Side Charlie Report

A building has 6 sides and it’s important to evaluate conditions on each of these sides throughout fireground operations.  Evaluating these conditions allows implementation of sound fireground tactics.  In the past few years, there have been  several fires in the Metropolitan Washington DC area where evaluation of conditions viewed from side Charlie has proved critical to the success or failure of fireground operations. I am going to briefly discuss the importance of giving a proper report of conditions on the Charlie side and what it really entails.

I’m not hear to tell you who gives a report from side Charlie, but rather to reiterate that somebody needs to give a report from side Charlie.  Different systems utilize different companies for this task and have valid reasons for the way they operate.  Simply stating “side Charlie is clear” is not a side Charlie report!  I hear this way too often, and often times it is an inaccurate statement.  I went to a fire the other night and that radio transmission was made, when in fact there was fire throughout the second floor and attic.  With that said, how was side Charlie clear?  At the same time, I don’t expect anyone to give a ten minute dissertation, of which nine minutes and forty five seconds was wasted air time.

Obviously the quicker we implement tactics, the better chance of a successful outcome we have.  Like everything else in the fire service, with experience and practice, you are able to carry out tasks more efficiently and quickly.   With that said, it’s good habit to give a side Charlie report on all reported house and building fires, appliance fires, odors of smoke, chimney fires, etc.  Obviously it’s impractical for the first Engine officer to give a report of side Charlie at a warehouse or big box store, but somebody needs to do it!

So what does the side Charlie report consist of?  For different buildings and occupancies it will vary but there are some constants.  Identify the number of floors in the rear.  Often due to grade changes there are a different number of floors accessible in the front and rear.   Identify fire conditions.  Is the exterior of the building burning?  Is there smoke or fire issuing from the first floor, while companies have committed to the second floor?  Is it an auto off to the rear of the building and not actually the building on fire?  Identify sub-floor access.  Does it have a walk out or walk up basement?  Are there indications of fire in the sub floor areas?  Identify any special hazards.  Are there power lines down?  Are there pressurized gas containers involved or exposed?  Are there bars on windows?  Are there exposure issues?  Is there a large addition on the rear of the building, otherwise not visible from the front? Are there numerous electrical meters on the exterior of the building, indicating separate occupancies and more occupants than generally expected?

The actions I have listed above can be completed and communicated in a timely manner on any fireground and will allow for better implementation of tactics.  Remember, the fireground is a dynamic environment and conditions are subject to change and changes should be communicated.   By completing a quick and proper side Charlie report, we increase our chances of successfully combating fires and doing so in an efficient manner.