Interior Operations Warning Signs

Interior operations warning signs. Keep an eye out for the following fireground situations, and be prepared to take the appropriate measures:

• Active working fire, delayed entry, or loss of "time recognition" by crews or the incident commander (IC).
• Multiple companies assigned to enter through one entry point.
• Roof division companies retreating from the roof as crews are preparing to go inside.
• Air is rapidly drawn in zero visibility and heat is banking down.
• Interior crews can hear but not see the fire burning above them.
• Interior crews are working under a mezzanine.
• Crews feel "uncomfortable" with the situation they are in.
• A crew member's SCBA low-air alarm activates and the crew continues searching for the seat of the fire.
• Interior crews flow water for several minutes but make no progress on the fire.
• Interior crews hear the sound of roof ventilation operations conducted behind them.
• Crews are unable to communicate with the IC or division/group supervisors.
• A crew or crew member is in trouble and fails to recognize it.
• An "Emergency Traffic" call is delayed or not initiated.
• Crews are deep inside a commercial building with 1¾-inch lines instead of 2½-inch lines.
• Prior to building entry, fireground companies and the IC fail to recognize basic construction features that should influence decisions and actions.
• Crews and ICs do not follow the "order model" for communications, or they use unclear terms and send mixed messages.
• Company officers are not monitoring the air supply status of their crews and are not practicing proper air-management techniques.
• All members operating on the fireground fail to evaluate and apply the risk management philosophy to their assignment.

 

Use the FACT acronym to identify a Mayday situation.

Fall: through a floor, a roof, a ceiling, or something falls on you.

Air: experience an SCBA malfunction or other air emergency.

Caught: entangled or otherwise stuck.

Trapped: by fire, collapse, or disorientation.

 

Use the NUCAN acronym to report a Mayday.

Name: Identify yourself.

Unit: Provide unit designator and location.

Conditions: Describe your situation/condition and fire conditions or entrapment level.

Actions/Air: Explain actions taken and air remaining.

Needs: Identify what you need for your rescue