The document provides an overview of the roles and responsibilities of fire departments in responding to various emergency situations, including structure fires, wildland fires, hazardous materials incidents, gas leaks, and technical rescue operations. It emphasizes the importance of safety procedures like maintaining proper staffing levels, using appropriate protective equipment, establishing communication, and designating rescue teams. The document outlines standard operating procedures and key considerations for different emergency types.

1. Introduction to Fire Protection 3rd Edition

2. Chapter 14 Emergency Operations

3. Objectives Identify the role of the fire department at various types of emergencies List limitations of the fire department in certain emergency types List important safety considerations when operating at different types of emergencies

4. Introduction Two general areas of emergency functions Operations Application of resources towards mitigation of incidents Support Aids the front line personnel

5. Personnel Variety of emergency responders EMS Firefighters Law enforcement Fire Department may or may not be in charge of all incidents that they respond to

6. Life Safety Initiatives Duty and responsibility Make every day a training day so everyone goes home Firefighter maintenance program Receive regular medical checkups, get regular exercise, and eat healthy Rehab guidelines Stop before you drop, stay hydrated, and monitor vital signs

7. Life Safety Initiatives (con’t.) Passengers responding to incidents Wear full PPE, get in the apparatus, sit down, fasten your seatbelt, and ride with drivers that will get you there in one piece Drivers responding to incidents It is not a race, safe is more important than fast, stop at all red lights and stop signs, and if others do not pull over – don’t run them over

8. Life Safety Initiatives (con’t.) Interior firefighting Work as a team, stay together, stay oriented, manage your air supply, take the proper tools with you for any interior operation, every member should have a radio, provide constant updates and constantly assess for risk versus benefit

9. Rapid Intervention Teams Assigned at incident scenes Have proper equipment Rescue trapped firefighters RITs not used for trapped occupants If using more than one entrance or numerous firefighters are inside, may need more than one RIT

10. Two In, Two Out OSHA regulation Operating in areas that require SCBA Must maintain buddy system in IDLH environment Must maintain minimum of two person rescue team outside Must maintain direct contact with personnel inside/outside

11. Two In, Two Out (con’t.) Only exception to two in, two out is “imminent rescue” Has to be sufficient reason to believe a life can be saved to violate the regulation If making an exception, announce it over the radio and give your reasons

12. Structure Firefighting Basic fire department responsibility Most departments spend the bulk of their time and money on this one function (see Figure 14-2) Structure fires present many hazards: Contents Roof loads Structure collapse Backdraft and flashover

13. Structure Firefighting (con’t.) Key safety points SCBA will not protect you from skin contact hazards Stay away from windows due to backdraft potential Always leave yourself a second way out Do not freelance Look up before raising ladders

14. Structure Firefighting (con’t.) Key safety points (con’t.) Turn off the electrical power Use lights when appropriate Establish a Rapid Intervention Team whenever possible Use the buddy system Stay focused on the “big picture”

15. Fire Department Operations at Sprinklered Occupancies Three main causes of unsatisfactory sprinkler performance Closed valve in system Delivery of inadequate water supply to system Occupancy changes that render the installed system unsuitable Establish SOP for operations Boost supply to system

16. Fire Department Operations at Sprinklered Occupancies (con’t.) Establish SOP for operations (con’t.) Ensure valves are open Advance hoselines to seat of fire Only turn off necessary areas for salvage and overhaul operations Place system back into service ASAP If unable to restore, notify responsible party

17. Electrical Installations Key safety points Do not enter without power company personnel Some equipment may contain carcinogens Water may be the wrong extinguishing agent to use

18. Wildland Firefighting Basic methods of extinguishment Apply water or fire retardant to fire edge Create a fire break or control line around the perimeter May use the following tools/techniques Pumpers, dozers, hand tools Class A foam Create a backfire

19. Wildland Firefighting (con’t.) The Ten Standard Firefighting Orders F ight fire aggressively, but provide for safety first I nitiate all action based on current and expected fire behavior R ecognize current weather conditions and obtain forecasts E nsure instructions are given and understood O btain current information on fire status

20. Wildland Firefighting (con’t.) The Ten Standard Firefighting Orders (con’t.) R emain in communication with crew members, your supervisor, and adjoining forces D etermine safety zones and escape routes E stablish lookouts in potentially hazardous situations R etain control of yourself/your crew at all times S tay alert, keep calm, think clearly, and act decisively

