46 S.O.G. 

SECTION: Firefighting

SUBJECT: Interstate Operations

REVISED: 05/2002

PURPOSE:

            To establish response and operation guidelines for fire and medical incidents on Interstate 81.

POLICY:

A.                The fire department shall follow these guidelines for the response criteria for both fire and medical incidents on the interstate.

B.                 The fire department shall follow these operation guidelines for emergency incidents on the interstate to insure the proper handling of the incident and safety of the personnel.

RESPONSE:

A.                Fire Dispatch shall dispatch the response for Interstate 81 according to the response criteria established by the individual volunteer fire departments covering Interstate 81.

B.                 The response criteria for medical emergencies/motor vehicle accidents shall be as indicated on the response card.

PROCEDURE:

A.                UPON ARRIVAL:

1.      Give the standard condition report, which should also include the exact location of the incident.

2.      If other responding apparatus are approaching from an opposite direction, every effort should be made to inform the other responding apparatus of the best approach.

3.      If possible, place apparatus between the emergency scene and the oncoming traffic flow (for protection).

4.      Place apparatus out of the flow of spilled chemicals, flammable liquids and run-off water (normally this would be upgrade, upwind from the incident).

5.      Request the response of the Police and coordinate with them upon their arrival.

B.                 SAFETY:

1.      During Interstate 81 operations, personnel shall wear a minimum of Regular Protective Clothing and be guided by the Fire Department Protective Clothing Policy.

2.      If possible, place apparatus between on-coming traffic and the emergency (to provide protection for personnel operating on the scene).

3.      Personnel should constantly remain cognizant of traffic and shall exercise caution when operating at the scene.

4.      Personnel should be aware of the topography of the section of interstate on which they are operating.  This can affect the flow of flammable and hazardous materials.

5.      Personnel must be aware that storm drains on the interstate and run-off may lead into sewer systems or small streams that could spread the contamination.

C.                WATER SOURCES:

Fire Officers should be cognizant of the lack of water sources on the interstate and should consider alternative means of obtaining water.

1.      Tank on fire apparatus.

2.      Additional pumpers.

3.      Hydrants on Surface Street adjacent to the interstate.

4.      Relay pumping.

5.      Tankers with portable dump tanks .