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Phantom Box System
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The phantom box system designates areas or zones within each department's respective fire district. These zones
can be incorporated in conjunction with run book maps and preplans. When the box number corresponds with maps, it
immediately gives responding apparatus the proper map number or page to reference. These maps may also include
hydrant locations or static water sources and other pertinent information vital to responding apparatus.
In conjunction with the box system predetermined mutual aid assignments should be established. This
should include every aspect from initial response to multiple alarm fire. These responses should be based on
individual needs (occupancy hazard vs. response), recommended responses will be outlined later within this
report. Initial dispatches will fall into five categories: Local Box, Tactical Box, Box, Rescue Box, and
special assignments. These are broken down as follows:
- Local Box: Normally includes unoccupied and very low risk type call such as trash, brush, wires, vehicle,
washdown, dumspter, fires reported out, alarm systems, etc.
- Tactical Box: Normally includes low hazard occupancies such as one and two family dwellings, scattered
small businesses, light industrial occupancies, chimneys, appliances, hazardous material incidents, and plane
crashes, etc.
- Box: Normally includes medium to high hazard occupancies such as schools,
hospitals, nursing homes, high rise buildings, industrial occupancies,
apartments, offices, mercantile and other high life hazard or large fire
potential occupancies.
- Rescue Box: Includes rescue situations from domestic and industrial accidents, auto extrication,
building collapse, etc. Responses will vary according to the severity of the incident.
- Special Assignment: Any special response that would alter from normal dispatch terminology as
previously stated such as assist police, squad, fire marshal, etc.
There are several publications recommending responses for evaluating the response capabilities for fire departments.
They all generally agree with those which we have outlined below.
- High Hazard Occupancies: Box - At least 4 pumpers, 2 ladder trucks, 2 chief officers, and the other
specialized apparatus as may be needed to cope with the combustible involved.
- Medium Hazard Occupancies: Box - At least 3 pumpers, 1 ladder truck, 1 chief officer and other
specialized apparatus as may be needed or available.
- Low Hazard Occupancies: Tactical Box - At least 2 pumpers, 1 ladder truck, 1 chief officer and any
other specialized apparatus as may be needed or available.
- Rural Operations: Tactical Box - At least 2 pumpers with a large water tank (500 gal. or more), one
tanker (1,000 gal. or more) and such other specialized apparatus as may be necessary to perform effective
initial fire fighting operations.
When establishing response to areas within specific boxes, this department highly recommends using the closest
available apparatus according to miles traveled as this is the nationally recognized policy.
This department will be happy to assist any fire department interested in making changes to their box system. We very strongly recommend
that you contact this department before making changes to your system to be sure they fall into the guidelines as outlined. Changes
will be accepted only in March and September of each year. Minor changes involving change in unit numbers or additional streets will
be accepted upon request.
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