Okay, I think we all agree something has to be done to better protect ourselves, from ourselves, at structure fires and as always, the devil is in the details. If it were so easy, we (the fire service) would have solved this problem decades ago. As we sit now, and have for over 30 years, W-signals are our way of establishing the required numbers of units at a scene. W1, the first arriving unit can handle, W2 requires the assistance of usually a truck company or maybe a tanker, and W3 is all hands on deck. If you need more call for additional alarms or individual companies.



For years this system has worked as we are no doubt one of the most aggressive interior firefighting departments in the country. So how do we change our philosophy without ruining our way of fighting fires? Enter W4.



Here’s a quote…” Currently we utilize the following W1, W2, and W3 signals. As you know many W3 fires are relatively routine, involving a few rooms or the back end of a mobile home. In many cases the first engine has the fire under control before the second engine gets to the hydrant but it's still going to require the full assignment for secondary search, overhaul, etc. After the first engine and ladder company make a quick knockdown there are still plenty of crews on the initial assignment to safely accomplish these tasks without taxing anyone or using multiple bottles per firefighter.

However, there are other W3 fires (commercial buildings, large homes, multi-family) that can be recognized initially as a longer-term incident. Gross decon, rehab, and crew swaps are going to be useful and should be utilized on these fires. Just as there is a "resources" difference from W2 to W3, maybe we should differentiate between the routine W3 and a prolonged incident….how about W4?”….Capt. Cliff Danley E154C



The genius is in its simplicity.



Here’s how I see it working: Nothing changes for field units and structure fires during the pre-77 phase of the incident. Now, only the IC will have prerogative to give a W4 signal to Fire Comm. This new signal will let Fire Comm & on-scene units know additional resources are going to be called for defensive operations; this is different than a 2nd alarm as those units are utilized for a fire that is yet to be under control. I would suggest all W3’s that turn into multiple alarms will end up using a W4 signal but not all W4’s are second alarms.



Here’s an example—First arriving crews can only use W1-3 signals. If it’s a W3, then the IC will have the option to call for a W4 if warranted. Command to Fire Comm, go Command. This is going to be a W4, send me two additional engines, one ladder and one rescue unit. Acknowledge.

All W4’s will trigger certain automatic sectors or groups. This would include, but not limited to, Staging, Rehab, Decon, and Overhaul.



The strength of this philosophy will rest with the IC as they are directly responsible for your safety on scene.

There is still much work to be done to get us there but I’ll leave you with this…

Every management book will tell you when giving orders to subordinates, tell them what you need, and let them figure out how to get it done as their ingenuity will surprise you. Never a truer statement.

Thank you to everyone who has been emailing me suggestions as I have been writing them all down. And a huge thank you to Capt. Danley for his suggestion on expanding on our existing protocols by using a W4 signal.



Look for Structure Fires Part 5 as we will begin to go into details further.

As always, if you have a suggestion, or thought, do not hesitate to email me with it.



Be safe and very respectfully,

Kurtis R. Wilson

Chief of Operations
Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department