46 S.O.G. 

SECTION: Training

SUBJECT: Live Fire Training

REVISED: 03/2003

To minimize the risk to all Town of Watertown Firefighters operating on the scene of Live Fire Training Evolutions, whether it be an acquired structure or at the training center, interior or exterior suppression evolutions.

A) The Town of Watertown Fire Dept. will adhere to this guideline whenever live fire training evolutions are being done.

B) NFPA guideline 1403 (standard on live fire training evolutions) annex A to these guidelines will be followed in its entirety.

C) All live fire training requests will be made in writing by the Chief to the AHJ (authority having jurisdiction), The commissioners.

It is the responsibility of all Town of Watertown Fire Dept. officers to ensure this guideline and NFPA 1403 is followed for all live fire training evolutions. It is also every student’s responsibility to ensure personal safety at all times during live fire training evolutions.

A) NFPA 1403 checklist will be completed in its entirety, (annex A to this guideline).

B) All students will have prerequisite training in ten core subject areas:

1. Firefighter safety

2. Fire Behavior

3. Portable extinguishers

4. Personal protective equipment

5. Ladders

6. Fire hose, appliances & streams

7. Overhaul

8. Water supply

9. Ventilation

10. Forcible entry

NOTE: Basic firefighter course does not meet these prerequisites. Intermediate Firefighter course exceeds these perquisites for student involvement.

C) In acquired structures or gas fired burn buildings (training center), the following instructor positions will be filled.

1. Instructor in charge

2. Ignition officer

3. Safety officer(s)

4. Student instructors (1 for every 5 students).

A) No flammable or combustible fuels will be used to ignite a fire in an acquired structure.

B) Only one fire will be ignited at a time in an acquired structure. More than one fire can be ignited at a time in a gas fired burn building.

C) The safety officer has the authority to stop any activity regardless of their rank.

                    Annex A to this guideline will be on file at the station for review for all members. NFPA 1403 checklist will be attached to this guideline manual as Annex A.