HomeMy WebLinkAboutFIR-104Bergen Community College
School of Business, Social Sciences, Public Service
Department of Criminal Justice and Homeland Security
Master Syllabus
FIR 104 Fire Tactics and Strategy
Date of Most Recent Syllabus Revision: November 14, 2011
Course Typically Offered: Fall__X__ Spring__X__ Summer__X__ Every Semester__X__ Other_________________
Syllabus last reviewed by: ____ Date:____________
Curriculum Committee: ____ Date:____________
An individual classroom syllabus for this course must include as much of the following information as is applicable:
Basic Information about Course and Instructor
Semester and Year
Course and Section Number: [e.g., FIR 104-001]
Meeting Times and Locations:
Instructor:
Office Location:
Phone:
Departmental Secretary: [optional]
Office Hours:
Email Address:
Course Description
FIR 104 – Fire Tactics and Strategy This course provides an in-depth analysis of the principles of fire control
through utilization of personnel, equipment, and extinguishing agents on the fire ground. Emphasis is on pre-fire
planning, fire ground problem-solving, and decision-making in support of tactical deployment and strategic use of
available resources.
3 lectures, 3 credits
Prerequisites: FIR 101
C-requisites: None
Student Learning Objectives: As a result of meeting the requirements in this course, students will be able to
1. To demonstrate (verbal and written) knowledge of fire behavior and the chemistry of fire.
2. To articulate the main components of pre-fire planning and identify steps during a pre-fire plan
review.
3. To recall the basics of building construction and how they interrelate to pre-fire planning.
4. To recall major steps taken during “size up” (initial incident assessment) , and identify the order in
which they will take place at an incident.
5. To recognize and articulate the importance of fire ground communications.
6. To create within the students a sense of organization and confidence when faced with a tactical situation of
the fire ground.
7. To identify the numerous key factors requiring recognition and consideration when planning strategy and
tactics.
8. To identify the various major tasks that must be performed at a structure fire and the various tactic al options
available and the resources needed.
9. To build within the student a respect for the dangers of firefighting and identify some safety/survival
practices.
10. Identify and define the main functions within the ICS system and how they interrelate
during an incident.
11. Identify and analyze the major causes involved in line of duty firefighter deaths related to
health, wellness, fitness, and vehicle operation.
Means of Assessment:
Instructors will distribute grading rubrics for all written assignments.
1. Students will be able to define the concepts and basic nomenclature (including Incident Command System) utilized in
the fire ground and in other critical incidents, and will be able to describe the relationship between pre-fire planning
and the effective and efficient use of personnel, equipment, and apparatus. This knowledge will be assessed
through active engagement in class discussions, on objective and written examinations, and/or in writing
assignments.
2. Students will be expected to state the major steps in “sizing up”, and identify the order in which they take place at an
incident. Furthermore students will identify the key factors requiring recognition and consideration when planning
strategy and tactics. Students will demonstrate their knowledge of “size up” through class discussions, on objective
and written examinations, and/or in writing assignments.
3. Students will be able to describe the chemical reaction identified as fire, and be able to explain the fire triangle, fire
tetrahedron, heat transfer, stages of fire and fire classification. Students will demonstrate their knowledge of this
concept through active engagement in class discussions, on objective and written examinations, and/or in writing
assignments.
4. Students will be expected to describe the various major tasks that are performed at structural fires and the various
tactical options available, and the role of communications in effective and efficient use of resources. Students will
demonstrate their knowledge of this material through active engagement in class discussions, on objective and written
examinations, and/or in writing assignments.
5. Students will be expected to recognize the dangers of firefighting, identify some appropriate safety and survival
practices, and identify the major causes of in line of duty fire fighter deaths. This knowledge will be assessed
through active engagement in class discussions, on objective and written examinations, and/or in writing
assignments.
6. Given different scenarios, the student will set up an ICS, call for appropriate resources and bring the
scenario to a mitigated or controlled conclusion.
Course Content
1. As an introduction to fire fighting tactics and strategy, students will be introduced to
concepts and applications of theory and practice in the effective use of personnel,
equipment, and apparatus in fire control.
2. This course serves as a foundation for advanced tactical fire science courses.
3. Various aspects of the fire fighting function of the profession are explored, including occupation
specialties, career opportunities, the need for profession development and academic education, and
the multiplicity of tasks required by the fire fighter and incident commanders to meet demands of
the public for protection and to satisfy the mandates of government.
