commercial structure sog - glendale, ca

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THESE ARE SOG’S NOT DEPARTMENT POLICY

Commercial Structure SOG

I. DEFINITIONS

COMMERCIAL STRUCTURE: A commercial structure is defined as a non-residential

structure. Examples include (not limited to) warehouses, factories, retail establishments,

schools, churches and restaurants. The commercial building may also include enclosed

industrial structures. High rise and strip mall structures are not part of this category.

II. OPERATIONS

A. KEYS TO INCIDENT RESOLUTION

1. STOP HORIZONTAL/VERTICAL SPREAD OF FIRE

Rapid investigation to determine the location and scope/potential of the incident

Rapid deployment of initial attack line(s) to locate, extinguish, and confine the fire to the

room/area of origin. Secondary lines may be needed based on conditions

Systematic and coordinated ventilation to support interior operations

2. SEARCH, RESCUE AND EVACUATION

Rapid attack on the fire will limit the need for Rescue

Coordinated & Systematic Search & Rescue

Coordinated & Systematic Evacuation

Relocating building occupants to a “safe” area of refuge

Determine the scope of the evacuation or rescue potential

3. LOGISTICAL SUPPORT & PLANNING

Requesting appropriate resources and outside agencies early

Develop a plan that is appropriate to the anticipated duration of the incident

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B. FIRST ON SCENE - SUMMARY

1. ENROUTE CONSIDERATIONS

Time of day/day of week (Commercial buildings may have 24 hour security or cleaning

crews after hours)

Approach to the scene considering other unit locations and types (opposing apparatus)

Staging locations for apparatus on additional alarms

Hydrant locations

Will command be passed to me? (What are other companies doing on scene?)

Additional resources requested while en route if appropriate (many calls, heavy smoke

showing, strong winds, fire in the urban interface, explosions, etc…)

All incoming units should hold at the corners/intersections until given an

assignment

2. SIZE UP

Make a clear and concise size-up that provides an approximate size and description of

the building type, the type and severity of conditions present, any pertinent additional

findings (placards, hazards, exposures, etc.) and the location of conditions and the

actions being taken. Size up is a continual process throughout the incident to identify

any changes in conditions that would require a change in tactics or strategy for the

incident

Example;E27 is on scene of a large one story commercial tilt-up with smoke showing

from the Charlie side. E27will be attacking the fire with 2 out. All incoming units hold

at the corners.

Example; E27 is on scene of a one story commercial tilt up with nothing showing. E27

will be investigating. All additional units hold at the corners

Example; E25 is on scene of a fully involved one story commercial structure with an

exposure to the Bravo side. E25 is moving to the Bravo side for exposure protection-

this is a defensive fire. All additional units hold at the corners

If feasible attempt to do a 360 of the building and provide an updated size-up whenever

appropriate. If unable to make a full 360 consider sending a company to the rear to

determine if access/egress is present and to report on conditions.

Make additional assignments to arriving companies until relieved of command or

command is passed

On working fires with no rescue problem address Two Out appropriately and verbalize

on the radio. Request additional company(s) in order to provide for RIC. If a company

is in the IDLH and there is no rescue exemption in effect, a company needs to be

assigned RIC

3. STRUCTURE CONSTRUCTION- CONSIDERATIONS

These will include risk factors to firefighters, occupants, and property associated with

the particular structure type, and will influence our tactics: Ex: Type, year, interior vs.

exterior hallways and stairwells, common attics, basements, mansards, mezzanines,

lightweight vs. conventional, tilt-ups and others

Locations of Fire Department Connections (FDC)

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Upon discovering a potentially hazardous building construction feature, this information

should be relayed over the radio ASAP

Commercial structures may have many hidden passages and features such as mezzanines.

4. COMPANY ASSIGNMENT - CONSIDERATIONS

Designate Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, and Delta for exterior sides of the structure

Passing Command – (see policy included in addendum)

Designate Divisions for each floor based on fire conditions

Anticipate a common attic when making assignments (if applicable)

Multiple RIG staging points when offensive

Position resources, especially ladder trucks in positions that will be beneficial for both

offensive and defensive (ladder pipes) operations. Re-positioning apparatus during a

working fire is not always possible

Company Operations:

Splitting the crew is defined as accomplishing two different tasks in the IDLH at the

same time. Although conditions may require splitting the crew, such as roof top

ventilation while affecting an immediate need rescue, the tactic is not advisable when

adequate resources are available and conditions dictate

Advantages: Multi-tasking, quickly establish the scope of the incident

Disadvantages: Personnel accountability, lack of supervision by Capt.

