STRATEGY AND TACTICS FOR INITIAL COMPANY OPERATIONS
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
UNITED STATES FIRE ADMINISTRATION
NATIONAL FIRE ACADEMY
FOREWORD
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was established in 1979. FEMA's mission is to
focus Federal effort on preparedness for, mitigation of, response to, and recovery from emergencies
encompassing the full range of natural and manmade disasters.
FEMA's National Emergency Training Center (NETC) in Emmitsburg, Maryland, includes the United
States Fire Administration (USFA), its National Fire Academy (NFA), and the Emergency Management
Institute (EMI).
To achieve the USFA's legislated mandate (under Public Law 93-498, October 29, 1974), "to advance the
professional development of fire service personnel and of other persons engaged in fire prevention and
control activities," the U. S. Fire Administration has developed an effective program linkage with
established fire training systems which exist at the State and local levels. It is the responsibility of the
USFA to support and strengthen these delivery systems. The field courses of the USFA's National Fire
Academy have been sponsored by the respective State fire training systems in every State.
The USFA's National Fire Academy is proud to join with State and local fire agencies in providing
educational opportunities to the members of the Nation's fire services.
iii
STRATEGY AND TACTICS FOR INITIAL COMPANY OPERATIONS
iv
STRATEGY AND TACTICS FOR INITIAL COMPANY OPERATIONS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
Foreword ............................................................................................................................................
Table of Contents ...............................................................................................................................
Instructional Aids ...............................................................................................................................
Course Schedule .................................................................................................................................
Final Exam .........................................................................................................................................
Answer Key ........................................................................................................................................
iii
v
vii
ix
xi
xv
UNIT 1:
INTRODUCTION ...............................................................................................
IG 1-1
UNIT 2:
THE ANALYTICAL SIZEUP PROCESS .........................................................
IG 2-1
UNIT 3:
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND
FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT ...............................................................................
IG 3-1
UNIT 4:
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT, AND OVERHAUL ..........................
IG 4-1
UNIT 5:
WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS,
AND SALVAGE ..................................................................................................
IG 5-1
v
STRATEGY AND TACTICS FOR INITIAL COMPANY OPERATIONS
vi
STRATEGY AND TACTICS FOR INITIAL COMPANY OPERATIONS
INSTRUCTIONAL AIDS
Slides
UNIT 1:
UNIT 2:
UNIT 3:
UNIT 4:
UNIT 5:
Slides 1-1 to 1-12
Slides 2-1 to 2-69
Slides 3-1 to 3-192
Slides 4-1 to 4-180
Slides 5-1 to 5-174
Total Slides
12
69
192
180
174
627
Handouts
Handout 3-1: Message #1
Handout 3-2: Message #2
Handout 3-3: Message #3
Handout 3-4: Message #4
Handout 3-5: Message #5
Handout 3-6: Message #6
Handout 3-7: Message #7
Handout 3-8: Message #8
Handout 3-9: Message #9
Handout 3-10: Message #10
Handout 3-11: Message #11
Handout 4-1: Message #1
Handout 4-2: Message #2
Handout 4-3: Message #3
Handout 4-4: Message #4
Handout 4-5: Message #5
Handout 4-6: Message #6
Handout 4-7: Message #7
Handout 4-8: Message #8
Handout 4-9: Message #9
Handout 4-10: Message #10
Handout 4-11: Message #11
Handout 5-1: Message #1
Handout 5-2: Message #2
Handout 5-3: Message #3
Handout 5-4: Message #4
Handout 5-5: Message #5
Handout 5-6: Message #6
Handout 5-7: Message #7
Handout 5-8: Message #8
Handout 5-9: Message #9
Handout 5-10: Message #10
Handout 5-11: Message #11
vii
STRATEGY AND TACTICS FOR INITIAL COMPANY OPERATIONS
viii
STRATEGY AND TACTICS FOR INITIAL COMPANY OPERATIONS
COURSE SCHEDULE
Unit 1:
Introduction
1 hr.
Unit 2:
The Analytical Sizeup Process
1 hr., 30 min.
