STRUCTURE FIRE DOCTRINE/STRUCTURE FIRE OPERATIONS

Question 1

Purpose:

Answer 1

This doctrine is the basis for the Ventura County Fire Protection District’s structural firefighting resource distribution, initial response, and fire suppression strategy. All policy, procedures, and training shall align with the basic tenets stated herein

Question 2

Deployment

Answer 2

The Fire District deploys its personnel and resources in a manner intended to meet its adopted standard response criteria to urban, suburban, and rural populated areas. Resource deployment is dependent upon several factors, some of which are the following:(total) response time standards can be met in the urban/suburban areas and the rural areas that border them.
* The Fire District strives to get the minimum resources needed on-scene in the shortest possible time. This is so that occupant rescue and initial suppression activity can occur with the greatest possible potential for successful outcomes.
* Overlapping coverage areas are desirable.
* Simultaneous calls in coverage areas are considered.
* Specialty resources are centrally deployed because of their limited number and capability.
* Traffic patterns, travel distances, and densities are a consideration.
* Units are concentrated in such a way that response staffing and

Question 3

Size-Up

Answer 3

All decisions that determine firefighting strategy and commitment of forces shall be based on a risk-versus-gain analysis, with a deliberate size-up of the pertinent facts and probabilities present and available at that point in time. A continual re-evaluation of these factors shall be made.

Question 4

Strategic Priorities

Answer 4

The following strategic priorities are to be addressed in priority order on every structure fire:
* Life Safety:
o Rescue, active
o Preparedness to intercede quickly
* Fire Control:
o Exposure protection
o Confinement
o Extinguishment
* Property Conservation:
o Salvage
o Overhaul
The Incident Commander shall establish strategic goals that support these priorities. It must be stated, however, that in many cases, actions of a lower priority must be taken to complete the higher-priority task. Example: firefighting ventilation to enhance rescue operations.

Question 5

Strategy Modes

Answer 5

Offensive Strategic Mode:
When the objectives for firefighting actions are to actively protect life and extinguish the fire. The Offensive Mode is the default mode of fire attack unless otherwise determined by the IC, based on a risk-versus-gain analysis.

Defensive Strategic Mode:
When the objectives for firefighting actions are to stop the spread of the fire from outside the area of current involvement. This mode is employed in situations where safety considerations preclude certain operations, such as the potential for imminent collapse, hazardous materials involvement, and overwhelming fire conditions. The use of exterior lines does not necessarily define a defensive mode.

Question 6

Tactical Elements

Answer 6

• Command
• Fire Attack
• Support
• Rapid Intervention

Question 7

Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH)

Answer 7

An IDLH atmosphere is one that poses an immediate threat to life, would cause irreversible adverse health effects, or would impair an individual’s ability to escape from a dangerous atmosphere.

Question 8

Rapid Intervention

Answer 8

A state of fireground readiness for the express purpose of rescuing trapped, lost, or injured fire personnel within an IDLH atmosphere on a structure-fire incident. All incidents that do not have an immediate life-rescue component shall establish the appropriate level of Rapid Intervention staffing.

Question 9

Two-Out Staffing

Answer 9

When firefighters are working as a team in an IDLH atmosphere, at least two firefighters are standing by outside the hazard area for the purpose of providing assistance or rescue operations. This arrangement is to be considered a temporary solution and should be augmented with a fully staffed Rapid Intervention Crew as resources become available.

Question 10

Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC)

Answer 10

A crew of firefighting personnel, which is comprised of not less than two firefighters and an officer, who are standing by in a state of readiness for the express purpose of rescuing trapped, lost, or injured fire personnel within an IDLH atmosphere on a structure-fire incident. The RIC shall also be available for civilian rescue when necessary

Question 11

Rapid Intervention Group (RIG)

Answer 11

A Rapid Intervention Group shall be established when it is necessary to strengthen rapid intervention capabilities by adding multiple companies to the function. A Chief Officer should perform this function when available.
A Rapid Intervention Group is not required when RIC’s are assigned to Divisions on complex incidents. However, coordination between RIC’s working for Division Supervisors is desirable, so in some cases establishing a Rapid Intervention Group on complex incidents may be appropriate.

Question 12

Active Rescue

Answer 12

A situation where a rescue element exists within the involved structure.

Question 13

Basic Structure Command Organization

Answer 13

A basic structure is defined as a building that is less than three stories in height or of a size that one Fire Attack Supervisor would be able to manage an advanced interior fire. The Basic Structure Command Organization is evidenced by use of the functional group’s Fire Attack and Support, and others as necessary to the operation.

Question 14

Complex Structure Command Organization

Answer 14

A complex structure is defined as a building that is at least three stories in height or large enough so that one Fire Attack Supervisor would not be able to manage an advanced interior fire. The Complex Structure Command Organization is evidenced by use of Divisions and functional groups other than Fire Attack and Support.

Question 15

Types of Attack lines/Multi-Story/Indirect/Transitional

Answer 15

Standard-Attack Line:
The standard structure attack line shall be a 1-3/4” hose line flowing a minimum of 150 GPM. All 1-3/4” hose lines shall be preset to this configuration. Reel lines shall not be utilized as a standard attack line during structural firefighting operations.
5001.5.9 Heavy-Attack Line:
A heavy-attack line shall be a 2-1/2” hose line flowing a minimum of 250 GPM. Once deployed, attack-line configurations may be altered where the tactical situation dictates other than the standard.
5001.5.10 Backup Lines:
Backup lines are for the purpose of reinforcing established tactical firefighting positions. A backup hose line shall be a minimum of 150 GPM or more, dependent on fire conditions or tactical engagement.
5001.5.11 Multi-Story Attack:
The minimum initial attack for multi-story occupancy shall be one hose line to the fire floor and one hose line to the next level above the fire. The Incident Commander shall pursue this tactical objective unless the fire can be declared controlled.
5001.5.12 Indirect Fire Attack:
The use of a fog stream to absorb heat through cooling and steam conversion to extinguish or confine fire.
5001.5.12.1 Impact on human life should be considered before using indirect attack in any space. The preferred method of attack is to combine ventilation of the space with a direct water application.
5001.5.13 Transitional Attack:
Introduction of a straight stream from an exterior position for the purpose of modifying fire behavior while transitioning to interior attack as resources arrive or conditions dictate.
5001.5.13.1 Any exterior attack combined with interior operations requires close coordination. When using exterior attack, members should be mindful of the flow-path of the fire and the effect on interior conditions.

Question 16

360 Assessment

Answer 16

A complete walk-around of the involved structure in order to gain as much intelligence as possible, prior to giving the Size-up Report. If the first-arriving officer is unable to complete the 360 Assessment (or “360”), the lack of or degree of completion shall be communicated to arriving companies in the Size-up Report.

Question 17

Structure Fire Objectives

Answer 17

• Life Safety:
  o Safety of public and personnel
  o Rescue
  o Rapid Intervention
• Fire Control:
  o Exposure protection
  o Confinement
  o Extinguishment
• Property Conservation:
  o Salvage
  o Overhaul
  In many cases, actions of a lower priority must be taken to enable completing actions of a higher priority.

Question 18

Backup Lines

Answer 18

Backup lines shall be deployed and staffed for all interior attacks.

Question 19

Division Supervisor Designations

Answer 19

Multi-Story Buildings:
Floors above grade shall be designated Division 1 for Floor 1, Division 2 for Floor 2, etc. Floors below grade shall be designated S1 for first floor below grade, S2 for second floor below grade, etcetera.
5001.7.3.2 Large Single-Story Buildings:
Shall be designated alphabetically (A, B, C, D, etcetera) in a clockwise pattern beginning from the front of the structure.
5001.7.3.3 The phonetic International Alphabet (Alfa, Bravo, Charlie, Delta) should be used to reduce confusion

Question 20

Divisions and Groups

Answer 20

When Divisions are utilized for complex structure-fire incidents, Division Supervisors are responsible for all tactics within their respective division. Fire Attack and Support will not be used when Divisions and Groups are assigned, as these are two different and distinct methods of incident management.
5001.7.5 Functional Group Assignments:
Functional groups may be created to accomplish tasks that are outside the capabilities of a single Division. Examples of this would be Ventilation Group or Rescue Group.
5001.7.6 Identifying the Sides of a Structure:
The addressed side of a structure shall be known as the “A” side. The other sides of the structure shall be labeled alphabetically as follows: Left B, Rear C, and Right D. Use of the phonetic International Alphabet should be used to reduce confusion (see 5001.7.3.3).

