In this article I am going to pass along things I have learned and had reinforced as 11 years as a Deputy Chief in a relatively small city one hundred member department containing all types of construction. This will be mainly from a command perspective.

 

The first arriving fire unit should “establish command” in accordance with Dept. procedures and state regulations. For instance, in the state of N.J., all fire operations require the implementation of the Incident Command System (ICS). 

 

Some departments utilize a command vehicle or portable command post. This should be “set up” on arrival of the first arriving chief officer at a working incident. 

 

When “command” is transferred, it should be face to face, so pertinent information such as where lines are placed, where units are operating, status of searches completed, control of incident and any special considerations known such as truss construction, hazardous materials, collapse indicators, etc. 

 

Also, if utilizing a fire ground radio channel, the transfer of command shall be broadcast on same, so the members operating know who is in command.

 

I/C’s should utilize a tactical worksheet, to keep track of where companies are operating, status of searches completed, utilities controlled etc. If nothing else, at least jot down on a large notepad this pertinent info, especially keeping track of the locations of the operating companies. The I/C has a legal responsibility to know where every member is operating on the fire ground. 

 

When an I/C is operating alone, especially for the first 10-15 minutes of the operation before additional staff arrives to assist at the command post, it can be quite challenging to keep track of everyone. 

 

Solid Dept. S.O.P.’s can greatly assist with command and accountability. For instance, if the SOP dictates that the inside team of the first arriving ladder company forces entry and searches main fire floor, then the IC knows where to look for them until that task is completed.

 

As far as the command post itself, it should be located for where the I/C can visualize 2 sides of the structure, but not in the way of the operating companies. At a large structure or narrow street with row structures this may not be possible. 

 

My department requires the use of the back end of a command SUV. While that may not be advantageous in a city where extremely tight streets are encountered, we also had a portable command post also in the event that it was not able to get the vehicle close enough. 

 

The department instituted the use of the vehicle shortly after a separate fire ground radio channel was instituted. 

 

Some advantages with the command vehicle I believe are a place to write down what you need to on the command board or tactical worksheet, and 2 separate mobile radios at hand. 

 

In large structures or high rises, the mobile radio will be more effective than the portable, enhancing communication capabilities. Also, if equipped with “identifier” feature, it can easily be read from the radio head. 

 

Typically, at a high rise, the command post should be in the lobby or in the case of utilizing a command vehicle, as close to the entrance of the building as possible. And note, get a 360* size up before establishing the “post” when possible.

As far as the command staff, I believe the first staff position to be filled at any working incident should be the Safety officer position. 

 

The safety officer should take a closer look at construction features, collapse indicators, conditions in the rear of the building, problems with water supply, ventilation profile, electrical hazards and evidence of hazardous materials and should evaluate such things as are enough portable ladders in place? 

 

The safety officer should also make sure a FAST or RIC is being put in place, meet with them to make sure they have proper radio communications and are advised about potential problem areas of the structure. 

 

Other duties include coordinating establishment of collapse zones, ensuring members do not enter the zone(s), making sure a rehab sector is being put in place and assisting the IC in ensuring accountability.

 

The safety officer should be a trained experienced officer. In the absence of a safety officer, the IC will need to assume these responsibilities. Also note that in accordance with ICS protocol, the Safety officer reports directly to the IC. 

 

One thing I never believe in is the Safety officer PRIORITIZING on individual members not wearing PPE properly or engaging in normal fire ground operations. Those responsibilities fall back to the company officer’s responsibility and those of individual members. Company officers should be addressed regarding their members according to the chain of command.

 

Additional staff can assist with command as an aide, tracking companies and radio communications. If utilizing 2 or more radio frequencies, it may be beneficial to assign an additional member or chief officer to handle 1 of these frequencies. It will get noisy, and it is ever so important to closely monitor all radio transmissions, so as not to miss a mayday or urgent message.

 

Accountability shall be established whether utilizing a tag system, passport system, riding list or a combination of same. Accountability is obviously much harder to achieve in a volunteer dept. vs. career. In a career department the IC knows who is on duty and what positions the members are assigned at the beginning of the tour. 

 

If utilizing a “Pak-Tracker” style device, we know what SCBA they are assigned, and what portable radio they are utilizing based on their riding assignment. This info can be noted on the daily riding list. This info can really assist with accountability in a career dept. 

 

Officers and members also have personal responsibility along the lines of accountability when they are changing locations or have completed assigned tasks, including when exiting the building to change air cylinders or proceeding to rehab. If verbal/visual contact is not made with their sector officer or IC, then the IC shall be advised of the change via radio.

 

If the incident is not quickly controlled, appoint a member or officer to maintain accountability. One advantage I believe for departments that utilize 30 minute air cylinders, is that around the 20 min. mark during an operation, members will be exiting the fire building to change cylinders, regroup and get a drink of water. This also gives the IC a chance to SEE the members and evaluate conditions. Maybe the fire will be controlled or extinguished!

 

If an incident evolves, particularly at a large structure, expand the ICS as necessary to utilize an operations section, divisions and groups, EMS branch, staging area etc. But even for a large building fire, the functions of command do not typically require expansion of the ICS beyond the Operations function. And on the contrary a quickly knocked down fire rarely requires expansion of the ICS.

 

Tactically, the five types of building construction dictate tactics, fire spread and collapse potential. Don’t micro-manage your regular company officers and members. Set general expectations beforehand with your companies and officers, including with your regular mutual aid companies if you regularly utilize mutual aid. 

 

Remember, your job is to set the overall strategy of the job, ensure enough apparatus and manpower are requested, and have the backs of your officers and members and entrust them to get the job done. If you do these things, they will make you look good!