SOP Manual - Cleveland Fire Department

Cleveland Fire Department
Operations Manual
Initial Attack Lines
Company personnel must select a mode of attack -- direct or indirect.
A. Indirect Attack:
1. Shall be when fog streams are used to attack the fire from outside the fire building.
2. An indirect attack should not be used to fight fires in an occupied building.
B. Direct Attack:
1. Shall be when streams are directed from inside to attack the seat of the fire.
2. A direct attack should not be made in buildings which are in various stages of demolition,
have been abandoned for long periods, have had previous fires, under construction or it
has been determined by the IC that the structure is unsafe for entry.
3. A direct attack should be made any time the building is occupied, unless a large, intense
fire is encountered. In which case, it may be necessary to knock down or control the fire
with indirect means first.
Effective Stream Operation
A. Stay low upon entering the fire area to let the heat and gases vent before moving in.
B. Before the door to a fire area is opened, all firefighters should be in position, with the line charged.
C. Bleed the air out of the line ahead of the water and adjust the fog nozzle pattern.
D. If fire shows at the top of the door as it is opened, the ceiling should be hit with a solid stream to
cool it and to control fire gases.
E. Sweep the floor with the stream to cool burning debris and hot surfaces. This will help prevent
burns to hands, knees, protective gear, and the hose line as it is advanced.
F. Do not open the stream until fire can be hit unless firefighter safety is involved. Water directed at
smoke will make visibility and smoke conditions worse; a fog stream will greatly increase this
problem. Remember that firefighters are much more tolerant of dry heat than wet heat.
G. Direct the stream at the base of the fire if it is localized. If the area is heavily involved, direct the
solid stream forward and upward at the ceiling in a side-to-side motion, or rotate the stream.
H. As the advance is made, the angle of the stream should be lowered and an attempt should be made
to hit the main body of fire.
I. When the main body of fire is knocked down, shut down the stream and let the area “blow” (allow
smoke and gases to rise and vent.) Listen for crackling sounds and look for areas that “light up” so
that extinguishment can be completed.
Effective: June 1, 1997 Revised: 5/14/2009 Page | 184
Approved by: Chief Chuck Atchley