SOP Manual - Cleveland Fire Department

Cleveland Fire Department
Operations Manual
b. Checking Ceilings
Most ceilings are easy to open with a pike pole. First, a small slot should be
opened along the common wall. If fire is found, a line should be called for.
When it is in place, the ceiling should be opened up until the full extent of the
fire is exposed and can be knocked down by the stream.
If personnel numbers and fire conditions permit, salvage covers should be
placed over furniture or stock in the area to keep water damage to a minimum.
There may be two or even three levels of ceilings. After the lowest ceiling is
opened, the others must also be opened, whether or not fire is found above the
lowest ceiling.
Hanging ceilings contribute to the rapid horizontal spread of fire across the
building and must be checked carefully.
c. Checking Attached Structures
4. Open Interior Spread
The structures attached to the fire structure must be checked for the lateral
spread of fire. Truck crews must assume that there is nothing to stop the spread
of fire through these spaces until they determine otherwise.
The basements of structures attached to the fire structure must be checked
quickly.
Ladder/Truck Companies can assist in deterring the lateral spread of fire by closing
doors, windows, service openings, and the like between the involved area and the
remainder of the building.
This can often be accomplished while Ladder/Truck crews are getting into position to
check for fire spread, even before the attack lines have been advanced.
Fire doors are sometimes blocked open by occupants to ease the flow of foot traffic.
“Automatic” fire doors, which are normally open but which close in the event of a fire,
are sometimes kept from closing by stored materials. Ladder/Truck personnel should
make sure these doors are closed properly.
5. Exterior Exposures
Ladder/Truck crews can protect an exterior exposure from fire spread by entering the
building and then closing windows and outside doors to keep sparks, embers, and other
burning material from entering. Firefighters should remove curtains, drapes, and shades
from windows that face the fire or keep them from being ignited by radiated heat. They
should check airshafts, narrow walkways or alleys, and open areas toward the exposure.
They also should evacuate all occupants of the building.
Effective: June 1, 1997 Revised: 5/14/2009 Page | 213
Approved by: Chief Chuck Atchley