SOP 207.08 ATTACK TEAMS

In many tactical situations it is desirable to group companies together as Sectors to achieve more effective results. This consolidates the efforts of the companies toward tactical goals and makes command more manageable.

The Attack Team is an extension of this concept in which companies are assigned on the fireground in groups with a specific goal and/or geographic area assigned. The assignment of an Attack Team in the early stages of an incident naturally provides an effective sectorization that may be built upon as the incident progresses.

A standard Attack Team will consist of two engine companies plus a ladder or squad company. In most cases these teams will be created on the scene from single unit companies assigned by Command. The teams may be assigned at one time or "built-up" starting with a single company and adding resource as it becomes available.

In the early deployment of companies at an incident, Command should try to identify tactical requirements in terms of Attack Teams and Sectors. An Attack Team assigned to establish a Sector should be able to perform as an effective unit as well as setting up a Sector command structure. One of the company officers will assume the role of Sector Officer unless or until a designated Sector Officer is assigned by Command.

Sector Officers should try to structure requests for additional resource in terms of Attack Teams whenever possible. Where this type of assignment is feasible it leads to more effective teamwork. This does not mean that he may not request single companies or special units when indicated.

The usual deployment for an Attack Team will involve a "forward" pumper supplied by a large diameter supply line (4” or 5”) from a hydrant. With this configuration the Captain of the "forward" engine company- normally becomes the Attack Team leader and initial Sector Officer. The other two companies will work under the Attack Team leader. One of the other Captains or another officer may in some situations be designated by Command to lead the Attack Team. (Example: For a Roof Sector it may be preferable to have the ladder company Captain as leader.)

The deployment of first response units may be such that there is insufficient resource to place a full attack team at each urgent strategic position. Command may elect to assign a single unit to a position and assign subsequent arriving units to fill out the team as they arrive. In this case the first engine would usually lay two supply lines to the forward position and a later arriving engine would pump the lines and join the first crew at the attack location.

The decision could also be made by Command to make one key position attack with a full attack team and leave less urgent positions for later arriving units. This is a strategic decision that must be made by Command.