Training Bulletins

Safety Notices

National Training Curriculum

Safety Notices

WILDLAND/URBAN INTERFACE WATCHOUTS

The primary consideration is to first assure firefighter and public safety. It is a must to assess potential fire behavior, ingress/egress routes, nature of the threat, hazardous materials, and available water supplies before engaging in the protection of any structures. The first step in conducting a safe operation is to assess whether the firefighting operations can be conducted safely.

Consider the “Wildland/Urban Interface Watchouts” in completing a risk analysis for the urban interface area to be protected. Remember there are three categories of structures:

• Those that are not threatened.
• Those that are threatened.
• Those that have already been lost or too dangerous to protect.

WILDLAND/URBAN INTERFACE WATCHOUTS

• Poor access and narrow, one-way roads. A rapidly spreading fire could trap apparatus and personnel before they can turn around or move away from the flames and smoke.
• Observe bridge limits. Exceeding bridge limits could lead to bridge failure with a resultant blocking of ingress/egress routes that could result in the loss of an escape route or loss of equipment.
• Inadequate water supply. Without a reserve supply of water, the fire can overtake an area before the fuels can be cleared away.
• Natural fuels are located 30 feet or closer to structures on level ground. Remember structures on slopes require greater clearance. Structures are located on canyon slopes or “chimneys” on slopes of 30% or more with continuous, flashy fuels. The resulting rate of spread of any fire in this terrain can quickly extend beyond control.

EXTREME FIRE BEHAVIOR

Situations involving crowning, large flame heights and erratic fire behavior can extend in an unpredictable manner beyond the control of any number of personnel. Strong winds of 25+ MPH: Winds increase the chance of spotting over the heads of firefighters and trapping them between both fire areas. Winds also cause greater preheating of fuels in the path of a fire front.

OTHER SAFETY ISSUES

• The need to evacuate the public, livestock, pets, and/or animals. This critical activity can pull personnel from the firefighting activity and can distract attention from fire behavior at a time when the greatest alertness is needed.
• Propane and above ground fuel tanks that are next to wooden structures or close to vegetation.
• Power lines and poles: What is their location in relation to the structures that are being protected? Watch for both overhead and downed power lines.
• Local citizens are attempting suppression activities. Lack of knowledge in fire suppression may lead to unsafe tactics.
• Airtanker retardant drops and helicopter bucket operations: Establish communications and keep fire personnel out of the drop zone.

References: Incident Response Pocket Guide--PMS 461, NFES 1077, NWCG

RESPONDING TO VEHICLE FIRES

Suppression of vehicle fires is extremely dangerous and poses many health hazards to firefighters. The following procedures are recommended:

Secure the scene and provide or request assistance for traffic control.

Provide for your escape route at the scene.

Do not use road flares if fuel is leaking from the vehicle or if wildland fuel is nearby.

Vehicle fires are considered a hazardous materials scene. Suppression action should only be taken if the crew is trained, equipped, and authorized in the use of Self-contained Breathing Apparatuses (SCBA).

If taking suppression action on wildland fuels, firefighters should ensure that they are a safe distance from the burning vehicle (100-feet minimum), and avoid contact with vehicle fire smoke or fumes.

HAZARD MITIGATION THROUGH RISK MANAGEMENT

“Risk management does not get in the way of doing the mission – it is the way we do the mission.” The Risk Management Process assists in ensuring that critical factors and risks of the fireline work environment are considered during decision making. Good risk management utilizes a five-step process:

Step 1—Situational Awareness:

Obtain information.
Scout the fire.
Identify hazards—those likely to result in a negative impact.
Consider all aspects of current and future situations.
Consider known historical problem areas (Apply information from the Fire Danger Pocket Card.).
Recognize the need for action.
Demonstrate ongoing awareness of fire assignment status.
Note deviations.
Attempt to determine why discrepancies exist with information before proceeding.

Step 2—Hazard Assessment:

Assess hazards to determine risks (e.g., fire behavior, snags, unburned fuels, work/rest).
Use the Look Up, Down, and Around; and the Tactical Watch Outs (both located in the Incident Response Pocket Guide) to identify high-risk tactical hazards.
Assess the impact of each hazard in terms of potential loss, cost, and mission/operational degradation based on probability and severity (probability—how likely an event will occur; severity—consequences if the event occurs). Keep in mind that increased exposure time increases probability.

Step 3—Hazard Control:

Determine the best approach to mitigate or control the risk from the hazards assessed.
Establish controls (e.g., anchor point, LCES, utilize downhill checklist, limit exposure time).
As control measures are developed, reevaluate each risk until it is reduced to a level where benefits outweigh potential costs.

Step 4—Decision Point (decision to accept or not accept the risk(s) associated with an action):

Consider whether controls are in place for identified hazards, whether selected tactics are based on expected fire behavior and if instructions have been given and understood.
Make certain the decision is made at the appropriate level; if not, then elevate to a higher level.
Reject the action if the risk is unacceptable.

Step 5—Evaluation:

Ensure controls are implemented and accomplished to standards.
Supervise/evaluate effectiveness of controls and decisions. Stay on top of the situation and adjust risk controls as necessary.
Anticipate consequences of decisions; if controls do not work, determine problem and derive a better solution.
Adjust actions as the situation changes; maintain situational awareness at all times.

References:
Incident Response Pocket Guide--PMS 461, NFES 1077, NWCG
Human Factors on the Fireline Training Guide, NWCG
Safety and Occupational Health Manual Handbook, BLM--1112-1
Division Supervisor Course Guide--S-339, NWCG

THE FOUR MAJOR COMMON DENOMINATORS OF FIRE BEHAVIOR ON TRAGEDY FIRES

1. Most incidents happen on small fires or on isolated sections of large fires.
2. Flare-ups generally occur in deceptively light fuels, such as grass and light brush.
3. Most fires are innocent in appearance before unexpected shifts in the wind direction and/or sped result in "flare-ups." Sometime, tragedies occur in the mop-up stage.
4. Fires respond to large-and small-scale topographic conditions, running uphill surprisingly fast in chimneys, gullies and steep slopes.