CIVIL DISTURBANCE PROCEDURE DECLARATION BY THE DIRECTOR (FIRE CHIEF) OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT When the Fire Chief of the City of Miami Department of Fire-Rescue declares that any condition in the City has attained, or threatens to attain the proportions of a civil disturbance, the procedures as outlined herein shall be in effect. DECLARATION BY THE CITY MANAGER OF THE CITY OF MIAM A. When the City Manager of the City of Miami, or the Acting City Manager, determines that any condition in the City has attained, or threatens to attain, the proportions of a civil disturbance, and directs the assembly and use of Fire-Rescue Department forces, or B. When the City Manager, in the public interest, orders the Fire-Rescue Department of the City of Miami to the aid of other communities stricken by civil disturbance, or C. When the City Manager orders the Fire-Rescue Department to the aid of other communities upon declaration by the Governor of the State of Florida that a civil disturbance exists, the procedures as outlined herein shall be in effect. ALERTING THE DEPARTMENT An ALERT is a notification of a condition that requires action or that may require action if the expected condition develops. The Fire Central Information Office (hereafter referred to as FCIO), shall receive all notifications of civil disturbances. Such "Alerts" will fall into one of the two following categories: A. Threat of Civil Disturbance 1 Severe Unrest 2 Other Threatening Circumstances or Conditions B. Actual Civil Disturbance 1 Within the City of Miami 2 Outside the City of Miami Most alerts will originate with the City of Miami Police Department and are conveyed to the Fire-Rescue Department. When the alert is for "Unrest", without the probability of a disturbance FCIO shall notify the Staff Duty Officer who will determine if further notification is necessary. When the alert is for "Severe Unrest" with probability of a disturbance, or an actual civil disturbance within the City of Miami, FCIO shall notify the Fire Chief, the Deputy Chiefs and the Assistant Chiefs of the Department, the City Manager and the following key personnel: 1 Staff Duty Officer 2 On-duty Battalion Chief, who shall notify the other District Chiefs 3 Water Supply Officer 4 Public Information Officer The Department-at-large shall be alerted, using a bell/tone alert procedure, followed by a radio message. In addition, FCIO will notify the Police Communications Supervisor of alarms received in the area of the disturbance. The Police will then dispatch an officer to the scene to determine the need for fire services. District Chiefs will make certain that Companies that are in, or could respond into the disturbed area, are properly notified to exercise all precautions as outlined in this Manual.
Fire apparatus responding into the disturbed area will do so with caution and in the event of a "flare-up", they will leave the area as rapidly as possible, using the most expeditious route. In addition, FCIO will forward the location of the Police Field Command Post to the District Chiefs in whose districts the disturbance is occurring, and will give the Police Communications Supervisor the location of all fire stations which service the affected area. When the alert is for a civil disturbance outside of the City of Miami, FCIO shall notify the Staff Duty Officer, Fire Chief, the Deputy Chiefs and the Assistant Chiefs. The Fire Chief shall establish liaison with the Fire Chief of the Fire Department of the community involved. NOTE: The foregoing does NOT invalidate contracts for Mutual Aid Fire Service to adjacent cities. RECALLING OFF-DUTY PERSONNEL During an emergency, the Fire Chief may order the recall of off-duty personnel on a limited or total basis, as the circumstances may dictate. The procedure for the recall of off-duty personnel, outlined in the Emergency Operations Manual, shall be followed. Recalled personnel shall report to the Task Force Headquarters where their company is assigned or to a designated point with their firefighting gear. Task Force Headquarters having reserve apparatus in their quarters shall, as soon as an Officer, a Driver, and two Fire Fighters have reported, notify the Fire Dispatcher and FCIO of their availability. All Officers shall, at all times, have an