Aircraft Fire

Include all incident actions

Incident information

Make a safe approach at an appropriate speed and consider wreckage, casualties, fuel spills, animals etc.
Confirm and communicate the exact location of the incident (On aerodrome, off site, remote)
Liaise with aerodrome regarding RVP and airside access for vehicles
Identify type and size of aircraft (e.g. military, helicopter, passenger, drone)
Identify the number of passengers, contents, cargo and any hazardous materials information
Confirm and communicate the involvement, number and severity of any casualties (persons or animals)
Identify fuel type (hydrocarbon, LPG, electric, hybrid, hydrogen), fuel spillages and potential ignition sources
Identify vehicle construction materials, pressurised air systems, hydraulics and refrigerants
All incident information:
Gather information from available sources to gain accurate situational awareness and understanding
Question the responsible person, other responders and witnesses to understand incident factors and history
Confirm and communicate the involvement, number and severity of any casualties (persons or animals)
Ensure that a scene survey is carried out at the earliest opportunity
Access any operational or site specific risk information (SSRI) and confirm accuracy
Debrief crews that have withdrawn from a working area during an incident to gain operational intelligence
Maintain situational awareness and identify changes during the incident through active monitoring and regular briefings
Further incident information
- Access past, present and future weather information from sources such as the Met Office
- Investigate the scene looking for indicators of occupancy considering seating and standing capacities
- For onsite incidents access the aerodrome emergency plan
- Consider using a range of thermal imaging resources such as aerial appliances, drones and helicopters
- All incident information:
- Use local knowledge, topography and map reading skills to aid navigation to an incident
- Ensure that tracks and pathways are suitable for fire service vehicles
- Consider the least damaging routes to incidents and where possible, stay on marked paths and tracks
- Consider Step 1-2-3 Plus: Safety Triggers for Emergency Personnel
- Access past, present and future weather information from sources such as the Met Office
- Ascertain the availability of pre-arranged evacuation strategies and policies
- Consider pollution prevention information contained within site specific risk plans
- Seek advice from landowners and other bodies on susceptible areas of the environment
- Review situational awareness following an emergency evacuation or tactical withdrawal
- Identify any hazardous materials signage and other indicators as part of scene survey

Resource information

Secure sufficient firefighting media to enable the fire to be fully extinguished
Consider the evacuation of people at the scene to a relative place of safety as part of the tactical plan
Consider requesting specialist resources to transport people and equipment to the scene
Confirm that required agencies have been requested or notified (e.g. Police, Ambulance, environmental agencies)
Consider requesting resources from Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Service (RFFS)
All incident information:
Request sufficient resources to implement initial actions, the incident plan and support contingency plan
Consider requesting the attendance of a competent person, subject matter expert or tactical adviser
Consider resources that may be available from neighbouring fire and rescue services and partner agencies
Inform and/or seek advice from environment agencies and/or sewage undertakers where necessary
Consider whether appliances, personnel, equipment and other resources can be released from the incident
Regularly update fire control on the availability status of appliances and other resources
Further resource information
- Identify best access route, rendezvous point (RVP) and marshalling area and communicate to all responders
- Develop and organise a water / media management strategy or nominate a water officer
- Consider requesting assistance from the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC)
- All incident information:
- Identify best access route, rendezvous point (RVP) and marshalling area and communicate to all responders
- Consider requesting facilities for the welfare of crews deployed at protracted incidents
- Consider the availability of pollution control equipment and/or pollution containment facilities on site
- Make use of specialist fire and rescue service or on-site environmental protection equipment
- Consider the appointment of a HMA (or equivalent) to oversee environmental protection activities
- Consider requesting assistance from military agencies

