701: Firefighting Basics

701 Firefighting Basics 

701.1 Introduction 

Firefighting is usually divided into 4 main components. Search, Ventilation, Firefighting, and RIT. Different apparatus have different tasks based off what is needed to be done. 

701.2 Size Up

When arriving on the scene of any fire, it is important to first do a size up and establish command (see Radio Communications). Once an apparatus arrives on scene, the highest ranking officer on board (the person in the passenger seat) is required to radio in the situation, and direct other responding units to where they should park, and what operations they should complete as well as any other resources required. The Officer should also look up the floor plans for the building as well as attempt to contact the owner of the property to find out what hazards are present or if anyone might still be inside. Other firefighters on board the apparatus should do a walk around of the fire zone or ‘360 check’ looking for hazards, access points, or any other pertinent information, such as occupancy and if anyone is still inside. 

701.3 Fire Types and Classes

Small fire-car fire, dumpster fire. Generally, only needs one water tank to extinguish. 

Structure fire-can be commercial if the building is a store/business, industrial if the building is used to create/build/store things, and residential if the building is used to house residents. 

Brush fire-a fire which involves large amounts of vegetation and can grow/move quite quickly. 

Greater alarm structure fire- A structure fire which takes up a large building and requires two stations to attend. 

Major emergency structure fire- A structure fire that requires more than two fire stations and a US&R apparatus to respond. 

701.4 Organization

Arrival

The first apparatus on scene is responsible for the size up. 

The second apparatus on scene should establish a water supply line to a hydrant, followed by connecting to a truck/quint if applicable. 

Additional responding apparatus should prepare for search, rescue, or firefighting as directed. 

Incident Command (IC) is established at the most convenient place or on the Alpha side of the structure. Is made up of Battalion chiefs on smaller files, Assistant Chiefs on Major Emergency Structure Fires.

701.5 Apparatus Staging

On the scene of a structure fire, apparatus organization is key. 

The fireground is divided into 4 letters, where the A or alpha side is on the side of the structure that command is located on, which is also usually where the front side or door to the building is located. Following, the letters are organized alphabetically clockwise around the fire zone encompassing any structures that are involved. The Charlie side is opposite to the Alpha side and is usually the back of the complex. Bravo and Delta sides are perpendicular to the Alpha and Charles sides. 

701.6 Action

Search teams-are responsible for searching the interior of a structure if it is believed that there could still be someone inside. Use the left- or right-hand search (following the walls entirely on one side of the building) to search a room efficiently and not get lost. 

Rescue ambulances and engine companies can be tasked with performing search related tasks 

Ventilation teams-smash windows and cut holes in the roofs of buildings to allow excess heat and pressure to escape. 

Truck companies or engine companies can be assigned to this task; however, truck companies have the more appropriate equipment for the job. 

Firefighting teams-charged with extinguishing fires or protecting exposures*. 

Firefighting teams can be made of engine crews with hand lines, engine crew with the deck gun, or truck/quint crew with the ladder pipe/master stream**. 

RIT-Rapid Intervention Team, tasked with rescuing downed firefighters. Usually set up near IC by an RA which also serves as rehab. 

*Exposures: buildings, object, brush, which could catch on fire from embers or continued exposure from flames. 

**Master stream: a water stream initiated from the end of a ladder situated above the building in question. 

701.7 Operations

The chief concern of the IC (incident command) for a fire scene is to prevent the loss of lives and protect property from further damage. 

There are two ways of handling a fire - offensively or defensively. 

Offensive operations are used to aggressively put out the fire before it spreads, to protect firefighters that are searching for a victim, or when the fire is small. It involves the use of multiple hand lines and ventilation. 

Defensive operations are activated when there is no one trapped inside the building and the fire is already too large to contain quickly, if there is risk of collapse or injury to firefighters, and if there is no immediate risk to other nearby structures or dense brush. This involves the use of hand lines, deck guns, and master streams from raised ladders. Defensive operations are activated by an IC. 

Knockdown is called at the time the fire is extinguished (EG Popular IC command, knockdown at 3:51). 

