adults - wildfires - response

E-Learning Module for Adults

Wildfires

e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to Natural Disasters

2

Part 3.1: ResponseDuring an emergency

In part 3.1 of the Wildfire module , you will learn:

• Who will help and how?

• How to follow the advice of professionals

• What should I do if someone gets hurt or there is an emergency?

• What to do / NOT do during a wildfire?

• How to help?


3


Who will help and how?


4

Part 3.1: Response Who will help?

Organisations involved in the suppression of wildfires

The type of organisations involved depend on how each country organises its fight against wildfires. Organisations involved can include: Fire and rescue services, civil protection organisations, specially trained army divisions, etc.

These organisations can rely solely on professionals or include volunteers.

Image courtesy of Junta de Andalucía


5


Organisations involved in the suppression of Wildfires

Irrespective of what organisations are involved in each country, their activities and roles with regards to wildfire suppression will be very similar. Their actions/activities are likely to be divided between:

- Terrestrial action (ground attack)- Aerial support and attack (where

resources exist)



6


Terrestrial action during a wildfire

• Fire fighters will analyse the environment and weather conditions to try to establish the evolution of the fire and decide the best course of action.

Fire-fighters using tools to stop the progression of a fireImage courtesy of Junta de Andalucía

Fire-fighters using tools and a portable extinctor to stop the progression of a fire

Image courtesy of Junta de Castilla y León


7



• Fire fighters will analyse the environment and weather conditions to try to establish the evolution of the fire and decide the best course of action.• To suppress the fire, they will use different tactics and tools (chainsaws, fire flappers, portable extinctor, etc…). They can also sometimes rely on heavy machinery to create fuel breaks (Blackhoes, diggers, etc.). Fire-fighters using tools to stop the progression of a fire


Fire-fighters using tools and a portable extinctor to stop the progression of a fire

Image courtesy of Junta de Castilla y León


8



Fire fighters also have at their disposal vehicles, in particular fire engines with a water tank. However, wildfires often occur in remote and/or rural areas and vehicles cannot always reach the area of the fire. In this case, fire-fighters will need to walk on foot and will work with hand tools to suppress the fire. They may also rely on aerial support and attack. Source: Swedish Civil Contingencies

Agency


9



Aerial support during a wildfire•Airplanes and helicopters play a key role in the suppression of wildfires in some EU countries. They can be used to transport ground crews directly to the scene of a fire or to drop water or retardent on/near the fire.

Helicopter dropping water over a wildfire to support the work of the ground crew



10



Aerial support during a wildfire•Airplanes and helicopters play a key role in the suppression of wildfires in some EU countries. They can be used to transport ground crews directly to the scene of a fire or to drop water or retardent on/near the fire. •When a fire starts, airplanes and helicopters can sometimes get to the scene faster and provide an initial attack which can play a key role in stopping the development and spread of a fire.




11



Aerial support during a wildfire•Airplanes and helicopters play a key role in the suppression of wildfires in some EU countries. They can be used to transport ground crews directly to the scene of a fire or to drop water or retardent on/near the fire. •When a fire starts, airplanes and helicopters can sometimes get to the scene faster and provide an initial attack which can play a key role in stopping the development and spread of a fire.•More often, airplanes and helicopters provide support to the work of ground crews. Helicopter dropping water over a wildfire to support the work of

the ground crewImage courtesy of Junta de Andalucía


12



Aerial support during a wildfire•Airplanes and helicopters play a key role in the suppression of wildfires in some EU countries. They can be used to transport ground crews directly to the scene of a fire or to drop water or retardent on/near the fire. •When a fire starts, airplanes and helicopters can sometimes get to the scene faster and provide an initial attack which can play a key role in stopping the development and spread of a fire.•More often, airplanes and helicopters provide support to the work of ground crews. •They also help protect specific areas such as urban areas, campsites, etc.




13



Video: Firefighters Battle To Control Wildfires Across Europe


15


International co-operation

•When one country suffers from a number of aggressive wildfires, they may not have the necessary suppression resources to extinguish all of the fires and may need to request additional support and resources from other countries.



