Firefighters provide many services to the public and get their title from the most dangerous task they perform – fighting fires, or fire suppression.

Fire suppression falls into several categories, each with their own inherent challenges.  SFD conducts continuous training on all types of fire suppression and rescue operations to be prepared for the variety of homes, businesses, and vehicles in the Sedona area. 

Structure Fire

Structure fire, or a fire in a house, apartment, or business, is probably the most common example of fire suppression. 

Commercial and residential structure fires are vastly different due to materials, size, and space. Commercial structures include retail shops, grocery stores, restaurants, and hotels, all with differing floor plans, building materials, and flammable contents.  Residential structures include single family homes, manufactured homes, and some apartment buildings. Building and fire codes differ for commercial and residential properties, and have different training and firefighting tactics. 

A structure fire doubles in size every minute and will extend beyond the room of origin in 8 minutes, so SFD’s fire stations are strategically located throughout Sedona and the Village of Oak Creek to reduce response times. 

A strict command structure provides for accountability and safety while on an active incident, following  OSHA’s “two in, two out” requirement, which states that if two firefighters go into a hazard, two need to be outside ready to assist them. Most engines in the District are staffed with three (3) firefighters, so additional support from a second engine or an ambulance is needed to meet the minimum staffing requirements. SFD ambulances are staffed with fully trained firefighters so the crews can combine to form a five-person “company” and meet OSHA’s regulations.

“Still” / Non-Structure Fire

The firefighting term for a non-structure fire or fire hazard is a Still Assignment, encompassing vehicle, dumpster, or fence line fires and gas leaks.

Vehicle fires are common on Arizona highways and present different challenges with changing technology.  New electric and hybrid vehicles have batteries that burn hotter, faster, and take more time and water to extinguish than a traditional combustion engine, so crews train annually on new and older model vehicles.

Fires in trash piles, dumpsters, and free-standing out buildings may spread to adjacent structures, vehicles, or brush, so quick action to isolate and suppress the fire is critical.

Other still assignment calls like gas leaks, electrical sparks, or downed power lines may not be an active fire, but the potential fire danger requires trained response to clear the area, identify the source, and eliminate the hazard.

Advanced Training

SFD Firefighters undergo rigorous training to keep themselves, their team, and the community safe.

All SFD firefighter recruits have completed nationally approved training in fire safety through a recognized firefighter academy and are selected from the top of their testing class.  During an intensive three-week New Hire Orientation, new recruits refresh their skills and train under the expert instruction of SFD veteran leaders and crew.

SFD firefighters maintain proficiency in a range of skills by practicing suppression techniques such as structure ventilation, interior fire attack, and search and rescue daily. They attend annual, large-scale training events and conduct regular drills at the station.

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