Fire Management Observations
- Take command early and communicate this to your subordinates.
- Make sure everyone knows whom to report to and who reports to them.
- Be sure everyone knows his job. Manage by objectives.
- Follow up on your orders to ensure completion.
- Have your subordinates notify you of completion of assignments.
- Formulate and use equipment in strike teams of five engine companies and leader on common radio frequency.
- Train on and implement FIRESCOPE methods, terminology, and procedures in Southern California.
- Use standard terminology when communicating.
- Communicate and cooperate with all agencies. Meet and set strategy early.
- Set up a command post in a suitable location and let all personnel know the location.
- Design and implement organization and operations plans in advance of emergencies.
- Train on the plans.
- Institute joint powers and/or mutual aid pacts and train on them with actual drill sessions.
- Activate communications vans quickly.
- Arrange for interagency radio communication and “bird dogs” for incoming units covering local fire stations.
- Send fire equipment officers to fire academy courses and disaster management seminars.
Courses in fire service disaster planning and management are held in California at Asilomar Conference Grounds in Monterey twice a year (sponsored by the California Fire Chiefs Association and the California Community Colleges). These courses teach advance planning and the management of large-scale disasters.
Chief Peterson of Santa Barbara City had just attended this course in June and was incident commander of a major mock exercise. He feels that the course helped him in his role at the Sycamore Fire when his community and Montecito were threatened by fire.