Risk information

Difficult access and egress
- Identify the extent of the wreckage trail / slide path and the associated risk to responders and others
- Consider a range of means of accessing incident including the use of specialist vehicles
- Define routes using physical barriers and clearly illuminate where there is reduced visibility
- Consider the effects of geography on equipment logistics, casualties and crew welfare
Power and electrical systems
- Ensure vehicle power or fuel source is isolated by removing keys or operate emergency shut-offs when safe to do so
- Identify and isolate active aircraft control systems in liaison with specialist advice
- Identify the presence and type of electrical systems in the mode of transport
- Identify jet engines hazard zones (intake & exhaust), establish and communicate appropriate cordons
- Identify any rotating propellers and helicopter blades, establish and communicate avoidance routes
Fire and thermal radiation
- Position vehicles anticipating fire development, thermal radiation, collapse, smoke and other hazards
- Use the appropriate extinguishing method, media, techniques and equipment
- Ensure that Firefighting PPE is worn in accordance with service risk assessment, procedures and training
Smoke and fire gases
- Access past, present and future weather information from sources such as the Met Office
- Adopt an upwind approach to smoke plumes and fire gases, and to avoid where possible
- Ensure that all personnel wear the type of RPE identified by service risk assessments, procedures and training
- Consider the risks in the downwind protection zone, such as buildings with high-risk or high-dependency members of the public
Fuel
- Identify the presence and type of unburned fuel and assess the risk to casualties and responding personnel
- Ensure vehicle power or fuel source is isolated by removing keys or operate emergency shut-offs when safe to do so
- Control ignition sources and use intrinsically safe tools and equipment where fuel is not contained
- Consider using foam blanketing to reduce vapours from uncontained fuel
- Avoid fuel soaked ground
- Consider requesting specialist advice or assistance for atmospheric monitoring
Undercarriage and on-board systems
- Approach considering the risk of wheel assembly failure and establish a hub disintegration exclusion zone
- Consider escape slide deployment when establishing cordons
- Identify and communicate the presence of an aircraft ballistic recovery system and its state to emergency service personnel
- Identify helicopter flotation devices and/or Automatically Deployable Emergency Locator Transmitters
- Make ejection seats safe using approved techniques following specialist advice
Aircraft construction and contents
- Identify materials and systems used within a vehicle and communicate to all emergency responders
- Identify and communicate hazards relating to pressurised systems to all responders
- Identify the design and construction of the mode of transport, and the most appropriate tools for gaining access to it
- Assess the weight of the object, its stability and its impact on the mode of transport and any casualties
- Consider removing or stabilising vehicle contents if they are likely to hamper response
Unstable aircraft
- Implement and monitor appropriate stabilisation methods for the mode of transport, taking into account the required operational activity
- Consider appointing safety officers to monitor the stability of the mode of transport, and the impact of operational activity on this
- Maintain an escape route for emergency responders in case the mode of transport moves
- Assess and communicate hazards relating to instability to all emergency responders
Military aircraft
- Seek advice from the appropriate military adviser at the earliest opportunity
- Manage or restrict the use of electronic communication devices unless approved by military advisers
- Implement cordons of 400m for military aircraft or 800m for military aircraft with ordnance
