S-130
Slopover
Fire edge that crosses a control line. Also called Breakover.
Creeping
Fire is one that burns without a flame and is barely spreading
Rate of Speed (ROS)
Fire spread is simply the movement of the fire. 1 ft. (0.3 m)/minute = 1 chain/hour 10 ft. (3 m)/minute = 10 chains/hour
Smoke Jumper
Firefighter who travels to remote wildland fires and other emergencies by aircraft and parachutes to the scene.
Factors for Fireline Width
Fuel Slope Weather Part of fire Fire intensity
Apparatus Safety Considerations
General guidelines Off-road guidelines Engine operation safety Personnel transport
Heavy Equipment
Ground vehicles such as bulldozers, tractors, and plows used in the suppression of wildland fires and their transport vehicles.
I.
IDENTIFY action plans: Notifying the authorities Evacuating areas downwind Securing the area Withdrawing immediately
Cup Trenches (Underslung Line)
If a fire is uphill from the control line, a cup trench can help prevent burning debris from rolling down the slope, across the control line, and igniting fuels on the other side of the line.
Fusees
usees burn phosphorous contained within the body of the device. Phosphorous burns very hot (1,400° F or 760° C) and easily ignites grass, twigs, leaves, and other light fuels. Fusees usually burn for 15 to 30 minutes.
Plastic Forestry Nozzle
It has a simple barrel design where you turn the nozzle on or off and select the discharge pattern by twisting the barrel. However, you have to readjust the nozzle each time you open it.
Tragedy Fire Common Denominators
Light Fuels = Tragedy Small Fires+Isolated Sections=Tragedy Wind Shifts = Tragedy Topographic Condition = Tragedy
Removing Fuel
Separating fuels or clearing a space of all surface fuels down to mineral soil.
Burning Out
Setting fire inside a control line to consume fuel between the edge of the fire and the control line.
Backpack Pump Parts
Shoulder straps with clips Filler cap Flexible hose Suction check valve Trombone pump—includes combination nozzle with washer, handle, adjusting nut, and barrel Trombone clip Ball-in-check valve
Clearance Requirement
The dozer or tractor always has the right of way. When working on a ground crew: -Stay at least 50 feet (15 m) behind and at least 100 feet (30 m) in front of operating bulldozers or tractor-plows -In timber, stay back twice the height of any trees surrounding operating bulldozers or tractor-plows -Be careful and maintain stable footing when working around winch cables -Be alert to soft spots or bogs that could trip you up and put you in the danger zone
Islands
Unburned areas inside the fire perimeter. Because they are unburned potential fuels, patrol them frequently and check for spot fires.
Approaching Haz-Mat
Upwind Upgrade Upstream
Low Band
Use a low frequency range Have waves that travel greater distances than high-band radios Have waves that can bend more easily around mountains and other obstructions
Double-Female Adapters
Use double-female adapters (connectors) to join a couple of male ends.
Double Male Adapters
Use double-male adapters (connectors) to join two female ends.
First ON Scene
-Take immediate action to prevent accidents -Establish control points on both sides of problem area -Slow or stop traffic entering problem area -Advise drivers of alternative routes -Implement radio and television traffic advisories for the problem area -Keep a log of all actions taken
Smoke-Related Traffic Problems:
-Advise your supervisor -Implement applicable provisions of the incident traffic plan such as posting warning signs -Ensure proper equipment is ready and appropriate personnel are briefed on contingency plans and available to control traffic -Notify local law enforcement units of potential problem -Establish periodic patrols to monitor problem areas
Approach Considerations
-Approach heavy equipment only when it is stopped and you have been signaled that it is okay to approach -On approach, stay in full view of the heavy equipment operator at all times -Do not sit or sleep on or anywhere on the fireline or near heavy equipment
Wind Speed and Direction Changes
-Approaching thunderheads with dark clouds beneath -Increased spotting -Sudden calm or changes in speed or direction -High clouds moving fast in a direction different from surface wind
Downed Power Line Guidelines
-Be on the lookout for danger—heavy smoke might obscure electrical wires that are dangling or on the ground -Assume all lines are energized -Advise communications or dispatch to announce that power lines are down -Control the scene by marking the lines with flagging tape or cones and make sure everyone stays far away -Call for the power provider to respond -Deactivated power lines can continue to be hazardous because automatic controls may be programmed to periodically reenergize them in an attempt to restore service.
Personnel Transport Driver Safety Guidelines
-Be qualified for the vehicle and operating conditions—if you are not qualified, you better not be driving -Have shifts that do not exceed the maximum duty day for your agency, with no more than 10 hours of behind-the-wheel driving -Get at least 8 hours of off-duty time between shifts -Be responsible for the safe operation of the vehicle, including using wheel chocks if provided and making daily mechanical checks before driving -Remove unsafe equipment from service and report equipment status to the ground support unit -Perform a vehicle walk-around before departure -Use spotters when backing or turning around -Observe all traffic signals, safe speed limits, headlight rules, and safety rules at all times -Have the supervisor ride in the cab or close to the driver whenever possible when transporting personnel -Not transport personnel and loose tools together -Ensure all passengers remain seated at all times with arms and legs inside the vehicle
Hand tool Carrying Safety:
-Do not run with hand tools -Walk and work 10 feet (3 m) apart from other firefighters -Hold the tool at its balance point -Keep the tool at your side and close to your body, not on your shoulder -Position the cutting edges away from your body -Situate the tool on the downhill side when walking across a slope -Pass other workers by signaling and waiting for the right-of-way -Transfer the tool handle first when passing the tool to others
Safety for Backfiring
-Establish an anchor point from which backfiring operations are both initiated and terminated -Assign personnel to backfiring operations only if they are trained and authorized by the IC or Operations Section Chief -Use only certified aircraft and approved equipment when backfiring with aerial ignition devices -Clearly identify escape routes and safety zones before starting operations -Assign personnel to monitor and secure the area behind the drip torch operator to look for spot fires that might trap crews or compromise the control line
Hazards and Conditions that can cause live trees to FALL.