16


International co-operation

•When one country suffers from a number of aggressive wildfires, they may not have the necessary suppression resources to extinguish all of the fires and may need to request additional support and resources from other countries. •For example, in 2015, when the Swedish authorities were faced with a large wildfire (around 10 000 ha), France and Italy provided them with water bombing aircraft from 5 to 12 August. During this time they completed 700 water drops on the fire and helped bring the fire under control. (Source: “Protèger la forêt contre les incendies, -Dispositif de Lutte 2015” – Direction Générale de la sécurité civile et de la gestion des crises – Ministère de l’intérieur)



17


Police

• They are not normally involved directly in suppression activities


18


Police


• They can assist with the evacuation of homes and areas


19


Police



• They can control and limit access to the area around the wildfire.


20


Police



• They can control and limit access to the area around the wildfire.

• They can help control and direct traffic near the wildfire


21


Ambulance Service

• The Ambulance Service may provide medical assistance during wildfires to members of the public and those involved in suppressing the fire.


22


Local Authorities

• They will support the Emergency Services


23


Local Authorities

• They will support the Emergency Services• They may decide to close roads, if necessary


24


Local Authorities

• They will support the Emergency Services• They may decide to close roads, if necessary• They will establish and manage Rest Centres for those evacuated from their homes


25


Local Authorities

• They will support the Emergency Services• They may decide to close roads, if necessary• They will establish and manage Rest Centres for those evacuated from their homes• They may circulate warnings and information to the local population about the fire


26


What should I do if someone gets hurt or there is an emergency?

999


27

Part 3.1: Response In case of emergency

For severe or acute illnesses, accidents and life-threatening situations, you need to call 999 immediately

To get the right help as quickly as possible, it is important you know what to say and do when you call 9 9 9.

Even though you may be afraid, in pain or distressed in other ways, you need to stay calm and remember what you have learned.

999


28


Calling 999

Remember:• Don’t be afraid to call 999, the emergency services

are there to help you.

999


29


Calling 999


are there to help you.• Stay calm and speak clearly.999


30


Calling 999


are there to help you.• Stay calm and speak clearly.• Follow the instructions given to you by the

operator .

999


31


Calling 999


are there to help you.• Stay calm and speak clearly.• Follow the instructions given to you by the

operator .

The next slides will show you the steps to make a safe and effective call to 999.

999


32


1. Calling 999 999


33


2. Calling 999

If you don’t see an address, describe the surroundings to the operator. Everything you see around you can help (shop name, bus stops, significant buildings, etc...)

999


34


3. Calling 999

•When has it happened?•What number are you calling from?•How many people are injured?

999


35


4. Calling 999 999


36


5. Calling 999 999


37


Calling 999

While talking to the operator, he/she will:

999


38


Calling 999

While talking to the operator, he/she will:• Determine the help you need999


39


Calling 999

While talking to the operator, he/she will:• Determine the help you need• Start sending the help you need 999


40


Calling 999

While talking to the operator, he/she will:• Determine the help you need• Start sending the help you need • Hand over the information you give to other emergency services

999


41


If a contact number or website address is issued by the emergency services, use it to get updates but remember you will be one of many people trying to use it so there may be some delay in getting through. Be patient and keep trying if you cannot get the information you want from other sources.

During an emergency.


42


What to DO and what NOT do during a wildfire?


43

Part 3.1: Response What to do?

What to do if you find yourself in the proximity of a wildfire?

Do not stay near the fire – get to a place of safety.

Remain calm!

Image courtesy of Craftyjoe at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

If you spot a fire or someone starting a fire, call 999 immediately.


999


44



If you find yourself near a wildfire – walk away:

Image courtesy of marcolm at FreeDigitalPhotos.net


45



If you find yourself near a wildfire – walk away: • Walk in the opposite direction to the flames and smoke



46



If you find yourself near a wildfire – walk away: • Walk in the opposite direction to the flames and smoke• Walk away and look for areas without vegetation -they may

provide protection.



47




provide protection.• Protect your face with a wet cloth (piece of clothing, towel,etc.)

in order to avoid breathing the smoke.



