Fire
Personnel accountability
-Check-in -Incident action plan (IAP) -Unified command -Span of control -Division/group assignment list -Resource tracking -Resources unit
ROS lowest ROS to highest ROS
1. Smoldering 2. Creeping 3. Running 4. Crowning
A pocket is the unburned area between the main fine and any fingers.
Crowning
Fire is crowning when it advances across the tops of trees or shrubs more or less independent of the surface fire. Crown fires are sometimes classed as running or dependent to distinguish the degree of independence from the surface fire. Use the terms crown fire and crowning careful because they describe a very serious fire situation.
Potassium
Potassium supports proper muscle function, but is lost when you perspire for extended periods. To cover the loss, eat potassium-rich foods like bananas and other fruits at frequent intervals during fire fighting operations. Lemonade, tomato juice, and electrolyte replacement fluids or "sports drinks" can also help to replace lost potassium. (And you might want to drink a little water before downing those sports drinks- If you're parched, they'll tattoo your tongue for the rest of the day. It's not pretty.)
Safety officer
The safety officer assesses hazardous unsafe situation and develops measures for ensuring personnel safety. This person has emergency authority to stop and/or prevent unsafe acts, so you defiantly don't want someone shy in this role.
To relieve the IC of serious tasks not directly related to controlling the incident, the IC may appoint one or more members of a command staff, including;
-Safety officer -Liaison officer -Public information officer
The composition of the response is based on pre-incident plan information and current conditions, including;
-Location of the fire -Fuel types -Values at risk -Weather conditions -Travel time -Available resources
Ways to avoid dehydration is loading up on water and being on the lookout for signs of dehydration:
-Morning headaches -Diminished or discolored urine -Diminished sweating -Constipation -Irritability
Command
Job is to direct the overall management of the incident.
Hypothermia symptoms
Lower than normal body temperature, shivering, slurred speech, apathy, disorientation, drowsiness, and unconsciousness.
Know how to assist with first aid
A medic unit might arrive and take over
Calcium
Calcium is vital for strong bones, and 1,000 milligrams per day is recommended. Low fat milk is a good source of calcium with 250 milligrams in an 8-ounce serving.
Spot fire
Fire ignited outside the perimeter of the main fire by a firebrand.
Smoldering
Fire that burns without a flame and is barely spreading
Running
Fire that spreads rapidly with a well-defined head. Compare and contrast this to a backing fire, where the fire moves away from the head, downhill, or against wind.
While working on the line keep food in your vehicle
Foods that don't require refridegeration, such as fresh fruit, packaged snacks, meals ready to eat,
During wildland fire operations you will need frequent rest and rehabilitation, you are engaged in one of the most exhausting jobs around!
For example you may work in conditions that include: -12- to -24 hour shifts on the fireline -High temperatures from the weather and the fire -High humidity -Sparse oxygen at high elevations
Fat
Good fats, like polyunsaturated oil and olive oil, have a rule in your diet and should compromise 20 to 30 percent of your daily calories.
Backing
I BELIEVE Sparks produced by the main fire are carried by winds
Slopover
Occurs when fire crosses a control line or natural barrier intended to contain the fire. Slopover and spot fires differ mainly in their location relative to the control line: - Slopover occurs immediately across and adjacent to the control line. - Spot fires occur some distance from the control line.
Heat cramps
Sometimes painful and debilitating condition, I caused by not replacing salt lost through perspiration Symptoms- muscle cramps in the legs and abdomen that can quite be painful. Treatment- encourage the partner to drink electrolyte replacement fluids.
Identify the term describing the ability to manage a certain number or subordinates.
Span of control
Flanks
The flanks are the sides of a wildland fire, roughly parallel to the main direction of fire spread. Flanks are identified as either left or right as you are looking from the heel of the fire toward the head. Control flanks as soon as possible, because: -A shift in wind direction may quickly change a flank into a head. -Fingers often extend from flanks
Head
The head is the part of a woodland fire with the greatest forward rate of spread (ROS). Because wind and slope affect rate and direction from which the wind is blowing or it is toward the upper part of a slope. The head of a fire often burns intensely and may move with alarming sped. Some large fires may have multiple heads. Ultimately, you have to control the head(s) and prevent the formation of new heads to suppress a wildland fire.
