Postal Facility Fires

First Arriving Engine Company

 * Approach scene cautiously, position apparatus appropriately, and consider attaching to water supply, especially if smoke is showing.
 * 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.
 * Choose a command option and implement.
 * Choose an attack mode and implement based upon problems identified.
 * Stretch an initial 1-3/4” attack line to protect occupants and egress paths first if risk assessment permits entry.
 * Advise 2nd due engine to stretch a back-up line of at least the same size.
 * Coordinate attack and search patterns with 2nd due engine.
 * 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.
 * If buildings are set back from the roadway, consider utilizing 2-1/2” lines supplying 1-3/4” attack lines on gated wyes. Allow adequate 1-3/4” line for interior operations.
 * If equipped with an aerial device, position in most advantageous location for aerial operations, otherwise consider placement of incoming truck company.
 * Federal guidelines require Postal Inspector participation in securing and salvage of mail as well as during the investigation. Efforts shall be directed toward early salvage of mail.
 * Deny entry to all unauthorized persons not affiliated with postal authorities until scene is turned over to the Postal Inspector, the Postmaster, or his representative. In the case of non-USPS facilities, this person would be the Facility Manager or his representative.

Second Arriving Engine Company

 * Check into incident management system, establish command if not already completed.
 * Establish water supply if not already completed.
 * Locate and tie in to the fire department connection if not already completed.
 * 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) Building evacuation
 * 2) RIT (Mandatory if not already established)
 * 3) Lay additional supply lines
 * 4) Use attack lines from the first engine company
 * 5) Assist the first company with their lines
 * 6) Perform search and rescue
 * 7) Perform truck company functions, (rescue, ventilation, forcible entry, etc.)
 * 8) Perform other tasks as required by the Incident Commander.

Third Arriving Engine Company with medic

 * 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) Building evacuation
 * 3) Lay additional supply lines and supply FDC if indicated.
 * 4) Establish attack lines/ back up lines / exposure lines.
 * 5) Provide relay pumping operation.
 * 6) Perform search and rescue.
 * 7) Perform truck company functions (rescue, ventilation, forcible entry, etc.).
 * 8) Provide Rehab.
 * 9) Perform other tasks as required by the Incident Commander.

First Due Truck Company

 * Position aerial for tactical operations; consider the following:
 * 1) Rescue
 * 2) Exposure protection
 * 3) Attack support
 * Unless ordered otherwise, raise the aerial from the bed in preparation for use while the Company Officer checks in to Command.
 * Report to Incident Command for assignment, this may include one or more of the following:
 * 1) Search and Rescue (T-6A)
 * 2) above fire
 * 3) adjoining fire floor units/rooms
 * 4) additional floors above the fire
 * 5) other areas as needed to accomplish tactical priorities
 * 6) Forcible Entry – all doors (T-6B)
 * 7) Ventilation (T-6B)
 * 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.