Rules of Engagement (ROE) are rules or directives to firefighters that define the situations, circumstances and conditions under which decisions are made about the strategy and/or tactics of foreground operations.
ROE should provide clear direction and expectations from the Fire Chief for and/or limits on appropriate strategy to be employed in foreground operations. The ROE is guidance for decision makers to use based upon direction from their superiors.
Rules of Engagement do not normally dictate how a result is to be achieved but will indicate what measures may be unacceptable.
Rules of Engagement shoudl be issued to all personnel. An "ROE Card", document provides the Chief Officer, Company Officer and Firefighter with a summary of the ROE regulating their actions on the foreground.
The International Association of Fire Chiefs has a set of “Rules of Engagement.” The video is an attempt to put the ROE into a visual format. Please share with your leadership the video and discuss the appropriate Rules of Engagement for your fire department, battalion and company.
