Transcript
Grafton Fire Department Standard Operating Guidelines, Policies and procedures Section: Operations
Subject: Chimney Fires
Approval: William Q. Rice Effective Date: 04/02/2015
Revision Date:
PURPOSE: The purpose of this guideline is to provide default crew assignments in order to effectively suppress and extinguish chimney fires involving fireplaces and alternative heating equipment in a safe and orderly manner with a minimum of risk involved for citizens and firefighters. SCOPE: This policy shall apply to all Grafton Fire Department personnel responding to and operating at a reported chimney fire. If the fire has already extended past the fire box or chimney, use the appropriate Structure Fire Guideline for response. SAFETY: All firefighters involved in the emergency shall wear complete turnout gear. Firefighters working with chimney cleaning equipment at the top of the chimney as well as anyone entering an immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) environment shall wear Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and have it operating. All members will also utilize the passport accountability system. Anyone who is not wearing the required personal protective equipment (PPE) as applicable to the duties they are performing, will be relieved of their assignment until they are in compliance (i.e., turnout gear, traffic vest, etc.). RESPONSE: Command: The first firefighter arriving at the emergency scene will assume command and will remain in charge until relieved. Upon arrival, Command will quickly assess the situation and give a brief radio report to the responding units. Command will also give specific directions for staging, special equipment needed, specific tactics, deviation from standard procedures, and requests for mutual aid. The fire ground operation radio channel will be assigned by Command. It is also important that Command announce his/her arrival status and his/her position as Command. Primary Attack Engine: Will provide initial attack lines, if required. Attack lines are to be a minimum of 13/4" in diameter. If a hose line is not needed, the crew will be begin investigation with a thermal imaging camera and fire extinguisher. Ladder: Will provide support and access to roof and chimney areas.
Primary Supply Engine: Will provide water supply to the Attack Engine. In areas with hydrants, an LDH supply line should be laid to supply water from the hydrant system unless Command advises differently. In rural areas, water may have to be shuttled unless a static water source is in the immediate vicinity. Ambulance: Will stage in an area close to the fire which is accessible for the firefighters but clear of the other fire units. The crew will assist in rehab. If additional personnel are required to work in the rehab area, Emergency Medical Technicians who are already at the scene can be assigned. If a subsequent rescue call is received, the Transport Rescue Squad may respond from the fire scene with a full crew upon orders from Command. ARRIVAL: Vehicles should be positioned in an orderly manner that allows as much access as possible for other responding vehicles. The Ladder should be positioned as close as possible to provide effective access to the roof and chimney. SUPPRESSION: 1. Since most fireplaces and woodstoves are located in expensively furnished rooms, salvage operations should start as soon as possible. Floor runners and salvage covers should be used to protect wood floors, carpeting and tile. Furniture should be carefully moved to the side to avoid damage during firefighting operations. 2. If a fire exists in the chimney, extinguishment can be done through the use of a dry chemical extinguisher to smother the fire. Extreme care should be taken when using water in the immediate area of hot chimney tiles and pipes as well as hot stove castings. Improper application of water can cause extensive, unnecessary damage. Heated wood, logs and burning embers can be removed from the fireplace or stove by using metal buckets and small shovels. These should be placed outside at a safe distance from the house, where they won’t become an eyesore or a nuisance. 3. If no fire exists upon arrival, or once the fire has been extinguished, rooftop operations should be coordinated with operations inside the building in the area of the chimney cleanout or the heating device. Chimney chains and other cleaning equipment can be utilized to clean the chimney so that rekindle does not occur. OVERHAUL: Every effort should be made to ensure that no fire has extended into the walls, attic or room adjacent to the chimney. Inspection of the chimney should be made with lights and mirrors to ensure that the chimney is clear and free of fire. A thermal imaging camera should be used to check for extension. INVESTIGATION: 1. Investigators should try to determine the cause and origin of the fire and complete the field report form. 2. The property owner must be advised to discontinue use of any fireplace or alternative heating equipment that is connected to the affected chimney until it has been properly cleaned and inspected. 3. The fire investigator will report the incident and any code violations to the Village or Town Building Inspectors.
