Baker Fire Department
Company Officer Job-Aid
_______________
1
Baker Fire Department
Table of Contents
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6/7.
8/9.
10.
11.
12-17.
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
18/19.
20 -23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28/29.
30/31.
32.
33/34.
35/36.
37/38.
39/40
41
42-46
47/48
49-51
52-54
Page 55/56
Cover page
Table of Contents
Phone Numbers
Response /Scene Safety
Active Shootings / Mass Homicide Events
Bomb/Terrorist Threats
Hazardous Materials
Approaching the Scene
Fire Attack Basics
Law Enforcement, State Laws, City of Baker, Parish
Ordinances
Call outs/Special Needs/Misc.
Pre-Fire Planning/Pre-Incident Planning
Rapid Intervention Company Tactical Operations
Command Responsibilities for RIC Activation
Accountability
Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport
Incident Command System Flow Chart
Command Responsibilities for Incident Command
Command Staff positions
(BIR) Brief Initial Report
The Art of Reading Smoke
(BPR) Brief Progress Report
Safety/Rules of Engagement
Staging
Dividing the Incident Scene
Proper Use of Clear Text ( Plain Language)
Baker Radios and Channels
800 mg. Procedures ( use only when 700mg. is down,
communications will advise to switch)
Glossary of Terms
2
Baker Fire Department
Phone Numbers
FIRE CHIEF
ASSISTANT CHIEF
DISTR. CHIEF- A
DISTR. CHIEF- B
DISTR. CHIEF- C
TRAINING/SAFETY
BILL ORY-INVEST.
HOWARD WARD
774-1175
775-2120
775-4673
654-7386
791-5887
658-4688
775-8550
667-1594
CELL 317-3130
CELL 235-3388
CELL 335-6558
CELL 235-6668
CELL 235-9997
CELL 678-0389
CELL 328-1609
CELL 305-2916
dedwards@bakerlafire.org
OFFICE -300-8033
jchampagne@bakerlafire.org
OFFICE- 300-8028
chunt@bakerlafire.org
OFFICE -300-8031
rforbes@bakerlafire.org
OFFICE -300-8031
hbonaventure@bakerlafire.org
OFFICE -300-8031
jcrosby@bakerlafire.org
OFFICE -300-8032
bory@bakerlafire.org
OFFICE -300-8030
hward@bakerlafire.org
OFFICE -300-8034
AFTER HOURS NOTIFICATION
Upon arrival at a reported structure fire and a confirmation of a working fire is give to Communications,
the Incident Commander will instruct Baker P.D. communications by radio to notify Chief Edwards and
PIO Howard Ward of the Incident. This procedure will also be used on any incident where the Chief and
PIO need to be notified.
3
Baker Fire Department
Response/Scene Safety
Dwelling: Two engines, one aerial, District Chief, Rescue, Service Unit,
Safety, and Assistant Chief.
Hospital: Two engines, one aerial, District Chief, Rescue Unit 226,
Safety, Chief, Assistant Chief.
All Other Structures: Two engines, one aerial, District Chief, Chief ,and Assistant Chief.
1. Position Apparatus at emergency scenes in a manner that bests the work area
and Personnel.
2. Understand and appreciate the high risk that firefighters are exposed to when
operating in or near vehicle traffic.
3. Always operate from a defensive posture.
4. Create barriers between the operating personnel and traffic.
Key Factors:
1. Time –Limit your time exposed to traffic.
2. Distance – Keep your crews as far from the traffic as possible.
3. Shield- Use a pumper and/ or a ladder truck to block one or more lanes of
traffic.
Procedures for extended time on scene:
a. 0-30 minutes on scene time –hand with on scene units plus P.D.
b. 30 minutes. -2 hrs-call for ladder trucks or additional pumpers for
additional scene protection.
c. Over 2-hrs scene time – contact D.P.W. To set up long term safety zones, using
traffic barriers and traffic cones.
4
Baker Fire Department
Active Shootings/ Mass Homicide Events
Violent attacks on the population by one or more individuals:
 School shootings
 Church/faith based shootings
 Political based shootings (abortion/ anti-abortion killings)
 Random acts (Domestic abuse, psychotic breaks, etc)
Terrorism
In the event of a response to an event such as this, leave your company a way out.
a) Hold back until directed in by Law Enforcement.
b) Monitor multiple radio frequencies (Resp. coord, public safety, etc). Do not rely on communications to
relay information as quickly as may be needed due to the complexity of the events and confusion that
follows.
c) May proceed into areas that are secured by Law Enforcement to begin patent triage and treatment.
d) Law Enforcement may not have the means to access structures and may request your assistance. Assist
Law Enforcement with access into structure cautiously as you do not have adequate PPE to protect from
hostile threats.
e) Limit exposure in danger areas.
f) Do not pass information outside of public safety.
5
Baker Fire Department
Bomb/Terrorist Threats:
Bomb threats will be answered by one Engine Company and one District Chief.
Fire department personnel will respond on a standby basis and maintain a safe distance between
themselves and the threatened site.
Our personnel are not trained to search for or identify explosive devices.
The fire departments role is immediate response should an actual explosion take place.
In the case of an actual detonation the incident commander will call for hazmat and rescue as a minimum
secondary fire dept response.
Any other fire dept. units should be called out as deemed necessary by the incident commander.
Terrorism Incidents Indicators:
• If the response is to a target hazard or target event.
• If there has been a threat.
• If there are multiple non-trauma related victims.
• If responders are victims.
• If there are hazardous substances involved.
• If there has been an explosion.
• If there has been a secondary attack/explosion.
If there is one indicator: Respond with a heightened level of awareness.
Change normal response route.
If there are multiple indicators:
Initiate response operations with extreme caution.
2. Be alert for actions against responders.
3. Evaluate and implement personal protective measures.
Consider the need for maximum respiratory protection.
Special Notes:
1. Approach cautiously, from uphill/upwind if possible. Consider law
enforcement escort.
2. Avoid choke points. Consider possible routes for rapid egress. Identify
safe staging area for incoming units.
3. Establish incident command with consideration that a unified incident
command will be formed as other agency representatives arrive.
4. Evaluate Scene for safety/security. Stage incoming units based on this
evaluation. Consider secondary devices.
5. Gather information regarding the incident; number of victims, type of
hazard, etc.
6
1.
Baker Fire Department
Begin operations as the situation dictates/permits. Assign incident command positions as needed, (sectors,
rehab, etc.) using appropriate self protective measures as follows:
• Proper personal protective equipment.
• Time, distance, and shielding.
• Minimize number of personnel exposed to danger.
• Establish water supply for suppression/decontamination activities.
Ensure that communications notifies appropriate agencies of incident.
Request additional resources if needed.
Initiate public safety measures as follows:
• Rescue
• Shelter in place
• Evacuate
Control and isolate victims. (Away from the hazard at the edge of the hot/warm zone.)
Begin or assist with triage.
Begin or assist with decontamination procedures.
7
Baker Fire Department
HAZARDOUS Materials
Using the Emergency Response Guide Book (ERG)
Yellow Pages: DOT Number (Number on placard)
Blue Pages: Chemical (Product name)
Green Pages: Evacuation and isolation distances
Spills of gasoline or diesel fuel - When responding to gasoline or diesel spills it is important to determine the
amount of product you have at the incident. The reportable quantity for Gasoline or diesel fuel is one barrel (42
gallons) for discharge on land and any that discharges into a navigable waterway (Mississippi River, Amite
River, etc). These amounts require the Fire Department to notify other agencies. Baton Rouge Haz Mat should
be requested by the responding unit at the scene if the quantity is a reportable quantity.
Spills of Transformer Oil - State environmental officials have questioned the safety of transformer oil due to
the fact they may contain PCB’s. Therefore, upon dispatch to any incident where transformer has spilled onto
the ground the Has Mat Unit should be notified so that they can coordinate with state environmental officials.
The spilled oil should be secured with earthen dykes to the smallest possible area to prevent
runoff.
Natural Gas
8
Baker Fire Department
MARK 1 Auto Injector Protocol:
The following are "Signs and Symptoms" for the use of the MARK 1 Auto-Injector:
Use in the event of a know exposure to a nerve agent:
MILD: Unexplained runny nose, sudden headache, dizziness, excessive drooling, and tightness in the chest,
muscular twitching of exposed skin, stomach cramps, nausea, and blurring of vision.
SEVERE: Strange and confused behavior, wheezing, coughing, and gurgling sounds when breathing, severely
pinpointed pupils, redness to the eyes with tearing, vomiting, severe muscular twitching (spasms), loss of
bladder and bowel control, convulsion (seizure activity) unconsciousness, respiratory failure.
These kits are to be used only on you (self-administration). If other individuals are presenting signs and
symptoms of exposure EMS should be advised so they can diagnose and treat.
USE PROCEDURES:
1. Remove one MARK 1 injector kit from case. Hold the injector set with one hand
allowing the smaller injector to be on the bottom. (Atropine)
2. Remove the small injector (Atropine) from the kit first. Place your thumb on the white end.
3. Position the needle (green end) against your outer thigh area and apply firm even pressure
until needle is triggered. Hold the injector firmly in place for 10 seconds.
4. Carefully remove the injector from thigh and discard in safe matter.
5. Remove the large injector (2 PAM Chloride) from kit at this time. Remove the safety cap and
repeat the same steps as above.
6. Report to EMS personnel the number of and time of auto-injections.
WARNING:
If within 5-10 minutes after administration of the first set of injectors, your heart beats very quickly and your
mouth becomes very dry, DO NOT INJECT A SECOND MARK 1 KIT.
