Forestry Science I Unit 4: Wildfires Lesson 3- Prevention and Control of Wildfires Prepared by Chad Bass December 5, 2001 To accompany Georgia Agriculture Education Curriculum Lesson Modified by CTAE Resource Network, 2010

Objectives n Explain how to prevent wildfires. n Describe pre-suppression techniques for wildfires. n Identify and explain the function of fire fighting equipment. n Describe the methods of fighting wildfires. n Explain the Georgia laws concerning outside burning.

Preventing Wildfires n Keeping fires from ever starting is the most effective and least expensive method of control. n A large percent of wildfires are caused by man. n This can be reduced by educating people about the effects of fire losses.

Preventing Wildfires n There are several things a person can do to prevent wildfires. They include: 1. Clear all fuel back several feet from trash fires, camp fires, and warming fires. 2. Never leave fires unattended. 3. Keep these fires small. 4. Use prescribed fires to reduce or eliminate fuel.

Preventing Wildfires 5. Always have some fire-fighting equipment, water, or loose soil available to prevent fire breakouts. 6. Do not burn during dry spells or windy days, or when relative humidity is low. 7. Maintain fire equipment in safe running condition. 8. Extinguish all matches and smoke before discarding.

What is Pre-suppression? n The preparations made before a fire starts, so that it can be controlled more effectively. n There are several things that should be done in pre-suppression. The key is to BE PREPARED.

Pre-suppression 1. Be familiar with the property and know the best way to get equipment to each area under all conditions. 2. Locate fire breaks wisely and keep them maintained. 3. Know your neighbors and ask them to report any unusual smoke in your area. 4. Keep fire fighting equipment in a handy, known location. 5. Know how to contact the County Forest Ranger or Forestry Unit.

Fire fighting equipment n Tools used to fight fires include: –Tractors with plows –Transports –Hand tools- Pulaski axe, Council fire rake, fire swatter, drip torch –Water trucks –buildings –communications equipment- telephone and radios

Fire fighting equipment n Other things needed to fight fires include: –Trained personnel- District foresters, county rangers, operators, pilot spotters –A detection system- a network of towers, plans, patrols, and individual reports. –Other services, including plow breaks, management plans, and forestry education.

Fire Fighting Methods n The basic jobs of fire suppression are: 1. Rob the fire of fuel. 2. Reduce the fire’s temperature. 3. Cut off the oxygen from the fire.

Fire Fighting Methods n In suppression, three parts of a fire must be considered: –Head- The portion of the fire towards which the air is moving. This portion is moving fastest. –Rear- The portion of the fire from which the air is moving away. This is the slowest moving part of the fire. –Flank- The sides of the fire.

Fire Fighting Methods n There are two methods of attack in suppressing a fire. 1. Direct attack 2. Indirect attack

Fire Fighting Methods Direct Attack Fighting the fire at the head of the flames. This is used when the flames are not too intense and are moving slowly.

Fire Fighting Methods Indirect Attack n This is used when heat and spread rate are too great for a direct attack. n Instead, firebreaks are put ahead of the fire and a backing fire is used to remove fuel between the break and the fire.

Fire Fighting Methods n After the fire has been suppressed, you should “mop-up” and patrol the area. –mop-up- to make sure that all fire and smoking material is out or is safe within the firebreak. –Patrol- The fire should be checked the same day or early the next morning by walking around the breaks. This should be done until everything is “dead out”.

Georgia Burning Laws n In 1988, the Georgia Forest Fire Protection Act was amended to require a permit for the burning of woods, lands, marshes, or other flammable vegetation. n This means you must call your local GFC office and get a permit before you proceed with any outdoor burning.

Summary/Review n What is the least expensive and best way to control wildfires? n What are the rules to follow in pre- suppression? Suppression? n What equipment is needed to control wildfires?

Credits n International Paper corporation. International Paper School Forestry Guide. n Georgia Forestry Commission n Georgia Ag. Ed. Curriculum Resource CD