STICO-Student Manual

3rd Edition, 2nd Printing-July 2016

Strategy and Tactics for 

Initial Company Operations
Strategy and Tactics for Initial Company 

Operations

FEMA/USFA/NFA

STICO-SM

July 2016

3rd Edition, 2nd Printing
STICO-Student Manual

3rd Edition, 2nd Printing-July 2016

Strategy and Tactics for 

Initial Company Operations

This Student Manual may contain material that is copyright protected. USFA has been 

granted a license to use this material only for NFA-sponsored course deliveries as part of the 

course materials, and it shall not be duplicated without consent of the copyright holder. 

States wishing to use these materials as part of state-sponsorship and/or third parties 

wishing to use these materials must obtain permission to use the copyright material(s) from 

the copyright holder prior to teaching the course.
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STRATEGY AND TACTICS FOR INITIAL COMPANY OPERATIONS

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

Table of Contents .............................................................................................................................................. iii

Acknowledgments............................................................................................................................................. v

Course Goal....................................................................................................................................................... vii

Audience, Scope and Course Purpose ............................................................................................................... vii

Grading Methodology ....................................................................................................................................... vii

Schedule ............................................................................................................................................................ ix

Firefighter Code of Ethics................................................................................................................................. xi

A Student Guide to End-of-course Evaluations................................................................................................. xiii

UNIT 1: INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE.............. SM 1-1

Appendix: Primary Factors Size-Up Chart

UNIT 2: FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE

EXTINGUISHMENT ..................................................................................................... SM 2-1

UNIT 3: RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL ...................................... SM 3-1

UNIT 4: WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND

SALVAGE ....................................................................................................................... SM 4-1

Bibliography

Acronyms
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STRATEGY AND TACTICS FOR INITIAL COMPANY OPERATIONS

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The development of any National Fire Academy (NFA) course is a complex process aimed at providing students with 

the best possible learning opportunity we can deliver.

There are many players in course development, each of whom plays an equally important part in its success. We want 

to acknowledge their participation and contribution to this effort and extend our heartfelt thanks for making this quality 

product.

The following people participated in the creation of this course:

Russell Kuck

Instructional Systems Specialist

Curriculum and Instruction Branch

U.S. Fire Administration, National Fire Academy

Emmitsburg, Maryland

Robert J. Bennett

Training Specialist

U.S. Fire Administration, National Fire Academy

Emmitsburg, Maryland

Timothy Smith

Project Manager

Cybermedia Technologies Inc.

Reston, Virginia

Lea Mulligan

Instructional Designer

Cybermedia Technologies Inc.

Reston, Virginia

Jerry Ball

Subject Matter Expert

Fire Chief, Retired

Cadillac, Michigan

Robert Swarthout

Subject Matter Expert

Assistant Chief, Retired

Haymarket, Virginia
STRATEGY AND TACTICS FOR INITIAL COMPANY OPERATIONS

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STRATEGY AND TACTICS FOR INITIAL COMPANY OPERATIONS

vii

COURSE GOAL

The goal of the course is to develop the management skills needed by Company Officers (COs) to accomplish assigned 

tactics for structure fires.

AUDIENCE, SCOPE AND COURSE PURPOSE

The primary target audience for the “Strategy and Tactics for Initial Company Operations” (STICO) course is:

• Newly promoted COs.

• Excellent review for experienced COs.

• Firefighters who may have acting CO responsibilities.

• Firefighters who want to become COs.

The course is designed for newly promoted COs to learn the use and understanding of strategies and tactics and their 

importance in ensuring firefighter safety on the fireground.

GRADING METHODOLOGY

Course Grade

The required performance to successfully complete the course is attained by completing the examination with at least 

a “C” by answering correctly a minimum of 21 out of 30 questions.

The following course grading plan should be used to determine the assigned course grade for each student in the class.

Letter Grade Point Range

A 90-100

B 80-89

C 70-79

F 69 or lower
STRATEGY AND TACTICS FOR INITIAL COMPANY OPERATIONS

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STRATEGY AND TACTICS FOR INITIAL COMPANY OPERATIONS

ix

SCHEDULE

TIME DAY 1 DAY 2

8:00 - 9:45 Introduction, Welcome and Administrative

Unit 2: Fire Confinement, Exposure 

Protection, and Fire Extinguishment (cont’d)

Unit 3: Rescue, Ventilation, Support and 

Overhaul

9:45 - 10:00 Break Break

10:00 - 10:45 Unit 1: Incident Command System and the 

Command Sequence

Activity 31: Rescue Tactics

Unit 3: Rescue, Ventilation, Support and 

Overhaul (cont’d)

10:45 - 11:00 Break Break

11:00 - 12:00 Unit 1: Incident Command System and the 

Command Sequence (cont’d)

Activity 3.2: Ventilation

Unit 3: Rescue, Ventilation, Support and 

Overhaul (cont’d)

Unit 4: Water Supply, Fixed Fire Protection 

Systems, and Salvage

12:00 - 1:00 Lunch Lunch

1:00 - 2:15

Unit 1: Incident Command System and the 

Command Sequence (cont’d)

Unit 2: Fire Confinement, Exposure 

Protection, and Fire Extinguishment

Activity 4.1: Water Supply Operations

Unit 4: Water Supply, Fixed Fire Protection 

Systems, and Salvage (cont’d)

2:15 - 2:30 Break Break

2:30 - 5:00

Activity 2.1: Fire Confinement

Unit 2: Fire Confinement, Exposure 

Protection, and Fire Extinguishment (cont’d)

Activity 2.2: Fire Confinement and Exposure 

Protection

Activity 4.2: Salvage

Unit 4: Water Supply, Fixed Fire Protection 

Systems, and Salvage (cont’d)

Final Exam
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STRATEGY AND TACTICS FOR INITIAL COMPANY OPERATIONS

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STRATEGY AND TACTICS FOR INITIAL COMPANY OPERATIONS

UNIT 1:

INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE 

COMMAND SEQUENCE

TERMINAL OBJECTIVE

The students will be able to:

1.1 Identify an organized approach to safely managing incident scenes.

ENABLING OBJECTIVES

The students will be able to:

1.1 Discuss the Incident Command System (ICS).

1.2 Analyze the Command Sequence Action Cycle.

1.3 Identify the types of building construction.

1.4 Identify how fire behavior factors affect objectives and strategies.
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-2

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INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-3

UNIT 1:

INCIDENT COMMAND 

SYSTEM AND THE 

COMMAND SEQUENCE

Slide 1-1

• Discuss the Incident Command System 

(ICS).

• Analyze the Command Sequence Action 

Cycle.

• Identify the types of building construction.

• Identify how fire behavior factors affect 

objectives and strategies.

Slide 1-2

ENABLING OBJECTIVES

I. MAJOR FUNCTIONS OF THE INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM

MAJOR FUNCTIONS OF THE 

INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM

• Command is responsible for overall 

incident management:

– Size up.

– Identify problems.

– Establish objectives.

– Determine strategies.

– Select tactics.

– Set the Incident Action Plan (IAP).

Slide 1-3
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-4

A. Command is responsible for overall incident management.

B. Responsibilities of command.

1. Size up.

2. Identify problems.

3. Establish objectives.

4. Determine strategies.

5. Select tactics.

6. Set the Incident Action Plan (IAP).

MAJOR FUNCTIONS OF THE INCIDENT 

COMMAND SYSTEM (cont’d)

– Develop ICS organization.

– Manage resources.

– Coordinate resource activities.

– Provide for safety.

– Release information.

– Coordinate with outside agencies.

Slide 1-4

7. Develop appropriate Incident Command System (ICS) organization.

8. Manage resources.

9. Coordinate resource activities.

10. Provide for safety.

11. Release information.

12. Coordinate with outside agencies.
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-5

EXPANDING ELEMENTS OF 

INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM

Some to assignment, the rest to Staging.

REHAB

E-3

PM-2

E-1

E-4

E-2

T-2

T-1

E-5

COMMAND

RIC SAFETY

MED UNIT

STAGING

FIRE ATTACK 

GROUP

RESCUE 

GROUP VENT GROUP SALVAGE GROUP

Slide 1-5

C. Expanding elements of ICS.

1. How will they be distributed?

2. All to Staging; all to fire; some to each.

3. Let’s end with a total of seven units at the scene and look at the ICS chart 

on the slide.

EXPANDING ELEMENTS OF INCIDENT 

COMMAND SYSTEM (cont’d)

What is wrong with the organization?

REHAB

E-3

PM-2

E-1 E-4 E-2 T-2 T-1 E-5

PM-1

COMMAND

RIC

MED UNIT

STAGING

FIRE ATTACK 

GROUP

RESCUE 

GROUP VENT GROUP SALVAGE GROUP

FIRE ATTACK 

GROUP

RESCUE 

GROUP

Slide 1-6
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-6

EXPANDING ELEMENTS OF INCIDENT 

COMMAND SYSTEM (cont’d)

Division Supervisor — directs resources within a 

geographic area of responsibility.

REHAB

COMMAND

RIC SAFETY

MED UNIT

STAGING

DIVISION GROUP

REHAB

COMMAND

SAFETY

RIC

MED UNIT

STAGING

DIVISION GROUP

OPERATIONS

Slide 1-7

4. Division Supervisor.

a. Directs resources within a geographic area of responsibility.

EXPANDING ELEMENTS OF INCIDENT 

COMMAND SYSTEM (cont’d)

In order to use the geographic terminology effectively, 

a department must have a method of dividing the 

incident scene.

REHAB

COMMAND

RIC SAFETY

MED UNIT

STAGING

DIVISION GROUP

REHAB

COMMAND

SAFETY

RIC

MED UNIT

STAGING

DIVISION GROUP

OPERATIONS

Slide 1-8

b. In order to use the geographic terminology effectively, a department 

must have a method of dividing the incident scene.
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-7

DIVIDING THE INCIDENT

• An example:

– ABCD system.

STRUCTURE

Division

Charlie

Division

Delta

Division 

Alpha

Division 

Bravo

Slide 1-9

c. Dividing the incident.

- Exposures around the outside of the structure.

- Exposure buildings or areas.

- Floors of a building.

DIVIDING THE INCIDENT 

(cont’d)

• An example:

– Exposure system.

Exposure

Charlie

Exposure

Delta

Exposure

Alpha

Exposure

Bravo

Exposure

Bravo 2

Exposure STRUCTURE Delta 2

Slide 1-10
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-8

DIVIDING THE INCIDENT 

(cont’d)

• An example of floors:

– Each floor is a Division.

Basement Division

Division 1

Division 2

Division 3

Division 4

Division 5

Slide 1-11

EXPANDING ELEMENTS OF INCIDENT 

COMMAND SYSTEM (cont’d)

Group Supervisor — directs resources within a 

functional area of responsibility (e.g., Vent, Salvage, 

Rescue and Water Supply Groups).

REHAB

COMMAND

RIC SAFETY

MED UNIT

STAGING

DIVISION GROUP

REHAB

COMMAND

SAFETY

RIC

MED UNIT

STAGING

DIVISION GROUP

OPERATIONS

Slide 1-12

5. Group Supervisor.

a. Directs resources within a functional area of responsibility (e.g., 

Vent Group, Salvage Group, Rescue Group, and Water Supply 

Group).
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-9

EXPANDING ELEMENTS OF INCIDENT 

COMMAND SYSTEM (cont’d)

• Groups work across 

Division lines.

– Group Supervisors 

must coordinate with 

the Division 

Supervisor before 

doing the tasks in 

that Division.

Slide 1-13

b. Groups work across Division lines.

c. Divisions and Groups operate on the same level.

d. Divisions do not work for Groups, and Groups do not work for 

Divisions.

OPERATE ON THE SAME 

LEVEL

• Division Supervisors are responsible for 

considering all problems and solutions for 

that geographic area.

• Groups relieve Divisions of specific 

functional responsibilities.

Slide 1-14

6. When a Division is created, the Division Supervisor is responsible for 

considering all problems and solutions for that geographic area.

a. Groups can relieve Divisions of functional responsibilities.

b. Group Supervisors are responsible for coordinating with Division 

Supervisors before taking any action that can affect the personnel 

within that Division.
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-10

EXPANDING ELEMENTS OF INCIDENT 

COMMAND SYSTEM (cont’d)

The better way to assign resources.

Slide 1-15

7. A more effective method of implementing ICS with the first alarm would 

be:

a. At initial arrival and assignment of the first-alarm units, begin at the 

Division and Group level.

b. Plug in additional resources as they arrive.

GARDEN APARTMENT FIRE

Slide 1-16 Photo/National Fire Academy (NFA)
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-11

EXPANDING ELEMENTS OF INCIDENT 

COMMAND SYSTEM (cont’d)

REHAB

E-1

E-2

T-1

R-1

T-2

E-5 CREW

COMMAND 

CHIEF 1

SAFETY RIC

E-4

MED UNIT

PM-1

STAGING

E-5

DIVISION 3 EXPOSURE

GROUP VENT GROUP DIVISION 2

E-3

E-6

E-7

Slide 1-17

8. In this example scenario, a fire has broken out at a garden apartment 

complex.

a. Seven engines, two trucks, and a Rescue Unit have arrived; other 

units are responding (approximately 38 personnel or about 10 

crews).

b. Engines — four people; trucks — four people; rescue — two people.

c. The attic and third floor are heavily involved (about 50 percent).

- Engine 1 or E-1 arrives on the scene.

- Safety Officer arrives and assumes safety duties.

- E-2 arrives on the scene.

- Truck 1 or T-1 arrives on the scene.

- Paramedic 1 or PM-1 arrives and is assigned to Rehab.

- Chief 1 arrives on the scene.

- E-3 arrives on the scene.

- E-4 arrives on the scene.

- T-2 arrives on the scene.

- E-5 arrives on the scene.

- E-6 arrives on the scene.
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-12

- Rescue 1 or R-1 arrives on the scene.

- E-7 arrives on the scene.

II. ESTABLISHING INCIDENT OBJECTIVES

ESTABLISHING INCIDENT 

OBJECTIVES 

• What is an objective?

Slide 1-18

ESTABLISHING INCIDENT 

OBJECTIVES (cont’d)

• Objectives must be SMART:

– Specific.

– Measurable.

– Attainable.

– Relevant.

– Time sensitive.

Slide 1-19

A. Objectives must be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time sensitive 

(SMART):

1. Specific.

2. Measurable.

3. Attainable.

4. Relevant.

5. Time sensitive.
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-13

IDENTIFYING INCIDENT 

STRATEGY 

• What is strategy?

Slide 1-20

IDENTIFYING INCIDENT 

STRATEGY (cont’d)

• Initially for small incidents:

– This is the sole responsibility of the Incident 

Commander (IC)/Company Officer (CO).

Slide 1-21

6. For small incidents, incident objectives and strategies are the sole 

responsibility of the Incident Commander (IC)/Company Officer (CO) and 

may take only a few minutes to complete.

IDENTIFYING INCIDENT 

STRATEGY (cont’d)

• For large incidents, members of the 

General Staff will contribute incident 

strategies.

– Rescue.

– Exposures.

– Confine the fire.

– Extinguish.

– Overhaul.

– Ventilate.

– Salvage (RECEO-VS).

Slide 1-22
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-14

7. For larger incidents, members of the General Staff (and others) will 

contribute to this process.

a. Rescue.

b. Exposures.

c. Confine the fire.

d. Extinguish.

e. Overhaul.

f. Ventilate.

g. Salvage (RECEO-VS).

TACTICAL DIRECTIONS AND 

RESOURCE ASSIGNMENTS

What are tactics?

Slide 1-23

TACTICAL DIRECTIONS

• Tactical directions include determining the 

tactics necessary for the selected strategy 

and assigning appropriate resources.

• Developed around specific operational 

periods.

Slide 1-24
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-15

8. Tactical directions include:

a. Determining the tactics and operations necessary for the selected 

strategy.

b. Determining and assigning appropriate resources.

9. The tactical directions are developed around specific operational periods 

and must have measurable results.

TACTICAL DIRECTIONS 

(cont’d)

• Large incidents may last for some time.

• Tactical directions should be realistic.

• Resource assignments will be made for 

each of the specific tasks.

Slide 1-25

10. For large incidents that may last for some time, there is a limit to what may 

be achieved (in terms of accomplishing an incident objective in a single 

operational period).

11. Therefore, tactical directions should be stated in terms of accomplishments 

that can be achieved realistically within the time frame of an operational 

period.

THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

• Incident priorities.

• The mission statement of the fire 

department.

• Life safety.

• Incident stabilization.

• Property conservation.

Slide 1-26
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-16

B. The command sequence.

The incident priorities define the mission. All strategies and tactics must be 

conceived within the boundaries of the mission. The incident priorities are:

1. Life safety.

2. Incident stabilization.

3. Property conservation.

III. COMMAND SEQUENCE ACTION CYCLE

COMMAND SEQUENCE 

ACTION CYCLE

• Critical factors of incident operations are 

often overlooked (or not given enough 

emphasis). This can result in:

– Poor use of resources.

– Inappropriate strategies and tactics.

– Safety problems.

– High incident costs.

– Lower effectiveness.

Slide 1-27

A. Overview.

1. Critical factors of incident operations are often overlooked (or not given 

enough emphasis). This can result in:

a. Poor use of resources.

b. Inappropriate strategies and tactics.

c. Safety problems.

d. High incident costs.

e. Lower effectiveness.

2. A simple (but thorough) process for planning can be used for small, shortterm events and for long, more complex incidents and events.
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-17

COMMAND SEQUENCE 

ACTION CYCLE (cont’d)

• Consists of six sequential steps:

– Understanding the situation.

– Establishing incident objectives.

– Developing incident strategy.

– Directing tactical and resource assignments.

– Implementing the plan.

– Evaluating the plan.

Slide 1-28

THE COMMAND SEQUENCE 

(cont’d)

Size-Up

Slide 1-29

3. This process is referred to as the Command Sequence Action Cycle and 

consists of six sequential parts:

a. Understanding the situation. (Size up the primary factors.)

b. Establishing incident objectives.

c. Developing incident strategy (activities).

d. Directing tactical direction and resource assignments.

e. Implementing the plan.

f. Evaluating the plan.
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-18

UNDERSTANDING THE 

SITUATION

Involves knowing:

• What has occurred.

• If the incident will expand (or get smaller).

• Present (and future) resource and 

organizational needs.

Slide 1-30

4. You must know:

a. What has occurred.

b. If the incident will get bigger (or smaller).

c. Present (and future) resource and organizational needs.

THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

(cont’d)

• Size-up.

– First step in the process of determining the 

incident situation.

– Assessment of the situation.

– Gathering and analyzing cues.

– The first action.

Slide 1-31

5. Size-up is the gathering and recognition of information cues.

a. The assessment of the situation.

b. The first action.
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-19

THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

(cont’d)

Size-Up

Slide 1-32

6. Size-up is the analysis and comparison of incident cues and the basis for 

problem identification.

a. These problems must be identified to set incident priorities.

b. Problem identification is the first outcome.

THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

(cont’d)

• Problem identification:

– Problem identification is the first outcome.

• The analysis and comparison of incident 

cues are the basis for problem 

identification.

Slide 1-33
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-20

THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

(cont’d)

Slide 1-34

Size-Up

Action 

Plan

Establish Objectives

Develop Strategy

Select Tactics

7. The analysis and comparison of incident primary factors and cues are the 

basis for problem identification.

a. Report of occupants trapped.

b. Fire extending to exposures.

c. Presence of flammable vapors.

THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

(cont’d)

• Incident objectives:

– Incident objectives are statements of 

guidance and direction.

– Objectives are SMART.

