SOP 207.10 ADDITIONAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

The decisions required to provide for adequate resource are an important factor in effective fire forecasting. Command must balance the tactical problems with the resource required to control those problems and stay ahead of the situation. Beware of "Crisis Management": situation grows at a rate faster than the response rate to that situation - Command ends up with an out of control situation and inadequate resource to control it.

Many times Command will reach a point where he begins to debate with himself to call another alarm or not, in such cases call for it. Always opt for the extra in the "Should I or shouldn't I " stage. If the extra resource is not needed, it can easily be put back in service.

In most cases, Command should utilize the greater alarm mechanism it is the quickest, provides for move-ups and indicates in a standard manner that the fire problem is in an expanded mode. Command should resist the temptation to dribble in help in a piecemeal fashion. Additional alarms should be struck sequentially.

It is the continuing responsibility and function of Command to determine the resource required to control the situation and to provide for the timely call for any additional resource required. The early call for additional resource will tend to consistently save the day.

Command must be aware of both the capability and response time of additional resource and effectively integrate these facts into calls for additional resource.

Some tactical situations move slowly, while some move very quickly. Command must call for additional resource at a rate that stays ahead of the fire. Some situations require the categorical call for additional alarms upon knowledge of particular characteristics or conditions; in other situations, Command will initiate some fire control activities, ask for reports and, based upon receipt of bad news, will strike more alarms.

As Command calls for additional resource, he must build a corresponding command organization-structure to manage that additional resource. Command cannot encounter a big fire situation, call additional alarms and then expect to effectively manage additional resources in a single alarm command mode.

WHEN TO SUMMON ADDITIONAL RESOURCE

Command should consider calling for additional resources and/or mutual aid when the following conditions exist:

An actual or potential fire situation exists and the life hazard exceeds the rescue capabilities of initial alarm companies.

The number, location, and condition of actual victims exceed the rescue/removal/treatment capabilities of companies.

An actual or potential fire situation exists and the property protection demand (both internal and external) exceeds the fire control capabilities of initial alarm companies.

Fire conditions significantly become more severe or the situation deteriorates

All companies have been committed and the fire is not controlled.

Forces are depleted due to exhaustion or injury or are trapped or missing: Command must forecast the effect the fire will have on personnel and provide for the support of such personnel in advance

Command runs out of some resource (men, apparatus, water, equipment, command, etc.)

There is evidence of significant fire but companies are unable to determine location and extent.

The commitment of companies is not effective.

Companies cannot effectively perform early salvage operations.

Situation becomes so widespread/complex that Command can no longer effectively "cope" - the situation requires larger command organization and more sector functions.

Command instinctively feels the need to summon additional resources. (Do not disregard fireground hunches).