multi-alarm fires
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Admin0140434
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here in anne arundel county, a multiple alarm fire depends on... well, the number of alarms. in other words, lets say units respond to a house fire. battalion cheif gets o/l and works the fire. after awhile, he/she decides they need addition units, so they will then request a 2nd alarm. process continues untill fire is out (sorry if my explanation is confusing, its the best i can come up with at 4am).
just a side, the highest number of alarms i have ever seen... 6 alarms... it was a fire in downtown annapolis, md
just a side, the highest number of alarms i have ever seen... 6 alarms... it was a fire in downtown annapolis, md
mlevin
Member
Biggest fire I heard was a 9 alarmer at the lumbar yard in Sparrows Point MD a few years back.
At work, a single alarm for a residential fire is 2 engines, a truck, and a Battalion Chief. If units arrive and confirm it's a working fire, you automatically get an additional engine, an ambulance, and the air/light rig.
If there is a need for additional equipment, the Incident Commander will strike a second alarm, or third, on up. Each additional alarm gets 2 additional engines and and additional truck.
"Greater Alarms" mean different things in different departments. I've heard it most commonly refer to a fire that has gone to at least "x" number of alarms, then it become a "greater alarm". Some departments summon off-duty or volunteer personnel in once it becomes a greater alarm.
If there is a need for additional equipment, the Incident Commander will strike a second alarm, or third, on up. Each additional alarm gets 2 additional engines and and additional truck.
"Greater Alarms" mean different things in different departments. I've heard it most commonly refer to a fire that has gone to at least "x" number of alarms, then it become a "greater alarm". Some departments summon off-duty or volunteer personnel in once it becomes a greater alarm.
D
DaveNF2G
Guest
Like most firematic terminology, the exact usage of "alarm" is a regional preference.
When I started as a fire dispatcher in Rochester, NY, a second alarm was a duplication of the first alarm assignment. As the department changed both the types of apparatus on the roster and the procedures for using them at fire scenes, the term "second alarm" took on slightly different meanings.
An additional, or "greater" alarm generally means an additional full structure assignment to the same scene.
However, I have heard some county dispatchers around NY state using "second alarm" to mean the second set of tones on an incident - usually being sent because nobody answered the first time.
I have heard "general alarm" used to mean either "all [city] department apparatus working the same fire" or "generic alarm of fire."
When I started as a fire dispatcher in Rochester, NY, a second alarm was a duplication of the first alarm assignment. As the department changed both the types of apparatus on the roster and the procedures for using them at fire scenes, the term "second alarm" took on slightly different meanings.
An additional, or "greater" alarm generally means an additional full structure assignment to the same scene.
However, I have heard some county dispatchers around NY state using "second alarm" to mean the second set of tones on an incident - usually being sent because nobody answered the first time.
I have heard "general alarm" used to mean either "all [city] department apparatus working the same fire" or "generic alarm of fire."
fire alarms
As has been shown, an alarm varies from locale to locale. The gist normally being the need to have additional equipment sent to fight a fire. I've seen a first alarm, for a residential fire, be anywhere from two engines, a ladder and a battalion chief to three engines, a ladder, a medic, and a battalion chief.
I've also heard one department piece meal additional equipment, where the on scene commander asks for one or two individual pieces of equipment rather than a set response level.
From many years of listening, and a few firefighter friends, I've learned that the more alarms (additional equipment sent), the more specialized equipment begins to show up. Air trucks to refill air bottles, light trucks for well lighting at night, maybe the haz-mat truck, the public information officer to "handle" the media, and of course, more brass (the battalion chief's boss shows up, sometimes even the big chief himself) to control the larger number of units involved.
Perhaps the most unique response I heard was in Dayton, Ohio ten or so years ago. A multi story assisted living home had a small fire in a resident's kitchen. First alarm was three engines, two ladders, two medics and a battalion chief. The fire only needed an engine and a ladder, however there was a lot of smoke in the ventalation system. The other units were for search and evacuation, and an evacuation was in order. Call went out for an additional ten medics and a couple of city transport busses (it was a cold winters night). By the time it was all over, nearly every medic in the local area (twenty plus) had been called in through mutual aid.
Largest response I know of, well NYC, 9/11/2001. When I travelled into the metro NY area, I found a frequency book with a lot of NYPD and NYFD detail. The book said that NYFD had a five alarm response. After that, they had what they termed a "bourough call" Every unit in the bourough was to respond. They said this was a "seldom used" call. Peior to that, I heard a four alarm hotel fire in Manhattan.
