Strip Mall Fire Tactical Decision Game
This strip mall fire tactical decision game (TDG) places you in the role of the first arriving command officer at a commercial structure fire in Bakersfield, California. Dispatch reports a structure fire at a vacant strip mall near the intersection of 22nd Street and F Street. Engine 1 arrives first and reports a working fire in the center occupancy with smoke from the roof and overhang on Side Alpha. Crews stretch an attack line and begin offensive operations while additional companies continue to arrive. You approach the incident shortly after the first two engines and the ladder company.
Key command considerations for the arriving command officer include:
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Vacant strip mall with multiple attached occupancies
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Fire reported in the center unit with exposure risk
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Limited access on Side Charlie due to building layout
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Smoke pushing from the roof and overhang areas
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Initial companies operating offensively inside the building
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Potential for occupants despite the building appearing vacant
Incident Video
This Strip Mall Fire TDG includes incident video showing conditions on arrival and early operations. Participants observe heavy smoke conditions and fire involvement from the roof area while companies stretch lines and begin interior operations. Reviewing the video allows officers to identify cues that inform strategy, including building condition, fire location, and operational progress. Listening to associated radio traffic also provides insight into command transfer and resource coordination during the early stages of the incident.
Important Lessons
Strip mall fires often require significant resources because fire can extend through concealed spaces and threaten multiple occupancies. In this incident, crews reported limited effect from initial hose streams and requested additional lines for fire control and search. A victim was located during interior operations and removed by Engine 2. This discovery reinforced the importance of maintaining search priorities even when buildings appear vacant. This Strip Mall Fire TDG includes an additional learning section encouraging officers to conduct tactical walk-throughs of strip mall occupancies and discuss how building configuration and vacancy status influence strategy and tactics.
Recognition-primed decision making plays a critical role in incidents like this one. Command officers must interpret cues from radio reports, visible fire conditions, and building construction while coordinating multiple companies. Decisions about strategy, resource allocation, and incident organization must be made rapidly while conditions evolve. Effective command also requires anticipating exposure risk and maintaining accountability for companies operating inside the structure.
Learn more about how to use 10-Minute Training and find additional tactical decision games in the 10-Minute Training Library.
