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HomeMy WebLinkAbout602.001 - Issues Specific to Fire Explorers Section xxx.xxx Page 1 of 3 FIRE EXPLORER MANUAL PROGRAM DESCRIPTION 602.001 ISSUES SPECIFIC TO FIRE EXPLORERS EFFECTIVE: JANUARY 2008 Current Revision Date: 3/01/22 Next Revision Date: 3/01/25 Author’s Name/Rank: Kerri L. Donis, Fire Chief Review Level: 1 Administrative Support: Annette M. Grieser, Executive Assistant ADA PURPOSE The Fresno Fire Department (FFD or Department) Explorer Program seeks to provide young adults an effective exploring program designed to build desirable qualities of character, to train in the responsibilities of participating citizenship and to develop their personal fitness. There are some issues specific to the Explorer program that must be considered when organizing the Post. These issues are fairly unique when compared to other types of explorer posts. In particular, these issues are a direct result of the Post’s affiliation to the Department and the aforementioned tendency for firefighting to be hazardous. APPLICATION The basic unit of the Explorer program is the Post. The Post is sponsored by the City of Fresno (City) and the FFD. The FFD is designated as the charter organization and is represented by the Fire Chief as the chartered organization representative. Fire exploring gives young people valuable insight into the firefighting profession. This insight will allow the individual to decide whether or not he/she desires to pursue a greater role in the fire service. By participating in the Explorer program, the individual will gain personal confidence, learn how to use various tools and equipment, develop mechanical skills and aptitude, and gain a greater awareness of personal and fire safety. The Department also benefits from its association with the Explorer program. Fire explorers often assist with the performance of routine duties. These duties include public fire education and fire prevention activities, helping with ancillary functions on emergency scenes and other projects. The Department also benefits from adding higher quality applicants for future position openings. A well-managed Explorer program will help to further the Department’s positive role in the community and assist with public relations. Section xxx.xxx Page 2 of 3 OPERATIONAL POLICY The Fire Chief will designate a Chief Officer to provide leadership and oversight to the Post. Under the designated Chief Officer, sworn and civilian Post Advisors (Advisors) will handle the operations and functions of the Explorer Post. A committee of Advisors will meet regularly to plan and organize the functions of the Post. Even though the participant is not an actual member or employee of the Department, the Department’s rules and regulations, policies and procedures, instructions, special notices and any applying guidelines will apply and will be followed by all members. The following is a general list of guidelines that will be used in the formation of the Explorer program: 1. Explorers shall be equipped with proper personal protective clothing and equipment that is appropriate for the activity being done. 2. Explorers will not be substituted for trained firefighters. 3. Explorers who ride on apparatus or other Department vehicle shall be seated and wear a seat belt. 4. Explorers shall not perform ventilation procedures on top of an uncontrolled burning structure. 5. Explorers shall not enter or remain in an IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health) environment unless it is part of a supervised, controlled training evolution. 6. When operating near a hazardous atmosphere or environment, Explorers shall wear the same articles of PPE as required by the Department. 7. Explorers shall not get involved in any direct, interior fire suppression activity on an uncontrolled emergency scene. 8. Explorers shall not use any tools or gloves on energized electrical equipment or operate cutting torches. 9. Explorers will not climb ground ladders that exceed 35 feet in length, or not supported against a structure. Explorers will obtain Advisor approval before visiting any station or scheduling a ride- along. Explorers under 16 years are not allowed to schedule ride-alongs. Only Explorers 18 years or older are allowed, when approved, to schedule full-shift ride- alongs. Section xxx.xxx Page 3 of 3 OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE 1. Explorers may only be mobilized as a Post with the required leadership. Explorers are not on call as individuals to respond to emergency scenes. 2. Explorers may not drive a fire apparatus unless authorized by the Fire Chief or a Chief Officer. 3. Explorers may not handle hand lines larger than 1 ¾ inch unless conducting a supervised training evolution. 4. Explorers may only climb aerial ladders in a supervised, controlled training evolution with the appropriate safety equipment. 5. Explorers under the age of 16 years may not operate hydraulic rescue tools or equipment. 6. During an approved ride-along, the company officer may allow a qualified Explorer to participate in supervised, emergency ground activities which does not violate any of the safety guidelines. PROCESS This section intentionally left blank. INFORMATION This section intentionally left blank. DEFINITIONS This section intentionally left blank. CROSS REFERENCES No cross-references recognized.