SAN ANDREAS FIRE DEPARTMENT

Standard Operating Procedures

This page shall serve as the official Structure Fire Policy for the San Andreas Fire Department:

Last Updated: 11/24/2022
By: Kidd B.


10.1- Arriving on scene:

  • The OIC will direct the apparatus driver to position accordingly

  • The Officer will provide a scene size-up, assume command, and develop a fire suppression plan

  • The Officer will complete a 360 walk-around viewing of the structure to determine number of stories, type of structure, what is showing, location of problem, exposures, what is burning, where it is going, and the need for additional resources

  • The Officer will ensure that a proper communication system has been coordinated for fire ground activities


10.2- Scene Safety:

  • There shall be at least 2 firefighters on any interior attack hose-line

  • There shall be at least 2 firefighters on any interior search and rescue

  • There should be a “R.I.T.” in place on any interior operation or any situation where firefighters are exposed or could be exposed to any IDLH situation

  • Firefighters must be authorized and properly trained before participating in any interior structural fire attack or search and rescue operations


10.3- Incident Actions & Priorities:

  1. Rescue

  • Human life is the most important consideration in a fire or other emergency

  • Rescue of humans override all other strategic considerations at a fire

  • The primary functions of an adequately staffed truck (if available) shall be rescue

  • A primary and secondary search shall be conducted at all structure fires. During search all rooms should be marked by some means to indicate that the particular room has been searched


  1. Exposure Protection

  • Exposure protection is the strategy of preventing a fire from spreading to the uninvolved building(s) or in involved parts of the fire building

  • The Incident Commander shall be responsible for ensuring the initial protection of exposures and assigning teams appropriately.


3.Confinement

  • The strategy of confinement means preventing the fire from extending to uninvolved sections of the building

  • Whenever possible, the most effective method of confining fire spread is a direct attack on the fire

  • The Incident Commander shall decide whether to make an offensive approach, aggressive interior attack, or a defensive approach, attacking the fire from the outside. There maybe situations when both approaches could be used, but a defensive attack should not be used when crews are operating on the interior

  • All avenues of fire spread must be considered examples: shafts, openings, utility raceways, ducts etc.

  • Where fires involve concealed spaces (attic, ceilings, construction voids, etc.) it becomes very important that the vent crews open up and fire attacks operate fire streams into such areas


4.Extiguishement

  • In most fire situations a quick and aggressive attack on the seat of the fire will take care of rescue, exposures, and confinement at the same time

  • The size-up will provide information as to techniques, equipment and manpower needed to overcome the fire


5.Overhaul

  • The purpose of the overhaul is to make sure the fire is completely out

  • Overhaul operations must be properly coordinated with fire investigation efforts

  • Unsafe conditions should be identified early in the overhaul process and definite efforts made to avoid the possible problems associated with the same

  • During overhaul most firefighters are more relaxed, tired, perhaps less alert and thus more apt to get injured

  • Personnel should not remove their breathing apparatus until the area is completely cleared of toxic gasses

  • When available, a fresh crew should perform overhaul

  • Particular attention should be given to hidden areas during overhaul

  • During overhaul care should be given to protect personnel from exposure to carbon monoxide and other by products of combustion


6. Ventilation

  • Based upon the situation, ventilation may need to occur anytime during the operation

  • Ventilation shall be employed to:

1. Channel heat, smoke and flames from potential victims

2. To prevent backdraft and flashover

3. To remove heat and smoke from the building so to reduce property damage

4. To allow the interior of the structure to be more tenable and safer for fire fighting operations


7. Salvage

  • Salvage may need to begin at various points during a fire operation

  • Salvage is those operations required to safeguard personal property, furnishings, and the unaffected portions of a structure from the effects of heat, smoke, fire and the weather

  • Salvage should include:

1. The use of salvage covers

2. Removing water from the structure

3. Removing furniture and personal belongings to a safe location

4. Debris removal

5. Removal of valuables from debris

6. Covering openings to keep weather out and to secure the building

D. All members are expected to perform in a manner that continually reduces loss during fire operations


8.Utility Control

  • Utilities should be shut down and brought under control to insure that they will not contribute to the fires spread, overall damage or create any type of safety hazard

  • At structure fires where electrical involvement or damage has occurred, request via radio the response of the proper electric company

  • If the electric company is not available in time, fire personnel may shutdown the power via circuit breakers

  • If necessary, shut down gas lines at the meter and have the Gas Department notified. Meters that have been shut off by fire department personnel should be properly locked

  • If necessary, shut down water supplies to the structure at the valve closest to the point of usage