Taking rest periods
The length of breaks is also a matter of judgement but should take the following into account: -Whenever allowed by your supervisor -In the shade if available -For at least long enough fr your heart rate (pulse) to return to normal -In general, the work/rest ratio should be 2 to 1- that is, 16 hours of work should be followed by 8 hours of rest.
Black
The opposite of green- the black or the ben- is the area (including both surface and aerial fuels) in which the fire has consumed or "blackened", the fuels. Whether the black is safe or not depends on a few factors. If it is completely burned over and little. If any, unburned fuel remains, the black is relatively safe area during a fire. However, the black is not always safe.
Origin
The origin is the area where the fire started. It is also the point from which the fire spreads, depending on the fuels present and the effects of wind and slope. When the fire is human-caused, you often fine the origin next to a trail, road, or highway, but a lightning strike or campfire can result in a very inaccessible point of origin. Investigation of fire cause whenever possible.
Perimeter
The perimeter us the outer boundary- or the distance around the outside edge- of the burning or burned area. Also commonly called the fire edge, don't confuse the perimeter with the control line ( an inclusive term for al constructed or natural barriers and treated fire edges used to control a fire ) or fireline (the part of he control line that is constructed by firefighters). Obviously, the fire's perimeter continues to grow until you get it controlled and extinguished.
Public information officer
The public information officer (PIO) develops accurate and complete information regarding the incident and your responses. After obtaining IC approval on all releases, this person then acts as point of contact for the media and other governmental agencies that desire information about the incident.
Rear
The rear, or heel, of a wildland fire is the end opposite the head- that is, relatively closer to the point of origin than to the head. Because fire at the heel usually burns into any prevailing wind, it generally: - Burns with low intensity - Has a low rate of spread (ROS) - Is generally easier to control than the head.
Sodium
The recommended sodium intake is 2,400 milligrams per day- but the average intake in the United States is 5,000 milligrams. If you've been perspiring heavily, use a modest amount of salt to replace lost sodium. Never take salt tablets.
flat (bastard) files
These 10-inch and 12-inch files come in handy for sharpening tools and can be carried as web gear.
Fire edge
Boundary of a fire at a given moment
Torching
Unlike a crowning fire, a torching fire periodically ignites the crown of a single or small group of trees or shrubs before returning to the surface. A torching fire is not as serious as a crown fire.
Creeping
Fire burns with a low flame and spreads slowly
Fatigue compromises safety because when you are fatigued you have less control over your tools, and may become less alert to changing fire conditions:
Rehab consists of the following: -Monitoring personnel -Adjusting work pace -Taking rest periods
Mop-up
"The end of the fire is near" Mop-up phase marks the final extinguishing of a fire after it has been completely surrounded by control lines. But always be on the ready- blowups and tragedies have occurred in the mop-up stage. During mop-up you will extinguish all smoldering material within a specified distance form the control line as conditions indicate. Mop-up must be thorough because a small spark or flame left along the line could rekindle hours or days later, starting another and perhaps larger fire.
Preparedness
-First Aid-
********Incident Command System (ICS)
NEW POWERPOINT
Food
You must carry at least one to two high-energy means in your web gear.
Preparedness
-Fluids-
Rate of speed
1 ft. (0.3m)/minute= 1 chain/hour 10ft. (3m)/minute=10 chains/hour
To minimize fatigue and injury, ________________ and _____________ to ensure you're still fit to fight the fire.
take short breaks to catch your breath, change tools to work different muscles.
Preparedness
-Food-
Preparedness
-Getting acclimated-
Hypothermia
can be life threatening!