48





in order to avoid breathing the smoke.• Try to avoid walking towards cliffs or ravines – they may block

your escape and lead to entrapment.



49






your escape and lead to entrapment.• Do not walk into saddle features (depressions between two

hills) – wildfires burn very rapidly through these areas



50






your escape and lead to entrapment.• Do not walk into saddle features (depressions between two

hills) – wildfires burn very rapidly through these areas• Do not try to escape by walking in front of the fire, or walking

up-hill above a fire – fire can move very quickly upslope! Image courtesy of marcolm at FreeDigitalPhotos.net


51



If you meet those responsible for suppressing a wildfire, follow their instructions and directions. closely .

Ground crew from the INFOCA (Andalucía) - Image courtesy of Junta de Andalucía


52

Image courtesy of digitalart at FreeDigitalPhotos.net


What to do if you find yourself driving near a wildfire?

-Drive with the windows closed.


53




-Drive with the windows closed.-Try to drive towards a safe area


54




-Drive with the windows closed.-Try to drive towards a safe area-If you are trapped (Source: California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) http://www.readyforwildfire.org/what_to_do_if_trapped):

• Stay calm.


55





• Stay calm.• Park your vehicle in an area clear of vegetation.


56





• Stay calm.• Park your vehicle in an area clear of vegetation.• Close all vehicle windows and vents.


57





• Stay calm.• Park your vehicle in an area clear of vegetation.• Close all vehicle windows and vents.• Cover yourself with wool blanket or jacket.


58





• Stay calm.• Park your vehicle in an area clear of vegetation.• Close all vehicle windows and vents.• Cover yourself with wool blanket or jacket.• Lie on the floor of the vehicle.


59





• Stay calm.• Park your vehicle in an area clear of vegetation.• Close all vehicle windows and vents.• Cover yourself with wool blanket or jacket.• Lie on the floor of the vehicle.• Call 999


60


What to do if there is a wildfire near your home?

If the authorities or emergency services ask you to leave your home,

do so immediately.Only stay at home if evacuation would

put you in imminent danger.

A bushfire burns behind a house in West Bendigo on February 7, 2009. – source: Richmeister at en.wikipedia


61



• Contact the emergency services and provide your location (call 999).


62




• Stay together in the safest area of the house.


63




• Stay together in the safest area of the house.• Close all the doors and windows and pour

water on them. Put wet towels, curtains or other fabric materials around the doors and windows to help stop smoke coming through.


64






• Turn off all electricity, gas and air conditioning.


65






• Turn off all electricity, gas and air conditioning.

• Fill sinks, bath tubs and buckets with water that you can use to extinguish any fire that enters the house.


66



• Keep the exterior lights on so that the firefighting personnel can locate you.


67




• Try to soak outside areas with water using a hose or buckets.


68





• Wear clothes made of natural fabric (wool or cotton).


69






• Move flammable furniture and objects to the centre of the room. Move flammable items away from the walls, doors and windows (furniture, carpets, decoration, etc.).


70







• Be careful with loose cables and electric installations, there is a risk of electrocution. If possible, turn off the electricity.


71







• Be careful with loose cables and electric installations, there is a risk of electrocution. If possible, turn off the electricity.

• When the fire has passed, stay in the house and wait for instructions from the emergency services.


72




If you need to leave your home:


73




If you need to leave your home: • Close all the doors and windows

before leaving, but leave open any gates outside your property.


74






• Turn off the gas and electricity.


75






• Turn off the gas and electricity. • Wear clothes made of natural fabric

(wool or cotton).


76







(wool or cotton). • Protect your face from the smoke

with the wet cloth.


77







(wool or cotton). • Protect your face from the smoke

with the wet cloth. • Go in the opposite direction to the fire

and the smoke.


78


Evacuation

When there is a wildfire in your area, you should always be ready to evacuate.In the event you are told to evacuate, follow instructions from the emergency services with regard sto safe routes to take away from the danger area.

