Background

To ensure competency in performing structural firefighting, firefighters frequently train in live fire environments. Given the inherent dangers of structural firefighting, this training needs strict measures to ensure the safety of students, firefighters and instructors.

This guidance note addresses live fire training in purpose-built live fire training structures (Class A or Class B) or purpose-built live fire training trailers. Live fire training in an acquired structure should reference Guidance Note 7-5 Live fire training considerations for acquired structures.

Concerns and hazards

Training in a live fire environment, without the proper safety provisions, is as inherently dangerous as structural firefighting. While live fire training is an important component of a firefighter training program, it must be done safely.

Actions for employers

Employers should:

  • Utilize National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1403 (Standard on Live Fire Training Evolutions) to develop live fire training procedures, lesson plans, training safety plans and checklists.
  • Develop live fire training guidelines that establish all required safety measures.
  • Ensure training is delivered in accordance with an established lesson plan by qualified/competent trainers, qualified as per NFPA 1041.
  • Develop and utilize a training safety plan that formalizes all safety measures and ensure it is shared with all students and instructors.
  • Conduct a safety briefing and safety walkthrough of the building in advance of the training, and as part of it review the Training Safety Plan and ensure all students and instructors know how to identify and respond to an emergency.
  • Ensure all students and instructors have the appropriate personal protective equipment and that it is inspected prior to and after use.
  • Use effective incident command, accountability and entry control systems during live fire training and ensure all students and instructors are accounted for at all times.
  • Brief all students on any changes to radio communications outside of standard processes, confirm which radio channel the training will operate on, confirm each student is equipped with a portable radio and ensure the portable radios are functioning.
  • Establish and include in the Training Safety Plan a procedure for how a firefighter emergency will be managed (“No Duff” procedure) and that all students and instructors are familiar with it.
  • Establish and include in the Training Safety Plan a procedure on the emergency evacuation of the building if required.
  • Establish and maintain a team capable of executing a firefighter rescue in the event of a mayday (Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) or on-deck crew) and ensure that all required equipment is immediately available.
  • Ensure that patient care equipment (such, as medical bag and defibrillator) are centrally staged and that all students and instructors are aware of their location in the event they are urgently required.
  • Ensure all students and instructors are instructed to immediately report any injuries or illness.
  • Do not use people as simulated victims — instead use mannequins or other objects. Utilizing a person as a victim may cause confusion in the event of a real emergency.
  • Evaluate the quantity and types of materials to be burned, referencing NFPA 1403 for guidance, to ensure that fires are properly and safely constructed. This shall include determination of combustible materials, fuels and ignition procedures. Use fuels that have known burn characteristics and use only the amount of fuel necessary to create the desired size fire.
  • Complete a comprehensive inspection of the burn building prior to use to ensure that it is not inhabited and to confirm that it is structurally sound and there are no hazards — use a formal checklist to ensure the inspection is consistent and does not miss anything. Mitigate any hazards that are identified before training begins. Ensure all unnecessary combustibles and fuels are removed from the building and immediately adjacent area. Ensure all access/egress points are free of potential obstructions.
  • Ensure a rehabilitation sector is established that includes, at minimum, the following:
    • an area for students and instructors to dress down when assigned to rehabilitation
    • water and electrolyte drinks for students and instructors to remain hydrated
    • an area for cooling and reducing core temperatures (misting fans, cooling chairs etc.)
    • medical monitoring as part of rehabilitation
    • air monitoring at the rehabilitation area
  • Encourage all participants to pre-hydrate before training begins.
  • Ensure a decontamination sector is set-up and utilized and that all students and instructors are decontaminated prior to being assigned to rehabilitation and at the completion of training.
  • Ensure a sufficient supply of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) air cylinders are available and that respiratory protection is utilized when required.
  • Provide a reliable and sustainable water supply, and ensure a redundancy in the event that water supply suddenly fails (such as, ensuring the main pumping unit has a full tank and a second pumping unit is immediately available).
  • Utilize interior and exterior Training Safety Officers, qualified under NFPA 1521, whose function is to continually evaluate the training environment to identify hazards and changing conditions. The Training Safety Officers have the authority to alter, suspend or terminate dangerous or life-threatening operations.
  • Ensure enough participants (students and instructors) to safely and effectively complete the training and ensure the provision of RIT/On-deck, pump operator(s), entry control and Training Safety Officers.
  • Make sure participants have the appropriate equipment, knowledge and practical training prior to participating in the scenario, such as:
    • safety
    • fire behaviour
    • personal protective equipment
    • ladders
    • fire hoses and streams
    • water supply
    • ventilation
    • forcible entry
  • Engage the Joint Health and Safety Committee in live fire training planning, where possible and feasible.

Considerations

Each fire department live fire training facility, or the use of the Mobile Live Fire Training Unit, will be inherently different. All firefighters (instructors and students) who are participating in the live fire training must understand the specific operations and hazards of each facility or trailer.

Applicable regulations and acts

Relevant standards

  • NFPA 1403 — Standard on Live Fire Training Evolutions
  • NFPA 1521 — Standard for Fire Department Safety Officer Professional Qualifications

Related

Read firefighter guidance notes: