Spotting Consoderations

Question 1

Spotting considerations for structure, fires and automatic alarms as first in engine

Answer 1

 Attempts to get a three sided visual
Spot for hose appointment including: Look at exaggerated setbacks and consider whether it’s residential or commercial.
Consider scene access for trucks and aerial placement, water supply, and ambulances.
Consider delaying getting water supply until 360 is complete. 

Question 2

Spotting considerations for second and later arriving units on structure, fires and automatic alarms

Answer 2

Consider water supply: Hydrant, location, large diameter, hose deployment options, access for additional incoming units after large diameter hose deployment.

Staging for water:
Usually the job of the second in engine. Consider staging at the nearest hydrant and forward laying to the scene. Also consider reverse lays, nurse lines, and relay pumping operations based on scene size up.
Communicate any scene access complications due to large diameter hose deployment directly to Dispatch.

Complete 360 or position based on expected assignment:
Drive exterior to assist with investigation.
While doing so, look for sprinkler room/alarm panel access, active alarms, indications of a problem, water, gong, activation, or flowing water.

In extremely large buildings, consider pre-positioning at an alternative access point based on investigation report to support incident command tactical plan.

Deviations for second in engine from staging water should be communicated to incident command.

Apparatus not placed into service on scene:
If not, using Apparatus for assignment, park out of the immediate scene, leaving access lanes as open as possible.
Also limit impact neighbors and businesses as much as possible.
Reduce scene two minimum necessary for seeing safety
If downtown, remain outside the block or grid of the incident. 

Question 3

Motor vehicle crashes and car fires

Answer 3

Spot 100 feet away from vehicle.
Spot uphill up wind whenever possible.
Keep the apparatus from becoming an exposure.
Block traffic
Tool placement


Question 4

Medical incident

Answer 4

Pull past or stop short to leave room for the ambulance
 Leave room for additional responding units like EMS supervisor and PD.
Try to reduce impact to the general public by not blocking neighboring vehicles or roadways.

Question 5

Wildland Urban interface incident

Answer 5

Don’t commit to roadways or driveways considered dangerous one visibility is nonexistent

Back into position from last known turnaround location

Avoid parking in chimneys, box canyons, or on narrow ridges or exposed slopes.

Avoid blocking roadways

Place emphasis on potential for rapidly changing conditions and potential exposures

Clear brush and other combustibles to reduce exposure