Plant 44 Audit Reports - Wright-Patterson Air Force Base

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY3.0. Structural Fire Exercise. On 6 Feb 08, at approximately 1330, a structural fire andrescue exercise was provided at Bldg 845. The exercise was used to measure the initialattack capability of the Fire Department's first responding units and personnel forperformance without the assistance of Mutual Aid support. The objective was to controland/or extinguish the fire and rescue the victim in a timely matter. The scenario was analarm sounding and reports from occupants of smoke in the hangar. Later, it wasreported smoke was seen coming out of a pedestrian door. Dispatch was notified that oneworker remained in a back room of the hangar. A critique was held upon termination ofthe exercise.3.1 The following observations were noted:3.1.1. Security: Security personnel were prompt in responding and setting up trafficcontrol before the Fire Department's arrival. There were several gates the FireDepartment had to go through to get to the exercise facility. The Security Forcesdid a good job so as not to delay the Fire Department access.3.1.2. Dispatch: The dispatcher provided data that was different from their instructionsand from the pre-drill briefing that was based on the scenario. The dispatcherprovided information and updated data to the Fire Department's IncidentCommander (lC), however, it was not apparent that the responsible dispatcherwas clearly familiar with the terminology used in the fire service duringemergencies. A review of the dispatcher's qualifications and requiredcertification appears to meet or exceed the DoD requirements forTelecommunications Levell & II, however, additional OJT on fire emergencylingo would enhance firefighters' safety during emergencies. (Action required)3.1.3. Pre-brief/De-brief: Although the briefer did not use a checklist to ensure allsafety items, goals, and objectives were covered and met; he did a good jobshooting from the hip. A checklist to cover goals, objectives, safety recall of FFs,PAR requirements, tasks that will be simulated, etc., shall be used. (Actionrequired)3.1.4. Mutual Aid was simulated being delayed. The IC adjusted well without them,however, in addition to Raytheon'S normal staffing by the 24-hour crews,additional crew members also responded to fill some critical fire ground positionsin order to make an aggressive offensive fire attack and rescue. Without theadditional staffing, the goals and objectives would not have been met. (Actionrequired)3.1.5. Radio communication: Radio operations and the switch over to the emergencyfrequency were well demonstrated.Attachment 3