If mild symptoms persist after 10 to 15 minutes, have EMS or self-administer a second Atropine injection from
a MARK 1 kit.
If you have a sudden onset of severe signs and symptoms of exposure you are to give yourself a MAXIMUM
OF 3 MARK 1 Atropine injections immediately and seek further medical attention.
SEEK FURTHER MEDICAL ATTENTION AT ANY TIME THESE KITS ARE USED.
9
Baker Fire Department
Rescue incidents
Rescue Basics
Primary and Secondary Searches are mandatory on all known occupied structures. (When fire involvement
allows)
Start search near fire, coordinate with fire attack.
Results of both searches should be verbalized over the radio for Command and documentation purposes.
10
Baker Fire Department
Fire Attack Basics
Calculations for Required Water Flow: 100% Involvement
For a whole Building/ Structure or a single compartment within a building/structure:
Length x Width / 3 = GPM
Other calculations:
Light Fire Load
10
GPM per 100 sq. ft
Medium Fire Load 20
GPM per 100 sq. ft
Heavy Fire Load
30
to 50 GPM per 100 sq. ft
Basic Rules:
A. Do not divert the flow of the fire. If it wants out, let it out.
B. Do not push fire back through windows, doors, vent holes, or eves/soffits.
C. Attack from the unburned area, even when it may take a little longer to put water on
the fire.
Generally a fire stream will extinguish the amount of fire it is capable of extinguishing in 30 seconds to a
minute. If the fire is not going out, you must change your strategy. More water, ventilation, etc.
Switching plans is always an option. It also shows that you are thinking and taking action, not just reacting.
11
Baker Fire Department
Law Enforcement, State Laws and City of Baker Ordinances
Requesting LE Assistance
If LE Assistance is needed and Baker Police Department have no available units, an E.B.R.S.O. Unit can be
requested.
LRS 14:332 Interference with medical treatment
A. Interference with medical treatment is the intentional and willful interference with a physician,
physician's trained assistant, nurse, nurse's aide, paramedic, emergency medical technician, or other medical or
hospital personnel in the performance of their duties relating to the care and treatment of patients in any
hospital, clinic, other medical facility, or at the scene of a medical emergency.
B. Whoever violates the provisions of this Section shall be fined not less than one hundred dollars or
more than two hundred and fifty dollars upon conviction of a first offense, and not less than two hundred fifty
dollars or more than five hundred dollars or ten days in jail or both upon conviction of any subsequent offense.
Added by Acts 1979, No. 497, §1. Acts 1984, No. 723, §1.
Sec. 4:52. Interference with police officer, emergency medical technician, or firefighter.
It shall be unlawful for any person to interfere with the or any member of the police force or any emergency
medical technician or any firefighter in the discharge of his duties by abuse, force or threatening language, or in
screening from him the object of his search or purpose.
(City Code 1951, Title 4, § 53; Ord. No. 7960, § 1, 8-28-85)
Cross references: Similar provisions, § 13:108.2
Fire Ground Command Authorities
EBRP Code
Sec. 5:76. Fire trucks, etc., to have right-of-way.(Parish)
Fire engines and equipment, in travelling to a fire call, shall have the right-of-way over all other traffic in the use of the
roads, highways and streets in the parish, outside the limits of the city. (Parish Code 1962, Title 5, § 75)
Sec. 5:90. Use of water from private source--Authorized.
The chief of the fire department or his authorized representative is hereby authorized to use water from private swimming
pools, ponds, lakes, streams or any other private body or reservoir of water when it is deemed necessary to use such water
to attempt to save life and property threatened by fire.
12
Baker Fire Department
LRS 33:1971 Fire ground authority
A.(1) When a situation develops which requires the services of and is responded to by the members of a fire
department subject to this Subpart as provided in R.S. 33:1961, of a volunteer fire department, or of any other
fire department, then the ranking fire protection or fire prevention officer from that jurisdiction dispatched to
the scene shall have the sole authority, command, and control of all fire safety personnel and of all persons
within the boundaries as described in Subsection B of this Section. However, in the event that the situation is a
forest fire, grass fire, or other wildland fire that would come within the jurisdiction of the Louisiana Department
of Agriculture and Forestry, office of forestry, then the ranking forestry officer on the scene shall establish a
unified command of equal authority with the ranking fire department officer on the scene to abate the incident.
This authority, command, and control shall not in any manner restrict the authority of law enforcement officers
in the performance of their duties at any scene. This authority, command, and control shall be known as the fire
ground authority.
(2) For purposes of this Section, "that jurisdiction" shall mean the fire department jurisdiction
in which the situation requiring services is located.
B. The boundaries of such fire ground authority, command, and control shall extend to the perimeters of
the zone of danger, which zone shall be determined by the ranking fire protection or fire prevention
officer and the chief law enforcement officer at the scene from that jurisdiction.
C. Defiance or violation of this authority, command, and control shall constitute fire fighting
interference and shall be punishable in conformance with R.S. 14:206.
Added by Acts 1979, No. 770, §1; Acts 2001, No. 1108, §1
EBRP Code
Sec. 11:267. Following fire apparatus prohibited.
The driver of any vehicle other than one on official business shall not follow any fire apparatus traveling in
response to a fire alarm closer than five hundred (500) feet or drive into or park such vehicle within the block
where the fire apparatus has stopped in answer to a fire alarm.
Cross references: Fire protection, title 5.
State law references: Similar provisions, R.S. 32:286.
Sec. 11:268. Crossing fire hose.
No vehicle shall be driven over any unprotected hose of a fire department when laid down on any street, private
road or driveway to be used at any fire or alarm of fire, without the consent of the fire department official in
command.
Cross references: Fire protection, title 5.
State law references: Similar provisions, R.S. 32:287.
Sec. 5:106. Driving across fire hose, etc.
It shall be unlawful to drive any vehicle of whatever kind or character across the hose line or any other firefighting equipment, or to interfere with or damage the same while such hose or equipment is in use. Any person
who violates the provisions of section 5:105 shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined not less than
one hundred dollars ($100.00), or imprisoned for not more than fifteen (15) days, or both.
(Ord. No. 11723, § 7, 4-26-00)
13
Baker Fire Department
FALSE ALARMS
Sec. 5:1. False alarms.(City)
(a) No person shall deliberately or maliciously turn in an alarm of fire when in fact that person/persons know
that no fire exists.
(b) No person shall render any portable or fixed fire extinguisher system or device of any fire warning system
inoperative or inaccessible except as necessary during emergencies, maintenance, drills, or prescribed testing.
(c) No person shall render a system or device inoperative during an emergency unless by direction of the
incident commander.
(d) Any person who violates these provisions of Section 5:1 shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be
fined not less than one hundred dollars ($100.00) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500.00), or imprisoned
for not more than thirty (30) days, or both, at the discretion of the court.
(City Code 1951, Title 5, §§ 1, 2; Ord. No. 11723, § 1, 4-26-00)
Division 3 OUTDOOR BURNING
Ord. No. 1998-29
Sec. 11-71 Outdoor burning prohibited.
No person shall cause or allow the outdoor burning of waste material or other combustible material on any
property owned by him or under his control, except as provided in this division.
(Ord. no. 1998-29 1, 12-8-98)
Sec. 11-72. Exceptions to prohibition against outdoor burning.
It is the intent of this section to restrict but not reject open burning within the city under certain prescribed
conditions. Notwithstanding any provision or provisions of this part to the contrary, the following provisions of
section 11 of the Louisiana Environmental Control Commission Air Quality Regulations, as amended through
September 20, 1982, are hereby adopted:
It is the purpose of this section to control outdoor burning of waste or other combustible material to prevent
undesirable levels of air contaminants in the atmosphere.
Outdoor burning of waste material or other combustible material may be conducted in the situations
enumerated below if no public nuisance is or will be created and if the burning is not prohibited by and is
conducted in compliance with other applicable laws and with regulations and orders of governmental
entities having jurisdiction, including air control regulations and orders. The authority to conduct
outdoor burning under this regulation does not exempt or excuse the person responsible from the
consequences of or the damages or injuries resulting from the burning.
1. Outdoor burning in connection with the preparation of food.
2. Campfires and fires used solely for recreational purposes or for ceremonial occasions.
3. Fires purposely set to forest lands for a specific forest management purpose in accordance
with practices acceptable to the Louisiana Forestry Commission.
4. Fires purposely set on agricultural lands for a specific management purpose in accordance
with practices acceptable to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture.
5. Outdoor burning in a rural park or rural recreation area of trees, brush, grass and other
vegetable matter for game management purposes in accordance with practices acceptable to
Louisiana Parks and Recreation Commission and Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries
6. Small fires, by tradesmen and contractors, in such activities as street repair, installation or
repair of sewer, water, electric, telephone mains, and services.
7. The operation of contrivances using open flames such as
welding torches, blow torches, portable heaters, and other flame-making devices.
14
Baker Fire Department
8. Outdoor burning, in other than rural park or rural recreation area, of trees, brush, grass, and
other matter from such area in land-clearing and right-of-way maintenance operations if the
following conditions are met:
(a) Prevailing winds at the time of the burning must be away from any city or town, the
Ambient air of which may be affected by smoke from the burning;
(b) The location of the burning must be at least one thousand (1,000) feet (305 meters)
from any Dwelling other than a dwelling or structure located on the property on which
the burning is conducted;
(c) Care must be used to minimize the amount of dirt on the material being burned;
(d) Heavy oils, asphaltic materials, items containing natural or synthetic rubber, or any
materials other than plan [plant] growth which produce unreasonable amounts of smoke
may not be burned; nor may these substances be used to start a fire;
(e) The burning may be conducted only between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.; piles
of combustible material should be of such size to allow complete reduction in
this time interval;
(f) The burning must be controlled so that a traffic hazard is not created.
