professionals - wildfires - preparedness part 1

E-Learning for WildfiresProfessionals

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

2

PreparednessThis module on wildfire preparedness is divided into three parts which cover the following topics:

•Part 1 - How to plan and prepare for wildfires•Part 2 - How to train and exercise for wildfires•Part 3 - How to warn and inform the public


3

Wildfire Preparedness – Part 1:

How to plan and prepare for wildfires


4

Fire BehaviourThis is the first part of the module on wildfire preparedness and will cover the following topics:

• Why is planning for wildfires important?• Identifying and assessing wildfire risk• Formulate strategic plans for wildfire• Formulate local plans for wildfire


5

Introduction: Why is planning for wildfires important?


6

Why is planning important? Firstly, as seen in the Wildfire Prevention module, wildfires can have devastating impacts:

Source: Junta de Andalucia (Spain)

… on the environment

… on life

Source: Frederiksborg Fire and Rescue Service (Denmark)


7

… on property

… on energy supplies

Why is planning important?



8

… on heritage and culture

Why is planning important? … on infrastructure and the ability to move around as normal

Source: SPEIS Ayto. Alcala de Guadaira (Spain)


9


… and on the economy



10

Secondly, climate change predictions for Europe state wildfires will become more frequent and long-lasting, causing more damage and disruption:

“The consequences of climate change can already be noted through the increase in the frequency of natural disasters. In Europe, according to the Emergency Database of Disasters (EMDAT), the number of natural disasters reported increased from 43 in 1974-1978 to 288 in 1999-2003. All the agencies working on monitoring climate change agree that, in the future, such consequences will intensify with the weather and temperatures being more extreme. This will result in natural disasters such as wildfires being more frequent and longer-lasting.” (Source: EEA 2007: Europe’s Environment, the fourth assessment)



11

Why will climate change increase frequency and impact of wildfires?

Climate change causes more extreme weather:• Warmer Springs and Summers = more drying of fuels = more fuel available to burn• Wetter summers some years = more fuel growth• Colder Winters = more dead fuels available to burn

Combined these trends are will lead to an increase in frequency and impact of wildfires



12

Thirdly, climate change predictions are also supported by projected changes in fire danger.


Source: Joint Research Centre (JRC)

http://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/figures/projected-meteorological-forest-fire-danger


13

Thirdly, climate change predictions are also supported by projected changes in fire danger.


Source: Joint Research Centre (JRC)

IMPORTANT: Increase in fire danger are

projected across the whole of Europe!

http://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/figures/projected-meteorological-forest-fire-danger


14

What is fire danger and why is a projected increase important?

Fire danger is a quantitative (numerical) assessment and indicator of the ease of ignition, rate of spread, difficulty of control and likely impact of a wildfire in a location at a given point in time.

In short, fire danger tells us how dangerous a wildfire would be if one started.



15

What is fire danger and why is a projected increase important?

Fire danger is a quantitative (numerical) assessment and indicator of the ease of ignition, rate of spread, difficulty of control and likely impact of a wildfire in a location at a given point in time.

In short, fire danger tells us how dangerous a wildfire would be if one started.


IMPORTANT: A projected increase in fire danger indicates that wildfires will become more dangerous across Europe!


16

It is for these three key reasons that it is vitally important that all countries in Europe plan for wildfires.

…Wildfires are no longer just an issue for the Mediterranean – they are and will continue to affect the whole of Europe.



17

• To learn more about wildfire fire news and history in Europe visit the European Forest Fire Information Service (EFFIS) website

• To learn more about projected changes in fire danger in Europe, visit: the European Environment Agency website

Why is planning important? Find out more about

http://forest.jrc.ec.europa.eu/effis/

http://forest.jrc.ec.europa.eu/effis/

http://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/indicators/forest-fire-danger-1/assessment


18

Visit the following websites to learn more about Fire Danger Rating Systems (FDRS) and Fire Weather forecasts around the world:

• Canadian Forest Fire Weather Index• United States National Park Service – Understanding Fire Da

nger• FDRS in New Zealand• FDRS for South East Asia • Fire Danger Ratings in Western Australia• European Fire Information System (EFFIS) - Europe

