Sectorisation at Incidents (PN 434) Flashcards
Sectorisation is central to managing SPANS of Control. What should be the maximum number of Spans of control (lines of communication) for an Incident Commander?
5
Is it necessary to sectorise every incident?
No, as an inappropriate command structure would reduce the effective flow of information
Complete the following statement:
Sectorisation of an incident can only be implemented when….
….Officer resources proficient in the roles required are available
Sectors may either be …………… or ……………… Fill in the blanks
OPERATIONAL - responsible for management of a physical area of an incident ground
FUNCTIONAL - responsible for management of a support function such as water sector
Who is responsible for determining the tactical mode in a sector?
A) The SFSO
B) The IC
C) The Sector Commander
B) The Incident Commander
What determines the managerial level (rank) of the sector commander?
The complexity of the tasks within the sector
Are there circumstances where spans of control should be limited to even less than 5 lines of communication?
Yes….’In a rapidly developing or complex incident the span of control may need to be as small as 2 or 3 lines’
When sectorising a building will the main entrance always be found in sector 1?
Often but not always. The ‘main scene of operations’ should be identified as Sector 1
Where sector 1 is at the front of the building what will the sector at the rear of the building be?
2, 3, 4 or 5
3
Where a building/scene has been given 4 sectors can a 5th be added?
Yes. Where operations continue to escalate and it is necessary to divide operations between two sectors to maintain appropriate spans of control sector 5 can be added. To minimise confusion the other sectors are left unchanged. Sector 5 can therefore be placed between any 2 sectors.
How should the boundaries of an operational sector be identified?
By using clearly identifiable physical features such as floors or walls
Is VERTICAL SECTORISATION used at high-rise incidents or basements?
Both.
Is the BRIDGEHEAD a separate sector in vertical sectorisation?
No it is a location rather than a sector on its own. It is normally located 2 floors below the fire and will be under the control of the fire sector Commander.
Define the FIRE SECTOR when sectorising vertically
The Fire Sector ‘consists of the floors above the bridgehead to the fire, the floor(s) directly involved in fire, plus 1 floor above’
Define the SEARCH SECTOR when sectorising vertically
The Search Sector is …‘the area of operations where search and rescue, tactical ventilation, or other operations are taking place’
