The 10 phases of firefighting outline a systematic approach that firefighters use from initial dispatch to post-incident analysis.
10 Phases of Firefighting
1. Alarm
The alarm phase begins with the notification of a fire emergency through a call to the fire department or an automatic alarm system.
2. Dispatch
During dispatch, firefighters are alerted to the emergency, and fire apparatus and personnel are dispatched to the scene.
3. En Route
En route, firefighters begin to prepare mentally and physically for the tasks at hand by using information available on the incident and planning an initial response.
4. Arrival
Upon arrival at the incident scene, firefighters estimate the situation, establish incident command, and begin initial actions to mitigate the fire.
5. Size-Up
Size-up is the gathering of information about the location, size, and potential hazards of a fire to formulate an effective initial strategy.
6. Strategy Development
Based on the size-up, firefighters develop a strategy that includes the objectives to be achieved and the tactics to control and extinguish the fire.
7. Tactical Operations
Tactical operations involve the actual deployment of resources to execute the selected strategy, including fire suppression, search and rescue, ventilation, and salvage operations.
8. Rescue
Firefighters prioritize rescue operations to save lives and ensure occupants and bystanders are safe.
9. Overhaul
After the fire has been extinguished, overhaul involves searching for and extinguishing hidden fires to ensure complete extinguishment.
10. Salvage
Salvage operations prevent property damage by safeguarding or removing valuables from the building or property.
Conclusion
The 10 phases of firefighting form a very organized strategy for firefighting operations that ensures effective coordination, safety, and efficient mitigation of fire emergencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is size-up important in firefighting?
The size-up conveys information vital to the firefighter to formulate strategies that are both effective and safe.
What are tactical operations in firefighting?
Tactical operations include fire suppression, ventilation, and search and rescue to limit and extinguish fires.
What is salvage in firefighting?
Salvage operations involve saving or removing property from the area of the fire to prevent damage.
When does overhaul occur in firefighting?
Overhaul operations occur after the fire has been extinguished to ensure that there are no fires hidden that will reignite.
Why is rescue prioritized in firefighting?
During fire emergencies, priority in rescue operations is accorded to saving lives and ensuring the safety of the occupants and other bystanders.
Related Posts
Do Firefighters Get Paid Well in Texas?
What are the Largest Fire Departments in the United States?
How Many Paid Firefighters Are in the US?
What are the 4 Main Principles of Fire Safety?