Why is planning important? Find out more about

http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/forests/fire-insects-disturbances/fire/14470

http://www.nps.gov/fire/wildland-fire/learning-center/fire-in-depth/understanding-fire-danger.cfm

http://www.nps.gov/fire/wildland-fire/learning-center/fire-in-depth/understanding-fire-danger.cfm

http://www.wamis.org/agm/meetings/wofire08/S2-Salinger_New-Zealand.pdf

http://haze.asean.org/fire-danger-rating-system-fdrs-for-southeast-asia/

http://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/safetyinformation/fire/bushfire/pages/firedangerratings.aspx

http://forest.jrc.ec.europa.eu/effis/applications/long-term-forecast/


19

Planning and preparedness for wildfires should follow a simple four-phase process.

How to plan for wildfires


20

The key phases are now briefly explained:• Plan – identify the risks / threats and what you can do to mitigate, minimise or deal with them • Do – identify the resources you have available and any “gaps” which you might need to address to deal with the risk / threat• Check – that your plans are deliverable, train and exercise and make everyone involved aware of the plans• Act – when required, implement the plans and identify any changes required and implement them – review and revise the plans



21

The planning phase itself can be broken down into a number of important elements. The following elements will be explained within this module:

1. Identify and assess wildfire risk



22




2. Formulate Plans


23




2. Formulate Plans

2. a) Formulate Strategic Plans

2. b) Formulate Local Plans


24




2. Formulate Plans



Detection, notification and mobilisation of resources

Agreements with other agencies and stakeholders

Provision and allocation of appropriate resources

Provision of appropriate training

Provision of welfare


25




2. Formulate Plans



Detection, notification and mobilisation of resources

3. Continuously review and revise plans

Agreements with other agencies and stakeholders

Provision and allocation of appropriate resources

Provision of appropriate training

Provision of welfare


26


Step 1: Identify and Assess Risk


27

How to plan for wildfiresPlanning must start by identifying and assessing wildfire risk.

Fire and rescue services and other stakeholders need to identify and assess wildfire risk within their area of responsibility.

When identifying and assessing wildfire risk, consideration should be given to the following: • The causes of ignition• Historical data• Likely impact of fire events on local communities and the environment• Awareness of local, regional and national weather conditions• Vegetation and fuel• Topography


28

How to plan for wildfiresPlanning must start by identifying and assessing wildfire risk.

Fire and rescue services and other stakeholders need to identify and assess wildfire risk within their area of responsibility.

When identifying and assessing wildfire risk, consideration should be given to the following: • The causes of ignition• Historical data• Likely impact of fire events on local communities and the environment• Awareness of local, regional and national weather conditions• Vegetation and fuel• Topography

Each of these considerations

will now be explained in

turn.


29

Understand the causes of ignition• What are the main causes of wildfires in

your area?• What data do you have to support this? Is

the data complete and reliable?• Are fire investigations routinely completed

to identify the causes of wildfires? • If not, how can you be sure you know what

the actual causes of wildfires are?• Evidence from fire investigations is crucial

for the development and implementation of effective wildfire prevention activities



Photo (below): Identifying the Cause of a Wildfire during a Fire Investigation


30

Understand the causes of ignition

Information and evidence gathered during fire investigations is crucial for:• Developing and implementing effective wildfire prevention activities• Developing appropriate wildfire preparedness plans• Assessing and evaluating wildfire response• Identifying lessons learned and improving current practices



31


Fire investigation for wildfires requires specialist knowledge and training. Visit the following websites to learn more about fire investigation of wildfires:

• EUROPE - Wildfire Investigation Course 2015• USA -

Wildfire Origin and Cause Determination Handbook – National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG), USA• AUSTRALIA -

Australian training package in serial wildfire arson investigation goes international

Find out more about

https://prezi.com/uzaymtmrohlt/wildfire-investigation-course-europe-2015/

http://www.nwcg.gov/sites/default/files/products/pms412-1.pdf



https://ajem.infoservices.com.au/items/AJEM-27-04-13

https://ajem.infoservices.com.au/items/AJEM-27-04-13


32

The videos on the following page provides more information about fire investigation at wildfire incidents.