Slide 1-35

8. Establishing incident objectives.

a. Incident objectives are statements of guidance and direction.

b. Objectives are SMART.
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-21

THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

(cont’d)

• Determining strategies and selecting 

tactics.

– Strategy is the “what” of the solution.

– Tactics are the “how” of the solution.

– Designating incident objectives, strategy and 

tactics is the second action.

Slide 1-36

THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

(cont’d)

Slide 1-37

Size-Up

Action 

Plan

Establish Objectives

Develop Strategy

Select Tactics

9. Determining strategies and selecting tactics.

a. Strategy is the “what” of the solution: What must be done to solve 

the problem?

b. Tactics are the “how” of the solution: They are the specific actions 

that must be performed.

c. Designating strategies and tactics is the second action step.
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-22

THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

(cont’d)

• IAP:

– Comprised of the strategy and tactics, 

including “who, when and where.”

– The IAP is the second outcome.

– Objectives explain what can be 

accomplished when all allocated resources 

have been deployed efficiently.

Slide 1-38

10. The IAP delineates “who” takes the action and “when” and “where” the 

action takes place.

a. The IAP includes the determined strategy and selected tactics.

b. The IAP is the second outcome.

THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

(cont’d)

Slide 1-39

Size-Up

Action 

Plan

Establish Objectives

Develop Strategy

Select Tactics Implementation
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-23

THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

(cont’d)

• Implementing the IAP:

– Directives issued to resources delineating 

their part of the plan and the “when” and 

“where.”

– Implementation is the third action.

Slide 1-40

11. Implementing the IAP.

a. Resources need to know their part of the plan.

b. Directives are issued to the resources delineating their part of the 

plan, the “when,” and the “where.”

c. Implementing the IAP is the third action step.

THE COMMAND SEQUENCE 

(cont’d)

– Communicating assignments clearly.

– Ensure that assignments are understood.

– Obtain timely feedback.

Slide 1-41

d. Communicating assignments clearly.

e. Ensure that assignments are understood.

f. Obtain timely feedback.
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-24

THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

(cont’d)

Slide 1-42

Size-Up

Action 

Plan

Tasks

Establish Objectives

Develop Strategy

Select Tactics Implementation

THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

(cont’d)

• Performing tactical operations (tasks):

– The tasks that companies and crews perform 

to accomplish the tactics.

– Tactics are done at the Division or Group 

level by those supervisors.

Slide 1-43

Slide 1-44

THE COMMAND SEQUENCE 

(cont’d)

Size-Up

Action 

Plan

Tasks

Establish Objectives

Develop Strategy

Select Tactics Implementation

12. Performing tactical operations.

a. Companies perform specifically learned manual tasks that, when 

completed, achieve or help achieve a tactic.
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-25

b. Performing tasks is the third outcome.

c. Performance of tactical operations cycles back into the first action 

step: size up.

EVALUATING THE PLAN

• Is the strategy attaining the overall 

objectives?

• Are the appropriate tactics facilitating the 

strategy?

Slide 1-45

13. Evaluating the plan.

a. Is the strategy attaining the overall objectives?

b. Are appropriate tactics facilitating the strategy?

EVALUATING THE PLAN 

(cont’d)

• Does the plan need to be modified or 

adjusted?

• Continue the size-up, and evaluate the 

effectiveness of the IAP. Evaluate every 

10 minutes.

Slide 1-46

c. Does the plan need to be modified or adjusted?

d. Continue the size-up, and evaluate the effectiveness of the IAP. 

Evaluate every 10 minutes.
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-26

GUIDE TO ACTION PLANNING

• Makes you think before you act.

• Helps keep the IC in a proactive mode.

• Ensures that critical cues are not 

overlooked.

• Can be used at any type of incident.

• Provides a logical thought process.

Slide 1-47

14. A guide to action planning.

a. Makes you think before you act.

b. Helps keep IC in a proactive mode.

c. Helps to ensure that critical cues are not overlooked.

d. Can be used at any type of incident.

e. Provides a logical thought process to follow.

ESTABLISHING AN ACTION 

PLAN 

Walk-around: hypothetical house fire.

Slide 1-48

B. Establishing an action plan.
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-27

EXAMPLE OF OBJECTIVES

• Occupied house fire:

– Two-story occupied dwelling, 20 feet by 40 

feet, ordinary construction, fire located in 

living room area, first floor, Side Delta, report 

of occupants trapped in second floor 

bedroom, Side Bravo. No external 

exposures.

Slide 1-49

EXAMPLE OF OBJECTIVES 

(cont’d)

• Incident objectives:

– Objective 1: Provide for the safe removal of 

occupants within 10 minutes.

– Objective 2: Contain and control fire to 

room/building of origin within 15 minutes.

Slide 1-50

EXAMPLE OF STRATEGIES

• Example of strategies for Objective 1:

– Strategy 1: Rescue.

– Strategy 2: Confine/Extinguish.

– Strategy 3: Ventilate.

Slide 1-51
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-28

EXAMPLE OF TACTICS 

• For Objective 1, the strategy and tactics 

may be:

– Rescue/Confine/Extinguish:

-- Tactic 1: Deploy a Search and Rescue Group to 

upper floors.

-- Tactic 2: Deploy a hoseline to first floor for 

stairwell/occupant protection.

Slide 1-52

EXAMPLE OF TACTICS 

(cont’d) 

– Ventilate:

-- Tactic 1: Ventilate stairwell (if possible) and Side 

Bravo to support occupant removal.

Slide 1-53

EXAMPLE OF STRATEGIES 

(cont’d)

• Example of strategies for Objective 2:

– Strategy 1: Confine/Extinguish.

– Strategy 2: Ventilate.

– Strategy 3: Salvage.

Slide 1-54
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-29

EXAMPLE OF TACTICS 

(cont’d)

• For Objective 2, the strategy and tactics 

may be:

– Confine/Extinguish:

-- Tactic 1: Deploy a hoseline to first floor, Side 

Delta for confinement/extinguishment.

-- Tactic 2: Deploy a hoseline to second floor, Side 

Delta for interior exposure protection.

Slide 1-55

EXAMPLE OF TACTICS 

(cont’d)

– Ventilate:

-- Tactic 1: vertical ventilation of roof apertures and 

horizontal ventilation on the first and second 

floors.

Slide 1-56

EXAMPLE OF TACTICS 

(cont’d)

– Salvage:

-- Tactic 1: positive ventilation with proper use of 

fans.

-- Tactic 2: use of salvage covers and control of 

water runoff.

Slide 1-57
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-30

IV. BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION 

CLASSIFICATIONS 

• Understanding the strengths, concerns 

and specific characteristics of 

construction types is critical.

• As structural elements become 

weakened, gravity will take over and pull 

the building down.

Slide 1-58

There are five different building construction classifications. Each has inherent strengths 

and weaknesses (i.e., pros and cons). These characteristics affect the objectives, strategies 

and tactics used during an incident.

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

CLASSIFICATIONS (cont’d)

• Type I: fire-resistive.

• Type II: noncombustible.

• Type III: ordinary construction.

• Type IV: heavy timber.

• Type V: wood frame.

Slide 1-59

A. As a refresher, the building construction classifications are:

1. Type I: fire-resistive.

2. Type II: noncombustible.

3. Type III: ordinary.

4. Type IV: heavy timber.

5. Type V: wood frame.
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-31

TYPE I: FIRE-RESISTIVE 

CONSTRUCTION

What is the effect of fire-resistive 

construction on objectives?

Slide 1-60

B. Type I: fire-resistive construction.

TYPE I: FIRE-RESISTIVE 

CONSTRUCTION (cont’d)

Slide 1-61

Photo/NFA

1. Office buildings of this type of construction often contain large open areas 

with heavy fire loading.

2. Ventilation is a significant problem.

3. Operations are extremely labor intensive, demanding extensive resources.
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-32

TYPE I: FIRE-RESISTIVE 

CONSTRUCTION (cont’d)

Slide 1-62 Photo/NFA

Photo/NFA

Photo/NFA

TYPE I: FIRE-RESISTIVE 

CONSTRUCTION (cont’d)

Slide 1-63

Photo/NFA

SPRAY-ON FIREPROOFING

Slide 1-64

Photo/NFA

4. Structural steel is not exposed. It is often protected by encasing, sprayed-on 

protection or membrane ceilings.
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-33

ENCLOSED STAIRS

Slide 1-65

Photo/NFA

5. All vertical openings, such as stairwells and shafts, are protected using 

approved doors.

TYPE II: NONCOMBUSTIBLE 

CONSTRUCTION

What effect would noncombustible 

construction have on your strategy?

Slide 1-66

C. Type II: noncombustible construction.
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-34

TYPE II: NONCOMBUSTIBLE 

CONSTRUCTION (cont’d)

Slide 1-67

Photo/NFA

TYPE II: NONCOMBUSTIBLE 

CONSTRUCTION (cont’d)

Slide 1-68

Photo/NFA

TYPE II: NONCOMBUSTIBLE 

CONSTRUCTION (cont’d)

Slide 1-69

Photo/NFA

1. Structural steel is usually exposed.

2. The structural steel members will retain heat, causing them to become good 

heat conductors.
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-35

TYPE III: ORDINARY 

CONSTRUCTION

What is the effect of ordinary construction on 

objectives?

Slide 1-70

D. Type III: ordinary construction.

TYPE III: ORDINARY 

CONSTRUCTION (cont’d)

Photo/NFA

Slide 1-71

TYPE III: ORDINARY 

CONSTRUCTION (cont’d)

Photo/NFA

Slide 1-72
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-36

TYPE III: ORDINARY 

CONSTRUCTION (cont’d)

Photo/NFA

Slide 1-73

Photo/NFA

Photo/NFA Photo/NFA

TYPE III: ORDINARY CONSTRUCTION —

NEW STRIP MALL

Photo/NFA

Slide 1-74

1. Ordinary construction buildings may have common walls and common 

floor sockets, allowing for rapid fire spread.

2. Parapet walls, cornices, overhangs, loads on walls, signs and marquees, or 

other heavy items must be considered for the safety of those working 

underneath.
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-37

TYPE IV: HEAVY TIMBER 

CONSTRUCTION

• What is the effect of heavy timber 

construction on objectives/strategies?

Slide 1-75

E. Type IV: heavy timber construction.

1. Usually masonry (noncombustible) exterior walls and substantial timber 

construction.

2. Wood beams, as used in open ceiling structures.

TYPE IV: HEAVY TIMBER 

CONSTRUCTION (cont’d)

• Portions of walls are 

noncombustible or 

limited combustible 

materials (usually 

masonry loadbearing walls).

• Interior members 

are solid or 

laminated wood. Photo/NFA

Slide 1-76
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-38

TYPE IV: HEAVY TIMBER 

CONSTRUCTION (cont’d)

• A modern style 

of Type IV 

constructions is 

masonry wall 

structures 

(churches, 

gymnasiums). Photo/NFA

Slide 1-77

a. Large mass, 4 inches by 6 inches.

b. Slow burning and stay strong for a long time.

3. Potential for unprotected open areas, such as freight elevators or utility 

shafts.

4. Potential for close exposures.

TYPE V: WOOD-FRAME 

CONSTRUCTION

What is the effect of wood-frame 

construction on objectives?

Slide 1-78
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-39

TYPE V: WOOD-FRAME 

CONSTRUCTION (cont’d)

Photo/NFA

Slide 1-79

TYPE V: WOOD FRAME, 

PLATFORM FRAME

Photo/NFA

Slide 1-80

F. Type V: wood-frame construction.

1. Wall studs are placed on the floor deck with a sill at the bottom of the wall 

and a plate at the top.

• Balloon frame 

construction 

allows fire to travel 

uninterrupted.

TYPE V: WOOD FRAME, 

BALLOON FRAME

Interior walls — plaster/lath

Exterior walls — siding Exterior siding removed Photo/NFA

Photo/NFA

Slide 1-81
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-40

2. This provides a natural fire buffer for vertical extension within the walls.

3. Studs are run from the foundation to the roof.

4. Floor joists are nailed to the wall studs, allowing fire extension in all 

directions.

5. Balloon frame structure must be scrutinized aggressively.

BUILDINGS UNDER 

CONSTRUCTION

What is the effect of buildings under 

construction on objectives?

Slide 1-82

EXAMPLE OF BUILDING 

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Photo/NFA

Slide 1-83

G. Buildings under construction.
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-41

BUILDING UNDER 

DEMOLITION

What is the effect of buildings under 

demolition on objectives?

Slide 1-84

EXAMPLE OF BUILDING 

UNDER DEMOLITION

Photo/NFA

Slide 1-85

H. Buildings under demolition.

OCCUPANCY 

What effect would 

“occupancy” have on your 

objectives/strategies?

• Type of occupancy.

• Contents of structure 

(fire load).

• Exposures.

Photo/NFA

Photo/NFA

Slide 1-86
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-42

I. Occupancy and contents.

1. Ventilation.

a. Some materials give off gases that are toxic or injurious to the eyes 

or skin. Ventilation is achieved more slowly.

b. Where the presence of explosive mixtures or substances is 

suspected, exterior ventilation measures should be taken to prevent 

an explosion or to minimize the results.

2. Placement of hoselines — difficulty in ventilating can reduce the 

effectiveness of hoselines.

3. Selecting an extinguishing agent — in some cases, water may spread the 

fire or may cause an explosion or release of gases that can intensify and abet 

extension of the fire.

4. Overhauling — the quantity of material involved, the manner in which it is 

stored, its nature, and the degree to which it has been subjected to the fire 

affect overhauling.

HEIGHT 

What effect would 

“height of building” have 

on your objectives/ 

strategies?

• Fire building.

• Exposures.

Photo/NFA

Slide 1-87

J. Height.

1. Ventilation.

a. Height can affect activities at fires in high-rise buildings.

b. At lower-level fires, roof or window ventilation may be possible, 

thus facilitating the advance of lines from either side of the fire as 

well as the search for and removal of occupants.
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-43

2. Placement of hoselines.

a. Exterior lines also may be used.

b. In this case, control is likely to be established more quickly than at 

a similar but higher fire that can be attacked only from the interior.

AREA

What effect would “area 

of building” have on 

your objectives/ 

strategies?

• Fire building.

• Exposures. Photo/NFA

Slide 1-88

K. Area.

1. If the fire can be confined to a small room, the fact that the total floor area 

is 200 feet by 200 feet hardly matters.

2. However, if such an area is not effectively subdivided and there is no small 

room, the extent of the fire sooner or later can cover the total floor area.

3. Proximity of exposures.

a. Proximity alone does not make an exposure vulnerable.

b. To evaluate the effects of proximity in selecting objectives and 

activities, proximity must be considered in conjunction with other 

contributing factors — such as construction, location of fire, 

occupancy, and wind direction and velocity.
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-44

STRUCTURAL COLLAPSE

What effect would “structural collapse” have 

on your objectives/strategies?

• Fire building.

• Exposures.

• Collapse zone.

• Apparatus 

placement.

Photo/NFA

Slide 1-89

L. Structural collapse — in assessing the effects of other factors on structural collapse, 

officers should carefully consider the type of construction involved in the fire.

WEATHER

What effect would 

“weather” have on your 

objectives/strategies?

• Low temperatures.

• High temperatures.

• Rain.

• Wind.

Photo/NFA

Slide 1-90

Photo/NFA

M. Weather.

1. Low temperatures retard the initial development of fire, but once a fire has 

started, they impair efficiency.

2. High temperatures generally are classified as temperatures in the 80s and 

90s.

a. High humidity and inversion conditions are characterized by dense 

smoke and poor visibility.

b. High humidity and high moisture content make it more difficult for 

a vigorous fire to become established but do not slow its spread once 

it is well-started.
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-45

3. Rain greatly reduces the probability of fire spreading from building to 

building.

4. Wind.

a. Velocity is an important factor. Winds under 15 mph usually can be 

controlled by defensive measures.

b. With winds from 15 to 30 mph, the rate of fire propagation increases 

dramatically.

- Wind at 30 mph threatens exposures downwind.

- Wind at 30 mph is conducive to conflagrations.

5. Visibility — impaired visibility makes it more difficult to recognize and 

evaluate pertinent factors properly, thereby hampering decision-making and 

increasing the possibility of error.

RESOURCE REQUIREMENTS

What effect would “resource requirements” 

have on your objectives/strategies?

• Water.

• Apparatus.

• Equipment.

• Personnel.

• Special extinguishing agents. Photo/NFA

Slide 1-91

N. Resource requirements — the water, apparatus, equipment, personnel, and special 

extinguishing agents that are required and available for an effective fire operation.
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-46

AUXILIARY APPLIANCES

What effect would “auxiliary appliances” 

have on your objectives/strategies?

• Sprinkler systems.

• Pressurization of stairways or other 

building areas.

Photo/NFA

Slide 1-92

Photo/NFA

O. Auxiliary appliances.

1. Sprinkler systems.

2. Pressurization of stairways or other building areas.

TOPOGRAPHY

What effect would “topography” have on 

your objectives/strategies?

• Steeply graded streets/roads.

• Leveling portable ladders on grades.

• Congested streets/roads.

• Snow-/Ice-covered streets/roads.

Slide 1-93

P. Topography.

1. Operating at a fire on steeply graded streets, it may be advisable to position 

aerial trucks or tower ladders on the high side of the fire to ensure maximum 

reach.

2. Use wedges to level portable ladders to allow for safe climbing on hilly 

terrain.

3. Streets that are one-way, congested by vehicular traffic, or snow- or icecovered tend to delay response of the fire department.
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-47

EXPLOSIONS

What effect would 

“explosions” have on 

your objectives/ 

strategies?

• Smoke explosions.

• Bomb explosions.

Photo/NFA

Slide 1-94

Q. Explosions.

1. Smoke explosions or backdrafts at fires are caused essentially by the rapid 

combustion of a mixture of flammable gas, vapor, mist or dust, and air under 

certain conditions.

2. Bomb explosions.

a. Warnings of the impending explosion may or may not be given.

b. Chief officers responding to the designated target must assume that 

any warning is authentic and conduct operations accordingly.

V. ANALYTICAL SIZE-UP FOR INCIDENT MANAGEMENT

USE THE

SCIENTIFIC METHOD

• Observe the facts (size-up).

• Test the accuracy of the facts through 

observation.

• If the facts are accurate, logical 

hypotheses can be deduced.

• If the hypothesis is proved true, outcomes 

may be predicted in similar situations.

• These hypotheses are called principles.

Slide 1-95
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-48

A. Use the scientific method.

1. Observe the facts (size-up).

2. Test the accuracy of the facts through observation.

3. If the facts are accurate, a logical hypothesis can be deduced.

4. If the hypothesis is proved true, outcomes may be predicted in similar 

situations.

5. These hypotheses are called principles.

PRIMARY FACTORS SIZE-UP 

CHART

Slide 1-96

B. Primary Factors Size-Up Chart.

PRIMARY FACTORS SIZE-UP 

CHART (cont’d)

• Column 1:

– The conditions and 

elements that 

should be 

recognized and 

evaluated on arrival 

and during 

operations.

Slide 1-97
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-49

1. Column 1: pertinent factors.

a. Pertinent factors are the conditions and elements that should be 

recognized and evaluated on arrival and during operations.

b. Some examples:

- Life hazard.

- Location of fire.

- Construction.

- Occupancy.

- Height.

- Area.

- Structural collapse.

- Weather.

- Resource requirement.

- Auxiliary appliances.

- Topography.

- Explosions/Backdraft.

- Time/Duration of operations.

PRIMARY FACTORS SIZE-UP 

CHART (cont’d)

• Column 2:

– Safe removal of all 

occupants:

-- When life hazard for 

occupants is the 

limiting or strategic 

factor.

