7.1.6 Apparatus Placement

Question 1

What is the purpose of the standard operating procedure/guideline for apparatus placement?

Answer 1

To ensure safety and effective emergency operations.

Question 2

Who does the SOP/SOG for apparatus placement pertain to?

Answer 2

All personnel in this organization.

Question 3

What should regulate the placement of apparatus on an emergency scene?

Answer 3

Apparatus function.

Question 4

What can poor apparatus placement lead to?

Answer 4

Limiting options or eliminating functions that can be assigned to a unit.

Question 5

What is a common inclination of firefighters regarding apparatus placement?

Answer 5

To drive apparatus as close to the fire as possible.

Question 6

What can result from positioning apparatus too close to the fire?

Answer 6

Dysfunctional and dangerous situations.

Question 7

What should the placement of apparatus on the fire ground reflect?

Answer 7

The following factors:
* Standard operational procedure for first arriving companies
* Tactical objectives and priorities
* Staging procedure
* A direct order from Command
* A conscious decision by the Company officer based on conditions.

Question 8

Fill in the blank: The placement of apparatus should be a reflection of _____ .

Answer 8

[the following factors: standard operational procedure, tactical objectives and priorities, staging procedure, direct order from Command, conscious decision by the Company officer based on conditions]

Question 9

True or False: There are definitions pertinent to this SOG.

Answer 9

False.

Question 10

What is the basis for effective apparatus placement?

Answer 10

Effective apparatus placement must begin with the arrival of first units, based on initial size-up and general conditions upon arrival.

Question 11

How should first arriving companies position themselves?

Answer 11

First arriving companies should place themselves to maximum advantage and go to work.

Question 12

What should later arriving units do?

Answer 12

Later arriving units should be placed in a manner that builds on the initial plan and allows for expansion of the operation.

Question 13

What is ‘belly to butt’ placement?

Answer 13

Avoid ‘belly to butt’ placement on the fire ground; do not drive all fire apparatus directly to the fire.

Question 14

Where should later arriving companies stage?

Answer 14

Later arriving companies should stage a minimum of one block short of the immediate fire area and remain uncommitted until ordered into action by Command.

Question 15

What should company officers consider when selecting staged positions?

Answer 15

Company officers should select staged positions with a maximum of tactical options.

Question 16

What is the protocol for staging additional alarm companies?

Answer 16

In large, complex, and lengthy fire ground operations, additional alarm companies should be staged consistent with Level II Staging procedure.

Question 17

Who communicates the additional resource required on the fire ground?

Answer 17

Command communicates directly with the Staging Officer for the additional resource required on the fire ground.

Question 18

What categories should the officer regard apparatus on the fire ground?

Answer 18

The officer must regard apparatus on the fire ground in two categories: 1. Apparatus that is working 2. Apparatus that is parked.

Question 19

Where should non-working apparatus be parked?

Answer 19

Apparatus that is not working should be left in the Staging Area or parked where it will not compromise access.

Question 20

What should be maintained down the center of streets?

Answer 20

Maintain an access lane down the center of streets wherever possible.

Question 21

How should fire apparatus be positioned considering fire spread?

Answer 21

Position working apparatus in a manner that considers the extent and location of the fire and a pessimistic evaluation of fire spread and building failure.

Question 22

What is the recommended distance for positioning apparatus from involved buildings?

Answer 22

Apparatus should generally be positioned at least 30 ft. away from involved buildings, even with nothing showing.

Question 23

What should be avoided when positioning fire apparatus?

Answer 23

Beware of putting fire apparatus in places where it cannot be repositioned easily and quickly, particularly in operating positions with only one way in and out.

Question 24

What should you beware of when positioning apparatus?

Answer 24

Beware of overhead power lines. Do not park where lines may fall.

Question 25

What should you do if apparatus is endangered by radiant heat?

Answer 25

Operate hoselines directly on the apparatus before and during repositioning. Move it to a safe position.

Question 26

How should initial arriving pumpers be placed?

Answer 26

Initial arriving pumpers should be placed in 'key' positions for maximum fire attack access and supplied with large diameter pumped supply lines quickly.

Question 27

What should be done with key tactical positions?

Answer 27

Identify key tactical positions and place engines there with a strong water supply, ideally at least one pumped line from an engine on a hydrant.

Question 28

What should you do regarding hydrants close to the fire?

Answer 28

Take full advantage of hydrants close to the fire before laying additional supply lines to distant hydrants.

Question 29

What is the recommendation for using equipment on apparatus in the fire area?

Answer 29

Use the equipment on apparatus already in the fire area instead of bringing in more apparatus.

Question 30

What should you avoid when hooking up to hydrants?

Answer 30

Do not hook up to hydrants too close to the fire building to avoid jeopardizing the apparatus.

Question 31

What should command do as fire ground operations progress?

Answer 31

Direct apparatus to important positions early, considering access problems presented by laid lines.

Question 32

What should be done with aerial apparatus when not needed for upper level access?

Answer 32

Spot aerial apparatus in a position for effective elevated stream operation.

Question 33

What should ladder officers consider when spotting apparatus?

Answer 33

Ladder officers must consider the extent and location of fire, most dangerous direction of spread, confinement, exposure conditions, overhead obstructions, and structural conditions.

Question 34

How should the truck be spotted for effective use?

Answer 34

The truck should be spotted where the aerial can be raised and used effectively without repositioning, and for effective use of hand ladders and allied forcible entry equipment.

Question 35

Where should command vehicles be positioned?

Answer 35

Command vehicles should be positioned for maximum visibility of the fire building and surrounding area, and should not restrict the movement of other apparatus.

Question 36

What is the purpose of rescue unit positioning?

Answer 36

Rescue units should be spotted in a safe position that provides effective treatment and transportation of fire victims and firefighting personnel, without blocking other apparatus or interfering with operations.

Question 37

What is the staging protocol for staff vehicle placement?

Answer 37

Staff vehicle placement should go to Level II staging unless the staff person has a pre-designated responsibility (i.e., Safety or Accountability).

Question 38

What will the staging officer do regarding staff personnel?

Answer 38

The staging officer will advise Command of staff personnel available for assignment.