Question 21

Command

Answer 21

The Basic Structure Command Organization is the default command organization unless otherwise determined and communicated by the IC.

Question 22

Basic Structure Command Organization

Answer 22

The Basic Structure Command Organization shall consist, at a minimum, of the following components:
* Command- IC
* Fire Attack Group
* Support Group
* Rapid Intervention

Question 23

The Complex Structure Command Organization

Answer 23

The Complex Structure Command Organization shall consist, at a minimum, of the following components:
* Command
* Divisions/Groups
* Rapid Intervention

Question 24

Communication amongst the IC, Divisions, and Groups

Answer 24

Communication amongst the IC, Divisions, and Groups should be made on the assigned command channel until the de-escalation of an incident.
All task level resources assigned to Divisions, Groups, and the IC should communicate on the assigned tactical channel.

Question 25

On-Scene Report

Answer 25

* Actual location if different from the dispatched location * Type of occupancy * Conditions observed * Number of stories * Roof characteristics * Initial attack key phrase * Initial actions being taken * Water Supply * Access/Staging instructions (if necessary) * Identified needs for incoming resources

Question 26

Initial Attack Key Phrase

Answer 26

"INVESTIGATING": * First-In: Establish Command and Investigate * Second-In: Reduce Code, Stage * Third-In: Reduce Code, Stage * Support Company: Reduce Code, Stage "WORKING FIRE": * First-In: Establish command and ensure that a continuous, adequate water supply is established within the first alarm. * Second- and Third-In Engine Companies: Assist in establishing a continuous adequate water supply and Rapid Intervention as conditions dictate. The officers and available crew shall report to the IC. * Support Company-Basic Command Organization: Assume support functions and commence operations. * Support Company-Complex Command Organization: Assume role assigned by the IC and commence operations. *Note: The key phrase “Working Fire” describes the degree of commitment of resources and is not related to the intensity and/or magnitude of the fire.

Question 27

Size-Up Report

Answer 27

An effort to complete the “360” should be accomplished to provide a comprehensive Size-up Report. The intent is to gather as much intelligence in the size-up process as possible, prior to updating responding units. (See OP 3001 for more information.) The following minimum information shall be included in the incident size-up: * 360 completed (to what extent if not complete) * The location and extent of the fire * Life hazards * Exposures * Occupancy type

Question 28

Progress Report Information

Answer 28

Progress reports are pertinent to units enroute to/operating on the incident. The following information can be included as progress reports based on the incident complexity and relayed to the IC on a repeated channel as they occur (see OP 3001 for more information). All progress reports should end at the IC, and not be repeated again to FCC; FCC shall document all pertinent radio traffic into the call slip. See OP 1008: * Water supply established * A change in fire conditions * Victim(s) rescued * R.I.C. established * Primary and secondary search completed * Utilities controlled * Fire knocked down * Fire out

Question 29

Fire-Attack Group

Answer 29

Fire Attack is responsible for the tactical objectives relating to immediate life safety and the application of water on the seat of the fire. An officer shall be assigned as the Fire Attack Group Supervisor (radio designation “Fire Attack") and shall make every attempt to control fire with appropriate tactics as conditions dictate. The Fire Attack Group Supervisor shall be responsible to: * Develop and initiate tactics in accordance with the operational mode, and complete incident objectives established by the IC. * May identify and assign Interior Points of Contact when appropriate. * Conduct a primary search, and coordinate search and rescue. * Coordinate fire containment and control. * Request needed resources from the IC. * Communicate progress to the IC. * Coordinate with the Support Group Supervisor. * Participate in development and implementation of the overhaul plan.

