North East Fire Collaborative

NORTH EAST FIRE COLLABORATIVE MODEL STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINE

STRUCTURE FIRE TACTICAL SUPPORT SUBJECT: ACTIVITIES REVISED: JANUARY 1, 2011 PAGE(S): 9

City of Blue Ash Fire Department ______Chief Richard Brown

Loveland Symmes Fire Department ______Chief Otto Huber

City of Sharonville Fire Department ______Chief Ralph Hammonds

Sycamore Township Fire Department ______Chief William “BJ” Jetter

City of Mason Fire Department ______Chief John Moore STRUCTURE FIRE TACTICAL SUPPORT SUBJECT: ACTIVITIES REVISED: JANUARY 1, 2011 PAGE(S): 1 OF 8

This guideline provides Department procedures for providing tactical support at a fire emergency.

Tactical support activities are functions that assist fire control and rescue operations. They generally include ventilation, forcible entry, and access operations. The Incident Commander should assure support functions are completed in a timely manner.

VENTILATION:

Ventilation is performed for two reasons. The first is to prevent dangerous interior atmospheric conditions and the second is to gain and maintain control of the fires location within the structure to enable interior crews to locate the seat of the fire and conduct safe and more effective search and rescue operations. In most working fire situations, vertical ventilation located directly over the fire is the most effective. The timing of ventilation becomes extremely important and should be coordinated, and communicated with interior fire attack crews. Ventilation should be provided in advance of attack lines and communication between the ventilation and attack companies is crucial for safe and proper ventilation. Ventilation will make for a better environment for crews working inside the structure by improving visibility, reducing temperature levels, limiting backdraft or flashover possibilities, make it easier to locate the fire and or victims, and reduce smoke damage to the property. Fire will naturally burn out of holes or openings in roofs, regardless of whether fire crews or the fire itself has made the hole. When a fire burns through a roof, it generally will do so directly over the fire. Prior to cutting holes for vertical ventilation, crews should make sure they understand the general location of the fire, victims and crews that are inside the structure Ventilation holes cut in the wrong place will channel the fire to the hole and could increase the fire size, in turn, causing more fire damage; and potentially compromise crews conducting interior search, rescue and fire control operations.. The best way to determine if ventilation is needed, is to conduct a ventilation assessment/360 size-up, maintain situational awareness, understand the ICs action plan, and communicate with the resources working inside the structure

SUBJECT: STRUCTURE FIRE TACTICAL SUPPORT ACTIVITIES REVISED: JANUARY 1, 2011 PAGE(S): 2 OF 8

Effective roof ventilation tends to keep roofs intact longer. Roof integrity is the single most important factor that determines if vertical ventilation can be performed. If the ventilation crew cannot get on the roof due to advanced fire conditions, the company officer must communicate this information to the Incident Commander, and the IC should be ready to change ventilation tactics, or switch to a defensive fire attack. REMEMBER: IT IS BEST TO ABANDON A BUILDING TOO SOON, RATHER THAN TOO LATE.

TYPES OF VENTILATION

Vertical Ventilation:

Vertical ventilation is an opening above a fire to relieve heat and gases due to mushrooming. This type of ventilation should be made directly over the fire and at the highest point possible. You should also take into account any natural opening already there such as skylights, scuttle holes, exhaust fans, etc. These types of natural openings can also be used as a means of vertical ventilation. Make sure that the opening is clear from any materials or obstructions that would interfere with the ventilation process.

Horizontal Ventilation: Horizontal ventilation is the use of doors, roll up doors, and windows to ventilate throughout the building. Depending on the assignment from the IC, when crews are conducting any type of horizontal ventilation they should consider maintaining the integrity of the door/window when possible. This will enable crews to maintain control of the opening and/or conduct reverse ventilation if needed. This is important to consider while opening doors prior to hoselines being placed into service. However, if according to the IC action plan he/she orders a window or any type of door to be open for horizontal ventilation, unless the company officer recognizes some type of safety issue, it is to be completed and communicated to the IC once the task is done. STRUCTURE FIRE TACTICAL SUPPORT SUBJECT: ACTIVITIES REVISED: JANUARY 1, 2011 PAGE(S): 3 OF 8

Trench cut:

This type of ventilation is used as a defensive tactic in buildings with large attic areas to stop horizontal fire spread. The opening should be a four foot wide opening cut in the roof from outside wall to outside wall. The opening should be far enough away from the fire because this task is very time consuming. Advanced planning for the trench cut location should be conducted prior to beginning the cut and shall be in a location to save the largest area of the building. Crews need to have the trench cut completed before the fire reaches its location.