up-to-date, correct list of telephone numbers and street addresses of each member of their company. Whenever personnel have been recalled to duty, Officers shall record the names of personnel, as outlined in the Emergency Operations Manual. RADIO AND TELEVISION BULLETINS ON RECALL In the event of an ordered recall of personnel, the Fire Chief may order FCIO to contact radio and television stations requesting special bulletins advising off duty fire personnel to report for duty. CALLING MUTUAL AID FOR ASSISTANCE The Fire Chief/Deputy Chiefs/Assistant Chiefs/Staff Duty Officer may request Mutual Aid assistance. When requested, FCIO shall call for Mutual Aid and direct responding units as designated by the Fire Chief. TASK FORCE ACTIVATION If a civil disturbance is of sufficient magnitude to warrant activation of the Task Force Plan, the Fire Chief shall designate which Task Force(s) (as outlined below in this policy) shall be activated. ACTION TO BE TAKEN AT FIRE STATIONS UPON RECEIPT OF THE BELL/TONE ALERT SIGNAL 1 Check computer for information concerning the emergency. 2 Prepare apparatus, station and personnel for response. A. Remove all exposed equipment (axes, picks, bars, etc.) from the exterior portion of the truck and secure it in compartments or in the basket. B. Attach stack-tip nozzle to barrel of multiversal and use 1 3/8" tip. Multiversal nozzles requiring supply lines are to be pre-connected with 2 bypass lines at the multiversal and unattached couplings will be left in basket. C. Use 1 3/8" tip on aerial pipe.
D. Stand by for transfer to Task Force Headquarters. E. If a station is to be vacated, the Shift Commander shall secure the station by locking all the doors and windows, turn off the computer and bring all bunker gear to the Task Force Headquarters. The station base station radio is to be left in place, in the "on" position. If necessary, it will be inhibited by the Alarm Office. FCIO will notify the appropriate personnel at the Department of Information Technology. ASSIGNMENT OF PERSONNEL AND LOCATION OF THE FIRE CHIEF The probable location of the Fire Chief will be the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at the Miami Police Headquarters to interface with all emergency activities operations of the Fire-Rescue Department. ASSISTANT CHIEF OF EMERGENCY RESPONSE DIVISION, DEPUTY CHIEF OF OPERATIONS AND DEPUTY CHIEF OF ADMINISTRATION They will report to FCIO and shall assume operational and logistical duties as defined by the Fire Chief and the Incident Commander. SPECIAL OPERATIONS CHIEF OF THE EMERGENCY RESPONSE DIVISION The Special Operations Chief of the Emergency Response Division will report to the Police Field Command Post and coordinate field activities with the Incident Commander. ASSISTANT CHIEF OF THE COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION The Assistant Chief of the Communications Division will report to the EOC at the Miami Police headquarters and will serve as the Fire Department Liaison Officer to coordinate all emergency responses with the Police Department. He will insure Police protection for Fire-Rescue companies, and will coordinate all actions with the Assistant Chief of the Emergency Response Division. ASSISTANT CHIEF OF LOGISTICS DIVISION The Assistant Chief of Logistics Division will report to the Fire Garage and will coordinate the activities of the Fire Garage and logistics with the Deputy Chief of Administration at FCIO. ALL OTHER ASSISTANT CHIEFS All other Assistant Chiefs will report to FCIO and will assume such duties as directed by the Fire Chief. ON-DUTY BATTALION CHIEF When notified that the Task Force Plan is being activated, the Battalion Chief on duty shall have the District Chiefs organize the Task Force Headquarters and Task Forces as outlined in this section, unless directed otherwise by the Fire Chief. TASK FORCE COMMANDERS The on-duty District Chief shall assume the title of Task Force Commander as directed and assigned by the Assistant Chief of the Emergency Response Division or his designee. The highest ranking senior officer in a task force without a District Chief shall become the Task Force Commander until relieved by a higher ranking officer. TASK FORCE AIDES The Task Force Aides will be assigned to drive the Task Force Commanders and to act as their aides.