4. The course will focus on pre-fire planning, fire ground problem-solving, and decision-making in
support of tactical deployment and strategic use of available resources.
Topic headings in this course.
1. Fire Chemistry Terms and Concepts
2. Extinguishing Equipment
3. Visual Perception & “Size Up”
4. Pre-Fire Planning
5. Engine company Operations
6. Ladder Company Operations
7. Forcible Entry
8. Ventilation
9. Basic Divisions of Tactics
10. Search & Rescue
11. Exposures
12. Confinement
13. Ventilation
14. FAST Team Concept
15. Structural Collapse
16. Homeland Security
Special Features of the Course
E.g., the use of learning technologies in the course (Internet, PowerPoint, etc.); the inclusion of technological
literacy and/or information literacy learning in the course; etc.
Course Texts and/or Other Study Materials
Required Text:
Fire Officers Handbook of Tactics, 3rd. John Norman, Pennwell Publishers, 2005.
ISBN 1-59370-061
Research, Thinking, Writing, and/or Examination Requirement(s)
All students in the Fire Tactics and Strategy course will engage in one or more written assignments. These
assignments may be essay questions on one or more tests, an essay test, or a short written report based on outside
readings or activities.
Students should be encouraged through classroom activities to think about, analyze, and use basic fire science
nomenclature in the analysis of fire protection issues. Memorization of key concepts and theories should be thought
of as the first, not the final, stage of learning significant course materials.
Grading Policy
In determining a student’s semester grade, a minimum of three, and preferably more, grading mechanisms should be
employed. Multiple choice, matching, fill-in, true/false, and short answer questions are appropriate. Term projects
and research reports may be utilized, as well as essay questions based on outside readings should be considered. If a
web site for the course is developed (this is encouraged), students may also be evaluated on the basis of their
participation in online discussions. Online exams are acceptable, if they are one of several assessment tools.
Grading System:
Students will be presented with a grading system for the course on the first day of the semester. The grading system
will include, at a minimum, two or three components:
1. A scale for determining grades A-F, such as the following:
a. A = an average of 90 or higher
b. B+ = an average between 87 and 89
c. B = an average between 80 and 86
d. C+ = an average between 77 and 79
e. C = an average between 70 and 76
f. D = an average between 65 and 60
g. F = an average lower than a 65
2. An explanation for the value of course components can include as per the following:
a. 16 quizzes: chapter quiz given weekly 15% of final grade.
b. Various homework assignments 15% of final grade.
c. A Term paper: represents 20% of final grade.
d. attendance/participation represents 10% of final grade,
e. a mid term examination 20% of final grade
f. A final exam represents 20% of final grade.
Attendance Policy
BCC Attendance Policy:
All students are expected to attend punctually every scheduled meeting of each course in which they are registered.
Attendance and lateness policies and sanctions are to be determined by the instructor for each section of each course.
These will be established in writing on the individual course outline. Attendance will be kept by the instructor for
administrative and counseling purposes.
College, Divisional, and/or Departmental Policy Statements
Students are expected to review and follow the following policies.
Code of Student Conduct.
Statement on plagiarism and/or academic dishonesty.
ADA statement.
Sexual Harassment statement.
Statement on acceptable use of BCC technology.
Statement on the purpose and value of faculty office hours.
Student and Faculty Support Services
The distance Learning
Office-for any problems
you may have accessing
your online courses
Room C-334
210-612-5581
psimms@bergen.edu
Smart thinking Tutorial
Service
On Line at: www.bergen.edu/library/learning/tutor/smart/index.
asp
The Tutoring Center Room L-125 201-447-7908
The Writing Center Room L-125 201-447-7908
The Online Writing Lab
(OWL)
On Line at: www.bergen.edu/owl
The Office of Specialized
Services (for Students with
Disabilities)
Room S-131 201-612-5270
www.bergen.edu/oss
The Sidney Silverman
Library
Room L-226 201-447-7436
Course Outline and Calendar
UNIT TOPIC ASSIGNMENT
Week 1 General Principles of Fire Fighting and
Extinguishing Equipment
Fire Officers Handbook of Tactics,
3rd. John Norman, Pennwell
Publishers Chapter 1.
Week 2 Size-Up Fire Officers Handbook of Tactics,
3rd. John Norman, Pennwell
Publishers Chapter 2.