(g) The burning shall not be conducted unless an able bodied adult is continuously present
at the site of the Burn.
9. Fire purposely set as a part of an organized program of drills for the training of fire-fighting
Personnel or for testing fire-fighting materials or equipment if the following conditions are
met:
(a) The duration of the burning held to the minimum required for such purposes;
(b) The burning is conducted only between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.;
10. Special situations approval for exemption by the Chief of the City of Baker Fire Department
prior to Initiation of burning operation:
(a) Experimental burning for purposes of data gathering and research.
(b) Nonrecurring, unusual circumstances or any condition not covered above.
11. Traffic hazards prohibited. The emission of smoke, suspended particulate matter or
uncombined water or any air contaminants or combinations thereof which passes onto or
across a public road and creates a traffic hazard by impairment of visibility or intensities an
existing traffic hazard condition is prohibited.
12. Exclusion from application of this section. Outdoor burning pursuant to and in compliance with the terms
of a variance granted by the Department of Environmental Quality is excluded from the application of this
section.
Sec. 11-73 Permits and Fees
No person shall conduct a burning under the exceptional situations enumerated in section 11-72 above without
obtaining a permit and a fee if applicable
(1) Procedure:
a. An application for and outdoor burning permit setting forth the date or dates, location, procedure to be used
and the purpose of the burn, together with any additional information needed to evaluate and quantify and
classify the burn shall be submitted to the Chief of the City of Baker Fire Department, or his designee, for
evaluation and approval. The Chief of the City of Baker Fire Department, or his designee, may fix or establish
rules, regulations, requirements, procedures or Controls, as necessary for safety purposes, either as general rules
and regulations or on a case by case or applicant basis.
b. The Chief of the City of Baker Fire Department or his designee shall approve or deny the
application for outdoor burning permit within seven days of receipt of the application. The
outdoor burning permit shall be issued by the Fire Department and any fees shall be collected
by the City of Baker Finance Department.
15
Baker Fire Department
c. The Chief of the City of Baker Fire Department or his designee shall inspect the burn site daily during the
period of burning for compliance.
(2) Fees:
The applicant for an outdoor burning permit shall pay to the Finance Department of the City of Baker a fee for
processing and issuance of the permit and a daily inspection fee for each day that
The burning is to be conducted.
Sec. 4-16 Chief’s duties - Arson Investigation
The Fire Chief shall direct and be responsible for fire prevention; fire extinguishment and salvage operations;
inspections and recommendations concerning the fire code of the city; investigations of fires and their causes;
and the conduct of fire safety and prevention programs.
(1) The fire investigation/arson division of the fire department shall investigate the cause, origin
and circumstances of any fire inside the city or parish when:
(a.) The initial fire crew cannot make a determination as to the cause of said fire;
(b.) If an investigator is requested;
(c.) All fires involving loss of life or injury to persons or by which property has been destroyed or damaged
and;
(d.) At the request of the incident commander of a parish fire department.
The investigator on duty, so far as possible, shall determine whether the fire is the result of carelessness or
design. Such investigations shall be begun by the investigator on duty immediately upon the occurrence of such
a fire, and if it appears to the investigator that such fire is of incendiary origin, that investigator shall take charge
immediately of the fire scene, and secure all evidence and gather facts related to said fire.
The chief of fire prevention shall notify the chief of the department of all fire investigations and the result of
prosecution or conviction. Every investigation shall be reported in writing to the chief within two (2) days after
the occurrence of same. The report shall be in such form as shall be prescribed by the chief of the department,
and shall contain a statement of all the facts relating to the cause, origin and circumstances of such fire, injury to
persons, extent of damage thereof, the insurance upon such property, follow up investigations, arrest reports,
and such other information as may be required.
(2.) Authority to make arrest and carry firearms. The chief fire investigator, assistant chief fire investigator,
and fire investigators when commissioned by the sheriff of the parish or the chief of police of the city of Baker,
while engaged in the performance of their duties, shall carry their departmental issued weapon at all times while
on duty, and shall have the power to arrest individuals suspected of having violated the following criminal
laws:
(1) R.S. 14:51, Aggravated arson;
(2) R.S. 14:52, Simple arson;
(3) R.S. 14:53, Arson with intent to defraud;
(4) R.S. 14:54, Placing combustible material;
(5) R.S. 14:42.1, Communicating false information of planned arson;
(6) R.S. 14:54.2, Manufacture and possession of delayed incendiary devices;
(7) R.S. 14:54.3, Manufacture and possession of a bomb;
(8) R.S. 14:54.5, Fake explosive devices;
(9) R.S. 14:59(2), Criminal mischief relating to the giving of any false alarm of fire;
(10) R.S. 14:204, Fire-raising on lands of another by criminal negligence;
(11) R.S. 14:205, Fire-raising on lands of another with malice;
(12) R.S. 14:206, Fire prevention interference;
(13) R.S. 14:327, Obstructing a fireman;
16
Baker Fire Department
(14) R.S. 22:1243, Insurance fraud;
(15) R.S. 22:1244, Insurance fraud;
(16) Title 5 City Ordinance, section 5:35, Misdemeanor summons for control of air pollution from outdoor
burning (open burning);
(17) Any other criminal laws making unlawful an attempt or conspiracy to commit the foregoing offenses.
(c) Warrants and subpoenas. The fire investigator along with Baker P.D. shall execute arrest warrants, search
warrants, and subpoenas in the performance of their duties.
(d) Assistance from other agencies. The city/parish attorney, police department, or any local, state, and
federal agency upon request by the fire chief may be allowed to assist the investigator in the investigation of
any fire which, in their opinion, is of incendiary nature.
17
Baker Fire Department
Call Outs/Special Needs/Misc.
Fire Prevention:
Fire Prevention will be called out at the following times involving automatic sprinkler systems:
a. Any time a sprinkler or standpipe system is activated for any reason.
b. Anytime a sprinkler or standpipe is shut down.
c. Anytime a standpipe or sprinkler system fails to operate properly
d. The same criterion applies to any automatic fire suppression system
c. Fire Prevention should also be called if partial damage to a commercial building would not
necessarily close the business temporarily, but would if it remains open, put the building in
compliance with fire codes.
Chapter 11 FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION
DIVISION 1 – Sec. 24-206. Fire lanes
Ord. No. 1984-13
(a) Definition. For purposes of this section, “fire lane” shall mean any area officially designated as such by the city
council, when such area has been outlined in red paint or marking and contains the designation “ fire lane.”
(b) Procedure for designation. The city council shall appoint a fire lane committee consisting of the fire chief, the chief
of police and the building inspector, who shall thereafter conduct a physical survey of all commercial buildings and
establishments located within the city. The committee shall establish and designate the exact locations of fire lanes,
having taken into consideration the requirements of public safety, health and welfare of all persons entering or leaving
such commercial businesses and the immediate environs thereof, together with the ingress or egress of fire, police and
other emergency vehicles and equipment there from.
(c). Marking and signs. All Fires lanes shall have marked, painted or otherwise colored stripes, in red, and of a
minimum width of four inches, denoting or locating the perimeter boundaries of the fire lane or curbs, sidewalks and
traffic surfaces with a minimum of one four-inch wide diagonal stripe across the fire lane. There shall be freestanding
vertical signs, of a minimum size of 18 by 12 inches , or surface markings, in letters of a minimum of ten-inch block,
spelling the words “ Fire Lane- No Parking.” There shall be a minimum of one such sign or surface marking for each fire
lane, or for each 25 linear feet of fire line in the case of larger or longer fire lanes.
(d). Stopping, standing or parking in fire lanes prohibited. No person shall stop, stand or park a motor vehicle, except
in compliance with law or the directions of the police officer, within a fire lane as designated by the city council, when the
fire lane has been outlined in red paint or marking and contains the designation “fire lane.”
(e) Penalty for unlawful parking. Any person violating any provisions of subsection (d) of this section shall have the
right to pay a fine of $20.00 and administrative cost of $5.00 without the necessity of the accused appearing in open court,
conditioned upon the fine and administrative cost being paid by the accused within ten days of the date of the commission
of the violation. Any person violating any provision of this subsection(d) of this section and not having paid the fine and
administrative cost within ten days of the date of the commission of the violation shall, upon conviction before the city
court, be fined a minimum of $20.00 and a maximum of $100.00, or be sentenced to 30 days in jail, or both, such fine and
imprisonment to be at the discretion of the court.
(f) duty to mark fire lanes and erect signs. It shall be the responsibility of the owners, tenants and/or operators of
shopping centers and other commercial and/or industrial properties, as well as any other property being used for a
commercial or industrial purpose, and similar facilities, to pay for, erect and maintain suitable signs notifying everyone
that there shall be no parking within the specified for lane area, and to mark and maintain with red paint or marking on the
curbs and pavements the fire lane or fire zone, clearly delineating the boundaries of the fire lane or fire zone as detailed in
subsection (c) of this section. The signs and/or markings shall be completed before an occupancy permit is granted,
within 30 days of construction or reopening of a commercial or industrial property which has been closed for business
during transfer of ownership, or within 30 days after notice of deficiency or violation by the fire marshal of the city.
18
Baker Fire Department
(g) Penalty for failure to mark fire lanes and erect signs. Violation of subsection (f) of this section shall constitute a
misdemeanor violation which shall be punishable by a fine of $ 500.00, and shall further subject the violator to
administrative action up to and including revocation of the occupational license and building occupancy permit.