- Consider risk from on-board ordnance, munitions, aircraft assisted escape systems (AAES), guidance systems and arresting systems
Hazardous materials
- Approach the vicinity of the incident cautiously and at slow speed
- Identify any hazardous materials signage and other indicators as part of scene survey
- Ensure that appropriate inner and outer cordons are established following an assessment of the risk to crews, other agencies and the public
- Identify whether the incident should be reclassified as a hazardous materials response
Fire water run off
- Consider seeking specialist advice from a HMA on remedial action for spillages and fire water run off
- Request advice from appropriate environmental protection agencies
- Attempt to control pollution using a Source – Pathway - Receptor model
All incident information:
Working environment
- Identify bodies of water, unstable ground and risks of falling from height in working environment
- Consider the effect of weather conditions and time of day on the working environment
- Ensure that all personnel are briefed on the current hazards, risks, control measures and tactical mode
- Establish and maintain safe means of access to and egress from scene of operations at all times
- Establish, identify and communicate safe traffic routes, establish clear zones and equipment points
- Provide lighting to illuminate hazards to personnel in poorly lit environments
- Ensure that all personnel wear the level of PPE identified by service risk assessments, procedures and training
Weather conditions
- Monitor personnel for signs and symptoms of fatigue, dehydration, heat or cold stress
- Consider task rotation when personnel are carrying out manual handling tasks
- Consider relief and welfare arrangements to reduce the effects of stress and fatigue on themselves and others
- Instigate appropriate medical interventions if personnel show signs and symptoms of physiological stress
Noise
- Consider isolating sources of noise
- Keep the number of people exposed to the hazard at a minimum and reduce time of exposure through personnel rotation
- Ensure personnel wear appropriate hearing protectors
Heavy and bulky objects
- Consider using machinery or other equipment to assist with manual handling risk
- Request additional or specialist resources to assist with manual handling tasks
- Consider the task, individual capabilities, load and environment (TILE) when carrying out risk assessments for manual handling
- Ensure personnel adopt the provided safe system of manual handling
Moving vehicles
- Be vigilant and co-operate with service procedures relating to vehicle movements
- Position appliances to fend-off vehicles and use warning signs, lights and cones
- Consider taking steps to minimise the risk of collisions
Animals
- Avoid, contain or control animals if necessary
- Request support with managing animals from owners, keepers, police, vets or welfare organisations
Hazardous materials
- Identify whether the incident should be reclassified as a hazardous materials response
- Remove unaffected chemicals from the hazard area if safe to do so
- Comply with service protocols when handling substances that are hazardous to health
- Ensure open wounds, cuts and grazes are covered by a waterproof dressing
- Comply with hygiene arrangements and do not eat, drink, smoke or vape
Body fluids
- Avoid contact with body fluids where possible
- Isolate or cover body fluids following casualty removal
- Wear body fluid gloves and cover broken skin with waterproof dressing
- Instigate decontamination procedures following exposure of personnel and equipment to body fluids
Distressing or traumatic scenes
- Minimise number of personnel exposed to traumatic scenes where possible
- Handover responsibility for traumatic incidents to an appropriate agency where the fire service does not have primacy
- Erect screens to restrict the view of traumatic scenes
Violence and aggression
- Consider adopting defensive tactics if people are displaying unpredictable, aggressive, violent or illegal behaviour
- Request police support at incidents involving violence and aggression towards crews

