It always starts out this way…..a quiet Saturday afternoon.
The shift tour has been fairly quiet or you just happened to stop into the fire station for a cup of coffee and some kitchen table talk in the day room.
The bells/tones come in for a report of smoke coming from a building located in your outer first-due area. The address is for a multi-use occupancy that houses a number of storage, distribution and office businesses.
- The structure is two stories and is approximately 45 feet wide x 450 feet in length.
- It was originally constructed in 1924 with significant modifications, additions, renovations, alterations and add-ons.
- It stated out as Type III Ordinary Construction but has some Type V Wood Frame and Type II, Non-Combustible features added over the years. It’s generally in good shape, but does show its age and wear.
- There is a mixed staff of warehouse, office and maintenance personnel working on premises this morning. (assumption ~ 12 employees)
- The call originates from a passerby and is quickly followed up by a report from a loading dock employee reporting smoke present at the far end of a product storage area
- Weather conditions are unremarkable, slight breeze, moderate temperatures, clear skies…
- Your resources ( personnel and apparatus) are what you typically would have in your jurisdiction.
- The building does not have a fixed suppression system
- The area does have hydrants at both ends of the street coming in on the Alpha side.
You have a seven minute response time.
Let’s take these operations thru the first ten minutes of operations;
- Take a role; First-Engine Company OR First-Due Chief Officer…..
- What are your Risk Assessment and Size-Up Considerations?
- What do you Know?
- What are you assuming, What do you need to know?
- What is the Building and Occupancy Profile suggesting to you?
- Incident Action Plan thoughts?
- What do you need now, (that’s hopefully enroute), that needs to be requested or that you’re hoping is available?
- Where can this incident end up going?
- What’s the Safety Profile?
- What is the projected fire flow needs for this incident?
- What’s projected for the first ten minutes..?
Aerial Overview of the property and structures
Aerial Over View of the Building
Overview of the Occupancy Structure Alpha View
Overview of the Occupancy Structure Alpha View
Alpha/Bravo Conditions
Alpha/Bravo Conditions
Alpha Side Smoke Showing Upon Arrival
Alpha Side Smoke Showing Upon Arrival
