Dwelling on House Fires

A review of the IC’s major actions at private dwelling fires

For my initial article, I picked a topic that affects everyone in the fire service. Private dwelling fires present unique challenges to incident commanders (ICs) as well as firefighters, and despite the fact that most of the fires we respond to are in private dwellings, these fires continue to challenge our expertise.

I’m not even talking about newer construction, just your basic one- or two-story, wood-framed, single- or double-family home. From cellar fires to attic fires to fire traveling undetected in balloon frame structures, every one of these fires presents its own unique hazards. In this article, I’ll focus on the duties of the IC or first-due officer (future articles will focus on additional issues in private dwelling fires).

The IC must gather information, decide on a strategy to implement the tactics and allocate the resources on scene in an effective manner, but also with the utmost concern for safety. The IC must also be proactive in looking at the big picture and requesting resources in the proper timeframe, always taking into account the “reflex time” of additional units. Reflex time has a couple of different definitions, but in this context it means the time between when the responding unit receives the call and when the unit arrives on scene. ICs must always take reflex time into consideration and anticipate a change in fire conditions during the reflex time, which in turn will dictate a change in strategy.

IC Location
I know there are many theories on where the IC should be physically located, and I respect that. Personally, I believe the IC should be located directly in front of the fire building, allowing them to perform a rapid size-up of the conditions and evaluate any exposed buildings. Although this is subjective, I believe it gives the IC a broader picture of the events.

If possible, the IC should take a walk around the building, which will give them a 360-degree view of the fire area. This will allow the IC to view any fire venting in the sides and rear and also determine if there is any fire in the cellar. This short walk could provide some valuable information to the IC, allowing them to make good decisions and determine where the available resources will be most effective. Many times, a known life hazard can be discovered by these fireground observations.

Setting up the command post in the front of the building allows the IC to direct any incoming units to areas not yet covered or to areas that need reinforcement or relief. By taking a position in front, the IC can also determine if a handline is stretched, if there’s water in the line, what ladders have been placed and whether more are needed. Seeing ladders that are already placed can also assist in accountability, because the IC can determine the approximate location in the dwelling where members have used ladders for access to perform rescues or ventilation.

The command board can be set up in the front and gives the IC a better handle on accountability of members operating or assigned to the fire. This position allows the IC to direct incoming units to their assignment and remains a focal point for staging of additional units or the FAST/RIT. If the FAST/RIT is needed, they can be easily deployed from this area. Units standing fast can also receive their directions and rapidly deploy to the area of operation the IC assigns them to.

On Arrival
The IC should immediately announce their arrival at the scene and verify the fire building, the location of the fire and the identity of the operating units. They should then request a progress report concerning fire conditions and results of any actions taken by first-due crews.

The IC should personally verify or via handi-talkie/portable radio the following:

Positive Water Supply: We must put water on the fire, so we must be assured of a positive water source. Properly positioned handlines that are charged and ready for attack on the fire will allow for a quick knockdown and alleviate other problems from arising. Engine officers and firefighters must ensure that a water source is secured and a handline is stretched, operating and put into a position to confine or extinguish the fire, or placed to protect an exposure with a known or potential life hazard. All members assigned to engine operations at a fire must work together as a team to get the first line in position before stretching additional handlines.

Proper Apparatus Positioning: The IC must evaluate the position of all apparatus that have responded, especially the ladder trucks. Visible life hazards, potential life hazards, design of the building (peaked or flat roof) and the need for exterior streams will dictate the positioning of the ladder trucks.

For flat roof dwellings, the aerial ladder is an asset in laddering the fire building or an attached exposure. Placing the aerial apparatus in front of the building allows it to be in position for rescue and roof access. For peaked roof dwellings, the tower ladder is a safe and efficient tool for Vent/Enter/Search (VES).

The ladder also provides a stable platform for roof ventilation. The member performing ventilation can do so without ever leaving the bucket. The tower ladder should be positioned to cover two sides of the building to allow for VES and potential roof ventilation, and also to be in a position to provide an exterior stream if necessary. The bucket is also in position for rescue of trapped victims or firefighters.

Portable Ladders: Properly positioned portable ladders are critical to operations in these types of structures. Ladders should be positioned to upper areas of the dwelling, focusing on known life hazards or areas of probable life hazards. Note: Don’t just look for bedrooms. Due to rising housing prices, some dwellings are overcrowded, meaning occupants can be sleeping in almost any area of the house. Ensure all areas are thoroughly searched.

Portable ladders can also be used for horizontal ventilation to allow the engine company to move in when it has water. Be careful not to prematurely ventilate; due to the construction of these dwellings, the potential for fire extension can be rapid. Portable ladders also provide a means of escape for firefighters who have been cut off from the interior stairs and can’t exit the same way they entered the building. It’s always a nice feeling to find a ladder or a set-back from the upper floors when bailing out.

The issue of properly placed ladders is extremely important for departments that don’t provide escape devices for their members. Portable ladders can also be used for access to roof areas if vertical ventilation becomes necessary.

Conclusion
These are a few of the many issues the IC must take into account to provide for a safe and successful outcome at private dwelling fires. I’ll discuss some additional issues and IC duties in future articles.

Although it seems we’re not as busy as we have been in past years, the fire service continues to respond and operate frequently at private dwelling fires—my last few tours of duty have involved several. By studying the dynamics of dwelling fires, we can ensure we’re prepared to meet the myriad challenges they present.

Chief Fred LaFemina is a 23-year veteran of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), presently serving as a battalion commander for Rescue Operations Battalion #1. He has been with Special Operations for more than 19 years and is the task force leader for New York’s Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue team. He is also the operations chief on the USAR IST White Team. LaFemina has written many articles on fire operations and technical rescue and lectures throughout the country. He is a technical editor of FireRescue.