Heatstroke symptoms
-Body temperature in excess 105 degrees Fahrenheit -Deep breaths followed by shallow breathing -Rapid strong pulse, followed by rapid, weak pulse. -Red, dry, hot skin -Dilated pupils -Loss of consciousness that may lead to coma -Convulsions or muscular twitching possible
ICS sections
-Command -Finance/A-dministration -Logistics -Operations -Planning
Heatstroke treatment
-Cool the patient -Move patient out of the sun and away from heat sources -Place cold packs or ice bags under each arm pit, around each wrist, each ankle, each side of neck -Monitor vital signs -Treat for shock -Transport to a medical facility as soon as possible
The incident commander is responsible for;
-Determining overall incident objectives -Selecting strategies -Ensuring the tactical activities support the selected strategies -Approving the IAP -Making maximum use of all assigned resources
If a fatality occurs, follow these steps
-Do not move the body experiment t as necessary to establish positive identification -Do not release victim's name, except to authorities, or use it on the radio until next-of-kin is notified. -Do not allow unauthorized picture taking of victim or release of pictures -Notify your supervisor, who will pass notifications up the chain of command
Heat exhaustion
-FelliCaused by a loss of both water and salt due to perspiration. Symptoms- general weakness and fatigue , an unstable gait, and pale, cool, clammy skin. The patient may faint briefly but quickly regain consciousness. Treatment- Move the patient into the shade, remove any outer clothing, and give him or her water or electrolyte drinks if tolerated. Have the patient lie down with his or her feet slightly elevated.
When serious injuries occur, follow these steps:
-Give first aid,- call for medical aid and emergency transport -Do not release victim's name, expect to authorities , or use it on the radio -Do not allow unauthorized picture taking of victim or release of pictures -Notify your supervisor, who will pass notifications up the chain of command
Heat and cold disorders are divided into these categories:
-Heat cramps -Heat exhaustion -Heatstroke -Hypothermia
This topic will introduce you to:
-Incident Command System (ICS) concepts and functions- you need to know how you fit into this emergency-response organization, where it's a single unit to a massive federal effort. -The chain of command- and how this line of authority is used to make decisions and work assignments -Large fire management organization- and hw the ICS can grow in response to a growing fire
More tips to keep performing well on fireline
-Limit caffeine to 300 milligrams per day ( a cup of coffee has 100 milligrams) -Avoid alcohol -Stay away from eating red meat two days in a row -Limit eggs to one per day -Choose whole wheat bread over white -Substitute other seasonings for salt -Eat lots of fruits and vegetables -Avoid large amounts of sugar calories -Concentrate on getting enough carbohydrates
The proper and immediate treatment of heatstroke can be the difference between life and death for a victim. Select THREE of the treatments for a heatstroke
-Move patients out of the sun and away from heat sources -Transport to a medical facility as soon as possible -Cool the patient
As a wildland firefighter you must remain vigilant - and that starts even before you get on the fireline itself. This topic covered all of the basics of getting yourself prepared to fight a fire including:
-Wearing PPE properly -Cleaning and maintaining your gear organized-even in camp -Preparing yourself physically and nutritionally for the fireline -Knowing how to deal with emergency first aid situations -Monitoring yourself and your co-workers for signs of physical distress.
Spotting
A fire is spotting when sparks or embers produced by the main fire are carried by winds or a convection column. Obviously, spotting causes spot fires in advance of the fire's head.
Resource Tracking
A fireground management function in which each supervisor reports and documents resource status changes as they occur.
Division/ Group Assignment List
A list used on the fireground that identifies resources with active assignments in the Operations section. ICS Form 204 (Division Assignment List) can be used as the basis for this list.
Aerobic fitness
Aerobic fitness is a measure of the maximum amount of oxygen you can take into your body and transport to the muscles.
Resources Unit
An Incident Command System function that maintains status of all incident resources. The resource unit works within the Planning Section of the Incident Command System.
