The Pre-Fire Plan of the Color Tile Building
Solution
One solution to the quick access pre-fire plan discussed on page 16 is presented here on the filled-in form. Many of the items on the form are self-explanatory; however, some do need clarification since their values are dependent on the specific fire department doing the preplan. Manning patterns and operational procedures vary from department to department. These two factors alone will cause sufficient fluctuation in the numbers to mandate some explanation.
Item #1. Self-explanatory.
Item #2. We have listed fire dimensions, building height, construction type, and occupancy. Other relevant building data needed by the first-in officer should be included.
Item #3. Water supply is given as the closest two fire hydrants.
Item #4. The results of a fire flow test on the distribution system.
Item #5. For the purposes of this answer sheet, our “fictional” fire department responds two pumper companies, one ladder company, and a chief to structural fires in this area on each alarm. Each company is manned by an engineer (driver), an officer, and two firefighters. The pumpers are equipped with 1 3/4-inch and 2 1/2-inch handlines. Their resource capability matrix would indicate a maximum offensive first-alarm fire flow capability of approximately 350-400 gpm.
We have reduced the first column percentage to 15% of the maximum involvement fire flow. This was done to bring the fire flow within the offensive capability of the normal first-alarm assignment for this particular fire department. The next two column percentages were set at 25% and 50%.
Item #6. In the 15% column, two 1 3/4inch handlines, each manned by two personnel, operate at 180 gpm each. Any department not utilizing l 3/4-inch or 2-inch handlines would be required to meet the 360 gpm flow with their size lines; i.e., three strong 1 1/2-inch lines with two personnel each, or one 2 1/2inch and one 1 1/2-inch handline with three personnel on the 2 1/2-inch and two personnel on the 1 1/2-inch.
Item #7. Again in the 15% column, our fictional department places one pumper on the hydrant and one at the scene; this requires two engineers for the fire flow required. One company officer would be required for interior sector control. Four ladder company personnel would be required for entry, primary search, horizontal ventilation, and working with the hoseline crews. The chief would be the incident commander. This adds up to:
The sum of Items #6 and #7 is the number of personnel that we estimate will be required to handle this operation in an offensive manner. The total is 12 personnel.
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Item #8. To determine the number of units required to deliver the 12 personnel, we would start at the category “other.” If there were specialized personnel required (other than pumper and ladder personnel), we would place in this category the number of units required to bring those personnel to the scene. We require one chief and indicate one chiefs vehicle in the “chief” category. We require four ladder company personnel and indicate one “truck” in this category. Now, subtract the total number of personnel brought by the units in the “other,” “chief,” and “truck” categories (in our example, five personnel) from the total required on the scene (12). The result is that seven personnel are still required. It would take at least two pumper (engine) companies to bring this number of personnel.
As can be readily seen in the explanation, your manning, operational procedures, evolutions, and hoseline sizes all affect the numbers placed in Items #6, #7, and #8. There is no “right” answer for the country as a whole. There is only your best judgment in interfacing your department’s variables with a probable fire situation.
Evaluate the next two columns in the same manner using your best judgment of where operational forces will be required to work and in what numbers. When any column’s fire flow reaches an obviously defensive fire situation that will require a “surround and drown” strategy, do not calculate the personnel required for an offensive handline strategy. We have placed the word “defensive” in the last column of this pre-plan to indicate the probable strategy at 100% involvement. It is conceivable that even at much lower involvement percentages, a defensive strategy may be dictated by a large fire flow requirement due to building size and / or occupancy factor. In addition, should the roof or floor deck above the fire burn away or collapse in any significant proportions, there will be increased air flow to and away from the fire. It will probably not be possible to have steam buildup. This situation will require that water be applied directly on the burning material to bring it below its ignition temperature. Should this happen, your water flow requirements may increase from five to ten times the chart calculations for effective control and extinguishment. It is at this moment that the knowledgeable among us recognize that a parking lot is being created.
It is important for fire officers to be able to recognize when a building is lost and what factors play a role in that recognition. The evaluation of the factors on this pre-plan can help indicate when the situation is beyond your capability to supply sufficient water in a reasonable amount of time to save the structure. You can then turn your primary attention to protecting exposures and/ or stopping the fire’s progress while giving up part of the structure.
Items These areas are selfexplanatory. It is only important to indicate that you must apply your knowledge, experience, and judgment to the answers. Discussions with your shift, fellow officers, and senior officers will assist you in ensuring that all important factors have been addressed.
As a final note, after completing the form, read it from top to bottom. Do it again and record the amount of time it takes to absorb the information presented. In just a few seconds, you have had your mind jogged with the important factors that are required to be analyzed if you are going to make good, initial decisions as the first-in officer. The whole foundation of the firefighting operation is being established by you. The accuracy of your decisions will determine whether or not those who relieve you can build upon your strategic and tactical decisions, or if they have to redo the operation with additional apparatus and personnel.
