Size- Up

Just a short time ago someone asked me about the 12 points of size up that I keep referencing and that I refer to on my Fire Problem page.

I had one of the online training sessions up for a long time, but it is now down, so here is an abbreviated version on the training bulletin page.

These are sometimes referred to as 14 points and everyone has a different take on what they all mean. In addition there are a number of acronyms used for all of these, not the least of which is John Norman's reference to COAL WAS WEALTH.

These are points that should be considered while responding and during any preplanning visit.

Life Hazard - What is the life hazard you are facing here? How many occupants are exposed and what is the potential life hazard to firefighting forces.

Occupancy - What is the building used for? NOT how many occupants are in the building but is it an autobody shop, school, single family residence or what? What are the hazards that might come with an occupancy of that type?

Special Matters - Usually cannot be thought out ahead of time but only after arrival. Is the building 2 stories in the front and 4 storied in the rear? Is there illegal storage of hazardous materials? Will high tension power lines prevent access? etc. etc. Always think of the unknown variable and reassess.

Exposures - Internal and external. Where is the fire now, and can I attack from the unburned side to prevent fire spread and assist in confinement. Will I need additional heavy streams and water supply for exterior exposure protection. Over, under, front and back and don't forget exterior buildings!

Weather - Is it hot cold windy or what are current conditions? Hot dry weather with high winds present drying and conflagration conditions. heat will affect your personnel, cold will freeze hydrants cause fall injuries, will affect personnel and all of those issues.

Height - What is the height of the involved building or area? Will high ceilings mask flashover conditions? Will my ground ladders reach? How much fire volume do I have? Will preconceived lines make the reach? This factor of height is directly tied to the next factor of area.

Area - What is the total fire volume and area as well as all of the factors considered above in height. Also can I provide an adequate rate of flow using a designated and established rate of flow formula.

Time - Time of day will affect response issues, whether or not a structure is occupied, time of year may affect heavy stock or limited stock in retail establishments, time of the week may affect occupancy factors travel etc. so all times may be and must be considered.

Construction - What is the construction of the building and what affect will this have on collapse potential fire spread and fire attack?

Location - Location of the fire within the building. The location of the fire is the next most important thing after determining the conditions of any occupants. A mattress fire in the basement and the same mattress fire on the third floor are two entirely different scenarios.

Apparatus and Manpower - Do you have enough resources responding to handle the tasks before you. As each factor in this list changes reassess whether or not you have adequate resources to control the incident.

Water Supply - Do you have an adequate water supply available either by hydrants drop tanks or other static sources. have you estimated the maximum fire flow and total water needed for greater involvement.

This is my take in an abbreviated form of the twelve points of size up. Print this training bulletin out and keep it near you when you print out the tactical fire problem. Consider all of these options using your own department and resources.