Pre-fight a fire? The why and how explained here.

There are 183 occupancies in the Graafschap Fire Department coverage area that are considered commercial or public assembly. It would be impossible for every firefighter or officer to know the floor-plan, occupancy, special hazards, and other details about each location.

To gain knowledge and a tactical advantage, GFD conducts “Pre-plans” of each location. This happens when a firefighter goes to the location when they are open and gathers critical information that will aid all responders in the case of a fire or other emergency. Information gathered includes utility shut-offs, square footage which aids in water flow calculations for extinguishment, occupancy loads, any emergency after-hour contact information. These visits happen every year to update information, if time allows.

Pictures are also taken from all 4 sides of the building. If permission is granted from the owner, pictures are taken inside to document interior walls, partitions, and any special hazards. If a business has hazardous materials, they are handed a section of the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act Number 154 and 207 of 1974. In short, this is the Firefighters Right To Know Act. This form is also available on our website for easy access and explanation. The business must submit the form back to the fire department listing all their hazmat products and the quantities.

Once back to the station, more research happens. Hydrant locations are mapped and distances to the structure are calculated. These maps are included in the business’ profile. Not only is it critical to have hydrants for a quick water supply, it’s also important to know which one is closest and which ones may impede incoming emergency traffic the least.

Once all the information is gathered, it is loaded in our “Fire Programs” database under the “Protected Properties” tab, seen below in the pic.. This allows access to fire officers to research a location. It can also be pulled up on a tablet while on a scene to help make tactical decisions and to alert the property owners sooner.

Occasionally, part of the bi-monthly training session at the station will include a review of several businesses in the response area. This information is shared with the entire staff and command so that we can discuss how we would handle a fire at that location. This is how we “pre-fight” a fire.

The fire service is not all lights, sirens, and rushing to the emergency. It involves planning, inspections, training, and many other low-key tasks that allow the crews to operate at their peak level.