Review Dispatch Information
The officer reviews the information provided from dispatch and determines the nature and extent of the situation.
Response
All apparatus will respond safely and efficiently to any area in our city within 4 - 6 minutes. All personnel will be equipped in full turnout gear with members assigned to make entry wearing SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus).
Arrival
The officer will establish command, conduct the initial size-up of the situation, deploy the other apparatus, and assign personnel. The officer will establish needed water supply and determine what other resources may be needed such as Police, DPS, Utilities, or other Fire/EMS units (which may require the use of mutual aid).
Accountability Officer
The Incident Commander will assign someone to maintain the accountability board during fire suppression operations. This person will keep account of all personnel working the scene.
Safety Officer
The Incident Commander will assign a member to be the Safety Officer. This person is responsible for overseeing the operations for safety. The Safety Officer calls for a PAR (Personnel Accounting Report) every 20 minutes. All members will then report back via the portable radio to report in. If an employee doesn't respond, then the RIT Team knows where the employee had been assigned to work and where to start their search. All fire suppression operations continue while the search is conducted.
Water Supply
The driver of each apparatus in operation at the scene remains with their vehicle. They are responsible for pump pressures and maintaining an uninterrupted water supply. This person will also assist with bringing additional equipment from the apparatus and replacing the breathing bottles of the team members from the search and rescue or fire suppression crews.
Ventilation
A team will set up the PPV fan (positive pressure ventilation) to push the smoke and gases out of the structure. The ladder truck may be utilized for this operation to open the roof with saws to give the smoke and gases an avenue to escape the structure. This is critical for the safety of our personnel and any occupants that have not been found and brought out to safety yet. Each team requires a minimum of two personnel.
Search & Rescue
Saving lives are our first priority. Search and Rescue teams will immediately be deployed to look for occupants and bring them out to safety. This will require the use of the Thermal Imaging Camera that allows us to see through the smoke for victims. Each team requires a minimum of two personnel.
Rapid Intervention Team (RIT)
A Rapid Intervention Team of two or more personnel must be established and stage (stand ready). This team is held in reserve to effect rescue in case our own members become trapped or lost.
Fire Attack & Extinguishment
Teams will be deployed to search for the seat of the fire and extinguish it. Multiple teams may be necessary depending on the extent of the fire spread. If the fire has extended into the walls, then tools to open the walls or ceilings will be used. Each team requires a minimum of two personnel.
Exposure Protection
A team may be assigned to man a hose line to protect adjacent buildings or to evacuate neighboring buildings.
Salvage
This is the procedure of protecting the occupants property from further damage. This may require placing tarps on belongings, furniture, carpeting, etc. This takes place during extinguishment if personnel and time permit.
Overhaul
This is the clean-up stage of the fire suppression operation. Removing any smoldering materials and looking for hidden hot spots. This has to be done carefully so evidence useful to the fire investigation for determining the cause is not destroyed.
Clean Up
This is when all equipment is picked up and returned to the apparatus. Hoses are drained and rolled. Back at the station, the hose is washed and placed into a hose dryer. Equipment is cleaned, refueled, checked, then returned to its place on the apparatus.