ARTICLE 11. FIRE PREVENTION CODE
DIVISION 1. GENERALLY
Sec.11 - 31 Uniform Fire Code adopted; violation.
(a) There is hereby adopted, for the purpose of prescribing regulations governing conditions hazardous to life and property
from fire or explosion, that certain code known as the 2006 Edition of NFPA 1, Uniform Fire Code, and as same may be
hereinafter amended, and documents listed in chapter 2 of that code, National Fire Protection Association Inc.. prescribing
regulations governing conditions hazardous to life and property. This shall include all appendixes except appendix C and
save and except such portions thereof as may be deleted as part of code for the city. Not less than three copies of such
code have been and shall be hereinafter kept on file in the office of the council clerk, and the same is hereby adopted and
incorporated as fully as if set out herein.
(b) It shall be unlawful to conduct any business, perform any act, repair or construct any building, structure or vehicle or
transport or handle any product or material for which a permit is required by the provisions of the NFPA Uniform Fire
Code without having first secured a permit therefore, or in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter.
(c) Violation of this section shall be construed as a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punishable by a fine of no
less than $100.00 nor more than $500.00, or up to 30 days in jail, or both.
Sec. 11-33. Enforcement; division of fire prevention
(a) The fire prevention code shall be enforced by the bureau of fire prevention in the department of fire, which is hereby
established and which shall be operated under the supervision of the fire chief.
(b) The fire chief may detail such members of the department of fire as inspectors as shall from time to time be necessary.
The fire chief may recommend to the city council the employment of technical inspectors, who when such authorization is
made, shall be selected through an examination to determine their fitness for the position. The examination shall be open
to members and non members of the department of fire, and appointments made after examination shall be for an
indefinite term with removal only for cause.
(c) A report of the bureau of fire prevention shall be made annually and transmitted to the mayor. It shall contain all
proceedings under the fire prevention code, with such statistics as the fire chief may wish to include herein. The fire chief
shall also recommend any amendments to the code which, in his judgment, shall be desirable.
19
Baker Fire Department
Pre-Fire Planning/ Pre-Incident Planning
As a minimum the following items should be noted on all pre-fire plans
for high-rise buildings:
1. When can you expect the building to be occupied?
a. How many occupants
b. Location of occupants
c. Age and condition of occupants
d. Does the building have an evacuation plan?
2. Door key locations (stairwell doors, office and rooms)
3. Location of hose cabinets (outlets’ size and thread type)
4. Has standpipe system been checked by a qualified agency and any debris flushed out?
Dry system checked for open valves?
5. Location of standpipe/sprinkler Siamese connections?
6. Areas serviced by standpipe/sprinkler systems
7. Floor by floor layout.
8. Is a knowledgeable, capable building engineer available?
When? & Where?
9. Air handling systems – Area service by, on/off switched, smoke evacuation capabilities, etc.?
10. How can ventilation best be accomplished?
11. Are windows operable? Type of glass?
12. Where can windows be broken to accomplish ventilation and avoid areas above the entrance
to the building and above the Siamese connections?
Building Assessment
Date of Assessment: ____/____/______
Building/Business Name:_______________________
Address:_________________________________
Manager’s/Building Engineer Point of Contact__________________________
P.O.C. Phone Number___________Emergency No._______________
Building Owners Name__________________Owner’s Phone No._________
Prepared By:__________________________
20
Baker Fire Department
Building Construction:








Preplan information:
Current Plot Plan (At a minimum)
Overview of building and surrounds
Water cut off
Gas Cutoff
Electrical Cutoff
Exposures
Hydrants
Fire Department Connections


Review Buildings Emergency Plan
Evacuations routes
Employee roles and responsibilities
(Obtain copies if available)









Preplan information:
Current Floor Plan (At a minimum)
Standpipes
Staircases w/stand pipes
Roof access
HVAC Controls
Elevator Controls
Emergency Generators/Power
Alarm systems/ Fire Detection Systems
Emergency Fire Pumps/Suppression Systems




Life Safety Concerns:
Building Primary Hours of Operation
Normal Occupancy load
Occupancy Load during off hours
Occupants with special needs
Construction Type___________________




Building Systems:
Work off of emergency power
Sprinkler locations and capabilities
Standpipe locations and capabilities
Fire Detection Systems Control Room/Panel





Utilities:
Heating Type
Elect. Main and Breaker Shutoff Location(s)
Gas Shutoff Location
High Voltage Equipment location
Gas Equipment Location
[Fire Resistant, Non-combustible, Structural Steel, Ordinary, Heavy Timber, Wood frame]
Roof Type____________________
[Truss roof, Bowstring, Flat Roof, Slab Roof, Pitched Roof]
Building Build Date/or Approx. Age_________Renovation Date__________
Building Access Locations:
A-side:
B-side:
C-side
D-side
[Number and type of access points]
Key box locations





Fire Extension Avenues:
HVAC
Drop Ceilings
Electrical conduit shafts
Mail shafts
Pipe shafts






Terminology
Division- Level or Floor
Sector- Area/Location
A-Side- Side facing street address
B-Side- Left hand side of structure
C-Side- Rear of structure
D-Side- Right hand side of structure
21
Baker Fire Department
Location of areas, not accessible from main entryways
Security Devices
[Roll down gates, non-breakable glass, burglar bars, magnetic locking doors, etc]
Type of Doors
[Solid Core Wood, Steel, Glass, Roll up]
Type of Windows:
[Plate Glass, Hurricane, Open able, etc]
No. of Stairwells (hotel):
List Stairs Identify Stairwells leading to Roof ( if
applicable):
No. of Floors:
Total Building Sq. Feet:
Which floors are accessible:
Average Floor Sq. Feet:
Number of Elevators:
Identify areas with limited access and egress (dead ends):
Void spaces in between floors or in attic:
False ceilings or drop ceilings:
Do sprinklers protect area above ceiling:
Fire detection systems coverage above ceilings:
Describe any mantraps:
Basement level(s)
Access and egress:
Confined Spaces
22
Baker Fire Department
Exposures
Number of A-side Exposures
Number of B-side Exposures
Number of C-side Exposures
Number of D-side Exposures
Distance to each
Distance to each
Distance to each
Distance to each
Sprinkler, Suppression and Standpipe Systems:
Fire Department Connections Location(s):
Standpipe FD Connect Location:
Standpipe Discharge Location:
System Type:
Sprinkler/standpipe comb system:
Sprinkler Shutoff Location:
Fire Pump Location:
Segregated:
Capacity:
Activation/Control Location:
Alarm system indicators:
[Water gong, flow indicator, etc]
Name of Sprinkler Company:
Phone No.:
Name of Fire Suppression System Company:
Phone No.:
Ventilation
HVAC Controls Location
Location of windows that open on upper floors
Location of smoke evacuation points
[Elevator Shafts, Opening Windows, Stairways, HVAC systems]
Special Hazards and Considerations
Hazardous Material Type
Quantity
Hazardous Material Locations
Areas with High Fire Potential
[Large fire load, grease trap vents, etc]
Loss Control/ Salvage Considerations
Areas of high value assets:
Basements/Oil change pits:
23
Baker Fire Department
Rapid Intervention Company Tactical Operation
Respond as directed by the Incident Commander to the last reported work area of the
firefighter/crew.
Monitor the same radio communications fire ground the lost firefighter/crew was assigned to.
SCBA on airtime shall be reported to the Incident Commander (face piece donned).
Look for evidence of lost firefighter/crew.
Listen for evidence of lost firefighter/crew.
Follow hose line of the lost firefighter/crew.
Establish a safe zone within the structure.
Search the hallways and exterior walls.
Frequently report progress, search areas completed, and location of rescue team to the Incident Commander.
Tactical Priorities (AWARE)
I. Air – provide the victim(s) with an additional air supply
II. Water – create a defendable space with water by dedicating a hose line.
(“Meeting the first two needs could provide additional extrication time”.)
III. A Radio – provide a radio to the victim(s).
IV. Extrication – remove the victim from the hazard zone.
Any report of a “MAY-DAY” will receive priority radio traffic on all tactical channels.
All companies and personnel must immediately clear and monitor these channels to allow the affected parties to
give their identity, location, and situation. Consider moving fire ground operations to Tactical Channel.
Use Lunar to assess trapped Firefighter if radio
L - location
U - unit
N - name
A - assignment ( job at the time)
R - resources ( what do you need)
24
Baker Fire Department
Command Responsibilities for RIC Activation
Check
TASK
Emergency Traffic Declaration
Request emergency tone over radio
Immediately Request Additional Alarms
Move Fire Ground Activities to another channel
Immediately Initiate Accountability PAR's
Commit RIC
Change Plan to a High Priority Rescue Effort
Withdraw Companies from Affected Area (If Needed)
Reinforce Firefighting Positions
Assign Chief Officer to Rescue Group and RIC
Consider Assigning a Safety Group
Expand Command Organization
Special Call Additional Chief Officers (Off-Duty, If Needed)
Ensure all doors are opened/unlocked
Control Utilities
Ventilate, Maintain Tenability
Provide Lighting
Closely Coordinate and Control Search Efforts
Special Call USAR and HazMat (If needed)
Ensure Rescue Crews Take SCBA's and Tools into Search Area
Watch for Structural Stability
Maintain Strong Supervision and Control of Crews
Control the Media
Activate CISM
Ensure Dispatch is Monitoring all Radio Channels
Command Post to Monitor Talk Around Tactical channels
Comments:
25
Baker Fire Department
Accountability
Company Officer:
Company Officers shall be responsible for the accountability of each crew member assigned to his company.
