Philadelphia Fire Department - Response Guidelines/Protocol - Structure Fire Response

Structure Fire Response

In the event of a structure or building fire, the Philadelphia Fire Department Fire Communications Center assigns the appropriate number and type of fire companies to the incident. The Communications Center sends three assignment levels to reported or confirmed structure fires:

  • Tactical Box Alarm Assignment:
    • 2 Engines
    • 2 Ladders
    • 1 Battalion Chief

The Tactical Box Alarm Assignment is assigned fires in a single-family dwelling; The Box Alarm Assignment for reports of fire in commercial, industrial, educational, and multiple-occupancy residences under six stories in height; The High-Rise Box Alarm Assignment for reports of fire in buildings over six stories in height.

  • All-Hands/Working Fire Assignments(Upgrade):

When the 2 Engines, 2 Ladders, and the Battalion Chief assigned to the Tac. Box are all working at a fire, the All-Hands Assignment is requested, bringing an additional Ladder Company to serve as the Rapid Intervention Team(R.I.T.), a Squad Company(1 of 2 in the PFD), the Rescue Company, and a Medic Unit. If the fire is severe enough, a Working Fire Assignment will be transmitted above the All-Hands Assignment, bringing a Deputy Chief to the scene.

  • Box Alarm Assignment:
    • 4 Engines
    • 2 Ladders
    • 2 Battalion Chiefs

The Box Alarm Assignment is assigned for fires in commercial or industrial buildings, factories, warehouses, educational buildings, or multiple-family dwellings under six stories in height. Again, like with the Tac. Box Assignment, if all companies are working, the All-Hands is requested, and if the fire is severe enough, the Working Fire is also requested.

  • High-Rise Box Alarm Assignment:
    • 4 Engines
    • 3 Ladders (1 for Lobby Control)
    • 2 Battalion Chiefs
    • Rescue
    • 1 Medic Unit

The High-Rise Box Alarm Assignment is assigned for fires in buildings above six stories in height. If all companies are working, the All-Hands is requested, and if the fire is severe, the Working Fire is also requested. If the High-Rise fire is the MIRA is assigned which brings the following additional Companies:

  • High-Rise Working Fire Assignment:
  • 2 Engines(including Engine 13 w/Air Unit)
  • 2 Ladders(1 for R.I.T.)
  • 1 Battalion(Safety)
  • 1 Deputy
  • Rescue
  • 1 Squad
  • 2 Medic Units
  • 1 ES Unit
  • Signal 2-2-2(2nd Alarm) Assignment(Additionally):
    • 5 Engines(1 for Logistics)
    • 2 Ladders
    • 4 Battalion Chiefs
  • Signal 3-3-3(3rd Alarm) Assignment(Additionally):
    • 4 Engines
    • 1 Ladder
    • 1 Battalion Chief
  • Signal 4-4-4(4th Alarm) Assignment(Additionally):
    • 4 Engines
    • 1 Ladder
  • Signal 5-5-5(5th Alarm) to Signal 9-9-9(9th Alarm) Assignments(Additionally per Alarm):
    • 4 Engines per Alarm

If the fire is large and of enough severity, an officer in charge(OIC) or an incident commander(IC), usually a Battalion or Deputy Chief, will transmit additional alarms, starting with a Signal 2-2-2(2nd Alarm) Assignment going up to nine, to bring more fire companies and manpower to the scene above the existing Tac. Box, Box, or High-Rise Box, and in addition to the All-Hands and Working Fire Assignments.

  • Outside Fire/Minor Fire Assignment:
    • 1 Engine or 1 Engine and 1 ladder

When the there is a report of a small fire, such as a rubbish or trash fire, the Communications Office will send an Outside Fire Assignment, for minor fires or outdoor/rubbish fires. The closest Engine Company is send. If a Ladder Company is available to respond from close by, it will also be added.

Read more about this topic:  Philadelphia Fire Department, Response Guidelines/Protocol

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