Image courtesy of smarnad at FreeDigitalPhotos.net


79


Evacuation


If an evacuation takes place, a rendezvous point for evacuees will normally be established. A Reception / Rest Centre will be set up for longer emergency incidents and this is a place you can stay and get help, food and water.



80


Evacuation


If an evacuation takes place, a rendezvous point for evacuees will normally be established. A Reception / Rest Centre will be set up for longer emergency incidents and this is a place you can stay and get help, food and water.


If you choose not to use the Rest Centre (for example you go to stay with friends or relatives elsewhere), advise the staff at the Rest Centre of your alternative arrangements so that people are not deployed to search for you.

81

Part 3.1: Response What NOT to do?


Whatever the situation: DO NOT

put yourself, or others, in any

danger!DO NOT try to be a

hero and put yourself in a dangerous position!


82


How to help?


83

Part 3.2 ResponseAfter an emergency

In part 3.2 of the Wildfire module , you will learn:

•Who will help?

•What to do when returning home after a wildfire?

•How to help your community after an Emergency


84

Part 3.2 : Response

Once an emergency incident has been dealt with and any immediate risk to people, property and/or the

environment has been dealt with the Recovery Phase will begin for you, your family and your community.


85


Recovery: who will help?


86

Part 3: Response Recovery: who will help?

Who will help?

If your house/property has been damaged by the fire, for the most part, you will have to take care of your house yourself.



87


Who will help?

If your house/property has been damaged by the fire, for the most part, you will have to take care of your house yourself. However, your insurance company will assess the damage and the possibility of getting financial compensation. The local authority may also be able to provide assistance and local community/voluntary groups might also help with the recovery process.



88


Recovery of the area - Who will help?

Public authorities will prepare the recovery plan for the areas affected by wildfires. Two types of specific measures must be taken :



89



Public authorities will prepare the recovery plan for the areas affected by wildfires. Two types of specific measures must be taken : 1- Urgent measures to reduce the immediate effects on people, infrastructure, property, wildlife and the environment. Remember, wildfires can damage the soil (causing soil erosion) and they can also leave trees and other vegetation burned and unstable.



90



Public authorities will prepare the recovery plan for the areas affected by wildfires. Two types of specific measures must be taken : 1- Urgent measures to reduce the immediate effects on people, infrastructure, property, wildlife and the environment. Remember, wildfires can damage the soil (causing soil erosion) and they can also leave trees and other vegetation burned and unstable. 2- Reconstructive measures aiming at assisting in the longer-term recuperation of the natural environment.



91


1- Urgent measures

These measures include:• The elimination of burned trees which, if they fell, would

affect homes, roads, electric cables, etc.

Construction to limit the erosion of soil, loss of seeds, etc. - Image courtesy of Junta de Andalucía


92


1- Urgent measures


affect homes, roads, electric cables, etc.• The construction of defenses to protect roads, fields,

villages, homes, etc. which are threatened by landslides and falling of rocks.



93


1- Urgent measures




• Building work aimed at limiting the loss of soil and seeds which at the same time contribute to reducing the spread of water down slopes.



94


1- Urgent measures





• Providing, when necessary, food for wildlife.Construction to limit the erosion of soil, loss of seeds, etc. - Image courtesy of Junta de Andalucía


95


1- Urgent measures





• Providing, when necessary, food for wildlife.• Treating vegetation and the ground to prevent pests and

diseases attacking trees and vegetation burned/weakened by the fire.



96


2- Reconstructive measures

Step 1: Analyse the burned vegetation: to what degree is it affected and what is the likelihood of natural regeneration? (i.e. the environment regenerates itself without human intervention?



97



Step 1: Analyse the burned vegetation: to what degree is it affected and what is the likelihood of natural regeneration? (i.e. the environment regenerates itself without human intervention?Step 2: To define the objectives of a reconstructive plan. These objectives may include planting the same species , planting alternative species, changing the planting structure and layout and potentially changing the land use of the area.



98



Step 1: Analyse the burned vegetation: to what degree is it affected and what is the likelihood of natural regeneration? (i.e. the environment regenerates itself without human intervention?Step 2: To define the objectives of a reconstructive plan. These objectives may include planting the same species , planting alternative species, changing the planting structure and layout and potentially changing the land use of the area. Step 3: Once the objectives have been established, there must be an evaluation of how the reconstructive plan can be implemented to complement nature’s actions.



