INCIDENT CONTROL SYSTEM SOG NO. 1.7
PAGE 1
1.7 SECTORS, GROUPS AND DIVISIONS
1
Introduction
The use of Sectors, Groups and Divisions improves communication, implementation
of the Incident Action Plan (IAP) and effective use of resources at an incident.
Appointing Division Commanders, Sector Commanders and Groups allows the
Incident Controller to implement tactics while maintaining effective span of control.
The purpose of this SOG is to provide a standard system for the effective control of
an incident by dividing operations into sectors, groups and divisions.
2
Span of Control
Span of control refers to the number of crews or officers controlled by one person.
Five officers or fire crew members are the recommended span of control for each
level of command (see Fig 1). Where the span of control exceeds seven, information
overload can occur, resulting in reduced efficiency and safety.
Figure 1 Maintaining an Effective Span of Control at a Large Incident
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
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INCIDENT CONTROL SYSTEM SOG NO. 1.7
Incident Controllers must ensure that they maintain an effective span of control by
delegating the command of areas or functions. By using this procedure, Incident
Controllers and/or Operations Officers can concentrate on strategic objectives and
tactical priorities while Sector, Group and Division Commanders provide direct
tactical supervision of crews.
3
Sector, Group and Division Commanders
Division Commanders are officers appointed by the Incident Controller to achieve
the strategic objectives of the IAP and manage the operations of sectors and groups
within their division.
Sector and Group Commanders are officers appointed by the Incident Controller to
manage the incident at a tactical level and, supervise activities and ensure that safe
working practices are employed.
Division, Sector and Group Commanders are responsible for:
•
the safety and welfare of all personnel under their command
•
achieving objectives assigned by the Incident Controller
•
maintaining an awareness of the IAP and communicating the plan and
objectives to crews
•
sending regular sitreps and relevant information up the chain of command
•
allocating resources in their area of responsibility
•
requesting additional resources through the chain of command
•
ensuring tasks are being supervised and carried out using safe working
practices
•
co-ordinating operations with other divisions, sectors or groups.
•
conducting stage 1 and 2 Incident Crew Management System checks.
Division, Sector and Group Commanders should consider:
•
appointing a Safety Officer to manage the safety of all personnel under their
command
•
establishing a rest and rehabilitation area for their crews
•
establishing a Rapid Intervention Team
•
using specialist advice, eg hazmat, building manager to achieve objectives
•
using the tactical and risk assessment worksheets.
Commanders should maintain a visible position as much as possible, be identified by
a tabard and maintain communication on both task and tactical radio channels.
4
Sectors
4.1
When to sector an incident
The Incident Controller should sector an incident when:
•
the number of crews needed is greater than the Incident Controller’s effective
span of control
•
complex operations are involved
•
special hazards require supervision of crews by senior officers
•
crews are operating out of sight of the Control Point.
Sectoring should begin as early in the incident as possible.
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INCIDENT CONTROL SYSTEM SOG NO. 1.7
4.2
PAGE 3
Exterior sectors
Exterior sectors of structure fires are designated alphabetically (see Fig 2). The front
of the structure, from the Incident Controller’s position, is always Sector A. Sectors
are then designated in a clockwise direction, with Sector B always on the left-hand
side, Sector C at the rear, and Sector D on the right-hand side.
Figure 2 Exterior Sectors
Note
In the case of irregularly shaped buildings, Incident Controllers should assign
sector names in a logical manner, suitable for the building shape.
4.3
Interior sectors
The Incident Controller should allocate interior sectors in the most appropriate way
for the particular incident.
4.4
Multi-storey buildings
These are sectored by floor level. Generally, ground level is Sector G, the first floor
is Sector 1, the second floor is Sector 2, and so on. The first floor below ground is
Sector B1, the second floor below ground is Sector B2, etc (see Fig 3).
Level 3
Sector 3
Level 2
Sector 2
Level 1
Sector 1
Ground
Sector G
Basement 1
Sector B1
Basement 2
Sector B2
Figure 3 Standard Method for Sectoring a Multi-storey Building
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INCIDENT CONTROL SYSTEM SOG NO. 1.7
In high rise buildings and other buildings with automatic fire alarm systems, it is
recommended that the Incident Controller use the floor numbering shown on the fire
alarm panel, as this will match the floor numbering on the fire stair doors. High rise
buildings are numbered in a variety of ways (see Fig 4) and the Incident Controller
should have the fire alarm panel checked before designating sectors.
Figure 3 Some Different Ways High Rise Building Levels may be Numbered
4.5
Other ways to sector structures
At incidents involving complex or unusual structures, the standard sectoring systems
outlined above may not be appropriate. The Incident Controller should sector the
incident in a logical way, using the principles outlined above.
Sector Commanders appointed at high rise fires should follow the guidelines in
SOG 4.5 High Rise Structure Fires.
4.6
Bushfire sectors
Bushfires may be sectored using the alphabet, locality, or points of the compass as
designations (see Fig 5, Fig 6 and Fig 7)
Figure 4 Sectoring a Bushfire Using Points of the Compass
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INCIDENT CONTROL SYSTEM SOG NO. 1.7
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Figure 5 Sectoring a Bushfire Using Street Names
Figure 6 Sectoring a Bushfire Using Letters of the Alphabet
Note
When dealing with two sides of a fire, alphabetic designations start from A on one
side and N on the other. This avoids confusion if divisions are established.
5
Groups
Groups are established by the Incident Controller to perform particular functions.
Examples of groups include:
•
Fire Attack Group
•
Search and Rescue Group
•
Evacuation Group
•
Hazmat Group
•
Decontamination Group
•
Ventilation Group
•
Salvage Group
•
Backburn Group.
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INCIDENT CONTROL SYSTEM SOG NO. 1.7
Note
Groups are commanded by an officer and each may contain up to five crews.
Within the ICS structure, sectors and groups are identical. However, sectors refer to
locations, while groups refer to tasks which may take place in various locations.
6
Divisions
The Incident Controller should establish Divisions when:
•
there are more than seven sectors or groups
•
sectors or groups are operating out of direct contact with the Control Point.
Note
Divisions are rarely established at structure fires.
6.1
Identifying divisions
Divisions may be identified by number (see Fig 8) such as:
•
Division 1
•
Division 2
•
Division 3
or by function such as:
•
Backburn Division
•
Hazmat Division.
Division 1
Division 2
Figure 8 Divisions established at a large structure fire
7
Communication
All communication between crews and the Incident Controller must be directed
through the chain of command.
Each level of command is responsible for:
•
maintaining communications with personnel under their command
•
making regular progress reports up the chain of command
•
passing instructions through the chain of command.
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PAGE 7
The Incident Controller must be informed immediately of:
•
threats to the safety and welfare of personnel or the public
•
an injury occurring to a firefighter or civilian
•
escalation of the incident
•
changes to exposure risks
•
significant changes to operating conditions
•
the completion of objectives
•
inability to complete objectives
•
departures from the incident action plan.
Communication between Sector or Group Commanders and their Crew Leaders
should, where possible, be made face to face. Progress reports should contain only
essential information.
7.1
Radio callsigns
Sector, Group and Division Commanders should identify themselves using the
designation of the sector or division in radio communication. For example:
•
Sector A
•
Jones Street Sector
•
Fire Attack Group
•
Division 1.
Note
Radio traffic should be kept to a minimum at all times.
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FILE:
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
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© COPYRIGHT
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STATE GOVT OF NSW (NSWFB) 2008