| You are on your way
to the scene. Take a few moments to gather your thoughts and mentally prepare.
When you step off the truck, you, your fellow firefighters and the Incident
Commander will have a unique opportunity to make observations about the
fire because you will see the scene in its most undisturbed state. You also
have the responsibility to exercise as much care as possible to preserve
physical evidence for later collection. The investigation can be positively
or negatively affected by what you do or do not do. On the ride, mentally
review your observation responsibilities.
Select one of your responsibilities: Observation, Scene
Preservation, or Evidence Recognition. Then, move your click on areas
of the picture to learn about these observation responsibilities.
When you are prepared to respond to the scene, click Ready
to Respond.
Now, refocus on your priority of safely suppressing this fire. Remain
alert for structural problems, hazardous materials, and the possibility
of explosion. Work quickly and safely to remove victims and suppress the
fire. You are ready to go in.
Start your mental tape recorder now.
In addition to the notes for firefighters, the chief or Incident Commander
should note:
* The reported time of alarm
* Address of the incident
* Fire scene response time
* Identity of all responding units and which unit(s) were first on scene
and into the scene
* What type of incident occurred: fire, explosion, combination of both
* Where and how entry was gained
* Fire suppression tactics used
* Equipment used during suppression and overhaul (including number and
size of hose lines used and the nozzles and patterns utilized
* Fire suppression time
* Any methods used prior to fire department arrival to extinguish the
fire
* What victims, owners, and occupants have been identified
* Details of injuries and fatalities
* Any crimes or situations that occurred
* Any previous problems at this property
* Weather conditions
* Contact information and description of any witnesses encountered
* Vehicle tag numbers and direction departing vehicles are heading
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