21. Wildland Firefighting (con’t.) 18 Situations That Shout Watch Out The fire is not scouted or sized up You are in country not seen in daylight Safety zones and escape routes are not identified You are unfamiliar with the weather and local factors influencing fire behavior You are uninformed on strategy, tactics, and hazards

22. Wildland Firefighting (con’t.) 18 Situations That Shout Watch Out (con’t.) Instructions and assignments are not clear You have no communications link with crew members/supervisor You are constructing a line without a safe anchor point You are constructing a line downhill with fire below

23. Wildland Firefighting (con’t.) 18 Situations That Shout Watch Out (con’t.) You are attempting frontal assault on a fire There is unburned fuel between you and the fire You cannot see the main fire, and you’re not in contact with someone who can You are on a hillside where rolling material can ignite fuel below

24. Wildland Firefighting (con’t.) 18 Situations That Shout Watch Out (con’t.) The weather is getting hotter and drier The wind increases or changes direction There are frequent spot fires across the line Terrain and fuels make escape to safety zones difficult You feel like taking a nap near the fire line

25. Wildland Firefighting (con’t.) Two condensed safety messages have been adopted as a general reminder of the previous rules LCES Lookouts Communications Escape routes Safety zones

26. Wildland Firefighting (con’t.) Look three ways Look up Look down Look around These safety messages apply to every type of firefighting Main focus is to stay alert

27. Wildland Urban Interface / Intermix Firefighting Structures in path of wildland fires Often assigned to engine companies May be in front of advancing fire Dangerous operation Has caused injuries, lost lives and equipment

28. Wildland Urban Interface / Intermix Firefighting (con’t.) TRIAGE T ake time to evaluate water needs and availability. R econ safety zones and escape routes. I s the structure defendable based on construction type, topography and anticipated fire behavior?

29. Wildland Urban Interface / Intermix Firefighting (con’t.) TRIAGE (con’t.) A re flammable vegetation and debris cleared within a reasonable distance? G ive a fair evaluation of the values at stake versus resources available, and do not waste time on the losers E valuate the safety risk to the crew and the equipment

30. Wildland Urban Interface / Intermix Firefighting (con’t.) PROTECTION P ark engines backed in so a rapid exit can be made, if necessary R emember to maintain communication with your crew and adjoining forces O n occasions when you are overrun by fire, use apparatus or structures as a refuge

31. Wildland Urban Interface / Intermix Firefighting (con’t.) PROTECTION (con’t.) T ank water should not get below 50 gallons in case it is needed for crew protection E ngines should keep headlights on, windows closed, and outside speakers turned on C oil a charged 1 ½-inch hose at the engine for protection crew and equipment

32. Wildland Urban Interface / Intermix Firefighting (con’t.) PROTECTION (con’t.) T ry not to lay hose longer than 150 feet from your engine I t is important to keep apparatus mobile for maximum effectiveness O nly use water as needed and refrain from wetting ahead of the fire N ever sacrifice crew safety to save property

33. Oil Firefighting Three main problems in crude oil tank fires Boil over: occurs when hot oil contacts subsurface water in tank Slop over: occurs when oil is forced over tank edge by direction of hose streams Froth over: occurs when hose streams stir up surface of hot oil

34. Oil Firefighting (con’t.) Extinguishment Methods Subsurface injection of foam through a manifold Direct application of foam to burning surface Hose streams directed to cool exposed tanks Floating roof tank seal may be extinguished with fire extinguisher or foam Shut off plumbing and let material burn itself out

35. Gasoline Spills Use foam to seal off vapors Water may just spread spill Never walk in the spill May disturb foam blanket and spill will reignite around you

36. Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Stored in cylindrical tanks When exposed to fire, pressure rises Relief valve may fail BLEVE can occur Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion Container pieces can fly one-half mile Control ignition sources and dissipate vapors with water fog

37. Natural Gas Poses little hazard when released because lighter than air Collects in structures where leaks occur Static electricity can cause ignition Any gas smell call should be treated as life-threatening situation

38. Hazardous Materials Incidents (HAZMAT) Approximately 2,000 new chemicals are produced each year Hazardous materials may be present in almost any type of incident Every incident requires a precautionary approach Upwind, uphill, and upstream

