Structure Fire Training Safety

• Historic Tragedies
• Why do we have live fire training burns?
• Does This Sound familiar?
• Does your Fire Department have a policy on who can discuss such matters with the public?
• Potential risks
• Benefits to be gained
• Steps you can take to Minimize Risk and Maximize Gain
• NFPA 1403(2007) Contents
• Are fire departments required to provide live fire training?
• What do my firefighters have to know before they participate?
• Basic training required … Prior to participating in Live Fire Training!
• What acquired structure and facilities considerations are there?
• If the structure is a designed training facility…
• What fuel materials can we use?
• When do we stop training in an acquired structure?
• What are some general safety concerns?
• What instructor issues should I be concerned about?
• How do I get a copy of NFPA 1403?
• Where do I get a DNR Burn Permit?
• Where do I get a DNR Water Use Permit?
• Do I need an asbestos inspection and how do I get an inspector?
• Should the fire department receive a complete copy of the asbestos inspector’s completed report?
• What if the property owner wants to bury the debris on-site?
• What items do I need to think about when preparing for a training session?
• Site Inspection Planniing and equipment Check List
• Drill Session Instructor‑In‑Charge/Safety Officer Checklist
• Summary

Historic Tragedies

"Firefighter Injured In Training Session"; Firefighter Dies In Training Session"; "Fire Department Burns Wrong House Down In Training Session".  These are just some of the many headlines that appear from time to time around the country. These events are tragic and/or embarrassing.  Each one of these situations has one thing in common, THEY COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED !!!

• Boulder, Colorado 1982, (this incident started the NFPA 1403 Standard)
  
• Engineer William J. Duran of Broomfield and Firefighter Scott L. Smith of Longmont died on Jan. 26, 1982 while participating in a training exercise at a donated building near 15th Street and Hawthorn Avenue in Boulder.
  
• Milford, Michigan 1985;
• Parsippany, New Jersey 1992,
• Greenwood Delaware 2000,
• Lairdsville New York 2001,
• Osceola County Florida 2002,
• Miami-Dade County 2003,

Baltimore City MD February 9, 2007 are names of places that should be familiar to all firefighters; especially fire officers and fire service instructors. These places and the events that happened there should be as familiar to. In the past firefighters died in the line of duty, not in vain, but in doing what they do best, being a firefighter. In the first locations mentioned, firefighters died or were severely injured in the line of duty in training evolutions, in the line of duty, learning how to do their job. 

Unfortunately, history has recently repeated itself with a line-of-duty death of a firefighter in Lairdsville, central New York State in September 2001. Why do these events happen? What are Officers and Instructors thinking about when conducting this type of training? How can these unnecessary deaths and injuries be stopped? Training firefighters is inherently dangerous, as is firefighting. To send firefighters into “harms way”, to do it well and to accomplish it safely, we must train and live fire training is one of the tools we use.

The purpose and intent of this article is to provide you with basic understanding of the requirements of NFPA 1403 – Standard on Live Fire Training Evolutions.  Further, it is intended that the reader be provided with an introduction to the necessary knowledge and tools to properly prepare and plan live fire training.

The training program should be based on the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 1403, in accordance with Minnesota state laws and rules.  We will discuss these regulations later.

This article will cover topics such as the requirements of NFPA 1403, planning for live fire evolutions, safety and health requirements and duties and responsibilities of instructors and safety officers. It is designed to provide an overview of live fire training requirements, especially for responsible individuals such as fire chiefs who may not be directly involved with the conduct or planning of these evolutions, but with whom may rest the ultimate responsibility for training within their jurisdiction.

Live fire evolutions provide good training and are used by most fire departments. The live fires used by fire departments may vary widely by type and size.  They may include flammable liquid fires, and structural fires ranging from small pan fires to large commercial structures such as grain elevators and high-rise buildings.

Firefighters will always run the risk of being injured or killed while learning to do their job.  Firefighter Fatalities in the United States in 2003. The report details the circumstances surrounding the 111 firefighter fatalities that occurred in 2003. The 2003 report, previous years' reports and the Firefighter Fatality Retrospective Study 1990-2000 can be found at www.usfa.fema.gov/fatalities/statistics/report.shtm.

Activities related to emergency incidents resulted in the deaths of 78 firefighters. This includes all firefighters who died while responding to an emergency, while at an emergency scene, or while returning from the emergency incident. Nonemergency activities accounted for 33 fatalities. Nonemergency duties include training, administrative activities, or performing other functions that are not related to an emergency incident.

