I know there are some firefighters on this forum too. What does your dept do as far as pulling meters for a structure? We have one of the tools that was depicted, but fortunately have not had to use it much. But, the Poco isn't always johnny-on-the -spot. Personally, if we have to do it and I'm on scene, I want to be the one who does it.
Back when I was doing firefighting, (mid 90s) You pulled the meter wearing your regular turnout gear. (Heavy FR coat, nomex baclava, helmet and gloves, face did remain exposed, unless the smoke was bad enough to justify SCBA.) They did train us to face away from the meter when pulling it. Plan B was a long fiberglass pole with remotely operated cable cutter on the end of it to cut wires at the pole. Plan C was to switch to exterior supression only once victim search was completed, if building was heavily involved.
In all cases, if the breaker panel was accessable, turn off all available breakers before yanking meter.
If the fire was small, say confined to a single room and contents, then may just turn off all the breakers at the panel after fire was under control. During the post-fire overhaul, pulling out live wires would be considered a bad thing.
Generally, once the on-scene commander confirms actual fire, dispatch would automatically call the electric utility to disconnect power at the pole, and call the gas company to come deal with any gas service.
This is all based on 15 year old memories, and I'm sure practices have changed since then.
