Firefighting Contingency Plans

Even a casual review of NIOSH line-of-duty death (LODD) reports will reveal that we as an industry often fail to learn from our own history. But we also understand that the average fire scene is too varied and dynamic to allow us to come up with a “plan B” for every little move–and, of course, there’s also the issue of staffing!

But what my engine company has done is developed some contingency plans for loss of water, because when the water stops flowing while the fire’s still growing, things get worse. The following scenarios provide back-up plans that keep everyone on the fireground informed and help reduce recovery time so we can get back on track faster.

Scenario #1: Loss of Water Supply Due to a Hydrant Malfunction or Supply Hose Failure

1. Inform the chain of command. Use “URGENT” radio identifier, then give the information. Keep the transmission short and to the point.
2. In the case of a hydrant failure, if you did a reverse lay-in, drive to next hydrant.
3. If you did a forward lay from a hydrant that turned out to be out of service, you have two options: Consider calling the next-due engine to extend your supply line to the next available hydrant or do a reverse lay-in with a water thief. Using the water thief in this scenario involves disconnecting your preconnect attack lines, attaching them to the thief, connecting your supply bed to the thief, laying out to the next hydrant, breaking the bed and pumping the line/the water thief and the attack line(s).

Scenario #2: Supply Line Laid to the Wrong Place or the Hydrant is Off Road

1. Inform chain of command.
2. Attempt to lay LDH in to the proper location using apparatus.
3. If this isn’t possible, estimate the distance from the apparatus to the hydrant or other engine.
4. Request a firefighter for every 100 feet of hose needed and instruct them to report to the tailboard of the engine.
5. Begin shoulder-loading 100 feet of hose per firefighter in a continuous fashion and advance the hose. The last firefighter to shoulder-load will be the first to lay their line.

Scenario #3: Pump Failure/No Tank Water

1. Lay out from a standpipe pack and deliver sufficient flows. A 70-psi hydrant flowing 150 gpm will (using the fire engine as a big manifold) give the attack crew enough water to at least back out of the fire area.
2. Check to see if your hose threads match the hydrant threads. If the hydrant is stronger than this minimum, the lines can be extended.

Scenario #4: Loss of Pressure on an Attack Line

1. Inform chain of command using “URGENT” identifier. Example of radio traffic: “URGENT! URGENT! URGENT! E48 operator to command: We have lost pressure.”
2. Troubleshoot the cause and fix the problem. If you’re unable to fix the problem, the interior crew may have to retreat to the exterior or shelter in place to a safer location until water pressure is restored.
3. The firefighter at the door should immediately evaluate the hoselay and look for reasons why the water is stopped/limited (e.g., hose under a door, kinked, etc.)
4. The engine operator should ensure that the proper valve(s) are open, that the hose has cleared the bed and that there are no kinks, etc.
5. If in immediate danger and repositioning isn’t possible, initiate a “mayday” immediately.

Scenario #5: Attack Line Deployed to the Wrong Location

1. Inform the chain of command, and use “URGENT” radio identifier.
2. The hose team, unless otherwise directed by the commanding officer, should hold its position until the hose team officer makes their way back toward the door and reassesses the situation.
3. If the line is not yet charged, the engine operator should leave the line uncharged.

Scenario #6: Reduced Flow During a Standpipe Operation

1. Inform the chain of command/pump operator using “URGENT” identifier.
2. Troubleshoot the cause (debris obstruction) and fix the problem (possible pressure- reducing valve). If you’re unable to fix the problem, retreat to the exterior or consider relocating to a position of safety.
3. The firefighter at the door should immediately evaluate the hoselay and look for reasons why the water is stopped/limited (e.g., hose under a door, kinked, etc.).
4. The engine operator should ensure that the proper valve is open, check the engine discharge pressure, etc.
5. If you’re in immediate danger and repositioning is not possible, initiate a “mayday” immediately.

Scenario #7: Fire Department Connection/Standpipe is Out of Service

1. Inform your chain of command.
2. Locate the nearest standpipe connection and consider using it as an intake to supplement water flow.
3. Remember to thoroughly flush the standpipe connection. Let the water and sediment blow out before connecting your hose.
4. If you get a reduced flow once you’re hooked up, but the line is stiff, think blockage from debris. Get to a safer area, and break apart your line to flush the debris out.

Your Playbook is Ready
It’s important to remember that even the most highly trained crew has to call an audible now and then. So put these plays in your playbook and review your fire department history of close calls and near misses. Although some of them may seem like once-in-a-blue-moon type incidents, lightning can strike twice. What contingency plans can you come up with? Stay trained and be ready.