The videos provide an introduction to the processes used in fire investigation and some of the indicators that fire investigators can use to investigate wildfires and determine the point of origin and cause of ignition. Please be aware that processes and procedures can vary according to different national and local legislation and practices.



35

Analyse historical data

• Where have fires occurred in the past?• How much damage did they cause? • What were the weather conditions at the time?• When do wildfires tend to occur? Why may this be the case?• Are there any identifiable trends? • For example, have previous wildfires occurred in particular locations

and/or during particular weather conditions? • What were the impacts of previous wildfires? • You should consider impacts on life, property, environment,

infrastructure, economy and local communities.



36

Assess the likely impact on local communities

Potential impacts can be wide ranging, but some of the issues to consider when identifying and assessing risk are:

• How would a wildfire affect the local community?• Could a wildfire affect telecommunications and the road infrastructure?• Could a wildfire entrap members of the local community?• Are evacuation plans needed for specific communities?



37

Analyse national, regional and local weather patterns• Analysis of weather conditions recorded

during previous wildfires can help to identify trends and patterns

• For example, large wildfires which are difficult to contain may occur during particular weather conditions – perhaps during dry periods and/or when winds blow from a particular direction

• Identification of trends can help identify when and where wildfire risk may be greatest – which can in turn be used to develop effective: • preparedness plans• response plans



Photo (below): Using Analysis of Weather Patterns and Topography to Predict Potential Fire Spread


38

Understand the vegetation and fuel within your area

• What vegetation and fuel is available to burn?• How does it burn?• How does fire spread through

the fuel?• How is the fuel arranged -

horizontally and vertically? • Are there ladder fuels?


Source: Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service (UK)


39

Understand the topography within your area

• What is the topography like? • How steep are the slopes?• Are there particular locations that are high risk due to topography?• Does the topography limit access to vehicles and personnel on foot?• How does the local topography influence wind speed and direction?




40

Part 1: How to plan for wildfires

Step 2: Formulate Plans


41

Once you have identified and assessed wildfire risk, you then need to start formulating appropriate plans to ensure a safe and effective response.

There are two key types of plans:• Strategic Wildfire Plans• Local or Operational Wildfire Plans



42


Step 2 a) Formulate Strategic Plans


43

Strategic plansFire and rescue services and other stakeholders should develop strategic plans for wildfire which may include:

1. Detection, notification and mobilisation of resources2. Agreements between agencies/stakeholders regarding

roles and responsibilities3. Provision and allocation of appropriate resources 4. Provision of appropriate training5. Provision of welfare



44

Strategic plansFire and rescue services and other stakeholders should develop strategic plans for wildfire which may include:

1. Detection, notification and mobilisation of resources2. Agreements between agencies/stakeholders regarding

roles and responsibilities3. Provision and allocation of appropriate resources 4. Provision of appropriate training5. Provision of welfare


Each of these elements will now

be explained in turn.


45

1. Detection, notification and mobilisation of resources


a)Detection is:

“The act or process of discovering, locating and reporting wildfire incidents.” * Definition from the EUFOFINET Project’s

European Glossary for Wildfires and Forest Fires (2012)

http://www.northumberland.gov.uk/Fire/Partners.aspx#internationalfirerescuepartners


46

1. Detection, notification and mobilisation of resources


a)Detection is:

“The act or process of discovering, locating and reporting wildfire incidents.”

IMPORTANT: Early detection is very important for effectively suppressing wildfires before

they become extremely damaging and difficult to

contain. * Definition from the EUFOFINET Project’s

European Glossary for Wildfires and Forest Fires (2012)



47

How to plan for wildfiresDetection of wildfires can take many different forms, dependent upon local resources and requirements.The three different key types of detection are:Type of detection Description Examples

Manual detection “A wildfire detection system which is operated by and requires direct control from a person”*

Observation towers, patrols

Semi-automatic detection

“A detection system which is partially operated by itself and partially operated by manual control.”*

Semi-automatic camera systems

Automatic detection “A wildfire detection device which operates by itself with little or no direct human control.”*

Camera systems, satellite systems

* Definitions from the EUFOFINET Project’s European Glossary for Wildfires and Forest Fires (2012)



48



Automatic

Detection

Systems

Manual detection using lookout towers


49

Detection can also take place from the air.