-Felling operations -Strong winds and downward rotor blast from helicopters -Heavy equipment -Fire burning inside live trees -Shallow, exposed or burned roots -Loose and cracked branches, limbs, and tops -Trees leaning heavily to one side or on the side of steep terrain -Eroded areas around live trees -Insect activity causing disease and decay
Safety On Board Helicopters
-Get a briefing on safety procedures from the helicopter crew -Follow instructions of helicopter crew at all times -Know how much you weigh with your day pack, and tell that to the loadmaster -Stoop when approaching or leaving the helicopter -Keep all bags or equipment tight to your body -Do not throw anything out of a helicopter
Road Safety Precautions
-Have a supply of highway flares and traffic cones on the apparatus -Place cones or flares as appropriate in the roadway to guide motorists around parked apparatus -Make sure flares do not roll into vegetation at the side of the road -If you have to park on the roadway or the shoulder, set the cones or flares before doing anything else
Impending Airdrop
-Indicate your presence—usually your supervisor will take care of this -Move out of the area—try to be at least 200 feet (61 m) perpendicular from the drop -Stay away from large, old trees and snags—when possible, keep a distance 1.5 times the height of the nearest tree -Determine when drops are completed -Seize the moment once airdrops are completed and move back into the area quickly to take advantage of the retardant or water effects on the fire -Keep in mind that retardant can make the area slick—and dangerous
Safety Around Operating Helicopters
-Keep the landing zone (helibase or helispot) clear of loose equipment, objects, and unauthorized personnel -Avoid directing lights toward helicopters aloft or on the ground -Stay at least 100 feet away unless authorized to approach by the pilot or crew -Wear both eye and hearing protection -Prohibit smoking within 100 feet of helicopter, fuel storage, and fueling equipment
Building Good Control Line
-Make the line wide enough to be effective, but no wider -Clear the line down to mineral soil where practical -Scatter charred or burning material into the black -Throw cut, unburned fuels into the green (unless needed for burning out) -Cool adjacent fire with water or dirt to increase line effectiveness -Wet down or cover rotten logs and stumps near the line with dirt -Burn out the fireline while line construction proceeds commonly called "bringing fire with you" -To stop a fire that is burning upslope, construct a control line just over the ridge on the other side. -When building control line on a slope below a fire, also called an underslung line, trench or undercut the line
Limiting Exposure to CO
-Rotating personnel from areas of heavy smoke to areas with little or no smoke as the situation allows -Monitoring personnel operating chain saws or fire pumps in confined areas for signs of CO exposure -Not allowing personnel exhibiting symptoms of CO exposure to operate a chain saw or any other potentially dangerous piece of equipment, or drive a fire apparatus until they have recovered -Following agency policy with regard to giving oxygen to affected personnel
Visibility Issues
-Stay in full view of the heavy equipment operator at all times -Wear helmet lights and reflective vests so you are more visible to equipment operators when working near heavy equipment at night -Take extra precautions when visibility is poor
Personal Survival Techniques
-Stay with your crew and follow orders -Know the locations of escape routes and safety zones -Don't try to outrun a fire, especially uphill or in thick brush—run laterally or downhill if you must run at all -Try to get to the fire flanks or into the burned area
Turning Down an Unsafe Assignment
-There is a clear violation of written safe work practices -Environmental conditions clearly make the work unsafe -They lack the necessary qualifications or experience -Defective equipment is being used
Hazards of Snags
-They often smolder long after the main fire has been extinguished, so they must be cut down (felled) during mop-up. -Dead limbs can break off and fall on you in high winds or when attempting to fell a snag—use a spotter to watch for falling limbs during felling operations. -Roots on live and dead trees may have burned away and the tree may fall at any time—be alert.
Chain Saw Safety
-Wear hearing protection -Maintain the same distance between firefighters when carrying chain saws as any other tool—at least 10 feet -Maintain a distance from sawyers equal to at least twice the height of the tree being cut -Keep away from the moving chain -Look up, look down, look around
Fireline Width
1. A few feet in sparse surface fuels, such as duff or light grass 2. A few yards in heavier fuels and in severe burning conditions nything that affects how a fire burns must be considered when deciding how wide the fireline must be.
Downed Power Line Fire Attack
1.If the fire has spread away from the downed lines a distance equal to one span between poles or towers, fight the fire just like any other wildland fire 2.If the fire has not yet burned that far from the downed wire, delay the attack until the fire has burned the span distance. 3.Notify all incoming units 4.Warn all incoming aircraft of poles or transmission towers.
A.Y.
1.Be familiar with your leader and his job 2.Keep your leader informed
A.M
1.Comply with orders and initiate appropriate actions in the absence of orders 2.Develop a sense of responsibility and take responsibility for your actions
Extinguishing Downed Power Line Fire
1.Construct a control line around the fire a distance equal to one span from the power lines 2.Use fog streams to extinguish the fire once the fire has spread away from the point of contact 3.Never direct water streams or aerial retardant onto high-tension lines 4.Work from the uphill side of the fire to avoid water run off (which can conduct current), but never work the slope directly above the fire 5.Use fire apparatus to move equipment and firefighters around the scene or to apply water to wet the control line
5 Successful Team Characteristics
1.Continuous and effective communication 2.Continual experimentation to improve performance 3.High performance from team members and leaders 4.Needs of the team before the needs of individuals 5.Cohesion among team members
Helicopter Safety
1.Crouch Down upon approach or leaving until 100ft away 2.Approach or Leave downhill side only and in full view of pilot 3.Carry tools horizontially below waist and close to your side 4.Make sure chin strap is fastened 5.Stay well clear of tail rotors and jet exhaust 6.Keep safety harness fastened when on board
Constructing a Downhill Fireline
1.Downhill line construction or hose lay should not be attempted when the fire is present directly below the proposed starting point. 2.The fireline should not be constructed in or adjacent to a chimney or chute that could burn out while your crew is in the vicinity. 3.A downhill line or hose lay should be securely anchored at the top—avoid an undercut line whenever possible. 4.A downhill hose lay must be made with 1 1/2-inch (38 mm) hose or larger. Hose must provide sufficient water flow to contain the worst-case fire conditions expected.
Taking Drip Torch Out Of Service:
1.Extinguishing the wick or letting it burn dry 2.Allowing the entire unit to cool to ambient temperature 3.Preparing the unit for road travel by removing the lock ring, placing the tube back inside the tank, and replacing the lock ring 4.Replacing the flow plug 5.Closing the tank vent
Caught in the Drop Zone
1.Get to where there is little loose rock and surface litter 2.Wear your helmet and goggles 3.Lie face down with your head toward the approaching aircraft 4.Hold your helmet or something solid with one hand and your tools with the other hand to the side away from your body 5.Spread your feet apart for stability
T.E
1.Know yourself and seek improvement 2.Be technically and tactically proficient
Shelter Deployment in WINDY conditions:
1.Lie on your back or sit with your head toward the wind 2.Hold the top of the shelter with your hands 3.Allow the wind to fill the shelter with air 4.Insert your boots inside the straps at the bottom of the shelter to secure it 5.Pull the rest of the shelter down over yourself 6.Roll over inside the shelter so that you are laying face down
P.L.
1.Make sound and timely decisions and recommendations 2.Set the example for others
Placing a Drip Torch in Service:
1.Remove drip torch from storage location and shake vigorously to mix fuel 2.Remove lock ring in vegetation-free area 3.Remove and secure flow plug 4.Separate tube from fuel tank; inspect rubber gasket and fuel level 5.Set tube upright and tighten lock ring 6.Open air vent three-fourths of the way 7.Wipe any spilled fuel from exterior of drip torch 8.Carry drip torch in completely upright, vertical position to point of application 9.Tilt torch to spread small amount of fuel on ground litter or paper at ignition point 10.Ignite spilled fuel and light torch from ground fire 11.Tilt torch downward to dispense fuel at each desired ignition point
Shelter Deployment Steps:
1.Remove shelter from packaging 2.Open and shake out shelter completely 3.Stand inside opened shelter 4.Get into a face-down position with your feet toward the fire 5.Use your head and extremities to secure the edges of the shelter 6.Push out the top and sides of shelter to maximize insulating space
Searching for Spot Fires in Assigned Area to Patrol
1.Select two reference points in that area, such as trees 2.Patrol the area between the reference points in a pattern parallel to the fireline 3.Re-patrol the area at intervals depending on how threatening the fuels are in the area
Lighting a Fusee
1.Slide fusee onto the tool handle 2.Grip fusee in one hand and remove striker cap by tapered end 3.Scrape striker end sharply against ignition end of fusee in downward motion, away from your face and body 4.Hold fusee away from body with the lighted end down 5.Keep the fusee on the burn side of the fireline 6.Extinguish fusee by tapping burning end on noncombustible surface
Systematic Mop-Up
1.Starting with the hottest area and progressing to the coolest 2.Planning a beginning and ending point 3.Sticking to the plan and working methodically 4.Working inward from the control line 5.Examining the entire assigned area 6,You might need to implement some kind of grid or block system when you face large burns or complicated situations.
