
Aircraft Fire
Applying National Operational Guidance to incident types. Identify the knowledge, control measures and actions needed to combat the hazards you face.
Applying National Operational Guidance to incident types. Identify the knowledge, control measures and actions needed to combat the hazards you face.
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
Identify fuel type (hydrocarbon, LPG, electric, hybrid, hydrogen), fuel spillages and potential ignition sources
Identify vehicle construction materials, pressurised air systems, hydraulics and refrigerants
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
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Debrief personnel that have withdrawn from a working area during an incident to gain operational intelligence and safety-related information
Maintain situational awareness and identify changes during the incident through active monitoring and regular briefings
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
Use local knowledge 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
Establish 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
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)
Request sufficient and appropriate additional resources
Consider requesting appropriate specialist advice
Consider requesting specialist resources from own or neighbouring fire and rescue services, or partner agencies
Inform and/or seek advice from environment agencies and/or sewage undertakers where necessary
Consider whether operational resources can be released from the incident
Regularly update the fire control room on the availability status of operational resources
Identify the safest access route, rendezvous points (RVPs) and marshalling areas, and communicate to all responders and the fire control room
Develop and organise a water/media management strategy or nominate a water officer
Consider requesting assistance from the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC)
Identify the safest access route, rendezvous points (RVPs) and marshalling areas, and communicate to all responders and the fire control room
Consider requesting appropriate facilities for the welfare of personnel
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
Identify the extent of the wreckage trail / slide path and the associated risk to responders and others
Consider the effects of geography on equipment logistics, casualties and the welfare of personnel
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
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
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
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
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
Implement and monitor appropriate stabilisation methods for the mode of transport, taking into account the required operational activity
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
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
Approach the vicinity of the incident cautiously and at slow speed, to minimise the risk of collisions
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 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
Implement measures to maintain access and egress during the incident
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 personnel have access to the appropriate PPE
Consider task rotation when personnel are carrying out manual handling tasks
Manage their working environment and workload to mitigate the effects of stress and fatigue, and to optimise their personal resilience
Consider using machinery or other equipment to assist with manual handling
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
Comply with service protocols when handling substances that are hazardous to health
Ensure personnel cover open wounds, cuts and grazes with a waterproof dressing prior to operational activity
Comply with hygiene arrangements and do not eat, drink, smoke or vape
Restrict the access of persons to premises or a place if they reasonably believe an emergency to have occurred
Why? | Expectations? | Benefit vs Risk? |
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
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
Minimise the impact of the incident and fire service actions on any identified environmental risk
Consider the JESIP principles at all incidents involving multi-agency operations
Consider taking action to prevent a serious escalation of the incident
Secure the scene to ensure evidence is preserved for internal and external investigations
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
Carry out a dynamic risk assessment, identify hazards, evaluate risk and implement safe systems of work
Declare the tactical mode and communicate to personnel at the incident ground and in the fire control room
Carry out and formally record analytical risk assessments at suitable intervals
Establish emergency arrangements appropriate to the type, size and complexity of the incident
Consider taking action to prevent a serious escalation of the incident
Protect surrounding environment and infrastructure from thermal radiation and fire spread
Apply the firefighter safety maxim and safe person principles at incidents
Identify and communicate the hazard area and establish a safe working area as soon as is practicable
Use situational awareness to anticipate the likely development of the incident and evaluate the potential consequences of a range of actions
Develop and communicate an incident plan to relevant personnel, including the fire control room
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
Apply the joint decision model process to ensure effective joint decision-making at multi-agency incident
Identify the need to evacuate and develop a strategy in liaison with partner agencies
Establish an appropriate muster point and communicate its location to all personnel, and other responders if present
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
Consider the appropriate speed of intervention to limit fire development
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'
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
Establish and resource a casualty care point
Instigate and communicate hygiene arrangements, facilities and consider decontamination
Implement an appropriate protection plan when an identified nature conservation site is at risk
Establish incident ground communications considering working environment and infrastructure
Establish communications with the Aerodrome RFFS, CAA, AAIB or other relevant agencies
Establish resilient telecommunications with other responding agencies and consider talk groups
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
Identify the safest access route, rendezvous points (RVPs) and marshalling areas, and communicate to all responders and the fire control room
Communicate any change in the tactical mode of a sector of the incident to personnel at the incident ground and in the fire control room
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
Regularly pass information to fire control regarding incident progress
Establish an appropriate muster point and communicate its location to all personnel, and other responders if present
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
Ensure that appropriate inner and outer cordons are established and communicated following an assessment of risk to all people present
Consider establishing an equipment, tool, debris or personnel areas
Form their command structure in accordance with the priorities and demands of an incident
Ensure that appropriate inner and outer cordons are established and communicated following an assessment of risk to all people present
Control access to the inner cordon using methods proportionate to the type, 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
Consider establishing a forward control point
Commit only minimum number of essential personnel to hazard area
Be prepared to adopt a leadership role at multi-agency incidents
Establish a scene access control point to log all people 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 competences
Record the details of the transfer of command; this should be done at the incident ground and in the fire control room
Instigate a safety sector at large or complex incidents under the control of a safety sector commander
Implement exclusion zones if intolerable risks to safety are identified
Request police assistance to establish a traffic cordon or air exclusion zone if necessary
Request an air exclusion zone through the appropriate authority if required
Maintain effective command and control in an emergency situation
Carry out a roll call of personnel at the scene following an emergency evacuation of responders
Communicate the tactical withdrawal and emergency evacuation arrangements to all personnel
Ensure that hazards, potential hazards and control measures are identified when handing over responsibility for health and 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
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, potential hazards and control measures are identified when handing over responsibility for health and safety to the responsible person
Consider taking appropriate steps to secure premises or vehicles after access or entry has been gained by force
Follow service protocols for reporting concerns about the mental or physical well-being of themselves or other individuals
Follow service protocols for reporting concerns about the mental or physical well-being of themselves or other individuals
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