Policy Text
Court Security Division P age 1 of 3 5/07 (REV 6/11)
Critical Incidents: F ire Suppression Plan
The purpose of this Operations Or der is to outline policies and procedures to follow in
the event a fire occurs at any Sac ramento County Superior Court facility.
I. Policy
Court Security personnel shall be familiar with the fire contro l system at their assigned
facility including the location of emergency exits, fire alarm devices, and fire
extinguishers. In addition, C ourt Security personnel shall res pond to fire emergencies in
a manner that will maintain the security of the facility and en sure the safety of the public,
court staff, and inmates. II. Authority for Compliance
A. Fire suppression pr e-planning shall incl ude a written plan f or regular fire
prevention inspections, an evac uation plan, and temporary housi ng of
inmates in the case of fire.
1. California Code of Regulatio ns (CCR), Title 15, Division 1, Chapter
1, Subchapter 4, Minimum (Jail) Standards for Local Detention
Facilities, Article 3, Section 1032.
III. Fire Control Systems
A. Alarm Devices
1. Each facility has automatic detention devices and manual ala rm
pull stations strategically loc ated throughout the structure.
a. The automatic devices incl ude smoke detectors and heat
sensing detectors.
b. Activation of an automatic o r manual fire detection device
will sound an audible alarm thro ughout the facility and trigger
an alarm in Court Control.
c. For those facilities so equip ped, ceiling-mounted sprinkler
systems will activate a water flow alarm once a sprinkler head has been set in motion.
B. Suppression Devices
Court Security Division P age 2 of 3 5/07 (REV 6/11) 1. Ceiling-mounted sprinkler heads are strategically located
throughout the structure to supply water to specific areas affe cted
by fire heat.
2. Portable fire extinguishers are tactically located throughou t each
structure as a rapid fi rst line of defense.
3. Standpipes are located within the Gordon D. Schaber Courthou se.
These fire hose bundles are not connected to a domestic water
source and must be c harged with water from an outside source an d
pumped into the system by the fire department.
C. Fire Containment Devices
1. Individual work areas are cons tructed with fire-rated walls and
doors that prevent rapid spread of fire and smoke throughout th e
structure.
2. Most facilities have fire act ivated magnetic door openers. These
devices allow hallway doors to stand open during normal conditions, but during fire ala rm activation the doors are rele ased
so they close automatically ther eby preventing the spread of fi re
and toxic smoke.
3. Fire stairwells are sealed staircases generally located at a ll four
corners of each structure. Thes e stairwells allo w rapid evacua tion
without the danger of severe smoke inhalation.
D. Maintenance
1. The Administration Office of t he Courts (AOC) is responsible for the
maintenance and the annual testi ng of the fire control system.
IV. Initial Response
A. Minor Fire
1. Any employee who discovers a minor fire shall:
a. Activate the nearest fire alarm device. b. Contact Court Control and advise:
(1) The location of the fire. (2) Need for additional officers. (3) The need for medical assistance, if required.
c. If feasible, attempt to contro l the fire with a portable fir e
extinguisher.
Court Security Division P age 3 of 3 5/07 (REV 6/11) B. Major Fire
1. Any employee who discove rs a major fire shall:
a. Activate the nearest fire alarm device. b. Contact Court Control and advise:
(1) The location of the fire. (2) The need for additional officers. (3) The need for medical assistance, if required.
c. Begin evacuation from the i mmediate area and render first
aid.
C. Court Control
1. In all fire emergencies, Court Control shall:
a. Immediately contac t the fire department.
b. Notify the facility Sergeant. c. Notify Court administration. d. Maintain a log of events and make notations of times.
e. Monitor cameras and operate se curity doors to assist with
rescue operations.
D. Facility Sergeant
1. Notify the Commander, Assist ant Commander, and/or Satellite
Facilities Commander.
2. Determine the need to evacuat e and close the entire facility .
3. Request additional resources as needed:
a. Patrol b. Outside Agencies
4. Begin the “Notification R equirement” per General Order 7/04.
E. Upon conclusion of the incide nt, the facility Sergeant shall be responsible
for the completion of a crime or incident report.