Hydraulic Ventilation:

Hydraulic ventilation is the use of an interior fog stream to move smoke and gases through a window or a door. The use of a fog pattern approximately two feet from the opening and covering 90% of the opening will give crews the maximum effect of ventilation. This is one quick way for a crew to start the ventilation process after the fire has been brought under control..

Negative Pressure (Use of smoke ejectors):

Negative pressure ventilation is a tool to help remove smoke and other gases out of a hazardous area. Crews should place the smoke ejector at the highest point in the opening for maximum effect. Provide and maintain unobstructed replacement air openings for best results in venting a structure. This may require the removal of blinds, drapes, etc. STRUCTURE FIRE TACTICAL SUPPORT SUBJECT: ACTIVITIES REVISED: JANUARY 1, 2011 PAGE(S): 4 OF 8

Positive Pressure Ventilation (Use of PPV fans): You need to place the PPV fan at the outside ground level for maximum effect to take place. The PPV should be placed so that the cone of air is completely covering a door opening. There needs to be an opening on the other side of the building so the smoke and gases can be ejected outward. This type of ventilation can also be used to pressurize one room at a time by closing interior doors for max ventilation of that area.

Ventilation Considerations for Residential and Commercial Structures

Residential

 If companies have a minimum of 4 firefighters, the IC and company officer shall

 consider splitting the crew to allow for multiple support functions (forcible entry/search and ventilation) to be conducted. The A & B side accountability system shall be utilized if the IC and company officer use this procedure. The crew working on the inside will be identified as company name A (TO52A) , and the company working on the outside as company name B (TO52B).

 If companies have a minimum of 3 firefighters, the IC and company officer shall not split crews. Companies shall complete which ever support task the IC deems most necessary upon their arrival.

 If your company is assigned to ventilation, portable ground ladders often offer the fastest access to windows and roofs and may be used when completing vertical and horizontal ventilation tasks on the fire ground.

If possible and the incident allows, the IC shall consider using aerial ladders/platforms on the roof during vertical ventilation operations to allow for another means of access, but more importantly, a secondary means of egress for firefighters operating on the roof. As the incident progresses, the aerial/platform can serve as a egress point for crews conducting search and rescue operations on the second floor, protecting exposures, and, if necessary, repositioned for a defensive operation. STRUCTURE FIRE TACTICAL SUPPORT SUBJECT: ACTIVITIES REVISED: JANUARY 1, 2011 PAGE(S): 5 OF 8

Commercial

 If possible, the IC shall consider placing aerial platforms in the front of commercial structures and aerial ladders in the rear. Aerial platforms can be utilized for blitz attack in strip centers, easier access over parapet walls, and a under and up position for the platform master streams when cooling structural members and reducing the heat inside large open structures. Aerial ladders generally can access the rear of a commercial roof easier and in a safer manner due to not having to go over a parapet wall. Later arriving engine companies shall also be considered for this position as well and utilize portable ground ladders for access to the roof.

 Horizontal ventilation in commercial structures shall not be conducted until hoselines or portable master streams have been placed into service. In order to remove as much heat and smoke as possible, crews need to clear the entire window. This tactic will also allow master streams to be directed inside the fire area for more effective fire control.

 During vertical ventilation, the company officer shall make sure the crews maintain a position between the ventilation hole and their means of egress at all times. The 798 (Coffin) cut will allow crews to maintain a safe position and expand the hole if necessary. Depending on the structural make up of the roof, crews should bring various cut-off saws with multi-purpose blades to ensure proper cutting procedures can be conducted in a safe and effective manner.

 Crews shall consider other openings such as skylights and roof hatches prior to cutting any holes. If there is a bulkhead or other type of roof access, crews shall check with the IC and interior companies prior to opening the door due to spreading the fire vertically and possibly trapping firefighters and civilians. If planning on conducting a trench cut, consider the location of fire walls in relation to the location of the fire. Always maintain communication with interior crews as to the location of the fire in drop ceilings and the condition of the roofs structural members. Metal Decking should not be cut as it may compromise safety and the structural integrity of the roof itself. SUBJECT: STRUCTURE FIRE TACTICAL SUPPORT ACTIVITIES REVISED: JANUARY 1, 2011 PAGE(S): 6 OF 8

VENTILATION GUIDELINES and SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS:

 A minimum of two personnel are required to work on the roof of a single family residence.