Unit 3:
Fire Confinement, Exposure Protection, and Fire Extinguishment
4 hr., 30 min.
Unit 4:
Rescue, Ventilation, Support, and Overhaul
3 hr., 40 min.
Unit 5:
Water Supply, Fixed Fire Protection Systems, and Salvage
4 hr., 20 min.
Total Time
15 hr.
ix
STRATEGY AND TACTICS FOR INITIAL COMPANY OPERATIONS
x
STRATEGY AND TACTICS FOR INITIAL COMPANY OPERATIONS
FEMA/USFA/NFA-STICO-EX
November 2002
Name:
Date:
FINAL EXAM
Multiple-Choice Directions: Read each question carefully, and choose the best answer from the four
choices.
1.
What is the definition of a primary factor?
a.
b.
c.
d.
2.
Primary factors are affected by which of the following?
a.
b.
c.
d.
3.
The individual who proves the hypothesis receives recognition.
Similar situations never have to occur again.
Outcomes may be predicted in similar situations.
None of the above.
If there is a life hazard present for occupants at a fire scene
a.
b.
c.
d.
6.
Establishing incident objectives.
Tactical direction and resource assignments.
Evaluating the effectiveness of the Company Officer (CO).
Developing incident strategy.
What advantage is gained when a hypothesis is proved using the scientific approach?
a.
b.
c.
d.
5.
Strategies.
Objectives.
Limits.
All of the above.
Which step is not part of the Command Sequence Incident Cycle?
a.
b.
c.
d.
4.
Principles.
Conditions and elements that should be recognized and evaluated on arrival and during
operations.
The activities undertaken to achieve objectives.
Risks to firefighters ranging from merely unusual to extreme.
ventilation to control and extinguish the fire is begun immediately.
forcible entry is made, but great caution is taken to avoid structural damage.
entry always is made as far away from the location of the fire as possible.
forcible entry is made with less regard for structural damage, exposure hazards, or the
availability of a hose stream to protect personnel.
Life hazard
a.
b.
c.
d.
plays little part in determining strategies or covering exposures.
should not result in a delay in dealing with exposure hazards.
may make the task of covering exposures more difficult and may delay the attack on the
fire itself.
will not create a need for additional resources.
xi
STRATEGY AND TACTICS FOR INITIAL COMPANY OPERATIONS
7.
Why is it preferable to force entry near the location of the fire?
a.
b.
c.
d.
8.
The primary objective of ventilation is to
a.
b.
c.
d.
9.
Every half hour.
Every hour.
Every 10 minutes.
As time permits.
Which of the following is a situation where a direct attack on the fire may be required from the
burning side?
a.
b.
c.
d.
xii
Slow but mobile.
Slow but not mobile.
Fast but not mobile.
Fast and mobile.
How often should the CO evaluate the effectiveness of the fire confinement action plan?
a.
b.
c.
d.
13.
Area of fire origin plus 10 feet.
Areas of fire origin plus 100 feet.
Long enough to reach seat of fire.
Area of fire origin plus 50 feet.
Which pair of characteristics applies to a medium, 1-1/2- to 2-inch hoseline?
a.
b.
c.
d.
12.
rescue of occupants
protection of adjacent properties
fire extinguishment
clean up
What is the rule of thumb in determining length of hoseline?
a.
b.
c.
d.
11.
prevent structural damage.
help occupants to find ways out of the structure.
draw smoke through the roof.
localize the fire--to stop its horizontal spread within a structure.
When fire confinement has been accomplished, __________________ is the next tactical
operation.
a.
b.
c.
d.
10.
The firefighters will get a better idea of the size of the fire.
Firefighters need to check for occupants in the most dangerous areas first.
This enables firefighters to get water on the fire more quickly and minimizes the physical
hardship entailed in advancing hoselines.
It is not preferable to force entry near the location of the fire.
Commercial occupancy accessible only from the front.
Row houses where access through a neighboring unit is not possible.
Confinement/Extinguishment tactic from the burned side would endanger occupants or
rescue crews.
All of the above.