Company Officers are responsible for maintaining a diligent awareness of the
location and condition of all their members in the Hazard Zone by direct visual
contact (within a five- second travel distance), direct voice contact (face to face), by
physical means such as touch, or the use of a safety, guide rope.
Radio contact is not an acceptable substitute.
The Company Officer must know where each of his crew members is operating at all times within the
perimeter of the fire ground.
During an incident, Company Officers are responsible for maintaining crew integrity at all times.
Par/Roll Call
The Personnel Accountability Report involves a roll call of all personnel operating at an
emergency incident.
The Incident Commander shall initiate a PAR under the following situations.
1. The report of a missing or trapped firefighter.
2. Before changing strategies from an interior attack to a defensive attack.
3. Any sudden hazardous event; Example - building collapse, flash over, explosion
4. At thirty minute intervals.
5. When the fire is reported "under control”
6. When search and rescue teams report an all clear upon completion of a search or rescue.
7. Complete evacuation of personnel from the hazard zone.
8. Accountability will conclude upon termination of the emergency scene.
Company/Section Officers should be prepared to report accountability information when the Incident
Commander initiates a PAR. (Officers must account for all personnel working under their supervision.)
a) Section Officers can initiate a PAR at any time for companies under their direct
supervision. The Company/Section Officer will respond by stating his company/section designation, and
whether his company/crew members are accounted for.
For the Company Officer, a PAR is a confirmation that members assigned to his crew are
visually or verbally accounted for.
Radio contact is not acceptable.
For the Section Officer, a PAR is an account of all units and crew members assigned to his section.
26
Baker Fire Department
Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport
1. Small aircraft procedures:
Alert 1: An aircraft is experiencing difficulty and the pilot requests emergency equipment standby.
Action: Baker Unit 222 will be notified
Alert 2: An airborne aircraft is experiencing difficulties that could affect a safe landing.
Action: Baker Fire and all volunteer stations are notified.
Alert 3: An aircraft is on fire, is about to crash or has crashed.
Action: Baker Fire and all volunteer stations will be dispatched. If scene is outside of airport appropriate
units will be dispatched.
2. Large aircraft procedures:
a. Alert 1, 2, or 3: Baker Unit 222 will be dispatched.
In case of an actual crash other units dispatched will be Training Officer on call and Chaplain.
c. All responding units shall report to the west ramp entrance next to the airport’s crash, fire, and rescue
building and await further instructions.
Baker Fire Department and Volunteer fire department duties are as follows:
a. Supply ARFF units with water
b. Begin search and rescue operations, moving victims to the triage area by stretcher
c. Direct walk away victims to triage area.
d. Relieve and supplement ARFF personnel performing ground operations.
27
Baker Fire Department
Baker Fire Department
Incident Command System
ICS MODEL
1 ALARM
INCIDENT
COMMAND
SAFETY
UNIT 226 D.C.
PUBLIC
INFORMATION
OFFICER
RED CROSS
LIASON
EMS
BAKER POLICE
ENGINE
221
FIRE
ATTACK
K
ENGINE 222
FIRE ATTACK
GROUP/DIVISION
AUTO
AID
ENGINE
28
REHAB
RESCUE/
RIC
Baker Fire Department
Baker Fire Department
ICS MODEL
LARGE INCIDENT
COMMAND DISTRICT CHIEF
ccccccccccccchiefCHIEF
SAFETY
SAFETY OFFICER
PIO
LIAISON
ADD. ARRIVING CHIEFS
RED CROSS
REHAB/STAGING
OPERATIONS
RIC TEAM
EMS/BAKER PD/DPW
UNIT 226
EMS BRANCH
EMS SUPERVISOR
MEDICAL UNIT
ENGINE 221
SEARCH/RESCUE
GROUP
ENGINE 222
VENTILATION
GROUP
DIVISION
AERIAL 225
DIVISION 1
MUTUAL AID
SEARCH/RESCUE
DIVISION 2
MUTUAL AID ENG
FIRE ATTACK
MUTUAL AID
SEARCH/RESCUE
29
Baker Fire Department
RESPONSIBILITIES OF COMMAND
Strong, direct, and visible COMMAND will be established as early as possible in the operation.
Command Must:
Establish an effective framework for activities and responsibilities.
Provide a system for the orderly transfer of COMMAND to subsequent arriving authorities.
COMMAND responsibilities.
1. Assess incident priorities.
2. Determine strategic goal(s).
3. Determine tactical objective(s).
4. Develop Incident Action Plan (IAP).
5. Develop appropriate organizational structure.
6. Manage incident resources.
7. Coordinate overall incident activities.
8. Ensure safety of on scene personnel.
9. Coordinate activities of outside agencies.
10. Authorize release of information to media.
Normal operating procedure.
1. The first-arriving Company Officer (CO), acting officer, or
otherwise senior individual on the first-arriving unit shall
be responsible for, and shall have the authority to exercise,
all COMMAND functions deemed reasonable and prudent
until such time as they are relieved by proper authority.
The first-arriving shall:
Perform a size up in accordance with the size up standard.
b. Determine the appropriate strategies and tactics.
c. Assign tactical objectives as required, including support.
d. Transmit the Brief Initial Report (BIR) in accordance with the BIR standard.
e. Determine the need for assistance and request such assistance as necessary.
Addressing the Command Function.
Passing COMMAND.
May only be done by the first-arriving CO, acting officer, or otherwise senior individual on the first-arriving
unit.
May be done only after all other necessary COMMAND functions have been completed according to the BIR
format.
Shall be the result of a conscious decision by the CO or acting officer that they must necessarily commit
themselves to a tactical objective and, therefore, cannot be in an
appropriate position to adequately manage the incident.
When COMMAND is passed, the next-arriving unit must report to the scene to assume COMMAND.
Assuming COMMAND is the result of a conscious decision by the CO or acting officer in the first-arriving unit
that the incident requires immediate command and control or that there are sufficient resources available to
30
Baker Fire Department
adequately handle the necessary tactical objectives. In this situation the IC must remain in a position to
appropriately manage the incident.
Must be done by the CO or acting officer in the next arriving unit if COMMAND was passed by the first
arriving CO or acting officer.
May be done by the CO or acting officer in the first arriving unit if, after having already passed COMMAND,
decides that assuming COMMAND is now warranted as a
result of changes in the situation.
Considerations for passing/assuming COMMAND.
1. Size and extent of the incident.
a. Small or less complex incidents where your immediate assistance in a tactical operation would have a
positive impact on the outcome might indicate the need to PASS COMMAND. Ex: Room and contents fire; a
limited number of persons trapped; etc.
b. Investigating where the status reported is nothing evident. This constitutes a tactical objective that might
place you in an inappropriate position to adequately manage the incident should something go wrong.
PASSING COMMAND may be appropriate.
c. The magnitude or type of incident may require immediate command and control of resources. Ex: Significant
haz-mat incidents; structure fires requiring resources beyond the first-alarm assignment; many persons trapped
or a large-scale evacuation; mass-casualty incidents, etc. Assuming COMMAND would be appropriate.
If senior authority is close at hand, PASSING COMMAND may be appropriate.
b. If senior authority will be significantly delayed, assuming COMMAND may be appropriate.
Transfer of COMMAND
The first officer to assume COMMAND shall retain COMMAND until formally relieved by a ranking officer.
Ranking officers shall have the discretionary authority to
relieve a subordinate officer of COMMAND. However, the senior officer present assumes responsibility
regardless of whether or not they assume COMMAND.
The IC shall brief the incoming individual as to:
a. The current situation.
b. Any injuries, loss of life, etc.
c. All current control efforts and the status of those efforts.
d. The anticipated course of the incident.
e. The location of on scene resources.
f. Any other information pertinent to the incident.
When the incoming individual is fully prepared to assume COMMAND, he or she shall then formally
relieve the current IC and reassign that individual as necessary.
All transfers of COMMAND shall be transmitted over the radio.
31
Baker Fire Department
32
Baker Fire Department
Brief Initial Report
A BIR shall be required on any and all incidents involving a response of multiple units,
regardless of the types of units. The following elements, in the specific order listed, shall be included in the
initial report of any and all incidents when such reports are required.
Remember C.A.N.
C onditions on arrival
A ctions you are taking
N eed that must be addressed.
EXAMPLES:
Multiple units responding to a single-story dwelling fire.
1. "Eng.-221 on scene."
Condition on Arrival: "Side A of a single-story, single-family dwelling." "Nothing showing."
Actions you are taking: "Eng.-221 is investigating."
Needs: “All units stage at (location)”
"Capt. – Eng.-221 is (passing/assuming) COMMAND."
Multiple units responding to a two-story dwelling fire.
"Eng.-221 on scene."
Condition on Arrival: "Side A of a two-story, single-family dwelling.” Fire showing on the first floor, persons
trapped on the second floor."
Actions you are taking: "Eng.-221 is making an interior attack on the fire through Side A."
Needs: "E-222 advance a line to the second floor, protect the stairs and confine the fire."
" other arriving engines advance a line to back up Eng.-221 on the 1st floor."
"Eng.-221 to Dispatch, send a 2nd Alarm set the location of Staging Area at (location)""Capt. – Eng.-221 is
(passing/assuming) COMMAND."