Foundation Firefighting Principles
1.Understand that your first priority is your safety—your second priority is saving property and natural resources 2.Know where your escape routes and safety zones are at all times 3.Keep an eye on any potential problem areas 4.Know your equipment placement guidelines 5.Establish good communications with all involved agencies 6.Adhere to the incident command system—know who you are working for
E.R
1.Understand the task and ethically accomplish it 2.Be a team member but not a "yes" person
Radio Guidelines
1.Wait for the person on the other end of the conversation to finish talking before you start 2.When initiating a call, first transmit the station name or unit number of the person you are calling, then your own name or number 3.Hold the microphone 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) away from your mouth 4.Wait one full second after pressing the transmit button before speaking 5.Answer the radio with your station name or unit number 6.If more than one station calls simultaneously, following the proper procedure for call initiation will identify who needs to answer 7.Close the call with the proper identifier—done by the person who initiated the call
Spotters Should:
1.Watch for obstacles such as logs, stumps, rocks, low-hanging limbs, ditches, and gullies 2.Carry reliable hand lights, wear highly visible clothing, and stay within the driver's field of view at all times 3.Use agreed-upon hand signals with the driver
Medium Fuel Tools
1—Cutting tools such as brush hooks and saws 2—Followed by digging tools such as Pulaskis 3—Followed by scraping tools such as McLeods and shovels; use shovels to throw dirt for cooling a fire as well as scraping down to mineral earth
Steps for a Progressive Hose Lay
1—Fully extend the preconnect (original length of hose) 2—Shut the nozzle 3—Clamp the hose 4—Remove the nozzle 5—Attach an additional length of hose (install a hoseline tee, if needed) 6—Attach a nozzle to the new length of hose 7—Release the hose clamp 8—Repeat!
Heavy Fuel Tools
1—Led by members with chain saws or axes 2—Followed by brush hooks or Pulaskis 3—Followed by shovels and McLeods
Communication with operators 1.via radio 2.via equipement
2.heavy equipment operators communicate through the equipment itself—revving the motor is one way for the operator to communicate with the spotter on the ground: 1.Gunning the motor once means the operator wants the dozer helper to come to the dozer. 2.Gunning the motor twice means the operator can't see the spotter. 1.Agree upon a few simple hand signals to convey these messages in advance to aid the spotter or line supervisor in directing the activity of earth-moving equipment: Stop Come ahead Turn Reverse Caution Attract operator's attention
Double-Bit Axe
A double-bit axe has cutting edges on both sides of the head. Swing the axe in a downward motion at a 45-degree angle.
Scratch Lines
A scratch line is a preliminary control line built as a quick measure to check the path of a fire that is spreading rapidly through light fuels such as dry grasses.
Sandvik
A short-handled tool used for cutting brush and small saplings; also called a Swedish brush axe because of its replaceable blade made of Swedish steel.
Single Bit Axe
A single-bit axe has a cutting edge on one side of the head and a flat, striking surface on the opposite side. Effective in mop-up operations for felling snags, chopping stumps and logs, and driving wedges. Swing the axe in a downward motion at a 45-degree angle.
Foot Valve
A spring-loaded clapper valve that prevents water from running out the end of the suction hose as you are priming the pump or when the pump is temporarily turned off.
Wet Line
A wet line is usually considered to be a temporary fireline created by water, foam, or retardant. Using water to construct a wet line can be a handy tool for quick indirect attack as well. An adjustable fog nozzle is essential to provide a protective pattern for the nozzle operator in case of a flare-up. The methods for wet line construction are the same as those used for direct fire attack -Making the initial attack -Cooling hot spots to permit a direct attack -Holding or strengthening control lines for burning out and backfiring -Extinguishing spot fires with straight stream or narrow fog pattern. -Protecting exposed structures
Hotspotting
Act of looking for hot spots. Allows firefighters building fire lines to get close enough to attack the fire directly by cooling the fires edge. Allows slowing the ROS. Help prevent the fire for "making a run." Performed without the safety of an anchor point. Performed only after careful evaluation of a supervisor.
Rotor Blast
Air turbulence occurring under and around the rotors of an operating helicopter.
Control Line
All constructed or natural fire barriers. It's also used to describe the treated fire edges used to contain the fire. Once you've completed the control line, keep it secure by mopping-up inward from the line to prevent the fire from jumping the line. The control line should be kept kept as short and straight as possible. A factor for line position is knowing whether offensive or defensive strategy is being used. But absent other factors, use two general rules to determine line width: 1 1/2 times the height of the burning fuels 2 1/2 times the height of the flames
Fireline
Any cleared strip or portion of a control line where flammable material has been removed by scraping or digging down to mineral soil.
Anchor Point
Any good place where you can start constructing a fireline. Using an anchor point minimizes the chance of being outflanked by the fire while the line is being constructed."Watch-out!" Situation 8—constructing line without safe anchor point. Road Bare field Stream Cliff Previously burned section of the fire Hose lay Secured aerial retardant drop
Flare-Up
Any sudden acceleration in the ROS or intensification of the fire. A flare-up is of relativity short duration and does not radically change existing control plans.
One Firefighter, One area method
Assigns each crew member a few feet of the line. Each firefighter is responsible for completing that portion of the line before moving to another portion. Two ways to accomplish the method: Bumping up ("Hold and Improve" when too far ahead) Leap frogging
Flank Attack
Attacking a fire by working along the flanks either simultaneously or successively from an anchor point. Used for moderately intense fires moving at a moderate rate of spread. Burn out the strip of unburned fuel between the line and the fire's edge as soon as possible during fireline construction Work in the black whenever possible—however, if lives or structures are at risk, your crew may have to attack from the green if they can do it safely
Human-Related Hazards
Attitudes, Physical condition, Experience and training level, Fatigue, Critical stress.
Backfeeding
Backfeeding is when electric power flows in the opposite direction than it typically flows.
Listener Responsibilities
Be focused and pay attention Clarify any unclear information Ask questions Repeat instructions back to your supervisor Switch roles frequently back and forth during the communication process
Potential Hazards to Protect your Hose from
Burn damage Cuts from sharp rocks Damage from vehicle roll-overs in traffic areas Tool damage from inadvertent tool strikes or by placing hose on sharp tools Damage near the hose attachment to the reel hub due to improper rolling
Burning Out
Burning out normally takes place on a much smaller scale than backfiring.Use burning-out operations to: -Widen a control line -Eliminate islands of unburned fuel -Create escape routes and safety zones Whenever possible, burn out with the wind, but keep topography issues in mind, too. Whenever possible, burn out from the top of a slope toward the bottom or against the wind.