5. COMMUNICATION – CONSIDERATIONS

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION IS THE CORNERSTONE TO SUCCESSFUL

OPERATIONS! COMMUNICATIONS MUST BE CLEAR, CONCISE, AND DIRECT!

Good communication between those companies assigned to ventilation and interior

companies is imperative in both offensive attack and during defensive strip operations

Multiple TACs may be added to a commercial incident as it escalates

Multiple agencies may be operating on a commercial incident

Communicate benchmark priorities ASAP

Location and scope of the fire

Victim or victims found (how many and what you’re doing or need)

Large

mezzanine

at JoAnn

Fabrics

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Primary search – All Clear or not and what you’re doing or need

Secondary search – All Clear or not and what you’re doing or need

“Knock Down”

6. RESOURCE - CONSIDERATIONS

When fire is confirmed in a commercial structure, request adequate additional alarms

and resources early when needed. (GPD, Air 100, GWP, Air Utility, HazMat, USAR,

etc.)

Try to anticipate needs and request resources based on the current conditions taking

incident potential into consideration. Try not to piecemeal additional resources, if

possible.

7. SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

a. MAINTAIN SITUATIONAL AWARENESS

Monitor overhangs, facades, mansards, etc. for fire involvement and extension.

Carefully choose apparatus placement regarding collapse zones

Monitor overhead hazards and large commercial rooftop equipment

Upon discovering a potentially hazardous building construction feature, this

information should be relayed over the radio ASAP

All companies should pay attention to 15 minute contact timer- Especially with

lightweight construction

Commercial fires may require advancing hand lines deep into large areas causing

air management issues. Sufficient resources need to be staged

A maze of aisles may be encountered creating areas for interior collapse and

disorientation

b. CONSIDER WEATHER HAZARDS

Wet surfaces, wind affect on fire and horizontal spread

c. OVERHANGS HAZARDS

Avoid staging personnel under components at risk for collapse

Avoid laddering components at risk for collapse

Consider handlines at risk if stretched under a mansard or other component at

risk for collapse

e. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

Verbalize 704 HazMat placard information.

Consider contents that may escalate the fire, toxicity, etc.

f. TRIGGER POINTS

Assume Offensive vs Declare Defensive

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Decision to transition to defensive operations MUST BE MADE EARLY

ENOUGH TO ALLOW FOR FIREFIGHTER EVACUATION.

Make decisions based on construction, attic involvement, hazardous materials,

rescue survivability, conditions not improving or getting worse, etc.

C. TACTICAL OBJECTIVES - REVAS

(Rescue, Exposures, Ventilation, Attack, Salvage)

RESCUE S

1. OBJECTIVES:

The protection of life through Search & Rescue coupled with a rapid, aggressive,

coordinated interior fire attack and ventilation operations

Commercial structures could have large rescue potential.

2. PRIORITIES:

a. RESCUE: HIGHEST FIRE GROUND PRIORITY

A quick, aggressive fire attack coupled with efficient and aggressive ventilation may

be the best way to complete this objective

A risk/viability assessment must be made early to determine the presence and location

of viable victims

If confirmed victims, initiate a search by anchoring to the exterior of the building via a

hose line or rope

Search team should identify/relay their entry point and may consider crew identifiers

attached to tag lines/hose

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Primary search results in one of two communications:

1. “Victim(s) found” w/ Conditions Actions Needs report

Where are you?

How many victims?

2. “All Clear”

Based on conditions, initial actions may be to control & improve

conditions/atmosphere

For multiple rescue problems, victims in the most severely threatened areas

should have priority

Depending on building type and fire location, sheltering occupants in place may

be an option

b. SEARCH & RESCUE - EXTERIOR PRIORITIES

Significant security measures are possible.

