Office, Facility, or Hotel Fires Incident Management

Incident Management Guidelines

Office block, facility, or hotel fires can present unique risks depending on the operating region in which they occur. In some countries, firefighting appliances cannot reach above the third floor of a structure, presenting additional risks to the occupants. In addition, the safety standards in different countries vary, increasing the risks of fires rapidly spreading and not being brought under control by water sprinklers or other fire‐retardant appliances. For companies operating in high‐rise buildings, the ability of personnel to safely evacuate from the higher floors may also present challenges; companies should develop pragmatic and rehearsed fire drills to ensure that personnel instinctively know how to respond to protect themselves during such a crisis event. Facilities may also have additional hazards that might be triggered by a fire, including combustible materials, toxic hazards, and serious structural risks that might occur.

In the event of an office, facility, or hotel fire incident occurring, the following points should be addressed:

✓ Action Points

1. Stand up the Incident Management and Crisis Response Teams using the SAD CHALETS system.
2. Alert the emergency services, and pass on details as to the nature of the emergency as well as details on personnel, materials, secondary hazards, and casualties.
3. Determine the nature, location, and scope of the fire.
4. Determine any secondary hazards that might be present (e.g., toxic, flammable, or explosive).
5. Muster personnel, and move them to a safe location upwind of the fire and outside of any explosive hazard area.
6. Cordon off the area and prevent spectators from blocking evacuating personnel or emergency response agencies.
7. Alert adjoining buildings or facilities of the risk, and support a local evacuation of the risk area.
8. Account for missing or trapped persons, and determine where they might be.
9. Manage any casualties; apply triage where necessary.
10. Determine whether any critical information or materials might be damaged, and alert emergency responders as to the nature and rationale for exposing responders to risks in retrieving such materials.
11. Determine any threats outside of the fire event, especially in hostile environments. Apply appropriate security and safety measures to mitigate peripheral risks.
12. Apply other elements of the IMP as required.
13. Provide an IMP Risk Assessment Report or postincident report as soon as possible.

Key People to Call (see the IMP Communications Plan)

Group	Yes/No	Group	Yes/No
• Medical organization		• Organic QRF
• Military interface		• Crisis response team
• Embassy or consulate		• Security provider (vendor)
• Police, fire, or ambulance		• Other groups