701 - FIREFIGHTING BASICS

Firefighting operations are generally organized into four key components: Search, Ventilation, Firefighting, and Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC). Each plays a critical role in effectively managing an incident. Search teams focus on locating and rescuing any occupants inside a structure. Ventilation crews work to remove smoke, heat, and toxic gases by creating openings in windows or roofs, improving visibility and conditions for firefighters. Firefighting teams are responsible for directly attacking and extinguishing the fire, often using hoses, water streams, and other suppression tools. The Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) stands ready to quickly rescue firefighters who become trapped or endangered during operations. Depending on the incident, different apparatuses are assigned specific roles based on their capabilities and the tasks needed to safely and efficiently control the situation. 

Small fires, such as car fires or dumpster fires, generally require only one water tank to extinguish. Structure fires vary by type: commercial fires occur in buildings used for business or retail, industrial fires happen in buildings used for manufacturing, storage, or production, and residential fires involve buildings used to house occupants. 

Brush fires involve large amounts of vegetation and can spread rapidly. Greater alarm structure fires involve large buildings requiring response from two fire stations, while major emergency structure fires require multiple stations and specialized apparatus such as Urban Search & Rescue (USaR, USAR, US&R). Upon arrival at any incident, the first apparatus on scene is responsible for conducting a size-up to assess the situation. The second apparatus should establish a water supply by connecting to the nearest hydrant (or static water source if applicable) and then supplying water to trucks or quints if applicable. It should be noted, however, that not every incident will be structured the same. The Incident Commander (IC) may dictate different tasks for each arriving unit. For example, RA3 may be assigned to search and rescue due to low manpower constraints. Be sure to ask the IC in ample amount of time before arriving to receive your area of responsibility in terms of mission objectives.

Search teams are tasked with searching the interior for potential victims using systematic methods such as left- or right-hand searches, which follow walls on one side to prevent disorientation. Rescue ambulances and engine companies may be assigned these search duties. Ventilation teams work to remove heat and smoke by breaking windows and cutting roof openings, which is best performed by truck companies equipped with the necessary tools, though engine companies can assist. Firefighting teams are responsible for extinguishing the fire and protecting exposures, which include nearby buildings, vegetation, or objects at risk of catching fire from embers or radiant heat. These teams may operate hand lines, deck guns, or master stream devices deployed from ladder trucks or quints. The Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) is specifically designated to rescue firefighters in distress and is typically staged near Incident Command alongside rehabilitation units.

In cases where a structure collapse is likely or has occurred, a collapse zone must be established around the building’s perimeter to protect personnel and apparatus. Apparatus should maintain a safe distance to avoid damage during collapse. US&R teams must be requested to assist with rescues and structural assessment. If the building remains unstable after fire suppression, heavy equipment and specialized heavy rescue units should be deployed to safely remove debris and allow firefighters to complete overhaul operations.

For incidents involving hazardous materials, a HazMat squad is required. The first arriving unit or the IC should consult the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) to determine the appropriate response, including evacuation if necessary. For ease of roleplay accessibility, it is acceptable to use /me's in the case of trying to identify a material that has been released.

The primary objective of the Incident Commander is to prevent loss of life and limit property damage. Fire operations can be offensive or defensive. Offensive tactics involve aggressive fire suppression to quickly control the blaze, protect trapped victims, and minimize fire spread. This approach uses multiple hand lines and ventilation efforts. Defensive tactics are employed when the fire is too large or dangerous to enter safely, no occupants are trapped inside, and there is no immediate threat to nearby structures or vegetation. Defensive operations rely on external water streams like deck guns and master streams and are initiated solely by the IC.

Incident Command (IC) is established at the most convenient location, typically on the Alpha side of the structure, which is generally the front or main entrance. Smaller fires are usually commanded by Battalion Chiefs, while Assistant Chiefs oversee major emergency structure fires.

Effective apparatus staging is critical on the fireground. The fire scene is divided into four sides labeled alphabetically. The Alpha side is where the command is located and usually corresponds to the front or main door. The sides progress clockwise around the structure: Bravo and Delta are perpendicular to Alpha, and Charlie is opposite Alpha, often the rear of the building. For more information on roles and a more detailed breakdown of Incident Command, please visit 

When the fire is knocked down- meaning substantially controlled or extinguished- the IC will announce “knockdown” or "containment" with a time stamp. Overhaul follows, involving thorough searches for hidden fire pockets and potential victims, often requiring removal or demolition of furniture and structural elements. 

Firefighters are also trained to recognize signs of arson during overhaul; if suspicious circumstances arise or there are injuries or fatalities, the Fire Chief and the arson section are to be notified for investigation. Collaborative efforts with state or federal law enforcement are acceptable, but must be approved by the Arson, Counter Terrorism Section Commander, or the fire chief exclusively.

Agencies such as the Riverside County Fire Department do not have an Arson section, which is either passed off to the Fire Chief or his appointees or CALFIRE Prevention.

If a fire is determined to be accidental in origin and there is no indication of malicious intent, personnel shall proceed with standard overhaul operations. These operations should be carried out in a manner that minimizes further collateral damage, ensures complete extinguishment, identifies any remaining hazards, and preserves the scene as necessary for additional review or insurance purposes. 

Overhaul operations refer to the systematic process of checking for and extinguishing any remaining sources of heat or hidden fire after the main body of a fire has been suppressed. This phase is critical to prevent rekindling and to ensure the complete extinguishment of the fire. During overhaul, firefighters methodically inspect the structure - pulling apart walls, ceilings, floors, and other concealed spaces where smoldering embers or residual heat may be trapped. Thermal imaging cameras are often used to detect hidden hot spots, and crews may apply water or foam to cool down affected areas. In addition to fire suppression, overhaul also involves ventilating smoke, securing the scene, and identifying structural damage that may pose a safety risk. The goal is to eliminate any potential for reignition while minimizing unnecessary damage to the property.