Strip Commercial Occupancy Fires

First Arriving Engine Company

 * Approach scene cautiously, position apparatus appropriately, and consider attaching to water supply, especially if smoke is showing.
 * Remember to allow Truck company(s) access to as many sides of the building as possible, especially if rescue will be involved.
 * Transmit a brief initial report of conditions on arrival. If water supply is not established, relay information to the next arriving engine company.
 * Declare working incident if appropriate.
 * Assess incident priorities and identify potential problems. Identify potential victim locations and potential numbers.
 * Consider upgrading the response, especially if multiple persons are trapped.
 * Choose a command option and implement. Declare a working incident via radio transmission.
 * Choose an attack mode and implement based upon problems identified.
 * Be extremely cautious of lightweight truss building construction commonly utilized in this type of occupancy. Failure can occur in 0 to 3 minutes when involved in fire.
 * Assess the overhead by opening with pike poles for collapse potential, especially when fire has involved trusses, prior to entry. Maintain a safe advantage with adequate egress points when opening ceilings.  Open often as progress is made to insure stability.
 * Use caution while working under attached awnings, especially at the attack point.
 * Consider a rapid defensive to offensive attack utilizing heavy streams, especially when large volumes of fire are involved. Start the attack from a safe vantage point.
 * Advise 2nd due engine to stretch a back-up line of at least the same size.
 * Coordinate attack and search patterns with 2nd and additional arriving engine companies.
 * Coordinate attack, search and ventilation operations with the truck company(s).
 * For defensive operations consider 2-1/2” hose lines and solid streams applied to exposures.

Second Arriving Engine Company

 * Command established
 * Establish water supply
 * Position apparatus for tactical operations. If aerial equipped, consider the following:
 * 1) Rescue
 * 2) Exposure protection
 * 3) Attack support
 * Report to Command for additional tasks. These may include one or more of the following:
 * 1) RIT (Mandatory if not already established)
 * 2) Lay additional supply lines and supply FDC if indicated
 * 3) Use attack lines from the first engine
 * 4) Assist the first company with their lines
 * 5) Perform search and rescue
 * 6) Perform truck company functions (rescue, ventilation, forcible entry, etc.)
 * 7) Perform other tasks as required by the Incident Commander.

Third Arriving Engine/Medic Company

 * Stage and wait for assignment from Command.
 * Identify secondary water supplies. Consider alternate approach to the scene and access to the rear of the building.
 * Position apparatus for tactical operations. If aerial equipped, consider the following:
 * 1) Rescue
 * 2) Aerial Ladder Operations/Exposure protection
 * 3) Attack support

Note: Medic unit should be staged away from the scene, parked in the direction leaving the scene.


 * Report to Command for additional assignments. These may include one or more of the following:
 * 1) RIT (Mandatory if not already established).
 * 2) Lay additional supply lines and supply FDC if indicated.
 * 3) Establish attack lines / back lines/ exposure lines.
 * 4) Provide relay pumping operation.
 * 5) Perform search and rescue
 * 6) Perform truck company functions (rescue, ventilation, forcible entry, etc.)
 * 7) Provide Rehab.
 * 8) Perform other tasks as required by the Incident Commander.

Fourth Arriving Engine/Medic Company

 * Stage and wait for assignment from Command.
 * Identify secondary water supplies. Consider alternate approach to the scene and access to the rear of the building.
 * Position apparatus for tactical operations. If aerial equipped, consider the following:
 * 1) Rescue
 * 2) Aerial Ladder Operations/Exposure protection
 * 3) Attack support

Note: Medic unit should be staged away from the scene, parked in the direction leaving the scene.


 * Report to Command for additional assignments. These may include one or more of the following:
 * 1) RIT (Mandatory if not already established).
 * 2) Lay additional supply lines and supply FDC if indicated.
 * 3) Establish attack lines / back lines/ exposure lines.
 * 4) Provide relay pumping operation.
 * 5) Perform search and rescue
 * 6) Perform truck company functions (rescue, ventilation, forcible entry, etc.)
 * 7) Provide Rehab.
 * 8) Perform other tasks as required by the Incident Commander.

Truck Company

 * Position aerial for tactical operations; consider the following:
 * 1) Rescue
 * 2) Exposure protection
 * 3) Attack support
 * Report to Incident Command for assignment, this may include one or more of the following:
 * 1) Search and Rescue (T-6A)
 * 2) Forcible Entry – all doors (T-6B)
 * 3) Ventilation – consider trench (T-6B)
 * 4) Aggressive search for fire extension
 * Also Consider:
 * 1) Ground Ladders (egress/escape, roof)
 * 2) Utility Control (including water, gas, or electric as necessary)
 * 3) Salvage / Overhaul
 * 4) Emergency shoring of structural components
 * 5) Other tasks as indicated by the incident commander.