TASK FORCE INVESTIGATORS Task Force Investigators shall be assigned from the Fire Prevention Division. Their primary responsibility shall be the collection of the information listed below and completion of the form used for this purpose. They may perform other duties as directed by the Task Force Commander. INFORMATION TO BE COLLECTED BY TASK FORCE INVESTIGATORS 1 Address of fire - obtain as close as possible 2 Alarm # 3 Exact occupancy by name of business 4 Exact construction - height, walls, partitions, floor, roof 5 Loss of life or injuries 6 Owner of building 7 Agent 8 Insurance Agency of building 9 Insurance Agency of contents 10 Remarks - any unusual circumstances -i.e., unruly crowd, gun shot, rock throwing, police abandonment - for each incident responded to. 11 Brief narrative of Fire Department operations and Police ID number. ACTION AT FIRE SCENE The Task Force should move together and remain intact as much as possible. Confine firefighting to the outside of the building when possible, except when rescue is required. Our efforts will be directed to control and confinement of the fire. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL HAND LINES AND/OR MULTIVERSAL NOZZLES BE USED FOR CROWD CONTROL OR DISPERSAL. If gunfire begins, immediately take cover. A rapid blowing of the air horn will be the signal to TAKE COVER. A slow blowing of the air horn will indicate "Prepare to Move Out", and this will be ordered by the Task Force Commander. Should personnel be attacked by rioters, they will use whatever means necessary to protect themselves. At no time will personnel use firearms, or have them in their possession. In attacking fires, remain as mobile as possible in case evacuation is necessary. If ordered to evacuate by Task Force Commander, try to get nozzles and equipment back on apparatus. Shut down hydrant, if possible, but it may be necessary to leave hose at scene. THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES ARE TO BE USED DURING TASK FORCE OPERATIONS: SITUATION #1: Fires involving buildings of one or two-story construction which will require the use of handlines and/or multiversal nozzles. Sequence of Task Force will be Task Force Commander s Vehicle, Aerial (as appropriate) and two pumping units. AT HYDRANT: After the Task Force Commander has surveyed the situation and determined the need for large streams. 1. All vehicles stop at hydrant 2. First pumping unit will make the following hook-ups at the hydrant depending on size of hose carried (3 & 2 1/2 or 5 & 3 ) a. For 5 & 3 - Attaches 5 hose to hydrant b. For 3 & 2 1/2 - Attaches gated wye to hydrant and attaches one line to wye and one line to opposite side of hydrant. All personnel return to apparatus. 3. Task Force Commander's Vehicle, Aerial or Quint Company and first pumping unit will proceed to fire scene laying supply line(s). 4. Second Pumper remains at hydrant awaiting orders to open hydrant. 5. After opening hydrant, second Pumper proceeds to fire scene and follows
additional orders. AT FIRE: 1 Task Force Commander determines positioning of Command Vehicle, Aerial or Quint Company and first pumping unit. 2 Task Force Commander orders type of streams required, handlines or multiversal. 3 First pumping unit connects supply line(s) to pump intake(s). 4 First pumping unit then connects required hose (hand lines or pre-connected multiversal) to discharge gates of pumper. At proper time, Task Force Commander orders hydrant to be opened by second Pumper at hydrant. 5 Second Pumper proceeds to fire and if additional fire lines are required, second Pumper will proceed to designated hydrant laying supply line(s). With 2½ and 3 hose, hose clamp(s) are to be attached at the fire scene. 6 At hydrant, connections are made and hydrant opened. 7 Pumper returns to fire scene and supply line(s) are attached to pump intake(s). Aerial Company will assist in attaching fire lines as directed. SITUATION #2: Fires in multi-storied buildings requiring the use of ladder pipes and/or multiversal nozzles. Sequence of Task Force same as in Situation #1. AT HYDRANT: All operations are the same. AT FIRE: Task Force Commander positions Aerial or Quint Company and first pumping unit, giving consideration to possible use of water tower. 1 First arriving Pumper Company will connect supply line(s) to pump intake(s). 2 Aerial Company or Quint will prepare for aerial operation if required or will assist in connecting fire lines to pumper discharge gates. 3 Task Force Commander orders second pumper to open hydrant. 4 Second pumper proceeds to fire scene and follows additional orders. 5 If additional lines are ordered, second pumper will proceed as in Situation #1. NOTE: Pump operators at fire scene shall watch compound gauge to determine their maximum delivery of water and try to maintain a 5 lbs. residual on compound gauge. DAMAGED HYDRANT HOOK-UP WITH HARD SUCTION When it is necessary to use a fire hydrant which has been damaged to the extent that all of the caps are missing and all of the threads are damaged, the following procedure may be used. Secure a large hard suction to the hydrant steamer connection, tying it very tightly with rope. Connect the suction to the pump intake. When hose lines are in place, open the hydrant as the pump is put into operation. The flow of water can be regulated by the hydrant man, but enough water must flow to prevent the pump from sucking air. Water flowing from the 2½" outlets is not a serious problem normally.
