Structure fire response under active threat: A critical analysis of urban fire service strategies in South Texas

Abstract

Structure fire response involving an active threat creates a unique hazard for first responders, and the challenge is manifested in the varying missions and authorities of responding agencies. Specifically, when fire is combined with an active threat, the lines between law enforcement and the fire service become blurred. Moreover, history has demonstrated that structure fires involving active threats are deadly. However, fire service strategies for these events are not well understood. Still, the potential for events involving fire and active attackers continues to exist. Therefore, this study aims to develop a theoretical analysis of structure fire response under active threat conditions to inform policy and practice.

This study employs the constructivist form of grounded theory to investigate the research question, “What strategies are needed by Incident Commanders to support safe and effective structure fire response while under active threat?” To answer the question, study participants were selected from the fire service and emergency management disciplines. Specifically, data was collected from a large urban-based all-hazards fire department in South Texas with a history of high-threat response, and regional support. Also, supporting data was collected from local and regional All-Hazards Incident Management Teams (AHIMT) and emergency management coordinators in South Texas.

This study focuses on the perceptions of Incident Commanders and includes 31 semi-structured interviews and three focus groups. The combination of semi-structured interviews and focus group participants totals a sample size of 47. The data revealed five themes, supported by 15 categories and 103 concepts. The themes constructed from the data are Interoperability Needs, Incident Command System Components, Risk-based Strategies, Resource Management, and Support Functions. Finally, recommendations are provided based on the findings. The recommendations are intended to improve fire service strategies for structure fire under active threat response.