WHAT IS A WORKING FIRE?????????????

[Colin9690]

Hi



WHAT IS A WORKING FIRE?


thanks

 

[qoatzecotl]

It's simply one that's burning when the FD arrives...

 

[KB8UYC]

oh boy......gesh

 

[mlevin]

It's one that aint broke :lol:

In all seriousness. It's a fire that's going pretty good. Usually a worker will also be associated with an additional response of apparatus, but not a second alarm. Some jurisdictions call it an "all hands".

 

[FIRE321FIGHTER1985]

Here in Jefferson Parish, we refer to a working fire as: 10-26. A working fire is usually flames showing or heavy smoke or both. We can call for specific trucks or call for a 2nd,3rd,etc. alarm



Mark

 

[Colin9690]

THANKS GUYS 4 HELPING ME OUT!!!

 

[suttles1972]

'Working fire" is describing the amount of fire on a structure. In book terms, a working fire is defined as a fire that involves 75% or greater to a structure (residential or commercial), substance (combustible fuels, chemicals, brush, etc.) transportation vehicle, (car, truck, aircraft, train, etc.) or any large container, (dumpster). But to make this definition more user friendly, let's just say that any fire that's coming out of every window or through the roof of a residential or commercial structure is classified as a "working fire". Now from a communications standpoint, hearing "Working fire" on a fire company level means that it's time to work agressively for about the first 20 minutes. Whether it be laying a supply line to the attack pumper, assist the attack crew or do truck work.

 

[qoatzecotl]

Mostly what I hear is that it's any fire that they actually have to break out the gear and fight...not always 75%, but enough to break a sweat over...

 

[mdulrich]

Mostly what I hear is that it's any fire that they actually have to break out the gear and fight...not always 75%, but enough to break a sweat over...

You are correct, working fires get declared long before 75%. But gear is worn on every response.

Basically, on my department and departments in the area, a working fire is anything with fire blowing out a window. This indicates the fire has flashed over at least in one room and we are going to be working to get it out. A supply line will need to be stretched from the hydrant and in addition to attack and backup lines being used, extensive overhaul and ventilation will be required. Most times the first alarm assignment will handle the fire without needing additional resources. However, on larger buildings this fire could get additional alarms which will bring addtional resources to the scene.

The whole idea is to give other responding units an idea of what is being seen by the initial arriving company. We may report "nothing showing", "smoke showing", or "heavy smoke showing" for fires where we can see no flames. Beyond a working fire, we report "well involved" or "fully involved" for those fires that are beyond a "worker".

And I would hate to be the officer who reported a working car or dumpster fire. I don't think you could ever live that one down. They may be fully involved, but never a worker. :lol:

Mike

PS You can always spot a "worker" before you pull up in front of the house.

 

[Aircargo]

a working fire simply means "its on fire" there approuching the fire thats in there sites...spelling sucs today sry...i think the entire building car..ect...has to be burning up with units arriving...not on scean

your welcome