This operation is faster and more dependable than the catch basin method. Except in an emergency, nozzles should not be shut down without coordinating the shutdown with the pump operator and the hydrant man. THIS OPERATION DOES NOT WORK WITH SOFT SUCTION. DUTIES OF DISTRICT CHIEF The District Chief on duty shall: 1 Direct fire protection and rescue activities when assigned. 2 If the personnel under your command are harassed by gun fire or thrown objects at the scene of an incident, advise FCIO of the location, request police response and evacuate immediately. DO NOT return until advised by FCIO that the area is safe. 3 District Chiefs will insure that all Company Officers in the affected area comply with the following: A. All fire stations will close station doors and personnel will remain inside. B. One fire fighter will remain in quarters as Watchman on all responses until a security watch is obtained. C. All fire personnel, including drivers, will wear full bunker gear and body armor as indicated. D. All tools are to be kept under cover, where possible. E. Personnel are to ride inside cab of apparatus. F. Companies responding shall locate apparatus so that they can affect a rapid retreat if necessary. G. No sirens or warning lights are to be used in disturbance area. H. FCIO is to be notified of all pertinent conditions. DUTIES OF BATTALION CHIEF The Battalion Chief on duty shall: 1 Balance the manpower of all ERD companies at the Task Force Headquarters. 2 Determine resources needed and report to the Assistant Chief of the Emergency Response Division or their designee. 3 Supervise the rotation of relief for ERD personnel. 4 Assume responsibility for records of fires, evaluations, and historical reports, etc. 5 Check injuries and promote safety. 6 Initiate and maintain a complete record of incoming assistance, including a roster of personnel, number of hours worked, number of units reporting and the names of mutual aid companies reporting, etc. TASK FORCE HEADQUARTERS Task Force Headquarters may be activated by one Task Force and used as directed by the Assistant Chief of the Emergency Response Division or his/her designee. Apparatus not assigned to Task Forces will cover alarms outside of disturbance area. Task Forces may be moved from one Task Force Headquarters to another as the need arises. Rescue Units not assigned to a Task Force, will respond only when dispatched by FCIO, and will be escorted by P.D., National Guard, etc. Company Officers, when directed to activate a Task Force Headquarters, shall secure their quarters before leaving and respond to the Task Force Headquarters assigned. Upon arriving at the Task Force Headquarters, notify Alarm Office and FCIO.
TASK FORCE HEADQUARTERS Task Force No. 1 - Fire Station #1 Task Force No. 2 - Fire Station #2 Task Force No. 4 - Fire Station #4 Task Force No. 5 - Fire Station #5 Task Force No. 6 - Fire Station #6 Task Force No. 7 - Fire Station #7 Task Force No. 8 - Fire Station #8 Task Force No. 9 - Fire Station #9 Task Force No.10 -Fire Station #10 Task Force No.12 - Fire Station #12 Depending on conditions and circumstances, the Assistant Chief of ERD or his designee will determine the number and type of units to be assigned to each Task Force Headquarters. Whenever possible, Task Force Headquarters will consist of a Task Force Commander, Task Force Aide to drive and assist the Task Force Commander, Fire Inspector, 2 Pumpers, 1 Aerial or Quint, and 1 Rescue. This can be accomplished by moving units from one station to another or by placing spare apparatus into service.