Developing An Incident Action Plan: Managing Company Tactical Operations: Decisionmaking
Developing An Incident Action Plan: Managing Company Tactical Operations: Decisionmaking
Developing An Incident Action Plan: Managing Company Tactical Operations: Decisionmaking
MODULE 3:
DEVELOPING AN INCIDENT
ACTION PLAN
OBJECTIVES
1. Given a structural fire scenario, demonstrate the ability to develop a strategy using the command
sequence.
2. Using the command sequence, demonstrate the ability to select tactics that will achieve a well-
defined strategy.
DEVELOPING AN INCIDENT ACTION PLAN
SM 3-2
DEVELOPING AN INCIDENT ACTION PLAN
ACTION PLAN
Once the strategy has been defined, the Incident Commander (IC) or the
Operations Section Chief needs to select the tactics. Tactics are the
operations that need to be completed in order to accomplish the strategy.
If the strategy defines where you want to go, then tactics are the signposts
along the path to get you there. They provide the answers to the "how"
and "where" of the IAP. Tactics are measurable in both time and
performance.
The IAP also includes whatever support actions may be necessary to make
the plan operable, e.g., water supply, utility control, self-contained
breathing apparatus (SCBA) cylinder filling, etc.
Once the IAP is developed, the IC may start issuing directives and
committing resources. These directives define objectives that must be
completed in order to achieve the IAP goals. IAP's are not necessarily
fully complete before orders are given, but sufficient information must be
in place for the resources to achieve positive results effectively.
SM 3-3
DEVELOPING AN INCIDENT ACTION PLAN
When only a few units are engaged actively in a simple incident, the IAP
is developed in the mind of the IC. The IAP includes the strategy and
tactics for the incident as well as the supporting operations that must
occur. The IC must ensure that operating resources and managers know
the overall strategy. This information normally is conveyed when orders
are issued to arriving companies and other officers.
SM 3-4
DEVELOPING AN INCIDENT ACTION PLAN
NOTE-TAKING GUIDE
When fully developed and implemented, the action plan will address:
SM 3-5
DEVELOPING AN INCIDENT ACTION PLAN
NOTE-TAKING GUIDE
IDENTIFYING A STRATEGY
Strategy gives direction to get you from where you are to where you want to be.
SM 3-6
DEVELOPING AN INCIDENT ACTION PLAN
NOTE-TAKING GUIDE
Rescue Ventilation
Exposures Salvage
Confinement
Extinguishment
Overhaul
Only after strategy is developed can the IC begin to formulate an action plan.
SM 3-7
DEVELOPING AN INCIDENT ACTION PLAN
NOTE-TAKING GUIDE
SELECTING TACTICS
Having developed the strategy and tactics that address the problems identified, the
major components of the plan are in place.
SM 3-8
DEVELOPING AN INCIDENT ACTION PLAN
NOTE-TAKING GUIDE
SUMMARY
Developing strategy and tactics is the plan phase of the command sequence.
SM 3-9
DEVELOPING AN INCIDENT ACTION PLAN
SM 3-10
DEVELOPING AN INCIDENT ACTION PLAN
"Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!" Too often we go charging full
speed into a burning building with the sole purpose of putting the "wet
stuff on the red stuff." Custer went rushing in at Little Big Horn with the
solution before first making an effort to properly identify the extent of the
problem and thus created a number of promotional openings within his
organization. After we have done an initial size-up and identified the
problem, we need to offer a solution in the form of an action plan that
addresses the problem.
Another point the definition stresses is that the action plan should cover all
phases of the emergency. Action planning doesn't stop until the last
firefighter leaves the scene. The plan needs to cover the entire incident
not just the initial assignments.
The third key point in the definition deals with accomplishing the plan
within a specified time. When firefighters gather to exchange war
stories, we hear tales of fires that took thousands of gallons of water and
hours to put out. In reality what most probably occurred is the fire ran out
of things to burn and went out on its own accord. We always win. The
reason we always win is that nothing burns forever. What's important is
gaining success before the fire gets tired and goes away. To do this
requires a knowledge of how long it takes for firefighters to accomplish
their assigned tasks and coordinating those efforts so that they are attained
in a specified length of time. When this happens we have a realistic
chance of claiming victory while there is still something to save rather
than just wearing out the fire to its point of exhaustion.
SM 3-11
DEVELOPING AN INCIDENT ACTION PLAN
When fully developed and implemented, the action plan will have
identified the strategy and tactics that address:
IDENTIFYING A STRATEGY
RECEO VS
Rescue Ventilation
Exposures Salvage
Confinement
Extinguishment
Overhaul
The problems presented by the situation often require that more than one
factor be addressed to accomplish the IC's initial strategy.
Example:
SM 3-12
DEVELOPING AN INCIDENT ACTION PLAN
Initial strategy:
Example:
SELECTING TACTICS
Once the strategy has been defined, then the IC needs to select the tactics.
