Ops-04 - Scene Size Up

Mount Pleasant Volunteer Fire Department

Standard Operating Guidelines

Subject: Scene Size Up SOG # Ops-04 Initiated 07/16/2024 Approved: Fire Chief Clay Fallis

Purpose

To describe the guideline for making an evaluation of the problems and conditions that affect size up and the outcome of the fire. The size up will determine the operational mode that will be used to fight the fire from the onset of operations.

Guidelines

Structure Fire Size Up

There are thirteen (13) basic points of size up to consider throughout the operation from the time the alarm is received until the incident is under control:

1. Location of the Fire – This determines the life hazard and the probability of extension of the fire.

2. Extension – The four methods of fire spread must be considered (radiation, convection, conduction, and flying brands). 

3. Life Hazard – Three life hazard categories:

a.    Civilians: those in the greatest danger are on the fire floor, the floor above the fire floor, the uppermost floor, and the floors in between.

b.    Firefighters: life hazards to firefighters occur in three methods.

i. Smoke because of toxicity and poor vision.

ii. Both interior and exterior building collapse.

iii. Fire through flashover and extension.

c.    Others: spectators and support personnel may be exposed to danger without their knowledge by being too close to an incident.

4. Time – The time of an incident will have an impact on the occupant load within the building as well as visibility problems for firefighters.

5. Weather – The weather can have several effects on the operation including:

a.    Wind affecting the movement of smoke.

b.    Temperature affecting fire fighters and equipment.

c.    Delay in response time due to road conditions.

6. Construction – The type of construction can influence fire behavior and tactics. The following is a list of construction types:

a.    Class I Fire Resistive

b.    Class II Noncombustible

c.    Class III Ordinary

d.    Class IV Heavy Timber/Mill

e.    Class V Wood Frame

7. Height – Influences the use of fire department ladders and the possibility of implementing high rise operations.

8. Area – Large and unprotected areas will require rapid application of large volumes of water.

9. Occupancy – Determination of the primary use of the building on a daily basis will determine the tactics used.

10. Access – Determine of the best exterior access as well as interior access is important for tactic.

11. Water Supply – Determination of the gallons per minute required to extinguish the fire as well as the realistic flow for the resources available.

12. Internal Protection – Consideration of standpipes and automatic sprinklers influence the tactics used.

13. Apparatus and Personnel – Awareness of the apparatus and personnel responding greatly influences tactics.

Initial arriving units must summarize all 13 points into a clear and accurate assessment of the incident at hand. The important obvious factors that will influence the size up and selection of the operational mode are:

• Life Hazard

• Location of Fire

• Extension Probability

• Type of Fire

• Size of Fire

Initial arriving units must communicate a size up that includes:

• General construction type.

• Observable conditions.

• Transmission of the size up must be in plain language, include the action to be taken and if additional resources are needed.

• Establish Command and identify who will be in charge.

  • Name of the incident. This is typically the road name that the incident is on or a business name where an incident is occurring.

Example – “Engine 3 is arriving on scene of a single-story wood frame structure with heavy black smoke and fire showing through the roof. Engine 3 is pulling two, inch and ¾ attack lines. Establishing Glen Julia Command and 301 is in Command.”

Grass / Brush / Wildfire or Other Type of Fire Size Up

Initial arriving units must communicate a size up that includes:

• Identify the type of fire.

• Estimate size of fire.

• Transmission of the size up must be in plain language, include the action to be taken and if additional resources are needed.

• Establish Command and identify who will be in charge.

Example – “Brush 3 is arriving on scene of an estimated 2-acre brush fire with two residential structures endangered. The fire is in heavy brush and being wind driven to the South. We are requesting the Florida Forest Service to respond and brush trucks from Greensboro and Chattahoochee. Establishing Mt Pleasant Command and 303 is in Command.”

Motor Vehicle Crash Size Up

The motor vehicle crash size up follows a similar method as the fire size up and initial arriving units must communicate a size up that includes:

• Identify how many and the types of vehicles involved.

• Identify the type of crash and amount of damage.

• Describe the conditions found at the scene.

• Establish Command and identify who will be in charge.

• Investigate and assess the scene to determine the remainder of the size up.

  • Number and type of injuries

  • Entrapment

  • Hazards

• Transmission of the size up must be in plain language, include the action to be taken and if additional resources are needed.

Example – “Rescue 3 is arriving on scene of a passenger vehicle versus school bus that appears to be head on in nature. Heavy damage to both vehicles with large amounts of debris and complete road blockage. We will be closing all lanes of traffic. Establishing Blue Star Command and 301 is in Command and investigating.”

Investigate, assess, and complete the size up.

“Blue Star Command to Gadsden (await response) be advised we have one person heavily entrapped in the passenger vehicle extent of injuries is unknown. There are a total of 4 patients from the school bus – one patient has a severe laceration of the forehead and complaining of pain in their chest and abdomen. The other 3 patients are not complaining of injuries but have some minor lacerations and some bruising. We are requesting a total of three Ambulances, the EMS Supervisor, additional manpower from Gretna and Chattahoochee and enough law enforcement to close the road and divert traffic. Be advised that Rescue 3 is beginning extrication from the passenger vehicle.

Regardless of the incident, size up is a process that must continuously be performed throughout the incident for the re-evaluation of operations and tactics.