Powers, policies and procedures

All incident information:
Consider the legal exemptions in relation to environmental protection i.e.
- A discharge is made in an emergency to avoid danger to human health
- All reasonably practicable steps were taken to minimise pollution
- The relevant environment agency is informed of the incident as soon as possible
Enter premises or a place, by force if necessary, without the consent of the owner or occupier of the premises:
- if they reasonably believe an emergency to have occurred
- if they reasonably believe a fire to have broken out or to be about to break out
- for the purpose of extinguishing or preventing the fire or protecting life or property
- NB Does not apply to Crown property (including ministry of defence) and diplomatic or consular premises
- NB The Master of the ship (or delegated officer) of a merchant vessel must give permission to board
Restrict the access of persons to premises or a place if they reasonably believe an emergency to have occurred
Enter premises or a place, by force if necessary, without the consent of the owner or occupier of the premises:
- if they reasonably believe an emergency to have occurred
- if they reasonably believe a fire to have broken out or to be about to break out
- for the purpose of extinguishing or preventing the fire or protecting life or property
- NB Does not apply to Crown property (including ministry of defence) and diplomatic or consular premises
- NB The Master of the ship (or delegated officer) of a merchant vessel must give permission to board

Why?

Expectations?

Benefit vs Risk?

Objectives

Maintain the safety of all personnel, other responders and the public
Save life and reduce harm
Prevent escalation, contain and extinguish the fire considering all ignition sources
All incident information:
Maintain the safety of all personnel, other responders and the public
Save life and reduce harm
Minimise the impact of the incident and fire service actions on any identified environmental risk
Promote community recovery and restore normal operations
Further objectives
- Promote community recovery and restore normal operations
- Minimise the impact of the incident and fire service actions on any identified environmental risk
- All incident information:
- Consider the JESIP principles at all incidents involving multi-agency operations
- Consider taking action to prevent a serious escalation of the incident
- Protect Critical National Infrastructure and/or local critical infrastructure
- Secure the scene to ensure evidence is preserved for internal and external investigations

Tactical priorities

Establish a safe working environment for fire crews and other responders
Improve survivability by protecting escape routes and preventing fire from spreading to fuselage
Carry out any rescues or lifesaving actions
Consider taking action to prevent a serious escalation of the incident
All incident information:
Carry out a dynamic risk assessment, identify hazards, evaluate risk and implement safe systems of work
Declare the tactical mode and communicate to all personnel and fire control
Instigate the completion of an analytical risk assessment and record significant findings
Establish emergency arrangements appropriate to the size and complexity of the incident
Further tactical priorities
- Consider taking action to prevent a serious escalation of the incident
- Protect surrounding environment and infrastructure from thermal radiation and fire spread
- All incident information:
- Apply the firefighter safety maxim and safe person principles at operational incidents
- Identify and communicate the hazard area and establish a safe working area as soon as is practicable
- Anticipate the likely development of the incident and evaluate the potential consequences of a range of actions
- Develop and communicate an incident plan considering contingencies arrangements
- Consider the competence of individuals and teams when allocating tasks
- Regularly review and update incident plan in response to active monitoring of the situation against expected outcomes
- Review the tactical mode following active monitoring and briefings with sector commanders
- Periodically review the analytical risk assessment using situational awareness from active monitoring
- Use the Joint Decision Model to co-ordinate an effective response at multi-agency incidents
- Identify the need to evacuate and develop a strategy in liaison with partner agencies
- Communicate emergency evacuation signal and muster point arrangements to all personnel
- Secure the scene to ensure evidence is preserved for internal and external investigations
- Carry out an environmental risk assessment and monitor the impact of tactics on the identified risk
- Consider preservation of evidence when planning, communicating and implementing tactics

Operational tactics

Consider the appropriate speed of intervention to limit fire development
Select an appropriate firefighting method (i.e. cooling, smothering, starving, interrupting)
Select appropriate firefighting media (e.g. water, foam, dry powder, CO₂)
Select appropriate firefighting equipment (e.g. extinguisher, hose reel, main jet, cutting extinguisher)
Identify safe cutting zones from fuselage marking and gain access to any persons requiring rescue
Determine whether people should be advised to evacuate, shelter in place or 'stay put'
All incident information:
Gain access to premises causing minimal damage considering the urgency of the situation
Establish and resource a casualty care point
Determine whether people should be advised to evacuate, shelter in place or 'stay put'
When evacuation is necessary, identify the number of people affected and develop a plan
Further operational tactics
- Establish and resource a casualty care point
- All incident information:
- Consider the potential effects of incident development when positioning appliances
- Identify the number of casualties requiring medical attention and instigate a triage process
- Instigate and communicate hygiene arrangements, facilities and consider decontamination
- Implement an appropriate protection plan when an identified nature conservation site is at risk
- Consider cutting away to access the seat of the fire, hidden voids and compartments

Communication

Establish incident ground communications considering working environment and infrastructure
Provide a structured handover when transferring casualty to medical responders
Establish communications with the Aerodrome RFFS, CAA, AAIB or other relevant agencies
Establish resilient telecommunications with other responding agencies and consider talk groups
All incident information:
Establish and maintain an incident ground communication plan considering other agencies and remote resources
Ensure that all personnel are briefed on the current hazards, risks, control measures and tactical mode
Communicate the incident situation to other responders via fire control using the M\ETHANE message protocol
Provide a structured brief when handing over and taking over command
Communicate findings of analytical risk assessment to all personnel and other agencies
Further communication
- Establish a media liaison point and brief a nominated media liaison officer
- All incident information:
- Identify best access route, rendezvous point (RVP) and marshalling area and communicate to all responders
- Communicate any change in the tactical mode of a sector of the incident to all personnel
- Communicate objectives, priorities and tactics to be adopted in resolving the incident
- Deliver clear, concise and timely briefings to crews, command support functions and other agencies
- Ensure all personnel are aware of the incident command structure and communication strategy
- Establish a media liaison point and brief a nominated media liaison officer
- Use plain English to communicate information where a lack of common understanding exists
- Regularly pass information to fire control regarding incident progress
- Communicate emergency evacuation signal and muster point arrangements to all personnel
- Ensure that all appropriate environmental agencies are informed of the incident when required
- Use the most effective methods for communicating with people who are either directly or indirectly involved in the incident
- Communicate the incident situation to other responders via fire control using the M\ETHANE message protocol