Twelve firefighters died while engaged in training. Three firefighters died when they suffered heart attacks while performing physical fitness duties on duty. A North Carolina firefighter suffered a heart attack shortly after taking command of a live-fire structural fire training exercise, and a North Carolina firefighter suffered a heart attack during an annual wildland firefighting certification test.

Five firefighters were killed in vehicle-related incidents during training. A Maryland firefighter died when his vehicle was struck and pushed off of the road as he returned from a paramedic training class, a Tennessee firefighter fell from the tailgate of a pickup truck as it was driven in a training facility after the completion of training, a Louisiana firefighter died in the crash of a water tanker during training, an Oregon firefighter was killed when the pumper in which he was riding left the roadway and struck a tree, and a Louisiana firefighter was killed when he was struck by a civilian vehicle after dismounting his fire truck (to retrieve a part that had fallen off) as he returned from training.

Two firefighters died during recruit training: one in Texas and one in Florida. In addition to other factors, both firefighters had heart conditions that were difficult to detect in a normal physical examination.

Why do we have live fire training burns?

Live fire training conducted in suitable buildings available for demolition provides the realism missing in other types of training.  The sights, sounds and sensations the trainee experiences are real.  While this level of realism provides excellent training, it obviously carries with it most of the hazards of interior firefighting at an actual emergency.  This type of training must be planned with great care and supervised closely by qualified instructional personnel. Building construction, building condition, exposures, terrain, water supply and a multitude of other variables affect the safety of the participants. The on‑site judgment of qualified personnel will be the final factor in determining the safety of any specific situation.

In order for you to function as a valuable member of your fire department, you must know how to keep yourself from becoming a liability on the fire ground.  This type of live burn drill can help to develop the confidence your firefighters need to become a well-trained firefighter for your fire department. Pre-burn classes should be conducted to refresh your participant’s memory on basic fire behavior, safety procedures, fire attack, and fire ground operations in order to prepare you for a safe live burn drill.. 

This article is not just for those who actually conduct Live Fire Training, but also those who may have legal authority and responsibility for such activities. We will provide you with the basic understanding of the requirements of NFPA 1403 – Standard on Live Fire Training Evolutions and the necessary knowledge and tools to properly prepare and conduct live fire training evolutions. Training is critically important, but it must be done safely!

The Fire Service must continually work to maximize our efficiencies. We must deliver the highest quality service to our clients, while reducing our injuries, occupational illnesses and eliminating line-of-duty deaths. The foundation for accomplishing these goals is a well managed comprehensive training program.

Does This Sound familiar?

This scenario is designed to challenge the reader to balance the firefighter safety issues related to live fire training in an acquired structure with real-life pressures and conflicts often associated such training.

You are the Fire Chief…Last week a prominent local developer received Planning Board approval to build the new “Super Center Shopping Mall” in your community. External pressures to “be cooperative” and to assist may come from public and elected officials.

The Mall plans have received considerable support from the public and from community leaders, both citing the need for the jobs, goods, and services the Mall will provide, and the tax revenue that it will generate. Internal pressures may come from within the fire department.

The Fire Department has already formed a committee to develop specs for a new ladder, to replace a 22 year old aerial, which can now be paid for with the tax revenues generated and by some alternate funding promised by elected officials during the Mall’s approval process.

Does your Fire Department have a policy on who can discuss such matters with the public when a command officer isn’t present?

This morning, while you were out of the fire station, the Construction Superintendent for the contractor building the Mall stopped in and asked several firefighters there if the Fire Department might be interested in burning down an old farmhouse and a couple of outbuildings on the site, as part of a training exercise.  More internal pressures.

The Builder is willing pay to any reasonable expenses for the burn and to supply refreshments, and will even make a $250 donation to the Fire Department “relief fund”. The only “catch” was that the burn has to be done within the next five days.  This afternoon these eager firefighters brought this proposal to you, the local Fire Chief, for consideration. Not a lot of information about the structure, but the Chief is being pressed for a decision.

You are somewhat familiar with the property, as you were there for a malfunctioning fuel oil burner about a year ago, just before the house was vacated, and the house appeared to be structurally sound. The eager firefighters, one of whom is the Mayor’s son, quickly add that the experience that they could get doing some “live burns” inside the house would benefit the community for years to come!