99



Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs), charities and voluntary groups may assist in the recuperation and recovery of the natural environment. For example: when nature does not succeed in recovering on its own, reforestation can be necessary and NGOs may get involved in tree and vegetation planting.



100


Recovery: What to do when returning home after a wildfire?


101

Part 3.2 : Response Recovery: what to do?

What to do when returning home after a wildfire?

( Source: American Red Cross -Wildfire Safety Checklist)

• Do not enter your home until the emergency services say it is safe.



102





• Use caution when entering burned areas as hazards may still exist, including hot spots, which can flare up without warning.



103






• Avoid damaged or fallen power lines, poles and downed wires.



104






• Avoid damaged or fallen power lines, poles and downed wires.

• Watch for ash pits and mark them for safety—warn family and neighbours to keep clear of the pits.



105



( Source: American Red Cross -Wildfire Safety Checklist)• Watch animals closely and keep them under your direct control. Hidden embers and hot spots could burn your pets’ paws or hooves.



106




• Follow public health guidance on safe cleanup of fire ash and protective equipment you might need to use.



107





• Get ash and other debris wet to minimize breathing dust particles.



108






• Wear leather gloves and heavy soled shoes to protect your hands and feet.



109






• Wear leather gloves and heavy soled shoes to protect your hands and feet.

• Cleaning products, paint, batteries and damaged fuel containers need to be disposed of properly to avoid risk.



110



( Source: American Red Cross -Wildfire Safety Checklist)Ensure your food and water are safe:• Discard any food that has been exposed to

heat, smoke or soot.• NEVER use water that you think may be

contaminated by a fire – do not use contaminated water to wash dishes, brush teeth, prepare food, wash hands, make ice or make baby formula as it can make you sick.



111


Recovery: Helping your community


112

Part 3.2 : Response Recovery: helping your community?

You may be able to help your neighbours and other members of your community with the recovery process after a wildfire.


After an emergency , you can help your neighbours and your community


113


You may be able to help your neighbours and other members of your community with the recovery process after a wildfire. For example: when nature does not succeed in recovering on its own, reforestation may be necessary and NGOs might become involved with replanting. NGOs often do this work with the help of groups of volunteers –you could become a volunteer and help out.




114


You may be able to help your neighbours and other members of your community with the recovery process after a wildfire. For example: when nature does not succeed in recovering on its own, reforestation may be necessary and NGOs might become involved with replanting. NGOs often do this work with the help of groups of volunteers –you could become a volunteer and help out. REMEMBER: Do not attempt to replant trees on your own as there are strict criteria to follow. There may also be plans to change the vegetation through a recovery/regeneration plan.Image courtesy of Junta de

Andalucía



115


Videos: Examples of recovery from wildfires

Watch the videos on the next two pages to learn more about some real examples of recovery after wildfires.



118

Part 3 : Response

We hope you enjoyed this module and unit on wildfires! The content of this module was developed thanks to the support of the Junta de Andalucía and the e-PPR Partners, unless specified otherwise.


119

This educational resource has been produced by the partners of the e-PPR Project (e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to Natural Disasters) with the support of the Erasmus+ programme.

Unless otherwise stated, this educational resource is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. It is attributed to the partners of the e-PPR project. Further information can be found at www.e-ppr.euThe authors are committed to respecting the intellectual property rights of others, and have taken all reasonable efforts to ensure that the reproduction of content (text, pictures, etc.) has been done with the full consent of copyright holders and that all copyright holders are acknowledged in such reproductions. If you feel that your copyright has not been fully respected, please contact us by email at [email protected] you are going to use parts of the content with materials whose copyright holder(s) is/are not the authors, it is your responsibility to make sure you do so, respecting the original holder’s copyrights. This content is the sole responsibility of the project partners and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union.

Copyright Statement

http://www.e-ppr.eu/

mailto:[email protected]

adults - wildfires - response

Education