Green
Any area that's not burnt - but its adjacent to an involved area- is called the greens. Fuels in the green may be: - Live fuels, including: -Vegitation with a high moisture content that is relatively slow to ignite. - Vegitation with a lower moisture content and highly flammable - Dense, colder-yellow annual grasses and other similar fuels with low moisture content that may burn vigorously. Deal fuels,- Dried vegetation that is highly flammable and will go up like kindling The term green does not define a safe area. It is simply the opposite of the black, or burned, area. The edge of the green is usually where you instruct a control line.
Anchor point
Any good place where you can start constructing a fireline. Generally, a fire barrier is a safe anchor point minimizes the chance of being outflanked by the fire while the line is being constructed.
Salt
As a physically fit and acclimated firefighter, lightly salting your food at mealtimes is generally sufficient to replace salt lost through perspiration. If you were unacclimated or in less-than-peak condition you might have to add a little more salt to your meals.
Carbohydrates
Carbs should make up 55 t 70 percent of your caloric intake. The glucose and glycogen carbs provide energy for short intensive and long endurance activities. God source f carbs include whole grains, starchy vegetables, cereals, fresh fruits, pasta, and potatoes.
Chain saw chaps
Chain saw operators must wear chain saw chaps when operating chain saws. If you're acting as a shaper, chaps are optional-but if you're on a team that switches duties frequently, you'll want to have a pair at the ready.
Class of fire
Class A- 0 to 0.2 acres (0 to 0.1 ha) Class B- 0.3 to 9.9 acres (0.2 to 4 ha) Class C- 10 to 99.9 acres (4.1 to 40.4 ha) Class D- 100 to 299.9 acres (40.5 to 121.4 ha) Class E- 300 to 999.9 acres ( 121.5 to 404 ha) Class F- 1,000 to 4,999.9 acres (405 to 2,024 ha) Class G - 5,000 acres (2,025 ha) or more Class A smallest and Class G is largest.
Fireline
Cleared strip or portion of a control line where flammable material has been removed by scraping or digging down to mineral soil.
Incident Action Plan (IAP)
Contains objectives reflecting the overall incident strategy and specific tactical actions for the next operational period; may be oral or written. When written, the plan may have a number of forms as attachments.
Initial Attack
Control efforts taken by the resources that are the first to arrive at an incident. Also called Initial Action.
Warning
Cool heatstroke patients immediately and aggressively with cool water and transport as soon as possible. Delaying treatment can result in brain damage or death!
Water
Drink lots of fluids to replace the water lost to perspiration. Avoid coffee and carbonated soft drinks- drink water instead. Drink 8 to 16 ounces (240 ml to 480 ml) of water or juice before starting a work shift. You can reduce your chances of suffering heat-strokes disorders by drinking at least 2 quarts (1.9 L) of water before noon (rehydrating) and continuing to drink water or sports drinks throughout the day. Carry canteens of water to bottled water on the wireline and drink at every break (whether you're thirsty or not) and at every meal. Never drink stream water unless you have a approved purification method.
Fiber
Fiber keeps things moving. To keep your digestive system in top shape, pass up refined flour and white sugar and opt for whole grains, cereals, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
Fingers
Fingers are typically long, narrow strips of fire that extend from the main body of a fire. they form: - When a fire burns into mixed fuels; slowing in heavy fuel, but spreading quickly in light fuels. - Due to variations in terrain or wind direction. - When the head is split by natural features such as fields, water, or rock outcroppings. CAUTION: Uncontrolled fingers my form new heads. If possible, knock them down when they're small ad manageable.
Incident Response pocket guide
IPRG gives you helpful reminders about risk management, strategies for direct and indirect attacks, first aid guidelines, and hazardous materials considerations. In short, this little book can be a big help in getting you at all times I your shirt or pants pocket.
Reburns
If a surface fire leaves aerial fuels more or less intact in the black, or vice versa, a return can occur when burning conditions are more favorable- for example, if the winds shift or humidity drops. This often occurs when fire moving quickly through an area fails to consume all fuels.