Slide 1-98
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-50

2. Column 2: incident objectives.

a. Safe removal of all occupants: when life hazard for occupants is the 

limiting or strategic factor.

PRIMARY FACTORS SIZE-UP 

CHART (cont’d) 

– Contain and control fire 

to room/building of 

origin:

-- No life hazard for 

occupants, and fire is 

considered to be 

controllable by a direct 

or indirect attack.

Slide 1-99

b. Contain and control fire to room/building of origin: no life hazard 

for occupants, and fire is considered to be controllable by a direct or 

indirect attack.

PRIMARY FACTORS SIZE-UP 

CHART (cont’d) 

– Contain, control and 

limit fire in exposures:

-- No life hazard for 

occupants, and the 

situation is temporarily 

uncontrollable.

Slide 1-100

c. Contain, control and limit fire in exposures: no life hazard for 

occupants, and the situation is temporarily uncontrollable.
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-51

PRIMARY FACTORS SIZE-UP 

CHART (cont’d)

• Column 3:

– Rescue.

– Exposures.

– Confine the fire/ 

Extinguish.

– Overhaul.

– Ventilate.

– Salvage.

Slide 1-101

3. Column 3: activities (strategies).

a. Rescue.

b. Exposures.

c. Confine the fire/Extinguish.

d. Overhaul.

e. Ventilate.

f. Salvage.

g. Size-up.

h. Location of fire.

i. Identify and control flow path.

j. Cool space from the safest location.

k. Extinguish the fire.

l. Rescue.

m. Salvage (SLICE-RS).
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-52

PRIMARY FACTORS SIZE-UP 

CHART (cont’d)

• Column 4: 

– Re-evaluation of the 

progress of incident 

strategies in use.

– Implement alternative 

strategies to affect 

and/or resolve primary 

factors.

Slide 1-102

4. Column 4: evaluate effect of activities (strategies).

a. Re-evaluation of the progress of incident strategies in use.

b. Implement alternative strategies to affect and/or resolve primary 

factors.

C. Using the Primary Factors Size-Up Chart.

1. Step 1: Assess the pertinent factors, and establish major incident objectives.

List the major objectives in Column 2.

2. Step 2: Identify incident strategies (circle).

List incident strategies in Column 3 (left).

3. Step 3: Assign incident strategies.

Indicate unit or units assigned to the strategy in Column 3 (right).

4. Step 4: Evaluate incident strategies.

a. At 10-minute intervals, re-evaluate (in Column 4) the primary 

factors and the effects of the strategies on these factors.

b. Always identify alternative strategies for firefighter safety when 

occupant safety has been determined not to be a primary factor.
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-53

LIMITS

• Risk a lot to save a lot.

• Risk a little to save a little.

• Risk nothing to save nothing.

Slide 1-103

D. Limits: For practical purposes, there are three limits.

1. Risk a lot to save a lot.

2. Risk a little to save a little.

3. Risk nothing to save nothing.

VI. SUMMARY

SUMMARY

• Major functions of the ICS.

• Establishing incident objectives.

• Command sequence action cycle.

• Building construction.

• Analytical size-up for incident 

management.

Slide 1-104
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-54

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INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-55

APPENDIX

PRIMARY FACTORS SIZE-UP CHART
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-56

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INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM AND THE COMMAND SEQUENCE

SM 1-57

Primary Factors Size-Up Chart
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STRATEGY AND TACTICS FOR INITIAL COMPANY OPERATIONS

UNIT 2:

FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE 

PROTECTION, AND FIRE 

EXTINGUISHMENT

TERMINAL OBJECTIVES

The students will be able to:

2.1 Recognize critical size-up factors. 

2.2 Recognize that locating the fire’s origin and identifying flow control issues are critical during the initial 

stages of an incident.

ENABLING OBJECTIVES

The students will be able to:

2.1 Explain the difference between Rescue, Exposures, Confine the fire, Extinguish, Overhaul, Ventilate, 

Salvage (RECEO-VS) and Size-up, Locate the fire, Identify and control flow path, Cool space from safest 

location, Extinguish fire, Rescue, Salvage (SLICE-RS).

2.2 Given a scenario, develop a confinement action plan using the command sequence cycle.

2.3 Given a scenario, develop an exposure protection action plan using the command sequence cycle.

2.4 Given a scenario, develop a fire extinguishment action plan using the command sequence cycle.

2.5 Identify and explain the actions required to support fire confinement, exposure protection, and fire 

extinguishment activities.
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-2

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FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-3

UNIT 2:

FIRE CONFINEMENT, 

EXPOSURE PROTECTION,

AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

Slide 2-1

ENABLING OBJECTIVES

• Explain the difference between Rescue, 

Exposures, Confine the fire, Extinguish, 

Overhaul, Ventilate, Salvage (RECEO-VS) 

and Size-up, Locate the fire, Identify and 

control flow path, Cool space from safest 

location, Extinguish fire, Rescue, Salvage 

(SLICE-RS).

• Given a scenario, develop a confinement 

action plan using the command sequence 

cycle. Slide 2-2

ENABLING OBJECTIVES

(cont’d)

• Given a scenario, develop an exposure 

protection action plan using the command 

sequence cycle.

• Given a scenario, develop a fire 

extinguishment action plan using the 

command sequence cycle. 

• Identify and explain the actions required to 

support fire confinement, exposure 

protection, and fire extinguishment 

activities. Slide 2-3
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-4

I. A FRESH APPROACH — RECEO-VS VERSUS SLICE-RS

A FRESH APPROACH

Traditional structural fire strategic goals.

Actions of 

Opportunity

entilate.

alvage.

Sequential Actions 

Rescue

escue.

xposures.

onfine the fire.

xtinguish.

verhaul.

Slide 2-4

A FRESH APPROACH (cont’d)

Revised structural fire strategic goals.

Actions of 

Opportunity

escue.

alvage.

Sequential Actions 

Rescue

ize-up.

ocate the fire.

dentify and control flow path.

ool space from safest location.

xtinguish fire.

Slide 2-5

A. There may be times that size-up comes before rescue for the safety of the 

firefighters.

B. Locating and extinguishing the fire may facilitate a quicker and safer rescue.
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-5

A FRESH APPROACH (cont’d)

• Several tactical acronyms have come to 

challenge RECEO-VS.

• It is not the acronym that makes the 

attack sequence successful.

• Instead, it is how the attack sequence 

tactics are applied to the conditions 

determined during the size-up/360-degree 

walk- around.

Slide 2-6

C. A new approach.

1. Several tactical acronyms have come to challenge Rescue, Exposures, 

Confine the fire, Extinguish, Overhaul, Ventilate, Salvage (RECEO-VS).

2. It is not the acronym that makes the attack sequence successful.

3. Instead, it is how the attack sequence tactics are applied to the conditions 

determined during the size-up/360-degree walk-around.

• This essential process provides the 

means to locate the fire, isolate the flow 

path, and begin the cooling process 

without delay!

Slide 2-7

A FRESH APPROACH (cont’d)

4. This essential process provides the means to locate the fire, isolate the flow 

path, and begin the cooling process without delay!
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-6

WHAT ABOUT VENTILATION?

Ventilation has been removed from a mustdo tactical component and placed as a 

special consideration. More details to follow.

Slide 2-8

D. Ventilation has been removed from a must-do tactical component and placed as a 

special consideration. More details to follow.

A FRESH APPROACH (cont’d)

• Reinforce that whenever crews enter 

immediately dangerous to life and health 

(IDLH) conditions during a structural fire, 

the proper firefighter rescue capability 

should be established prior to their entry.

Slide 2-9

E. A Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) should be in place prior to any interior 

firefighting in immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH) conditions.

INITIAL OPERATIONS —

TWO-IN/TWO-OUT

• Occupational Safety and 

Health Administration 

(OSHA) 1910.134.

• Two-in/Two-out rule.

• Federal law in most states.

• A two-person team must 

remain in contact with 

members in the IDLH 

atmosphere.

Slide 2-10
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-7

F. Interior firefighting operations.

1. Minimum of four personnel needed. (There are exceptions such as South 

Carolina, which has a state rule of two in and one out.)

2. Can be assembled in a number of ways.

a. Two two-person companies.

b. One four-person company.

c. One three-person company plus a duty chief.

G. Options for standby team.

1. First member.

Don appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and self-contained 

breathing apparatus (SCBA), and be ready to go.

a. Dedicated to rescue.

b. Attired with full PPE, including SCBA.

2. Second member.

INITIAL OPERATIONS —

TWO-IN/TWO-OUT (cont’d)

• Assigned members can be used for other 

duties.

– They must be able to leave those duties to 

perform rescue.

• Requirement can be suspended if lifethreatening conditions exist.

Slide 2-11

a. The second person outside may be assigned other duties as long as 

this person is able to perform assistance or rescue activities (e.g., 

Incident Commander (IC) or Safety Officer) without delay and

without jeopardizing the safety or health of any firefighter working 

at the incident.
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-8

b. This person will need to don SCBA and have the mask available for 

immediate use.

RAPID INTERVENTION 

CREWS

• It is paramount that whenever personnel are 

operating in positions or performing functions 

that subject them to immediate danger, at least 

one properly attired Rapid Intervention Crew 

(RIC) is available and ready to provide 

assistance.

Slide 2-12

H. Ensure that RICs have the needed tools for rapid deployment.

RAPID INTERVENTION 

CREWS (cont’d)

• Rapid intervention procedures should not 

be confused with initial interior structural 

firefighting operations (two-in/two-out), 

addressed in National Fire Protection 

Association (NFPA) 1500, Standard on 

Fire Department Occupational Safety and 

Health Program.

Slide 2-13

1. Do not confuse rapid intervention procedures with interior structural 

firefighting operations (two-in/two-out).
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-9

RAPID INTERVENTION CREW PRIMARY 

FOCUS UPON ACTIVATION

• Search, 

reconnaissance or 

recon, and locate.

• Remove trapped 

firefighters to a safe 

location if possible.

Slide 2-14

2. Primary focus upon activation.

a. Search, reconnaissance or recon, and locate.

b. Remove trapped firefighters to a safe location if possible.

• Provide air supply to 

trapped firefighters.

• Request resources 

from Incident 

Commander (IC) to 

protect and rescue.

Slide 2-15

RAPID INTERVENTION CREW PRIMARY 

FOCUS UPON ACTIVATION (cont’d)

c. Provide air supply to trapped firefighters.

d. Request resources from IC to protect and rescue.
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-10

RAPID INTERVENTION 

CREWS (cont’d)

• Some common responses by some 

officers and firefighters alike when 

assigned to the position of rapid 

intervention:

– “You have got to be kidding me, RIC!?”

– “What? You want us to just stand here?”

– “Chief, if you get us out of RIC, we’ll put this 

fire out!”

Slide 2-16

3. Common responses to RIC assignment.

a. “You have got to be kidding me, RIC!?”

b. “What? You want us to just stand here?”

c. “Chief, if you get us out of RIC, we’ll put this fire out!”

RAPID INTERVENTION CREW 

PROACTIVE MEASURES

• In order to promote proactive measures 

for improving firefighter safety within the 

IDLH atmosphere, RICs should be directly 

involved or coordinate with the IC to 

ensure that the following duties are 

achieved. 

- Placement of ground ladders to support 

egress.

Slide 2-17

I. Look for that assigned RIC to coordinate and, by observation of the scene, evaluate 

and possibly initiate the following proactive tasks to support and potentially 

eliminate the “mayday.”
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-11

- Placement of lighting to illuminate 

points of egress.

- Force open exterior doors in 

operational areas to improve egress 

opportunities.

Slide 2-18

RAPID INTERVENTION CREW 

PROACTIVE MEASURES (cont’d)

1. Placement of ground ladders to support egress.

2. Placement of lighting to illuminate points of egress.

3. Force open exterior doors in operational areas to improve egress 

opportunities.

- Remove window obstructions in 

operational areas, such as bars, 

security screens, casement window 

frames. 

- Confirm control of utilities.

Slide 2-19

RAPID INTERVENTION CREW 

PROACTIVE MEASURES (cont’d)

4. Remove window obstructions in operational areas, such as bars, security 

screens, and casement window frames.

5. Confirm control of utilities.
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-12

• What is the common thread for the tasks 

listed previously?

• With all that, the primary mission of the 

RIC is to:

– Maintain readiness to react to a “mayday” by 

orders of the IC.

Slide 2-20

RAPID INTERVENTION CREW 

PROACTIVE MEASURES (cont’d)

6. Maintain readiness to react to a “mayday” by orders of the IC.

“MAYDAY” MENTALITY

Slide 2-21

II. SIZE-UP AND RISK ASSESSMENT

SIZE-UP AND

RISK ASSESSMENT

Slide 2-22
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-13

SEQUENTIAL STRATEGIC 

ACTIONS: SIZE-UP

Size-up.

• A cornerstone of tactical operations.

• Make 360-degree laps.

• Communicate the conditions, building 

construction, etc.

Slide 2-23

A. Size-up.

1. A cornerstone of tactical operations.

2. Make 360-degree laps.

3. Communicate the conditions, building construction, etc.

SEQUENTIAL STRATEGIC 

ACTIONS: SIZE-UP (cont’d)

• Declare operational modes by advising 

actions.

• Request additional resources, if needed.

• Establish command.

Slide 2-24

4. Declare operational modes by advising actions.

5. Request additional resources, if needed.

6. Establish command.
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-14

SIZE-UP DEFINED 

Size-up is an ongoing process of evaluating 

the situation to determine:

• What happened.

• What is happening.

• What is likely to happen.

Slide 2-25

B. Size-up is an ongoing process of evaluating the situation to determine:

1. What happened.

2. What is happening.

3. What is likely to happen.

WHAT IS SIZE-UP: WHAT IS 

DISCOVERED?

• An inadequate size-up can lead to 

choosing the wrong strategy, overlooking 

trapped occupants, and putting firefighters 

at excessive risk.

Slide 2-26

C. An inadequate size-up can lead to choosing the wrong strategy, overlooking trapped 

occupants, and putting firefighters at excessive risk.
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-15

WHAT IS SIZE-UP: WHAT IS 

DISCOVERED? (cont’d)

• Example — fire travel: 

– The first responding officer 

makes a reasonable 

assumption of what the fire 

will consume and where it 

can be stopped. 

– Predict the path and speed 

of the fire.

Slide 2-27

Proactive ??

Example — fire travel. 

1. The first responding officer makes a reasonable assumption of what the fire 

will consume and where it can be stopped. 

2. Predict the path and speed of the fire.

THREE PHASES OF SIZE-UP

• Preincident information — what you know 

from your preplanning efforts.

• Initial size-up — what you see and hear 

during the initial stages of the event.

• Ongoing size-up — the gathering of 

information throughout the event.

Slide 2-28

D. Three phases of size-up.

1. Preincident information — what you know from your preplanning efforts.

2. Initial size-up — what you see and hear during the initial stages of the event.

3. Ongoing size-up — the gathering of information throughout the event.
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-16

SIZE-UP

• Size-up is the process of gathering and 

analyzing information that is critical to the 

outcome of the event. This information 

includes conditions and elements that 

should be recognized and evaluated on 

arrival and during operations.

Slide 2-29

E. Size-up is the process of gathering and analyzing information that is critical to the 

outcome of the event. This information includes conditions and elements that 

should be recognized and evaluated on arrival and during operations.

SIZE-UP (cont’d)

• How valuable is doing this 360-degree 

size-up to us?

– Size up, locate the fire’s origin, identify flow 

control issues.

• What we see during the 360-degree sizeup can be a huge determining factor in 

whether our trip to the interior will be a 

one-way or round trip.

Slide 2-30

1. Performing a 360-degree size-up allows the IC to prepare a more efficient 

incident attack plan. The fire’s origin could be different than the location 

where the fire is actually showing. 

2. Without a complete perspective of the incident scene, critical clues could 

be missed, leading to unnecessary structure damage and the potential for 

loss of life.
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-17

SIZE-UP (cont’d)

Slide 2-31

National Institute for Occupational 

Safety and Health (NIOSH) 

firefighter fatality reports 

repeatedly cite lack of a complete 

size-up as a contributing factor in 

firefighter deaths.

3. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 

conducts independent investigations of firefighter line-of-duty deaths 

(LODDs). 

a. On average, 100 firefighters perish in the line of duty annually.

b. Incomplete or insufficient size-up factors are cited as contributing 

factors in firefighter deaths.

360-DEGREE SIZE-UP

• Opportunity to determine not just where 

the fire is showing from but also where 

the fire’s origin is.

• With only a limited perspective 

(windshield size-up), a visible first- or 

second-floor fire may just be a mirage of 

the fire’s origin.

Slide 2-32

F. 360-degree size-up.

1. Provides a greater opportunity to determine not just where the fire is 

showing from but also where the fire’s origin is.

2. With only a limited perspective (windshield size-up), a visible first- or 

second-floor fire may just be a mirage of the fire’s origin.
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-18

360-DEGREE SIZE-UP (cont’d)

• Often when below-grade fires are not 

identified early and the attack is made 

from above, fatal results occur.

Slide 2-33

3. You don’t want to make entry only to not be able to find the fire and realize 

it’s below you. This reality occurs far too often when below-grade fires are 

not identified early and the attack is made from above them, with fatal 

results.

True or False?

Each scene has indicators that provide 

varying degrees of information. The ability to 

manage an incident scene will be enhanced 

when firefighters and officers use every 

piece of information at their disposal.

Slide 2-34

PRIMARY CRITICAL SIZE-UP 

FACTORS/INDICATORS

PRIMARY CRITICAL SIZE-UP 

FACTORS TO CONSIDER

• Locate the fire/Identify flow control.

• Occupancy and contents.

• Location, access and topography.

• Building construction features.

• Collapse potential.

• Weather.

• Resources for the potential problems and 

duration of operations.

Slide 2-35
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-19

G. Primary critical size-up factors to consider.

1. Locate the fire/Identify flow control.

2. Occupancy and contents. 

3. Location, access and topography.

4. Building construction features.

5. Collapse potential.

6. Weather.

7. Resources for the potential problems and duration of operations.

SEQUENTIAL STRATEGIC 

ACTIONS: LOCATE

Locate the fire:

• This is key — know where the fire is. 

• Where are the superheated spaces that 

pose a risk to firefighters and the 

occupants of the building?

Slide 2-36

H. Sequential strategic actions:

1. This is key — know where the fire is.

2. Where are the superheated spaces that pose a risk to firefighters and the 

occupants of the building?
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-20

SEQUENTIAL STRATEGIC 

ACTIONS: LOCATE (cont’d)

• Strongly consider the importance of taking 

a thermal imaging camera (TIC) on the 

initial 360-degree lap.

– For IC to quickly identify which parts of the 

building are hotter than the others, assuming 

that the fire has not self-vented.

Slide 2-37

3. Strongly consider the importance of taking a thermal imaging camera (TIC) 

on the initial 360-degree lap.

WALK-UP, SIZE-UP

Firefighters may overcome obstacles such 

as rapidly changing conditions, unknown 

building construction features, blinding 

smoke, and poor nighttime visibility with the 

proper use of thermal imagers.

Slide 2-38

I. Firefighters may overcome obstacles such as rapidly changing conditions, unknown 

building construction features, blinding smoke, and poor nighttime visibility with 

the proper use of thermal imagers.
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-21

LOCATING THE FIRE

• If the size of the building permits, a lap 

should be taken.

– If not, solicit reports from other units.

– There may be cases where lines should not 

be stretched until the location of the fire has 

been ensured.

Slide 2-39

J. Locating the fire.

1. If the size of the building permits, a lap should be taken.

a. If not, solicit reports from other units.

b. There may be cases where lines should not be stretched until the 

location of the fire has been ensured.