C.
CHOOSE The only response objectives for you to choose are to: Stay away from the area Notify authorities Keep people away from the area
Smoke Gases
Carbon dioxide (CO2) Carbon monoxide (CO) Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) Hydrogen chloride (HCl)
On-Sit Backpack Pump Repairs
Checking for adequate water in the tank Removing any blockages at the bottom outlet and the nozzle tip Disconnecting the hose from the tank and pump assembly and removing any blockages inside the hose Making sure the ball-in-check valve is not stuck in the open or closed position
Solid Stream Nozzle
Choose this nozzle when you are using a compressed air foam system (CAFS). You're a smart firefighter and you know you can apply compressed air foam with an adjustable fog nozzle. But with that solid stream nozzle you've got there, you'll get the greatest amount of reach and accuracy
C-FLOP
Command Finance/Admin Logistics Operations Planning
Simple Hose Lay
Comprises lengths of hose connected together to reach the fire. The nozzle at the end of the hose regulates water flow and application.
Parallel Attack
Consist of mechanized equipment. Control line is constructed much closer to the fire edge than an indirect attack, usually within 100 feet. Constructing a fireline parallel to a wildland fire's edge. After the line is constructed, the fuel inside the line is burned out. Reduces the labor of hand crews. When to use a parallel attack: Whenever a fire is too intense for direct attack When a fire's edge is so irregular that direct attack would result in an excessively long control line To keep the fire away from heavy fuels To encircle spot fires
Initial Attack
Control efforts taken by the resources that are the first to arrive at an incident.
Haz-Mat Response Guidlines
D.E.C.I.D.E
D.
DECIDE the best option by: Observing any effects your decision has had on the incident so far Following up to see that your decision is working Getting feedback from residents, fellow crewmembers, and the dispatch center
D.
DETECT Your first decision in a HazMat incident is to detect any and all hazardous materials present. Occupancy and location Container shapes Markings and colors Placards and labels Shipping papers Your senses—could be deadly
Communicator Responsibilities
DO be direct and know what you need to communicate DO use standard wildland fire fighting terms DO use easy-to-understand language DO be specific with instructions DON'T be patronizing, superior, or sarcastic DON'T assume that everyone understands your message
Power Line DO'S
DO identify, map, and discuss at briefings all electrical lines in the incident area DO announce "power line down" to alert personnel if a line falls, and make sure that all acknowledge the announcement by repeating it back DO notify communications or dispatch so rebroadcast can be made to responding units
Power Line DONT'S
DON'T operate heavy equipment under power lines DON'T drive vehicles with long antennas under power lines DON'T stand or work in dense smoke anywhere near power lines—smoke may become charged and conduct electrical current DON'T refuel vehicles under power lines DON'T direct fire retardant drops onto power lines DON'T stand near power lines during retardant drops DON'T go near or attempt to move downed power lines DON'T leave a vehicle if a power line falls on it until the power company deactivates the line
Hoseline Tee
Device placed between sections of a main 1 1/2-inch hose to extend a 1-inch hoseline laterally off the main.
E.
ESTIMATE Estimate the likely harm the material could cause without intervention. You will want to determine how big the problem is, and how the material might behave.
E.
EVALUATE your progress Use agency policy to determine who to call Know your community hazardous materials authority
Pulaski
Effective when cutting firelines and in mop-up operations. 1.One side is a cutting edge similar to an ax blade for chopping stumps and logs. 2.The other edge, called the grubbing edge, is used to dig out roots and cut trenches.
Firing Operations -Backfiring -Burning Out
Eliminate unburned fuel between a fire's edge and a control line, they are used under different conditions. An indirect attack method normally used to stop the spread of very intense wildland fires. It's a tricky procedure that takes place on the downwind side of a large fire
Mop-Up
Extinguishing or removing burning material near control lines, felling snags, and trenching logs to prevent rolling after an area has burned, to make a fire safe, or to reduce residual smoke.
Hard Suction Hose
For drafting water from an auxiliary water source such as a pond, stream, lake, or swimming pool. You may use hard suction hose with a portable fire pump or a fire engine. This hose is designed to be rigid and noncollapsible because it must withstand a partial vacuum during drafting operations. 1-inch (25 mm) 1 1/2-inch (38 mm) 2-inch (50 mm) 2 1/2-inch (65 mm)
Unlined Fire Hose (Weeping Hose)
For fires in very light fuels. Less expensive than lined hose as well as very lightweight and compact. Less durable than lined hose and is more vulnerable to puncture. Available in 50 to 100-foot lengths. 3/4-inch (19 mm) 1-inch (25 mm) 1 1/2-inch (38 mm) A single firefighter can carry 300 to 400 feet of unlined hose in a relatively small package.
Gated Wyes
For those times when you need to divide one hoseline into two hoselines of equal or smaller diameter.
Hand Tools
Hand tools such as axes, Pulaskis, McLeods, and brush hooks should have smooth, well-maintained handles and sharp cutting edges. The two biggest safety concerns for hand tools occur if you don't take proper precautions with the cutting edge or don't carry hand tools properly. A tool with a sharp blade benefits you because it: -Is easier and safer to use than a tool with a dull blade -Cuts more effectively than a dull one -Allows you to use short, sharp cutting strokes -Reduces the need for you to raise a tool above your head
Wet Mop-Up
Hazards to look our for during wet mop-up include: -Hot rock, dirt particles, ash, charcoal and mud being blown around by water streams -Steam and white ash being released from fire pits and hot stump holes when hit by water -Footing becoming slippery due to water and agents on the ground -Firefighters tripping or falling due to extensive hose lays
Dry Mop-Up
Hazards to look out for during dry mop-up involve looking out for things that could fall on you including: Overhanging and leaning trees Snags Broken branches or tree tops Large loose pieces of bark on the ground or attached to snags Trees weakened due to roots burning away Trees ready to fall but caught in other trees
Biological Hazards
Heat-related illness, Snakes, Insects, Animals, Plants, Microorganisms, Viral infections.
Brush Hook
Heavy cutting tool designed primarily to cut brush at the base of the stem. Used to cut down small shrubs, small trees, tall grasses.
Heavy Equipment Safety Advice
Heavy equipment is usually slow moving and therefore vulnerable to being overrun by a rapidly advancing fire front. 1.Always know where the equipment is 2.Watch for debris dislodged upslope. When a large rock or similar item becomes dislodged, it can roll down with sufficient speed to injure or kill anyone in its path. 3.Watch for burning items dislodged upslope. Burning pinecones, logs, and other objects can roll down the hill and start fires below you and your crew. 4. Keep an open path to your escape route -Operators and their support personnel must pay close attention to a fire's behavior and be prepared to withdraw into safety zones if the fire threatens their positions
Heavy Fuels
Heavy fuels are not easy to ignite; once ignited, they burn slowly and hot.
Sharpening an Axe
Here are the steps to follow: 1.Sharpen the cutting edges with the proper tool, such as a 12-inch flat mill bastard file. Grind or file the edges on an even taper about 2 1/2 inches (65 mm) back from the cutting edge. Make sure you have an even bevel on each side. 2.Ensure the cutting edge is in direct line with the handle.