Question 30

Operations within the IDLH Atmosphere

Answer 30

While operating within an IDLH atmosphere, personnel shall remain in either voice, visual, or tethered contact with at least one other person. Due to the potential for mechanical or reception failure, radio contact shall not replace the requirement for voice or visual contact.

Question 31

Water Supply

Answer 31

A continuous, adequate water supply of no less than 400 GPM shall be established and maintained within the first alarm for all working fires. A pumping engine may be assigned to the water source if required.

Question 32

Support Group/Support Assignment

Answer 32

Support shall be responsible for the tactics that support the actions of Fire Attack and meet incident objectives established by the IC Support Assignment: Support is normally assigned to the first-arriving truck or rescue engine officer who shall be designated as the Support Group Supervisor (radio designation "Support"). If the officer assigned the support function is task saturated, the officer shall continue to manage the group by requesting additional resources through the IC. These additional resources will then be assigned to work for the Support Group Supervisor to assist in accomplishing all other support specific priorities, and overall incident objectives.

Question 33

Support Priorities

Answer 33

The following support priorities shall be addressed in order and as needed on structure fire incidents: * Search and Rescue * Forcible Entry * Ventilation * Utility Control * *Interior Support * Salvage *Note: Any time an Interior Support Firefighter is in the interior of a structure and not teamed up with another Support Company Firefighter to maintain voice, visual, or tethered contact at all times, the Interior Support Firefighter will report to and be assigned to the Fire Attack Supervisor. Unless otherwise directed by the Fire Attack Supervisor, the Interior Support Firefighter will perform pre-established duties as directed by the Support Supervisor. Whenever a member of a company is assigned to another officer/ supervisor, the member becomes responsible to that officer/supervisor. The officer/supervisor then becomes responsible for the firefighter’s accountability. Accountability shall be maintained per OP 2004. In the case of the Interior Support Firefighter assigned to Fire Attack, the Support Supervisor shall confirm the firefighter’s accountability with the Fire Attack Supervisor as required.

Question 34

Rapid Intervention (Contingency Planning)

Answer 34

Unless an immediate threat to life exists, the IC shall establish and communicate a rapid intervention plan that includes staffing, at a minimum, Two Out, RIC, or Rapid Intervention Group per OP 2004.

Question 35

Firefighter vs. Civilian Rescues

Answer 35

The Department does not differentiate between firefighter and civilian rescues. Rapid Intervention may be deployed, at the discretion of the IC, to assist with civilian rescue but shall be replaced as soon as resources become available.

Question 36

C.A.N. Report

Answer 36

The C.A.N. Report (Condition, Actions, and Needs) provides information relative to the condition of the firefighter and the situation, the actions being taken to facilitate the rescue, and any needs for Rapid Intervention

Question 37

Rapid Intervention Modes of Operation

Answer 37

The Rapid Intervention mission is delineated into two modes of operation: * Standby Mode * Deployment Mode

Question 38

Standby-Mode Responsibilities

Answer 38

Personnel assigned to RIC in the Standby Mode are required to: * Receive a briefing that provides, at a minimum, the location of companies working in the area of responsibility. * Assemble cache tools anticipated to be necessary in support of the rapid intervention mission. * Perform a thorough size-up of the structure, and identify all possible means of entry/egress. * Monitor all assigned incident radio frequencies and maintain situational awareness. Be prepared to intervene rapidly.

Question 39

Deployment-Mode Responsibilities/Replacement Resources

Answer 39

Personnel assigned to Rapid Intervention in the Deployment Mode are required to: * Ascertain name, rank, company assignment, and last known location of victim. * Begin search operations at last-known location of victim. * Provide frequent updates to immediate supervisor and provide a C.A.N. Report (see 5001.8.13) upon locating the trapped, lost, or injured firefighter. * Coordinate with attack crews in the same area to assist in the rescue. 5001.8.14.3 Replacement Resources: When the Rapid Intervention resource is deployed, the IC shall immediately identify and assign replacement resources that will be placed into Standby Mode.