Fire Department Organization
And Safety
Introduction
Firefighting is one of the world’s most
hazardous professions.
 It is the duty of every firefighter to
practice the three top priorities:

– Life safety
– Incident stabilization
– Property conservation
Categories Of Firefighters
Career – salaried firefighters.
 Paid on call – support personnel paid for
each call attended.
 Volunteer – In the United States,
volunteer departments far outnumber
paid departments.
 Fire departments may have any
combination of the previously listed
types.

Mission Of The Fire Service
The time-honored mission of the fire
service is to “save lives, reduce injuries,
and protect property.”
Mission Statement
The XYZ Fire Department is a
professional organization which
seeks to provide continuous service
to our community through fire
prevention, emergency operations,
emergency medical care, and
customer service.
Phoenix Fire Department
Mission Statement
Prevent Harm
 Survive
 Be Nice

Fire Department Member
Assistance Programs
Pension Fund
 Fireman’ Relief Fund
 Worker’s Compensation
 N. C. Fireman’s death benefit
 U. S. Fireman’s death benefit
 Local Programs
 Wellness Program

Pension Fund
The Fireman’s and Rescue Squad Worker’s
Pension Fund is a voluntary, supplemental
retirement program.
 Membership is $ 10.00 per month up to a
total of $ 2,400, or 20 years of payment.
 Members are eligible to receive payment
upon 20 years of service and reach age
55.

Firefighter’s Relief Fund
Implemented to provide financial aid to fire
department members.
 Money for the fund is collected from a tax
levy of 1/2 of 1% on fire insurance
premiums within the fire rated district.
 The aid is for firefighters and their families
I the event of serious injury, illness, or
death as a result of fire department
operations.

Worker’s Compensation

This is mandatory insurance coverage for
illness, injuries, or death caused by
traumatic injuries while performing the
duties of a firefighter.
Firefighter’s Death Benefit
(State)
A death benefit paid to the surviving family
members by the state of North Carolina for
line of duty death.
 The death benefit only pays if the
firefighter is listed with the State of North
Carolina on a certified annual roster.
 The death benefit is $50,000 at the present
time.

Firefighter’s Death Benefit
(Federal)
A death benefit paid to the surviving
immediate family members by the Federal
government for line of duty death in the
Fire Service of North Carolina.
 The death benefit only pays if the firefighter
is listed with the State of North Carolina on
a certified annual roster.
 The death benefit is $250,000 at the
present time.

Wellness And Local Programs
Will be discussed in the safety
portion of the class.
Fire Department Organization
The structure of a fire department is
shown by an organizational chart.
 The chart is adaptable no matter how
large or small the department.
 The organizational chart shows the
chain of command in the department.

Fire Chief
Fire Prevention
Division
Administrative
Division
Captain
Fire Marshal
Fire Inspector
Administrative
Officer
Administrative
Assistant
Operations Division
Deputy Chief
Training And
Standards
Division
Battalion Chief Battalion Chief Battalion Chief Fire Equipment
A Shift
B Shift
C Shift
Officer
Station1
Captain
2 Driver/Op
2 firefighters
Station1
Captain
2 Driver/Op
2 firefighters
Station1
Captain
2 Driver/Op
2 firefighters
Station 2
Captain
1 Driver/Op
2 firefighters
Station 2
Captain
1 Driver/Op
2 firefighters
Station 2
Captain
1 Driver/Op
2 firefighters
Station 3
Captain
3 Driver/Op
2 firefighters
Station 3
Captain
3 Driver/Op
2 firefighters
Station 3
Captain
3 Driver/Op
2 firefighters
Station 4
Captain
1 Driver/Op
2 firefighters
Station 4
Captain
1 Driver/Op
2 firefighters
Station 4
Captain
1 Driver/Op
2 firefighters
Part-Time
Firefighters
Fire Training
Supervisor
Platoon Training
Officer A Shift
Platoon Training
Officer B Shift
Platoon Training
Officer C Shift
Organizational Principles
 Unity
of command
 Span of control
 Division of labor
 Discipline
Unity Of Command
A
person can report to only one
boss at any given time.
 Directly each person reports to
one boss.
 Indirectly each person reports to
the chief through the chain of
command.
What Happens When Unity Of
Command Is Violated?

The employee plays the supervisors against
each other so none know what the
employee is doing, and the employee gets
away with doing nothing.