Monitor personnel
If you notice any of these symptoms, get the affected person off the line immediately, evaluate him or her, and treat the individual for heat-related illnesses: -Perspiring more than the others -Behaving abnormally -Dizzy, chilled, or nauseated -Showing signs of excessive fatigue
Hypothermia treatment
Immediately move the patient into a warm or shelter area and check pulse and breathing. Get the patient out of any wet clothes and put in dry clothes, sleeping bag, or blankets. If census, have patient drink warm nonalcoholic beverages.
Heatstoke
Is a life-threatening emergency caused by a total collapse of the body's temperature-regulating mechanisms. When patients exposed t excessive heat and stop perspiring, heatstrokes will shortly follow. This condition requires cooling of the patient and transit to a medical facility as soon as possible.
Islands
Islands are unburned areas inside the fire perimeter. Because they patrol them frequently and check for spot fires. Islands close to a control line may flare up later and start spot fires across the control line. You may want to burn islands out, consuming fuels between the perimeter (firm edge) and the control line.
Vitamins and minerals
It's always better to get your vitamins and minerals from a healthy diet. But if you diet isn't all that it should be, take a good multivitamin.
Liaison officer
Many large-scale responses involve multiple agencies. The Liaison Officer acts as point of contact for representatives of all agencies assisting or cooperating in the incident.
Span of control
Maximum number of subordinates that can be effectively supervised; ranges from three to seven individuals or functions, with five generally established as optimum.
Muscular fitness
Muscular fitness includes both strength and muscular endurance.
Caution:
Never take salt tablets because an excess of salt can interfere with your body's ability to regulate your core temperature. Salt tablets can also cause: -Stomach distress -Muscle soreness -Fatigue -Impaired heart function -High blood pressure -Mental confusion -Loss of potassium
Blowup
Occurs when there's a sudden increase in ROS sufficient to prevent or rule out direct control of the fire. A blowup will most likely be a setback to existing suppression plans. A flare-up is any sudden acceleration in the ROS or intensification of the fire. Unlike blowup, a flare-up is relatively short duration and does not radically change existing control plans.
Check-in
Process or location used by assigned resources to report in at an incident.
Protein
Protein should make up about 10 to 20 percent of your daily calories- any more than that doesn't contribute to performance or build muscle tissue. overdosing on protein just strains the kidneys and causes dehydration.
Control line
Refers to all constructed or natural fire barriers. It's also used to describe the treated fire edges used to contain the fire.
Unified Command
Unified team effort in the Incident Command System that allows all agencies with responsibly for the incident, either geographical or functional, to manage the incident objectives and strategies. This is accomplished without losing or abdicating authority, responsibility, or accountability. In unified command there is a single incident command post and a single operations chief at any given time.
You can expect to come in from the fireline tired and dirty- and those qualities can easily lead to illness. Here a few tips to keep you healthy and actively involved on the fireline:
Wash hands often-especially before eating; if soap and water is not around use hand sanitizer. -Take showers when you can, but balance with the opportunity to sleep -Cough or sneeze on your arm- not your hand- and away from co-workers -Change socks and underwear frequently -Use foot powder -Montior yourself and co-wokers for symptoms f illness -Take supplements if you're feeling tired and a bit under the weather -Read the first tip again- keep those hands clean-it's the best way to avoid sickness!
It ain't easy staying clean on the fireline- but dirt and grime lead to sickness. Select the BEST means to avoid illness during a wildland campaign.
Wash or sanitize your hands frequently
Adjusting work pace
Whenever possible, adjust the pace of your work to fit the conditions: -Do the heaviest work during the coolest hours of the shift -Change tools or jobs occasionally to either work different muscles or work the same muscles in different ways -Take frequent short breaks to catch your breath and get a drink of water.
Extended-Attack Fire
Wildland fire that has not been contained or controlled by initial-attack forces and for which more fire fighting resources are arriving, en route, or being ordered by the incident commander; situation in which a fire cannot be controlled by initial-attack rosaries within a reasonable period of time.