1. Unit 4 - Using Fire as a Tool

2. Use of Fire Using fire to remove fuel is an excellent control method Fire can be used to stop fast moving fires During large campaign fires, all fuel may be subject to catch fire, and burning out removes the fuel danger Fire can also be used in an emergency to make a deployment zone

3. Burning Out Also called firing out, firing off, or just burning Usually started from a control line, creates a wide burn area where nothing is available to burn

4. Burning Out; Strip Firing Most common form of firing out Is setting strips of fire out away from and parallel to the control line. Distance of “strips” depends of fuel and conditions

5. Burning Out; Ring Firing Ring firing is done to protect structures Pretreat structure with class A foam and make a scratch line around building Start ring fire burn-out from your scratch line WATCH YOUR WIND DIRECTION!

6. Backfiring

7. Drip Torch Mixture of 3 parts diesel to 1 part gasoline –Less than 3 to 1 may cause the drip torch to run to hot and burn the operator. –Too much gasoline may cause explosion Fill ¾ of the drip torch tank for expansion Light torch from ground fire

8. Drip Torch Light the top of a hill/downward and move into the wind. Hold torch on down wind side. Know your escape routes before you start!

9. Fusees Fusees can be hand held or taped/tied to a tool Don’t breath fumes Burns at about 2500° Hold away and strike away from you when lighting

10. Expedient Methods Expedient Methods of igniting wildland fuels –With a tool, drag burning needles or leaves along the ground –Ignite oil soaked rags on a stick –Matches –Other

11. Precautions for Burning Out Always try to have an anchor point Fire starting from uphill working down Fire into the wind Fire from roads or other natural/manmade barriers DO NOT PLACE OTHER UNITS OR FORCES IN DANGER

12. Watch-outs for Burning Control line is midslope Line has sharp bends or bulges Heavy fuel near line Weather is changing Thunderstorms in area Snags in firing area Humidity is changing Structures nearby Loss of contact with supervisor or near- by forces Not enough people to hold the line