Aerial detection can be either planned or unplanned:

• “Planned – where an agency mobilizes aircraft with aerial observers for the specific purpose of detecting wildfires;”• Unplanned – “where an aircraft not

specifically hired or mobilised to detect wildfires reports a wildfire to a responsible agency. For example, unplanned aerial detection may come from passenger airplanes or other leisure aircraft.”*


* Definition from the EUFOFINET Project’s European Glossary for Wildfires and Forest Fires (2012)




50


To find out more about detection systems, click on the Synthesis of Good Practice on Detection (right) which was produced by the National Forest Center in Slovakia during the EUFOFINET project.

Find out more about

http://www.nlcsk.sk/nlc_en.aspx

http://www.nlcsk.sk/nlc_en.aspx



51

b) Notification of an emergencyWhen a wildfire is detected, the appropriate organisation(s) will be notified, most likely via a call to the emergency number 112.Emergency call handlers receive the call and record the information provided by the caller. They are often responsible for mobilising personnel and other resources to attend the incident. Emergency call handlers relaying the information gathered from the caller to the first responders to help prepare them for what they may encounter when they arrive on scene.




52

c) Mobilisation of resources



• Once notified of a wildfire, appropriate resources must be mobilised to the fire.

• Appropriate mobilisation procedures must be in place to ensure the correct resources are mobilised quickly and effectively.

• An effective communication system also needs to be in place to enable those handling emergency calls to communicate effectively with officers travelling to and attending the wildfire incident.

• Personnel mobilising resources need to know what resources are available, where they are located and the basic limitations of those resources.

• They also need to have information about any resources that may be unavailable for any reason on a particular day or at particular times.


53

2. Agreements between agencies/stakeholders regarding roles and responsibilitiesWildfires can be multi-agency incidents. This means multiple organisations and individuals may attend to provide assistance which means there are multiple parts to the puzzle.

This creates opportunities for collaboration. But it also creates hazards that need to be managed.



54

Multiagency involvement can create opportunities- for instance, sharing personnel, equipment and expertise.

It can also create hazards that need to be managed. The development of agreements with other organisations is important for helping to control some of these hazards.




55

2. Agreements between agencies/stakeholders regarding roles and responsibilitiesWildfires can be multi-agency incidents. This means multiple organisations and individuals may attend to provide assistance with fire suppression or other related activities. It is crucially important that roles and responsibilities of all agencies/organisations are clearly defined and agreed before wildfire incidents occur. This helps ensure:• Safety• Effectiveness• Efficiency



56

Strategic planning for wildfire incidents should consider that collaborative, joined-up, partnership working and planning between all stakeholders can provide significant benefits.

The video on the next page explains how multiple partners from the public and private sector are working collaboratively together to strategically plan how to prevent, prepare and respond to wildfire incidents in Northumberland (UK). Similar local/regional groups have been established in other areas of the UK and in other countries.



58

It is important that all personnel from all organisations attending wildfires know:• Which organisation will take responsibility for the commanding the incident?• What incident command system will be used?• How does everyone fit into the incident command system?• What personnel, equipment and vehicles will each organisation supply and/or operate?



59

It is also important to outline how communications will work at an incident: • What information will be communicated?• How will information be communicated?• Who will communicate the information?• When will briefings be used and when will other forms of communication be used




60

How to plan for wildfiresSome organisations use standard briefing systems that include specific categories that must be covered during briefings. SMEAC is an example of a briefing system used at wildfire incidents. Letter Category Brief explanation

S Situation Description of the fire, fire behaviour, fuel, weather and topography

M Mission Details of the overall incident plan and role/tasks of the team

E Execution Information on how the team will operate and carry out tasks

A Administration Information about logistics and welfare arrangements

C Command and Control Information on command structure and communications


61

• To find out more about how SMEAC can be used at wildfire incidents, refer to pages 187-188 of the Scottish Government’s (2013) Fire and Rescue Service Wildfire Operational Guidance

• To see an example of a SMEAC briefing form refer to page 323 of the Scottish Government’s (2013) Fire and Rescue Service Wildfire Operational Guidance


Find out more about SMEAC

http://www.gov.scot/Resource/0043/00436138.pdf






62

Importantly, strategic planning needs to ensure:• Appropriate agreements are made between organisations that might respond – this may include• The content of the agreements are communicated to all relevant personnel• All personnel attending from all organisations know how the incident will be managed and understand their roles and responsibilities



63

3. Provision and allocation of appropriate resources Fire and rescue services and other stakeholders should procure and supply appropriate resources for wildfire suppression. The resources required will include:

a) Appropriate equipmentb) Provision of personal protective equipment c) Trained personnel


Each of these three types of resources

will now be explained in turn.


