46 S.O.G. 

SECTION: Rescue Operations

SUBJECT: Rescue at Structure Fires

REVISED: 05/2002

To provide an effective system for searching areas at structure fires.

Any time a structure is involved with fire, it shall be the determination of the incident commander to make a primary and secondary search of the structure. This determination can be made by initial reports of people trapped or the unaccountability of the structures occupants.

A. Upon arrival:

1. Report conditions

2. Size-up any rescue problems.

3. Request additional resources needed.

4. Institute a primary search and initial fire control operations.

B. Primary search:

1. It is standard to extend a primary search in all involved and expected occupancies, which can be entered. The officer in command must structure initial operations around the completion of the primary search. Primary search means crews have quickly gone through all affected areas and verified the removal and/or safety of all occupants.

2. The incident commander must make specific primary search assignments to crews to cover specific areas of large complex occupancies until the entire area is searched. When primary search crews encounter and remove victims, the incident commander must assign other crews to continue to cover the interior positions vacated by those crews.

3. The incident commander and operating crews cannot depend upon reports from spectators to determine status of victims.

4. It should be the responsibility of the crews assigned to primary search to notify the incident commander when primary search has been completed. Also advise findings.

5. Once the primary search has been completed, incident commander must maintain control of access to the fire area, be aware of occupants trying to re-enter the structure.

C. Secondary search:

The rescue functions that follow lengthy fire control activities will be regarded tactically as presenting a secondary search. Secondary search means that crews thoroughly search the interior of the fire area after initial fire control and ventilation activities have been completed. Different crews than those involved in primary search activities should preferably complete secondary search. Thoroughness, rather than time, is the critical factor in secondary search.

D. Marking Search Rooms:

1. Primary searched rooms will be marked with a piece of search tape.

2. Secondary searched rooms will be marked with a second piece of search tape.