Identify all possible escape routes (windows, doors, balconies, etc)

Illuminate the exits so they are identifiable from the inside

Forcible entry team should create evacuation points

Ladders should be thrown to all above ground windows and balconies

Manage security bars and other systems commonly found at these structures

c. SEARCH & RESCUE - INTERIOR PRIORITIES

Areas most severely threatened (fire floor/room & above fire)

Areas with largest number of victims (known or likely locations)

Time of day: Normal business hours presents highest life hazard, but consider

some companies may work around the clock & 7 days a week, and may use

cleaning crews after hours

Check areas victims may seek for shelter (bathrooms, closets, storage areas, etc)

Check perimeter of each room for victims trying to escape (doors, windows, etc)

Check the remainder of the hazard zone

Check the exposure areas

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Interior security measures may present unconventional problems.

3. RESCUE - RESOURCE CONSIDERATIONS

Anticipate & request resources early. Based on interior conditions and size of building, be

prepared to request multiple companies to facilitate rescue operations

If victims are confirmed, or if RIC is activated, consider requesting additional resources

(alarms) to support rescue operations

Assign an Engine and ambulance as Medical (Group/Division/Branch)

Request two ambulances and stage them in locations that are advantageous for rapid departure

(one for victims, one for fire personnel)

If possible, obtain possible victim information/location from responsible parties

4. SEARCH & RESCUE CONSIDERATIONS

Based on interior conditions and size of building, be prepared to request multiple

companies to facilitate rescue operations

HOSE LINE FOR SEARCH & RESCUE: When possible, take a hose line and TIC for

search & rescue operations on the fire floor, and above the fire floor

DOORS: Close doors to minimize fire spread/damage. Mark doors of searched rooms

SHELTER IN PLACE: Depending on building construction and fire conditions, it may

be better to shelter occupants in place

FORCIBLE ENTRY: May require a rotary saw for entry thru multiple points. Ensure

forcible entry tools are brought interior

MEDICAL: Set up a medical group early in the operation and be prepared to add

resources

5. RAPID INTERVENTION

Firefighter safety –assign Rapid Intervention Group ASAP when operating in the IDLH

Large commercial structures with an offensive mode may require multiple RIC teams

(Rapid Intervention Group-RIG) staged at multiple entry points

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EXPOSURES .

Exposure hose lines allow us to ensure we stay ahead of rapid fire progress and contain fires to the

smallest size possible (i.e. room of origin, floor of origin, building of origin, etc).

1. OBJECTIVES:

Protect life exposures, and Stop horizontal/vertical fire spread

2. PRIORITIES:

a. LIFE EXPOSURE PRIORITIES:

Hose lines between fire & victims

Protect access & egress routes

b. EXPOSURE PRIORITIES – INTERIOR

Office areas

Hazardous Materials

Hallways, Aisles, & Stairwells

Stockpiled goods & materials

Mezzanines

Attic: check as soon as possible for fire extension/hidden fire

Adjacent Rooms & Rooms above Fire: Check as soon as possible. Consider

priority given to downwind units and/or side with the most units. Partition walls

and common attics allow fire to spread easily to the adjacent units. Adjacent units

should be checked as soon as possible for fire extension which includes pulling

ceilings with an attack line ready

Sub Floors: Check for fire below & floor stability

Vertical Openings: Trash chutes, elevator shafts, light wells, etc

Contents: The contents inside a commercial structure may present an increased

hazard(i.e. hazardous materials, water reactive materials, accelerants, unstable

high piled stock, etc). Prioritization of protecting exposures should include

contents that may escalate the fire

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c. EXPOSURE PRIORITIES - EXTERIOR

Overhangs/Mansards (Supported/Unsupported)

Overhangs present two potential dangers: rapid fire spread, and sudden

collapse. Overhangs can be open to the attic and/or run the entire length of

the building, which can allow fire to rapidly spread. Fire inside overhangs

can spread unnoticed, and can suddenly collapse. Ventilation operations

should include opening the back of overhangs to check for fire extension

Loading docks, delivery trucks with trailers, other vehicles

Utilities

Dumpsters

Stock piled goods and materials

Adjacent Structures

In addition to protecting adjacent structures, consider what is burning-

(hazmat, Etc.) and effects of smoke on downwind occupancies, especially

residential. Is there a need to initiate shelter in place or begin evacuation

procedures?

