Introducing the Tactical 360:
Many of us have been taught to conduct a 360 degree survey upon our initial arrival at an incident. We are trained to look for the differences in building construction, critical fire ground factors, the location of possible victims, and the location of the fire and more.
We have seen the value of this fire ground survey as it enhances our size-up by evaluating the often unseen critical fire ground factors. So why would we consider a new perspective to an already proven tactic that fire service is already well acquainted with?
As in all things in life, there is always room for improvement and our training skill-sets are no different. We are constantly learning and improving in our personal and professional lives therefore let us consider the value of a Tactical 360.
What is a Tactical 360?
A tactical 360 is a 360 degree survey of a structure on fire from three perspectives: Tactically, Thermally, and Three dimensionally. Whereas a traditional 360 is walk-around survey of the incident scene that allows the Incident Commander to better formulate their Incident Action Plan based on the “big picture” and all of the critical fire ground factors that are specific to that incident.
During this process of a 360, we can often become task fixated and suffer from confusing speed with success. When in fact, by taking a few extra seconds we can greatly impact the success of our efforts.
Why is this important?
Tragically we already know that many firefighters have died because of hidden or unseen dangers. Therefore, incidents can often be deceptive from a one sided view and hide critical factors that can and will kill firefighters. Also the Tactical 360 allows the Incident Commander to possibly locate victims, the location & severity of the fire, identify the flow path, and the opportunity to control any critical fire ground factors that may go unnoticed such as closing open doors to prevent fire growth, controlling utilities as they walk around, and possibly removing an occupant that may be just inside a door or hanging out a window.
The Tactical 360 doesn’t discard nor discount this information, it enhances what we know thereby building upon it. As a firefighter, we already have a foundation and understanding of the concept now we will build upon this skill by viewing the 360 from the thermal perspective.
From a larger perspective an Incident Commander needs to be able to view two sides of the incident. But an Incident Commander using a TIC must be aware that at large distances temperatures will not be accurate but the thermal signatures will be great indicators or clues for their decision making. We must be aware of the optimal range of our TIC as they vary. Most TIC’s have an optimal range of 8-20 feet for accurate resolution and the distance to spot ratio temperature measurements.
With a Thermal Imaging Camera they can see thermal signatures on the structure such as increased heat on the exterior walls of the fire room, heat signatures on chimneys, and identify cold spots. Cold spots are not given the attention that they often deserve. They are important to note as an indicators of fire progression. For example if the area adjacent to the fire is 200 degrees Fahrenheit upon arrival but after completing the Tactical 360 (approximately 1-2 minutes later) it is now 400 degrees; this is an indicator that the fire is developing towards that area. Remember The Delta T which tells us that an object that is heated will transfer heat towards an area of lesser temperature. Through the TIC, thermal signatures adjacent to darker cooler areas should be noted; as where there is air the fire will grow and can be drawn toward dependent upon ventilation points.
As Incident Commander conducts a Tactical 360 with a TIC they gain valuable insight on the fire’s location and severity, cold spots, and they will be able to note flow paths and neutral planes from any ventilation opening (such as doors and windows).
The thermal perspective can also observe thermal signatures in areas that may indicate signs of the loss of structural integrity. This can be seen by noting large heat signatures from a roof line in a light weight truss attic, while also noting joist sagging, and also thermal signatures from the basement area indicative of a well involved fire.
When viewing the incident during the Tactical 360, our eyes see the building, the fire, smoke, & critical fire ground factors. But, through a thermal imaging camera we can see:
• The true severity of the fire by noting high temperatures & size of thermal signatures.
• Identify the flow path by noting air intakes & exhausts
• Identify cold spots which is where the fire may be progressing to.
• We may see occupants or victims thermally.
We can now see the value of thermal data provided to the incident commander is priceless. A Tactical 360 allows the Incident Commander to view the incident optically and then compare what they see thermally.