This chapter discusses special technical operations firefighters may encounter including hazardous materials incidents, tank farm or refinery fires, terrorism incidents, dirty bombs, clandestine drug labs, and natural disasters. It notes that initial responders will often face difficult decisions prior to specialists arriving and must take appropriate action. The chapter provides an overview of each topic, including size-up factors, strategic goals, tactical priorities, and suggested incident management positions. It concludes with learning objectives on various topics covered.

1. Chapter 10 — Technical Operations
Strategic and Tactical
Considerations on the Fireground
4th Edition

2. Chapter 10
‣ There are many special types of operations that can confront responding firefighters.
These incidents will often require the expertise of specially trained personnel to
mitigate the problems found. However, the initial responders will often face difficult
decisions that will need to be made prior to the arrival of the specialists or technicians.
For this reason, this chapter looks at those special areas: hazardous materials
(hazmat) incidents, tank farm or refinery fires, terrorist incidents, dirty bombs,
clandestine drug labs (CDLs), and natural disasters. Each of these subjects is complex
enough to fill a book of its own. This chapter will present an overview of these
important subjects. The initial actions at a scene are the keystone of an operation.
When performed correctly, the incident usually runs smoothly, and the problems that
arise can be addressed.
‣ Hazmat incidents can occur anywhere and at any time. The response time for a
hazmat team can often be too long for firefighters to await their arrival without
attempting to mitigate a minor situation or one that involves life-safety of civilians.
This demands that firefighters have a basic understanding of hazmat. They should be
able to reference the Department of Transportation guidebook to identify the potential
of hazmat and initiate actions to mitigate the situation. This is especially important
when dealing with tank farm or refinery fires.
Chapter Overview

3. Chapter 10
‣ Incidents involving terrorism are rare. Yet their occurrence will have a
tremendous potential for a large loss of life and injury. We must recognize
the signs that identify these events and act accordingly. This is especially
true with the possibility of the detonation of a dirty bomb. Terrorism
incidents will place firefighters at the leading edge. CDLs pose not only
the potential for explosion injuring emergency responders, but the
hazardous waste created can affect anyone who comes into contact with
it.
‣ Natural disasters can strike anywhere and anytime. Preparation is a key
element in attempting to address the many and varied problems that
these disasters pose.
‣ We as initial responders must ensure that our actions do not complicate a
situation that will be difficult at best. We should know the protection
provided by our turnout gear. Our actions should be directed to minimize
death or injury of civilians and firefighters alike.
Chapter Overview Cont.

4. Chapter 10
‣ At the end of each section are size-up factors as well as strategic goals and
tactical priorities that need to be taken into account when confronted with
fires or incidents in these occupancies. These lists are not meant to be all-
inclusive. Other factors can and will exist that must also be considered.
‣ The strategic goals and tactical priorities are for both offensive and
defensive attacks, as well as nonintervention, with suggested
considerations for implementing an incident management system to meet
the potential problems. The strategic goals and tactical priorities that are
noted are in response to some of the potential problems that may occur.
The suggested incident management positions do not mean that they must
be used or that using them is the only correct method. These are initial
positions that should be considered. Depending on the problems presented
by each individual situation, the Incident Commander (IC) can implement
these or other incident management positions to deal with the problems.
Chapter Overview Cont.

5. Chapter 10
‣ Discuss the initial concerns at a hazardous materials incident.
‣ Set up initial exclusion zones at a suspected hazardous materials incident.
‣ Identify the difference between evacuation and protecting in place.
‣ Discuss types of storage tanks at tank farms and refineries.
‣ Discuss fire extinguishment concerns at tank farms and refineries.
‣ Discuss boilover, slopover, and frothover at a burning storage tank.
‣ Discuss weapons of terrorism.
‣ Discuss the actions of the first-arriving officer at a suspected terrorism
event.
Learning Objective

6. Chapter 10
‣ Understand the stages of response at a suspected or confirmed terrorism
event.
‣ Discuss strategic considerations if confronted with a dirty bomb incident.
‣ Describe the protection provided by a firefighter’s personal protective
gear at a suspected dirty bomb incident.
‣ Discuss radiation exposure considerations for firefighters at dirty bomb
incidents.
‣ Discuss strategic considerations at an incident involving a clandestine
drug lab.
‣ Discuss the problems associated with natural disasters.
‣ Discuss the strategic considerations needed for a natural disaster incident.
Learning Objective Cont.

7. Section Text Page
Hazardous materials incidents p. 458
Tank farm/refinery fires p. 473
Terrorism incidents p. 484
Dirty bombs p. 494
Clandestine drug labs p. 501
Natural disasters p. 511
Chapter Content