It is imperative that you analyze the risks involved and make an inspection of the property before decided.

Potential risks:

1. Collapse.
2. Entrapment.
3. Flashover.
4. Hazardous Materials.
5. Environmental.
6. Unsecured Utilities.
7. Asbestos Construction Materials.
8. Smoke.
9. Political “backlash” for not burning.
10. Members react unfavorably if you don’t burn.

Benefits to be gained:

1. Training Benefit.
2. Political Favor.
3. Donation.
4. Favorable Reaction of Members

Steps you can take to Minimize Risk and Maximize Gain

If you do not have a current copy of the NFPA 1403 Standard on Live Fire Training Evolutions you should acquire one. This standard was developed as result of a training incident responsible for two 1982 Boulder, Colorado line-of-duty deaths. The current edition is 2002 and is expected update in 2007. This article is based upon the standard, as published in 2002.

It should be noted that training for marine structure or vessel, ground cover, and wildland fires are covered under standards specific to these suppression disciplines.

NFPA 1403(2007) Contents

This article does not detail provisions of each chapter, but rather, provides a general overview.

There are nine chapters, and four annexes, as follows:

The scope of the standard is to establish procedures for training of fire suppression personnel under live fire conditions. The purpose of the standard is to provide for training of coordinated interior and exterior suppression activities, while maintaining minimum risk exposure for trainees and other participants.

There are numerous definitions in NFPA 1403 that you should review.  This article only presents those definitions necessary to sufficiently understand the article materials.

Many fire chiefs may not realize one of the more important definitions is the AHJ, or the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) and as such, may have a legal responsibility in Live Fire Training. As defined by NFPA 1403, the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) is the organization, office, or individual responsible for approving equipment, an installation, or a procedure. This could be a Board of Fire Commissioners, Town or Village Board, City Council, Fire Company Executive Board or Fire Chief.

The term Acquired Building, is defined as a structure, acquired by the AHJ from a property owner for the purpose of conducting live fire training evolutions. Acquired Prop, is a piece of equipment such as an automobile, which was not designed for burning but is used for live fire evolutions. A Training Center Burn Building is a structure specifically designed for conducting live fire training evolutions on a repetitive basis.

Are fire departments required to provide live fire training?

Generally, most will agree that there is no specific requirement, but that Live Fire Training is one of the best methods available to provide training. As identified in Employer’s Responsibility under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.156 –Fire Brigade Standard, (c)(1)   The employer shall provide training and education for all fire brigade members commensurate with those duties and functions that fire brigade members are expected to perform.

So some may say the answer is Yes and some say the answer is No, but if you conduct live fires…You must do it in a safe manner, so as to ensure that injuries and occupational illnesses are eliminated or minimized. The proper use of NFPA 1403 helps us accomplish this task.
 
Fire departments in Minnesota and those that come across our borders to assist, career, volunteer, and combination, this and other regulations are administered and enforced by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.

In NFPA 1403 Chapter 4 – Acquired Structures, Chapter 5 – Gas-Fired Training Center Buildings, Chapter 6 – Non-Gas-Fired Training Center Buildings, Chapter 7 – Exterior Props and Chapter 8 – Exterior Class B Fires, there are specific requirements for specific types of live fire training evolutions. The standard maximizes safety considerations while allowing for real-life learning environment.

Each main chapter (4 through 8) has a similar format with some essential considerations consistent throughout standard. There are five “subchapters” within each main chapter are detailed in the same way. The five subchapters within each main chapter are as follows;

1. Student Prerequisites
2. Structures and Facilities
3. Fuel Materials
4. Safety
5. Instructors

Remember, this article only provides general knowledge of requirements, and does not detail any one type of facility.

What do my firefighters have to know before they participate?

The basic training requirement in NFPA 1403 references the performance objectives of NFPA 1001 – Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications.  These are performance based criteria, thus there is no quantitative time requirement.  Students must have basic training in ten core subject areas. NFPA 1001  FF 1 and 2 meets (exceeds) this requirement. Training must be documented and verified for agencies conducting live fire training.

Basic training required … Prior to participating in Live Fire Training!

The local in-house fire department training program should meet the OSHA Fire Brigades, 1910.156 the list continues to provide the firefighter with these skills and requirements prior to participating in a live fire training evolution. Many fire departments send their firefighters to the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Basic Recruit Firefighter Course A and B (together) or a college conducted NFPA 1001 Recruit Training School both meet these requirements.  The AHJ needs to review other training programs for content to determine if the performance requirements of NFPA 1001 have been accomplished.