McLeods
Hoe Blade Side: One side of the head consists of a solid hoe blade for cutting grass, deep litter, and light brush. Tines: One side of the head consists of a rake with 5 to 7 long tines. The rake tines are effective in raking pine needles, duff, and leaf mold, or to dig into a burning log.
Carrying Tools
Hold hand tools at the balance point Carry hand tools at your side, close to the body, and parallel to the ground Maintain a distance of at least 10 feet (3 m) between yourself and other firefighters
Light Fuel Tools
In light fuels, such as pasture land or mowed field crops, all crew members may be best served by scraping tools. McLeods, shovels, or swatters. Pulaskis may be used if needed to loosen hard soils.
Inversion
Increase of temperature with height in the atmosphere. Vertical motion in the atmosphere is inhibited allowing for smoke buildup.
Cold Trailing
Involves carefully inspecting and feeling with bare hands to detect any fire, digging out and extinguishing every hot spot, and even building new fireline around any live edges.
Combination Forester Nozzle (Twin Tip)
It has two separate discharge orifices—one is a solid-stream, and the other produces a spray pattern. Depending on how you position the shutoff control handle: The nozzle directs water through the solid-stream orifice. The nozzle directs water through the spray-stream orifice. No water flows at all. The downside of the twin tip is that it provides very low flow, and the spray orifice doesn't produce an effective water screen to protect you in case of a flare-up. Because of its limited output, use this nozzle for mop-up only, not for wildland fire attack.
Combination Tool (Combi)
It is a versatile long-handled implement with a two-part, multi-position head. With the release of the locking collar, you can change the configuration of the head and use the tool as: Shovel Pick—do not use as a prying tool Hoe Various combinations of these modes
360° Perspective
LOOK AROUND: Looking around can alert you to approaching vehicles as well as to changes in the fire's behavior that might threaten you. Also, look around when working on the fireline to be sure there is at least 10 feet (3 m) between you and other crew members.
360° Perspective
LOOK DOWN: Downed power lines Poor footing Unseen ditches, holes, or drop-offs Snakes and critters Fuels that cause changes in fire behavior Fire downslope from your position
360° Perspective Look up Look down Look around
LOOK UP: Weather and smoke movement Rocks or burning materials rolling into unburned fuel below Overhead power lines Aircraft flying overhead and performing airdrops Tree limbs weakened by fire and burning or burned-out snags SAFETY: When the interval between a ground flash and the thunder it produces is less than 30 seconds, take precautions against being struck for at least 30 minutes after the thundercloud passes.
Expansion Ratios
LOW 1:1 to 20:1 MEDIUM 20:1 to 200:1 HIGH 200:1 to 1,000:1
Topography
Land surface configuration.
Wildland/Urban Interface
Line, area, or zone where structures and other human development meet or intermingle with undeveloped wildland or vegetative fuels.
Base Camp (Incident Base)
Location at the incident where the primary logistics functions are coordinated and administered
Lookouts
Location from which fires can be detected and reported.
LCES
Lookouts Communications Escape Routes Safety Zones
Off-Road Cautions
Loose and unstable ground Slopes Soft terrain Bridges and streams Railroad bed shoulders
Classes of Radios
Low-band Very high frequency (VHF)/high-band Ultra high frequency (UHF)
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.
Whirlwinds
May stir up clouds of particulates from smoldering stumps and other materials. These tiny dust particles will fly into your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Incident Safety Officer (ISO)
Member of the command staff responsible to the incident commander for monitoring and assessing hazardous and unsafe conditions and developing measures for assessing personnel safety on the incident.
Noncollapsible rubber hose
More commonly referred to as booster hose, hard line, or high-pressure hose. You'll use this rubber-covered hose for mobile attack on very low-intensity fires and for mop-up. Sections of booster hose are coupled in 100- to 200-foot lengths wound on a reel mounted somewhere on your apparatus. You most commonly find booster hose in 3/4 - and 1-inch diameters and flows less than 30 gpm.
Backpack Pumps
Most collapsible backpack tanks carry 5 gallons (20 L) of water and consist of a rubber or neoprene bladder.
Garden Hose
Most commonly either 1/2 inch or 5/8 inch in diameter. flows of less than 10 gpm. Should be reserved for very sparse fuels or for mop-up.
Slope
Natural or artificial topographic incline; degree of deviation from horizontal.
Objective Hazards
Objective hazards are hazards that firefighters have no control over.
Backfiring
Offensive, indirect attack, tactic associated with indirect attack; intentionally setting fire to fuels inside the control line to slow, knock down, or contain a rapidly spreading fire.
Very high frequency (VHF)/high-band
Operate from the upper end of the frequency modulation (FM) range—150 to 170 kHz Have waves that travel shorter distance than low-band radios Need repeaters to increase range Are used frequently in wildland fire operations
Relative Humidity
Percentage of moisture in the air compared to the maximum amount of moisture that air will hold at that temperature. The higher the temperature, the higher the temperature of wildland fuels. If the relative humidity is high, the air adds moisture to fuels, making them less likely to ignite. If the relative humidity is low, the air removes moisture from fuels, making them more likely to ignite.
Direct Attack
Personnel fight directly at the fire edge. Some common direct attack techniques include: Smothering or removing fuel with hand tools Spraying water in stationary or mobile attack.Normally, flame lengths of less than 4 feet can be fought directly with hand tools and handlines. When working in this manner, keep one foot in the black and one foot in the unburned area. Flames up to 8 feet require heavy equipment or airdrops.
Adjustable Fog Nozzle with Pistol Gip
Pistol grips give you better control of the nozzle and more leverage when you're pulling hose. Better control and greater leverage are especially useful when you're developing a progressive hose lay and a mobile attack isn't possible. The downside to those pistol grips is that they may not be practical for all types of hose packs.
Progressive Hose Lay
Primarily used for a quick attack on the fire and always started from a secure anchor point. Progressive hose lays have some big advantages: Fast, aggressive attack Your engine stays on the road
Removing Heat
Remove heat by applying water, dirt, retardant or a combination of these. Cooling the fire with water or Class A foam is one of the most common and effective fire extinguishing methods.
Mineral Soil
Soil containing little or no combustible material.
Hoseline Pressure Relief Valve
Spring-loaded, adjustable valve placed between the pump and the discharge hose. It bypasses water and relieves sudden line surges automatically to permit use of shutoff nozzles.Useful for a kinked hose, or an abrupt close of the shutoff valve. The pressure at which the relief valve functions can vary from 50 to 200 psi.
Snags
Standing dead tree or part of a dead tree from which at least the leaves and smaller branches have fallen.
5 Risk Management Process StepsStep
Step 1—Situation awareness Step 2—Hazard assessment Step 3—Hazard control Step 4—Decision point Step 5—Evaluate
Driver Operator Safety Guidelines
Stop at red lights and stop signs, even when responding Turn on headlights whenever the engine is running Use amber flashers and traffic cones when parked on a roadway or shoulder Park on the side of the road so as to not block it Park in a safety zone with someone always attending the engine Operate in the black when possible Always park facing your escape route Use wheel chocks on all vehicles
Subjective Hazards
Subjective hazards are hazards that firefighters have control over.
