OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Define Incident Command System (ICS).
- Describe the main sections of ICS.
- Describe the role of Incident Commander (Watch Manager or Officer in Charge).
- Describe the role of the Safety Officer.
- Describe three emergency response levels for fire incidents.
- Describe the operational duties and responsibilities of officers/officials during a major fire incident.
- Describe the SOPs for confined space entry.
- Define Sectorisation.
- Describe the types/modes of firefighting strategies.
- Describe the importance of report writing for fire incidents.
1. ICS:
“A flexible system for managing people and resources.”
2. Major Management Activities/Sections of ICS:
- Command Section: Led by the Watch Manager or Station Manager, depending on the scale.
- Operations Section: Overseen by Crew Managers.
- Logistics Section: Managed by administrative support and equipment officers.
- Planning Section: Directed by senior officers (Station or Group Manager).
- Finance Section: Managed at the headquarters level for resource allocation.
3. Incident Commander:
The Incident Commander (IC), typically the Watch Manager or Officer in Charge, is the person responsible for the overall management of the incident.
3.1. The Sole Function of the Incident Commander:
To manage the incident by assigning tactical resources, overseeing operations, and delegating authority as required.
3.2. Incident Command Post:
The Incident Command Post (ICP) is the designated location from which the IC oversees all operations.
4. Role of Safety Officer:
There is a saying that SAFETY IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY.
4.1. Scope of Operation:
The Safety Officer ensures all operations are conducted safely and monitors compliance with safety procedures.
5. Emergency Response Levels:
There are three emergency response levels for fire incidents:
- LEVEL 1: Standard Fire Response
- LEVEL 2: Fire Emergency
- LEVEL 3: Major Fire Emergency
5.1. LEVEL 1: Standard Fire Response (for every fire call):
- Two fire vehicles (one Rapid Response Unit & one standard fire appliance).
- One ambulance.
- Incident Commander: Watch Manager or Crew Manager.
- Sector Commander(s): Firefighters or Leading Firefighters.
5.2. LEVEL 2: Fire Emergency (requiring backup/additional resources):
- Incident Commander: Station Manager.
- Sector Commander(s): Watch Manager or Crew Manager.
5.3. LEVEL 3: Major Fire Emergency (Requiring Multi-Agency Response):
- Control Room to inform:
- Group Manager or Area Manager.
- Police, Ambulance Service, Utility Companies (e.g., Water, Gas, Electricity).
- Incident Commander: Group Manager or Area Manager.
- Operational Commander(s): Station Manager.
- Sector Commander(s): Watch Managers.
- Ensure ample supply of SCBA sets, foam drums, and other critical resources.
- Specialist teams to perform designated tasks.
6. Operational Duties/Responsibilities:
The main tasks at a fire ground include:
6.1. Incident Commander:
The IC is responsible for:
- Establishing the Incident Command Post.
- Isolation of utilities (electricity, gas, etc.).
- Overseeing the incident.
- Maintaining documentation.
- Dividing the fire ground into sectors.
- Managing resources effectively.
- Assessing and requesting additional resources.
- Ensuring safe practices for crews and the public.
- Liaising with other agencies.
- Managing crew rotations.
- Conducting risk assessments.
6.2. Sector Commander:
Each sector commander is responsible for operational activities within their sector and acts as the IC for their assigned area.
6.3. Firefighters:
Firefighters perform planned and aggressive firefighting operations, equipped with full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including turnout gear, SCBA, and rescue tools.
6.4. Specialist Teams (e.g., Urban Search and Rescue):
- Perform technical rescue operations using advanced equipment.
6.5. Paramedics (Ambulance Service):
Paramedics provide emergency medical care on-site and assist in victim rescue.
7. SOPs for Major Fire Incidents (Operation):
7.1. Confined Space Entry:
- Entry is for search and rescue or firefighting purposes.
- An entry supervisor must monitor and document the process.
- Follow the “Buddy System.”
- Backup teams and spare cylinders must be ready before entry.
- Full turnout gear, PPE, and searchlights are mandatory.
8. Sectorisation:
The fire ground is divided into sectors based on fire conditions and area size. Each sector is managed by a designated officer who ensures accurate reporting.
9. Strategies:
The following strategies may be adopted based on fireground conditions:
- Offensive Firefighting: Deploying resources within the inner cordon area.
- Defensive Firefighting: Operating outside the inner cordon due to hazards.
- Transitional Mode: Combining offensive and defensive tactics.
10. Importance of Report Writing for Fire Incidents:
- Ensures legal compliance and provides official documentation.
- Reports contain factual details in a logical order.
- Fire incident reports may be used in court proceedings.
- Standardized reporting forms should always be used.
This revised version adheres to UK Fire and Rescue Service designations and practices while retaining the essential details and structure of the original content.
You said:
Now make it according to International rules, that are implemented in the world
Here’s the article revised to reflect international standards in firefighting and emergency response, incorporating globally accepted principles and designations:
OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Define the Incident Command System (ICS).
- Describe the main sections of ICS.
- Describe the role of the Incident Commander.
- Describe the role of the Safety Officer.
- Explain the three levels of emergency response for fire incidents.
- Describe the operational duties and responsibilities of officers/officials during a major fire incident.