Control

Ensure that appropriate inner and outer cordons are established, identified and communicated following an assessment of risk to crews, other agencies and the public
Consider establishing an equipment, tool, debris or personnel areas
Ensure that everyone on the incident ground is fully briefed on the current hazards, specific risks and control measures including other agencies and organisations
All incident information:
Establish an incident command structure appropriate to the likely size and complexity of the incident
Ensure that appropriate inner and outer cordons are established, identified and communicated following an assessment of risk to crews, other agencies and the public
Control access to the inner cordon using methods proportionate to the size and complexity of the incident
Appoint competent safety officers to monitor specific hazards or activities
Instigate a tactical withdrawal of personnel when the mode changes from offensive to defensive
Further control
- Consider establishing a forward control point
- Commit only minimum number of essential personnel to hazard area
- All incident information:
- Be prepared to adopt a leadership role at multi-agency incidents
- Establish a scene access control point to log all persons operating within the inner cordon when appropriate
- Consider the use of command support systems and equipment where required
- Monitor the performance of personnel and where necessary modify plans to available competencies
- Keep contemporaneous records and/or decision logs to capture key events, critical decisions and rationale
- Instigate a safety sector at large or complex incidents under the control of a safety sector commander
- Implement exclusion zones where intolerable risks to safety are identified
- Request the police to establish a traffic cordon where necessary
- Request an air exclusion zone through the appropriate authority if required
- Maintain effective command and control in an emergency situation and review incident priorities, tactics and resources
- Carry out a roll call of fire service and all other personnel at the scene following an emergency evacuation
- Communicate the tactical withdrawal and emergency evacuation arrangements to all personnel

Incident closure and handover

Ensure that hazards and risk controls are identified when handing over safety to the responsible person
Consider decontamination of personnel, PPE and equipment prior to redeployment
Avoid movement of dials, valves and controls or record original position for investigation purposes
All incident information:
Ensure that effective supervision of operational activity is maintained until the conclusion of the incident
Instigate and co-operate with post incident investigations where necessary
Ensure that hazards and risk controls are identified when handing over safety to the responsible person
Take measures to secure premises where no responsible person can be identified
Conduct a structured debrief at a level appropriate to the size of the incident
Consider community recovery protocols and arrange appropriate assistance prior to leaving the incident
Further incident closure and handover
- Follow service protocols for post incident health surveillance and monitoring
- All incident information:
- Follow service protocols for post incident health surveillance and monitoring
- Consider decontamination of personnel, PPE and equipment prior to redeployment
- Consider the welfare or shelter arrangements for people directly or indirectly affected by the incident

Aircraft Fire

Incident information

Further incident information

Resource information

Further resource information

Risk information

Difficult access and egress

Power and electrical systems

Fire and thermal radiation

Smoke and fire gases

Fuel

Undercarriage and on-board systems

Aircraft construction and contents

Unstable aircraft

Military aircraft

Hazardous materials

Fire water run off

Working environment

Weather conditions

Noise

Heavy and bulky objects

Moving vehicles

Animals

Hazardous materials

Body fluids

Distressing or traumatic scenes

Violence and aggression

Powers, policies and procedures

Objectives

Further objectives

Tactical priorities

Further tactical priorities

Operational tactics

Further operational tactics

Communication

Further communication

Control

Further control

Incident closure and handover

Further incident closure and handover

Additional information