Unmatched Fire SOP

Unmatched RP (URP) Fire and Rescue Service Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)

The Unmatched RP Fire and Rescue Service SOP outlines protocols, responsibilities, and procedures to ensure the safety of personnel and the public while effectively managing a wide range of emergency incidents. The SOP emphasizes readiness, structured response, and continuous improvement.

1. Command and Control Structure

Incident Command Levels

• Bronze (Operational):

  • First officer on scene assumes command.

  • Directs immediate firefighting and rescue operations.

• Silver (Tactical):

  • Senior officer coordinates complex incidents involving multiple sectors.

  • Manages resource allocation and inter-sector communication.

• Gold (Strategic):

  • Oversees long-term or large-scale incidents.

  • Coordinates with external agencies and ensures resource availability.

Incident Command System (ICS)

• Sector Organization:

  • Fire Sector: Focused on fire suppression.

  • Rescue Sector: Manages search and rescue operations.

  • Support Sector: Provides logistics, welfare, and communication support.

• Communication Chain:

  • Control Room: Dispatches initial response, tracks incident progress.

  • Sector Commanders: Relay situational updates and operational needs.

  • Incident Commander (IC): Maintains strategic oversight and reports to Gold Command as needed.

2. Pre-Incident Preparations

Risk Assessments

• Catalog high-risk sites such as hospitals, schools, and industrial facilities.

• Maintain detailed information on HazMat storage locations.

Training Drills

• Monthly: High-rise evacuation exercises and equipment handling.

• Annual: Multi-agency scenarios simulating major incidents (e.g., terrorism, mass casualty events).

Equipment Maintenance

• Daily: Inspect pumps, hoses, and breathing apparatus (BA).

• Monthly: Calibrate thermal imaging cameras, gas detectors, and monitoring devices.

3. Dispatch and Mobilization

Control Room Protocols

• Information Gathering: Confirm location, incident type, and urgency.

• Resource Allocation: Use pre-set guidelines to determine appliance deployment.

• Route Optimization: GPS-enabled dispatch ensures rapid response.

Response Levels

Incident Type

Initial Response

Domestic Building Fire

2 pumps, 1 aerial appliance if necessary

High-Rise Fire

4 pumps, 1 aerial, HazMat unit if smoke is present

RTC – Persons Trapped

1 pump, 1 rescue unit, 1 ambulance

HazMat Incident

2 pumps, 1 HazMat unit, 1 decontamination unit

Flooding/Water Rescue

1 water rescue unit, 2 pumps

4. On-Scene SOP

General Procedures

1. 360-Degree Risk Assessment:

   • Identify hazards (fire spread, structural collapse, HazMat risks).

   • Establish zones:

     • Hot Zone: Direct danger area.

     • Warm Zone: Staging and decontamination.

     • Cold Zone: Command post and support operations.

2. Initial Situation Report (ISR):

   • Communicate incident details and resource requirements to the Control Room.

3. Deploy Resources:

   • Assign tasks based on incident priorities.

   • Mark entry and exit points for safety.

Tactical Priorities (RECEO-VS)

• R: Rescue trapped individuals.

• E: Protect exposures to prevent fire spread.

• C: Contain the fire or hazard.

• E: Extinguish the fire.

• O: Overhaul to eliminate reignition risks.

• V: Ventilation to control smoke and gases.

• S: Salvage property when possible.

5. Incident-Specific SOPs

High-Rise Fires

• Establish a Bridgehead two floors below the fire.

• Deploy BA teams with a minimum of one TIC.

• Use stairwells for firefighting and evacuation (avoid lifts).

• Utilize dry or wet risers to maintain water supply.

HazMat Incidents

• Use gas detectors to identify hazards and mark exclusion zones.

• Deploy decontamination units and evacuate based on prevailing conditions.

RTC with Persons Trapped

• Stabilize vehicles using chocks and stabilizers.

• Use hydraulic tools for safe extrication.

• Coordinate medical care with paramedics.

Mass Casualty Incidents

• Establish triage using the SMART system.

• Set up casualty clearing stations for treatment and transport coordination.

6. Fireground Communication

Communication Protocols

• Use clear, concise messages. Avoid codes for clarity.

• Provide regular updates to maintain situational awareness.

7. Post-Incident Procedures

Stop Message

• Inform the Control Room that the incident is resolved.

Hot Debrief

• Conduct on-site reviews to identify lessons learned.

Decontamination

• Ensure thorough cleaning of personnel and equipment.

Incident Reporting

• File detailed reports covering incident type, actions taken, and outcomes.

Community Engagement

• Offer safety advice and reassurance to affected residents or businesses.

8. Training and Preparedness

• Monthly Drills: Simulate various scenarios to maintain readiness.

• Equipment Inspections: Weekly checks on PPE, BA sets, and monitoring devices.

• Continuous Training: Personnel must engage in ongoing education and skill refinement.

Signed:
URP Fire High Command