STRATEGY AND TACTICS FOR INITIAL COMPANY OPERATIONS
14.
Which is a less probable location of victims?
a.
b.
c.
d.
15.
As soon as victims are rescued, they should be moved to
a.
b.
c.
d.
16.
c.
d.
Interior team searches immediate fire area and normal exit paths.
All spaces that could possibly hold a human being, including those spaces not damaged
by fire, must be examined.
Extremely thorough search of interior fire area after initial fire control, ventilation, and
interior lighting are completed, to ensure that there is no possibility of victims remaining
undiscovered.
Rapid search of all areas involved in or exposed to fire, if they can be entered, to verify
removal and/or safety of occupants.
Establishing a water supply may be achieved by using portable sources, municipal sources, and
a.
b.
c.
d.
20.
may be provided by the search team or the attack team.
are not required when conducting a search.
protect firefighters by separating fire from people closest to it.
serve as guidelines to escape path.
Definition of primary search:
a.
b.
19.
Ventilation increases safety of interior operations.
Ventilation improves visibility.
Opening of roof will have no effect on rescue.
Rapid ventilation by exterior ladders can support interior search.
Protective lines
a.
b.
c.
d.
18.
the triage area.
a neighboring home or building.
their physician's office.
the nearest medical facility.
Which statement about ventilation is not true?
a.
b.
c.
d.
17.
Routes normally used to enter and exit.
Behind doors and under windows.
Bedrooms.
Sitting on the sofa.
gravity sources.
static sources.
grid systems.
wet systems.
Support activities include controlling utilities, providing compressed breathing air, providing
scene lighting/electricity, and
a.
b.
c.
d.
setting up Staging Areas.
setting up Command Posts.
providing for rehabilitation, rehydration, and medical monitoring/treatment.
postincident stress debriefings.
xiii
STRATEGY AND TACTICS FOR INITIAL COMPANY OPERATIONS
xiv
STRATEGY AND TACTICS FOR INITIAL COMPANY OPERATIONS
FEMA/USFA/NFA-STICO-EX
November 2002
ANSWER KEY
Multiple-Choice Directions: Read each question carefully, and choose the best answer from the four
choices.
1.
What is the definition of a primary factor?
a.
b.
c.
d.
2.
Primary factors are affected by which of the following?
a.
b.
c.
d.
3.
The individual who proves the hypothesis receives recognition.
Similar situations never have to occur again.
Outcomes may be predicted in similar situations.
None of the above.
If there is a life hazard present for occupants at a fire scene
a.
b.
c.
d.
6.
Establishing incident objectives.
Tactical direction and resource assignments.
Evaluating the effectiveness of the Company Officer (CO).
Developing incident strategy.
What advantage is gained when a hypothesis is proved using the scientific approach?
a.
b.
c.
d.
5.
Strategies.
Objectives.
Limits.
All of the above.
Which step is not part of the Command Sequence Incident Cycle?
a.
b.
c.
d.
4.
Principles.
Conditions and elements that should be recognized and evaluated on arrival and during
operations.
The activities undertaken to achieve objectives.
Risks to firefighters ranging from merely unusual to extreme.
ventilation to control and extinguish the fire is begun immediately.
forcible entry is made, but great caution is taken to avoid structural damage.
entry always is made as far away from the location of the fire as possible.
forcible entry is made with less regard for structural damage, exposure hazards, or
the availability of a hose stream to protect personnel.
Life hazard
a.
b.
c.
d.
plays little part in determining strategies or covering exposures.
should not result in a delay in dealing with exposure hazards.
may make the task of covering exposures more difficult and may delay the attack on
the fire itself.
will not create a need for additional resources.
xv
STRATEGY AND TACTICS FOR INITIAL COMPANY OPERATIONS
7.
Why is it preferable to force entry near the location of the fire?
a.
b.
c.
d.
8.
The primary objective of ventilation is to
a.
b.
c.
d.
9.
Every half hour.
Every hour.
Every 10 minutes.
As time permits.
Which of the following is a situation where a direct attack on the fire may be required from the
burning side?
a.
b.
c.
d.
xvi
Slow but mobile.