Also you must remember in Minnesota your firefighters also need the mandated training requirements in other OSHA standards and rules;

• Hazardous Materials Awareness 29 CFR 1910.120(q)(6)(I) Hazardous Materials First Responder Awareness Level.  MN-OSHA recommends the “Operational Level” capabilities for all firefighters who will take action beyond identification of the incident.
• Infectious Disease Control 29 CFR 1910.1030(g)(2)(I)through(vi) Communicable Disease Risk Exposure and Prevention of the Transmission of Bloodborne and Airborne Pathogens for Emergency Responders
• Confined Space Entry Awareness for Permit Required Confined Spaces - 1910.146.
•  Minnesota Rules Chapter 5205 and 5206. Department Of Labor and Industry Employee Right-To-Know Standards Chapter 5206
  

What acquired structure and facilities considerations are there?

Requirements may vary depending upon type of facility. The NFPA 1403 standard addresses more than thirty individual considerations detailing with ownership, permission and permits, hazardous materials, structural conditions, environmental considerations, notifications, weather, water supply, crowd control, utilities, control features, parking, EMS availability, pre-burn briefing and control of ignition. Fire Chiefs must research local and regional requirements regarding permits. Who is the actual owner? Do we have the owner’s permission? Is the structure still insured? Is there any legal action against the property? Is there a financial lean against the property? Is the property on the historical registry? Do we need a local or state burning permit? Will this require a local or state air or water quality permit?

If the structure is a designed training facility…

Many local FD’s are dependant upon a county or city owned / operated training facility.  There must be clear lines of authority on who is responsible for these inspections. Has the facility received an annual inspection from a licensed professional engineer with burn structure experience? Have core checks for compressive strength and delamination been performed? Conventional (Portland) concrete every 10 years. Refractory (calcium aluminate) concrete every 3 years. Are there any hazardous materials involved? Are there structural conditions which, if uncorrected, could harm participants? Can we monitor changing weather conditions? Are there any insects, vermin, or poisonous plants that could be hazardous? Have we identified and notified other affected properties? Do we have adequate water supply as required in NFPA 1142 Standard on Water Supplies for Suburban and Rural Fire Fighting calculation? Can we control onlookers? Are all of the utilities secured or protected? Including buried utilities? Do all “built-in” safety controls function properly? Many of these hazards can be identified and mitigated before the burn day.
 

Often some basic steps often are missed. Is there adequate parking for all vehicles at site? Is EMS identified and available? Will there be a pre-burn briefing for all participants? Are all possible ignition sources controlled?

What fuel materials can we use?
 

Flammable vs. combustible definitions are based upon NFPA standards, and NOT Department of Transportation regulations. Gasoline is an example of a flammable liquid. Diesel fuel is an example of a combustible liquid.  An ignitions officer should be assigned to manage the fuels. No flammable liquids are allowed. VERY limited quantities of combustible liquids, (flash point <100°F) only in training center burn buildings designed for such use. If used, they must be known fuels, with known combustion characteristics. You can not use fuels that are contaminated with hazardous materials. Fuel quantities should be limited to create desired training results only. Quantities should be limited to prevent uncontrolled flashover or backdraft. Use no more than 150 pounds of class A materials per set. Careful monitoring of conditions by the instructor are extremely important. It is extremely important of recognizing the structure and finishes as a part of the fuel load, when in an acquired structure!
 

In review of several case studies involving live fire training accidents, often the common failure resulting in the firefighter injury or death are related to the Instructor-In-Charge failing recognize and evaluate fuel loading, including furnishings such as wall, floor, and ceiling materials. The type of construction, including the type of roof assembly, floor assembly, combustible void spaces and the dimensions of the fire room or rooms. One of our largest hazards in construction today is the TGI laminated floor joists that we are finding in residential construction.

When do we stop training in an acquired structure?

We control training!  It isn’t like an emergency where we get called to assist someone else.  If the training conditions deteriorate to a point where student safety is compromised, then the evolution must be stopped until the safety can be assured! The Instructor-in-Charge must conduct ongoing assessment of the fire environment, recognizing and ceasing operations when potential hazards exist.

What are some general safety concerns?

