Baltimore County Fire Department TOG #: 08 - Fireground Operations

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering Baltimore County Fire Department TOG #: 08 definitions, tactical procedures, hose lays, and operational roles.

Tactical Operating Guideline (TOG) #: 08

The Baltimore County Fire Department operational guideline effective February 3, 2025, approved by Fire Chief Joseph Dixon, outlining fireground operations and deployment of first alarm companies.

Freelancing

Unassigned or unauthorized actions taken on the fireground that TOG #: 08 eliminates by assigning responding units to pre-designated positions and tasks.

Incident Duration Reminder (IDR)

Notifications provided by dispatch to Command at $10$-minute intervals to maintain time awareness during fireground operations.

S.L.I.C.E.R.S.

Sequential fireground objectives consisting of 360 (Size up, Locate fire, Isolate flow paths), Mode of attack, Extinguish, and Actions of opportunity (Rescue, Salvage).

Offensive Mode

A mode of attack utilized when crews actively suppress fire in a forward manner inside the structure after locating the seat of the fire.

Defensive Mode

A mode of attack utilized when fire suppression efforts are conducted entirely from the exterior of the structure while protecting exposures.

Transitional Mode

A mode of attack where actions are taken to suppress fire load from the exterior before transitioning to an interior offensive attack.

Deployment Report

A mandatory radio transmission prior to entry stating entry point, number of personnel, assigned task, location updates, and exit location.

CAN Report

A standardized periodic update format reporting Conditions, Actions, and Needs.

L-CAN Report

A standardized periodic update format reporting Location, Conditions, Actions, and Needs.

Brief Initial Report (BIR)

The radio transmission given upon arrival by the first-arriving unit containing unit ID, arrival side, building description, fire situation, establishment of command, and truck positioning instructions.

Situation Update Report (SUR)

A report transmitted after completing a 360 evaluation detailing pertinent findings, basement presence/fire status, attack mode, deployment report, and any deviations from TOG 08.

Forward Lay

A hose lay where the engine stops at the water source, secures supply hose/appliances, and proceeds to the fire scene laying single or dual lines.

Reverse Lay

A hose lay where the engine drops appropriate appliances at the fireground and lays supply lines to the water source to pump water back to the scene.

Split Lay

A hose lay combining a forward lay by the first engine towards the fire and a reverse lay by the second engine from the drop point to the water source.

Reverse Lay with Attack Line

A hose lay where the engine stops at the scene, deploys an attack line of sufficient length, and then proceeds to the hydrant to pump the line.

Rapid Intervention Team (RIT)

The primary safety assignment given to the 4th arriving engine company, dedicated exclusively to firefighter monitoring and rescue.

Inside Team (Truck Company)

The truck crew consisting of the Officer and Search firefighter responsible for primary search and rescue, forcible entry, checking extension, overhaul, and horizontal ventilation.

Outside Team (Truck Company)

The truck crew consisting of the Roof and Outside Vent (OV) firefighters responsible for aerial operations, ground ladder placement, roof size-up, vertical ventilation, and coordinated horizontal ventilation.

Vent Enter Isolate Search (VEIS)

A targeted search technique conducted via ground ladders or exterior entry points to quickly isolate and search specific rooms.

Incident Safety Officer (ISO)

An officer appointed by Command tasked with continuously assessing fireground safety hazards, conducting 360 risk evaluations, correcting unsafe actions, and verifying accountability.

Staging Area Manager

The role assumed by the driver of the first engine responding on a second alarm upon establishing Level II Staging.

Command Engine

The crew of the first engine on a second alarm (excluding the driver) that reports to the command post to assist Command with documentation, air monitoring, entry control, or ISO functions.

Tactical Personnel Accountability Report (PAR)

A rapid accountability check conducted by Command lasting $1$ minute or less to verify the location and safety status of all personnel operating in and around the IDLH.

1 3/4 inch Handline Minimum Flow

150 GPM

2 inch Handline Minimum Flow

265 GPM

2 1/2 inch Handline Minimum Flow

300 GPM