 A minimum of three personnel are required to work on the roof of a commercial structure. When ventilating a structure, firefighters shall wear full protective equipment and SCBA.

 It is recommended that a company officer be the first to the roof of the commercial building and should determine structural integrity and provide for overall safety. If this is not possible, make sure to check the stability of the roof before starting ventilation operations.

 If possible, always ventilate at the highest point.

 If possible, always work with the wind to your back or side when cutting vent hole or windows.

 Always work from a roof ladder or aerial ladder when cutting holes on a pitched roof.

 Watch out for signs of unstable or unsafe roof conditions.

 Watch out for over head power lines

Anytime personnel go to the roof, they are to assure two "IDENTIFIED ESCAPEROUTES" are in place. In some cases, the building may have a built in ladder that can be used as a secondary escape route, or the crews may be able to exit to another building that has a separate roof. Crews operating on a roof are to have a minimum of 1 sounding device, 1 pike pole, 1 chainsaw, and a portable radio.

The minimum size ventilation hole to be cut on a commercial building is 6' X 6' feet. The minimum size ventilation hole cut on a single-family residence will be 4' X 4' feet. When cutting a ventilation hole, crews should be aware of fire burning at the edge of the hole or smoke venting under pressure. If this occurs, the ventilation hole has not been cut large enough. After the hole has been cut, ventilation crews are not to linger on the roof. They should report back to the Incident Commander and/or the Operation Section Chief when the assignment has been completed

SUBJECT: STRUCTURE FIRE TACTICAL SUPPORT ACTIVITIES REVISED: JANUARY 1, 2011 PAGE(S): 7 OF 8

FORCIBLE ENTRY:

 Forcible entry involves the trade off in time versus damage. Companies performing forcible entry should remember that "the faster and harder the object is forced, the more damage that will likely occur." The more critical the fire, the less important entry damage becomes. If the fire is progressing and an interior attack is to be made, fire crews should not waste time trying to pick locks. Doors or windows should be forced and entry made. If the fire appears to be small, undetermined, or easy to bring under control, more time may be used to complete a less damaging entry into the building.

 Residential Forcible Entry Considerations 1. 99% of residential doors are inward swinging doors and should be considered the most direct route for victims trying to escape as well as firefighters trying to gain access to the structure. Conventional forcible entry with the halligan and 8lb flat head axe shall be considered the most versatile set of tools for forcing these types of doors. 2. Prior to forcing any door, make sure a hoseline is being placed into service, but, due to unforeseen circumstances, sometimes this is not always the case, therefore, crews most be able to control the door with their tools after forcing entry to prevent large amounts of fresh air from entering the structure until a hoseline is charged. 3. Crews that have forced open a residential door or any door for search, rescue and fire control operations may encounter some type of resistance while trying to open the door. Consider checking behind the door, this is a likely place to find victims who were overcome by smoke while trying to exit the structure. 4. Size-up of the door is critical. Do not assume that every residential structure has the common mortise or rim locking system. Forcible entry crews must compromise the structural integrity of the door and its locks then attack the doors locking system.

 Commercial Forcible Entry Considerations 1. Size up of commercial doors and roll up doors is one of the most important functions of forcing entry into these types of doors. Understanding the type of doors and their locking mechanisms is half the battle. Many commercial doors have primary and secondary locking devices that can cause havoc if companies are not familiar with them. Becoming familiar with these locks and doors during pre- planning and company walk-thru is vital to our success during working incidents. STRUCTURE FIRE TACTICAL SUPPORT SUBJECT: ACTIVITIES REVISED: JANUARY 1, 2011 PAGE(S): 8 OF 8

2. If entry is made via roll-up doors, the door shall be secured with a ground ladder to ensure it will not fall on or trap other companies working inside the IDLH. The ladders rung is placed under the bottom of the roll-up door closest to the doors track system and the bottom of the ladder is placed directly under it. If the ladder is too tall for the door, place the bottom rung against the bottom track on the opposite side. 3. The “Irons” should be considered for each forcible entry task, however, due to the number, strength, and different types of locks being used for commercial doors, crews should consider using cut- off saws with multi-purpose diamond blades, rabbit tool and the hydra-ram for these types of forcible entry operations.