The NFPA 1403 standard has more than twenty-five considerations detailing with Safety Officer Appointment, Duties and Responsibilities, Authority, Hose Lines, Attack and Back-up, Crew Sizes, Additional Safety Personnel, Training Ground Communications, Evacuation Plan, EMS Plan, Pre-Burn Building Search, No live victims allowed. Number of allowed fires. Only one-at-a-time in an acquired structure. Cancellation due to weather extremes. Summer storms can move up on you with little warning. PPE & SCBA use must be enforced. Procedures for fuel-gas burn facilities and Ignition Officer duties.

Lately I have noticed an alarming number of firefighters wearing facial hair that violates the use of SCBA. When asked if the firefighter is aware of the OSHA 1910.134 rules about using SCBA with facial hair, the common response is that “we have been told that if you can’t see the hair sticking out from the SCBA facepiece it is ok”.  This is totally wrong!!

Remember 1910.134 Facepiece seal protection. 1910.134(g)(1)(i) The employer shall not permit respirators with tight-fitting facepieces to be worn by employees who have: 1910.134(g)(1)(i)(A) Facial hair that comes between the sealing surface of the facepiece and the face or that interferes with valve function; or 1910.134(g)(1)(i)(B) Any condition that interferes with the face-to-facepiece seal or valve function.

What instructor issues should I be concerned about?

Instructors are the key element in provide a safe quality educational experience for your firefighters. An instructor with little knowledge and experience can ruin a firefighter and create an unsafe environment where firefighters get injured or killed and equipment gets destroyed. An experienced seasoned instructor will impart knowledge, skills and confidence to your firefighter in a safe educational environment. When it comes to instructors, we must remember that ONLY the AHJ can qualify and authorize an instructor!  The Fire Chief is ultimately responsible for the education of the firefighters.

We must provide for and consider the need for additional instructors. In my opinion, the student to instructor ratio of 3 to 1 (or less) is preferred. This is a much lower ratio than NFPA 1403 indicated 5 to 1. Weather conditions, large student groups, long duration evolutions all have an impact on safety.  You must set policy for Instructor responsibilities, PPE use, and accountability procedures and provide for adequate general supervision.

The Instructor –In-Charge must provide for rehab. These needs vary greatly based upon weather, length of evolutions, and available resources.  Detailed information on rehab is available at the Fire/EMS/Safety Center Library, in St Paul. The Instructor –In-Charge is directly responsible for rest and rehabilitation, medical evaluation and treatment, food and fluid replenishment and relief from climate conditions.

How do I get a copy of NFPA 1403?

Although the NFPA standard is not law, rule or regulation in Minnesota, as a national consensus standard, it is the “accepted guide” for live fire training safety. MN-OSHA uses the NFPA 1403 as a reference in citations.

Be advised that the NFPA charges for copies of standards.  The current NFPA standards are available for viewing at the Fire/EMS/Safety Center Library, in St Paul, and may also be available in their local building department, fire inspector, or code enforcement office. You can purchase copies at the following locations;

National Fire Protection Association
1 Batterymarch Park
P.O. Box 9101
Quincy, MA 02269-9101

http://www.nfpa.org

(617) 770-3000 or (800) 344-3555

The Fire Instructors Association of Minnesota (FIAM) also has copies and can order copies of other NFPA standards.

Where do I get a DNR Burn Permit?

In Minnesota, the state law requires a number of permits. Under Chapter 88.17 we need to have a burn permit from the Minnesota Department of Natural resources (DNR) to start training fires. http://minnesotafireservice.com/pub_dnr_burn_application_form.doc

Burn application forms are available from your area Forester.

Where do I get a DNR Water Use Permit?

Division of Waters

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/waters/index.html
 

Fire Department Training & Practice Burns

Water Appropriation General Permit Notification Form

http://minnesotafireservice.com/pub_dnr_waterpermit2004-4164.pdf

General Permit 2004-4164 requires that the Area Hydrologist be notified five days before the start of water appropriations for practice burns. Please fill in the items listed below and fax or mail this form to the Area Hydrologist (listed below) for the county in which the water appropriation is located.  This notification form is only for temporary appropriations authorized by General Permit 2004-4164.

Do I need an asbestos inspection and how do I get an inspector?