LOCATING THE FIRE (cont’d)

• Premature stretching can take place in 

the wrong street, go into the wrong 

building, come up short, or come up the 

wrong stairs or stairway.

• If the location of the fire is not obvious, 

use trucks or rescue companies to locate 

the fire prior to committing hoselines.

Slide 2-40

c. Premature stretching can take place in the wrong street, go into the 

wrong building, come up short, or come up the wrong stairs or 

stairway.

d. If the location of the fire is not obvious, use trucks or rescue 

companies to locate the fire prior to committing hoselines.
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-22

LOCATING THE FIRE (cont’d)

• Exterior observations (reading the 

building).

– Location of fire or smoke.

– Building area and height.

– Entrance(s) and exit(s).

– Exposures.

– Information from evacuees.

Slide 2-41

2. Exterior observations (reading the building).

a. Location of fire or smoke.

b. Building area and height.

c. Entrance(s) and exit(s).

d. Exposures.

e. Information from evacuees.

LOCATING THE FIRE (cont’d)

• Interior observations.

– Visible fire, smoke and odors.

– Sensed heat or sound of fire (crackling).

– Occupants who may provide information.

– Stairways leading to fire area.

– Structural stability.

– Secondary means of egress.

Slide 2-42

3. Interior observations.

a. Visible fire, smoke and odors.

b. Sensed heat or sound of fire (crackling).
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-23

c. Occupants who may provide information.

d. Stairways leading to fire area.

e. Structural stability.

f. Secondary means of egress.

CONFIRMING FIRE LOCATION

• Does smoke always send you to the seat 

of the fire?

• Crews should always confirm lowest level 

of fire involvement.

Slide 2-43

K. Confirming fire location.

1. Does smoke always send you to the seat of the fire?

2. Crews should always confirm lowest level of fire involvement.

CONFIRMING FIRE LOCATION 

(cont’d)

• Check the lower 

floors/apartments 

for layout and 

absence of 

heat/fire/smoke. 

Slide 2-44

A grave and 

very 

dangerous 

situation!

3. Check the lower floors/apartments for layout and absence of heat/fire/

smoke.
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-24

CONFIRMING FIRE LOCATION 

(cont’d)

• Once the fire is located, crews can 

properly determine strategy, and 

everyone can realize safer and more 

productive fireground operations.

Slide 2-45

4. Once the fire is located, crews can properly determine strategy, and 

everyone can realize safer and more productive fireground operations.

SEQUENTIAL STRATEGIC 

ACTIONS: FLOW PATH

Identify and control the flow path.

• Once hotter locations are identified, 

determine the presence of a flow path. 

• If one exists, attempt to control the flow 

path by controlling the door. 

• If a flow path does not yet exist and the 

fire has become vent-limited, do not 

create one until you are ready to do so.

Slide 2-46

SEQUENTIAL STRATEGIC 

ACTIONS: FLOW PATH (cont’d)

• In the training environment, giving officers 

open doors on arrival will help build the 

skill of recognizing them and initiating 

control early in the operation.

Slide 2-47
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-25

L. Identify and control flow path.

1. Once hotter locations are identified, determine the presence of a flow path.

2. If one exists, attempt to control the flow path by controlling the door.

3. If a flow path does not yet exist and the fire has become vent-limited, do 

not create one until you are ready to do so.

FLOW PATH

• Area between inlet and outlet that allows 

for the movement of heat and smoke from 

higher pressure areas toward lower 

pressure areas. Examples include door 

and window openings.

• What hazards are associated with 

operations conducted in the flow path 

(between the fire and where the fire wants 

to go)?

Slide 2-48

4. The flow path is the area between inlet and outlet that allows for the 

movement of heat and smoke from higher pressure areas toward lower 

pressure areas. Examples include door and window openings.

5. Operations conducted in the flow path, between the fire and where the fire 

wants to go, will place members at significant risk due to increased flow of 

fire, heat and smoke toward their position.

FLOW PATH (cont’d)

• Enlarging inlet to or 

exhaust paths from the 

seat of the fire will result in 

growth and spread of the 

fire.

• Limiting or controlling the 

inlet and/or the outlet 

(interrupting the flow path) 

can limit fire growth.

Slide 2-49
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-26

6. Enlarging inlet to or exhaust paths from the seat of the fire will result in 

growth and spread of the fire.

7. Limiting or controlling the inlet and/or the outlet (interrupting the flow path) 

can limit fire growth.

FLOW PATH (cont’d)

• Upon arrival, you may find 

doors and windows left 

open by escaping 

homeowners.

• Simply holding the door 

closed after forcing entry 

can limit air to the fire and 

slow rapid fire progress.

Slide 2-50

8. Upon arrival, you may find doors and windows left open by escaping 

homeowners.

9. Simply holding the door closed after forcing entry can limit air to the fire 

and slow rapid fire progress.

FIRE FLOW FORMULA

• Calculates theoretical fire flow.

– Large amounts of heat absorbed.

– Reduce temperature below ignition 

temperature.

– Fire is blacked out, ready for overhaul.

Slide 2-51

M. Fire flow formula.

1. Knowledge of fire flow is required for effective decisions on number of 

handlines and personnel to extinguish a fire.
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-27

2. This formula is intended to calculate the theoretical fire flow for interior fire 

attack.

a. Large quantities of heat are absorbed as water is vaporized.

b. Reduce the temperature of the burning materials below ignition 

temperature.

c. The fire is blacked out and ready for overhaul.

FIRE FLOW FORMULA (cont’d)

• With high percentages of involvement, 

interior operations are not possible.

– Answer of 100 percent involvement is 

theoretical.

– Starting point for realistic flow rate.

– Starting point for defensive operations.

– Tactical operations must be evaluated.

Slide 2-52

N. With high percentages of involvement, interior operations are not possible.

1. Answer of 100 percent involvement is theoretical.

2. The basic formula for 100 percent involvement is used as a basis for 

calculating a realistic flow rate for interior attack.

3. Flow rates for high percentages of involvement provide a starting point for 

defensive operations.

4. The effect of tactical operations must be evaluated and the rate of 

application must be adjusted as necessary.

O. Origin of the formula.

1. Empirical formula developed by a National Fire Academy (NFA) 

development team.

2. Study of fire flows at fire situations.
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-28

BASIC FIRE FLOW FORMULA

L x W = gallons per minute (gpm)

3

Slide 2-53

Photo/National Fire Academy (NFA)

P. Basic fire flow formula: (L x W)/3 = gallons per minute (gpm).

FIRE FLOW FORMULA (cont’d)

• Flow for one floor fully involved.

• Estimate length/width to nearest 10 feet.

• Multiply length by width, then divide by 3.

• Theoretical fire flow for 100 percent 

involvement.

Slide 2-54

1. Needed fire flow (NFF) for one floor fully involved.

2. Estimate length/width of building to nearest 10 feet.

3. Multiply length by width, then divide by 3.

4. This is the theoretical fire flow for 100 percent involvement of one floor.
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-29

USING THE BASIC FORMULA

gpm = L x W

3

gpm = 40’ x 30’ =

3

1,200’ = 400 or

3

fire flow = 400 gpm

Slide 2-55

Photo/NFA

USING THE BASIC FORMULA 

(cont’d)

• Quick calculations 

at the scene.

• Calculates water 

required for: 

– Confinement.

– Extinguishment.

– Backup lines.

Slide 2-56

Photo/NFA

5. Used for quick calculations at emergency scenes.

Preincident calculation for common structure sizes assists in developing 

skills in incident estimation of required fire flow.

6. This formula calculates the water required for confinement, extinguishment 

and backup lines based on an evaluation of actual fire flows.
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-30

FIRE FLOW FORMULA (cont’d)

• Fully involved: 

1,000 gpm.

• 50 percent 

involved: 500 gpm.

• 25 percent 

involved: 250 gpm.

Slide 2-57

Photo/NFA

Q. Multiple stories.

1. If additional floors, or perhaps a basement, are occupied areas, the fire flow 

for additional floors must be included.

2. Fire flow: fire floor multiplied by number of floors.

3. Example:

a. Two-story dwelling — basement and attic not finished and not 

occupied. Fire on first floor.

b. 500 gpm first floor x 2 floors = 1,000 gpm total flow for 100 percent 

involvement.

EXPOSURE PROTECTION

• Buildings or other objects.

• Up to four floors above the 

fire.

• 0 to 50 feet — usually an 

exposure.

• 50 to 100 feet — could be 

an exposure.

• 100 feet or more —

usually not an exposure.

Slide 2-58

Photo/NFA
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-31

R. Exposure protection.

1. Buildings or other objects that may be threatened by a fire in the target 

building are considered exposures.

a. Up to four floors above in a “fire-resistive” building.

b. Less than 50-foot separation — usually considered an exposure.

c. 50- to 100-foot separation — could be an exposure.

d. Over 100-foot separation — usually not an exposure.

e. You must make a final determination based on observed conditions.

2. Buildings or fire areas within a building that have a separation distance of 

zero but have a rated firewall with all openings protected with a rated 

closure are considered exposures.

FIRE FLOW FORMULA (cont’d)

• Exposure protection.

– gpm = L x W x 25 percent for each exposure.

3

– Fire building = 30’ x 100’ = 1,000 gpm.

3

Photo/NFA Slide 2-59

3. The formula calculates gpm required to keep a fire from extending to an 

exposure.

4. The exposure rate is 25 percent of the “basic fire flow” of the involved 

structure, regardless of the height of the fire building or exposure for each 

side of a fire building with exposures. A fire building with more than one 

exposure on a side will still be calculated at 25 percent per side with 

exposures.
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-32

FIRE FLOW FORMULA (cont’d)

Exposures.

• Side Alpha = 75 feet.

• Side Bravo = 20 feet.

• Side Charlie = 60 feet.

• Side Delta = 15 feet.

Slide 2-60

Photo/NFA

5. Example calculation for a building with a required fire flow of 1,000 gpm 

and two exterior exposures.

FIRE FLOW FORMULA (cont’d)

• 1,000 x 25 percent (Side Bravo) = 250 gpm.

• 1,000 x 25 percent (Side Delta) = 250 gpm.

• Total exposure protection = 500 gpm.

Slide 2-61

Photo/NFA

FIRE FLOW REQUIREMENTS

• Base flow = 1,000 gpm.

• Exposure Bravo = 250 gpm (25 percent).

• Exposure Delta = 250 gpm (25 percent).

Slide 2-62

FIRE BUILDING

1,000 gpm

EXPOSURE

“Bravo”

EXPOSURE

“Delta”
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-33

FIRE FLOW REQUIREMENTS 

(cont’d)

Slide 2-63

FIRE 

BUILDING

EXPOSURE 

“Bravo”

250 gpm

EXPOSURE 

“Delta”

250 gpm

EXPOSURE 

“Alpha”

No Flow Required

EXPOSURE 

“Charlie”

No Flow Required

PERCENTAGE OF 

INVOLVEMENT

gpm = L x W + exposure x percent of involvement.

3

Slide 2-64

Fire building =

1,000 gpm.

Exposures 

Bravo and Delta = 500 

gpm (25 percent).

PERCENTAGE OF 

INVOLVEMENT (cont’d)

• 100 percent involvement = 1,500 gpm

required.

• 75 percent involvement = 1,125 gpm

(1,500 x 0.75).

• 50 percent involvement = 750 gpm

(1,500 x 0.50).

• 25 percent involvement = 375 gpm

(1,500 x 0.25).

Slide 2-65
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-34

CALCULATION:

INTERIOR EXPOSURE

• Add 25 percent of the (L x W)/3 total for 

each floor above the fire floor.

• Consider a maximum of five floors.

• Use the calculation on the following slides 

to determine the needed fire flow (NFF) to 

combat interior exposure situations.

Slide 2-66

CALCULATION:

INTERIOR EXPOSURE (cont’d)

gpm = [(L x W)/3]+interior exposure charge

[(60 x 80)/3] + [0.50 x (60 x 80)/3)]

1,600 + (0.50 x 1,600)

1,600 + 800 

2,400

Slide 2-67

CALCULATION:

INTERIOR EXPOSURE (cont’d)

• NFF = 1,600 gpm x 25 percent 

involvement of first floor.

• NFF = 1,600 x 0.25 = 400 gpm.

• NFF = 1,600 x 0.50 = 800 gpm exposure 

protection.

Slide 2-68
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-35

CALCULATION:

INTERIOR EXPOSURE (cont’d)

• Note: 1,200 gpm should provide sufficient 

water to knock down the fire and provide 

lines on the second and third floor for 

extension control.

Slide 2-69

QUICK ACCESS PREFIRE 

PLAN

Slide 2-70

S. The Quick Access Prefire (QAP) form.

1. The QAP Plan is a method of capturing the risk assessment information on 

hazards in the community and the needed resources to address a problem if 

it should occur. It contains initial resources required, estimated fire flow 

based on levels of involvement, fire behavior predictions, potential 

strategies to use, and anticipated problems in an at-a-glance format for quick 

analysis on the way to an incident.

2. Reviewing the QAP Plan en route to the incident prepares the Company 

Officer (CO) to make quick decisions upon arrival on the scene. Having a 

good estimation of the resources that may be needed allows the CO to 

request additional resources early and better manage occupant and 

firefighter safety.
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-36

• For first-in officers.

• Memory-jogger for better decisions.

• Incident scene safety data.

• Floor/plot plan for access.

• Can be absorbed in 30 to 60 seconds.

Slide 2-71

PURPOSE OF A QUICK 

ACCESS PREFIRE PLAN

T. Purpose of the QAP Plan.

1. Provides first-in officers with sufficient data to make better decisions 

(memory-jogger).

2. Provides incident scene safety data.

3. Provides floor/plot plan for access data.

4. Can be read and absorbed in approximately 30 to 60 seconds. It is a singlepage summary of the detailed prefire plan.

PURPOSE OF A QUICK ACCESS 

PREFIRE PLAN (cont’d)

• Important scene data in an easily 

readable format.

• Does not replace a more detailed prefire

plan for complex facilities.

- Training reference for target hazards.

Slide 2-72

5. While the QAP Plan is critical to on-scene management, it is not meant to 

take the place of the more detailed prefire plan for a complex structure.

a. Keep the complex plan for use in extended attack operations.
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-37

b. Add the QAP Plan as the cover sheet for the complex plan to help 

the first-in officer make sound early decisions.

c. A point of reference for the CO to evaluate company strengths and 

weaknesses and tailor training to target hazardous operational areas 

where additional training is needed.

III. FIRE CONFINEMENT

Size-up report of fireground conditions.
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-38

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FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-39

ACTIVITY 2.1

Fire Confinement

Purpose

Learn where to use the command sequence cycle to develop an action plan for fire confinement 

for selected occupancies.

Directions

1. The class will be divided into table groups.

2. A floor plan is in your Student Manual (SM). The floor plan shows the amount of 

involvement in the building.

3. You will be shown several slides of the building’s dimensions, resources available, and 

smoke and/or fire.

4. Look at your floor plan.

5. Your group will develop a fire confinement action plan using the command sequence 

cycle. Complete the Student Activity Worksheet (SAW).

6. Your group will be required to report your action plan back to the class using the 

command sequence cycle.
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-40

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FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-41

ACTIVITY 2.1 (cont’d)

246 10th Street

Building description: 21 by 50 feet, three-story building, ordinary construction.

Occupancy type: office building, connected to a three-story warehouse and a two-story 

warehouse, both of ordinary construction.

Fire location: 246 10th St. Fire is on the second floor at the front of the office building. All 

occupants have been removed. Involvement is approximately 35 percent.

Time: 1000 hours.

Water available: hydrant area — hydrants at every corner. System flow = 8,000 gpm.

Resources available:

• Engine-1 or E-1.

• E-2.

• E-3.

• Truck-1 or T-1.

• Safety Officer 1.

• Battalion Chief (BC)-1: 30-minute response.
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-42

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FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-43

ACTIVITY 2.1 (cont’d)

Floor Plan

50’

21’
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-44

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FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-45

ACTIVITY 2.1 (cont’d)

Command Sequence Cycle

Size-up:

Objective(s):

Strategy(ies):

Tactics:

• Confinement/Extinguishment.

• Ventilation.
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-46

Implement:

Evaluate:
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-47

IV. EXPOSURE PROTECTION

EXPOSURE PROTECTION 

DEFINITION

Tactical operations performed to protect 

exposed property and areas near the fire 

from becoming involved.

Slide 2-82

A. Definition: tactical operations performed to protect exposed property and areas near 

the fire from becoming involved.

PRINCIPLES OF EXPOSURE 

PROTECTION

• Protect external exposures.

• Protect internal exposures.

• Protect areas downwind from the fire.

Slide 2-83

B. Principles of exposure protection.

1. Protect areas and property near the fire building from becoming involved 

(external exposures).

2. Protect areas in the fire building from becoming involved (internal 

exposures).

3. Protect the areas that are downwind from the fire from the dangers of flying 

brands.
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-48

PROTECT VULNERABLE AND 

VALUABLE EXPOSURES

• Select and prioritize exposures to be 

protected first. 

• Preplanning is essential to determine 

most vulnerable and valuable exposures.

Slide 2-84

C. Protect vulnerable and valuable exposures.

1. The CO often must select and prioritize which exposures should be 

protected first.

2. Preplanning is essential in helping the CO determine the most vulnerable 

and valuable exposures.

PERSONAL ASSESSMENTS

Slide 2-85

Wind

3. Personal assessments of what is valuable may vary among individuals at the 

scene.

4. Protect interior exposures.
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-49

PROTECT EXPOSURES 

• Interior.

• Exterior.

Slide 2-86

D. Protect areas above and below fire area.

1. Protect exterior exposures.

a. Property connected to the fire building.

b. Property close to the fire building.

2. Up to 50 feet is an exposure.

3. From 50 to 100 feet may be an exposure.

4. More than 100 feet is not an exposure.

5. The CO must make a decision based on conditions.

TACTICS FOR PROTECTING 

EXPOSURES

• Provide adequate flow, and put fire out.

• Wash face of exposed building.

• Stretch lines to inside exposure.

Slide 2-87
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-50

STRETCH LINES INSIDE TO 

COVER INTERNAL FIRE

Slide 2-88

E. Tactics for protecting exposures.

1. Coordinated attack on fire with adequate flow is the best way to protect 

exposures.

2. Wash the face of exposed buildings with water to prevent ignition of 

exposed surface areas by reducing the amount of heat absorbed.

BRAND CONTROL 

Slide 2-89

A conflagration

30 mph ground wind

F. Initiate brand control to search for and monitor the flow of hot brands. Fires 

involving wildlands generally produce small particles of burning material called 

brands.

1. Building fires also may produce many flying brands.

a. Tobacco barns.

b. Hay barns.
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-51

c. Large wooden structures that are well-involved.

d. One of the most probable brand producers always has been a woodshingle roof.

2. Brands are carried by convection and wind currents.

BRAND CONTROL (cont’d)

• Monitor weather conditions.

• Assign teams to check roofs.

Slide 2-90

3. Weather conditions must be monitored.

4. Teams may be assigned to check and monitor roofs near the fire.

SUPPORT FOR EXPOSURE 

OPERATIONS

• Gaining entry to exposures.

• Use ladders to access buildings.

Slide 2-91

G. Support for exposure operations.

1. Fire crews may have to gain entry to exposure buildings or areas.

2. Fire crews must consider accessibility to both interior and exterior 

exposures.
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-52

3. Fire crews may have to use ladders to gain entry or access to exposure 

buildings.

TACTICAL SIZE-UP 

CONSIDERATIONS

• Is operating position outside collapse 

zone?

• What flow is available for exposure 

protection?

• What tactics are appropriate?

• What number and size of hoselines or 

appliances are required?

