Unit 7 - SAFETY

Video Presentation NFES FWC DVD Part 3: Firefighter Safety in the Wildland/Urban Interface

Unit 7 - SAFETY

Watch Out Situations Watch out when… Fire is not scouted and sized up. In country not seen in daylight. Safety zones and escape routes not identified. Uninformed on strategy, tactics and hazards. Unfamiliar with weather and local factors influencing fire behavior. Instructions and assignments not clear. No communication link with crew members/supervisors. Constructing line without safe anchor points. Building fireline downhill with fire below. Attempting frontal assault on fire.

Unit 7 - SAFETY Watch Out Situations Watch out when… Unburned fuel between you and the fire. Cannot see main fire, not in contact with anyone who can. On a hillside where rolling material can ignite fuel below. Weather is getting hotter and drier. Wind increasing and/or changing directions. Getting frequent spot fires across line. Terrain and fuels make escape to safety zones difficult. Taking a nap near the fire line.

Unit 7 - SAFETY F.I.R.E. O.R.D.E.R.S. F ight fire aggressively but provide for safety first. I nitiate all action based on current and expected fire behavior. R ecognize current weather conditions and obtain forecasts. E nsure instructions are given and understood. O btain current information on fire status. R emain in communication with crew members, your supervisor and adjoining forces. D etermine safety zones and escape routes. E stablish lookouts in potentially hazardous situations. R etain control at all times. S tay alert, keep calm, think clearly act decisively. NWCG Standards for Survival, PMS 416 (6/91) NFES 2388

Unit 7 - SAFETY Brush Truck Operations Select a route that will bring you closest to the blaze in the shortest time. Secure tools inside the vehicle in such a manner so they can injure no one. Remain seated. Be aware of vehicle weight limits on bridges. Be alert for stumps, rocks & other debris that block your approach. Don’t take your vehicle where hand tools are better suited!

Unit 7 - SAFETY Brush Truck Operations Attack a head fire from inside the burn in light fuels that present no risk to tires or hose If you run out of water- use hand tools until you are resupplied. Never drive into an area unless you have a safe exit. Be constantly aware of changing traffic and road conditions.

Unit 7 - SAFETY Brush Truck Operations Safety considerations are what determine all methods of brush truck attacks. Nozzle and hose is a lifeline. Line must be charged Use correct nozzle pattern and pressure Knock down hot spots

Unit 7 - SAFETY Brush Truck Operations Breathing and Visibility Problem Get low Use nozzle spray pattern to clear away smoke Put mouth close to nozzle

Unit 7 - SAFETY Hand Tools DO: Keep cutting edges sharp Keep handles tight Keep tool clean & rust proofed Store tools neatly

Unit 7 - SAFETY Hand Tools DON’T: Lean on tools Carry pump by hose Use tools for any non fire use Throw tools around Allow tools to lie around

Unit 7 - SAFETY Personal Protective Equipment Always Wear Fire retardant clothing Hard hat Gloves Lace up boots Goggles

Unit 7 - SAFETY Fire Shelters

Unit 7 - SAFETY General Safety Don’t run Mop up completely- avoid slop-overs One spot of fire left behind may build and spread Work on or near fire edge Move into burn if needed

Unit 7 - SAFETY General Safety Watch For Obstacles Brush & rocks may catch your hose. Burning of hose & brush truck tires Hidden ditches, holes & logs Obstacles crossed on foot can cause damage to brush truck Down power lines

Unit 7 - SAFETY General Safety Keep your mind on your work and pay attention!

Unit 7 - SAFETY General Safety Always have: First aid kit Snake bite kit Ample drinking water

Unit 7 - SAFETY Review

Review PPE stands for : Personal Protective Equipment When conduction brush truck operations always attack a head fire from the un-burned area to avoid running burning debris that may pose a risk to tires or hoses. True or False FALSE Hand tools should always be kept clean, sharp and stored neat and secure when not in use. TRUE

Basic / Intermediate Groundcover Final EXAM Basic / Intermediate Groundcover A+

Basic / Intermediate Groundcover EXAM 1. B. False 1. B. False 2. A. True 2. A. True 3. A. True 3. A. True 4. C. Wind 4. C. Wind 5. D. All 5. D. All 6. A. True 6. A. True 7. A. B&D 7. A. B&D 8. B. Flexible 8. B. Flexible 9. A. Strait stream 9. A. Strait stream 10. C. Head 10. C. Head 11. C. On Truck 11. C. On Truck 12. C. Burning Roots 12. C. Burning Roots 13. C. Felled & Check 13. C. Felled & Check 14. A. Still Fresh 14. A. Still Fresh 15. A. True 15. A. True 16. C. PPE 16. C. PPE 17. A. True 17. A. True 18. C. Wind 18. C. Wind 19. A. True 19. A. True 20. B. False 20. B. False

Basic / Intermediate Groundcover Thank You For information regarding wildfire prevention and urban wildland interface issues in Texas go to Additional mitigation and prevention resources can be found at: Special Thanks to: Wildlandfire.com for use of photos Raymond McDonald Chief Fire Training Coordinator