SOP 207.07 APPARATUS PLACEMENT

Apparatus function should regulate placement. Many times we reverse this rule by virtue of poor placement, limiting the options or eliminating functions we can assign to that unit.

Fire fighters operate with a natural inclination to drive apparatus as close to the fire as possible. Many times this results in positioning of rigs that is both dysfunctional and dangerous.

The placement of all apparatus on the fireground should be a reflection of one of the following:

A standard operations procedure for first arriving companies.

A prearranged staging procedure.

A direct order from Command.

A conscious decision on the part of the officer assigned to that apparatus based on existing or predictable conditions.

Effective apparatus placement must begin with the arrival of first units. The placement of the initial arriving engine, ladder, and rescue should be based upon initial size-up and general conditions upon arrival. First arriving companies should place themselves to maximum advantage and go to work; later arriving units should place themselves in a manner that builds on the initial plan and allows for expansion of the operation.

Avoid belly to butt placement on the fireground. Do not drive all fire apparatus directly to the fire. Later arriving companies should hold positions, stage a minimum of one block short of the immediate fire area, and remain uncommitted until ordered into action by Command. Company officers should select standby positions, with a maximum of tactical options.

In some large, complex, and lengthy fireground operations additions alarm companies should be staged together in one location under the command of a Staging Officer consistent with “Level 2” Staging procedures. Under these procedures, Command communicates directly with the Staging Officer for the additional resource required on

the fireground.

Command must maintain an awareness that access equals tactical options and that the immediate fire area can quickly become congested with apparatus. He must regard apparatus on the fireground in two categories:

Apparatus that is working

Apparatus that is parked - “Taxis”

Park "taxis" out of the way. Apparatus that is not working should be left in the Staging Area.

Command Sectors and all operating units should attempt to maintain, an access lane down the center of streets wherever possible.

Think of fire apparatus as an expensive exposure: position working apparatus in a manner that considers the extent and location of the fire and a pessimistic evaluation of fire spread and building failure. Anticipate the-heat that may be released with structural collapse. Apparatus should generally be positioned at least 30 ft. away from involved buildings, even with nothing showing. Greater distances are indicated in many situations.

Beware of putting fire apparatus in places where it cannot be repositioned easily and quickly - particularly operating positions with only one way in and out; i.e., yards, alleys, driveways, etc.

Beware of overhead power lines when positioning apparatus. Do not park where lines may fall.

If apparatus does become endangered, operate lines between it and the fire while you reposition it. When you do move it - move it to a position that is safe. It is dysfunctional to move a rig several times throughout the progress of a fire.

Take maximum advantage of good operating positions and "build" the capability of units assigned to these effective positions. Initial arriving pumpers should be placed in "key" positions. These positions should offer maximum fire attack access to the fire area and be supplied with large diameter-pumped supply lines as quickly as possible. Subsequent arriving companies can operate the hose lines from this apparatus. Place these "key" companies first before they are "buried" by later arriving units

Key tactical positions should be identified and engines placed in those locations with a strong water supply. The water supply should be at least two pumped lines from an engine on a hydrant. The forward engine can distribute this water supply to a variety of hand lines, master streams or devices.

The number of lines from hydrants to the f ire will be substantially reduced.

Hydrants located closest to the fire area should be regarded as "key" hydrants. Large diameter steamer hook-ups of big pumpers take maximum advantage of such hydrants and facilitate pumping multiple lines. Do not take away the capability of such hydrants with single-un-pumped hydrant lines.

Position pumpers on "key" hydrants before tying up secondary hydrants that require longer hose lays. Pumpers hooked-up to key hydrants can supply water to two or more pumpers in forward positions.

Take advantage of the equipment on apparatus already in the fire area instead of bringing in more units. Connect extra lines to pumpers that already have a good supply line instead of making "daisy chain" supply line connections.

Tandem pumping operations take maximum advantage of the delivery capacity of strong "key" hydrants . Command must maintain an awareness of tandem pumping potential where increasing fire flows are required. Some pumpers are better suited to tandem pumping due to their internal plumbing arrangement.

Do not hook up to hydrants so close to the fire building that structural failure or fire extension will jeopardize the apparatus.

Fire hose (particularly large diameter) soon limits the general access, as the fireground operation gets older. Command and Sectors must get apparatus well placed in key positions. Lines should be laid with attention to the access problems they present. Try to lay lines on the same side of street as the hydrant and cross over near the fire.

When the aerial tower is not needed for upper level access or rescue, spot apparatus in a position that would provide an effective position for ladder pipe operation if the fire goes to a defensive mode. Aerial tower officers must consider extent and location of fire, most dangerous direction of spread, confinement, exposure conditions, overhead obstructions and structural conditions in spotting apparatus. The truck should be spotted where the tower can be raised and used effectively without repositioning.

Spot the command vehicle i n a manner that will allow maximum visibility of the fire building and surrounding area and the general effect of the companies operating on the fire. Command vehicle position should be easy and logical to find and should not restrict the movement of other apparatus.

Rescue units should be spotted in a safe position that will provide the most effective treatment of fire victims and firefighting personnel, while not blocking movement of other apparatus or interfering with firefighting operations.

Rescue units must also provide for ambulance access to the Treatment Area in situations involving patient transportation.