64

a) Appropriate Equipment

Wildfires often occur within remote, challenging locations and can spread over large areas of the landscape with varied vegetation and topography. Roads and footpaths may or may not be present.




65

Even if there are roads and footpaths, these may be steep, uneven and unsuitable for vehicles. Fire crews may need to walk distances to where they are working




66

The topography, terrain and weather conditions may make access and the movement of equipment difficult. It may mean that responders require specialist equipment.




67



68

Strategic plans should identify any specialist equipment that may be needed to safely and effectively deal with wildfire incidents.


Strategic plans should also outline: • how specialist equipment

will be made available• who can use the specialist

equipment • What training is required

to operate the specialist equipment


69

Strategic planning needs to solve the issue of how equipment will be supplied when it is needed. There are many different ways of making these arrangements, but broadly speaking they fall within two different types of arrangements. Fire and Rescue services and other stakeholders may:

• Purchase specialist equipment.• Develop arrangements with other organisations that may

be able to provide specialist equipment if and when it is needed.



70

Strategic planning needs to solve the issue of how equipment will be supplied when it is needed. There are many different ways of making these arrangements, but broadly speaking they fall within two different types of arrangements. Fire and Rescue services and other stakeholders may:

• Purchase specialist equipment.• Develop arrangements with other organisations that may

be able to provide specialist equipment if and when it is needed.

Some examples of specialist equipment that may be used effectively at wildfire incidents are now provided.



71

Vehicles with off-road capabilityLarge fire appliances and vehicles are often not suitable and/or may experience difficulties. Strategic plans need to assess the places that fire crews need to drive with their vehicles and provide appropriate vehicles.




72

Options for vehicles may include:

4x4 fire appliances and support vehicles




73


4x4 Utility Vehicles





74


Other off-road vehicles




75

Portable pumps and fogging systemsSmaller pumps, mounted on 4x4 vehicles

Fogging systems can be extremely effective for wildfire suppression as they produce a fine mist is very effective at reducing fire intensity while using less water than larger pumps and hoses.




76

Hand toolsThere are a wide variety of different hand tools that can be used effectively at wildfire incidents.Some are used to remove vegetation (i.e. fuel). Examples include:


McLeod Rakes

Pulaskis

Mattocks, Hoes and Adzes


77


Knapsack sprayersFire

beaters/flappers

Hand toolsSome hand tools are used to directly attack the fire:, sometimes in a combined attack (as illustrated below)



78

Hand toolsHand tools come in many different shapes and designs. For example, there are numerous different designs of fire beaters (examples pictured below).


Some have wooden handles and rubber flappers, while others have metal handles and shovel type heads.

Different designs work well in different fuels. Strategic plans need to identify and provide the hand tools that will be most effective in the fuels that will be encountered.



79

Here are some additional examples of useful hand tools for wildfire incidents.

Some of these tools are standard tools that will be used at other types of incidents attended by fire and rescue services.




80

This picture shows a team of firefighters using hand tools (pulaskis) to remove fuel – in this case a small shrub called heather.

This photograph also illustrates the importance of good team work.

One member of the team is monitoring the fire and surroundings and can quickly communicate and changes and hazards to the rest of the team, helping to keep everyone safe. This approach is based on the LACES safety protocol, which is explained later in this module.




81

Power tools, mechanised equipment and vehiclesA range of different power tools may be effective for different suppression activities. Some examples are included on this page.