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency regulates visible emissions of asbestos to the environment during the disturbance, transport and disposal of asbestos. The agency requires:

an asbestos building survey before beginning demolition or construction work; removal of asbestos when it is wet; transportation of asbestos waste in sealed containers; specific documentation for asbestos waste; and disposal of asbestos waste in a proper landfill. The asbestos National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) requires all asbestos containing materials (ACM) to be removed from a building prior to demolition by burning. The NESHAP applies to a fire department's burning of buildings for training purposes and requires that all buildings be thoroughly inspected for asbestos prior to demolition. All inspections and assessments must be conducted by a person certified as an asbestos inspector by the MDH.

The Minnesota Department of Health Minnesota Department of Health

http://www.health.state.mn.us/

The Minnesota Department of Health's regulations protect the health of those people who enter or occupy buildings during or after asbestos work. The department permits the training articles for and licenses and certifies the professionals who perform asbestos work. This ensures that asbestos work is planned and managed correctly and that it is also done safely.

 A list of inspectors can be obtained by calling the Minnesota department of Health for a current list. A list is also posted online at http://minnesotafireservice.com/pub_asbestosinspectorslistmdh.pdf    or emailing Tom P Hogan, Environmental Health Supv., MN Health Department,  121 East 7th Place,  PO Box 64975,  St Paul, MN 551640975  Tom.Hogan@state.mn.us   651/215-0897 

Where do I send my MPCA Demolition Notification Form?

Prior to demolition of a building by intentional burning, it is necessary for the fire department to notify the MPCA Air Quality Division by completely filling out a Notice of Intent to Demolish. The notifications must be postmarked or delivered at least 10 working days prior to the demolition. Failure to notify the MPCA in a timely manner may result in an enforcement action. Completion of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) burning permit application form does not satisfy the MPCA notification requirement.

Should the fire department receive a complete copy of the asbestos inspector’s completed report?

The asbestos inspector must prepare a written report which contains the exact location of each homogeneous area of material which is known or assumed to be asbestos-containing material. The report must include if the asbestos inspector performs an assessment of asbestos-containing material or suspected asbestos-containing material. The report must contain the condition of each homogeneous area of material which is known or assumed to be asbestos-containing material. The report is signed by the inspector; is dated by the inspector and includes the inspector's Minnesota asbestos inspector certification number. The report must provide a photocopy of the current asbestos inspector certificate of each inspector who performed the inspection and the completed report is provided to the person requesting the inspection. 

What if the property owner wants to bury the debris on-site?

The MPCA and the county solid waste coordinator can assist the property owner in filing the proper forms.  Generally, each county will have rules on on-site disposal of demolition debris. The application is submitted to MPCA and the county where the landfill will be opened. The information is attached to the property deed. The property owner must submit reports annually to MPCA on the condition of the landfill. In my opinion, it is not in the best interests of the property owner to bury on-site. It is much wiser to haul the demolition debris to an approved demolition landfill in the area that will accept burned debris.

What items do I need to think about when preparing for a training session?

Considerations, Forms and Agreements               

Burn Coordinator is Responsible For The following

• Command Structure/ Duties and Assignments
• Owners Release To Burn Form
• Proof of Clear Title
  
• Acknowledgment of Demolition By Burning
• Acknowledgment of Building Use Agreement
• Press Releases
• Site Inspection Check List & Equipment Check List
• Site Plan for Mapping
• Pre-Fire Plan Fire Flow

Instructor In Charge is Responsible For The following

• Training Pre‑burn Check List
• Instructional Staff Assignments
  
• Instructor Trainee & Staff Evaluation
  
• Safety Officer and RIT Team Assignment
  
• Structure Burn Evolution Team Accountability Guide
  
• First Report of Injury Form
  
• First Report of Un-Safe Act Form
  
• Summary of Activities Conducted at Drill - Keep on File
  
• Transfer of Authority of the Property
  
  

Local Fire Chief is Responsible For The following

• Gas Utilities Notice Electrical Utilities Notice
• Water Department Notice Local/Regional Law Enforcement Notice
• Notice to Adjacent Property Owners
• Liability Insurance Coverage Obtained Participant Training Verification Form
• D.N.R. Burning Permit Application Form
• D.N.R. Burning Permit
• D.N.R. Burning Permit Area Forestry Offices
• D.N.R. Division of Waters Permit Instructions
  
• D.N.R. Division of Waters Permit Application Form

• Minn. Pollution Control Agency Asbestos Inspections 
• MPCA Asbestos Inspection Form 
• IRS 8282 Donee Information Form and Instruction
• IRS 8283 Noncash Charitable Contributions