Progressive Line Construction (One-Lick Method)
System of organizing workers to build a fireline, arranged in a staggered position, in which they advance without changing relative positions in line. Each member takes one stroke (lick) with the tool before moving one step forward to repeat the action.
Isolating a Haz-Mat Scene
Take these steps when you encounter any unidentified or uncontained HazMat: 1—Attempt to identify the material by reading any placards or labels through binoculars from a safe distance uphill and upwind of the material 2—Isolate the scene and deny entry to everyone until you are relieved by those trained and equipped to handle these situations—move and keep people from the scene but allow enough room to maneuver your equipment 3—Warn others in the immediate vicinity 4—Notify the Incident Commander (IC) of the potential problem so that trained specialists can be brought in
Sharpening a Pulaski
Taper the cutting edge 2 inches (50 mm) wide with an even bevel on each side Bevel the grubbing edge 3/8- inch (10 mm) wide straight across on a 45-degree angle on one side of the head only.
Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) Blue Pages
The blue section of the ERG alphabetically lists many materials you may encounter.
Claims Specialist
The claims specialist manages all claims-related activities—other than injury—for an incident.
Drip Torch
The drip torch is perhaps the most commonly used ignition device for burning out. When you're carrying the torch, it allows the burning fuel to drip onto the vegetation where you want to burn. The fuel mixture you will use in the drip-torch tank is usually four parts diesel fuel to one part gasoline. When filling the drip torch, fill only to 1/4 inch (6 mm) from the top to allow for fuel expansion.
Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) Green Pages
The green section of the ERG identifies evacuation distances and materials that produce toxic gases when they are mixed with water. Evacuation distances are shown for day and night scenarios, when toxic concentrations differ because of atmospheric conditions.
Jacketed Fire Hose
The most common diameters of this type of hose used for wildland applications are: 1-inch (25 mm) 1 1/2-inch (38 mm) 1 3/4-inch (45 mm) 2-inch (50 mm) 2 1/2-inch (65 mm)
Low Expansion Foam
The one most used because of its versatility and excellent stream reach. 4 common Types: Foam solution Wet foam Fluid foam Dry foam
Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) Orange Pages
The orange section of the ERG gives specific information on the hazards associated with the identified material.
Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) White Pages
The white pages in the ERG (table of placards) show basic placards and their colors.
Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) Yellow Pages
The yellow section of the ERG lists hazardous material identification numbers, also know as UN/NAs, in ascending order.
Different Thread Adapter
This is an adapter for connecting hose with different threads.
Fire Swatter (Flappers)
To smother fires in light fuels such as: Pasture grasses Pine-needle litter Light hardwood litter It's most effective to use a flail in conjunction with a backpack pump or fire rake.
Downhill Hose Lays and Line Construction
Use extreme caution when constructing downhill line in steep terrain and fast-burning fuels. Use other attack methods whenever possible. -Make sure your footing is secure and working positions are safe -Walk, don't run—except if you have to get to an escape route or safety zone -Watch burning or fire-weakened trees closely and pass them only on the uphill side and far enough uphill to avoid any potential fall hazard -Patrol for spot fires from hot materials rolling down slopes and crossing the line -Do not work directly above, below, or near machines while working on steep slopes -Stabilize loose rocks along dozer cuts before working below them -Work more than 10 feet (3 m) apart and stagger yourself from other crew members when there is a danger of rolling rocks and logs
Hoseline Safety
Use hose bed covers to protect hose from embers Connect a protection line for rapid deployment and have it charged and ready Follow local agency guidelines for staffing engines with the required number of crew for the engine type you're using Wear eye protection if you are a nozzle operator Keep hoselines as short as possible Do not block access ways with hoselines Lay supply lines on the shoulder of the road only
Reducer/Increasers
Use reducers and increasers to join different sized hoses.
Ultra high frequency (UHF)
Use the next higher frequency band above VHF/high-band radios Have waves that travel short distances because waves are absorbed by trees and vegetative cover Are used primarily around fire base camp for the logistics section
Entrapment Procedures
Use your boots, gloves, and helmet to hold down the edges of your shelter -Sip water from your canteen to stay hydrated -Use your portable radio to stay in contact with others: -Get support from your crew to resist the desire to exit your shelter -Move your shelter to a new location if ordered to do so -Do not leave your shelter until your supervisor gives the order
Shovel
Used for digging, scraping, smothering, beating (tamping), cutting light fuels, throwing dirt.
Hazel Hoe (Adz Hoe)
Used for wildland fire fighting operations because it is a heavy-duty tool that is well suited for grubbing through deep duff and use in rocky soil.
Siamese
Used to merge two hoselines into one hoseline of equal or larger diameter.
Quarter Turn to Threads Adapter
Useful adapter for connecting quarter-turn couplings to those with threads.
Check and Bleeder Valves
Useful for controlling water flow on portable pumps. Attach this combination valve to the discharge on a portable pump supplying 1 1/2-inch (38 mm) hose lines. Primarily, it prevents back pressure created when you have a long upslope hose lay. Such back pressure could prevent you from restarting the pump after shutting down for refueling.
Water Ejector
Useful for when drafting from deep cisterns or from comparatively high bridges, when you cannot place the engine close enough to the, water to be within reach of the hard suction. The ejector can operate several hose lengths away from the engine. However, you need sufficient water in the tank to start the process.
Additives
Using water in conjunction with penetrants is a common practice when building wet line. When you use penetrants, such as Class A Foam, the advantages are that you will extend your water supply and you can clearly see where the line is and better wetting of fine fuels.
Indirect Attack
When a fire is too intense to go up against it directly. Requires firefighters to build control lines, either by hand, with mechanized equipment, with water (wet line), or by using existing natural or man-made barriers. You then burnout or backfire fuels between the control line and the oncoming fire edge.
Ground Gradient
When an electrical wire is on the ground, current flows in all directions from the point of contact. Voltage drops as the current flows away from that point.
Water Usage Guidelines
When heavy equipment and engines are working together: -Conserve water and let the equipment do as much line construction as possible -Use the available water resources on hot spots and for keeping yourself and the equipment safe
Fog Stream Pattern
When you can work close to the fire or when the fire covers a large area. Use for Hotspotting, Building a wet line, Direct attack and Mop-up. It conserves precious water supply while protecting you while putting a damper on a fire.
Forestry Hose Clamps
When you have to stop the flow of water through a hose
Removing Oxygen
Wildland fires burn in the open air; therefore, attempting to restrict the oxygen supply to a fire (removing oxygen) is usually limited to smothering relatively small fires with dirt.
Adjustable Fog Nozzle with Bale Shutoff
With this nozzle, you can adjust both the rate of flow and the discharge pattern as you need. It's good for applying water, wet water, or foam solution. Once you select a discharge pattern and flow rate, this nozzle will produce the same flow rate and pattern automatically each time you open it. It's good for applying water, wet water, or foam solution.
Dual Gallongage Nozzle
You can get it in 1-inch and 1 1/2-inch sizes. With this nozzle you can produce anywhere from a straight stream to a wide-angle fog pattern and it delivers a selected range of gallons per minute. It's great for attacking wildland fires.