Above - Leaf blowers have been used to suppress grass fires

Left – chainsaws can be used by specially trained personnel to remove trees in front of an

advancing fire, perhaps to protect property, overhead power lines


82

Heavy mechanised equipment and vehiclesHow to plan for wildfires

Source: Frederikssund-Halsnæs Fire and Rescue Service (Denmark),Junta de Andalucia (Spain) and Northumberland Fire and Rescue

Service (UK)

Bulldozers and

tractors

Pedestrian mowers


83

Heavy mechanised equipment and vehiclesHow to plan for wildfires

Source: Frederikssund-Halsnæs Fire and Rescue Service (Denmark)Water tankers, slurry

tankers and water sprayers


84

Alternative water containers and supplies… such as portable dams


Source: Frederikssund-Halsnæs Fire and Rescue Service (Denmark)


85

Equipment for using fire as a suppression tactic

Some fire and rescue services light controlled fires as a suppression tactic. Fires can be lit to burn fuel in front of an advancing fire. Further information is provided in the next module on “response and recovery”.The main tool required for using fire as a suppression tactic is a drip torch. These come in different sizes (pictured right)

How to plan for wildfiresSource: Junta de Andalucia (Spain) Northumberland Fire and Rescue

Service (UK)


86

Communications equipmentTopography may make communications difficult. There may be black spots for mobile phones and standard radios. Specialist communication equipment may therefore be required at wildfires.

Some fire and rescue services have specialist command vehicles that can provide specialist communications equipment at wildfire incidents (pictured right).

INSIDE

OUTSIDE




87

Aerial firefighting resourcesHow to plan for wildfires

Source: Junta de Andalucia (Spain) and Steve Gibson


88

Aerial firefighting resourcesHow to plan for wildfires

Source: Junta de Andalucia (Spain) and Steve Gibson


89

b) Provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)To protect personnel from the direct effects of wildfire, including flames, heat and smoke, appropriate PPE should be procured and supplied.PPE should also be provide d to give protection to personnel from the terrain and environment in which they are working.

PPE used for structural fires may not be suitable at wildfire incidents because it can accelerate the onset of fatigue and heat-related illnesses due to its insulation value. Strategic plans should consider whether wildfire-specific PPE should be provided to personnel.



90

Wildfire-specific PPE, as shown in the picture, is light-weight and flame retardant.

It provides protection from heat and flames while also allowing evaporation of sweat and body cooling.


Source: Steve Gibson


91

ISO is an independent, non-governmental, international organisation that publishes International Standards for products, services and systems to ensure quality, safety and efficiency.

ISO has published international standards for wildfire firefighting PPE:

• ISO 16073:2011 Wildfire firefighting personal protective equipment – requirements and test methods (new and updated version)

• ISO 15614:2007 Wildfire firefighting personal protective equipment

Visit the ISO website for further details on these PPE standards


http://www.iso.org/iso/home/about.htm

http://www.iso.org/iso/iso_catalogue/catalogue_tc/catalogue_tc_browse.htm?commid=299803


92

Other types of PPE that are important for wildfires include:

Eye protection – for instance goggles. Wildfires often generate a lot of smoke and burning embers in the air. It is vitally important that personnel have eye protection, like goggles, to protect their eyes.

Helmet – Helmets used for structural fires may be too heavy for use at wildfires. However, personnel still need head protection at wildfires for instance to protect them from burning embers and tools being used. Smaller, light weight helmets may be more appropriate and comfortable



93

Other types of PPE that are important include: Footwear – Footwear is extremely important . Footwear needs to provide a good level of comfort and ankle support for personnel because they may be required to walk over varied terrain. Footwear also needs to provide protection from the fire and from equipment being used.

Gloves – Gloves need to have good insulating properties to protect from heat and flames. However, the gloves must also allow personnel to adequately grip tools and operate equipment.



94

4. Provision of appropriate trainingStrategic plans need to outline the training personnel need in order to deem them competent to perform their roles safely and effectively at wildfire incidents. If multiple organisations will be attending wildfire incidents then personnel from all organisations will require appropriate training, both from their own organisation and as part of multiagency training.




95

4. Provision of appropriate trainingStrategic plans need to outline the training personnel need in order to deem them competent to perform their roles safely and effectively at wildfire incidents. If multiple organisations will be attending wildfire incidents then personnel from all organisations will require appropriate training, both from their own organisation and as part of multiagency training. Part 2 of this module will explain in more detail how to train and exercise for wildfire incidents.