Tactics are defined as the operations that need to be completed in order to
accomplish the strategy defined by the IC.
SM 3-13
DEVELOPING AN INCIDENT ACTION PLAN
If strategy defines where you want to end up, then tactics are the signposts
along the path you follow to get there. They provide the answers to the
"how" and "where" of the action plan. They must be measurable so that
the IC and those responsible to carry them out can evaluate their
operations to determine if the action plan is working or whether
modifications need to be made. Based on input the IC receives from those
assigned the tactics, decisions will be made on how best to coordinate
crews, whether additional resources are needed or others can be released
or reassigned, or modifications need to be made to the action plan.
Example of tactics:
Having developed the strategy and tactics that address the problems
identified, the major components of the plan are in place. The what and
how questions have been answered, priorities have been established,
planning has been done prior to actions taken, and the IC is operating in a
proactive mode. This completes the second step in the command sequence.
SM 3-14
DEVELOPING AN INCIDENT ACTION PLAN
SUMMARY
When the IC established the strategy and tactics the initial plan phase of
the command sequence has been completed.
SM 3-15
DEVELOPING AN INCIDENT ACTION PLAN
SM 3-16
DEVELOPING AN INCIDENT ACTION PLAN
Activity 3.1
Identifying a Strategy
Purpose
The purpose of this activity is to demonstrate the ability to develop an initial strategy
using the command sequence.
Directions
Your group will be assigned a scenario. As a group, you will be given 20 minutes to:
2. Do a mental size-up.
5. Tape the easel pad to the wall in the RECEO VS priority order.
Save the easel pad sheets used for your group's solution. They will be used for the
activities in the following units in this course.
Your group will select a spokesperson to give your group's report when called upon.
Group reports are allotted 5 minutes.
SM 3-17
DEVELOPING AN INCIDENT ACTION PLAN
SM 3-18
DEVELOPING AN INCIDENT ACTION PLAN
Identifying a Strategy
The problems identified and strategies on the suggested answers are those that are
pertinent to the first 2-3 crews that arrive.
Scenario 4 - Townhouse
SM 3-19
DEVELOPING AN INCIDENT ACTION PLAN
ALLEY ALLEY
18' A
L
L
F 40' E
I Y
R
S 1200
T gpm 1200
PHELPS LANE gpm
S
T
R
A
E
L
E
L
T
E
Y
DOWN
DR BR
K BR
D
O BATH D
UP O
W W
N N
LR BR
SM 3-20
DEVELOPING AN INCIDENT ACTION PLAN
Building Description: 40' x 18', 2-story, ordinary (masonry wood-joist), common attic
Hazards to Personnel:
None out of ordinary
Predicted Strategies:
Rescue, ventilation, exposures, confinement, extinguishment
Problems Anticipated:
No more than usual for a dwelling
SM 3-21
DEVELOPING AN INCIDENT ACTION PLAN
20'
30'
Front
Vicki Avenue
SM 3-22
DEVELOPING AN INCIDENT ACTION PLAN
Hazards to Personnel:
None more than usual for a dwelling
Predicted Strategies:
Rescue, ventilation, confinement, extinguishment
Problems Anticipated:
Early collapse of floor and roof assemblies
SM 3-23
DEVELOPING AN INCIDENT ACTION PLAN
100'
33'
Overhead
Door Fence
N
H
Note: A
Walls Between Stores R
Have a 3 Hour Rating 90' D
W
A
R
E
PIZZA
Side 1
Gene Street
33'
Storage
90'
SM 3-24
DEVELOPING AN INCIDENT ACTION PLAN
Roof Construction: Wooden 2" x 10" rafters, plywood, composition roof covering
Hazards to Personnel:
Pesticides, flammable/combustible liquids
Predicted Strategies:
Confinement, ventilation, extinguishment
Problems Anticipated:
Poor rear access, limited horizontal ventilation
SM 3-25
DEVELOPING AN INCIDENT ACTION PLAN
30"
Third
Avenue
90'
1500
gpm
Clark Road
SM 3-26
DEVELOPING AN INCIDENT ACTION PLAN
Hazards to Personnel:
None more than usual
Predicted Strategies:
Confinement, ventilation, extinguishment
Problems Anticipated:
Interference by patrons
SM 3-27
DEVELOPING AN INCIDENT ACTION PLAN
PARKING
C
L
A
R
K
36'
T
E
20'
R
W
R
A
C
E 800 gpm
BR
LR
BA
ELLIS WAY
BA
K DR
BR BR
First
Floor
SM 3-28
DEVELOPING AN INCIDENT ACTION PLAN
Floor Construction: 1st floor--concrete slab, 2nd floor--platform, 2" x 8" rafters, plywood
sheathing
Hazards to Personnel:
None more than normal for a dwelling
Predicted Strategies:
Rescue, exposures, ventilation, confinement, extinguishment
Problems Anticipated:
Limited access, limited egress, common attic
SM 3-29
DEVELOPING AN INCIDENT ACTION PLAN
SM 3-30
DEVELOPING AN INCIDENT ACTION PLAN
Roof Construction: 2" x 4" gusset plate wood truss, plywood sheathing
Floor Construction: 1st floor--concrete slab, 2nd/3rd floor--parallel chord wood truss,
plywood sheathing
Hazards to Personnel:
Radiant heat, early collapse, rapid fire spread--no drywall on walls
Predicted Strategies:
Exposures, confinement, extinguishment
Problems Anticipated:
Limited access, unfinished roads
SM 3-31
DEVELOPING AN INCIDENT ACTION PLAN
SM 3-32
DEVELOPING AN INCIDENT ACTION PLAN
Activity 3.2
Selecting Tactics
Purpose
The purpose of this activity is to use the command sequence and demonstrate the ability
to select tactics that will achieve a well-defined strategy.
