here its a possible structure fire first guy on scene notifies county if it's a working fire,smoke showing,fully involved ect. we use the plain english here no tens codes or if you are listening on your minitor you can tell by the tone of the first guy on scene voice if it's a working job or roll over and go back to sleep
Same here. It is put out as a possible structure fire. Once the first unit is on scene, then it is either upgraded to a working fire, or just an investagtion. No 10 codes here.
We also use plain english. However, I think when the voice of the initial on scene OIC raises three octaves, it is enough said. Simple statements of heavy fire showing, or heavy smoke showing usually suffice to inform inbound units of a working scene
In Franklin Township... we get dispatched as "dwelling" or "structure" and once command reports "fire showing through roof" dispatched notifies 2nd alarm and it keeps upgrading from there
1st Alm is 3E, 2T, R1 Chief & 1 Squad
Addl Squad to Fire on a confirmed fire (Smoke Showing)
Working Fire Brings Another Eng, Trk & Chief over the 1st Alm.
In our department we found that doing away with the 10 codes reduced confusion. a working fire is simply stated upon unit arriving on scene as, "we have a working fire". Wrecks are classified as minor or major mva's.
It has made it alot easier using plain english on radios.
Dorchester County, MD uses plain English as well. Fire calls are dispatched as a "Structure Fire", "Dwelling Fire", or "Commercial Building Fire" depending on the information available from the caller and the person working in dispatch. Oftentimes, The term "possible" is placed before hand if the information available is sketchy.
Ordinarily, the first due company is dispatched and whatever equipment can be staffed rolls out the door. The first officer on scene will give a report to dispatch and request additional resources as deemed necessary.