SOP Manual - Cleveland Fire Department

Cleveland Fire Department
Operations Manual
The intent of this procedure is to minimize fire ground confusion/congestion and, more importantly, to limit
the number of personnel exposed to fire ground hazards to only those necessary to successfully control the
operation. Individuals or crews shall be restricted from wandering about the fire ground or congregating in
nonfunctional groups. If the member has not been assigned to a sector or does not have a necessary staff
function to perform, he/she will stay off the fire ground.
In extremely hazardous situations (large quantities of flammable liquids, LP gas, hazardous materials,
difficult marginal rescues, etc.), Command will engage only an absolute minimum number of personnel
within the fire ground perimeter. Self-standing master streams will be utilized whenever possible.
In situations where crews are operating from opposing or conflicting positions, such as front vs. rear attack
streams, interior vs. exterior streams, roof crews vs. Interior crews, etc., utilize radio or face-to face
communications to coordinate your actions with those of the opposing crew in an effort to prevent needless
injuries. Ground crews must be notified before ladder pipes go into operation.
Do not operate exterior streams, whether hand lines, master streams, ladder pipes, etc., into an area where
interior crews are operating. This procedure is intended to prevent injuries to personnel due to stream blast
and the driving of fire or heavy heat and smoke onto interior crews.
Ladder Operations
When laddering a roof, the ladder selected shall be one, which will extend 2' to 3' above the roofline. This
shall be done in an effort to provide personnel operating from the roof with a visible means of egress.
If possible, when laddering buildings under fire conditions, place ladders near building corners or fire
walls, as these areas are generally more stable in the event of structural failure.
When operating above or below ground level, establish at least two (2) separate escape routes/means where
possible, such as stairways, ladders, exits, etc., preferably at opposite ends of the building or separated by
considerable distance.
When a ladder has been placed in service on the fire ground, it will not be moved or taken down without
notifying the Officer who placed it in service. It will not be moved then if there is no other means of egress
for the personnel using it.
Effective: June 1, 1997 Revised: 5/14/2009 Page | 277
Approved by: Chief Chuck Atchley