Straight Stream Pattern
You need better reach, especially in high winds The fire is too hot to get close The fire is confined to a small area A lot of pressure is needed to reach some distance Burning materials cannot be reached with fog or spray Hand crews are digging out hot roots or beds during mop-up
Fireproofing
You reduce the chance of fuels igniting outside the control line by spraying them with water or chemicals or covering them with dirt.
Wire Broom
You'll find the wire broom is especially effective in volcanic areas where light, sparse grasses protrude through a layer of small lava rocks. You can literally sweep away grasses to create an effective fireline.
Council Rake
You'll use them in fireline construction, mop-up, and burning-out operations in areas where you won't need the hoe function of a McLeod.
Mobile Attack (Pump and Roll)
mobile apparatus along the perimeter and simultaneously applying fire streams to knock down the fire.
Stop using your shelter if any of the following conditions are found:
-The storage bag has turned gray, gray stains are visible, or the shelter is not visible inside the bag -Aluminum particles or debris are visible inside the bag -Tears exceeding 1/4 inch (6 mm) in length are detected along folded edges -Dents or punctures in the foil are over 1 inch (25 mm) wide -Foil is missing in lengths of 1/2 inch (13 mm) or more The shelter has been deployed for any reason
18 Fireline WATCHOUT Situations
1.Fire Not Scouted and sized up 2.In Country not seen in daylight 3.Safety zones and escape routes not identified 4.Unfamiliar local factors influencing fire behavior 5.Uninformed on strategy, tactics and hazards 6.Instructions and Assignments not clear 7.No communication link with crew members or supervisor 8.Constructing line without safe anchor point 9.Building Fireline downhill with fire below 10.Attempting frontal assault on fire 11.Unburned fuel between you and fire 12.Cannot see the main fire or contact anyone who can 13.On a hillside where rolling material can ignite fuel below 14.Weather becoming hotter and drier 15.Wind increases or changes direction 16.Getting frequent spot fires across line 17.Terrain and fuels make escape to safety zones difficult 18.Taking nap near fireline
10 Standard Firefighting Orders Fire Behavior = Orders 1 through 3 Fireline Safety = Orders 4 through 6 Organizational Control = Orders 7 through 9 Overall Intent = Order 10
1.Keep informed on fire weather conditions and forecasts. 2.Know what your fire is doing at all times. 3.Base all actions on current and expected fire behavior. 4.Identify escape routes and safety zones and make them known. 5.Post lookouts when there is possible danger. 6.Be alert. Keep calm. Think clearly. Act decisively. 7.Maintain prompt communication with your forces, your supervisor, and adjoining forces. 8.Give clear instructions and ensure they are understood. 9.Maintain control of your forces at all times. 10.Fight fire aggressively, having provided for safety first.
Division/Group Assignment List
A list used on the fireground that identifies resources with active assignments in the Operations section.
Resource Tracking
A list used on the fireground that identifies resources with active assignments in the Operations section.
Incident Command System (ICS)
A standardized on-scene emergency management concept specifically designed to allow its user(s) to adopt an integrated organizational structure equal to the complexity and demands of single or multiple incidents, without being hindered by jurisdictional boundaries.
Chain
A surveying term and equals 66 ft.
Liaison Officer
Acts as point of contact for representatives of all agencies assisting or cooperating in the incident.
Fire Shelter
Aluminized tent carried by firefighters offering personal protection by means of reflecting radiant heat and providing a volume of breathable air in a fire-entrapment situation. Fire shelters are intended to be deployed only as a last resort to survive a fire entrapment. Attempt all other reasonable means of escaping the fire before deploying the shelter. New generation fire shelter consists of two layers: Aluminum foil outer skin laminated to woven silica Aluminum foil laminated to fiberglass. The remaining 5 percent of radiant heat gradually heats the inside area of the shelter. With prolonged exposure to a fire, the temperature inside your shelter may exceed 150° F. In the new generation fire shelters, fiberglass components begin to deteriorate at 1,400° F (760° C) and the silica cloth deteriorates at 2,200° F (1,200° C).
Natural Barrier
Any area where lack of flammable material obstructs the spread of wildland fires.
Task Force
Any combination of single resources, within a reasonable span of control, assembled for a particular tactical need with common communications and a leader.
The Black
Area already burned by a wildland fire. Also called Burn.
The Green
Area of unburned fuels, not necessarily green in color, adjacent to but not involved in a wildland fire.
Self Preparation
As soon as you realize your escape may be compromised, drop any excess gear. Keep only your shelter and tool. These essential items include your: -Protective clothing, including hard hat and gloves -Portable radio -Water Never wet yourself down before or after entering a fire shelter. The moisture greatly increases the likelihood of receiving serious burns.
Safety Officer
Assesses hazardous and unsafe situations and develops measures for ensuring personnel safety. This person has emergency authority to stop and/or prevent unsafe acts.
Web Gear
Carry various tools in canvas pouches. Remember, your web gear weight without water is supposed to be 20 pounds or less. Canteen, Weather kit, Fire shelter, First-aid kit, Fusees, Portable radio and Food
Classification of Fire A-G
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 - 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
Area Preparation
Clear an area about 4 by 8 feet (1.2 by 2.4 m) or larger if time allows. Scrape the area of vegetation down to mineral soil. You may choose to burn out light fuels as this may be easier and faster than scraping.
Planning Section Chief
Collects, evaluates, and disseminates assignments through the IAP and also analyzes incident data and develops tactical alternatives. In preparing the IAP for each operational period, planning may employ one or more technical specialists
Hand Crew
Consist of from 10 to 20 members but may sometimes consist of as few as five. Hand crews have some of the most physically demanding assignments on the fireline—constructing a fireline by hand is not only arduous, it is often done in the worst atmospheric conditions and terrain possible.
Incident Action Plan (IAP)
Contains objectives reflecting the overall incident strategy and specific tactical actions for the next operational period
Saddle
Depression or pass in a ridgeline; low area on a ridgeline between two higher points.
Public Information Officer (PIO)
Develops accurate and complete information regarding the incident and your responses. Acts as point of contact for the media and other governmental agencies that desire information about the incident.
Determining Safety Zone Size
Diameter equal to at least 4x the flame length
Command
Direct the overall management of the incident. To relieve the IC of various 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
Escape Route
Escape routes are marked with HOT PINK flagging tape. -Identify and mark escape routes well before they are needed -Identify at least two escape routes -Inform all crew members of escape route locations -Don't place escape routes above a fire burning uphill on a slope -Make escape routes lead to a safety zone in the black or farther into the green away from the fire -Constantly reassess identified escape routes as the fire front progresses -Mark new escape routes and communicate the change to the crews
Light Fuels
Fast-drying fuels, with a comparatively high surface-area-to-volume ratio, that are generally less than 1/4 inch in diameter and have a time lag of 1 hour or less.
Smoldering
Fire is one that burns without a flame and is barely spreading
Running
Fire is one that spreads rapidly with a well-defined head
Air Tanker
Fixed-wing aircraft used to drop retardant or water during an air attack.
Large Fire
Has gone beyond initial attack and has burned over 300 acres in light fuels or 100 acres in heavy fuels.