• 
  SITE INSPECTION PLANNING & EQUIPMENT CHECK LIST

   

  Inspected On _____________,______ 20__   By:_______________________________
  The location of this training session is:
   County:_________________________Township:_______________________________
  Fire Number: __________________ Nearest Cross Rd: __________________________
     COMPLETED                  ITEM
        YES NO
  01.  ___ ___       All permits, forms and notifications distributed
  02.  ___ ___       Site plan drawing, including all exposures
  03.  ___ ___       Building plan, including overall dimensions
  04.  ___ ___       Floor plan detailing rooms, hallways and exterior openings
  05.  ___ ___       Proposed location of command post
  06.  ___ ___       Proposed position of all apparatus
  07.  ___ ___       Proposed position of all hose lines, including backup lines
  08.  ___ ___       Proposed location of emergency escape routes
  09.  ___ ___       Proposed location of emergency evacuation assembly area
  10.  ___ ___       Proposed location of entrance and exit routes for emergency vehicles
  11. ___ ___        Inspect available water supply determined
  12. ___ ___        Required fire flow determined
  13. ___ ___        Required reserve flow determined (50 % of required flow)
  14. ___ ___        Apparatus pumping ability that exceeds the required fire flow.
  15. ___ ___        Separate water supply established for attack and back‑up lines
  16. ___ ___        Obtain projected and periodic weather reports
  17. ___ ___        Proposed parking areas designated and marked for all vehicles
  18. ___ ___        Operations area established and perimeter marked.
  19. ___ ___        Communications frequencies established, equipment obtained.     
   
  BUILDING INSPECTION
  20. ___ ___        Building inspected for structural integrity
  21. ___ ___        All utilities located and identified
  22. ___ ___        Identify highly combustible interior wall and ceiling materials removed
  23. ___ ___        Identify all holes and walls patched or covered in rooms to be used
  24. ___ ___        Identify materials of exceptional weight, remove or seal off the area
  25. ___ ___        Windows checked and opened or closed as needed
  26. ___ ___        Doors checked and opened or closed as needed
  27. ___ ___        Building components checked; roof scuttles, sprinkler system, stand pipes, etc
  28. ___ ___     Identify chimneys and adequate ventilation holes for each separate enclosed roof area to be   removed and pre‑cut the day/night of the drill.
  29. ___ ___        Identify stairways that need to be made safe with railings.
  30. ___ ___        Identify fuel tanks and water heaters to be removed or adequately ventilated
  31. ___ ___        Identify all containers of unknown or hazardous contents must be removed
  32. ___ ___        Identify unnecessary inside and outside debris removed, extraordinary exterior and interior hazards remedied
  33. ___ ___        Porches and outside steps made safe
  34. ___ ___        Identify cisterns, wells, cesspools, and other ground openings fenced, marked or filled
  35. ___ ___        Identify toxic weeds, hives, vermin, brush, surrounding vegetation to be removed
  36. ___ ___        Identify exposures propane tanks, trees, buildings, utilities to be removed protected
  37. ___ ___        Adequate roof ventilation holes cut for each roof section or area.
   
  APPARATUS NEEDED FOR TYPICAL RESIDENTIAL HOUSE
  38. ___ ___        2 class A (750 gpm) or larger capable of meeting the required fire flow with 4.5" or larger hard suction tube.  One engine for attack lines, one for backup lines and one for standby.
  39. ___ ___        water tenders capable of meeting the supply needs if hydrants are not used.
  40. ___ ___        Two 2000 gallon portable drop tanks if water tenders are used.
  41. ___ ___        1 water source capable of supplying the required fire flow if not using hydrants.
  42. ___ ___        2 hydrants capable of supplying the required fire flow if tenders are not used.
  43. ___ ___        1 EMS unit for possible firefighter emergencies.
  44. ___ ___        1 SCBA air supply unit to refill SCBA.
  45. ___ ___        4  1.5" or 1.75" fog nozzles.
  46. ___ ___        2  gated wyes - 1.5 x 1.5 x 2.5
  47. ___ ___        600 hundred feet of 1.5" hose. Attack, exposure, instructor and backup lines
  48. ___ ___        400 hundred feet of 2.5" hose.
   