The supervisor who yells the loudest is the
one who gets the employee to do work
while the other boss gets no work done.
Breaches In Unity Of
Command
Fireground situation where the officer’s
authority may be undercut by a
superior officer.
 When the firefighter side steps the
chain of command and takes the
problem to a higher authority.

Span of Control
The number of subordinates one can
effectively supervise ant any given
time.
 It is usually considered that an
individual can effectively supervise
about 5 people at one time.

Span of Control
Span of control is accomplished by
delegating task.
 On the fireground, span of control is
accomplished through the Incident
Command System.

Division Of Labor
Divides large jobs into small more
manageable jobs.
 Division of labor is necessary:
 To assign responsibility.
 To prevent duplication of effort.
 To make specific and clear cut
assignments.

Discipline
It is the organization’s responsibility to
provide the direction needed to satisfy
the goals and objectives of the
organization.
 It is setting the boundaries of expected
performance and enforcing them.
 This is accomplished through rules,
regulations, policies, and procedures.

Fire Company
A group of firefighters assigned to a
particular piece of fire apparatus.
 Company Officer or acting CO
 Driver/operator
 Firefighter(s)

Fire Company
Fire Companies are equipped and
trained for specific functions.
 These functions may vary due to:
 hazards of the district
 size of the department
 scope of the department

Types of Companies
Engine company
 Truck (ladder) company
 Rescue squad/company
 Brush company
 Hazardous materials company
 Emergency medical company

Engine Company
Engine Company
Rescue
 Water supply
 Initial attack lines
 Backup lines
 Exposure protection
 Heavy stream development
 Tactical use of protective systems
 Overhaul

Truck (Ladder) Company
Truck (Ladder) Company
Search and rescue
 Ventilation
 Laddering
 Checking for fire extension
 Forcible entry

Truck (Ladder) Company
Ladder pipe operation
 Provide lighting
 Overhaul
 Salvage
 Utility control

Rescue/Squad Company
Rescue and removal
of trapped victims
Brush Company
Extinguish wild land fires and protect
structures in urban interface
Hazardous Materials Company
Hazardous Materials Company
Responds to and mitigates
hazardous materials incidents
Emergency Medical Company
Emergency Medical Company
Responds to, and mitigates
emergency medical calls and
provides patient support
Firefighter I & II
Meet NFPA Standard 1001, Standard For
Firefighter Professional qualifications.
 Have a thorough knowledge of
department organization and SOP’s.
 Know district or city street system and
physical layout.
 Meet minimum health and physical
requirements.

Typical Duties Of A
Firefighter I & II
Continuously attend training sessions, and
study assigned materials relating to
firefighting, fire prevention, hazardous
materials, and emergency medical care.
 Respond to medical emergencies
 Respond to fire alarms with the company,
operate firefighting equipment, lay and
connect hose, direct fire streams, raise
and climb ladders, use various hand tools.

Typical Duties Of A
Firefighter I & II
Ventilate burning buildings by opening
windows, skylights, or by cutting holes in
roofs or floors.
 Remove people from danger and perform
first aid.
 Perform salvage operations, which include
placing salvage covers, sweeping water,
and removing debris.

Typical Duties Of A
Firefighter I & II
Ventilate burning buildings by opening
windows, skylights, or by cutting holes in
roofs or floors.
 Remove people from danger and perform
first aid.
 Perform salvage operations, which include
placing salvage covers, sweeping water,
and removing debris.

Typical Duties Of A
Firefighter I & II
Perform overhaul operations to ensure
complete extinguishment of a fire.
 Relay instructions, orders, and
information, and give location of alarms
received by the telecommunicator.
 Exercise precautions to avoid injury
while performing duties.

Typical Duties Of A
Firefighter I & II
Exercise loss control measures to avoid
unnecessary damage or loss of property.
 Take proper care of fire department
property.
 Perform assigned fire inspections and
checks of buildings and structures for
compliance with state and local codes.
 Participate in fire drills with single and
multi-companies.