33
Baker Fire Department
BFD SOG
1. Unit ID arrived on location.
2. Location of unit in relation to the overall incident.
3. Description of situation found.
4. First unit's tactical assignment.
5. Other units' tactical assignment(s).
6. Request additional assistance if necessary and identify the Level II Staging Area.
7. Address the COMMAND function.
Size-UP
Based on Life, Incident Stabilization, and Property Conservation.
R
Make rescues
E
Protect exposures
C
Confine the fire
E
Extinguish
O
Overhaul
BFD SOG on Size UP and management of an Incident
FACTS (facts that the situation presents).
a. Time of the incident.
b. Location of the incident.
c. Nature of the incident.
d. Life hazards.
e. Exposures.
f. Buildings, areas involved.
g. Weather.
PROBABILITIES (predictions based upon the existing situation).
a. Life hazards.
b. Extent of the incident.
c. Explosion potential.
d. Collapse potential.
e. Weather changes.
OWN SITUATION (your resources and capabilities).
a. Personnel and equipment on scene.
b. Availability of additional resources.
c. Available water supply.
d. Appropriate strategic mode.
e. Actions already taken.
DECISION (result of your analysis of items 1, 2, and 3).
a. Determine strategy.
b. Evaluate tactical options.
c. Select tactics.
PLAN OF OPERATION.
a. Issue tactical assignments.
b. Coordinate activities.
c. Evaluate results
d. Alter activities as necessary.
34
Baker Fire Department
Short Cuts
(not absolute)
Black/Thick/Fast = heat and smoke explosive potential
Black/Thin/Fast = flame near
White w/Speed = hot – but fire is distant
Uniform speed/color (steady flow & light color) from many places = deep seated fire
Brown = unfinished wood being heated
Turbulent = Flashover
35
Baker Fire Department
36
Baker Fire Department
Brief Progress Report
A Brief Progress Report (BPR) is essential to any ongoing incident in that it keeps all
concerned parties abreast of a dynamic situation. It is designed to provide information
that:
1. Allows Dispatch latitude in filling vacant stations.
2. Updates duty chiefs.
3. Updates the Public Information Officer (PIO).
4. Permits continuous documentation of an ongoing incident.
A BPR shall be required on any and all incidents that initially required a BIR, except as
noted in the examples. The first BPR shall be transmitted at approximately 10 minutes
after the BIR. Thereafter, BPR's shall be transmitted at intervals deemed appropriate by
the IC, but in no case should an interval exceed 30 minutes. The BPR shall consist of the
following information:
1. Description of the current situation.
2. Description of current tactical objectives.
3. Status of resource needs.
4. Length of time holding units from first unit to the last unit.
An example cannot be provided for every type of situation. However, the ones provided should serve well to
illustrate the appropriateness of the format.
EXAMPLES:
Multiple units responding to a two-story dwelling fire.
"Eng.-221 to Dispatch"
1. "We are in an offensive mode and bringing the situation under control."
2. "Primary search has been completed and an interior attack is underway."
3. "No need for additional resources is anticipated."
4. "All units will be committed for about 1 hour."
Two units responding to a medical emergency in a structure.
Under normal conditions, no BPR is necessary. However, should the
incident escalate to bigger proportions, BPR's would become appropriate.
Multiple units responding to a high-rise building fire.
"Eng.-222 to Dispatch"
1. "Fire is contained on the fifth floor with heat damage on the sixth floor."
"All occupants have been evacuated with no injuries."
2. "An interior attack and ventilation on upper floors is underway."
3. "Two additional alarms will be needed for crew relief and rotation."
4. "Units will be committed for approximately 3 hours."
Multiple units responding to a rescue involving motor vehicles.
"Eng.-221 to Dispatch"
1. "Fire has been extinguished and all victims have been extricated."
2. (No information is necessary here.)
3. "No additional resources are required."
4. "All units except Eng. 222 will come available within 15 minutes."
37
Baker Fire Department
Multiple units responding to a haz-mat incident involving a motor
transport vehicle.
"Chief 226 to Dispatch"
1. "Extrication of one victim is progressing."
"Diking is underway but some product has gotten into Baker Canal."
"Spill containment will take about 1/2 hour."
2. "Diking efforts are underway to limit the exposure to Baker Canal."
"We are going to attempt to transfer the product to another vehicle."
3. "All units will be committed for a minimum of 2 hours."
Radio traffic directed to immediate supervisors should be limited as much
as practical to:
A. Announcing the completion of an assigned objective.
B. Announcing when an assigned objective cannot be met.
C. Announcing identified safety problems.
D. Announcing the need for additional resources to accomplish an assigned objective.
E. Announcing other emergency or absolutely necessary information.
4. Units shall not request that Dispatch relay information. Information shall
be communicated unit to unit.
5. The IC shall be responsible for canceling assignments or placing units available.
38
Baker Fire Department
Safety
Rules of Engagement
SAFETY SYSTEM
HAZARDS
•
•
•
•
•
•
 collapse
 toxic insult
 thermal insult
 getting trapped
 getting lost
Laws of Nature
IC
adequate
trained FF
PPE
tools/equipment/water
safety SOPs
IMS
Man made
Numerous
Limited in scope
and application
Risk vs. benefit:
Risk a lot to save a lot.
Life Hazards to our firefighters are acceptable if attempting to save a life
Risk little to save a little.
Be cautiously and conservative when saving property
Risk nothing to save nothing
Don’t risk our personnel for life or property which is beyond saving.
39
Baker Fire Department
40
Baker Fire Department
STAGING
The following policy addresses two Staging requirements;
Level I - the initial response involving multiple units
Level II - the response of multiple units beyond the initial response.
Level I Staging - Utilized by all responding units up to and including a full 1st alarm assignment regardless of
the type of incident.
A. First-arriving company report to the most appropriate position on scene to carry out the duties specified in
Responsibilities of COMMAND.
May catch the hydrant or direct second in company to do so. NOTE: Should only be done in situations
were the second in companies are in close proximity and certain to make it on-scene.
Level II Staging - Utilized by all responding units beyond the 1st Alarm assignment.
Level II Staging shall utilize an area suitable to park, organize, and coordinate the anticipated response of
additional resources.
COMMAND shall inform Dispatch of the designated location of the Level II Staging area.
The first unit commander arriving at the Level II Staging area, and without orders to the contrary, shall assume
Staging Area Manager.
Communications to and from the incident scene and the Level II Staging area shall be directly between
COMMAND/OPERATIONS and the Staging Area Manager.
Requests for assignment of units from staging shall be directed from COMMAND/OPERATIONS to the
Staging Area Manager.
41
Baker Fire Department
DIVIDING THE INCIDENT SCENE
For the purpose of coordinating operations, the following procedure shall be used when
geographically dividing an emergency incident.
Structures:
1. The exterior walls of any structure shall be designated as Divisions and shall be identified in
order by going clockwise beginning with Division A.
2. Division A shall be defined as that side containing the street address.
Under unusual circumstances, the IC may designate any side as Division
A. All other sides shall be identified in accordance with Item #1.
3. Exposures shall be identified by the side of the involved structure to which it is exposed. Ex:
The exposure facing Division C of an involved structure would be identified as Exposure C.
4. The interior floor area of a structure shall be know as a Division and shall be identified by its
floor number. Ex: The fifth floor of a structure would be identified as Division5. A singlestory structure would.
5. The roof shall be designated Roof Division.
6. The basement shall be designated Basement Division.
7. Unusual areas such as multiple subbasements, mezzanines, etc., shall be designated as
Divisions but may be identified at the IC's discretion.
8. Personnel assigned to supervise a geographic area shall be designated as, and identified by,
that geographic area. Ex: The supervisor of the fifth floor of a structure would be identified as
Division 5. The supervisor of the interior of a single-story structure would be identified as
Division 1.
42
Baker Fire Department
43
Baker Fire Department
Open Areas:
1. Geographic areas necessary to maintain command and control should be established using natural
dividing lines such as roads, creeks, railroad beds, etc., whenever possible.
2. These established areas shall be designated as Divisions and shall be identified alphabetically. Ex: A brush
fire divided into three separate areas of control would be designated Division A, Division B, and Division C.
3. Personnel assigned to supervise a geographic area shall be designated as, and identified by, that geographic
area. Ex: The supervisor of the fire area designated as Division A would be identified as Division A.
44
Baker Fire Department
45
Baker Fire Department
46
Baker Fire Department
Proper use ofClear Text
Plain Language is defined as: “communication that can be understood by the intended audience and meets the purpose of
the communicator.” The use of plain language in daily operations enhances the responder’s ability to support a mutual aid
event.
The use of plain language in emergency management and incident response:
 Is a matter of safety?
 Facilitates interoperability across agencies/organizations, jurisdictions and disciplines.
 Ensures that information dissemination is timely, clear, acknowledged and understood by all intended recipients.
Acknowledge
Address Check
Advise
Affirmative
At Scene
Available at Residence
Be Advised
Begin Tour
Can Handle
Confirm(ing)
Copy, Copies
Correct
Correction
Disregard
Do You Copy?
Emergency Traffic
Emergency Traffic Only
En Route
End Tour
Confirms that you understand the message.
Responding apparatus requesting that an address be repeated or the
calling party be contacted again to confirm the location.
“Give this message to…”
“Yes”
Used when Units arrive at the scene of an incident. Example: “Perris,
Engine 6183, at scene”.
Used by administrative or staff personnel to indicate they are
available and on-call at their residence.
Reflects the desire to make another party aware of specific
information.
Personnel or apparatus are on duty and ready.
Used with the amount of equipment needed to handle the incident.
