Division Operations

Tactical Level Management and Safety in the Incident Command System

Most fire incidents are controlled quickly, with the initially dispatched fire companies and an Incident Commander (IC #1 or IC #2). These incidents require a simple command organization that matches the incident needs for the work and management of the work.

When incidents become more complicated and involve rapidly developing incident conditions and critical fireground factors, the incident commander must have a standard system to be able to adapt. The most critical adaptation is the utilization of more effective supervision to manage critical tactical positions and provide the Incident Commander better information and more effective supervision and safety.

Effective fireground safety is achieved through well-trained decision-making at all levels of the incident command organization and a system and process that manages the critical elements and conditions that injure or kill firefighters. The decision-making comes from the IC and implementation of tactical-level leadership to provide consistent evaluation of the incident conditions and the safety of the firefighters doing the work.

The Division Operations Workshop

The Division Operations Workshop provides the why and how of more effective incident management and supervision. This management and supervision provides for better performance in achieving the tactical objectives and the accountability and safety of the firefighters working in the hazard zone. This workshop will discuss and exercise:

• Division Officer purpose and job description
• Division Support Officer purpose and job description
• Review and exercise of critical operational functions
  • Utilization of strategic decision-making at the tactical level
  • Effective communications
  • Tactical level resource management (on- deck & recycling)
• Review tactical-level mayday management responsibilities
• Review and exercise of tactical-level safety functions
  • Tactical level firefighter accountability
  • Tactical Level air management
  • Work/Rest cycle management