Slide 2-92

H. Tactical size-up considerations.

1. Is operating position outside the collapse zone?

a. All operations must be set up outside the collapse zone.

b. A collapse zone is a distance at least equal to 1 1/2 times the height 

of the building measured on the ground horizontally out from the 

base of the wall.

2. What fire flow is available for exposure protection?

a. If water supply is not adequate, streams can be directed on the fire 

and on the exposure alternately. 

b. Avoid directing too much attention at the fire and too little at the 

exposure.

3. What tactics are most appropriate to accomplish exposure protection?

4. What number and size of hoselines or appliances are required for exposure 

protection?
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-53

TACTICAL SIZE-UP 

CONSIDERATIONS (cont’d)

• Where should lines or appliances be 

placed?

• Is any support required?

• What coordination is needed?

• What safety concerns exist?

• How effective is the exposure protection 

effort?

Slide 2-93

5. Where should lines or appliances be placed?

6. Is any support required?

7. What coordination with other tactics is needed?

8. What safety concerns exist?

9. How effective is the exposure protection effort?

COORDINATION

• Ventilation.

• Adequate water for exposures and fire 

building.

• Prevent opposing hoselines.

Slide 2-94

I. Coordination.

1. Ventilation must be performed to provide a more tenable interior 

environment and draw the fire away from exposures.

2. Coordinate use of water supply so that adequate water is available for both 

exposure protection and fire confinement and extinguishment.
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-54

3. Operation of all fire streams for exposure protection must be coordinated to 

prevent opposing streams and pushing objects on crews.

V. COMMAND SEQUENCE 1

Slide 2-95

Command Sequence 1

A. Fire confinement and exposure protection action plan — Command Sequence 1: 

100 Block B St.

COMMAND SEQUENCE 1:

ACTION PLAN

Fire confinement and exposure protection.

• Command Sequence 1.

• 100 Block B St.

Slide 2-96
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-55

SIDE ALPHA

Slide 2-97

Photo/NFA

Alley, 

entrance 

to rear

100 Block B St. 

Command Sequence 1

Row of seven 

strip stores. 

20 feet by 45 feet.

Occupied.

SIDE ALPHA (cont’d)

Slide 2-98

Photo/NFA

100 Block B St. 

Command Sequence 1

COMMAND SEQUENCE 1:

FIRST-ALARM RESOURCES

• E-1.

• E-2.

• E-3.

• T-1.

• Safety Officer.

• BC-1: 30-minute response.

Slide 2-99
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-56

HEAVY FIRE, SIDE ALPHA

Slide 2-100

Photo/NFA

Side Alpha

128 B St.

Double 

property, two 

stories Exp. 

Bravo-3

100 Block B St. 

Command Sequence 1

Saturday, 2 p.m. 

Wind: 12 mph 

Out of the east 

Temperature: 50 F

Alleyway 

access 

to rear

COMMAND SEQUENCE 1: 

128 B STREET

Slide 2-101

128 B Street

SIZE-UP REPORT EXAMPLE

• On location at 128 B St., one-story strip 

store, 20-by-45 foot, ordinary 

construction, occupied as a furniture 

store.

• Heavy fire and smoke, Side Alpha. 

• All occupants have been removed.

• Exposure Sides Bravo and Delta are 

similar store types, light to medium smoke 

showing. 

Slide 2-102
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-57

Slide 2-103

Action Plan

B. Fire confinement and exposure protection action plan.

1. Incident objectives.

• What can be accomplished?

• What needs to be done?

• How are you going to do it?

Slide 2-104

FIRE CONFINEMENT AND 

EXPOSURE PROTECTION

2. Incident strategy.

3. Incident tactics.
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-58

IMPLEMENT THE ACTION 

PLAN

Fire confinement and exposure protection 

action plan — communicate all assignments 

clearly to all resources operating on the 

incident.

Slide 2-105

C. Implement the fire confinement and exposure protection action plan —

communicate all assignments clearly to all resource units operating on the incident.

EVALUATE THE ACTION PLAN

• Evaluate progress every 10 minutes.

• Obtain feedback reports from resources 

operating on the incident.

• Develop Conditions, Actions and Needs 

(CAN) report.

Slide 2-106

HEAVY FIRE

SIDE ALPHA (cont’d)

Slide 2-107

Photo/NFA

Side Alpha

128 B St.

Alleyway 

access to Double rear property, 

two story. 

Exp. 

Bravo-3.

100 Block B St. 

Command Sequence 1
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-59

D. Evaluate the exposure protection action plan.

1. Evaluate progress of the plan every 10 minutes.

2. Obtain periodic feedback reports from all resource units operating on the 

incident.

3. Develop Conditions, Actions and Needs (CAN) report.
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-60

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FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-61

ACTIVITY 2.2

Fire Confinement and Exposure Protection

Purpose

Learn where to use the command sequence cycle to develop an action plan for exposure 

protection for selected occupancies.

Directions

1. The class will be divided into table groups.

2. A plot plan is in your SM. The plot plan shows the amount of involvement in the 

building.

3. You will be shown several slides of the building’s various sides and at least one slide 

showing smoke and/or fire.

4. Look at your plot plan.

5. Your group will develop an exposure protection action plan using the command sequence 

cycle. Use the Primary Factors Size-Up Chart, and complete the SAW.

6. Your group will be required to report your action plan back to the class using the 

command sequence cycle.
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-62

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FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-63

ACTIVITY 2.2 (cont’d)

122 M Street

Building description: 50 feet by 90 feet, three-story building, wood-frame construction.

Occupancy type: garden apartment complex, one section, four apartments per floor — total of 

12 apartments.

Fire location: 122 M St. Fire started on the second floor, spread to the balcony, and extended to 

the third-floor balcony.

Time: 1100 hours.

Water available: hydrant area — hydrants at every corner. System flow = 2,500 gpm.

Resources available:

First Alarm:

• E-1.

• E-2.

• E-3.

• T-1.

• Safety Officer 1.

• BC-1: 30-minute response.
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-64

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FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-65

ACTIVITY 2.2 (cont’d)

Plot Plan

122 M Street
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-66

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FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-67

ACTIVITY 2.1 (cont’d)

Command Sequence Cycle

Size-up:

Objective(s):

Strategy(ies):

Tactics:

• Exposure protection.

• Confinement/Extinguishment.
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-68

• Ventilation.

Implement:

Evaluate:
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-69

VI. FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

Purpose: to bring burning materials below 

their ignition temperature to stop flame 

production.

Slide 2-116

A. Fire extinguishment tactics: The purpose of tactical assignment for fire 

extinguishment is to bring the burning materials below their ignition temperature 

to stop flame production.

1. A tactical assignment for fire extinguishment should describe the 

geographic location of the assignment.

2. Example: Extinguish the fire on Division 1.

SIZE-UP FOR 

EXTINGUISHMENT

• Location and extent of fire.

• Risk/Benefit analysis.

• Access and egress.

• Classification of building construction and 

occupancy.

- Preplanning.

Slide 2-117

B. Size-up for extinguishment.

1. Location and extent of the fire.

a. Where is the fire now?

b. Where is the fire going?
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-70

c. Who or what is in its way?

2. Risk/Benefit analysis for personnel.

3. Access and egress.

4. Classification of building construction and occupancy.

a. May provide clues of floor plan and potential problems.

b. Any structural deficiencies.

c. Preplanning.

HOSELINE SELECTION

Long enough to reach seat of fire plus 50 

feet.

Slide 2-118

C. Select a line that is long enough to reach seat of fire with at least 50 feet to spare.

POSITIONING OF HOSELINE

• Areas of access and egress.

• Attack from unburnt side, or use 

transitional attack.

• Select position for backup line, and 

communicate information to crew.

Slide 2-119
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-71

D. Positioning of hoseline for extinguishment.

1. Areas of access and egress.

a. Doors.

b. Windows.

c. Porch roofs and balconies.

2. Attack from unburnt side of structure if possible, or use transitional attack.

a. Fire is in front, attack from rear.

b. Fire is in rear, attack from front.

c. Fire is above ground level, attack from below and upward.

d. Fire is below-grade, coordination with ventilation is essential.

3. Select position for backup line, and communicate information to crew.

a. Backup line could be part of the original tactical assignment.

b. Eliminate opposing hoselines.

c. Backup line should be of equal size or larger than attack line.

d. Place backup line in position ASAP to protect initial fire attack 

team.

e. If possible, the backup line should come from a separate water 

supply.

COORDINATE WITH OTHER 

TACTICAL ASSIGNMENTS

• Ventilation.

• Entry.

• Ladders.

• Lighting.

Slide 2-120
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-72

E. Coordinate fire extinguishment with other tactical assignments.

1. Ventilation.

a. If possible, ventilate just prior to water application.

b. Premature ventilation will cause fire to grow.

c. Delayed ventilation will not provide a place for hoseline team to 

push products of combustion or allow heat to escape.

2. Entry.

a. Will doors and windows need to be forced open?

b. Who will be responsible for entry?

c. If you are assigned to confinement and no one has been assigned 

entry or laddering, you must do these as well.

3. Ladders.

a. Will ladders be required for advancement of lines?

b. Where are ladders being placed for a secondary means of egress?

4. Lighting: Who will provide auxiliary lighting?

SAFETY

• Has Safety Officer been designated?

- If the IC does not establish and staff 

the Safety Officer position, the IC will 

also serve as the Safety Officer for the 

incident.

Slide 2-121

F. Safety: Has a Safety Officer been designated, or is IC the Safety Officer?

1. If the IC does not establish and staff the Safety Officer position, the IC will 

also serve as the Safety Officer for the incident.
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-73

SAFETY (cont’d)

• Everyone at the incident must operate 

safely and keep the Safety Officer 

informed of all safety concerns.

• The IC is responsible for the incident.

• Safety Officer is part of the Command 

Staff.

Slide 2-122

2. Everyone at the incident must operate safely and keep the Safety Officer 

informed of all safety concerns.

3. The IC is responsible for the incident.

4. Safety Officer is part of the Command Staff.

VII. COMMAND SEQUENCE 2

Command Sequence 2

Slide 2-123

A. Fire confinement, exposure protection, and fire extinguishment action plan —

Command Sequence 2: 6th and I streets.
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-74

COMMAND SEQUENCE 2: 

ACTION PLAN

• Fire confinement, exposure protection, 

and fire extinguishment action plan.

• 6th and I streets.

Slide 2-124

WALK-AROUND, 6TH AND 

I STREETS

Slide 2-125

Photo/NFA

6th and I streets

Command Sequence 2

Sewer intake

COMMAND SEQUENCE 2:

FIRST-ALARM RESOURCES

• E-1.

• E-2.

• E-3.

• T-1.

• Safety Officer.

• BC-1: 30-minute response.

Slide 2-126
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-75

SIDE ALPHA

Slide 2-127

Photo/NFA

Friday, 5 p.m.

Wind: 18 mph

Out of the east

Temperature: 21 F

6th and I streets

Command Sequence 2

Sewer intake

PLOT PLAN

Slide 2-128

SIZE-UP REPORT EXAMPLE

• On location at the intersection of 6th and I 

streets, 8,000-gallon gasoline tanker has 

overturned and ignited.

• Tanker is fully involved, driver has been 

removed.

• Unburned gasoline is entering the sewer 

inlet.

Slide 2-129
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-76

SIZE-UP REPORT EXAMPLE 

(cont’d)

• Fire has spread to several occupied 

structures along 6th Street.

• All occupants in exposures have been 

removed.

• Exposures on Side Alpha are two-and 

three-story dwellings, exposures on Side 

Delta are the same.

Slide 2-130

Slide 2-131

Action Plan

B. Fire confinement, exposure protection, and fire extinguishment action plan —

incident objectives.

• What can be accomplished?

• What needs to be done?

• How are you going to do it?

Slide 2-132
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-77

IMPLEMENT THE ACTION 

PLAN

Fire extinguishment — communicate all 

assignments clearly to all resources 

operating on the incident.

Slide 2-133

C. Implement the fire extinguishment action plan — communicate all assignments

clearly to all resource units operating on the incident.

EVALUATE THE ACTION PLAN

• Evaluate progress every 10 minutes.

• Obtain feedback reports from resources 

operating on the incident.

• Develop CAN report.

Slide 2-134

D. Evaluate the fire extinguishment action plan.

1. Evaluate progress of the plan every 10 minutes.

2. Obtain periodic feedback reports from all resource units operating on the 

incident.

3. Develop CAN report.
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-78

SIDES ALPHA AND DELTA

Slide 2-135

Photo/NFA

6th and I streets

Command Sequence 2

Sewer intake

TRANSFER OF COMMAND 

REPORT PROCEDURE

Deliver to the next commanding officer 

arriving at an incident:

• Location and extent of fire.

• Control efforts.

• Deployment of resources.

• Need for additional resources.

Slide 2-136

E. Transfer of command report procedure — deliver to the next commanding officer 

arriving at an incident:

1. Location and extent of fire.

2. Control efforts.

3. Deployment of resources.

4. Need for additional resources.
FIRE CONFINEMENT, EXPOSURE PROTECTION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

SM 2-79

VIII. SUMMARY

SUMMARY

• A fresh approach — RECEO-VS versus 

SLICE-RS.

• Size-up and risk assessment.

• Fire confinement.

• Exposure protection.

• Command Sequence 1.

• Fire extinguishment.

• Command Sequence 2.

Slide 2-137
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STRATEGY AND TACTICS FOR INITIAL COMPANY OPERATIONS

UNIT 3:

RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND 

OVERHAUL

TERMINAL OBJECTIVE

The students will be able to:

3.1 Identify and explain the actions required to address rescue, ventilation, support and overhaul.

ENABLING OBJECTIVES

The students will be able to:

3.1 Given a scenario, select appropriate ventilation tactics based on identified ventilation principles and tactical 

considerations.

3.2 Given a scenario, develop a ventilation action plan using the command sequence cycle.

3.3 Given a scenario, select appropriate rescue tactics based on identified rescue principles and tactical 

considerations.

3.4 Given a scenario, develop a rescue action plan using the command sequence cycle.

3.5 Identify the incident support activities that are necessary to promote safe fireground operations before, 

during and after a fire.

3.6 Explain the necessary safe practices that need to be implemented during overhaul operations.
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-2

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RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-3

UNIT 3:

RESCUE, VENTILATION, 

SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

Slide 3-1

ENABLING OBJECTIVES

• Given a scenario, select appropriate 

ventilation tactics based on identified 

ventilation principles and tactical 

considerations.

• Given a scenario, develop a ventilation 

action plan using the command sequence 

cycle.

Slide 3-2

ENABLING OBJECTIVES

(cont’d)

• Given a scenario, select appropriate 

rescue tactics based on identified rescue 

principles and tactical considerations.

• Given a scenario, develop a rescue action 

plan using the command sequence cycle.

Slide 3-3
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-4

ENABLING OBJECTIVES

(cont’d)

• Identify the incident support activities that 

are necessary to promote safe fireground 

operations before, during and after a fire.

• Explain the necessary safe practices that 

need to be implemented during overhaul 

operations.

Slide 3-4

I. RESCUE

RESCUE

Rescue is a systematic 

process used to locate, 

protect and remove 

occupants and fire 

victims safely from a 

structure and convey 

them to a place of 

safety.

Slide 3-5

A. Definition/Principles.

Rescue is a systematic process used to locate, protect and remove occupants and 

fire victims safely from a structure and convey them to a place of safety.
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-5

RESCUE TACTICS

• Conduct primary search.

• Conduct secondary search.

• Provide for rescued occupants.

Slide 3-6

B. Select appropriate rescue tactic(s).

1. Conduct primary search.

2. Conduct secondary search.

3. Provide for rescued occupants.

CONDUCT 

PRIMARY SEARCH

• Rapid search of all areas involved in or 

exposed to fire, if they can be entered, to 

verify removal and/or safety of occupants.

• Key elements.

– Quick search for live victims.

– Consider risk/benefit.

– Routine function performed at structure fires.

Slide 3-7

C. Conduct primary search.

1. Definition: rapid search of all areas involved in or exposed to fire, if they 

can be entered, to verify removal and/or safety of occupants.

2. Key elements.

a. Quick search for live victims.

b. Consider risk/benefit.

c. Routine function performed at every structure fire.
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-6

CONDUCT 

PRIMARY SEARCH (cont’d)

– Dual effort.

-- Interior team searches immediate fire area and 

normal exit paths.

-- Exterior team enters upper floors directly from 

exterior, bypassing severe conditions in the fire 

area.

Slide 3-8

d. Dual effort.

- Interior team searches immediate fire area and normal exit 

paths.

- Exterior team enters upper floors directly from exterior, 

bypassing severe conditions in the fire area.

CONDUCT 

PRIMARY SEARCH (cont’d)

– Where to start.

-- If possible, work outward from fire area.

-- If not possible, work inward from normal entry 

point.

– Probable victim locations.

-- Routes used to enter and exit.

-- Behind doors and under windows.

-- Bedrooms.

Slide 3-9

e. Where to start.

- If possible, work outward from fire area.

- If not possible, work inward from normal entry point.

f. Probable location of victims.

- Routes normally used to enter and exit.
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-7

- Behind doors and under windows.

- Bedrooms.

CONDUCT 

PRIMARY SEARCH (cont’d)

• Removal of victims.

– Choose method that will move people out of 

danger in the quickest and safest way.

– Use stairs, if possible.

• Transmit “all-clear” upon completion of 

primary search.

Slide 3-10

3. Removal of victims.

a. Choose method that will move people out of danger in quickest and 

safest way.

b. Use stairs, if possible.

4. The “all-clear” should be transmitted upon completion of primary search.

CONDUCT 

SECONDARY SEARCH

• Extremely thorough search of interior fire 

area, after initial fire control, ventilation 

and interior lighting are completed, to 

ensure that there is no possibility of 

victims remaining undiscovered.

Slide 3-11

D. Conduct secondary search.

1. Definition: extremely thorough search of interior fire area, after initial fire 

control, ventilation and interior lighting are completed, to ensure that there 

is no possibility of victims remaining undiscovered.
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-8

CONDUCT 

SECONDARY SEARCH (cont’d)

• Key elements.

– Establish ventilation and maintain during 

secondary search.

– Different teams perform primary and 

secondary searches.

– Search all spaces that could possibly hold a 

human being.

– May involve body recovery.

Slide 3-12

2. Key elements.

a. Ventilation needs to be established and maintained during secondary 

search.

b. Different people should do primary and secondary searches, if 

possible.

c. All spaces that could possibly hold a human being, including those 

spaces not damaged by fire, must be examined.

d. May involve body recovery.

PROVIDE FOR RESCUED 

OCCUPANTS

• Victim removal paths.

– Best option — interior stairs.

– Escort victims down exterior fire escape.

– Least desirable option — ground or aerial 

ladders.

– Place victims in care of qualified personnel.

Slide 3-13

E. Provide for rescued occupants.

1. Identify victim removal paths.

a. Best — interior stairs.
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-9

b. Escort victims down exterior fire escape.

c. Least desirable — ground or aerial ladders.

d. Place victims in care of qualified personnel.

PROVIDE FOR RESCUED 

OCCUPANTS (cont’d)

• Move victims to triage area.

• Treat victims.

• Transport victims.

• Provide for uninjured, displaced people.

– Shelter.

– Security (police).

Slide 3-14

2. Move victims to triage area.

3. Treat victims.

4. Transport victims to medical facility.

5. Rescued victims need to be secured so that they do not go back into the 

building.

a. Shelter.

b. Security (police).

TACTICAL SIZE-UP 

FOR RESCUE

Size-up factors:

• Stage of fire development.

• Number, location and condition of victims; 

effect of fire on victims.

• Capability of on-scene companies.