Quiz 1-Chapter 1
Week 3 Engine Company Operations Fire Officers Handbook of Tactics,
3rd. John Norman, Pennwell
Publishers Chapter 3.
Quiz 2 Chapter 2
Week 3 Hoseline Selection, Stretching and
Placement
Fire Officers Handbook of Tactics,
3rd. John Norman, Pennwell
Publishers Chapter 4.
Week 4 Water Supply Fire Officers Handbook of Tactics,
3rd. John Norman, Pennwell
Publishers Chapter 5.
Quiz 3 Chapter 3 & 4
Week 5 Sprinkler Systems and Standpipe
Operations
Fire Officers Handbook of Tactics,
3rd. John Norman, Pennwell
Publishers Chapter 6.
Quiz 5 Chapter 5
Week 6 Ladder Company Operations Fire Officers Handbook of Tactics,
3rd. John Norman, Pennwell
Publishers Chapter 7.
Quiz 6 Chapter 6
Week 7 Forcible Entry Fire Officers Handbook of Tactics,
3rd. John Norman, Pennwell
Publishers Chapter 8.
Quiz 7 Chapter 7
Week 8 Ventilation Fire Officers Handbook of Tactics,
3rd. John Norman, Pennwell
Publishers Chapter 9.
Quiz 8 Chapter 8
Week 9 Search and Rescue Fire Officers Handbook of Tactics,
3rd. John Norman, Pennwell
Publishers Chapter 10.
Quiz 9 Chapter 9
Week 9 Midterm Fire Officers Handbook of Tactics,,
3rd. John Norman, Pennwell
Publishers Chapters 1-10
Week 10 Firefighter Safety and Survival Fire Officers Handbook of Tactics,
3rd. John Norman, Pennwell
Publishers Chapter 11.
Week 10 Private Dwellings Fire Officers Handbook of Tactics,
3rd. John Norman, Pennwell
Publishers Chapter 12.
Quiz 10 Chapter 11
Week 11 Multiple Dwellings Fire Officers Handbook of Tactics,
3rd. John Norman, Pennwell
Publishers Chapter 13.
Quiz 11 Chapter 12
Week 11 Garden Apartments Fire Officers Handbook of Tactics,
3rd. John Norman, Pennwell
Publishers Chapter 14.
Week 12 Store Fires- Taxpayers and Strip Malls Fire Officers Handbook of Tactics,
3rd. John Norman, Pennwell
Publishers Chapter 15.
Quiz 12 Chapters 13 &14
Week 12 Term Paper Due Date
Week 13 High-rise Office Buildings Fire Officers Handbook of Tactics,
3rd. John Norman, Pennwell
Publishers Chapter 16.
Quiz 13 Chapter 15
Week 13 Buildings under construction,
Renovation and Demolition
Fire Officers Handbook of Tactics,
3rd. John Norman, Pennwell
Publishers Chapter 17.
Week 14 Fire Related Emergencies Fire Officers Handbook of Tactics,
3rd. John Norman, Pennwell
Publishers Chapter 18.
Quiz 14 Chapter 16 & 17
Week 15 Structural Collapse Fire Officers Handbook of Tactics,
3rd. John Norman, Pennwell
Publishers Chapter 19.
Quiz 15 Chapter 18
Week 15 Fire Department Roles in Terrorism
and Homeland Security
Fire Officers Handbook of Tactics,
3rd. John Norman, Pennwell
Publishers Chapter 20.
Quiz 16 Chapter 19
Week 16 Final Exam Fire Officers Handbook of Tactics,,
3rd. John Norman, Pennwell
Publishers
Chapters 11-20
Note to Students: This Course Outline and Calendar is tentative and subject to change, depending upon the progress of the
class.
Term Paper:
Select one of the following fire reports and determine what strategies were developed to control the
fire.
• Hackensack Ford, 1988, Hackensack, New Jersey
• Waldbaum’s Fire 1978, New York City
• High-rise Office Building Fire, One Meridian Plaza, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• World Trade Center 2001, New York, New York
• Furniture Warehouse Fire, Charleston, South Carolina
• Birmingham Bombing 1998, Birmingham, Alabama
NOTE: Other topics will be allowed at the discretion of the Instructor.
What tactics were used to meet the strategies?
What was the ICS structure that was used?
Based on what you read would you have done something different regarding strategies, tactics, and
ICS and what would they have been.
Lessons learned.