Slow but not mobile.
Fast but not mobile.
Fast and mobile.
How often should the CO evaluate the effectiveness of the fire confinement action plan?
a.
b.
c.
d.
13.
Area of fire origin plus 10 feet.
Areas of fire origin plus 100 feet.
Long enough to reach seat of fire.
Area of fire origin plus 50 feet.
Which pair of characteristics applies to a medium, 1-1/2- to 2-inch hoseline?
a.
b.
c.
d.
12.
rescue of occupants
protection of adjacent properties
fire extinguishment
clean up
What is the rule of thumb in determining length of hoseline?
a.
b.
c.
d.
11.
prevent structural damage.
help occupants to find ways out of the structure.
draw smoke through the roof.
localize the fire--to stop its horizontal spread within a structure.
When fire confinement has been accomplished, __________________ is the next tactical
operation.
a.
b.
c.
d.
10.
The firefighters will get a better idea of the size of the fire.
Firefighters need to check for occupants in the most dangerous areas first.
This enables firefighters to get water on the fire more quickly and minimizes the
physical hardship entailed in advancing hoselines.
It is not preferable to force entry near the location of the fire.
Commercial occupancy accessible only from the front.
Row houses where access through a neighboring unit is not possible.
Confinement/Extinguishment tactic from the burned side would endanger occupants or
rescue crews.
All of the above.
STRATEGY AND TACTICS FOR INITIAL COMPANY OPERATIONS
14.
Which is a less probable location of victims?
a.
b.
c.
d.
15.
As soon as victims are rescued, they should be moved to
a.
b.
c.
d.
16.
c.
d.
Interior team searches immediate fire area and normal exit paths.
All spaces that could possibly hold a human being, including those spaces not damaged
by fire, must be examined.
Extremely thorough search of interior fire area after initial fire control, ventilation, and
interior lighting are completed, to ensure that there is no possibility of victims remaining
undiscovered.
Rapid search of all areas involved in or exposed to fire, if they can be entered, to
verify removal and/or safety of occupants.
Establishing a water supply may be achieved by using portable sources, municipal sources, and
a.
b.
c.
d.
20.
may be provided by the search team or the attack team.
are not required when conducting a search.
protect firefighters by separating fire from people closest to it.
serve as guidelines to escape path.
Definition of primary search:
a.
b.
19.
Ventilation increases safety of interior operations.
Ventilation improves visibility.
Opening of roof will have no effect on rescue.
Rapid ventilation by exterior ladders can support interior search.
Protective lines
a.
b.
c.
d.
18.
the triage area.
a neighboring home or building.
their physician's office.
the nearest medical facility.
Which statement about ventilation is not true?
a.
b.
c.
d.
17.
Routes normally used to enter and exit.
Behind doors and under windows.
Bedrooms.
Sitting on the sofa.
gravity sources.
static sources.
grid systems.
wet systems.
Support activities include controlling utilities, providing compressed breathing air, providing
scene lighting/electricity, and
a.
b.
c.
d.
setting up Staging Areas.
setting up Command Posts.
providing for rehabilitation, rehydration, and medical monitoring/treatment.
postincident stress debriefings.
xvii
STRATEGY AND TACTICS FOR INITIAL COMPANY OPERATIONS
xviii
STRATEGY AND TACTICS FOR INITIAL COMPANY OPERATIONS
FEMA/USFA/NFA-STICO-EX
November 2002
Name:
Date:
EXAMINATION ANSWER SHEET
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19
20.
xix
STRATEGY AND TACTICS FOR INITIAL COMPANY OPERATIONS
xx
STRATEGY AND TACTICS FOR INITIAL COMPANY OPERATIONS
FEMA/USFA/NFA-STICO-EX
November 2002
EXAMINATION ANSWER SHEET KEY
1.
a
2.
d
3.
c
4.
c
5.
d
6.
c
7.
c
8.
d
9.
c
10.
d
11.
d
12.
c
13.
d
14.
d
15.
a
16.
c
17.
b
18.
d
19
b
20.
c
xxi