96

5. Provision of welfare

Wildfires can be long protracted incidents. Fire crews may need to work in very difficult conditions, including heat, smoke and strenuous work. Strategic plans need to include arrangements to keep personnel healthy and safe while suppressing wildfires.




97

Welfare planning should include arrangements for:

• Rest periods for fire crews - how and when will these be provided?• Relief periods for fire crews – how and when will they be replaced?




98

Welfare planning also include arrangements for: • Provision of adequate food and water for fire crews• Provision of toilet and washing facilities for fire crews



99


Step 2 b) Formulate Local Wildfire Plans


100

Formulate local wildfire fire plansFire and rescue services and other stakeholders should also develop local wildfire fire plans. These plans will identify and assess localised risk and will need to address similar issues to strategic planning but focusing on the local scale.

In addition, local plans should gather more site specific information about wildfire risk within the area of responsibility.



101

Formulate local wildfire fire plansFire and rescue services and other stakeholders should also develop local wildfire fire plans. These plans will identify and assess localised risk and will need to address similar issues to strategic planning but focusing on the local scale.

In addition, local plans should gather more site specific information about wildfire risk within the area of responsibility.


Please note: local wildfire fire plans are also sometimes called “local suppression plans” or “operational wildfire plans”


102

The main purpose of developing local wildfire plans is to assist with preparedness for wildfire incidents. Wildfire plans provide firefighters with information they need when responding to a wildfire incident in a particular location.

The information contained within the plans is gathered before there is an incident. The information required often comes from many different sources and it may be difficult and time-consuming to obtain at an actual incident.



103

The main purpose of developing local wildfire plans is to assist with preparedness for wildfire incidents. Wildfire plans provide firefighters with information they need when responding to a wildfire incident in a particular location.

The information contained within the plans is gathered before there is an incident. The information required often comes from many different sources and it may be difficult and time-consuming to obtain at an actual incident.


Wildfire plans can also be used as a useful training and exercising tool. This is explained later in the module.


104

When developing local wildfire fire plans, organisations need to decide:• An appropriate scale and coverage for local plans, based upon risk and other factors• What information needs to be included within local plans to make them effective

Local plans should always be developed in collaboration with other organisations and stakeholders because they may have specific knowledge and expertise that could be important for the plan.



105

However, for wildfire fire plans to be effective they need to:• Be simple and easy to use• Be readily available to firefighters and fire officers on route and at the scene of a wildfire • Include maps showing the location of important features and hazards

How to plan for wildfiresREMEMBER: the creation of wildfire fire plans helps save time and enables fire officers and other stakeholders to make informed decisions more quickly and

efficiently should a wildfire occur.


106

Maps included within local wildfire fire plans are invaluable. Make sure that maps use appropriate common symbols that are easily recognisable.




107

Some countries within the EU are developing or have already developed common map symbols for emergency responders. Common symbols help all responders to understand one another and use the same information effectively. For more information about the common symbols for emergency responders in the UK, visit the UK Government website and the Ordnance Survey website.

Find out more about Common Map Symbols for Emergency Responders


https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/emergency-responder-interoperability-common-map-symbols

http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/support/symbols-for-emergencies.html


108

The simple step-by-step process shown on the next page has been implemented successfully to develop local wildfire plans in the UK.

This process serves as a useful guide for developing effective local wildfire fire plans anywhere in Europe.




109

How to plan for wildfires1. IDENTIFY AND PRIORITISE - Identify sites with wildfire risks & prioritise

2. GATHER INFORMATION - Gather information from all available sources – also consider completing site visits to gather information and enable fire crews to familiarize themselves with the site

3. RECORD - Record all important information within a standardized wildfire fire plan template. The form should be designed to be concise, easy to read and easy to recognise.

4. PUBLISH - Publish the wildfire fire plan and make it readily available to fire crews and officers attending wildfire incidents

5. REVIEW, TRAIN AND EXERCISE – Schedule regular reviews and to check the accuracy of the wildfire fire plan and update as necessary. Also consider organizing training to test individual wildfire fire plans.