Overhaul-clearing a building after a structure fire looking for any missed or unknown victims, while moving debris looking for any remaining hotspots in the rubble. This may include ripping furniture apart, pulling apart wood structures 

Investigation-all firefighters are trained to a basic level of fire investigation to recognize signs of Arson. If a situation is suspicious or someone has been injured/killed, the IC requests Arson Squad. 

701.8 Special Circumstances

Structure Collapse

 If a structure collapse is likely, firefighters are required to keep a ‘collapse zone’ around the perimeter of the building where possible. This ensures that during collapse, no one will be injured. As a rule, apparatus should not be close enough to a building that they could get damaged in a collapse. US&R should be requested for possible structure collapses. If after a fire is knocked down and the structure is in danger of collapsing or has collapsed, heavy equipment should be requested as well as a heavy rescue. This way debris can be moved, or the structure can be knocked down in order to make it possible and safe for firefighters to complete overhaul and extinguish remaining hotspots. 

Hazardous Materials

 A HazMat squad should be requested for any HazMat fire. The emergency response guidelines (ERG) should be consulted by the first responding apparatus or the IC. Then, the appropriate response should be given. The area should be evacuated if required. 

701.9 Most Common Hazardous Materials

Gasoline [Class iii Hazardous material - flammable, combustible materials]

Gasoline is one of the most transported hazardous materials and among the most dangerous. Highly flammable, gasoline can cause major injuries and death. Take special care to avoid exposing gasoline to an ignition source since it can ignite. If that happens, you could end up with a serious and possibly fatal injury.

Diesel Fuel [Class iii Hazardous material - flammable, combustible materials]

Diesel fuel can also cause major injuries and death. Acute exposure to diesel fuel vapor can cause dizziness, nausea, headaches, and vomiting. The hazardous material can also irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Avoid contact with diesel fuel when interacting with it unless absolutely necessary.

Propylene [Class i Hazardous material - Explosives]

Propylene has many uses. It’s used to produce packaging, films, and more, and it’s commonly hauled from one location to the next. It’s a volatile flammable gas, making it very dangerous to transport and use. If it’s close to an ignition source, it can explode, causing serious injuries. Propylene accidents can also be fatal, so take special care when transporting it.

Consumer Fireworks [Class i Hazardous material - Explosives]

Shooting off fireworks is an American pastime that isn’t just reserved for the Fourth of July. People celebrate with fireworks throughout the year, creating a need for transportation. Unfortunately, fireworks create a significant fire risk, and drivers must take precautions and follow all regulations, including having the proper labels and markings.

Liquefied Petroleum Gas [Class ii hazardous material - NON-FLAMMABLE GAS]

Also known as butane or propane, liquefied petroleum gas is a vital fuel with many uses. It can also explode under certain conditions, meaning that it’s critical to use store it in pressurized vessels. If an accident occurs and the gas explodes, it can be deadly. At the very least, people can expect serious injuries that can reduce their quality of life.

Carbon Dioxide, Refrigerated Liquid [Class ii hazardous material - NON-FLAMMABLE GAS]

This gas isn’t flammable, so you might think it’s safe to transport. However, it’s listed as a hazardous material for good reason. The non-flammable gas keeps food cold during transport. It emits hazardous vapors that can make you dizzy or even prevent you from getting enough oxygen. Also, if your body comes into contact with the gas, you could end up with a severe burn or frostbite. This is painful and could cause you to lose an extremity.

Sulfuric Acid [Class VIII hazardous material - CORROSIVE]

Sulfuric acid is used in various industries, including oil refining and fertilizer manufacturing. It’s even used to make cleaning agents. Even though it has so many uses, it’s highly corrosive and dangerous. If you contact it when transporting it, you could get severely burned. Inhaling it is also extremely dangerous and can cause lung damage.

Argon, Refrigerated Liquid [Class VI hazardous material - inhalation hazard]

Because this isn’t toxic or flammable, many drivers think this material is safe. However, the refrigerated liquid form of argon poses a serious risk during transportation. You can suffer serious health problems if you inhale it, and it can significantly damage your tissue if you come into contact with it. You must keep the gas cylinders upright to maintain the proper pressure. Then, you can avoid injuring yourself when transporting it to its destination