Neighboring structures provide exposure potential.

3. EXPOSURES - TACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS

THINK AHEAD - Exposure protection can be better projected if we understand where

the fire is going, how fast it is going and then anticipating how much time hose line

deployment takes. Well-calculated deployment times will allow us to place exposure

lines in the path of a fire instead of getting behind it.

Consider utilizing GPD to evacuate an uninvolved structure at risk, to free Fire resources

for other tasks.

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VENTILATION

1. OBJECTIVES:

Systematic removal of heat, smoke & fire gases from the structure to support interior fire

operations (REVAS), and to stop fire extension

Improve interior environment for rescue and fire operations

Stop horizontal and vertical fire spread

Reduce property damage

2. PRIORITIES

Position truck based on conditions and operational needs

Use aerial ladder whenever possible, and ground ladders as supplements

Perform roof diagnostics early for smoke/fire location, lightweight construction, attic

involvement, A/C units, and any other pertinent hazards. Communicate pertinent info to

the interior companies & the I.C.

Place a heat hole as close to the seat of the fire as safely possible based on conditions

and construction

Consider deploying a protector hose line to the roof (not generally intended for direct

fire attack)

Anticipate the need for defensive strip ventilation

Communicate to command when ventilation is accomplished, and check with interior

companies for changes in conditions

Ideally, a minimum of two ladders per company should be placed to the roof

Consider supplemental P.P.V. ventilation if requirements are met

Requirements:

Know the location of fire

Know the location of all occupants and FF’s inside

Ensure the exit opening for the smoke is the correct size and location

Communicate to all units that PPV is being used and have a staffed charged hose line

in place

Constantly check for hidden fire (attic). The constantly staffed blower should

immediately be shut down if adversely affecting operations

a. SINGLE STORY OR FIRE ON TOP FLOOR

Vertical Ventilation Perform vertical ventilation as close to the fire as safely possible

Open back of overhangs (fascia, mansard, facade, etc) to check for fire

extension

Prepare for strip ventilation as needed.

Horizontal Ventilation Address horizontal ventilation needs coordinated with fire attack crews

Attic

Verify if fire/smoke has extended into the attic

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b. MULTI-STORY FIRE BELOW TOP FLOOR

Horizontal Ventilation Coordinate with interior companies and vent windows/doors/openings to

appropriate involved room(s) to provide horizontal ventilation

Vertical Ventilation

Verify need

Attic

Verify that fire/smoke has not extended into the attic.

3. VENTILATION ASSIGNMENT - CONSIDERATIONS

a. If center hallway refer to center hallway document

b. Open up mansard/fascia from backside of the roof and communicate findings. If fire

is confirmed in the mansard, assign additional resources as needed

c. LADDERS -Areas of strongest support, best route of travel, ideally 2 ladders per

company

d. VENTILATION ASSESSMENT - Determine appropriate tactics

e. ROOF SIZE-UP - Conditions, Location, Safety Concerns, Roof Diagnostics

f. COORDINATE & COMMUNICATE WITH INTERIOR COMPANIES

Smoke/fire conditions & location

Safety concerns: Collapse potential, mansards, A/C units, etc

Conventional or lightweight roof

Fire involvement in the attic

Evaluation of completed actions or progress (have the tactics improved the

interior situation?)

g. POSITVE PRESSURE VENTILATION (Must meet PPV Requirements)

Consider PPV if the heat/smoke path is known and prepared for, and it create a

life or exposure compromise

Consider after knock-down to assist in clearing structure of smoke

4. ROOF OPERATIONS - TACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS

a. READ THE ROOF - Before stepping off the ladder

(Fire/smoke conditions, roof sagging, ventilators issuing smoke, roof hazards, etc)

b. DETERMINE ESCAPE ROUTES & LADDER LOCATIONS - Ideally two ladders per

company

c. SOUND THE ROOF- Always evaluate the roof integrity before stepping on it, and

along the path of travel

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d. OBTAIN ROOF DIAGNOSTICS

Construction type

Size and direction of members

May need to cut multiple inspection holes if construction changes

e. DETERMINE PATH OF TRAVEL

Use strong areas such as along exterior walls, large beams, etc.

