Structural Fires

Scope

This Operational Guideline details the procedures required to safely carry out effective structural firefighting.

Fundamental Protocols underpin the actions of all NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) members and must be adhered to at all times. They outline the Principles of being an RFS member and provide guidance on conduct to support the safety and wellbeing of members.

Guiding Principles

Approach

• Size up and conduct a dynamic risk assessment (DRA) upon arrival.
• If possible, position appliance so as not to obstruct others, clear of collapse areas, within a safe striking distance and close to water supply. Up wind and up slope preferred.
• Where practicable, position subsequent appliances to enable specialist resources such as Hazmat to set up when operating at such incidents.
• If “no fire showing”, investigate (take a radio, keys/tools, and firefighting gear with you) while crew set up hoses and other equipment.
• Consider contacting NSW Police Force to assist with road closures and traffic control where required.

Rescue

• If building is, or might be, occupied, ensure NSW Ambulance has been called. Account for people, initiate a primary search; and carry out rescues as needed by crews qualified and equipped to do so.

Suppression

• If the fire is small and uncomplicated, a first-attack strategy is recommended. An appropriate extinguisher, hose-reel, or fire blanket should typically be used.
• If the fire is developing, but the building is still safe to enter for crews qualified in and equipped for Structural Firefighting, and the minimum crew requirements are met, then an offensive strategy is recommended. 38mm hose lines should typically be used.
• If the fire has developed and the structure or atmosphere is not safe to enter, or Structural Firefighting crews are not available, a defensive strategy is recommended. 38mm or 65mm hose lines should typically be used.
• Fight the fire from the unburnt side of the structure.
• Consider selecting a strategy that will minimise peripheral damage.

Overhaul

• Consider using smaller nozzles or nozzle settings for overhaul work.
• Mop up thoroughly; check hidden areas for fire/heat.
• Leave any sprinkler systems running until fire is out and charged hose lines in place.
• Arrange for any automatic fire detection or protection systems to be reset/serviced.
• Preserve evidence of fire cause.
• Secure building or hand back to the appropriate person.

Other Operations

• Support operations as needed with activities such as coordinated forcible entry, ventilation, illumination, salvage, and water supply activities.

Special Considerations

• If you are the Incident Controller (IC), select and put into effect the strategy that is safe and best for the current and anticipated conditions.
• Re-evaluate your strategy if conditions change, are anticipated to change, and at regular intervals (at least every two hours during long operations).
• If you are not the IC, apply tactics consistent with the ICs selected strategy. If the selected strategy and/or tactics are not safe, tell the officer supervising you immediately that you need to change them.

Hazards and Precautions

• Use low risk driving practices.
• Look out for and avoid structural collapse, electrical hazards, hazardous materials (Hazmat) and blood borne hazards.
• Beware of dust explosion (e.g., in grain storage or handling facilities).
• Look out for signs of asbestos involvement and take appropriate protective measures.
• Use appropriate tactics, procedures, and personal protective clothing and equipment (PPC/PPE) including against cross-infection, if needed.
  • If a hazardous atmosphere is suspected, members should wear appropriate Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE).
  • Consider specific precautions (e.g., Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus {SCBA}) required for domestic fires involving alternative energy sources such as Solar Panels, Batteries, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS); and Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs) including scooters and e-bikes. Refer to RFS OPGs in Related Information, for specific guidelines.
• If a danger to the crew is identified, those in danger are to be warned immediately and the Officer in Charge (OIC) notified. Upon observing or being advised of danger to the crew, the OIC is to:
  • Activate emergency signals to warn everyone who may be in immediate danger. This may consist of repeated whistle blasts, intermittent blasts of siren, tugging on hose lines, and/or emergency radio message;
  • Advise crew of what action to take; and
  • Update FireCom of crew status, location, and condition.
• Upon hearing an emergency signal, crew members are to evacuate the area of operations and report to their appliance.
• When operating in SCBA and a Distress Signal Unit (DSU) is heard, SCBA team members are to render immediate assistance to the person in distress.
• Use safety lines to secure persons working in unguarded, elevated positions (e.g., on a sloping roof). Tie off or securely foot ladders when in use.
• Turn off electrical power at switchboard before any offensive firefighting or overhaul operations (preferably while using face protection and gloves).
• Pace work appropriately. Have adequate water intake and rest breaks.
• Monitor crew wellbeing.

Related Information

• OP 1.2.22 - Photovoltaic Arrays
• OP 1.2.7 - Working on Roofs 
• RFS OPG - Electric Vehicle Incidents
• RFS OPG - Incidents - Asbestos Containing Materials
• Service Standard 5.1.9 Respiratory Protective Equipment