39. Hazardous Materials Incidents (HAZMAT) (con’t.) Federal law requires establishment of an incident command system on every hazmat incident Fire Department’s primary objectives are to: Isolate Identify Deny entry

40. Hazardous Materials Incidents (HAZMAT) (con’t.) Back equipment in for quick exit Set up perimeters Information on chemicals available from various sources CHEMTREC DOT Emergency Response Guidebook

41. Hazardous Materials Incidents (HAZMAT) (con’t.) Fire department actions Dike Divert Control Cleanup Actions can only be performed safely if proper level of PPE is available

42. Weapons of Mass Destruction Acts of terrorism are a very real threat Oklahoma City World Trade Center Pentagon, and others The purpose is to take human lives Weapons may be chemical, biological, radioactive, nuclear and/or explosive (CBRNE)

43. Weapons of Mass Destruction (con’t.) Different from hazmat incidents in many ways Crime scene Major interaction with federal, state and local law enforcement Scene communication overload Chaos Overwhelmed resources Secondary devices designed to kill responders

44. Weapons of Mass Destruction (con’t.) Different from hazmat incidents in many ways (con’t.) Preincident indicators Deliberate attack Super-toxic material that is difficult to identify Mass casualties with many fatalities Mass decontamination required Unusual risks to emergency responders and civilians

45. Emergency Medical Service Operations (EMS) Proper PPE must be worn every time Treat everyone as though they are infectious Turnouts are not the best protection Necessary if sharp edges or fire are involved Never carry contamination from the scene

46. Vehicle Accidents Dangers from spilled fuel Dangers from passing traffic Dangers from hydraulic rescue tools Built-in dangers Air bags Electric cars LPG vehicles

47. Vehicle Fires Approach from front quarter Avoid exploding tires and five-mile-an-hour bumpers Always use full PPE including SCBA Seams of gas tank may let go and spill burning fuel

48. Aircraft Firefighting There are many on-board hazards in large aircraft Oxygen systems Fuel Hydraulic fluid Magnesium wheels Military aircraft may carry live ordinance (broken arrow)

49. Aircraft Firefighting (con’t.) Fire department operations Clear a path Make entry Effect rescue Complete extinguishment Overhaul

50. EMS and Firefighting with Aircraft Special precautions with helicopters Approach and depart from the side or front in a crouching position in view of the pilot Approach and depart from the downhill side to avoid the main rotor Approach and depart in the pilot’s view; stay clear of the tail rotor Use a chin strap or secure your helmet when working under the main rotor

51. EMS and Firefighting with Aircraft (con’t.) Special precautions with helicopters (con’t.) Carry tools horizontally, beneath waist level to avoid contact with the main rotor Fasten your seat belt when you enter the helicopter and refasten it when you leave Use the door latches as instructed Use caution around plexiglass, antennas, and any moving parts

52. EMS and Firefighting with Aircraft (con’t.) Special precautions with helicopters (con’t.) When entering or exiting the helicopter, step on the skid Any time you ride in a helicopter in a wildland fire situation, you are required to wear full PPE Do not throw objects from the helicopter Contact with any moving part of an aircraft is often fatal

53. EMS and Firefighting with Aircraft (con’t.) Wildland firefighting with helicopters Rotor wash can fan flames or knock limbs out of trees Dropping water can knock you down Exit the drop area whenever possible Stay out from under helicopters with sling loads

54. EMS and Firefighting with Aircraft (con’t.) Wildland firefighting with fixed wing aircraft 3,000 gallons of retardant at over nine pounds per gallon may drop at 130 mph from 200 feet above the ground Wing tip vortices can fan flames Drops can knock limbs from trees Drops can roll rocks

55. EMS and Firefighting with Aircraft (con’t.) If a drop is to be made: Lie face down, head toward approaching aircraft Lay tool aside Keep hard hat on and cover head with arms Retardant is slippery; watch your footing when you get up Wash retardant off vehicles as soon as possible

56. Every situation has its own set of hazards The worst hazard is often one that is unrecognized Firefighter’s responsibility to provide personal safety and safety of others Evaluate situations as they arise Anticipate situations that can be harmful Remain constantly vigilant at incident scene Summary