Avoid overhangs

Place indicator holes as needed to evaluate changing conditions

f. COMMUNICATE ATTIC INVOLVEMENT- When it is determined that fire is in the

attic, communicate to the IC and interior companies

g. SKYLIGHTS/LIGHTWELLS- Check skylights and light wells for smoke/fire and

only open when appropriate

h. EXIT THE ROOF- After effective ventilation openings have been made, or if

conditions become unsafe, notify the IC and immediately leave the roof

Safety Hazard – Lightweight roofs on newer commercial structures are very common. After the roof

has been opened and the ceiling has been punched, the supporting members are subject to direct

flame impingement. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONSIDERATION. Make all needed

ventilation openings and exit the roof.

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ATTACK

1. OBJECTIVES

PROTECTION OF LIFE

STOP HORIZONTAL & VERTICAL FIRE SPREAD

SUPPORT AND/OR REINFORCE OTHER OBJECTIVES – REVAS

REDUCE PROPERTY DAMAGE.

2. PRIORITIES

a. ESTABLISH INITIAL ATTACK LINE (Based on fire conditions and location):

Priority is to protect life exposures (Hose between victim & fire, from

uninvolved to involved area). To accomplish this, it may require an aggressive

attack on the fire coordinated with ventilation to improve conditions and

atmosphere

Protect access & egress (hallways and/or adjacent rooms). Consider it may be

necessary for the initial attack line to hold the fire in check until additional lines

are stretched

Priority should be placed on getting the first attack line operating properly with

appropriate size, staffing, and location before stretching additional attack lines

inside

Commercial fires have the potential to produce extremely high BTUs and larger

hand lines or portable monitors may be required to combat these higher heat levels

Utilize heat checks (via hose lines or thermal imagers) in poor visibility during

advance to determine if fire is overhead

b. ADDRESS WATER SUPPLY

“1st in” Engine address it, “2

nd in” Engine ensure it! Consider 2nd Source, FDC

c. PROTECT ACCESS & EGRESS

d. LOCATE, CONFINE, & EXTINGUISH FIRE

Aggressively attack the involved unit/floor involved

Place companies with charged hose lines and pull ceilings in the adjacent units to

check for and stop the horizontal spread of the fire

If multiple stories, and fire is not on the top floor, place companies above the fire

floor with a charged line and sounding tool to check for extension on the upper

floor (Division 2,etc.)

Utilize the TIC to assist in locating seat of the fire

3. HOSE EVOLUTIONS/PLACEMENT - CONSIDERATIONS

a. PULL SUFFICIENT HOSE FOR THE OBJECTIVE

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b. MINIMUM 2 HOSE LINES

One line stretched to locate the seat of the fire as quickly as possible

Second line to back-up the operations of the first crew

Third line to check for extension

c. HOSE LAY

Select the appropriate initial attack hose line based on fire conditions. Consider

the speed and mobility of a 1 ¾” vs. the gpm and penetration of a 2 ½” with a

smooth bore nozzle

With multi-story buildings, a drop-bag or apartment lay may be the quickest and

most efficient hose deployment technique (less hose, bypasses stairwells, etc)

***Always throw a ladder to a window being used for water supply

d. AFTER INITIAL ATTACK LINE IS ESTABLISHED

Stretch additional hose lines to reinforce fire attack, check for extension in

adjacent units, and to protect exposures

Utilize a continuous attack by rotating crews on the nozzle to avoid fire growth

while water is not flowing

For multi-story commercial structures, with fire on 1st floor, deploy hose lines to

floor above to check for extension and primary search

Based on CAN reports, consider a 2 ½” line to back up the initial line

Multiple firefighters may be required to stretch and advance a 2½” hose line

4. PULL CEILINGS

a. AGGRESSIVELY PULL CEILINGS- Check for attic involvement before advancing

deeper into the structure. Don’t pass fire to get fire

b. CEILINGS IN ADJACENT UNITS - Should be pulled ASAP to check for extension

5. CHECK FLOOR INTEGRITY

Sounding tools are necessary as crews advance into structure to accomplish this

6. CONTROL THE DOORS

Close doors to minimize fire spread/damage

7. MULTI-STORY STRUCTURE

Verify there is no fire on first floor before advancing to upper floors. Don't pass fire to

get to fire

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RIC

Unless the rescue exception is in place, RIC should be assigned anytime Firefighters are in the

IDLH, preferably from the first alarm assignment.