• Preservation of evidence.

Slide 3-15
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-10

F. Tactical size-up for rescue.

1. Size-up factors.

a. Stage of fire development.

- Investigation — simple interior primary search.

- Minor fire — primary search with attack lines.

- Working offensive fire — primary search, attack lines and 

support.

- Transitional fire (switching between offensive and defensive 

modes) — primary search in accessible areas.

- Preservation of evidence.

b. Number, location and condition of victims and effect of fire on 

victims affect order of rescue.

- Generally the order is the fire floor, the floor above, the top 

floor, and then the rest of the building.

- Large number of potential victims requires large number of 

firefighters. Call for help early on.

c. Capability of on-scene companies to enter building, protect or 

remove occupants, and control fire.

d. Preservation of evidence.

SIZE-UP QUESTIONS

• Rescue.

• Exits.

• Fire extension.

• Ventilation.

• Fire attack.

• Hazards.

Slide 3-16
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-11

2. Size-up questions.

a. How many people are trapped? Where are they trapped?

b. How can you best reach and remove or protect people?

c. Are exits cut off?

d. Where is the fire, and in what direction is the fire traveling?

e. Can ventilation assist trapped people?

f. Can hoselines be advanced to protect victims or exit paths?

g. Are there hazards to firefighters?

SUPPORT FOR 

RESCUE OPERATIONS

• Timing.

• Protective lines.

• Entry.

• Ventilation.

• Ladders.

• Confinement/Extinguishment.

Slide 3-17

G. Support for rescue operations.

1. Timing.

a. Almost all support functions open the structure in some way and can 

magnify the problem.

b. Support should be just ahead of rescue to enable personnel to 

function where needed.

2. Protective lines.

a. Required when conducting a search.

b. May be provided by the search team or the attack team.
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-12

c. Protect firefighters and citizens by:

- Separating fire from the people closest to it.

- Controlling interior stairways and corridors so that 

firefighters can advance and occupants can be evacuated.

d. Protect firefighters who are searching above and around the fire 

area.

e. Serve as guide lines to escape path.

3. Entry.

a. Rapid entry is required when fire threatens to cut off escape routes 

or traps victims.

b. Most likely place to find victims is in the path to doors that 

occupants normally use.

VENTILATION

Slide 3-18

4. Ventilation.

a. Allows entry.

b. Increases safety of interior operations.

c. Improves visibility.

d. Ventilation must be coordinated with search, and protective lines 

must be in place.

e. Opening the roof assists rescue and attack.
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-13

f. Rapid ventilation by exterior ladders can support interior search.

5. Ladders.

Portable and aerial ladders should be raised if and where needed.

a. Place personnel on upper floors.

b. Remove occupants.

c. Lower the injured.

d. Provide secondary means of egress.

6. Confinement/Extinguishment.

a. The best way to protect occupants is to put the fire out.

b. Outside streams should not be used in occupied buildings.

RESCUE 

COORDINATION ISSUES

• Teamwork, organization and good 

communication.

• Rapid ventilation.

• Keep fire away from people, and protect 

escape routes with hoselines.

• Use ladders to ventilate and advance 

protective hoselines.

Slide 3-19

RESCUE COORDINATION 

ISSUES (cont’d)

Slide 3-20
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-14

H. Rescue coordination issues.

1. Teamwork, organization and good communication are vital to effective 

operations.

2. Rapid ventilation to prevent further buildup of products of combustion, 

being careful not to draw them toward occupants.

3. First hoseline to keep fire away from people and other lines to protect escape 

routes.

4. Ladders may be necessary to ventilate and advance protective hoselines.

II. COMMAND SEQUENCE 3

Command Sequence 3

Slide 3-21

COMMAND SEQUENCE 3: 

ACTION PLAN

• Command Sequence 3.

• 450 C St.

Slide 3-22

A. Size-up report of fireground conditions — Command Sequence 3: 450 C St.
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-15

THREE-STORY 

APARTMENT BUILDING

Slide 3-23

Side Alpha

Three-story apartment building, 50 feet by 125 feet. Occupied.

450 C St.

Command

Sequence 3

SIDES ALPHA AND BRAVO

Slide 3-24

Side Alpha

Sides Alpha and Bravo

Side Bravo

450 C St.

Command

Sequence 3

SIDE BRAVO

Slide 3-25

Side Bravo

450 C St.

Command 

Sequence 3
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-16

SIDES BRAVO AND CHARLIE

Slide 3-26

Side Charlie

Sides Bravo and Charlie

Side Bravo

450 C St.

Command

Sequence 3

SIDES CHARLIE AND DELTA

Slide 3-27

Side Delta

Sides Charlie and Delta

Side Charlie

450 C St.

Command 

Sequence 3

SIDES ALPHA AND DELTA

Slide 3-28

Side Alpha

Sides Alpha and Delta

Side Delta

450 C St.

Command

Sequence 3
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-17

COMMAND SEQUENCE 3:

FIRST-ALARM RESOURCES

• Engine 1 or E-1.

• E-2.

• E-3.

• Truck 1 or T-1.

• Safety Officer 1.

• Battalion Chief (BC)-1: 30-minute 

response.

Slide 3-29

FIRE SLIDE 

Slide 3-30

Wednesday, 6 a.m.

Wind: 15 mph

Out of the west 

Temperature: 73 F

Fire is located first floor, storage room, center building. 

Report of people trapped on upper floors.

Side Alpha

450 C St.

Command 

Sequence 3

Storage

room

PLOT PLAN

Slide 3-31
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-18

SIZE-UP

What is the situation (size-up)?

Slide 3-32

SIZE-UP REPORT EXAMPLE

• On location at 450 C St., three-story brick 

apartment building, 50 feet by 125 feet, woodframe construction, occupied.

• Medium to heavy smoke showing on all floors.

• Many occupants reported still in the building.

Slide 3-33

SIZE-UP REPORT EXAMPLE 

(cont’d)

• Exposure Side Bravo is a similar attached 

apartment building.

• No other immediate exposures.

• E-1 is establishing C Street Command.

Slide 3-34
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-19

RESCUE

ACTION PLAN

• What can be accomplished?

• What needs to be done?

• How are you going to do it?

Slide 3-35

B. Rescue action plan.

1. Incident objectives.

2. Incident strategy(ies).

3. Incident tactics.

IMPLEMENT THE 

RESCUE ACTION PLAN

Communicate all assignments clearly to all 

resources operating on the incident.

Slide 3-36

C. Implement the rescue action plan.

Communicate all assignments clearly to all resources operating on the incident.
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-20

EVALUATE THE 

RESCUE ACTION PLAN

• Evaluate progress every 10 minutes.

• Obtain feedback reports from resources 

operating on the incident.

• Develop Conditions, Actions and Needs 

(CAN) report.

Slide 3-37

D. Evaluate the rescue action plan.

1. Evaluate progress of the plan every 10 minutes.

2. Obtain feedback reports from resources operating on the incident.

3. Develop Conditions, Actions and Needs (CAN) report.
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-21

ACTIVITY 3.1

Rescue Tactics

Purpose

Learn where to use the command sequence cycle to develop an action plan for rescue operations.

Directions

1. The class will be divided into table groups.

2. A plot plan/floor plan is in your Student Manual (SM). The plot plan/floor plan shows the 

amount of involvement in the building.

3. You will be shown several slides of the building’s dimensions, resources available, and at 

least one slide showing smoke and/or fire.

4. Look at your plot plan/floor plan.

5. Your group will develop a rescue action plan using the command sequence cycle. Use the 

Primary Factors Size-Up Chart, and complete the Student Activity Worksheet (SAW).

6. Your group will be required to report your action plan back to the class using the 

command sequence cycle.
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-22

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RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-23

ACTIVITY 3.1 (cont’d)

122 M Street

Building description: 50 feet by 90 feet, three-story building, wood-frame construction.

Occupancy type: garden apartment complex.

One section, four apartments per floor — total: 12 apartments.

Fire location: 122 M St.

Fire is on the third floor, rear apartment. Involvement is approximately 50 percent. Heavy 

smoke, third floor.

Report of occupants: two occupants reported trapped in third floor, front bedroom, Side 

Charlie.

Time: 0100 hours.

Water available: hydrant area — hydrants at every corner. System flow = 2,500 gallons per 

minute (gpm).

Resources available:

First alarm:

• Engine 1 or E-1.

• E-2.

• E-3.

• Truck-1 or T-1.

• Safety Officer 1.

• Battalion Chief (BC)-1: 30-minute response.
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-24

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RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-25

ACTIVITY 3.1 (cont’d)

Plot Plan
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-26

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RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-27

ACTIVITY 3.1 (cont’d)

Floor Plan
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-28

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RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-29

ACTIVITY 3.1 (cont’d)

Command Sequence Cycle

Size-up:

Objective(s):

Strategy(ies):

Tactics:

• Rescue.

• Exposure protection.
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-30

• Confinement/Extinguishment.

• Ventilation.

Implement:

Evaluate:
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-31

III. VENTILATION

VENTILATION

A planned, systematic procedure for 

reducing, redirecting or removing heat, 

smoke and fire gases from a structure and 

replacing them with clean, fresh air.

Slide 3-48

A. Definition: a planned, systematic procedure for reducing, redirecting or removing 

heat, smoke and fire gases from a structure and replacing them with clean, fresh air.

VENTILATION PRINCIPLES

• Ventilation for life safety.

• Ventilation for incident stabilization.

• Ventilation for property conservation.

Slide 3-49

VENTILATION PRINCIPLES

(cont’d)

Slide 3-50
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-32

B. Ventilation principles.

1. Ventilation for life safety.

a. Channel heat, smoke and gases away from victims while allowing 

firefighters to enter and rescue them.

b. Need is based on life hazard and heat, smoke and fire conditions in 

structure.

2. Ventilation for incident stabilization.

a. Allow firefighters access to the structure so that they can locate and 

attack fire and limit extension.

b. Need is based on exposures, extent and location of fire, wind 

direction, and construction features of building.

3. Ventilation for property conservation.

a. Channel products of combustion away from unburned, undamaged 

property to allow firefighters to salvage it.

b. Based on commanding officer’s knowledge of methods, including 

vertical and horizontal openings.

DETERMINING WHERE

TO VENTILATE

• Planned, systematic approach.

• General location priorities.

Slide 3-51
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-33

DETERMINING WHERE

TO VENTILATE (cont’d)

Slide 3-52

C. Determine where ventilation is needed.

1. Planned, systematic approach to determining location considers:

a. Location and condition of possible victims.

b. Type and age of building and structural integrity.

c. Type and style of roof.

d. Location, rate of burning, and possible paths of fire travel.

e. Safe routes of travel and escape routes.

2. General location priorities.

a. Away from occupants.

b. Above stairways.

c. Hallways.

d. Over the fire.

e. Rest of structure.
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-34

SELECT APPROPRIATE 

TACTIC(S)

• Horizontal ventilation.

• Vertical ventilation.

• A combination.

Slide 3-53

D. Select appropriate tactic(s).

1. Horizontal ventilation.

a. Open doors and windows to allow cross-ventilation.

b. Minor- to moderate-scale fires.

c. Fast and easy because it takes advantage of existing openings.

d. Can be performed from ground with portable ladders or from 

interior.

2. Vertical ventilation.

a. Use natural roof openings, such as vertical shafts, skylights, hatches, 

ventilators and penthouse openings, if possible.

b. If openings in building are not available, cut roof open.

c. Longer ladders and more personnel are needed to get to roof.

d. Vertical ventilation slows horizontal extension.

e. More efficient because of the tendency of heat to rise but needs 

higher heat buildup to work.

f. Consider safety of operating on roof.

g. Vertical ventilation is very time-consuming. As a practical matter, 

the fire may be out before it is completed.
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-35

3. Combination of vertical and horizontal ventilation.

Example: using a fan to blow air down basement stairs, forcing smoke out 

at first floor (vertically), and using horizontal ventilation to get smoke 

outside from first floor.

VENTILATION METHODS

• Natural ventilation.

• Self-ventilation.

• Forced (mechanical) ventilation.

Slide 3-54

E. Ventilation methods.

1. Natural ventilation.

a. Provides openings for passage of air between interior and exterior 

of building using natural convection currents.

b. Natural ventilation is often inadequate. This is indicated when 

smoke and heat are not leaving the building as rapidly as needed for 

effective interior operations.

- Lack of horizontal paths and openings.

- Lack of vertical paths.

- Prevailing winds may hinder efforts.

- High humidity.

- Exposures may be endangered.

- Low-intensity fires.

2. Self-ventilation — allows fire to burn and find its most direct path to 

outside.
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-36

3. Forced (mechanical) ventilation.

a. All mechanical methods force fresh air into the structure and remove 

contaminated air.

b. Used if natural ventilation is insufficient.

c. More control of air movement.

d. Requires more personnel and equipment.

TYPES OF FORCED 

VENTILATION

• Fog streams.

• Building’s heating, ventilating, and air 

conditioning (HVAC) system.

• Negative pressure.

• Positive pressure.

Slide 3-55

4. Types of forced ventilation.

a. Fog streams.

b. Building’s heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) 

system — if available and you know how it works.

c. Negative pressure.

- “Sucking” air out.

- Less efficient.
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-37

TYPES OF FORCED 

VENTILATION (cont’d)

Slide 3-56

d. Positive pressure.

- “Blowing” fresh air in.

- Higher efficiency.

- Appropriate air outlet has to be provided opposite the inlet 

(approximately three-fourths to 1 3/4 the size of the inlet 

opening).

SUPPORT FOR VENTILATION

• Proper apparatus placement.

• Proper hoseline placement.

• Entry.

• Selection and placement of ladders.

• Lighting.

• Breathing air.

Slide 3-57

F. Support for ventilation.

1. Proper apparatus placement.

2. Proper hoseline placement.

3. Entry.
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-38

4. Selection and placement of ladders.

5. Lighting.

6. Breathing air.

VENTILATION HAZARDS

• Opening below fire or at same level.

• Opening too soon.

• Opening in wrong place.

• Opening into blind attic.

• Insufficient opening.

• Delayed too long.

Slide 3-58

G. Ventilation hazards.

1. Opening below fire or at same level — backdraft.

2. Opening too soon — fire spreads.

3. Opening in the wrong place — fire spreads and may endanger exposures.

VENTILATION HAZARDS 

(cont’d)

Slide 3-59

Right 

Way

Wrong

Way

4. Opening into blind attic — products of combustion cannot get out.

5. Insufficient opening — products of combustion removed too slowly for 

effectiveness.
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-39

6. Delayed too long — fire spreads.

VENTILATION HAZARDS 

(cont’d)

Slide 3-60

= More than atmospheric pressure = Less than atmospheric pressure

VENTILATION HAZARDS 

(cont’d)

Slide 3-61

Atmospheric 

pressure

Hot convection 

currents

Outside air

VENTILATION 

COORDINATION ISSUES

• With rescue.

• With entry and fire attack.

• Hoselines should not hinder ventilation.

Slide 3-62
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-40

H. Ventilation coordination issues.

1. With rescue.

a. Highest priority.

b. Improves environment for victim(s) and firefighters.

2. With entry and fire attack.

a. Too early will increase fire spread and damage.

b. Too late will make extinguishing fire more difficult and increase 

hazards for firefighters.

3. Make sure that hoselines do not hinder ventilation.

a. Hose streams in roof holes.

b. Opposing hoselines.

c. Lines down outside and inside steps at same time in basement fires.

IV. COMMAND SEQUENCE 4

Command Sequence 4

Slide 3-63
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-41

COMMAND SEQUENCE 4:

ACTION PLAN

• Rescue and ventilation action plan.

• Command Sequence 4.

• 346 30th St.

Slide 3-64

A. Rescue and ventilation action plan — Command Sequence 4: 346 30th St.

SIDE ALPHA

Slide 3-65

346 30th St. 

Command Sequence 4

Side Alpha

Burns Nursing Home, one-story building, 75 feet by 250 feet, 

ordinary construction. Occupied.

SIDE ALPHA (cont’d)

Slide 3-66

346 30th St.

Command Sequence 4

Side Alpha

Burns Nursing Home
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-42

SIDE ALPHA (cont’d)

Slide 3-67

346 30th St.

Command Sequence 4

Side Alpha

Burns Nursing Home

SIDE BRAVO

Slide 3-68

346 30th St.

Command Sequence 4

Side Bravo

Burns Nursing Home

SIDES BRAVO AND CHARLIE

Slide 3-69

346 30th St.

Command Sequence 4

Side Bravo

Burns Nursing Home

Side Charlie

Sides Bravo and Charlie
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-43

SIDES BRAVO 

AND CHARLIE (cont’d)

Slide 3-70

346 30th St.

Command Sequence 4

Side Bravo

Burns Nursing Home

Side Charlie

Sides Bravo and Charlie

SIDES CHARLIE AND DELTA

Slide 3-71

346 30th St.

Command Sequence 4

Side Charlie

Burns Nursing Home

Sides Charlie and Delta

Side Delta

SIDES CHARLIE 

AND DELTA (cont’d)

Slide 3-72

346 30th St.

Command Sequence 4

Side Charlie

Burns Nursing Home

Sides Charlie and Delta

Side Delta
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-44

SIDES ALPHA AND DELTA

Slide 3-73

346 30th St.

Command Sequence 4

Side Delta

Burns Nursing Home

Sides Alpha and Delta

Side Alpha

COMMAND SEQUENCE 4:

FIRST-ALARM RESOURCES

• E-1.

• E-2.

• E-3.

• T-1.

• Safety Officer 1.

• BC-1: 30-minute response.

Slide 3-74

FIRE ON SIDE ALPHA

Slide 3-75

346 30th St.

Command Sequence 4

Side Delta

Heavy fire, two windows, Side Alpha. Report of many occupants still 

in the building.

Saturday, 3 p.m.

Wind: 15 mph

Out of the south

Temperature: 30 F

Side Alpha
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-45

NURSING HOME

PLOT PLAN

Slide 3-76

Burns Nursing 

Home — 75' x 250'

346 30th St.

SIZE-UP REPORT EXAMPLE

• On location at 346 30th St., one-story nursing 

home, 75 feet by 250 feet, ordinary 

construction, occupied.

• Heavy fire and smoke showing from two 

windows, Side Alpha.

• Medium to light smoke throughout the rest of 

the building.

Slide 3-77

SIZE-UP REPORT EXAMPLE 

(cont’d)

• Many occupants still in the building.

• No other immediate exposures.

• E-1 is establishing 30th Street Command.

Slide 3-78
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-46

RESCUE AND VENTILATION 

ACTION PLAN

• What can be accomplished?

• What needs to be done?

• How are you going to do it?

Slide 3-79

B. Rescue and ventilation action plan.

1. Incident objectives.

2. Incident strategy(ies).

3. Incident tactics.

IMPLEMENT THE RESCUE AND 

VENTILATION ACTION PLAN

Communicate all assignments clearly to all 

resources operating on the incident.

Slide 3-80

C. Implement the rescue and ventilation action plan.

Communicate all assignments clearly to all resource units operating on the incident.
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-47

EVALUATE THE RESCUE AND 

VENTILATION ACTION PLAN

• Evaluate progress every 10 minutes.

• Obtain feedback reports from resources 

operating on the incident.

• Develop CAN report.

Slide 3-81

D. Evaluate the rescue and ventilation action plan.

1. Evaluate progress of the plan every 10 minutes.

2. Obtain feedback reports from resources operating on the incident.

3. Develop CAN report.
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-48

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RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-49

ACTIVITY 3.2

Ventilation

Purpose

Learn where to use the command sequence cycle to develop an action plan for ventilation 

operations for selected occupancies.

