46 S.O.G. 

SECTION: Hazardous Materials Incidents

SUBJECT: Explosives and Bombs

REVISED: 05/2002

To establish guidelines for the fire department for incidents involving bombs or explosives.

This policy shall be followed when the department receives a bomb threat for another location, explosives brought to the station, and for explosives encountered during routine operations.

A. BOMB THREATS

1. The fire department will not respond on bomb threats when notified by the police department or by an anonymous caller, unless a chief fire officer gives permission.

2. The Dispatch Center shall notify the fire department by radio if an emergency response is requested.

3. If an engine company is dispatched to standby spot the apparatus well clear of the exact location.

4. Make contact with the law enforcement officer in charge and coordinate with the same.

5. Do not become involved in the police functions of search and evacuation unless there has already been an actual explosion.

6. Do not become involved in bomb disposal operations.

7. Coordinate with law enforcement personnel concerning the establishment of an operational perimeter. (Remember unauthorized persons shall not be allowed inside the operational perimeter).

8. Standby and await instructions.

9. If an explosion and/or fire occur, be aware that secondary explosions will likely occur. Utilize any available protective cover during firefighting operations.

10. In bomb threat situations, normally the decision to search for the bomb or to evacuate the building rests with the management of the occupancy and the law enforcement agency involved.

11. Remember that the radio transmitter may initiate detonation of some types of explosive devices.

12. During emergency operations and during overhaul, be alert for additional explosive devices (this could be anything that may seem out of place). If an object is suspected of being an explosive device, do not touch it or allow anyone else to touch it. Notify (not by radio) the bomb squad and the Incident Commander immediately.

B. EXPLOSIVES BROUGHT TO THE FIRE STATION

In the event that any person brings a suspected bomb, explosive device, or any amount of explosives into a Fire Station, Fire Department members shall be guided by the following:

1. Secure the area around the device.

2. Notify the Police Department by telephone, not by radio.

3. Evacuate personnel and apparatus from the station.

4. Obtain identification and all pertinent information form the caller or person(s) at the scene until the Police Department arrives.

5. Do not use radios in the immediate area as they could possibly initiate detonation of the suspected device.

C. EXPLOSIVES ENCOUNTERED DURING ROUTINE ACTIVITIES

Whenever explosives, suspected bombs or explosive devices are encountered during the course of routine operations, Fire Department personnel shall be guided by the following:

1. Refrain from touching or moving the suspected device.

2. Evacuate the immediate area and establish an operational perimeter.

3. Allow no unauthorized personnel within an operational perimeter.

4. Contact dispatch (utilize radios only from a distance of at least two hundred (200) feet away to avoid possible detonation) and request the Police Department.