1. Have a clear plan, be in proper PPE, be on the right TAC

2. Soften the building

3. Put up multiple ladders including windows being utilized for hose lays and one to the

window of the involved unit(s) and notify Fire Attack they are in place

UTILITIES

Utilities should be addressed as soon as possible in the incident. Commercial buildings may carry

high voltage and large diameter feeds creating increased hazards. If possible, the utilities should

only be shut down to the units involved. Large buildings may have multiple electrical panels and it

may be necessary to contact GWP to assist in utility management.

SALVAGE

1. OBJECTIVE

(Minimize property loss- start ASAP) A quick, aggressive fire attack coupled with

effective ventilation on the fire is the best way to reduce fire loss through reduced water,

smoke and heat damage, but salvage operations will limit further damage and should

begin as soon as possible

2. PRIORITIES

a. MINIMIZE FIRE & SMOKE DAMAGE

(Rapid fire attack coordinated with Ventilation, Control the doors)

b. MINIMIZE WATER DAMAGE

(Nozzle control, Channel Water, Cover/Remove Contents)

3. TACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS

a. ATTIC FIRES

Salvage should be addressed early with attic fires. If the fire is isolated and

compartmentalized to the attic, begin salvage operations prior to pulling the

ceiling and extinguishment (Coordinate with roof operations)

Begin salvage operation at or near the office area

Utilize salvage covers, floor runners, plastic visqueen to cover files, computers

Coordinate & utilize PPV provided conditions meet criteria

Given the resources begin de-watering operations at earliest opportunity

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b. NOZZLE CONTROL

Good nozzle control can minimize water damage.

c. COVER / REMOVE CONTENTS

Covering and/or removal of property should begin as soon as possible

Begin salvage operations as close to the fire as possible

Secondary salvage operations are the floor below the fire with a priority of

preventing water damage extending beyond this floor

d. CONTROL WATER FLOW

Channel or divert water to drains or outside openings when possible

On knock down, shut off and drain sprinkler system, and replace heads

4. OVERHAUL

Should be started after arson investigation

It’s NOT out until it’s cold and wet

Consider foam

Secure the building (Get assistance from the IC of GPD if needed)

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D. TYPICAL ASSIGNMENTS & PRIORITIES

Based on Size-Up & CAN Reports.

1. FIRST ALARM ASSIGNMENTS (Not limited to the following)

1st company on scene: (Truck or Engine Company)

Size-up

Assumes IC/order resources

Hot lap (360 of structure)

Assigns incoming units

If passing command, passes command to:

1st in truck company, unless unable to assume

2nd in engine company, unless unable to assume

2nd in truck company

1st Engine

Water supply (Wet or Dry) lay in your own supply line(s)

Fire attack and primary search

Rescue

2nd

Engine

Be prepared to assume command if passed

Assist with water supply if needed

Back up fire attack / primary search

Additional hand line positioned per fire attack direction

Exposures (Extension above and to adjacent units)

Assist with search / rescue (shelter in place?)

3rd

Engine

RIC

Back up fire attack / primary search

Additional hand line positioned per fire attack direction

Exposures (Extension above and to adjacent units)

Assist with search / rescue (shelter in place?)

Medical

1st Truck

Be prepared to assume command

Ventilation / Investigation

Forcible Entry

Search

Rescue

Evacuation / Shelter in place

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2nd

Truck

Be prepared to assume command

Spot for potential defensive operations

Additional ladders/protection line to the roof

Ventilation

Forcible Entry

Search

Rescue

Evacuation / Shelter in place

RIC

Utilities

Salvage

2. SECOND ALARM ASSIGNMENT

1st Engine

RIC

Medical

Exposures

commercial structure sog - glendale, ca

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