HomeMy WebLinkAbout202.002b - Residential Structures, Garage
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
202.002b RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES, GARAGE
EFFECTIVE: APRIL 2017
PURPOSE
To establish a standard and consistent method for the Fresno Fire Department to
combat residential garage fires.
APPLICATION
All operational units responding to a reported structure fire will apply the following
definitions, policies, and guidelines when a garage is found to be involved with fire.
DEFINITIONS
Attached Garage
Typically consists of a large enclosed storage space, a large roll-up or tilt-up door to
the exterior, and/or a window, and may also include an exterior access door and a
doorway which opens into the home.
Detached Garage
A parking structure whose exterior walls are surrounded by open space and are not
attached to the residence.
OPERATIONAL POLICIES
1. During active fire conditions inside a garage, NO personnel shall be on
the roof over the garage performing any tasks.
2. During active fire conditions inside a garage, NO personnel shall enter
the interior space of the garage unless there is a confirmed rescue.
EXCEPTION: If it can be confirmed that an attached residential
garage has been converted to a living space with
interior walls, and structural roof members have been
protected (addition of sheetrock), the garage may be
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considered as a living space for the purposes of
search and ventilation.
COMMON HAZARDS
1. Fire load including flammable liquids and hazardous materials.
2. Structural considerations, which may include large spans, overhead
storage, and unprotected structural members.
3. Increased risk of catastrophic collapse when exposed to fire.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
1. Tactical priorities for first alarm companies are proper placement of initial
hand lines to prevent fire extension into the residence; safety of
crewmembers performing interior search; and rapid extinguishment of
the fire within the garage.
2. The priorities above should be accomplished by placing a minimum of
two (2) hand lines into service.
3. Deploy one (1) attack line to the exterior of the garage and one (1) attack
line to the interior of the home to check for extension.
4. Priority should be given to opening the overhead door in conjunction with
fire attack.
5. If during size up, the officer determines the fire has extended into the
home, the primary attack line should be stretched to the interior. An
additional line should then be stretched to the exterior of the garage
either to the overhead garage door, exterior access door, or exterior
window to extinguish the garage. The preferred access would be from
the overhead door. Communication and coordination with the interior
companies is crucial during this type of attack.
• When the garage is determined to be structurally sound, the IC may
authorize crews to advance to the interior to conduct search and
overhaul operations.
• If during the size up process it is determined that the structural
members are protected and not involved with fire, then entry may be
approved by the IC.
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• If during the size up process it is determined that the garage has
been converted to living quarters, and the interior walls are present,
entry may be approved by the IC.
• Entry for fires not involving the structure (i.e., vehicle fire inside the
garage may be approved by the IC).
• Consideration may be given to use of a master stream to cool the
garage fire and prevent extension into the residence.
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