided that the fire is small enough to be handled by a single crew and the water carried in the apparatus tank. b. If the fire has reached a point where there is an IDLH environment that requires the use of an S.C.B.A., then no interior entry should be made until appropriate 2-in/2-out response procedures are in place (refer to S.O.G. 202.01 for more information on 2-in/2-out procedures). c. Any time spent waiting for 2-in/2-out personnel to arrive on scene should be spent making preparations for the operation. i. Conduct a 360 degree walk around the structure for gathering information. ii. Stretch hose lines, gather forcible entry tools, and/or PPV fans in advance of the fire attack. iii. Disconnect utilities if time permits. d. If fire knockdown can be accomplished from a safe exterior position in a manner that does not push the fire further into the unburned portion of the structure, then the initial crew can pursue this tactic for a quick extinguishment. All exterior streams must cease if additional resources arrive and personnel begin entering the structure to conduct interior operations. 3. Only one three-member quint or engine crew has arrived on scene and the Officer determines that there is no savable victim and no savable property. a. Protect exposures at risk. b. Establish a collapse zone. c. Operate in a defensive mode outside the collapse zone. 4. If the first arriving unit is a Chief Officer, then he/she should typically establish Command, set up a stationary command post, provide an initial report, and begin a Tactical Worksheet to coordinate the assignment of arriving resources. 5. If the first arriving unit is a two -member Rescue Squad or Truck Company then the crew should limit their activities to establishing Command and/or exterior operations until additional resources arrive. In viable rescue situations, careful consideration must be made by the Officer in charge to determine if the unit is properly equipped and capable of facilitating a quick rescue intervention without additional help. 6. No entry into an IDLH or possible IDLH environment should be made with only one member on scene. If the first arriving unit has only one member on it, then he/she should wait for additional resources before entering the structure. 7. If additional units arrive at the same time or if the first arriving apparatus has four (4) or more members on it, then the first arriving unit may initiate interior attack operations as set forth in the Risk Management Plan. Options will then be based on the three initial incident command strategies and the typical corresponding actions for each choice: SOG 202.04 - Residential Structure Fires Page 5 of 9 a. Investigation i. Generally used with nothing showing or with limited initial information. ii. Commit personnel to investigate the situation more closely. iii. Appropriate consideration should be given to safety and a cautious, managed risk approach, which includes full PPE to be worn during all interior investigations. b. Fast Action or Marginal i. Begin fire ground operations for fire attack or rescue (generally for offensive or marginal situations) ii. Follow RECEO objectives iii. Choose hose lines, entry and exit points, ventilation, and initial tactics as appropriate for the situation. iv. Consider ventilation and water supply needs. c. Defensive i. Begin developing the Incident Command System for a large scale event. ii. Protect exposures. iii. Set up a collapse zone extending out 1-1/2 times the height of the exterior wall. Operations may be performed closer to the structure at the outside corners of the building if they appear to be sound. No one enters the collapse zone after it is established. iv. Consider apparatus positioning for aerials. V. Choose hose lines appropriate to the situation. vi. Establish water supply and rehabilitation and medical monitoring considerations for a prolonged event. Note: The determining factor for beginning fire ground operations versus setting up a more established command generally boils down to how important it is for the first arriving crew to begin operations immediately. If*the situation is such that the first arriving crew can make an immediate difference in the outcome by acting quickly themselves then that is generally the best course of*action. However, if*the event is so large or difficult that the initial unit's intervention is unlikely to change the timeline of events, then the scene is better served by organizing and establishing Command and a solid Incident Action Plan. VII. Review Operations, Monitor Progress & Continue Command for the Duration of the Incident A. The first arriving Chief Officer should assume Command of the incident or assist the initial Officer with Command responsibilities. 1. The Chief Officer will assume Command of the operation with a verbal announcement over the tactical radio channel so that all personnel are informed of the change. The Chief Officer assuming Command should SOG 202.04 - Residential Structure Fires Page 6 of 9 make sure that a verbal reply to the announcement is received from all units already operating with assigned tasks on the scene. 2. The Chief Officer will set up a stationary Command Post in a location where he/she will be able to effectively communicate, coordinate the incident, and work from the Tactical Worksheet. 3. In certain situations, a lower ranking Officer will remain in the Incident Command role under close supervision of the Chief Officer for mentoring purposes. In these situations the Chief Officer is still responsible for overall scene safety and the decisions made by the Officer in training. B. After assuming Command and establishing the Command Post, the Chief Officer should make a quick assessment of the current and forecasted situation. 1. Perform a size -up of the situation and the current operation. 2. Determine if adequate resources are available to mitigate the problem. 3. Verify that the incident priorities are being addressed: life safety, incident stabilization, and property conservation. 4. Evaluate the current strategy based on the RECEO guideline and determine if it is still appropriate based on current conditions. 5. Evaluate the current tactics to insure they match the strategy. 