Residential Fire Tactical Decision Game
This residential fire tactical decision game (TDG) challenges the chief officer, to establish command before the first company arrives. This 10-Minute Training places you at 46 Hambly Street in Fall River, Massachusetts. You are out of quarters and arrive several minutes before Engine 1. This changes the usual action sequence for command and company operations.
The incident involves a closely spaced urban residential building. Conditions on arrival show smoke from upper-floor windows. You do not observe smoke from the eaves or Side Charlie. Several bystanders are present, but no building occupant identifies themselves. You have no reports about occupants.
Decision Focus
Filling the roles of both IC #1 and IC #2, the chief officer must establish command, complete size-up, and assign companies as they arrive. The decision focus includes the initial radio report, resource placement, tactical assignments, search priorities, water supply, staging, and contingency planning.
Incident Video
The residential fire tactical decision game uses incident video to support realistic command decisions. Watch the assigned video segments and examine the conditions on arrival. Then decide what you would communicate before and after the first companies arrive.
Important Lessons
This incident highlights a less common command sequence. The chief officer arrives first and must fulfill the typical command functions of both IC #1 and IC #1. That requires clear assignments and consideration of potential water supply requirements.
The Additional Learning segment focuses on building construction and water supply. The building’s age and window alignment raise concerns about balloon-frame construction and hidden void spaces. The water supply discussion addresses small water mains, gridded versus dead end mains, residual pressure, and hydrant limitations, along with relay pumping, supplemental pumping tactics.
What Does Good Look Like
Good performance includes command presence, a clear initial report, and tactical assignments that match building conditions. IC #2 should manage search, fire control, water supply, and staging while maintaining accountability.
Learn more about how to use 10-Minute Training and find additional tactical decision games in the 10-Minute Training Library.