As has been shown, an alarm varies from locale to locale. The gist normally being the need to have additional equipment sent to fight a fire. I've seen a first alarm, for a residential fire, be anywhere from two engines, a ladder and a battalion chief to three engines, a ladder, a medic, and a battalion chief.
I've also heard one department piece meal additional equipment, where the on scene commander asks for one or two individual pieces of equipment rather than a set response level.
From many years of listening, and a few firefighter friends, I've learned that the more alarms (additional equipment sent), the more specialized equipment begins to show up. Air trucks to refill air bottles, light trucks for well lighting at night, maybe the haz-mat truck, the public information officer to "handle" the media, and of course, more brass (the battalion chief's boss shows up, sometimes even the big chief himself) to control the larger number of units involved.
Perhaps the most unique response I heard was in Dayton, Ohio ten or so years ago. A multi story assisted living home had a small fire in a resident's kitchen. First alarm was three engines, two ladders, two medics and a battalion chief. The fire only needed an engine and a ladder, however there was a lot of smoke in the ventalation system. The other units were for search and evacuation, and an evacuation was in order. Call went out for an additional ten medics and a couple of city transport busses (it was a cold winters night). By the time it was all over, nearly every medic in the local area (twenty plus) had been called in through mutual aid.
Largest response I know of, well NYC, 9/11/2001. When I travelled into the metro NY area, I found a frequency book with a lot of NYPD and NYFD detail. The book said that NYFD had a five alarm response. After that, they had what they termed a "bourough call" Every unit in the bourough was to respond. They said this was a "seldom used" call. Peior to that, I heard a four alarm hotel fire in Manhattan.
FPO703
Member
It definately varies by locale.
In Cleveland, Ohio, a first alarm response is 2 Engines, 1 Ladder, 1 Rescue Squad, 1 Batallion Chief. If it's a working fire they get an additional Engine, Ladder, and the Assistant Chief and Air Truck go. I don't know about EMS.
In the suburbs, however, it's a totally different ball game that relies heavily on mutual aid if needed. In my home city, our first alarm response is 2 Engines, out Tower, and 1 EMS unit. If it's a working fire, they might strike the 2nd alarm which would bring in another 1-2 engines, and possibly another ladder depending on the type of structure. For some of the larger buildings, we have a MABAS system in place that automatically brings in additional equipment just in case. The MABAS is supposed to be activated regardless. But, some dispatchers seem to wait for the OIC from the fire department to make the decision for them.
:roll:
Also, the largest fire I've heard was a 5+ Alarm Magnesium Fire in neighboring Garfield Heights at the end of last year. I was able to see/feel/hear the explosions from the rain hitting the Magnesium causing it to explode. Not fun. But, good listening on the fireground channels.
In Cleveland, Ohio, a first alarm response is 2 Engines, 1 Ladder, 1 Rescue Squad, 1 Batallion Chief. If it's a working fire they get an additional Engine, Ladder, and the Assistant Chief and Air Truck go. I don't know about EMS.
In the suburbs, however, it's a totally different ball game that relies heavily on mutual aid if needed. In my home city, our first alarm response is 2 Engines, out Tower, and 1 EMS unit. If it's a working fire, they might strike the 2nd alarm which would bring in another 1-2 engines, and possibly another ladder depending on the type of structure. For some of the larger buildings, we have a MABAS system in place that automatically brings in additional equipment just in case. The MABAS is supposed to be activated regardless. But, some dispatchers seem to wait for the OIC from the fire department to make the decision for them.
:roll:
Also, the largest fire I've heard was a 5+ Alarm Magnesium Fire in neighboring Garfield Heights at the end of last year. I was able to see/feel/hear the explosions from the rain hitting the Magnesium causing it to explode. Not fun. But, good listening on the fireground channels.
Yep it varies...
In Charleston, SC, a single alarm fire call is a standard response,.. One company response,... Pumper, Truck, Station Chief... single station usually depending on the location of the fire..... The bigger the fire, the more alarms/units responding...
The way we do it in rural MS, is a lot different..... There is only one call out,.. but if needed we ask dispatch to tone out additional districts. The biggest I ever worked involved every FPD in the county, two State Forestry Units, and a USFS team. The biggest I listened to involved almost every agency in four counties for a combined cardboard storage, grass fire. The wildest I ever listened to was in Jackson, MS... it involved the County EOC, most of JFD, and turned out to be a series of shorts in a security system in a large complex that sent out eneough alarms to make it a major event.