- Outline the SOPs for confined space entry.
- Define sectorization.
- Explain the types and modes of firefighting strategies.
- Emphasize the importance of report writing for fire incidents.
1. ICS:
The Incident Command System (ICS) is a standardized, flexible management system used worldwide to manage resources and coordinate responses during incidents.
2. Major Management Activities/Sections of ICS:
- Command Section: Provides overall direction and leadership.
- Operations Section: Handles tactical operations and direct engagement with the incident.
- Planning Section: Develops action plans and monitors incident progress.
- Logistics Section: Ensures resource availability (equipment, supplies, personnel).
- Finance/Administration Section: Tracks financial and administrative details.
3. Incident Commander:
The Incident Commander (IC), typically a senior officer, has ultimate authority and responsibility for the incident’s management and outcomes.
3.1. Sole Function of the Incident Commander:
The IC’s primary responsibility is to:
- Direct all resources.
- Oversee operations.
- Delegate authority as necessary.
3.2. Incident Command Post (ICP):
The Incident Command Post is the designated location for incident oversight, where the IC coordinates response efforts and communicates with stakeholders.
4. Role of the Safety Officer:
Safety is everyone’s responsibility, but the Safety Officer ensures compliance with safety protocols to protect responders and civilians.
4.1. Scope of Operation:
The Safety Officer monitors hazards and enforces safety measures during all phases of the incident.
5. Emergency Response Levels:
Fire incidents are categorized into three levels to standardize the response:
5.1. LEVEL 1: Standard Fire Response:
- Responding Units:
- One rapid response fire vehicle.
- One standard fire engine.
- One ambulance or medical unit.
- Incident Commander: Officer in Charge (Station Officer or equivalent).
- Sector Commander(s): Team Leaders or Crew Leaders.
5.2. LEVEL 2: Fire Emergency:
- Requires additional resources and tactical coordination.
- Incident Commander: District Fire Officer or equivalent.
- Sector Commander(s): Senior Team Leaders or Station Officers.
5.3. LEVEL 3: Major Fire Emergency:
- Multi-agency response involving fire, police, medical, and utility services.
- Incident Commander: Senior Fire Officer or Regional Commander.
- Key agencies (utilities, law enforcement, disaster management teams) are involved.
- Support resources (spare SCBA cylinders, foam drums, food supplies) are mobilized.
6. Operational Duties/Responsibilities:
6.1. Incident Commander:
The IC oversees:
- Establishing the Incident Command Post.
- Utility isolation (e.g., electricity, gas).
- Commanding operations and resource allocation.
- Ensuring documentation for accountability.
- Dividing the fire ground into manageable sectors.
- Liaising with external agencies.
- Risk assessments and requesting additional support.
6.2. Sector Commanders:
Sector Commanders manage specific areas of the incident site. They ensure tactical objectives are met while maintaining safety and efficiency.
6.3. Firefighters:
Firefighters are equipped with full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including turnout gear, SCBA, helmets, and rescue tools. They perform aggressive and planned firefighting operations.
6.4. Search and Rescue Teams (Specialized Units):
- Conduct search and rescue missions using advanced equipment for height and confined spaces.
6.5. Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs):
EMTs provide immediate medical care to injured persons and assist in extrication efforts.
7. SOPs for Major Fire Incidents:
7.1. Confined Space Entry:
- Conducted for search and rescue or firefighting.
- Entry supervisor monitors and documents procedures.
- Use of the “Buddy System” is mandatory.
- Ensure backup teams and equipment readiness.
- Complete PPE, searchlights, and communication devices are essential.
8. Sectorization:
- Large-scale incidents are divided into sectors to enhance manageability.
- Each sector is managed by a Sector Commander.
- Reporting is mandatory for every sector to ensure accountability.
9. Strategies:
Firefighting strategies depend on incident conditions:
- Offensive Firefighting: Direct engagement within the inner cordon.
- Defensive Firefighting: Operations from a safe distance due to hazards.
- Transitional Mode: A hybrid of offensive and defensive tactics.
10. Importance of Report Writing for Fire Incidents:
- Documentation: Serves as a legal and operational record.
- Accountability: Written reports ensure all facts are documented in logical order.
- Evidence: Incident reports may be required for legal proceedings.
- Use standardized forms to gather and document data systematically.
Conclusion:
Effective management of fire incidents through the Incident Command System (ICS) is critical for ensuring safety, efficiency, and success in emergency response. The systematic approach outlined in this guide, including clear roles for the Incident Commander, Safety Officer, and supporting teams, ensures that resources are utilized optimally, risks are minimized, and lives and property are protected.
Sectorization and the adoption of appropriate firefighting strategies—offensive, defensive, or transitional—enable responders to adapt to varying fire conditions. Adherence to established SOPs, especially for confined space entry and resource coordination, further enhances operational effectiveness.
Moreover, detailed documentation and report writing play a pivotal role in maintaining accountability, meeting legal requirements, and improving future responses.
By embracing these internationally recognized standards, fire services worldwide can ensure a structured, safe, and professional response to emergencies, reinforcing their commitment to safeguarding communities and fostering resilience.
Emma Lee, an expert in fire safety with years of firefighting and Rescuer experience, writes to educate on arescuer.com, sharing life-saving tips and insights.