Directions
Your group will be assigned a scenario. As a group, you will be given 20 minutes to:
Your group will select a spokesperson to give your group report. This will be a person
who has not given a report on this unit.
SM 3-33
DEVELOPING AN INCIDENT ACTION PLAN
SM 3-34
DEVELOPING AN INCIDENT ACTION PLAN
Selecting Tactics
Scenario 4 - Townhouse
SM 3-35
DEVELOPING AN INCIDENT ACTION PLAN
ALLEY ALLEY
18' A
L
L
F 40' E
I Y
R
S 1200
T gpm 1200
PHELPS LANE gpm
S
T
R
A
E
L
E
L
T
E
Y
DOWN
DR BR
K BR
D
O BATH D
UP O
W W
N N
LR BR
SM 3-36
DEVELOPING AN INCIDENT ACTION PLAN
Building Description: 40' x 18', 2-story, ordinary (masonry wood-joist), common attic
Hazards to Personnel:
None out of ordinary
Predicted Strategies:
Rescue, ventilation, exposures, confinement, extinguishment
Problems Anticipated:
No more than usual for a dwelling
SM 3-37
DEVELOPING AN INCIDENT ACTION PLAN
20'
30'
Front
Vicki Avenue
SM 3-38
DEVELOPING AN INCIDENT ACTION PLAN
Hazards to Personnel:
None more than usual for a dwelling
Predicted Strategies:
Rescue, ventilation, confinement, extinguishment
Problems Anticipated:
Early collapse of floor and roof assemblies
SM 3-39
DEVELOPING AN INCIDENT ACTION PLAN
100'
33'
Overhead
Door Fence
N
H
Note: A
Walls Between Stores R
Have a 3 Hour Rating 90' D
W
A
R
E
PIZZA
Side 1
Gene Street
33'
Storage
90'
SM 3-40
DEVELOPING AN INCIDENT ACTION PLAN
Roof Construction: Wooden 2" x 10" rafters, plywood, composition roof covering
Hazards to Personnel:
Pesticides, flammable/combustible liquids
Predicted Strategies:
Confinement, ventilation, extinguishment
Problems Anticipated:
Poor rear access, limited horizontal ventilation
SM 3-41
DEVELOPING AN INCIDENT ACTION PLAN
30"
Third
Avenue
90'
1500
gpm
Clark Road
SM 3-42
DEVELOPING AN INCIDENT ACTION PLAN
Hazards to Personnel:
None more than usual
Predicted Strategies:
Confinement, ventilation, extinguishment
Problems Anticipated:
Interference by patrons
SM 3-43
DEVELOPING AN INCIDENT ACTION PLAN
PARKING
C
L
A
R
K
36'
T
E
20'
R
W
R
A
C
E 800 gpm
BR
LR
BA
ELLIS WAY
BA
K DR
BR BR
First
Floor
SM 3-44
DEVELOPING AN INCIDENT ACTION PLAN
Floor Construction: 1st floor--concrete slab, 2nd floor--platform, 2" x 8" rafters, plywood
sheathing
Hazards to Personnel:
None more than normal for a dwelling
Predicted Strategies:
Rescue, exposures, ventilation, confinement, extinguishment
Problems Anticipated:
Limited access, limited egress, common attic
SM 3-45
DEVELOPING AN INCIDENT ACTION PLAN
SM 3-46
DEVELOPING AN ACTION PLAN
Roof Construction: 2" x 4" gusset plate wood truss, plywood sheathing
Floor Construction: 1st floor--concrete slab, 2nd/3rd floor--parallel chord wood truss,
plywood sheathing
Hazards to Personnel:
Radiant heat, early collapse, rapid fire spread--no drywall on walls
Predicted Strategies:
Exposures, confinement, extinguishment
Problems Anticipated:
Limited access, unfinished roads
SM 3-47