Firefighter I & II Classes
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
FD Organization & Safety
* Fire Behavior
* Portable Extinguishers
* Personal Protective Equip.
* Ladders
* Fire Hose, Streams, & Appl.
* Overhaul
* Water Supply
* Salvage
* Forcible Entry
Fire Alarms & Comm.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Ventilation
Ropes
Fire Streams
Fire Control
Emergency Medical Care
Rescue
Sprinklers
Hazardous Materials
Fire Prevention,
Education & Cause
Building Construction
Firefighter Qualifications
* Represents classes required for NFPA 1403,
Live Fire Training Evolution In Structures
Other Fire Department
Personnel
Apparatus driver/operator
 Fire department officer
 Fire department safety officer
 Apparatus and maintenance personnel
 Fire alarm maintenance personnel
 Information systems personnel
 Fire-police personnel

Apparatus Driver/Operator

NFPA 1002, Standard for Fire
Department Vehicle Driver/Operator
Professional Qualifications.
– State certifications for state of N.C.:
– Pumps 130 hours
– Aerial 60 hours
Fire Department Officer
NFPA 1021, Standard for Fire Officer
Professional Qualifications.
 State certifications:


Fire Officer I
Fire Officer II
 Fire Officer III
 Fire Officer IV

Fire Department Officer
Fire Chief
The administrator of the fire department.
 Depending on the size of the department,
the Fire Chief may be involved in
operations.
 The Fire Chief is ultimately responsible
for everything the department does.
 The Fire Chief answers directly to the City
Manager or a board of directors.

Fire Department Officer
Deputy Chief
Responsible for the operations of a fire
department.
 The Deputy Chief acts directly on
behalf of the Fire Chief.
 The Deputy Chief acts as the Fire Chief
in his absence.

Fire Department Officer
Assistant Chief
Usually in charge of a shift or division
command.
 Plays an active combat role
 The Assistant Chief in some
departments may assume the same role
as the Deputy Chief.

Fire Department Officer
Battalion Chief
Usually found in large departments.
 Responsible for a given zone or section
of a jurisdiction.
 Battalion Chief play an active combat
role in the fire department.

Fire Department Officer
Captain
Captains are usually in charge of a
single station or unit. (Company Officer)
 Carry out functions such as Fire
Prevention Officer, Public Education
Officer, Arson Investigator.
 Are usually the initial Incident
Commander on combat operations.

Lieutenant
Lieutenants are usually responsible for
a single resource such an engine
company.
 Act as managers for a small group of
personnel.
 Work in both department business and
combat operations.

Fire Department Safety Officer
NFPA 1521, Standard for Fire
Department Safety Officer.
 Safety operates as an advisor for the
Incident Commander.
 Safety can stop any unsafe acts
immediately.

Communications Personnel

NFPA 1061, Standard for
Professional Qualifications for Public
Safety Telecommunicators.
Specialized Operations
Personnel
Airport firefighter
 Hazardous materials technician
 SCUBA specialist
 Special rescue technician

Airport Firefighter
NFPA 1003, Standard for Airport Firefighter
Professional Qualifications.
 State certifications:

– ARFF Airport Rescue Firefighters
Hazardous Materials
Technician
NFPA 472, Standard on Professional
Competence of Responders to Hazardous
Materials Incidents.
 State certifications:
– Hazardous materials awareness
– Hazardous materials operations
– Hazardous materials technician

Special Rescue Technician
High angle rescue
 Trench rescue
 Structural collapse
 Confine space entry
 Mine or cave rescue

Fire Prevention Personnel
Fire prevention officer /inspector
 Fire and arson investigator
 Public fire and life safety educator
 Fire protection engineer/specialist

Fire Prevention
Officer/Inspector
NFPA 1031, Standard for Professional
Qualifications for Fire Inspector.
 State certifications:

– Inspector level I
– Inspector level II
– Inspector level III
– Inspector level IV
Fire And Arson Investigator

NFPA 1033, Standard for
Professional Qualifications for
Fire Investigator
Public Fire And Life Safety
Educator
NFPA 1035, Standard for Professional
Qualifications for Public Fire and Life
Safety Educator.
 State certifications:

– Public fire and life safety educator I
– Public fire and life safety educator II
Fire Protection
Engineer/Specialist
Acts as a consultant to upper
management in the fire department.
 Some fire chiefs have this qualification
with bachelor's degrees.
 Assist with fire operations and with fire
prevention.

Emergency Medical Services
Personnel
First Responder
 Emergency Medical
Technician
 Paramedic

First Responder
Sustains patient’s life until more
competent medical personnel arrive on
scene.
 First responders may be first aid or EMT
level trained.
 First responders may respond on engines,
trucks, ladders companies, or squads.

Emergency Medical Technician
Provides BLS (Basic Life Support) for
patients whose lives are in danger.
 Emergency medical technicians may
respond on engines, trucks, ladders
companies, or squads.

Paramedic
Provides the same services as an EMT.
 Also provides ALS ( Advanced Life
Support)
 Drug therapy
 IV therapy
 Paramedic may respond on fire trucks
within fire departments, or on ambulances
as part of a city or county wide paramedic
system.

Training Personnel

NFPA 1041, Standard for Fire Service
Instructor Professional Qualifications
– Training officer, Chief of training, Drill
master
– Platoon training officer
– Instructor
Training Officer/ Drill
Master
NFPA 1041, Standard for Fire
Service Instructor Professional
Qualifications.
 Coordinates and administers all
fire department training
activities.

Platoon Training Officer
NFPA 1041, Standard for Fire
Service Instructor Professional
Qualifications.
 Coordinates and administers all
shift training activities under
direct supervision of the training
officer.

Instructor
NFPA 1041, Standard for Fire
Service Instructor Professional
Qualifications.
 Delivers specific training courses to
the department members.

Fire Department Regulations
Policies
 Procedures
 Standard Operating Procedures

Policy
A policy is a guide to decision making
within an organization.
 Policies originate mostly with top
management in the fire department.
 Policies dictate the type of decisions
which must be made by fire officers and
other management personnel.

Procedures
A procedure is a detailed guide to action.
 A procedure describes in writing the
steps to be followed in carrying out
organizational policy for a specific,
recurring problem or situation.

Orders

An order is a directive which is based
upon the authority delegated to the
officer to direct the administration of a
written policy, procedure, or method
– Example: Directing firefighter Smith to cut
his hair according to department is an order.
– Refusal can result in breech of departmental
policy and insubordination.
Fireground Orders
On the fireground, the officer issues
many instructions, directives, and
request.
 Because of the ever-present danger of
injuries or death, all communications of
these type are considered orders.

Directive

A directive is not based on any written
policy, procedure, or method.
– Example: Directing firefighter Smith to help
wash the fire truck is a directive.
– Refusal would be not be a breech in
department policy, but could lead to
disciplinary action due to insubordination.
Standard Operating Procedures
Predetermined plans of action for every
type of emergency.
 SOP’s will vary depending on the local
needs and requirements.
 SOP’s must have built-in flexibility which
allows for adjustments due to changing
conditions.
 SOP’s are usually initiated by first-arriving
companies.

Standard Operating Procedures &
Order Of Fireground Priorities
Life safety
 Incident stabilization
 Property conservation

Incident Command System
NFPA recommends all departments have a
written ICS.
 A system used to establish roles,
responsibilities, and accountability at an
emergency scene.
 ICS is designed to be applicable to
incidents of all sizes and types.
 Originally designed by the Forestry Service
to control large wildland fires.
(FIRESCOPE)

Components Of ICS
Common terminology
 Modular organization
 Integrated communications
 Unified command structure
 Consolidated action plans
 Manageable span of control
 Predesignated incident facilities
 Comprehensive resource management

5 major Functional Areas Of ICS

Command
– safety
– Liaison
– public information officer
Operations
 Planning
 Logistics
 Finance

Command
Safety
Liaison
Public Info.
Officer
Operations
Planning
Logistics
Finance
Command
The Incident Commander is responsible for
all incident activities.
 The IC is responsible for developing and
implementing the IAP (Incident Action
Plan).
 The IC has the authority to call additional
resources and release resources.
 On small incidents, the IC may be involved
in the operations of the incident.

Command Staff
Safety Officer - checks for overall scene
safety, can stop any unsafe acts on the
spot.
 Liaison - contact point between the various
agencies arriving on scene.
 Public Information Officer - responsible for
all information released to the media. All
releases are approved by Command
beforehand.

Operations
Responsible for all tactical operations to
meet the goals of the IAP.
 The Operations Officer reports directly to
Command.
 Operations is usually activated only medium
to large size fires.
 Operations can be subdivided into 5
branches if necessary.

