FIRES IN TALL BUILDINGS - Incident Command/Control Flashcards
List the sectors in a tall building
Fire sector- Floors above bridgehead, the fire floor and the floor above.
Search sector- Floors above the fire floors or below if required.
Lobby sector- Floors from the ground to the Fire Sector.
Note. The bridgehead is contained within the lobby sector, its a location rather than a sector.
*NB - can also be used in basements
Fire sector Description
This is an operational sector and would be the main area of firefighting and rescue operations. It consists of the floors from the bridgehead to the fire, the floor(s) directly involved in fire, plus one level above. The fire sector commander will, on most occasions, need to be located at the bridgehead directing operations.
Bridgehead Description
This is normally two floors below the fire floor, provided they are clear of smoke. It is a location rather than a sector on its own. If the distance from the ground floor lobby to the bridgehead is more than two or three floors and spans of control require it, the use of a lobby sector should be considered.
Minimum rank of fire sector commander
CC
Search Sector Description
This is an operational sector and is located above the fire sector where search and rescue, ventilation and other operations are taking place. Where possible, the search sector commander should be located at the bridgehead with the fire sector commander. If this is not possible, they should be located one floor below the bridgehead, or where not practical, the nearest suitable alternative location
Search Sector Commander min rank & location
minimum of a Crew Commander
Be located within the bridgehead.
Lobby sector Description
This is a support sector and would cover the area of operations from the ground floor lobby to the bridgehead. The lobby sector commander will act as the coordinator of all the logistics needed by the fire and search sector commanders. The lobby sector commander would also coordinate all operations beneath the bridgehead. This includes provision of staging area if required, salvage and ventilation. The lobby sector commander is normally located at the building access point.
key points for an evacuation strategy:
strategy should come out of the fire risk assessment findings.
It should have taken into account:-
* the people at risk,
*where they are in the building,
*the risks that cannot be removed or reduced
*any further and the size/layout of the building.
where are the Godiva GP8/5 pumps located?
Aston A2/1
Foleshill B5/1
Kings Norton C5/1
Brierley Hill D2/1
Wolverhampton E5/1
Moving the bridgehead. The following must be done:-
Inform BA teams, and all officers
BA teams monitor air supply and take the new distance into account when assessing their turn around pressure.
consider immediate withdrawal of BA teams because of new travel distance.
Any decision to withdraw BA teams must be balanced against the urgency and importance of the task(s) they are performing.
If it is decided not to withdraw the BA teams, teams should acknowledge receipt of the message regarding
the bridgehead’s new location. If no acknowledgement of the relocation message is received then the ECO should instigate a withdrawal of that team via the BA entry control board (ECB).
All information and resources should be transferred to the new bridgehead location.
If the bridgehead is moved a message should be sent to control to inform them of the relocation and rationale to relocate.
Once the incident is resolved the following actions should be taken by the IC:
Assess all areas affected by smoke for ‘safe-air’ using a gas detector
Drain the rising main and ensure all outlets are closed
Reinstate normal operation for firefighting lifts, checking landing call buttons operate
Inform the responsible person of the operation of fixed installations so they can be inspected
Handover responsibility to other agencies or responsible persons
