OG 4055 Strip Mall Fires

Issued By: OPERATIONS (S. Thurber)
Approved By: Fire Chief William H. Mosher     
Date of Issue: 2011/01/05

PURPOSE:

To ensure a consistent response and provide the IC and first arriving units a list of actions that must be considered when responding to a fire in a strip-mall.  

This is intended for use by IC’s at the scene of any strip mall or similar structure and as a guide to first due responders in the absence of other orders. In the absence of an assigned task by the IC, responding units will complete pre-assigned tasks. 

OBJECTIVE:

To ensure the safety and effective mitigation of structure fires in strip-malls. 

SCOPE: 

This operating guideline applies to career and volunteer members of HRFE. 

ROLES AND RESPONSPONSIBILITIES:  

It shall be the responsibility of the initial IC or the second IC to ensure that all tactical objectives are complete. Pre assignments for subsequent arriving units are only to be followed in the absence of orders from the IC. It shall be the IC’s responsibility to ensure that all necessary tasks are complete and that sufficient resources and assets are brought to the scene to address them. 

Subsequent responders will arrive and report to dispatch their arrival and state of readiness i.e. Level 1. The person in charge shall seek direction from the IC or carry out pre-assignments as required.  

PROCEDURE: 

1st Arriving Engine Company

Position to perform one or more of the following functions based on fire conditions:

•    Ensure that you complete or obtain a 360.
•    A blitz attack may be required prior to entering fire occupancy.  (Blitz attack master stream, aerial device or 2 ½ inch line) SLICERS RS
•    Attack fire using 1 3/4” hand lines.
•    Ensure the sprinkler system is supplied.
•    Must request additional resources and should include a second aerial.
•    Stretch hand lines to exposures & obtain All-clear if manpower is available.

2nd Arriving Engine Company

•    Hook Hydrant if available and provide water supply to first due engine.
•    Force doors to adjacent stores.
•    Stretch hand lines into exposures.
•    Check for extension & obtain All-clears in exposures.

1st Arriving Aerial

•    Position and Set up Aerial and give roof report. (Roof construction, condition, fire separations, static loads).

1st Arriving Tanker

•    Nurse the first arriving engine in non-hydrant areas. Once nursing is established they will set up porta tanks. Or other suitable sustainable water supply. IC should consider the establishment of a water supply group.

Tactical Objectives and Specific Tactics:

•    If you are unable to obtain a 360 direct someone to do it for you.
•    IC shall have an On Deck Crew in place as resources allow.
•    Establish a collapse zone in front of fire building.
•    Check for overhead fire extension upon entry and as you proceed into the structure.
•    Check overhead awning for fire spread.
•    Determine that the fire is small enough to be quickly controlled by a single hand line.
•    Create or ensure the presence of a secondary means of egress for crews.
•    Always protect exposures with charged line.
•    Protect the exposure at greatest risk first. 
•    Assign Division/Group designations early in the event 
•    Ensure adequate resources are present to maintain a suitable staffing level ,at least one on deck position per interior position assigned. 

OPERATING GUIDELINE REVIEW:

This operating guideline shall be reviewed when/if there are changes/amendments to the procedure followed for strip mall fires.