In Charleston, SC, a single alarm fire call is a standard response,.. One company response,... Pumper, Truck, Station Chief... single station usually depending on the location of the fire..... The bigger the fire, the more alarms/units responding...
The way we do it in rural MS, is a lot different..... There is only one call out,.. but if needed we ask dispatch to tone out additional districts. The biggest I ever worked involved every FPD in the county, two State Forestry Units, and a USFS team. The biggest I listened to involved almost every agency in four counties for a combined cardboard storage, grass fire. The wildest I ever listened to was in Jackson, MS... it involved the County EOC, most of JFD, and turned out to be a series of shorts in a security system in a large complex that sent out eneough alarms to make it a major event.
SouthSoundScanner
Member
Multi-alarms
In the area south of Chicago and north of Kankakee, it means calling in 27 different fire depts. for a small house fire in Peotone and 33 depts. to cover a small business fire in Homewood. :lol: :roll:
In the area south of Chicago and north of Kankakee, it means calling in 27 different fire depts. for a small house fire in Peotone and 33 depts. to cover a small business fire in Homewood. :lol: :roll:
In Seminole County, here is the standard one alarm response for a fire.
2 Engines, 1 Truck (dubbed Tower in Seminole County), 1 Rescue, 2 Battalion Chief's
Alternate Lineup
3 Engines, 1 Rescue, 2 Battalion Chief's
Other units that respond if needed
Fire is large or complex-SCFD Squad 2
Possible Burn/Smoke Inhalation patient-extra rescue truck
No Fire Hydrants Available-SCFD Tanker 42 or OCFR Tanker 28 (west and southwestern portions of Seminole County)
If the fire is suspected to be in the roof area or is extremely large a 2nd alarm (and possibly subsequent alarms) will be dispatched.
Like a fire at the Seminole County FD training facility this afternoon (except this was the real thing and no training fire).
By the time the alarm(s) was completed the following units were dispatched, requested by other units, or responded on their own to help.
Battalion 1, Battalion 2, Battalion 3, Battalion 15, Battalion 21, Battalion 24, Battalion 31, C3 (one of the assistant Fire Chief's), Division 35, Engine 12, Engine 15, Engine 22, Engine 24, Engine 32, Engine 34, Engine 35, Rescue 17, Rescue 35, Squad 2, Tower 12, Tower 27, and Tower 31.
2 Engines, 1 Truck (dubbed Tower in Seminole County), 1 Rescue, 2 Battalion Chief's
Alternate Lineup
3 Engines, 1 Rescue, 2 Battalion Chief's
Other units that respond if needed
Fire is large or complex-SCFD Squad 2
Possible Burn/Smoke Inhalation patient-extra rescue truck
No Fire Hydrants Available-SCFD Tanker 42 or OCFR Tanker 28 (west and southwestern portions of Seminole County)
If the fire is suspected to be in the roof area or is extremely large a 2nd alarm (and possibly subsequent alarms) will be dispatched.
Like a fire at the Seminole County FD training facility this afternoon (except this was the real thing and no training fire).
By the time the alarm(s) was completed the following units were dispatched, requested by other units, or responded on their own to help.
Battalion 1, Battalion 2, Battalion 3, Battalion 15, Battalion 21, Battalion 24, Battalion 31, C3 (one of the assistant Fire Chief's), Division 35, Engine 12, Engine 15, Engine 22, Engine 24, Engine 32, Engine 34, Engine 35, Rescue 17, Rescue 35, Squad 2, Tower 12, Tower 27, and Tower 31.
Everettmc
Member
Multi-Alarm Fires
A Muti-Alarm Fire is a fire requiring additional leavls of manpower, equipment, and supervision. In Seattle WA a first alarm fire is a full response(4 engines, Co's 2 ladder Co's 1 Medic Unite, 1 Air unite, 1 Battalion Chief and a safety officer). A 2nd 3rd Alarm Fires (211 and 311)responses are the same minuse the safety officer. Additional special equipment may respond at certion leavels. Seattle WA fire responds its Command Van and Air 260 (Air compressor truck) on all 211 responses, and notificatons to Dept officers are made. Once a fire is upgaded to a third alarm status (311) other options become avaible. These include Mutilal Aid Task Forses form other districts and calling in the off shift to man reserve rigs, for manpower and to man vacant fire stations, and at the fire location. Four and five alarm fire responses (411 ans 511) add 4 engine Co's each. Responses and terminology may differ in various areas, but Multi-Alarm Fire concepts should similar.