Example: “Susanville Battalion 2212; can handle with units at scene”.
Verify the accuracy of the entire message that was just transmitted
and correct it if necessary.
Used to acknowledge message received. The Unit radio identifier also
must be used. Example: “Engine 2675, copies”.
What has just been transmitted is accurate.
An error was made in the previous radio transmission. The correct
version is…
Ignore the previous message/radio traffic.
Do you understand? Please acknowledge.
Term used to gain control of radio frequency to report an emergency.
All other radio users will refrain from using that frequency until
cleared for use by the communications center.
Radio users will confine all radio transmissions to the emergency in
progress or, if needed, to a new incident. Radio traffic related to status
information (such as reports on conditions, “responding,” “at scene”
and “available”) are authorized during this period.
Resources are heading to the incident.
Personnel or apparatus are off duty.
47
Baker Fire Department
Hold Traffic
In-Quarters
In-Service
Loud and Clear
Negative
Not Ready
Okay
On Location
Out
Out-of-Service
Over
Ready
Repeat
Respond
Responding
Response Check
Resume Normal Traffic
Return to
Returning
Stand By
Status Air
Stop Transmitting
Test Count
Uncovered
Understood
Unreadable
What is your Location?
All on-air personnel are to cease radio transmissions and traffic.
Apparatus has safely arrived at a station; if multiple pieces of
apparatus arrive in-quarters at once, one piece should transmit the
message: “All Station 10 apparatus in-quarters”.
Apparatus is mechanically sound, equipment is functional, and able to
respond; not synonymous with “ready.” Example: “Fortuna, Engine
1283, in-service, fire prevention inspections”.
The transmission is coming across loudly and clearly.
“No”
Apparatus is not ready to respond to an incident; not synonymous
with “out-of-service”.
Your message is received, understood, and will be complied with.
Apparatus or personnel have arrived at the scene of an incident,
stand-by or event.
Transmission is finished.
Apparatus is mechanically disabled or equipment is not functional,
and unable to respond to incidents; not synonymous with “not-ready.”
Example: “Auburn, transport 2341, out of service”. Note, when
repairs have been completed, the following phrase should be used:
“Auburn transport 2341, back”.
Information has been passed; waiting for reply.
Apparatus is ready to respond to an incident; not synonymous with
“in-service”.
Repeat your message. I did not understand it the first time.
Used during dispatch: proceed to or proceeding to an incident.
Example: “Engine 5176, respond”.
Given apparatus is responding to an event or incident. Example: “St.
Helena, Engine 1375 responding”.
Verbal inquiry initiated by dispatcher to check if apparatus is
responding to an incident.
Normal radio traffic may begin again.
Normally used by communications center to direct available units to a
station or other location.
Apparatus or personnel are leaving the scene of an incident; usually
used with terms “ready” or “not-ready”.
“Listen but do not transmit until directed to do so”.
Apparatus or personnel are away from an assigned location such as a
station, performing errands or other tasks.
Stop speaking over the radio.
Used for the purposes of testing a specific radio or the radio system
infrastructure; a five (5) count will be conducted twice: “1, 2, 3, 4,
5… 5, 4, 3, 2, 1”.
Indicates a unit is not in-service because there are no personnel to
operate it.
Your message is received, understood, and will be complied with.
Used when signal received is not clear. In most cases, try to add the
specific trouble. Example: “Unreadable, background noise”.
Where is the unit located?
48
Baker Fire Department
Baker Fire Department Radios and Channels
ZONE A TRUCK RADIO TEMPLATES FOR CAPTAINS
VDISP-1
MAIN TALK GROUP USED FOR UNIT MOVEMENT .
MONTORED AT ALL TIMES
VDISP-2
BACKUP TO VDISP-1
BK FG 1- TO BE USED ON ALL INCIDENTS. BAKER HAS ONE BUILDING THAT
REQUIRES DIFFERENT RADIO PROCEDURES AND THAT BUILDING
BETHANY WORLD PRAYER CENBTER. IF BETHANY IS A WORKING FIRE
THEN ITAC – 3 ON PORTABLES WILL BE USED.
BK FG 2 - ALTERNATE
BK FG 3 - ALTERNATE
BK FG 4 - ASSIGNED TO TRAINING TO CONDUCT DAILY BUSINESS AND
TRAINING EXERCISES.
FD HQ –
TALK AROUND
CTY WD – ALL BAKER CITY UNITS
RSP CRD – EMS HAILING ( ASK COMMUNICATIONS FOR A PATCH WITH EMS).
RSP CRD – EMS HAILING ( ASK COMMUNICATIONS FOR A PATCH WITH EMS).
RSP CRD – EMS HAILING ( ASK COMMUNICATIONS FOR A PATCH WITH EMS).
F DSP1 –
BATON ROUGE FIRE DISP.
S VFD BK – BAKER BACKUP TO BE USED FOR 800MG.
V DSP 1 – BAKER BACKUP TO BE USED FOR 800MG.
ITAC 3 TA - TO BE USED WITH PORTABLE RADIOS.
ITAC 4 TA - TO BE USED WITH PORTABLE RADIOS.
49
Baker Fire Department
ZONE B TRUCK RADIO TEMPLATES FOR CAPTAINS
RSP CRD - EMS HAILING ( ASK COMMUNICATIONS FOR A PATCH WITH EMS).
MT RSP 1 – TO BE USED FOR ALL MULTI –AGENCY INCIDENTS ( NUCLEAR PLANT, ETC.)
USE PORTABLE RADIOS
MT RSP 2 - TO BE USED FOR ALL MULTI –AGENCY INCIDENTS ( NUCLEAR PLANT, ETC.)
USE PORTABLE RADIOS
MT RSP 3 - TO BE USED FOR ALL MULTI –AGENCY INCIDENTS ( NUCLEAR PLANT, ETC.)
USE PORTABLE RADIOS
MT RSP 4 - TO BE USED FOR ALL MULTI –AGENCY INCIDENTS ( NUCLEAR PLANT, ETC.)
USE PORTABLE RADIOS
PS HZMT - TO BE USED TO TALK TO BATON ROUGE HAZMAT.
PS TAC 1 - TAC CHANNELS THAT CAN BE ASSIGNED BY PARISH RADIO COORDINATOR
PS TAC 2 - TAC CHANNELS THAT CAN BE ASSIGNED BY PARISH RADIO COORDINATOR
PS TAC 3 - TAC CHANNELS THAT CAN BE ASSIGNED BY PARISH RADIO COORDINATOR
SP EVT 1 - TAC CHANNELS THAT CAN BE ASSIGNED BY PARISH RADIO COORDINATOR
SP EVT 2 - TAC CHANNELS THAT CAN BE ASSIGNED BY PARISH RADIO COORDINATOR
SP EVT 3 - TAC CHANNELS THAT CAN BE ASSIGNED BY PARISH RADIO COORDINATOR
SP EVT 4 - TAC CHANNELS THAT CAN BE ASSIGNED BY PARISH RADIO COORDINATOR
SP EVT 5 - TAC CHANNELS THAT CAN BE ASSIGNED BY PARISH RADIO COORDINATOR
SP EVT 6 - TAC CHANNELS THAT CAN BE ASSIGNED BY PARISH RADIO COORDINATOR
COMM DST. – EAST BATON ROUGE COMMUNICATIONS TALK AROUND .
ZONE C PORTABLES AND TRUCK RADIOS
ALL PARISH FIRE DEPARTMENT FIREGROUNDS
ITAC 3 TA TALK AROUND.
TEMPLATE FOR ALL ADMINISTRATION RADIOS
V DSP – 1
V DSP – 2
BR BK FG – 1
BR BK FG – 2
BR BK FG – 3
BR BK FG – 4
BR BK HQ
BK PD HQ – COMMUNICATIONS WITH BAKER PD. DISPATCH
BK PD UF _ COMMUNICATIONS WITH BAKER PD UNIFORM PATROL
BLANK
BLANK
BLANK
BK FD AD – FIRE CHIEF, ASSISTANT CHIEF, ALL ADMIN. AND DISTRICT CHIEFS
V DSP 1 – BACKUP SHERIFF’S OFFICE DISPATCH
ITAC 4 TA – TALK AROUND
ITAC 3 TA - TALK AROUND
50
Baker Fire Department
Emergency Button
When the dispatcher receives an emergency alert, FCOs will attempt to contact unit in question. “Fire
Dispatch to “unit” Code Orange”.
If unit acknowledges affirmative, or if there is no answer, dispatcher is to request that police units are
sent to the last known location of the unit in question with no further contact to be attempted.
Give the unit an opportunity to answer, but attempt the call only once.
If the emergency button is pushed by accident, the unit is to clear the setting by pushing the “orange
button” down for five seconds, then releasing it.
When the emergency signal is received from a unit at a fire scene, and no contact is received, notify the
Incident Commander on scene of the unit’s activation of the emergency signal.
The IC will determine status of the emergency signal, and take action.
Total System Failure
If there is a total system failure communications will give instructions to use 800mg. protocol. This will
Let you know to use 800mg. templates.
51
Baker Fire Department
USED FOR 800 MG. FREQ. ONLY
The following guidelines are for 800 mg. only. The only time that you will follow these guidelines is when the
700 mg. channels are down and COMMUNICATIONS ADVISES TO USE THE 800 SYSTEM
FDISP-1
Main talk group used for unit movements.
Monitored at all times.
Call alert feature
If this tone is heard coming from a radio, go to F-DISP-1.
F-DISP-1 will be used for incidents that require a single unit response.