Directions

1. The class will be divided into table groups.

2. A plot plan/floor plan is in your SM. The plot plan/floor plan shows the amount of 

involvement in the building.

3. You will be shown several slides of the building’s various sides and at least one slide 

showing smoke and/or fire.

4. Look at your plot plan/floor plan.

5. Your group will develop a ventilation action plan using the command sequence cycle. 

Use the Primary Factors Size-Up Chart, and complete the SAW.

6. Your group will be required to report your action plan back to the class using the 

command sequence cycle.
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-50

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RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-51

ACTIVITY 3.2 (cont’d)

122 M Street

Building description: 50 feet by 90 feet, three-story building, wood-frame construction.

Occupancy type: garden apartment complex.

One section, four apartments per floor — total: 12 apartments.

Fire location: 122 M St.

Fire is on the third floor, rear apartment and attic area. Involvement is approximately 50 percent. 

Heavy smoke on the third floor and attic.

Report of occupants: All occupants have been removed.

Time: 0100 hours.

Water available: hydrant area — hydrants at every corner. System flow = 2,500 gpm.

Resources available:

First Alarm:

• E-1.

• E-2.

• E-3.

• T-1.

• Safety Officer 1.

• BC-1: 30-minute response.
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-52

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RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-53

ACTIVITY 3.2 (cont’d)

Plot Plan
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-54

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RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-55

ACTIVITY 3.2 (cont’d)

Floor Plan
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-56

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RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-57

ACTIVITY 3.2 (cont’d)

Command Sequence Cycle

Size-up:

Objective(s):

Strategy(ies):

Tactics:

• Exposure protection.

• Confinement/Extinguishment.
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-58

• Ventilation.

Implement:

Evaluate:
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-59

V. COMMAND SEQUENCE 5

Command Sequence 5

Slide 3-92

ACTION PLAN

• Rescue, ventilation, support and overhaul 

action plan.

• Command Sequence 5.

• 230 29th St.

Slide 3-93

A. Rescue, ventilation, support and overhaul action plan — Command Sequence 5:

230 29th St.

SIDE ALPHA

Slide 3-94

230 19th St.

Command Sequence 5

Side Alpha

Hall dormitory, four-story building, 50 feet by 150 feet, ordinary 

construction. Occupancy: 200 students.
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-60

SIDE BRAVO

Slide 3-95

230 19th St.

Command Sequence 5

Side Bravo

SIDES BRAVO AND CHARLIE

Slide 3-96

230 19th St.

Command Sequence 5

Side Charlie

Side Bravo

Sides Bravo and Charlie

SIDES ALPHA AND DELTA

Slide 3-97

230 19th St.

Command Sequence 5

Side Alpha

Side Delta

Sides Alpha and Delta
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-61

COMMAND SEQUENCE 5:

FIRST ALARM RESOURCES

• E-1.

• E-2.

• E-3.

• T-1.

• Safety Officer 1.

• BC-1: 30-minute response.

Slide 3-98

FIRE SLIDE 

Slide 3-99

230 19th St. 

Command Sequence 5

Side Alpha

Sunday, 7 a.m. 

Wind: 18 mph

Out of the west 

Temperature: 60 F

Heavy fire, two windows, Side Alpha. 

Report of students still in the 

building.

FLOOR PLANS

Slide 3-100
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-62

SIZE-UP REPORT EXAMPLE

• On location at 230 29th St., four-story 

dormitory building, 50 feet by 150 feet, ordinary 

construction, occupied.

• Heavy fire and smoke from two windows, first 

floor, Side Alpha.

• Medium smoke throughout the rest of the 

building.

Slide 3-101

SIZE-UP REPORT EXAMPLE 

(cont’d)

• Many occupants still in the building.

• No other immediate exposures.

• E-1 is establishing 29th Street Command.

Slide 3-102

ACTION PLAN

Slide 3-103

B. Rescue, ventilation, support and overhaul action plan.

1. Incident objectives.
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-63

ACTION PLAN (cont’d)

• What can be accomplished?

• What needs to be done?

• How are you going to do it?

Slide 3-104

2. Incident strategy(ies).

3. Incident tactics.

IMPLEMENT

• Implement the rescue, ventilation, support 

and overhaul action plan.

• Communicate all assignments clearly to 

all resources operating on the incident.

Slide 3-105

C. Implement the rescue, ventilation, support and overhaul action plan. Communicate 

all assignments clearly to all resources operating on the incident.
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-64

EVALUATE

• Evaluate the rescue, ventilation, support 

and overhaul action plan.

– Evaluate progress every 10 minutes.

– Obtain feedback reports from resources 

operating on the incident.

– Develop CAN report.

Slide 3-106

D. Evaluate the rescue, ventilation, support and overhaul action plan.

1. Evaluate progress of the plan every 10 minutes.

2. Obtain feedback reports from resources operating on the incident.

3. Develop CAN report.

VI. SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL ACTIVITIES

SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL 

ACTIVITIES

• Support activities.

– Support activities are tasks carried out at fire 

incidents to support ongoing tactical 

operations.

Slide 3-107

A. Definition: Support activities are tasks carried out at fire incidents to support 

ongoing tactical operations.
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-65

PRINCIPLES OF SUPPORT 

ACTIVITIES

• Provide compressed breathing air.

• Provide scene lights and electricity.

• Provide for firefighter rehabilitation and 

rehydration.

• Provide for medical monitoring and 

treatment of personnel.

• Provide animal control.

Slide 3-108

B. Principles of support activities.

1. Provide compressed breathing air supply for at least one change of 

cylinders.

a. Locate an appropriate area away from the fire and other possible 

contaminants.

b. This may be combined with rehabilitation area.

2. Provide scene lighting and electricity as needed.

a. Light all dark areas, interior and exterior.

b. Provide electricity for lights, fans and other equipment.

3. Provide for firefighter rehabilitation and rehydration.

a. Set up an area away from the fire.

b. Should be in a cool or heated area (as needed) that is dry.

c. Fluid replacement should be given to personnel, such as a thirst 

quencher or water.

4. On major fires, an area should be assigned for monitoring and providing 

medical treatment of emergency personnel.

The medical area can be combined with rehabilitation.

5. When necessary, provide for animal control.
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-66

CONTROL ALL UTILITIES

• Use appropriate personnel.

• Coordinate with other operations and the 

Incident Commander (IC).

• Control fuels.

• Shut off electricity to involved areas.

• Control water.

Slide 3-109

C. Control all utilities.

1. It is essential to control all utilities for safe firefighting operations. The 

Company Officer (CO) must have a good utility control plan.

2. Use appropriate personnel, such as utility employees or building 

maintenance personnel.

3. If fire department personnel must shut off utilities, they should not turn them 

back on.

4. All utility control efforts must be coordinated with other tactics and the 

Incident Commander (IC).

5. Control fuels when involved (or potentially involved) in the fire.

a. Fuel oil.

b. Natural gas.

c. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

6. Shut off electricity to the involved areas of the fire.

a. Locate primary service.

b. Exposed wires may still be live.

c. Do not pull meters.

d. Develop preplan for underground utilities.
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-67

7. Control water.

a. Water may cause weight problems.

b. Water shut-off must be coordinated to eliminate shutdown of 

sprinkler and standpipe system.

VII. OVERHAUL OPERATIONS

OVERHAUL OPERATIONS

Overhaul is the action taken to expose 

hidden fire and to ensure complete 

extinguishment.

Slide 3-110

A. Definition: Overhaul is the action taken to expose hidden fire and to ensure 

complete extinguishment.

PRINCIPLES OF OVERHAUL

• Extinguish all smoldering contents.

• Check for and extinguish hidden fires or 

extension.

Slide 3-111

B. Principles of overhaul.

1. Extinguish all smoldering contents.

2. Check for and extinguish hidden fires or extension.
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-68

OVERHAUL TACTICS

• Extinguish spot fires and smoldering fires.

• Open walls and voids.

• Prevent rekindles.

• Do not work in unsafe areas.

Slide 3-112

C. Select overhaul tactics.

1. Extinguish spot fires and smoldering fires.

2. Open hot walls and any voids where heat may have transferred, and look 

for any hidden fires.

3. Prevent rekindles by ensuring that the fire is completely out and there are 

no hidden fires.

4. Do not work in unsafe areas.

a. When overhaul begins, the emergency is over and firefighter safety 

is of utmost concern. Tired firefighters make mistakes.

b. Full protective clothing, including self-contained breathing 

apparatus (SCBA), must be worn.

- During most overhaul operations, the air has the highest 

level of contamination. For this reason, SCBA must be used 

in all overhaul operations.

c. Beware of any unstable walls, roofs and floors.

d. Unsafe areas must be made safe before personnel can enter.
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-69

TACTICAL SIZE-UP FACTORS

What factors must be considered in a 

tactical size-up for overhaul?

Slide 3-113

OVERHAUL COORDINATION

• Coordinate with salvage operations.

• Firefighters may complete overhaul while 

completing salvage.

• Coordinate with investigators.

Slide 3-114

D. Overhaul coordination.

1. Often salvage operations are coordinated with overhaul operations.

2. While companies are completing overhaul, they can also perform a great 

deal of salvage work.

3. Coordinate with origin-and-cause investigators.

a. Identify evidence.

b. Protect it.
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-70

TRANSFER OF COMMAND 

REPORT PROCEDURE

• Deliver to the next commanding officer 

arriving at an incident.

– Location and extent of fire.

– Control efforts.

– Deployment of resources.

– Need for additional resources.

Slide 3-115

E. Transfer of command report procedure — deliver to the next commanding officer 

arriving at an incident:

1. Location and extent of fire.

2. Control efforts.

3. Deployment of resources.

4. Need for additional resources.

VIII. SUMMARY

SUMMARY

• Rescue.

• Command Sequence 3.

• Ventilation.

• Command Sequence 4.

• Command Sequence 5.

Slide 3-116
RESCUE, VENTILATION, SUPPORT AND OVERHAUL

SM 3-71

SUMMARY (cont’d)

• Support and overhaul activities.

• Overhaul operations.

Slide 3-117
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STRATEGY AND TACTICS FOR INITIAL COMPANY OPERATIONS

UNIT 4:

WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE 

PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

TERMINAL OBJECTIVE

The students will be able to:

4.1 Identify and explain the actions required to address water supply, fixed fire protection systems, and salvage.

ENABLING OBJECTIVES

The students will be able to:

4.1 Identify the principles of water supply and the tactics for establishing water supplies using municipal sources, 

static sources and portable sources.

4.2 Identify the principles and tactics to achieve salvage.

4.3 Describe the procedures for deployment of a hoseline from a standpipe system.

4.4 Given a scenario, develop a water supply action plan using the command sequence cycle.

4.5 Given a scenario, develop a salvage action plan using the command sequence cycle.
WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

SM 4-2

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WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

SM 4-3

UNIT 4: 

WATER SUPPLY, FIXED 

FIRE PROTECTION 

SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

Slide 4-1

ENABLING OBJECTIVES

• Identify the principles of water supply and 

the tactics for establishing water supplies 

using municipal sources, static sources 

and portable sources.

• Identify the principles and tactics to 

achieve salvage.

• Describe the procedures for deployment 

of a hoseline from a standpipe system.

Slide 4-2

ENABLING OBJECTIVES

(cont’d)

• Given a scenario, develop a water supply 

action plan using the command sequence 

cycle.

• Given a scenario, develop a salvage 

action plan using the command sequence 

cycle.

Slide 4-3
WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

SM 4-4

I. WATER SUPPLY

DEFINITION OF 

WATER SUPPLY

The tactical operation of providing sufficient 

water to meet needed fire flows (NFFs) at 

fire incidents.

Slide 4-4

A. Definition: the tactical operation of providing sufficient water to meet needed fire 

flows (NFFs) at fire incidents.

PRINCIPLE OF 

WATER SUPPLY

Develop water supply adequate to support 

all fireground operations.

Slide 4-5

B. Principle of water supply — develop water supply adequate to support all 

fireground operations.
WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

SM 4-5

RURAL WATER SUPPLY

Slide 4-6

Source

pumper Relay

pumpers (Hydrant or

static)

House on 

fire

Attack 

pumper

No more than 800'

C. Example of a relay operation from a lake or hydrant.

PORTABLE 

WATER SOURCES

• Tender effectiveness.

• Tender delivery rate.

Slide 4-7

D. Establishing water supply using portable systems.

1. Tender effectiveness.

a. Must be designed to carry the weight of water.

b. Water weighs 8.3 pounds per gallon.

2. Using tenders designed to carry other liquids may be unsafe.

a. Quick filling and quick dumping.

b. Easily maneuverable.
WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

SM 4-6

TENDER DELIVERY CYCLE

The time it takes a tender to set up, dump 

the water, travel to the fill site, fill up, and 

return to the dump site.

Slide 4-8

3. Figuring out tender delivery rate.

a. Tender delivery cycle.

- The time it takes a tender to set up, dump the water, travel to 

the fill site, fill up, and return to the dump site.

TENDER DELIVERY RATE

Slide 4-9

2,500-gallon 

tender

20 minutes

to dump, travel, fill 

and travel back

b. Tender delivery rate.

- Tender size divided by tender delivery cycle equals the 

tender delivery rate.

c. If it takes a 2,500-gallon tender 20 minutes to dump, travel, fill, and 

travel back to the fire, the tender delivery rate for that tender is 125 

gallons per minute (gpm).
WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

SM 4-7

SETTING UP FILL 

AND DUMP SITES

• Locate for best access.

• Avoid backing up.

• Assign water supply supervisor.

Slide 4-10

4. Setting up fill and dump sites.

a. Fill and dump sites should be located to allow the best access for a 

tender to get in and out safely.

b. When possible, avoid backing up tender to save time.

c. In order to achieve an adequate water supply, a water supply group 

supervisor and fill or dump site supervisor may have to be assigned.

5. By determining the NFF and tender delivery rates, the officer can decide 

whether enough water can be supplied to control the fire.

6. Some fires may exceed the department’s ability to provide enough water to 

extinguish the fire.

II. COMMAND SEQUENCE 6

Command Sequence 6

Slide 4-11
WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

SM 4-8

A. Water supply action plan — Command Sequence 6: 125 18th St.

COMMAND SEQUENCE 6: 

WATER SUPPLY ACTION PLAN

• Command Sequence 6.

• 125 18th St.

Slide 4-12

SIDES ALPHA AND DELTA

Slide 4-13

125 18th St.

Command Sequence 6 

Four-story building, 60 feet by 80 feet, ordinary construction. Occupancy is 

a clothing distributor. All occupants have been removed. Building is not 

sprinklered.

SIDES ALPHA AND BRAVO

Slide 4-14

125 18th St.

Command Sequence 6
WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

SM 4-9

SIDE BRAVO

Slide 4-15

125 18th St.

Command Sequence 6

SIDES BRAVO AND CHARLIE 

AND EXPOSURE CHARLIE-1

Slide 4-16

125 18th St.

Command Sequence 6

Slide 4-17

SIDES CHARLIE AND DELTA

125 18th St.

Command Sequence 6
WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

SM 4-10

SIDES ALPHA AND DELTA

Slide 4-18

125 18th St.

Command Sequence 6

COMMAND SEQUENCE 6: 

FIRST-ALARM RESOURCES

• Engine 1 or E-1.

• E-2.

• E-3.

• Truck 1 or T-1.

• Safety Officer 1.

• Battalion Chief (BC)-1: 30-minute 

response.

Slide 4-19

FIRE SLIDE

Slide 4-20

125 18th St.

Command Sequence 6

Thursday, 4 p.m. 

Wind: 10 mph 

Out of the south 

Temperature: 9 F

Heavy fire, two windows, second floor, Side Alpha. Medium smoke, 

upper floors. All occupants have been removed. Building is not 

sprinklered.
WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

SM 4-11

PLOT PLAN

Slide 4-21

SIZE-UP REPORT EXAMPLE

• On location at 125 18th St., four-story 

building, 60 feet by 80 feet, ordinary 

construction, occupied as a clothing 

distributor.

• Heavy fire and smoke from two windows, 

Division 2, Side Alpha, medium smoke on 

upper floors.

• All occupants have been removed.

Slide 4-22

SIZE-UP REPORT EXAMPLE 

(cont’d)

• Exposure Charlie-1 is an attached 

walkway, no other immediate exposures.

• E-1 is establishing 18th Street Command.

Slide 4-23
WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

SM 4-12

WATER SUPPLY 

ACTION PLAN

• What can be accomplished?

• What needs to be done?

• How are you going to accomplish the 

strategy?

Slide 4-24

B. Water supply action plan.

1. Incident size-up.

2. Incident strategy(ies).

3. Incident tactics.

IMPLEMENT THE WATER 

SUPPLY ACTION PLAN

Communicate assignments clearly to all 

resources operating on the incident.

Slide 4-25

C. Implement the water supply action plan — communicate all assignments clearly to 

all resource units operating on the incident.
WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

SM 4-13

EVALUATE THE WATER 

SUPPLY ACTION PLAN

• Evaluate progress every 10 minutes.

• Obtain feedback reports from resources 

operating on the incident.

• Develop Conditions, Actions and Needs 

(CAN) report.

Slide 4-26

D. Evaluate the water supply action plan.

1. Evaluate progress of the plan frequently.

2. Obtain periodic feedback reports from all resource units operating on the 

incident.

3. Develop Conditions, Actions and Needs (CAN) report.
WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

SM 4-14

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WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

SM 4-15

ACTIVITY 4.1

Water Supply Operations

Purpose

Learn where to use the command sequence cycle to develop an action plan for water supply 

operations.

Directions

1. The class will be divided into table groups.

2. A floor plan is in your Student Manual (SM). The floor plan shows the amount of 

involvement in the building.

3. You will be shown several slides of the building’s various sides and at least one slide 

showing smoke and/or fire.

4. Look at your floor plan.

5. Your group will develop a water supply action plan using the command sequence cycle. 

Complete the Student Activity Worksheet (SAW).

6. Your group will be required to report your action plan back to the class using the 

command sequence cycle.
WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

SM 4-16

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WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

SM 4-17

ACTIVITY 4.1 (cont’d)

567 J Street

Building description: 250 feet by 90 feet, three-story building, fire-resistive construction.

Occupancy type: office building.

Fire location: 567 J St.

Fire is in the first floor, front occupancy. Involvement is approximately 30 percent.

Time: 0700 hours.

Water available: The closest hydrant is 4,000 feet to the south.

Resources available:

First Alarm:

• E-1.

• E-2.

• E-3.

• Safety Officer 1.

• Tender 1 — 2,000 gallons.

• Tender 2 — 2,000 gallons.

• BC-1: 30-minute response.
WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

SM 4-18

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WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

SM 4-19

ACTIVITY 4.1 (cont’d)

Floor Plan
WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

SM 4-20

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WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

SM 4-21

ACTIVITY 4.1 (cont’d)

Command Sequence Cycle

Size-up:

Objective(s):

Strategy(ies):

Tactics:

• Exposure protection.

• Confinement/Extinguishment.
WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

SM 4-22

• Ventilation.

• Salvage.

Implement:

Evaluate:
WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

SM 4-23

III. SUPPORTING AND USING FIXED FIRE PROTECTION EQUIPMENT

SUPPORTING AND USING FIXED 

FIRE PROTECTION EQUIPMENT

• Automatic sprinkler system.

– System of piping, valves, and water 

discharge heads.

– Highly effective in confining or extinguishing 

fires.

• Standpipe system.

– System of piping and valves to provide water 

supply at fire floor.

Slide 4-35

A. Automatic sprinkler system.

1. System of piping, valves, and water discharge heads.

2. Highly effective in confining or extinguishing fires.

B. Standpipe system — system of piping and valves to provide water supply at fire 

floor.

