Scene survey: Fires in buildings

• Visual indications en route and on arrival
• A survey of the exterior of the building
• A survey of the location reported as being involved in the fire
• Observations from thermal imaging
• Detailed inspection of areas of interest
• Accessing concealed areas
• Surveying adjoining buildings
• Aerial assessment

In addition to the that should be gathered at all incidents when carrying out a scene survey, information that may be relevant to a fire in a building includes:

• The location of people in the building
• The location and condition of the fire including signs of:
  • External firespread
  • Fire breaching a compartment
• The condition of the building
• The location and status of access and egress routes
• The location and status of evacuation routes and refuges
• The number and location of open windows, or windows that have lost their glazing
• The presence of external cladding
• The presence of fixed installations including:
  • Firefighting shaft
  • Fire mains – including wet or dry risers
  • Hose reels
  • Firefighting lift
  • Sprinklers and drenchers
  • Gas suppression systems
• Signs of fire or smoke around the building, or in adjacent buildings
• The presence of renewable energy systems, such as photovoltaic panels

Aerial assessment

Fire and rescue services should consider making arrangements with organisations that can assist with carrying out scene surveys, including:

• National Police Air Service (NPAS)
• Police Scotland Air Support Unit (PSASU)
• Police Service of Northern Ireland Air Support Unit (PSNI ASU)
• Drone operators

Signs of occupancy

When assessing whether the building is currently occupied, personnel should consider:

• Information from fire control rooms, responsible persons and witnesses
• Time of day and occupancy type
• Signs of occupation, such as:
  • Lights, movement or noise within the property
  • The presence of vehicles associated with the property
  • Lower floor windows that have been left open

When identifying occupancy, the presence of unauthorised occupants should be considered. Signs of unauthorised habitation may include:

• Forced entry
• Illegal activity involving utilities