602 - STRUCTURE FIRE OPERATIONS

602.1 - DEFINITION & SUMMARY

By faction standards, the definition of a structure fire is: "A structure fire refers to any fire involving a building or other enclosed structure where contents, materials, and the structure itself may be burning." The listings below describe the other structures that fall under each category and their impact on operations as a whole. Each type of structure presents different challenges, such as access issues or logistical issues, fire load, occupancy, and construction materials, that influence tactical decisions, resource deployment, and safety protocols. There will be a definitive baseline of operational requirements based on the structure's type, build, occupancy status, and other critical criteria.

602.1-2 STRUCTURE FIRE CLASSIFICATIONS & OPERATIONS

RESIDENTIAL FIRES

Residential fires are fires involving structures primarily used to house people, such as single-family homes, duplexes, townhouses, or apartment buildings. These types of incidents often present the highest risk to life safety due to potential occupancy, time of day, and layout complexity. At a minimum, they shall be responded to by one engine company for initial fire attack and water supply, one light-force or Quint (if applicable) to provide laddering, ventilation, and forcible entry, one Rescue Ambulance for potential patient care, transport, REHAB, RIC or other functions deemed by the IC (Incident Commander), and one Command Vehicle to establish incident command and coordinate incoming resources. Depending on the specific structure type, reported conditions, or occupancy load, additional units may be required to meet operational needs and life safety priorities. Incident Command must be established by either the first-in apparatus or passed onto the second-in apparatus, in which they must take incident command until a command vehicle arrives to relieve or the incident is marked as resolved. As per the apparatus roll-out order, there is no limit of apparatuses on one incident until the IC determines there is no further need.

Types of Residential Structures are;
Single Family - Any structure or dwelling that reasonably accommodates a single family, whether small or large, e.g, Mobile Homes, Single Story, Two-Three Story houses, etc.

Multi-Family - Any structure or dwelling that reasonably accommodates more than a single family, e.g, Apartment Buildings (Whether adjacent or separate), Townhouses, Etc.

COMMERCIAL FIRES

Commercial fires are fires involving structures used for commerce, business operations, or commercial storage and shipping, such as retail stores, office buildings, warehouses, or distribution centers. These structures often present increased hazards due to larger square footage, higher fire loads, complex layouts, and potential presence of hazardous materials or high-voltage equipment. Typically, these incidents are responded to by a minimum of two engine companies for fire attack, water supply, and backup lines - one truck company or light-force for ventilation, forcible entry, and access challenges; one Rescue Ambulance for medical support and standby, and one Command Vehicle to manage the incident and coordinate tactical objectives. Due to the increased complexity and risk associated with commercial occupancies, a working fire or confirmed incident will often trigger an automatic upgrade in response level to include additional engines, trucks, and specialized units such as USAR or HazMat if available.

Types of Commercial Structures are;

Single Occupancy - Any commercial-oriented structure focused on business on a relatively small scale, isolated and not connected to other facilities or structures that are separate from the main property. E.g., Convenience Stores, Fast Food Restaurants, Dining Restaurants, etc.

Multi Occupancy - Any commercial-oriented structure focused on business on a relatively moderate to heavy scale, connected to other separate entities or one large structure that anticipates large numbers of people in a given time. E.g., Office Buildings, Strip Malls, Commercial Structures with separate other independent stores that operate on the same structure-frame.

Industrial / Industrial Complex - Any structure or series of structures close to each other that focuses on the production of goods or services that may involve highly combustible materials or products on a scene. This can double as a single occupancy or multi-occupancy type if the determination of the services or function of the site is not yet determined at the time of initial arrival. 

Note: Most, but not ALL, Commercial Fire building types are not Class IV, V (Wood-frame Construction); But it is not impossible. 

602.1-3 RECOGNIZED STRUCTURE CONSTRUCTION TYPES

Type I Construction: Fire-Resistive: High-rise buildings constructed of protected concrete and reinforced steel- Includes sprinkler systems and standpipe systems for easier fire-attack access on higher floors.

Examples include: Major Hospitals, Federal Buildings, Courthouses, Most terrorism-prone targets, High-rise buildings

Fire Resistance: 2-5+ hours for structural elements; dependent on whether other conditions are present 

Type II Construction: Newer buildings with tilt-slab or reinforced masonry walls and a metal roof

Examples include: Moderate-sized hospitals, most municipal buildings, Warehouses, big-box stores, and newer schools.

Fire Resistance: 1-2 hours for structural elements 

Type III Construction: Ordinary: New or old buildings with non-combustible walls but a wood-framed roof.

Examples include: Historic brick storefronts or apartments, Many 20th-century schools, and Mid-rise Apartment Buildings from the

  1940s to the 1960s.

Fire Resistance: Exterior 1-2 hours; interior less resistant 

Type IV Construction: Heavy Timber; Large, solid wood beams and columns; thick planks; non-combustible exterior

Examples include: Older Textile Mills, Older factories,

Fire Resistance: Good due to massive timber (chars slowly, maintains strength)

Type V Construction: Wood Frame, Combustible framing, dimensional lumber or light-gauge wood  (LOWEST FIRE RESISTANCE)

Examples include: Older Textile Mills, Older factories,

Fire Resistance: Very poor- total incineration or structure collapse may vary on average; 30 minutes to 1 hour.