Personal Items
Matches (in a waterproof container),Watch,Pocketknife,Eyeglasses and sunglasses,Water,Rain gear,Compass,Toilet paper,Spare,boot laces,Bandanas,Flip flops to wear in shower stalls,Small towel,Small flashlight,Instant hand sanitizer
Safety Zone
Never put safety zones in areas where the topography lends itself to faster fire spread, such as slopes, saddles, chutes, or drainages. Also, most roads are not wide enough to be effective safety zones.A few of the natural areas you can use as safety zones include: -Green meadows -Naturally barren areas, such as rock slides or cliffs -Streams or other bodies of water -Areas of sparse vegetation Constructing a Safety Zone -Use mechanized equipment in areas with heavy fuels -Consider burning out a safety zone but keep the additional safety concerns in mind -Use hand tools to improve the area, if necessary.
Blowups
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.
Escape Routes
Pathway to safety. It can lead to an already burned area, a previously constructed safety area, a meadow that will not burn, or a natural rocky area that is large enough to take refuge without being burned. -Identify and mark escape routes well before they are needed -Identify at least two escape routes -Inform all crew members of escape route locations -Don't place escape routes above a fire burning uphill on a slope -Make escape routes lead to a safety zone in the black or farther into the green away from the fire -Constantly reassess identified escape routes as the fire front progresses -Mark new escape routes and communicate the change to the crews Consider escape time variables: -Barriers that may increase travel time, such as hills, loose soils, rocks, and vegetation
Engine Crews
Perform in some very strenuous tasks. For example, setting up a long progressive hose lay in difficult terrain. Engine crews are not typed, but engines are.
Fire Season
Period(s) of the year during which fires are likely to occur, spread, and damage wildland values sufficient to warrant organized fire suppression.
Torching
Periodically ignites the crown of a single or small group of trees or shrubs before returning to the surface
Incident Commander (IC)
Person in charge of and responsible for the management of all incident operations.
Operations Section Chief
Person responsible to the incident commander for managing all tactical operations directly applicable to accomplishing the incident objectives.
Location of Determination: THE BAD
Place fire shelters where these are NOT present: -Thick vegetation, such as tall grass, small trees, trees with low branches, or brush -Things that will fall on you, such as trees, logs, and snags -Areas where flame will race up, such as draws, saddles, or chimneys -Roads where traffic can run you over -Rock slide areas where you are not able to keep the edges of the shelter firmly on the ground
Location Determination: THE GOOD
Place fire shelters where these are present: Light Fuels Natural firebreaks, such as: Creek Beds, Depression in ground, Rock side areas, Lee side of ridge tops and hills or flat areas on slopes.
Control
Point in time when the perimeter spread of a wildland fire has been halted and can reasonably be expected to hold under foreseeable conditions.
Check IN
Process or location used by assigned resources to report in at an incident.
Logistics Section Chief
Provides all support needs (except aircraft) on an incident. Because of the range of logistical needs on a large incident, this section may be split into Service and Support branches. Two of the most critical are the services of the communications and medical units within the services branch.
Safety Zones
Recently burned area or one cleared of vegetation used for escape in the event a line is outflanked or a spot fire outside a control line renders the line unsafe.
Extended-Attack Fire
Situation in which a fire cannot be controlled by initial-attack resources within a reasonable period of time.
Snag
Standing dead tree or part of a dead tree from which at least the leaves and smaller branches have fallen.
Strike Team
Strike teams are most often composed of either engines, hand crews, or bulldozers, but they may be composed of any resource of the same kind and type.
Communications
Supervisors must verify communications at the beginning and throughout the work shift. This is most often done by radio, but radios are not always reliable in some areas. In these cases, direct voice communication is best, but using a system of hand signals, signal flags, or signal mirrors can work if the signals used are clearly understood.
Lookout
Supervisors should post one or more lookouts to continuously monitor the progress of the fire. This is especially critical when crews are working in drainages or other areas where they cannot see the fire but the fire front is relatively close by.
Unified Command
Team effort in the Incident Command System that allows all agencies with responsibility for the incident, either geographical or functional, to manage the incident by establishing a common set of incident objectives and strategies.
Staging Area
Temporary incident location from which resources must be able to respond within three minutes of being assigned.
Origin
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.
Commissary Manager
The commissary manager is responsible for the commissary's operation and security.
Compensation for Injury Specialist
The compensation for injury specialist administers financial compensation resulting from serious injuries and fatalities.
Compensation/Claims Unit Leader
The compensation/claims unit leader manages and directs all compensation for injury and claims-related activities for an incident.
Cost Unit Leader
The cost unit leader collects all cost data, performs cost effectiveness analyses, and provides cost estimates and cost saving recommendations.
Equipment Time Recorder
The equipment time recorder keeps track of the length of time that equipment assigned to an incident was used.
Finance/Admin Chief
The finance/administration section chief is responsible for all financial, admin, and cost analysis aspects of the incident.
Head
The part of a wildland fire with the greatest forward rate of spread (ROS). The head of a fire often burns intensely and may move with alarming speed. Some large fires may have multiple heads.
Personnel Time Recorder
The personnel time recorder records the time for all the personnel assigned to the incident
Procurement Unit Leader
The procurement unit leader administers all financial matters related to vendor contracts, leases, and fiscal agreements.
Flanks
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 a fire toward the head.
Time Unit Leader
The time unit leader is responsible for time recording and for managing the commissary.
The unburned area between the main fire and any fingers.
Surface Fuels
These are the materials normally scraped away to construct a fireline. Sometimes called Ground Fuel.
Location of Determination: THE UGLY
These items should NOT be anywhere near your deployed shelter: Fusees Gasoline cans Supply boxes Packsacks Other combustible fire fighting gear
Contain
To take suppression action that can reasonably be expected to check the fire spread under prevailing and predicted conditions. Also called Containment.
Gear Weight Limitations
Total individual gear weight—65 pounds (30 kg) Web gear weight without water—20 pounds (9 kg) Personal gear weight—45 pounds (21 kg)
Scratch Line
Unfinished preliminary control line hastily established or constructed as an emergency measure to check the spread of fire.
RED Bag (Gear Bag)
Use your red bag to sock away extra clothing for up to 14 days and a lightweight sleeping bag. Remember, your personal gear weight limit is 45 pounds.
Helitack Crews
Used for the initial attack on small, remote fires. They also manage the helicopter that carries ground crews to these locations. The size of the crew will vary according to the agency or organization and the type of helicopter. Type 1 helicopter has the most passenger seats.
Dozer and Tractor Plow Crews
Used to construct firelines and support other ground forces. The "crew" is usually made up of an operator and a helper. -Dozers are classified from type 1 to 3, with type 1 being the heaviest and type 3 the lightest. -Tractor plows are classified from type 1 to 6, with type 1 being the heaviest and type 6 the lightest.
Airdrop
Water, short-term fire retardant, or long-term fire retardant cascaded from an air tanker or helicopter.
Crowning
When it advances across the tops of trees or shrubs more or less independent of the surface fire
Spotting
When sparks or embers produced by the main fire are carried by winds or a convection column
Backing
Where the fire moves away from the head, downhill, or against the wind
Fingers
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
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. Burns with low intensity Has a low rate of spread (ROS) Is generally easier to control than the head
Perimeter
the outer boundary—or the distance around the outside edge—of the burning or burned area. Also commonly called the fire edge