360 Size Up
Upon arriving at a fire it is important for someone to conduct a 360 of the building. For the Truck Company the OV is in charge of performing the 360 as well as his other assigned responsibilities. While performing the 360 the OVM should also be carrying his tools with him including but not limited to a 6’ hook with the halligan, flashlight and a 24’ extension ladder.
Upon arriving the OVM should size-up the fire building and observe the conditions from his vantage point and continue the 360 around the fire building. Be aware of obstacles while performing the 360 like fences, decks, swimming pools and drop off yards. Observe all floors and windows of the building along with the conditions they show. Look at the number of floors in the rear in conjunction with the number in the front. Take note of exterior means of entrance and egress with special considerations to basement doors and porch roofs. The basement doors may be the only way in and out of the basement. If the fire building has a basement, shine your flashlight into it and observe the conditions. In doing this, you can let the Engine Company know the fire is in the basement and how to access it. Let the Truck Company officer know where the fire is too. This is important because it gives the officer a clear understanding of where the fire is, how to access it and where to start their searching for victims. Continuing on with the 360 and observing the conditions, look at the windows and determine which are bedrooms. These could be rooms you can VES. Throughout your 360, advise the members operating inside of the conditions you see on the outside. In essence, you are painting a picture for the guys inside. Read what the smoke is doing. Remember volume, velocity, density, and color. Read the fire. Think about where it is and where it might go. During your initial size-up of the building while hopping off of the rig, think about where the stairs might be in coordination with where the fire is you see during your 360. This is important for VES purposes.
The 360 is important. This action can make the fireground operations smoother by informing the Engine Company where the fire is if the interior team of the Truck Company hasn’t found it yet. The 360 needs to be thorough and the communications between the OVM, Engine boss and Truck boss are paramount. After your 360 is complete it’s now time to perform your other responsibilities. If VES isn’t in the picture and the roofman is operating smoothly you can horizontally ventilate opposite of the hoseline or throw ground ladders to the windows for egress. Remember a proactive Truck Company makes the RAT team’s job easier. Communication is important in all aspects on the fireground and the 360 size-up is no exception. All pertinent information must be communicated over the Fire ground channel.
