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Strategy and Tactics with
Limited StaffingJohn M. Buckman III
NEVER FORGET
WHY IT IS SO IMPORTANT
THAT EVERYONE
GOES HOME!
SCBA FACEPIECECatastrophic Failure
OUTGUNNED
Most fire departments arrive on a scene with limited staffing and then play catch
up from the beginning to the end of tactical operations.
OUTGUNNED
When was the last time you had a fire behavior class?
Sometimes we just need to put water on the fire!
How Much Is Enough?• How many firefighters do you
have?
• How many firefighters do you need?
• How long will it take for the right amount of firefighters to arrive?
• What is on fire?
• How big is the fire?
• When did you start thinking about it?
Fireground Field
Experiments
NIST
The initial radio report is probably the most important communications the incident
commander will hear! Chief Alan Brunacini, Ret.
Realizing the impact limited staffing has on
selection of appropriate strategy is a critical
decision making component.
Limited staffing impacts all tactical
activities.
Service Expectation
s Have Steadily
Increased
Don't be a Hero
ROLE OF COMMAND• Situational Overload
• Strategy/Tactics
• Resources
• Building
• Fire/Location-Size
• Accountability
• Action Plan
CRITICAL DECISION MAKING
Decision making is improved through:
• Training
• Experience
• Communication Skills
• Preplanning
SITUATIONAL AWARENESS• Perception of what is going on around you!
• Affects performance and decision making!
• If it is not maintained, errors occur!
• Tendency to ignore information that is out of context!
SITUATIONAL AWARENESS• Fight the Fire!
• Assess Problems in the Time Available!
• Gather Information from All Sources
• Choose the Best Option
• Monitor Results and Alter the Plan as Necessary
• Beware of the Loss of Situational Awareness
CAPABILITYMEASURE IT!
What is wrong with
applying LOTS of water
from the exterior
?
Impact of externally applied water.
In these experiments, the externally applied water streams were implemented in different ways;
a fog stream inserted into the fire room window, a fog stream flowed from the floor below into the fire room window opening, and a solid water stream flowed from the floor below into the fire room window opening.
In all cases, the water flows suppressed the fires, thereby causing reductions in temperature in the corridor and the stairwell of at least 50 %.
The water flow rates used in these experiments were between 160 gpm and 200 gpm, demonstrating that a relatively small amount of water applied directly to the burn fuels can have a significant impact.
OFFENSIVE TACTICAL WEAPON
OFFENSIVE TACTICAL WEAPONS
RESOURCES IMPACT
Strategic Decision
• Apparatus
• Staff
• Equipment
• Water
STAFFING IMPACT
Strategic Decision
• How many do I need?
• How big is the problem?
• When will they arrive?
• What is their capability?
STAFFING IMPACT
Tactical Decisions
• Simultaneous or Sequential
• Command Decides
• Offensive Requires More Staff
Traditional Fire Development in a Compartment Fire
Standard Tasks
• Stop at hydrant, wrap hose
• Position hose
• Conduct size up (360degree lap) transmit report, establish command
• Engage pump
• Position attack line (forward lay)
• Establish 2 in / 2 out
• Supply attack engine
• Establish RIT
• Gain/Force Entry
• Advance attack line
• Advance backup line (stop time at front stoop)
Standard Tasks
Standard Tasks
• Advance backup line/protect stairwell
• Conduct primary search
• Ground ladders in place
• Horizontal Ventilation (ground)
• Horizontal Ventilation (2nd story)
Standard Tasks• Control utilities (Interior)
• Control utilities (Exterior)
• Conduct secondary search
• Check for fire extension (walls)
• Check for fire extension (ceiling)
• Mechanical Ventilation
Residential Fires May Actually Pose Commercial Risks.
Floor collapse can occur in six minutes.
PEOPLE
TRAINING
EXECUTION STANDARDS
FUTUREPICTURE
STRATEGY
LEADER’S INTENTBRIEF
EXECUTE
DEBRIEF
PLAN WIN
