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By JOHN G. RIKER

The thermal imaging camera (TIC) is the latest tool in the arsenal of firefighting equipment. Its ability to detect heat signatures and transfer them into a viewable image makes it an invaluable tool. Firefighters are now entering farther and faster into the heaviest smoke as they search for victims and the seat of the fire.

BY JONATHAN F. BASTIAN

Fire departments across North America are rapidly adopting thermal imaging technology, recognizing all of its inherent benefits. Although a number of features and benefits are available on each brand of thermal imaging camera (TIC), no feature is more misunderstood than the temperature measurement device. If the data that the temperature measurement devices provide are misunderstood or misapplied, that can lead firefighters to make poor and potentially dangerous decisions. Proper application of this feature, however, can benefit the firefighter in certain circumstances.

STRUCTURAL WATCHOUT SITUATIONS

1. When the fire attack is moving forward encountering IDLH conditions in a complex building, you might not have enough reserve air to retrace your steps.

2. Penetration of a structure with hot energized smoke down to the floor is a dangerous and critical task situation - coordinate critical entries with effective ventilation.

3. If you continue to face hot swirling smoke down to floor level even after topside ventilation you are facing a defensive situation.

4. If lightweight construction is present you can have structural failure in as little as five minutes, (if is not safe to walk on - it is not safe to be under)

5. Observe wall lines for signs of structural compromise. Look for bowing, leaning, and cracks.

6. Cracks in stucco walls will get progressively wider, often in a "v" shape, prior to collapse.

7. On tilt up buildings observe outside wall corners for smoke, fire, or light visible through cracks or joints that are starting to separate.

8. If the interior environment is uncomfortably hot at the shoulder level the situation is approaching "rollover" or "flashover".

9. Ventilation groups moving about on the roof of an involved building without knowledge of construction type.

10. Interior operations in IDLH conditions without a designated escape route and trigger point.

11. Co-mingling offensive and defensive operations.

12. The use of horizontal pressure ventilation when the structure is in rollover, flashover, or backdraft condition.

13. Loss of communications with interior groups. (launch the RIC)

14. Changes in smoke volume, color, and/or pressure.

15. Buildings with facades, both supported and cantilevered, often hide fire involvement and the propensity to sudden collapse.

PRIORITIES:

1. Locate and remove or protect trapped or incapacitated victims.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. In conjunction with the Incident Commander develop and implement a search and rescue strategy for the incident.
2. Request adequate resources to allow a comprehensive search of all IDLH environments within 5 minutes.
3. Coordinate with: Fire Attack" and "Vent Group" for critical support and protection.
4. Is responsible for the tactical coordination of all resources assigned to the search and rescue function.
5. Conduct a briefing conveying search and rescue strategy and safety.
6. Provide frequent status reports to the Incident Commander.

COMMUNICATIONS:

1. Shall communicate as "Search Group" with assigned resources retaining company number.
2. Shall communicate with the Incident Commander using the assigned command frequency.
3. Report the groups entry, findings, and exit from the building.

ROOF VENTILATION - CHECK SHEET

Size up the fire with the basic decision being are we offensive or defensive?
a. Select the optimum location for the ladder.
b. Be able to use landmarks to systematically find the fire while on the roof.
c. Place primary ladder considering: fire path, window, doors, wind direction, and escape route.

Determine the building construction type.
a. From previous knowledge or preplan.
b. Cut an inspection hole next to the ladder away from the travel direction -DO NOT PROCEED UNTIL YOU KNOW THE TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION.

Hole location
a. All ventilation to be 10% of the involved area. (can be more than one hole)
b. offensive holes that cannot be placed directed over the involved area shall be located so as to draw or pull the fire away from that part of the structure we consider most valuable.

Roof travel
a. Do not proceed unless you understand the type of roof construction.
b. Order a second ladder if the situation dictates.
c. Sounding shall be a 2' - 3' path - strike roof with considerable force. Tether sounding man to next member with hose strap.
d. Ventilation group to travel single file approximately 6' apart.
e. Group leader to order kerf and/or indicator holes along travel route to evaluate fire intensity and location. (every 15' to 20')
f. Group to advance to optimum hole location based on fire conditions and building construction.

Cutting and evaluating the hole.
a. Selection of a tactical cutting method is dependent upon the construction type.
(louvering, pull back, dicing, drop through, etc.)
b. Start hole with an inspection hole/cut then proceed - hole to be 10% of involved area or projected area of involvement.
c. Tether saw man using hose strap.
d. Coordinate the groups actions with Fire Attack Group
e. After opening hole punch through ceilings etc. (DO NOT 'CAP" HOLE WITH HOSE LINES)
f. Evaluate hole effectiveness for 30 seconds. If the pressure and intensity does not subside - check with fire attack and either enlarge the hole or reposition for a second effort.
g. When completed - GET OFF THE ROOF.

Equipment selection
a. Use a ladder that can be extended 6' - 8' above the roof line so you can easily locate it in the smoke.
b. chain or rotary saw appropriate to task - place tool kit, extra chain/blades, and fuel on the roof
next to the ladder.
c. Sounding tool - rubbish hook or D handle pike pole.
d. Axes with belts
e. Lights as needed
f. Drop bags - used to mark second ladder location or for raising equipment or hose lines.

Safety
a. Extend ladders 6' to 8' above wall line - secure
b. Verify communication plan and tactical frequency
c. Use hose strap as tether to protect saw and sounding man.
d. Start saws on the ground to verify operational.
e. Conduct PPE check and safety briefing prior to deployment.

From this point forward it must be understood that if we need to activate a rapid intervention crew we have most likely failed to identify hazards, executed an uncoordinated attack, misjudged fire behavior and/or conditions, or failed to identify construction type and integrity.

THE BEST METHOD OF INTERVENTION
COMES FROM HEIGHTENED SITUATIONAL
AWARENESS AND PROACTIVE SEPARATION
OF THE FIREFIGHTERS FROM THE HAZARD
BEFORE AN EVENT OCCURS.

Incident commanders and rapid intervention crew leaders need to take a proactive approach to the function of rapid intervention. The team does not just wait for a catastrophic event to occur, but makes every effort to identify situations and conditions before they become life threatening.

TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES AND PROCEDURES:

• At every working structure fire the incident commander shall assign one or more companies to the function of rapid intervention.
• The team preferably commanded by an experienced captain. The team leader shall also function as the incident safety officer until deployed.
• The team leader shall immediately develop a personnel accountability status/location using the daily personnel roster carried by the jurisdictional battalion chiefs. A daily copy of firs screen 13 should also be carried on each apparatus.
• The team shall circle the incident looking for hazards, identifying construction type, and potential problems - report observed concerns to the incident commander.
• The team shall attempt to immediately identify the roof style/type of construction and notify the incident commander.
• The team leader shall develop a contingency plan for team deployment that includes entry and exit points, methods of communication, escape routes, equipment and additional support required.
• A time line should be started to plot structural burn time and a defensive trigger point should be established.
• Observe smoke for changes in color, quantity, force or pressure.