A Muti-Alarm Fire is a fire requiring additional leavls of manpower, equipment, and supervision. In Seattle WA a first alarm fire is a full response(4 engines, Co's 2 ladder Co's 1 Medic Unite, 1 Air unite, 1 Battalion Chief and a safety officer). A 2nd 3rd Alarm Fires (211 and 311)responses are the same minuse the safety officer. Additional special equipment may respond at certion leavels. Seattle WA fire responds its Command Van and Air 260 (Air compressor truck) on all 211 responses, and notificatons to Dept officers are made. Once a fire is upgaded to a third alarm status (311) other options become avaible. These include Mutilal Aid Task Forses form other districts and calling in the off shift to man reserve rigs, for manpower and to man vacant fire stations, and at the fire location. Four and five alarm fire responses (411 ans 511) add 4 engine Co's each. Responses and terminology may differ in various areas, but Multi-Alarm Fire concepts should similar.
AZScanner
Member
I'll add to this mix:
Here in Phoenix we do things totally differently. If you subscribe to a firebuff pager, pay extra attention here because we get asked this all the time.
A structure assignment here starts as a 3-1. If it's a working fire, it becomes a 3-1 RIC. The it goes 1st Alarm, 1st Alarm RIC, 2nd Alarm, 2nd Alarm RIC, and so on. The highest I ever heard one go was a RIC4A which is the equivalent to 8 or 9 alarms anywhere else.
So alot of times, if my paging group sends out a 1st Alarm RIC, people think we are nuts, not realizing a Phoenix FD 1st alarm RIC is like 4 alarms back east.
For more details on how it works, check out this link: http://www.phoenix.gov/fire/20501.html#LINKp
The above link will take you to the online PFD SOP's which is about as close to the horses' mouth as you can get. :wink: There's lots of other interesting info in there too, if you monitor PFD, you will want to check it out.
-AZ
Here in Phoenix we do things totally differently. If you subscribe to a firebuff pager, pay extra attention here because we get asked this all the time.
A structure assignment here starts as a 3-1. If it's a working fire, it becomes a 3-1 RIC. The it goes 1st Alarm, 1st Alarm RIC, 2nd Alarm, 2nd Alarm RIC, and so on. The highest I ever heard one go was a RIC4A which is the equivalent to 8 or 9 alarms anywhere else.
So alot of times, if my paging group sends out a 1st Alarm RIC, people think we are nuts, not realizing a Phoenix FD 1st alarm RIC is like 4 alarms back east.
For more details on how it works, check out this link: http://www.phoenix.gov/fire/20501.html#LINKp
The above link will take you to the online PFD SOP's which is about as close to the horses' mouth as you can get. :wink: There's lots of other interesting info in there too, if you monitor PFD, you will want to check it out.
-AZ
Admin0140434
Member
mlevin said:
i remember that... but never SAW it
like i said... hight i SAW was the 6 alarm in annapolis
VegasCorbin
Member
Here in Las Vegas we had a large house that burned and a second alarm was called.
According to TV 3 news reporter a fire fighter was asked why a second alarm was issued. The answer given was beautiful.
"Big Flames"
Just as background here in the desert it is not uncommon to use a second alarm just to get more manpower in the heat of the summer.
VegasCorbin
According to TV 3 news reporter a fire fighter was asked why a second alarm was issued. The answer given was beautiful.
"Big Flames"
Just as background here in the desert it is not uncommon to use a second alarm just to get more manpower in the heat of the summer.
VegasCorbin
wadeless28
Member
Admin0140434 said:
Most alarms? 16 Alarms in Baltimore City in the late 80's (warehouse). For Anne Arundel Co the largest building fire was 12 alarms for a tobacco warehouse in the early 80's. For some reason I started smoking cigarettes after that fire. :? I can't understand why.
KME507
Member
smoke em if ya got em.
In Okaloosa county Florida our EMS units and Fire use the same tones and make rescue calls. 2 tones mean move to designated locations and firehouses. 4 tones means be ready for a call / information is on the way.
A ringing tone is used by the police to clear channels for bolo and incidents for emergency attention.
Our sheriff department just calls clear channel.
Scoob
A ringing tone is used by the police to clear channels for bolo and incidents for emergency attention.
Our sheriff department just calls clear channel.
Scoob
mlevin
Member
wadeless28 said:Admin0140434 said:
Most alarms? 16 Alarms in Baltimore City in the late 80's (warehouse). For Anne Arundel Co the largest building fire was 12 alarms for a tobacco warehouse in the early 80's. For some reason I started smoking cigarettes after that fire. :? I can't understand why.
Before my time, I was born in 87
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