Steps to Interior Attack Instructor Paul J Cusic Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute

Steps to Interior Attack Enabling Objectives (EO): EO 1-1: The student will identify the recommended actions to be conducted prior to the initiation of an interior fire attack EO 1-2: The student will identify the courses of action for the attack crew and those support personnel on the fireground who are assisting in the initial attack operation.

Steps to Interior Attack Overview: Placing the apparatus Making first arriving radio report Size up Assemble Tools Proper Staffing Hoseline selection and advancement Evaluation of interior conditions Coordination of ventilation efforts Fire stream management Progress report

Steps to Interior Attack Placing the apparatus Fireground clues for Apparatus Positioning Make 3-sided approach Leave front open for Truck Company Consider: Fire location Type of occupancy Possible contents Height of the involved structure Avoid overhead hazardous Smoke and wind conditions

Steps to Interior Attack Making first arriving radio report The importance of an effective fireground size up and radio report cannot be overstated. Transmit Brief Initial Report (BIR) Water Supply Plan Appropriate level of command Mode of Attack Offensive vs Defensive

Steps to Interior Attack Size up Today’s Fireground requires a thorough evaluation of the involved structure and exposures Conduct a 360 of the involved structure to accomplish: Isolate utility feeds Determine building size and construction features. Evaluate the need for occupant rescue Check the exterior for signs of early collapse Determine the general fire location and extent of involvement Rule out Basement fire Calculate points of access and egress Evaluate ventilation needs prior to fire attack.

Steps to Interior Attack Assemble tools for interior operations Each member must be assigned a task and tools related to the task Each member is to be assigned a Radio Position will determine radio designation Nozzle Initiates hoseline deployment to the point of entry Back up Forcible entry and assisting with hoseline advancement. Company Officer Responsible for overall direction and control of fire attack crew

Steps to Interior Attack Proper Staffing 29 CFR 1910.134 Respiratory Protection 2 in 2 out Prior to making entry into IDLH atmosphere Exceptions SEEN victim HEARD victim

Steps to Interior Attack Hoseline selection and advancement GPM > BTU’s Take the information from Size Up Hoseline advancement One of the most laborious and frustrating task To be effective, we must have a coordinated plan of attack that address these three questions Where are we going How are we going to get there Who’s doing what

Steps to Interior Attack Evaluation of interior conditions Company Officer should perform a quick interior risk assessment Fight or Flight action

Steps to Interior Attack Coordination of ventilation efforts Coordinated ventilation effort is of critical importance to the safety and survival of interior crews. Premature ventilation may cause a fire to develop rapidly and overtake the advancing hose crew The wrong type of ventilation may cause an unnecessary spread of the fire and potentially jeopardize the advancing crew. Type of ventilation needed is situation dependent Ventilation must be coordinated with fire attack

Steps to Interior Attack Fire stream management Careful consideration and planning is an absolute necessity in choosing the method of attack. Methods of attacks Direct Attack Indirect Attack Combination Attack Coupled with a coordinated ventilation effort – produces a minimal disruption of the thermal balance while at the same time directly cooling the involved fuel loads

Steps to Interior Attack Progress report Poor fireground communications continues to be a contributing factor in fireground fatalities. Effective progress report can ultimately solve two of the most notable problems responsible for firefighter fatalities. Our failure to provide effective progress reports and monitor those reports given by exterior commanders continue to put firefighters at great risk What should be included in the report With this information the Incident Commander will have in a timely manner data needed to review and revised his or her strategy as needs dictate.

Steps to Interior Attack Review: Placing the apparatus Making first arriving radio report Size up Assemble Tools Proper Staffing Hoseline selection and advancement Evaluation of interior conditions Coordination of ventilation efforts Fire stream management Progress report