Positioning Apparatus

Chapter 5

Positioning Apparatus The primary function of a fire

department pumper is to provide water for fire fighting operations.

The pumper may provide water directly to fire streams or it may supply water to other pumpers or aerial apparatus.

Fire Attack Pumpers There is no one set rule for

positioning pumpers supplying attack lines on the fireground.

Standard operating procedures and the judgment of the responsible officer or driver/operator should be the deciding factors when committing the apparatus

Fire Attack Pumpers Determining the proper positioning

for the attack pumper begins with sizing up the incident.

If the apparatus arrives at the location where no fire conditions are evident, it is generally advisable to park near the main entrance to the occupancy.

Fire Attack Pumpers When fire conditions are evident

upon approaching the scene, look for the best tactical position in which to place the apparatus.

Considerations For Apparatus Placement Department SOP’s – Many departments

have procedures for the placement of each initial apparatus.

Rescue situations – Rescue is always the first tactical priority and if there is an obvious rescue situation then the apparatus should be parked in order to facilitate the timely deployment of ground ladders or aerial device

Considerations For Apparatus Placement Water supply – IF an external water

supply is required then this must be considered before parking in the final position.

Considerations For Apparatus Placement Method of Attack – Positioning

depends on the method of attack;if pre-connected hoselines are to be used, the apparatus must be close enough for them to reach.

If the deck gun is going to be used, the apparatus must be positioned so the fire stream will reach its intended target.

Considerations ForApparatus Placement Exposures – If the fire has the

potential to threaten exposures, the apparatus must be parked in a position that allows fire streams to protect those exposures.

Wind direction – Whenever possible, attempt to park the apparatus upwind of the incident.

Considerations For Apparatus Placement Terrain – Given a choice, always

choose a paved surface over an unpaved surface.

It is also desirable to be uphill from the incident whenever possible

Considerations ForApparatus Placement Relocation potential – Always leave

yourself an out. Never position the apparatus in a location that does not allow an easy retreat should conditions warrant.

Make sure that fire hose is laid to the side of the street if at all possible.

Considerations For Apparatus Placement Apparatus should be parked far

enough away so that they are not in the collapse zone should one occur.

Try not to park beneath power or utility lines , particularly if there is any chance that the fire will cause the lines to fall.

Positioning to Support Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operators of pumping

apparatus must not only seek a good tactical location for the rig they are driving, but they must also keep in mind the needs of aerial apparatus that will soon arrive on the scene.

Positioning to SupportAerial Apparatus It is best to give the aerial

apparatus the most optimum operating position and to locate the pumping apparatus a little further away.

The aerial apparatus has a fixed length while the engine has in excess of 1000 feet of hose.

Positioning to SupportAerial Apparatus In order to facilitate the proper

placement of pumpers and aerial apparatus, some departments choose to use the “inside/outside” method of apparatus placement.

Staging An apparatus staging procedure

facilitates the orderly positioning of apparatus and allows the Incident Commander to fully utilize the potential of each unit and crew.

An apparatus staging procedure in two levels has been developed that can be used for any multi-company response.

Level I Staging Level I staging is used on every

emergency response when two companies performing like functions are dispatched.

The first due engine ,truck, rescue or squad, and command officer proceed directly to the scene. Later arriving companies stage at least one block away from the scene in their direction of travel.

Level II Staging Level II staging is used in greater

alarm situations where a large number of emergency vehicles are responding to an incident. Level II staging must be initiated by the incident commander.

Companies are informed of the staging area location when they are dispatched and respond directly to that location.

Operations on Highways At least one lane next to the incident

lane should be closed. Additional or all traffic lanes may have to be closed it the extra lane does not provide a safe barrier.

Fire apparatus should be place between the flow of traffic and the firefighters working on the incident to act as a shield.