496 Tactical withdrawal, emergency evacuation and firefighter emergency

Question 1

Who can implement a Tactical withdrawal?

Answer 1

Usually the IC/Sector Commander or Safety officer but a firefighter can also implement if the risk is significant and the IC cannot be reached - The IC must then be informed ASAP

Question 2

Once a tactical withdrawal is initiated what actions should an IC take?

Answer 2

• Plan and initiate the phased withdrawal of crews, ensuring those in the area of greatest risk are withdrawn first. This may require other crews to maintain safe egress routes until all personnel have withdrawn.
• Brief all sector commanders and relevant crews of the plan.
• Remember that BA team(s) can be evacuated via the telemetry entry control board ‘selective evacuation’ procedure or by handheld fireground radio if deemed more appropriate.
• Send an Informative Message to Brigade Control outlining details of the tactical withdrawal

Question 3

What is a tactical withdrawal?

Answer 3

Tactical withdrawal is the removal of personnel from a specific area of potential danger in a safe and planned manner.

Question 4

What is an emergency evacuation?

Answer 4

An emergency evacuation is the immediate and controlled withdrawal of all personnel from the scene of operations to a place of safety.

Question 5

How will an emergency evacuation be implemented?

Answer 5

• Repeated short blasts on the Acme Thunderer whistle.
• BA teams evacuated via the telemetry entry control board ‘evacuate all’ function.
• It is important to remember that teams can also be evacuated by radio if it is deemed more appropriate.
• A priority message is also to be transmitted to all crews ( including BA teams) via fire ground radios ordering an emergency evacuation.

Question 6

If you hear the emergency evacuation signal, what action should be taken?

Answer 6

• Repeat the signal.
• Withdraw from the scene of operations to a place of safety.
• Assemble at the booking-in point, i.e. Initial Command Pump (ICP) or Command Unit (CU) unless directed otherwise.

Question 7

What is an FFE (fire fighter emergency)?

Answer 7

Fire Service personnel, or personnel working under the control of the LFB, are unaccounted for and/or in need of rescue.

Question 8

What is the PDA for a FFE?

Answer 8

• 6 Pumps (inc 3 PL with WMs in charge);
• 2 Fire Rescue Units (FRU);
• Fire Investigation Unit (FIU);
• Command Unit (CU);
• An ambulance;
• Press Liaison Officer (PLO);
• Fire Safety Officer (FSO);
• 3 Station Managers;
• Group Manager;
• Deputy Assistant Commissioner;
• Senior Accident Investigator (SAI).

Question 9

Who will be informed on receipt of a FFE Call?

Answer 9

• Duty Assistant Commissioner;
• Duty Deputy Assistant Commissioner;
• C700 (Commissioner’s office);
• Director’s staff officers;
• Officer of the Day (OoD);
• Operations Review Team (ORT);
• Urban Search and Rescue tactical advisor;
• Duty Radio Officer;
• Duty Press Officer;
• Counselling & Wellbeing.