Ch 08 Support Functions

Chapter 8: Support Functions

Objectives

• Role of Dispatch

• Transmission of Alarms

• Fire Investigation Unit Resources

• Hazardous Materials Control Unit Resources

• Role of Adjutant/Aide

• Technical Support Groups

• Information Systems Resources

• Role of Personnel/Human Resources

• Role of Business Manager

• Incident Business Management

• Warehouse/Central Stores

• Repair Garage

• Radio Shop

Introduction

• Fire department operations can be categorized into incident-focused and support functions.

• Support functions are crucial for enabling field personnel to conduct operations effectively.

• The complexity and size of support functions depend on departmental needs.

Dispatch

• Fire departments must receive emergency requests and dispatch units accordingly.

• Smaller departments may use police dispatch systems or pagers for volunteers.

• Larger departments typically have dedicated dispatch functions with firefighters or civilians.

• Pros of Firefighters as Dispatchers: Familiarity with operations and anticipated needs of units.

• Cons of Firefighters as Dispatchers: Higher costs and possible feelings of helplessness at the dispatch console.

Expanded Dispatch

• In major incidents, dispatch capabilities may be overwhelmed, necessitating expanded dispatch locations.

• Examples include mobile command posts or designated rooms for larger incidents.

• The GACC concept used by wildland agencies coordinates resources across vast areas.

Transmission of Alarms

• Various methods exist to alert the fire department; the 911 system is primary.

• 911 System History: Replaced fire alarm boxes that had significant drawbacks (frequent false alarms, one-way communication).

• Importance of two-way communication for effective EMS responses.

• Dispatchers trained in Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) provide real-time instructions.

• Challenges: Language barriers and confusion among recent immigrants about the 911 system.

• Increasing role of private alarm companies in reporting incidents, often leading to false alarms.

• Lookout Towers: Positioned in forest areas for fire reporting; modern versions may include living quarters and advanced mapping tools like the Osborne fire finder.

GIS/Mapping

• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) assist in creating detailed maps for fire management.

• Mapping utilizes GPS data for accurate fire perimeter representation.

Fire Investigation Unit

• All fires should be investigated to identify causes; the first officer on scene is responsible unless expertise is required.

• Arson Bureau: Focuses on suspicious fires, often requiring the fire investigation unit's assistance.

• Responsibilities of arson investigators include evidence gathering, maintaining authority at scenes, and coordination with law enforcement.

• Cost recovery methods through civil suits and ordinances against parties responsible for hazardous incidents.

Hazardous Materials Control Unit

• Fire departments often seek control responsibilities for hazardous materials incidents, requiring expert knowledge.

• The overseeing body varies; it may be the health department, environmental agency, or the fire department itself.

• Provides vital information for on-scene decision-making during hazardous incidents.

Adjutant/Aide

• Assists chief officers with administrative tasks; roles include errand running, memo typing, and incident support.

Technical Support

• Legal guidance provided by county or city attorneys; includes contract reviews and aid agreements.

• Crime investigation collaboration with police labs for arson cases, involving analysis of flammables and evidence.

• Weather services assist with predicting environmental impacts on incidents and evacuation strategies.

Information Systems

• Management of various data types, including expenditures, training information, and personnel records, falls under the information systems bureau.

• Positions in the bureau handle the maintenance of IT systems, data management, and online presence.

Personnel/Human Resources

• Involves hiring processes, personnel evaluations, and management of compensation and benefits.

• Adheres to affirmative action guidelines and recruits prospective firefighters.

Business Manager

• Essential management role performing similar duties to a chief financial officer; involved with budgeting, expenditures, and fiscal compliance.

Incident Business Management

• Major incidents require contracts for resource utilization from private sectors and agencies; management teams are critical for liaison and equipment tracking.

Warehouse/Central Stores

• Stores essential items for fire stations and can perform equipment repairs.

• Functions similarly in governmental departments, such as the U.S. Forest Service, ensuring resource availability for all personnel.

Repair Garage

• Department may have its repair garage for apparatus maintenance, staffed by civilian mechanics.

Radio Shop

• Responsible for maintaining all communication equipment within the department, essential for operational efficiency.

Summary

• Fire departments rely on a plethora of support functions, including:

  • Dispatch and alarm transmission

  • Fire and arson investigation

  • Hazardous materials management

  • Technical support in multiple realms

  • Human resources and information management

  • Business management and incident oversight

  • Maintenance support through warehouses, repair garages, and radio shops.