6. Evaluate the effectiveness of the tactics being currently implemented. C. Evaluate Safety Concerns 1. Structural integrity of the building. 2. Size and complexity of the structure. 3. Utility disconnects for gas and electricity. 4. Potential for flashover or backdraft (smoke conditions). 5. Ventilation concerns. 6. Personnel accountability. D. Adjustments should be made to any assigned tactics/tasks if needed. E. RIG assignments should be made as needed in accordance with S.O.G. 202.01. F. Throughout the event, the proper use of the Tactical Worksheet will help the Incident Commander keep track of the situation and deployed resources. 1. Visual drawings of the assigned units and notes on assigned tasks will assist in maintaining fire ground accountability. 2. The timeline will assist the IC to keep track of standard reports. a. Routine PARS. b. Status reports from assigned units. c. Strategy and progress evaluation. The incident priorities listed on the Tactical Worksheet will ensure that the standard tasks are addressed as needed. G. The IC will continue the effective use of the Incident Command System to continually monitor and coordinate fire ground activities for as long as necessary to mitigate the situation. If needed, additional resources should be called to allow for rehabilitation and rest cycles for all workers. VIII. Salvaae. Overhaul. and Terminatina the Incident A. The Incident Commander should determine whether an Investigator should be notified. For more information on Investigator Call -Out, see S.O.G. 202.13. 1. At all times during the operation, due concern should be made to preserve any potential evidence and to leave the scene as undamaged as possible. SOG 202.04 - Residential Structure Fires Page 7 of 9 2. If an Investigator is needed, overhaul operations should be limited until the Investigator has given his/her consent to proceed in full. B. Salvage concerns should be considered throughout the event. Whenever possible, efforts should be made to prevent unnecessary damage to the contents of the structure. 1. Items should be moved to a safe location within the structure and covered with tarps, plastic, or salvage covers. 2. Items should only be removed from the structure with acknowledgement from the owner. 3. If factors prevent a thorough salvage operation, then priority should be given to those items such as pictures and keepsakes which would be difficult or impossible to replace. C. Overhaul is a critical factor in the resolution of the operation and should be handled accordingly. After the completion of the fire investigation, a focused effort should be made to minimize the possibility of a rekindle. 1. Areas with heavy fire damage should be closely scrutinized for hot spots. 2. If available, a thermal imager should be used to assist in searching concealed spaces and hard to reach areas. 3. After the Investigator has given his/her consent, smoldering items and burnt debris should be removed from the structure. Items removed should not create a safety or rekindle hazard, and as such they should not be placed near the structure, exposures, or public walkways. 4. If there is any doubt remaining about existing hot spots, then a unit should be left on scene as a fire watch until the potential for rekindle has passed. 5. Water use during overhaul should be used appropriately to remove the danger of a rekindle, but not in an excessive manor that causes needless damage to the structure or contents. D. Customer support should also be an ongoing concern at the incident. If resources allow, a customer liaison should be assigned to the affected occupants. The primary duties of the liaison position include: 1. Monitor the health conditions of the occupants and keep them safely away from the fire ground activities. 2. Explain the fire ground activities to them, along with what measures are being taken to preserve their property. 3. Pass along vital information gained from the occupants to the Incident Commander. E. After the emergency has been safely mitigated, the Incident Commander should identify any actions that can assist the occupants in their immediate recovery needs. 1. Notify Red Cross or other customer support agencies as needed. 2. If it is safe to do so, an assigned firefighter can escort the occupants into the structure to gather some of their personal belongings. Some examples of items needed might be: i. Shoes and clothing ii. Wallets or purses iii. Cell phones and contact books iv. Keys V. Medications vi. Financial documents and insurance papers SOG 202.04 - Residential Structure Fires Page 8 of 9 3. Arrangements should be made to ensure the occupants have transportation to someplace safe after the event. F. Before leaving the structure, efforts should be made to leave the scene as safe and secure as practical. 1. Unbroken doors and windows should be locked. 2. Holes in the roof should be covered by tarps, plastic, or salvage covers if the home and contents are not considered damaged beyond repair. 3. Broken windows and doors should be left as secured as possible to restrict unwanted access. 4. Ruined items removed from the structure should be piled safely away from the home, exposures, and public walkways. 5. The homeowner or occupant should be notified of our actions to leave the home as secured as possible and advised of any further recommended actions. 6. The homeowner or occupant should also be informed that any salvage covers or tarps left on the scene are still the property of the Fire Department and will be picked up at a future date/time. 7. A customer survey card should be left with the home owner/occupant. If possible, a follow up contact should be made in a few days to check on the occupants well being and to see if they have any additional needs, questions, or comments. i. The Deputy Chief of the shift responding to the fire should assign the follow up contact to an appropriate Captain or Chief Officer, preferably from a member that responded to the fire. ii. Contact should be made in person if possible. iii. Any questions or information needed that the Officer can not answer should be taken back to the Deputy Chief for consideration. G. The Incident Commander shall facilitate an After Action Review in accordance with S.O.G. 200.03. SOG 202.04 - Residential Structure Fires Page 9 of 9