IGNITION OPERATIONS The three types of ignition operations and the attack methods they are used with The common types of ignition devices used The general crew configuration for ignition and holding operations Safe work procedures used during ignition operations

Burn Off islands of fuel within the fire perimeter are ignited to eliminate the potential of re-burning and short distance spotting over the control line May be used with direct or parallel attack small scale routine operation. hand ignition

Burn Out Used in conjunction with parallel attack Fire set along the control line to consume unburned fuels between the line and the fire perimeter. Small scale routine operation Hand ignition or aerial ignition

Backfire indirect attack Control line situated some distance ahead of fire. Extensive fire is set between the head fire and the control line with the assistance of convective winds, consumes fuel and deprives the main fire of oxygen. halts or retards the progress of the fire. directed by senior and highly experienced fire personnel only. aerial ignition

Typical Burn Out Crew Configuration

Hand-held Drip Torch Experienced firefighter. Filled with a mixture of gasoline and diesel. Mixture ignites and “drips” to the ground. Full PPE is required Take care not to ignite clothing Always maintain two escape routes and a safety zones Do not open or fill near hot embers, sparks or while smoking Mixing and fuelling personnel should wear an organic vapour respirator Fuel ratio varies Mix fuel, label with fuel type, ratio and date

Helitorch slung beneath the helicopter fuel is ignited and “drips” from the device. mixture of the fuel is in a gelatinous form and is designed to stick to and ignite fuels

Aerial Ignition Device carried in the cabin of the helicopter small ‘ping-pong’ balls are dropped. delayed chemical reaction to ignite.

General Ignition Safety LCES (Always use a dedicated Look-Out- Always fire from an Anchor Point) Minimum 500 meter separation between ground crews and aerial ignition operation Full fireline PPE during all ignition operations Use appropriate PPE for mixing- goggles, gloves, respirator Keep mixing sites away from sensitive ecosystems and aquatic areas- always use spill berms at mixing sites