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partner (typically San Jose or Gilroy), an automatic response from one of these partners is utilized
to supplement the response assignment.
FIRE RESPONSE
The ability to assemble the necessary resources to effectively manage even a smaller residential
or commercial structure fire is significant. As mentioned above, the NFPA standard (NFPA 1710)
recommends a minimum of 14 personnel as the initial response to single family residential
structure. Neither Morgan Hill nor SCCFD individually have the ability to assemble this many
personnel, but when combined, this capability is enhanced significantly. This is the true benefit of
the two organizations operating jointly under a single command and organizational structure
(CAL FIRE). Though it is true that on most days the need for a 14- to 17-person contingent is not
required, this does occur with some regularity and when it does the ability to assemble an
effective workforce of this size rapidly can make the difference between success and failure. As
the magnitude of an incident grows in size and complexity, it is not unusual to see staffing needs
that can exceed 40 to 60 personnel. This would be the case with a fire at big-box retail center
like a Home Depot or Walmart or a fire at an apartment complex. For wildfire incidents, staffing
needs can easily exceed 100 personnel even in relatively small events (defined as 15 to 20
acres).
The decision as to what is the proper staffing level for a specific community’s protection is
perhaps the most difficult assessment that is faced by policy makers across the nation. As
communities adjust their level of response, the costs associated with maintaining a level of
readiness has significant implications. CPSM believes that Morgan Hill and SSCCFD are currently
in an optimum situation in being able to combine their resources under a singular command
and organizational structure. This is beneficial in meeting both day-to-day service demand and
during larger and more complex incidents. CPSM believes that this cooperative effort is a
Best
Practice
that should be maintained.
From this perspective it is critical that CAL FIRE units respond rapidly and initiate extinguishment
efforts within the first eight to ten minutes of notification. It is, however, difficult to determine in
every case the effectiveness of the initial response in limiting fire spread and fire damage. Many
variables will impact these outcomes, including:
■
The age and type of construction of the structure.
■
The contents stored in the structure and its flammability.
■
The presence of any flammable liquids, explosives, or compressed gas canisters.
■
The time of detection, notification, and ultimately response of fire units.
■
The presence of any built-in protection (automatic fire sprinklers) or fire detection systems.
■
Weather conditions and the availability of water for extinguishment.
Subsequently, in those situations in which there are extended delays in the extinguishment effort
or the fire has progressed sufficiently upon arrival of fire units, there is actually very little that can
be done to limit the extent of damage to the entire structure and its contents. In these situations
suppression efforts will focus on the protection of nearby or adjacent structures with the goal
being to limit the spread of the fire beyond the building of origin. This is often termed
protecting
exposures
. When the extent of damage is extensive and the building becomes unstable,
firefighting tactics typically move to what is called a
defensive attack
, or one in which hose lines
and more importantly personnel are on the outside of the structure and their focus is to merely