  BURNABLE CLASS A FUELS & BUILDING SUPPLIES FOR 30 STUDENTS
  49. ___ ___        30 bales of DRY oats straw or hay or 12 bales (4 ft sq.) of DRY cardboard.
  50. ___ ___        12 dry wood pallets.
  51. ___ ___        2 pitch forks.
  52. ___ ___        1 hammer and supply of 16 penny nails and spikes.
  53. ___ ___        10 extra glass storm windows, not necessary to fit tight on windows.
  54. ___ ___        8  4 x 8 sheets of press board 3/4" thick and chain saw.
  55. ___ ___        1 propane torch for igniting fuels.
  IMPORTANT!!    -   The straw or cardboard must be dry and kept dry or the
  training burn will take forever to complete.
   
  PERSONNEL & REHAB SUPPLIES
  60. ___ ___        1 source of fresh drinking water and cups.
  61. ___ ___        1 waste container for cups.
  62. ___ ___        1 meal for each person at the drill (no cheese sandwiches).
  63. ___ ___        1 flash light for each student as they enter the structure.
  64. ___ ___        4 qualified interior structural or prop burn instructors.
   
   

  DRILL SESSION INSTRUCTOR‑IN‑CHARGE/SAFETY OFFICER CHECK LIST

  I.   SETUP PROCEDURES
  [ ]      01.     All forms and permits are present and signed. 
  [ ]      02.     Notify 911 dispatch office.
  [ ]      03.     Pre‑burn attack diagrams and plans made and discussed with all staff.
  [ ]      04.     Set up command post.
  [ ]      05.     Establish communications frequency.  (153.830 Interior)
  [ ]      06.     Required fire flow tested.
                      a.      Attack__________GPM           c.      Exposure________GPM
                      b.      Backup_________GPM           d.      Reserve_________GPM
  [ ]      07.     Mark and barricade the operations area (hot zone).
  [ ]      08.     Position pumping apparatus.
  [ ]      09.     Establish separate water sources for attack and back‑up lines.
  [ ]      10.     Position hose lines including back‑up(s) and interior instructor line.
  [ ]      11.     Chimneys removed and adequate ventilation holes pre‑cut for each separate enclosed roof area
  [ ]      12.     Eliminate unnecessary and unidentified debris inside and outside of the building.
  [ ]      13.     Eliminate hazards presented by toxic weeds, trees, hives and vermin.
  [ ]      14.     Prepare fire "sets" of class A materials.  NOTE; combustible liquids for final burn down in
                     approved blue and white vertically stripped safety containers for final burn purposes only.
                         a.      Class A materials only.              c.      No contaminated materials.
                         b.      NO FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS        d.      No tires.
  [ ]      15.     Assign instructors and teams.
  [ ]      16.     Assign additional safety officers as needed.
  [ ]      17.     Establish emergency evacuation signal and demonstrate to all.
  [ ]      18.     Establish emergency escape routes from building and demonstrate to all.
  [ ]      19.     Establish emergency evacuation assembly area and demonstrate to all.
  [ ]      20.     Conduct pre‑burn briefing.
  [ ]      21.     Have students familiarize themselves with building layout, escape procedures and routes.
  [ ]      22.     Proceed with the drill.
   
  II.  POST BURN &FIRE CRITIQUE
  [ ]      1.      All persons accounted for and remaining fires overhauled, as needed.
  [ ]      2.      Building inspected for stability and hazards if not going to perform total burn down.
  [ ]      3.      Overall training critique conducted.
  [ ]      4.      Records and reports prepared, as required:
  [ ]               a.      Accounting of activities conducted.
  [ ]               b.      Documentation of unusual conditions or events.
  [ ]               c.      If injuries occurred prepare reports and notify supervisor.
  [ ]               d.      Changes or deterioration of training center burn building (permanent structure).
  [ ]               e.      Student training records recorded.
  [ ]               f.       Certificates of completion issued.  
   
   
   

  Summary

  Proper use of NFPA 1403 will provide fire departments with the necessary knowledge and tools to properly prepare and conduct live fire training evolutions. Following the NFPA 1403 standard will minimize risk of injury and/or death to students.

  You can obtain a copy of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities manual on live fire training by contacting the Fire/EMS/Safety Center or downloading it at http://minnesotafireservice.com/otherpubs.html#L

   

  Warren R. Jorgenson
  Southern District Fire Training Coordinator
  Office of The Chancellor
  Minnesota State Colleges and Universities

   

   

  
  
   

  world wide web Minnesota Fire Service

  
  

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  wrjorgenGWDT
  
  
  Last Updated: August 20, 2004