Planning
Responsible for collecting, evaluating, and
dissemination of information pertaining to
the development of the incident.
 Specific units under planning are:

–
–
–
–
Resource Unit
Situation Unit
Status Unit
Demobilization Unit
Logistics
Logistics provides services, facilities, and
materials necessary to support the incident.
 The two branches of Logistics are
– Service Branch

medical
 communications
 food

– Support Branch
 supplies
 facilities
 vehicle services
Finance
Responsible for all financial aspects of an
incident.
 Used for large -scale incidents
 Consist of:

– Time Unit
– Cost Unit
– Procurement unit
ICS Terms
Division or Sector
 Group
 Resources

– crew
– single resource
– task force
– strike team
Division or Sector
An organizational level responsible
for operations within a specific
geographical location at an incident.
 Divisions or Sectors may be exterior
locations or interior locations.

Division C
Division B
Divisions are designated starting
in the front and going clockwise
around the structure.
Division A
Division D
Interior Divisions/Sectors Start With The
First Floor And Go Up In Number
Sector 5
Sector 4
Sector 3
Sector 2
Sector 1
Group
An organization level responsible for a
specific function at an incident.
 Salvage Group
 Ventilation Group
 Forcible Entry Group
 When a group’s assigned function is
complete, they are available for
reassignment.

Branch
An organizational level activated
when there are too many division and
group leaders.
 Helps maintain the span of control for
an incident.
 Used mostly in Operations and
Logistics.

Resources
Crew - A specific number of personnel without
an apparatus who are assigned a specific task.
 Single Resource - Engine, Squad, Truck etc.
 Task Force - A group of any type of resource
with communications and a leader assigned to
do a specific tactical mission.
 Strike Team - A specific number of the same
type of resources with communications and a
leader.

Staging
Allows for orderly deployment of resources
from a nearby location.
 On small incidents, Staging falls under
Command.
 On large incidents Staging will fall under
Operations.
 All Staging area must have a Staging Officer
to control resources.

Implementing ICS
ICS is initiated by the first arriving officer.
 The officer should consider the following:

What has occurred?
What is the status of the emergency?
Is anyone injured or trapped?
Can the emergency be handled with the
resources on scene?
– Does the emergency fall within the scope of the
individual’s or department’s training?
–
–
–
–
Action Plan Considerations
Ensure personnel safety and survival.
 Rescuing or evacuating endangered
occupants.
 Eliminating the hazard.
 Perform loss control.
 Cleaning up and protecting the
environment.

Who Is In Charge?
When ICS is implemented, there should be
only one boss.
 The only exception is a multi-jurisdictional
incident where there is a unified command.
 Even with a unified command, the orders
should go through the chain of command to
avoid confusion.

Transfer Of Command
The first-arriving officer will probably
transfer command to the next highest
authority.
 This may take place several times.
 Transfer must be announced over the radio,
but must be done face-to-face if possible.
 Command cannot transferred to someone
who is not on scene of the incident.

Transfer Of Command
The person relinquishing command must
provide the new IC a status report.
 The information given must be up to
date and accurate.
 The person assuming command must
acknowledge he understands the
information.

Situation Status Report
Description of what happened.
 Whether anyone is trapped or injured.
 What has been done to this point.
 Whether the problem has stabilized or
not.
 What resources are on scene and on the
way.
 Whether the current resources are
adequate or not.

Other Responding Agencies
Medical Services
Jacksonville Volunteer Rescue – Extrication,
Transport
 Onslow County Paramedics – Advance Life
Support
 East Care, Vital Link – Transport to other
hospitals
 Medical services can assist with firefighter
and civilian injuries
 Local Hospitals - OMH

Mutual Aid Fire Response
Surrounding volunteer
departments
 Camp Lejeune Fire Department
 U. S. Forestry Service

Law Enforcement
Traffic Control
 Protection from domestic calls
 Arson Investigators
 Witness a death

County Health Department

Called to structure fire in restaurants
where the possibility of contamination to
food supplies has occurred.
Utility Companies

Electric Company
– Jones-Onslow
– CP&L

Gas Companies
– Propane
– Natural Gas
Private Industry
Local Hazardous Materials Response
 Regional Hazardous Materials
Response
 Confine Space Team

Construction Companies
Particular Hazards
 Equipment such as backhoes,
bulldozers
 Layout of a building

State Agencies
N.C.
 N.C.
 N.C.
 N.C.
 N.C.
 N.C.
 N.C.

EPA
State Fire Marshal
SBI
Highway Patrol
OSHA
Department Health
Forestry Service
Federal Agencies
US Dept of ATF
 FBI
 EPA
 OSHA
 US DOT
 US Coast Guard
 FAA
 NRC