FDISP-2
KLL will remain turned on at all fire stations enabling transmitted radio signals to activate station alert tones.
used to give vocal dispatch to stations, and will be used by the station to acknowledge dispatch.
Fire Grounds
Assigned according to the District Chief responding to the incident.
Monitored during active incidents.
During heavy call volume, the dispatcher may be unable to monitor all fire grounds in use.
When this occurs, the dispatcher will inform every incident commander that communications is monitoring FDISP-1 only.
F-TRK-1 F-TRK 2
These are additional talk groups to be used for truck to truck communications. This fire ground will be used for
non-emergency communications between units.
F-TAC-1 F-TAC-2 F-TAC-3
Additional talk groups to be used for unusual or unscheduled events within the BRFD, when several divisions
will be involved for a length period of time. The talk group may be assigned to a single unit having to remain on
scene for a long time.
These talk groups can also be assigned to different sectors of an incident command by an incident commander.
F-TRAIN-1 F-TRAIN-2
Assigned to training to conduct daily business, or training exercises.
F-MUT-TRAIN
A talk group for conducting training exercises involving outside departments.
PS-TAC 1 PS-TAC-2 PS-TAC-3
These are multi-agency talk groups assigned to units for contacting other agencies responding to a call in the
city.
RESP-COORD
For use between fire, police, and EMS units responding to the same call to relay information.
When a unit is dispatched to a first aid call, the portable will be tuned to RESP-COORD, and truck radio left on
F-DISP-1.
When leaving the scene, the portable will be switched back to F-DISP-1.
Fire Dispatch will contact the unit by selecting the public safety talk group, or by using the alert tone to signal
the unit to switch back to
52
Baker Fire Department
F-DISP-1.
PS-HAZ-MAT
For Haz-Mat incidents requiring response from multiple agencies. The Incident Commander will be in charge
of transmissions on this talk group.
SP-EVENT-1 SP-EVENT-2 SP-EVENT-3
For prescheduled events that involve one or more city agencies for a specific length of time.
An example: football game, parade, or other preplanned event.
MUT-RESP1 to 6
Used to provide for unscheduled or emergency events that involve one or more parish, city, or state agencies
working the incident. This talk group will be used units to communicate with all departments responding to an
mutual aid call.
F-FLD-OP
General talk group for District Chiefs to conduct routine business.
Motorist Assistance Program truck to aid in traffic control.
Use Mutual Response Three on your radio. (B MUT RESP-3)
F-SUP-SERV
General talk-group for administration and support services to conduct daily operations.
I-CALL
This talk group will be used as a “hailing” channel for units responding to an incident using an 800 MHz radio
outside their coverage area. The unit responding can contact dispatchers in the area to obtain information
concerning the incident or to report emergencies.
I-TAC-1 I-TAC-2 I-TAC-3
These talk groups have been established to work an incident where numerous agencies are involved, usually on
a national level.
53
Baker Fire Department
Used For 800 freq. only
Emergency Button
When the dispatcher receives an emergency alert, FCOs will attempt to contact unit in question. “Fire Dispatch
to “unit” Code Orange”.
If response is 10-4, or if there is no answer, dispatcher is to request that police units are sent to the last known
location of the unit in question with no further contact to be attempted.
Give the unit an opportunity to answer, but attempt the call only once.
If the emergency button is pushed by accident, the unit is to clear the setting by pushing the “orange button”
down for five seconds, then releasing it.
When the emergency signal is received from a unit at a fire scene, and no contact is received, notify the Incident
Commander on scene of the unit’s activation of the emergency signal.
The IC will determine status of the emergency signal, and take action.
Radio Failure
If the computer controlling the switching of channels for the 800 radio system goes down, the radio will
automatically go into “FAILSOFT”.
DO NOT CHANGE SETTING ON THE RADIO.
The radio will automatically change to the designated channel in the system.
In failsoft, the radios have only one channel, so there is only one talk group.
KLL will be used for dispatch, and the 800 MHz radios are to be used for radio traffic.
In failsoft, the radio will flash F-SOFT on the screen, and beep at timed intervals.
When failsoft is over, the radio will automatically return to the original talk group on which it was selected
System Failure
If the entire system goes down, the radio will make a monotone buzzing sound when keyed.
Change radio to Zone D, and select channel
F-BKUP.
When system is restored for use, fire dispatch will notify personnel. Again, this system allows for only one
channel to be used. Dispatch will done on KLL, and 800 MHz radios will be used for unit radio transmissions.
54
Baker Fire Department
GLOSSARY
Area Command An organization established to: 1) oversee the management of multiple incidents that each are
being handled by an Incident Command System (ICS) organization; or 2) to oversee the management of a very
large incident that has multiple Incident Management Teams (IMT's) assigned to it. Area Command has the
responsibility to set overall strategy and priorities, allocate critical resources based on priorities, ensure that
incidents are properly managed, and ensure that objectives are
met and strategies followed.
Base That location at which the primary logistics functions are coordinated and administered. As differentiated
from Staging, resources in Base generally are not ready for immediate deployment. Typically this element is
staffed at large-scale incidents such as high rise fires where nonessential resources are marshaled and essential
resources are staged. Base is a Logistics function.
Branch The organizational level having functional or geographic responsibility for major segments of incident
operations. This functional level falls between Section and Division/Group in the Operations Section, and
between Section and Unit in the
Logistics Section.
Brief Initial Report The initial status report, which includes all of the information necessary to establish the
operations at an incident.
Brief Progress Report Periodic information on the status of an incident designed to
keep interested parties informed as to the progress of the incident.
Chief Functional title of the individual in Command of any of the functional sections of the General Staff:
Operations, Plans, Logistics, or Finance/Administration.
Command The act of directing and/or controlling resources by virtue of explicit legal, agency, or delegated
authority. May also refer to the Incident Commander (IC). One of the Sections that comprise the General Staff.
Command Staff The collective functions of Safety, Liaison, and Public Information, which report directly to
the IC. Assistants may be designated as required.
Communications Unit Functional unit within the Service Branch of the Logistics
Section responsible for the incident Communications Plan, the installation and repair of communications
equipment, and operation of the incident communications center.
Deputy A fully qualified individual, usually assigned to General Staff positions or Branch Directors, who can
function in their absence or provide relief for a superior.
Division That organizational level having responsibility for operations within a defined geographic area. This
functional level falls between Branch and Crews, Task Forces, Strike Teams, and/or single resources. They
are identified by alphabetic characters (A,B,C,D) for horizontal applications and by floor numbers for vertical
application.
Emergency Traffic A term used to clear designated channels used at an incident to
make way for important radio traffic for a firefighter emergency situation or an immediate change in tactical
operations. Note: The term Mayday should not be used for
fire ground communications that could cause confusion with the term used for aeronautical and nautical
emergencies.
General Staff The collective sections of Command, Operations, Planning,
Logistics, and Finance/Administration.
Ground Support Unit Functional unit within the Support Branch of the Logistics
Section responsible for fueling/maintaining/repairing vehicles and the transportation of personnel and supplies
at an incident.
Group That organizational level having responsibility for a specific functional assignment. This functional
level falls between Branch and Crews, Task Forces, Strike Teams, and single resources
Liaison Officer A member of the Command Staff who serves as a point of contact for coordinating with
assisting or cooperating agencies.
55
Baker Fire Department
Lobby Control A high rise Logistics function responsible to coordinate the movement of resources between
Base and Staging. Also responsible for control of elevator and air-handling systems. Works for the Logistics
Section Chief.
Logistics Section That section of the General Staff responsible directly to the IC for providing facilities,
services, and materials for the incident.
Medical Group/Branch An organizational element providing an expandable system for
handling patients at the emergency scene.
Medical Unit Functional unit within the Service Branch of the Logistics Function responsible for developing
the Medical Emergency Plan and for providing emergency medical treatment of on scene emergency personnel.
Often Responder Rehab will be
co-located with the Medical Unit.
Planning Section That section of the General Staff responsible for the collection, evaluation, dissemination,
and use of information about the development of the incident and the status of resources.
Procurement Unit Functional unit within the Finance/Administration Section
responsible for financial matters involving vendors.
Resource Unit Functional unit within the Planning Section responsible for
recording the status of resources committed to an incident.
Section That organizational level having functional responsibility for
primary segments of the incident, such as: Operations, Planning, Logistics, and Finance/Administration.
Sector A functional element of the ICS that is equal to a Division or Group. A Sector may be either a
geographic Sector (e.g., Sector A) or a function Sector (e.g., Vent sector).
Stairwell Support A high rise logistics function responsible for the movement of
equipment from Base to Staging when using the stairwell.
Strike Team A functional element of up to five units of the same kind and
type, with common communications and a leader.
Supply Unit Functional unit within the Support Branch of the Logistics
Section responsible for ordering equipment/supplies required
for incident operations.
Support Branch A Branch within the Logistics Section responsible for providing the personnel, equipment,
and supplies to support incident operations. Includes Supply, Facilities, and Ground Support Units.
Tactics Specific operations that must be accomplished to achieve the strategy. Tactics are both specific and
measurable.
Task Force A combination of single resources with common communications and a leader. May be resources
of different types, generally assembled for a specific assignment.
Technical Specialists Personnel with special skills who are activated specifically for those skills. These
personnel initially report to the Planning Section but can be assigned anywhere within the ICS to meet incident
needs.
Unified Area Command Unified Area Command is established when incidents under an Area Command are or
become multijurisdictional.
Unified Command The organizational method that allows all agencies or individuals having jurisdictional or
legal responsibility for an incident to be involved in the Command function, by establishing a common set of
incident objectives and strategies.
56