PREINCIDENT PLANNING

• Normal water supply for system.

• Fire pump.

• Control valves.

• Fire department connection.

Slide 4-36

C. Preincident planning — fire protection systems.

1. Normal water supply for system.

a. Municipal water supply.

b. On-site storage tanks.
WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

SM 4-24

c. Fire ponds with pumps.

2. Fire pump.

a. Reliability of power supply.

b. Automatic or manual starts.

3. Control valves.

a. Outside stem and yoke (OS&Y).

b. Wall valves (WV).

c. Post indicator valve (PIV).

4. Fire department connection.

a. Are there multiple systems within the structure?

b. Are there multiple fire department connections?

c. Are the multiple systems interconnected?

d. Is the standpipe connection different than the sprinkler connection?

e. Does the fire department connection have clapper (check) valves in 

the connection?

f. Are the hose threads compatible?

CONNECTING TO A FIRE 

DEPARTMENT CONNECTION

• One of the first-alarm companies must 

connect to system.

• Check for debris in connections. 

• Connection may have only one water 

supply intake.

Slide 4-37

D. Connecting to a fire department connection.
WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

SM 4-25

1. One of the first-alarm engine companies at the structure should connect to 

and supply the system — National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 13E, 

Recommended Practice for Fire Department Operations in Properties 

Protected by Sprinkler and Standpipe Systems recommends that the supply 

line should be charged to a pressure of 150 pounds per square inch (psi).

2. Check connections and piping for paper and other debris — if necessary, 

quickly clear debris from supply connection.

3. Connection with only one water supply intake.

a. Connect hose and start pumping.

b. Do not exceed 150 psi.

CONNECTING ATTACK LINE 

TO STANDPIPE CONNECTION

• Standpipe kit.

• Stretch hose up stairs past fire floor.

– Use Wye for smaller attack lines.

– Look for fire pump activation (pressure 

surge).

– Coordinate pressure with pump operator.

Slide 4-38

E. Connecting attack line to standpipe connection.

Fire department standpipe kit should contain several items.

1. A minimum of 100 feet of fire attack hose. It is recommended to use 1 3/4-

inch hose as a minimum size.

2. Appropriate size and type of nozzle for occupancy.

3. Short length of 2 1/2-inch hose.

4. 2 1/2-inch by 1 1/2-inch Wye appliance.

5. Spare control valve handle.

6. Spanner wrench.
WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

SM 4-26

7. Pair of locking pliers or small pipe wrench to open stuck valves.

LAY HOSE 

UP STAIRS — NOT DOWN

Slide 4-39

F. If possible, stretch the hose up the stairwell past the fire floor prior to charging the 

line. It may be easier to drag the line down stairs than up stairs.

1. If using hose with 1 1/2-inch coupling, place Wye onto standpipe 

connection.

a. Short length of 2 1/2-inch hose may be required to make the 

connection in the hose cabinet.

b. Second side of Wye will provide opportunity for the connection of 

a backup line.

2. If working off a standpipe system with a fire pump that may come on when 

the pressure is reduced, expect a sudden surge in the pressure when the 

pump turns on.

3. Coordinate pressure requirements with pump operator.

Once pressure from the fire department pump exceeds normal supply 

pressure, the normal supply valve will close.

G. Coordination.

1. Company Officers (COs) given a tactical assignment to confine and/or 

extinguish a fire must coordinate their efforts with all other tactical 

assignments.

2. Example: It is critical that the assignment of fire confinement be closely 

coordinated with primary search to protect the search team and/or the 

victims.
WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

SM 4-27

COORDINATE WITH OTHER 

TACTICAL ASSIGNMENTS

• Other hoselines.

• Water supply.

• Ventilation.

• Ladders.

• Air supply.

• Other support functions.

Slide 4-40

H. Coordinate with other tactical assignments that will support confinement or 

extinguishment.

1. Other hoselines.

a. All lines should be working together for same objective.

b. Opposing hoselines injure firefighters.

c. Backup lines to assist with confinement or extinguishment and 

protect egress.

2. Water supply.

a. A supply must be established to sustain gpm being applied to the

fire.

b. If possible, backup lines should come from a second water supply.

3. Ventilation.

a. When and where will ventilation be accomplished?

b. What type of ventilation will be accomplished to support 

confinement or extinguishment?

c. Is ventilation being started to support life safety, fire confinement or 

fire extinguishment?

4. Ladders.
WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

SM 4-28

a. When and where will ladders be accomplished for access to or 

egress from upper stories?

b. Ladder for secondary means of egress.

5. Air supply — when and where will breathing air or spare air bottles be 

available?

6. Other support functions.

a. Entry.

b. Rehabilitation for personnel.

c. Decontamination.

d. Fires with asbestos.

e. Auxiliary lighting.

f. Overhaul.

g. Salvage.

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

Can risks be managed?

• Coordination.

• Keep the Incident Commander (IC) 

informed.

• Be aware of time and structural conditions.

• You are the Safety Officer for your crew.

• Consider lead time for relief crews.

Slide 4-41

I. Can risks associated with the tactical assignment be managed?

1. The greater the risk to personnel, the greater the need to manage the risk.

2. Coordination with other tactical assignments is critical.

3. Keep the Incident Commander (IC) informed of your location, progress, and 

any safety problems anticipated.
WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

SM 4-29

4. Be aware of time passing. As structural elements burn, the building 

weakens. Eventually gravity wins.

5. As the CO, you are the Safety Officer for your company.

6. Consider lead time for relief crews.

IV. COMMAND SEQUENCE 7

COMMAND SEQUENCE 7: WATER 

SUPPLY FIXED SYSTEMS 

• Command Sequence 7.

• 100 R St.

Slide 4-42

A. Review the walk-around slides, resources, fire slide and plot plan.

SIDES ALPHA AND BRAVO

Slide 4-43

100 R St.

Command 

Sequence 7

Side Alpha

Side 

Bravo

Six-story building, 75 feet by 300 

feet, mill construction, occupied as 

outlet stores. Building contains 

sprinklers and standpipes.
WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

SM 4-30

SIDE ALPHA AND 

EXPOSURE SIDE ALPHA

Slide 4-44

100 R St.

Command 

Sequence 7

SIDE ALPHA

Slide 4-45

100 R St.

Command 

Sequence 7

Sprinkler/Standpipe

connection

SIDES ALPHA AND BRAVO

Slide 4-46

100 R St.

Command 

Sequence 7
WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

SM 4-31

SIDE CHARLIE

Slide 4-47

100 R St.

Command 

Sequence 7

SIDES ALPHA AND DELTA

AND EXPOSURE DELTA-2

Slide 4-48

100 R St.

Command 

Sequence 7

Sprinkler/Standpipe

connection

OUTLET STORE INTERIOR,

HEAVY FIRE LOAD

Slide 4-49

100 R St.

Command 

Sequence 7

Sprinkler piping

Interior of outlet store, 

heavy fire load

Heavy timber mill 

construction
WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

SM 4-32

OUTLET STORE INTERIOR,

HEAVY FIRE LOAD (cont’d)

Slide 4-50

100 R St.

Command 

Sequence 7

Sprinkler piping

Heavy timber mill 

construction

Interior of outlet store, 

heavy fire load

COMMAND SEQUENCE 7:

FIRST-ALARM RESOURCES

• E-1.

• E-2.

• E-3.

• T-1.

• Safety Officer 1.

• BC-1: 30-minute response.

Slide 4-51

HEAVY FIRE, 

SIDE ALPHA

Slide 4-52

100 R St.

Command 

Sequence 7

Saturday, March 2 

Wind: 15 mph 

Out of the south 

Temperature: 25 F

Heavy fire, Division 2, Side Alpha.

Medium smoke, upper floors. Occupants 

have been removed. Building contains 

sprinklers and standpipes.
WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

SM 4-33

PLOT PLAN

Slide 4-53

SIZE-UP REPORT EXAMPLE

• On location at 100 R St., six-story 

building, 75 feet by 300 feet, mill 

construction, occupied as outlet stores.

• Heavy fire and smoke showing from 

windows, Division 2, Side Alpha.

• All occupants have been removed.

• Exposures Side Alpha are three-story 

occupied dwellings separated by a 20-foot 

street.

Slide 4-54

SIZE-UP REPORT EXAMPLE 

(cont’d)

• Exposure Delta-1 is a one-story loading 

dock, directly attached.

• Exposure Delta-2 is 2 1/2-story occupied 

dwelling located 25 feet from the building. 

• No other immediate exposures.

• E-1 is establishing R Street Command.

Slide 4-55
WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

SM 4-34

WATER SUPPLY FIXED 

SYSTEMS ACTION PLAN

• What can be accomplished?

• What needs to be done?

• How are you going to accomplish the 

strategy?

Slide 4-56

B. Water supply fixed systems action plan.

1. Incident objectives.

2. Incident strategy(ies).

3. Incident tactics.

IMPLEMENT THE ACTION PLAN

Fixed fire protection system.

• Communicate assignments clearly to all 

resources operating on the incident.

Slide 4-57

C. Implement the fixed fire protection system action plan.

Communicate all assignments clearly to all resources operating on the incident.
WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

SM 4-35

EVALUATE THE FIXED FIRE 

PROTECTION SYSTEM ACTION PLAN

• Evaluate progress frequently.

• Obtain feedback reports from resources 

operating on the incident.

• Develop CAN report.

Slide 4-58

D. Evaluate the fixed fire protection system action plan.

1. Evaluate progress of the plan frequently.

2. Obtain periodic feedback reports from all resource units operating on the

incident.

3. Develop CAN report.

V. SALVAGE OPERATIONS

SALVAGE OPERATIONS

The tactical operation of protecting property 

from damage.

Slide 4-59

A. Definition: the tactical operation of protecting property from damage.
WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

SM 4-36

PRINCIPLES OF SALVAGE

• To minimize damage to building and 

contents.

• To protect building from structural 

damage due to weight of water.

Slide 4-60

B. Principles of salvage.

1. To minimize damage to building and contents caused by fire, smoke and 

water.

2. To protect building from structural damage due to weight of water.

SALVAGE TACTICS

• Protect building contents:

– In place.

– By removal.

– Control water flow within building.

– Remove water from building.

Slide 4-61

C. Select appropriate salvage tactics.

1. Protect building contents.

a. Protect in place by covering or moving.

b. Protect by removal from building to a safe place.

c. Control water flow within building.

d. Remove water from building.
WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

SM 4-37

SALVAGE TACTICS (cont’d)

• Ventilate to remove smoke and heat.

• Remove debris from building.

• Cover building openings to protect from 

weather.

Slide 4-62

2. Ventilate to remove smoke and heat.

3. Remove debris from building.

4. Protect from weather by covering holes and broken or missing doors and 

windows.

COORDINATION 

AND PLANNING

• Rapid extinguishment reduces loss.

• Conserve water during firefighting 

operations.

• Ventilate early.

Slide 4-63

D. Coordination and planning.

1. Salvage operations must be coordinated with all other tactics.

2. Firefighters performing other tactics, such as extinguishment and 

ventilation, may help to complete salvage operations.

a. Rapid extinguishment reduces property loss.

b. Water should be conserved during firefighting operations.
WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

SM 4-38

c. Early ventilation reduces property damage.

VI. COMMAND SEQUENCE 8 

COMMAND SEQUENCE 8: 

SALVAGE ACTION PLAN

Water supply, fixed systems and salvage.

• Command Sequence 8.

Slide 4-64

A. Water supply, fixed systems and salvage action plan — Command Sequence 8: 700 

29th St.

Review the walk-around slides, resources, fire slide and plot plan.

SIDE ALPHA

Slide 4-65

700 29th 

Street, 

Command 

Sequence 

8

13-story 

high-rise 

building, 75 

feet by 75 

feet, fireresistive 

construction, 

occupied as 

medical 

laboratory/ 

offices. 

Standpipe 

connections 

located in 

fire towers.
WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

SM 4-39

SIDES ALPHA AND BRAVO

Slide 4-66

700 29th 

Street, 

Command 

Sequence 

8

SIDE BRAVO

Slide 4-67

Side Bravo

700 29th 

Street, 

Command 

Sequence 

8

Standpipe 

connection

SIDES BRAVO AND CHARLIE

Slide 4-68

700 29th 

Street, 

Command 

Sequence 

8
WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

SM 4-40

SIDE CHARLIE

Slide 4-69

Side Charlie

700 29th 

Street, 

Command 

Sequence 

8

SIDE DELTA

Slide 4-70

Side Delta 700 29th 

Street, 

Command 

Sequence 

8

COMMAND SEQUENCE 8:

FIRST-ALARM RESOURCES

• E-1.

• E-2.

• E-3.

• T-1.

• Safety Officer 1.

• BC-1: 30-minute response.

Slide 4-71
WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

SM 4-41

SIDES ALPHA AND BRAVO

Slide 4-72

700 29th 

Street, 

Command 

Sequence 

8

13-story highrise, 75 feet by 

75 feet, fireresistive 

construction, 

occupied as a 

medical 

laboratory/ 

office building. 

Heavy fire, one 

window, 

Division 6, 

Side Alpha. 

Medium smoke 

on upper 

floors. All 

occupants 

have been 

removed.

PLOT PLAN

Slide 4-73

SIZE-UP REPORT EXAMPLE

• On location at 700 29th St., 13-story highrise building, 75 feet by 75 feet, fireresistive construction, occupied as 

medical laboratory/office building.

• Heavy fire and smoke from one window, 

Division 6, Side Alpha, medium smoke on 

upper floors.

Slide 4-74
WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

SM 4-42

SIZE-UP REPORT EXAMPLE 

(cont’d)

• All occupants have been removed.

• No other immediate exposures.

• E-1 is establishing 29th Street Command.

Slide 4-75

WATER SUPPLY, FIXED SYSTEMS 

AND SALVAGE ACTION PLAN

• What can be accomplished?

• What needs to be done?

• How are you going to accomplish the 

strategy?

Slide 4-76

B. Water supply, fixed systems and salvage action plan.

1. Incident objectives.

2. Incident strategy(ies).

3. Incident tactics.
WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

SM 4-43

IMPLEMENT THE ACTION PLAN

Water supply, fixed systems and salvage.

• Communicate assignments clearly to all 

resources operating on the incident.

Slide 4-77

C. Implement the water supply, fixed systems and salvage action plan — communicate 

all assignments clearly to all resources operating on the incident.

EVALUATE THE ACTION PLAN

Water supply, fixed systems and salvage.

• Evaluate progress every 10 minutes.

• Obtain feedback reports from resources 

operating on the incident. 

• Develop CAN report.

Slide 4-78

D. Evaluate the water supply, fixed systems and salvage action plan.

1. Evaluate progress of the plan frequently.

2. Obtain periodic feedback reports from all resource units operating on the 

incident.

3. Develop CAN report.
WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

SM 4-44

TRANSFER OF COMMAND 

REPORT PROCEDURE

Delivered to the next commanding officer 

arriving at an incident:

• Location and extent of fire.

• Control efforts.

• Deployment of resources.

• Need for additional resources.

Slide 4-79

E. Transfer of command report procedure —deliver to the next commanding officer 

arriving at an incident:

1. Location and extent of fire.

2. Control efforts.

3. Deployment of resources.

4. Need for additional resources.
WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

SM 4-45

ACTIVITY 4.2

Salvage

Purpose

Learn where to use the command sequence cycle to develop an action plan for salvage 

operations.

Directions

1. The class will be divided into table groups.

2. A floor plan is in your SM. The floor plan shows the amount of involvement in the 

building.

3. You will be shown several slides of the building’s various sides and at least one slide 

showing smoke and/or fire.

4. Look at your floor plan.

5. Your group will develop a salvage operations action plan using the command sequence 

cycle. Use the Primary Factors Size-Up Chart, and complete the SAW.

6. Your group will be required to report your action plan back to the class using the 

command sequence cycle.
WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

SM 4-46

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WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

SM 4-47

ACTIVITY 4.2 (cont’d)

246 10th Street

Building description: 50 feet by 75 feet, three-story building, ordinary construction.

Occupancy type: office building.

Connected to a three-story warehouse and a two-story warehouse, both of ordinary construction.

Fire location: 246 10th St.

Fire is on the second floor of warehouse. Involvement is approximately 35 percent.

Occupancy below fire area handles water-reactive acids for processing metal products.

Acids are stored directly below the second floor/fire area.

Time: 1000 hours.

Water available: hydrant area — hydrants at every corner. System flow = 8,000 gpm.

Resources available:

First Alarm:

• E-1.

• E-2.

• E-3.

• T-1.

• Safety Officer 1.

• BC-1: 30-minute response.
WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

SM 4-48

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WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

SM 4-49

ACTIVITY 4.2 (cont’d)

Floor Plan
WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

SM 4-50

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WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

SM 4-51

ACTIVITY 4.2 (cont’d)

Command Sequence Cycle

Size-up:

Objective(s): 

Strategy(ies):

Tactics:

• Exposure protection.

• Confinement/Extinguishment.
WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

SM 4-52

• Ventilation.

• Salvage.

Implement:

Evaluate:
WATER SUPPLY, FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND SALVAGE

SM 4-53

VII. SUMMARY

SUMMARY

• Water supply.

• Command Sequence 6.

• Supporting and using fixed fire protection 

equipment.

• Command Sequence 7.

Slide 4-89

SUMMARY (cont’d)

• Salvage operations.

• Command Sequence 8.

Slide 4-90
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STRATEGY AND TACTICS FOR INITIAL COMPANY OPERATIONS

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BIBLIOGRAPHY
STRATEGY AND TACTICS FOR INITIAL COMPANY OPERATIONS

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STRATEGY AND TACTICS FOR INITIAL COMPANY OPERATIONS

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

Burris, Wally and Joe Bailey (co-writers and instructors), “Strategy and Tactics for Initial 

Company Operations.”

“Command and Control of Incident Operations” (CCIO), 5th Edition, 5th Printing, February 

(2015).

“Preparation for Initial Company Operations” (PICO), updated edition, February 2016.

“Strategy and Tactics for Initial Company Operations” (STICO), 2nd Edition, 6th Printing, April 

2014.
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STRATEGY AND TACTICS FOR INITIAL COMPANY OPERATIONS

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ACRONYMS
STRATEGY AND TACTICS FOR INITIAL COMPANY OPERATIONS

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STRATEGY AND TACTICS FOR INITIAL COMPANY OPERATIONS

- 3 -

ACRONYMS

ASAP as soon as possible

BC Battalion Chief

BIR Brief Initial Report

CAN Conditions, Actions and Needs

CO Company Officer

FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency

gpm gallons per minute

HVAC heating, ventilating, and air conditioning

IAP Incident Action Plan

IC Incident Commander

ICP Incident Command Post

ICS Incident Command System

IDLH immediately dangerous to life and health

IG Instructor Guide

LODD line-of-duty death

LPG liquefied petroleum gas

NFA National Fire Academy

NFF needed fire flow

NFPA National Fire Protection Association

NIOSH National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

OS&Y outside stem and yoke

OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration
STRATEGY AND TACTICS FOR INITIAL COMPANY OPERATIONS

- 4 -

PIV post indicator valve

PPE personal protective equipment

psi pounds per square inch

QAP Quick Access Prefire

RECEO-VS Rescue, Exposures, Confine the fire, Extinguish, Overhaul, 

Ventilate, Salvage

RIC Rapid Intervention Crew

SAW Student Activity Worksheet

SCBA self-contained breathing apparatus

SLICE-RS Size-up, Locate the fire, Identify and control flow path, Cool space 

from safest location, Extinguish fire, Rescue, Salvage

SM Student Manual

SMART Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time sensitive

STICO “Strategy and Tactics for Initial Company Operations”

TIC thermal imaging camera

WV wall valves