5 step process for developing local wildfire fire plans

Repeat process


110

The next three pages provide some suggestions of important information that could be included within local wildfire plans. The idea is to provide some general suggestions and inspiration.

Please note that these are purely included as examples. There might be other pieces of useful information available at the local level that could be included.



111

The next three pages provide some suggestions of important information that could be included within local wildfire plans. The idea is to provide some general suggestions and inspiration.

Please note that these are purely included as examples. There might be other pieces of useful information available at the local level that could be included.


Remember… local plans should always be developed with local needs and requirements in mind.


112

How to plan for wildfiresCategory of information Description

Relevant contact details For example, the names and telephone numbers of the land owner and land manager for a particular site/area.

Communication methods and procedures

Establishing what means of communication can be used in the area and what procedures may be put in place.

Rendezvous Points (RVPs) ‘A predetermined location where resources arriving at a wildfire incident will report’.* An appropriate RVP needs to have good access, be relatively easy to find and have ample space for numerous vehicles.

Hazards Identification of anything within the area that has the potential to cause harm to those responding to a wildfire.

Fuels Description of the types, condition and arrangement of fuels found within the area.

Access points ‘A point of entry, exit and/or route to an incident location.’*

* Definitions from the EUFOFINET Project’s European Glossary for Wildfires and Forest Fires (2012)



113


Water supplies List of water sources available within the local area and an assessment of what equipment can be used. For example, plans should identify which water sources can be used for aerial resources and which can be used by pumps on the ground. If water sources are seasonal, then this should be recorded on the plan.

Equipment List of any useful equipment that may be available locally. The location of the equipment should also be recorded.

Building and site plans Plans of important buildings may help in the development of suppression plans and perhaps also with evacuation plans, if these are needed.

Land cover and stock maps Land cover maps show the location different types of fuel (vegetation) and stock maps show the locations and groupings of different types of trees and trees of different ages. These can be invaluable for predicting likely fire behaviour and therefore for developing suppression plans.


114


Protected sites Areas and habitats that have protected status – for instance, World Heritage Sites, national parks, nature reserves, archaeological sites, ancient monuments

Neighbouring landowners and land managers

Contact details of those owning and managing neighbouring land – to contact in case of a wildfire that may also affect their land and/or to request assistance.

Insurance arrangements Details of any insurance arrangements the landowner has in place which may influence suppression tactics. For example, some landowners have insurance that covers the cost of using helicopters to fight wildfires.

Maps Maps are invaluable parts of wildfire fire plans. They indicate where key features and hazards are located and can be a key tool to assist in the development of appropriate suppression plans and the delivery of briefings to suppression crews.

Digital photography Photographs can assist personnel by illustrating the landscape and vegetation within the area. It can also be useful for showing and making personnel aware of specific hazards.


115

The video on the next page explains some of the difficulties that may be experienced when trying to provide water for fighting in rural and rural-urban interface environments.

These difficulties can be mitigated through carefully pre-planning at the local level.



117

Like strategic plans, local plans must be subject to regular review and revision to ensure they are kept up to date.



118

How to plan for wildfiresIf local plans contain information that is out of date then fire crews may waste time and effort. It may also lead to unsafe situations!

Once a local plan is produced this is not an end result. Reviews and updates are crucial parts of the process!


119

Visit the following websites in the UK to find out more about local wildfire fire plans developed within different sectors: • Scottish Government’s (2013) Fire and Rescue Service Wildfire Operational Guidance :• See pages 34-35 for an explanation of fire plans• See page 307 for an example fire plan

• Forestry Commission’s (2014) Building wildfire resilience into forest management planning

Find out more about Local Wildfire Fire Plans






http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/FCPG022.pdf/$FILE/FCPG022.pdf





120

You can also find out more about fire plans by clicking on the Synthesis of Good Practice on Prevention (right) which was produced by Frederikssund-Halsnæs Fire and Rescue Service (Denmark) during the EUFOFINET project.

Find out more about Local Wildfire Fire Plans



121

End of Wildfire Preparedness: Part 1

We hope you enjoyed this part of the module!

Please visit the next part which covers explains how to train and exercise in preparation for wildfires. Source: Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service (UK)


122

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.eu

The 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].

If 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]

professionals - wildfires - preparedness part 1

Education