professionals - wildfires - response part 1

E-Learning for WildfiresProfessionals

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

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In the following module you will learn more about: • How to respond to a wildfire• What you can do after a wildfire has been contained and what you can do to aid recovery

Response and Recovery


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This module on wildfire response and recovery is divided into three parts which cover the following topics:

•Part 1 –How to develop a wildfire suppression plan•Part 2 – How to select appropriate suppression tactics•Part 3 – The recovery phase of a wildfire incident

Response and Recovery


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Response and RecoveryThe previous modules have addressed the topics of wildfire prevention and wildfire preparedness. • You should therefore already be aware of the types of wildfire risk within your area and the appropriate alerts and warnings you may receive.• You should also be aware of the potential impact that wildfires can have on the local community, environment and infrastructure within your area• You should ensure you have the correct knowledge and understanding to prepare plans to deal with wildfires before they occur.


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Response and RecoveryThe previous modules have addressed the topics of wildfire prevention and wildfire preparedness. • You should therefore already be aware of the types of wildfire risk within your area and the appropriate alerts and warnings you may receive.• You should also be aware of the potential impact that wildfires can have on the local community, environment and infrastructure within your area• You should ensure you have the correct knowledge and understanding to prepare plans to deal with wildfires before they occur.

This module will now guide you through how to develop an appropriate wildfire suppression plan…beginning with some basic foundations for a safe and effective response


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Foundations to a safe and effective response to wildfire incidents


Foundations The first priority for wildfire response is to consider and revaluate your service’s priorities. The hierarchy of priorities will nearly always be as follows:

1. Save lives2. Protect property3. Protect the environment

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1. Save lives The highest priority must always be to save life threatened by the affects of wildfire and to mitigate any injuries. This priority should also be included in any preparedness plan. You should also ensure life is not threatened by actions carried out when dealing with wildfire incidents, to the public and those personnel dealing with the wildfire incident itself.

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Source: Junta de Andalucia (Spain)

Foundations


2. Protect property All necessary actions should be taken to protect and mitigate damage to property once the threat to life has been removed.

Protection of property should also be included in preparedness plan.

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Foundations


3. Protect the environment It is imperative that all actions are taken to ensure the protection and safety of the environment from the effects of wildfire, this should also include any effects of suppression operations that may be harmful to the environment. Environmental considerations should also be included within preparedness planning.

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Source: Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service (UK)

Foundations


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A number of key steps need to be followed to ensure that the right suppression resources are deployed to the right location and at the right time. Steps 1 to 3 should be completed prior to any wildfires being reported. Steps 4 to 5 need to be planned out but they will not be implemented until a wildfire is reported:

1. Check availability of personnel2. Personnel must have the correct Personal Protective

Equipment (PPE) 3. Equipment should be checked4. Resources are mobilised to the incident5. Develop and implement a suppression plan

Foundations


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A number of key steps need to be followed to ensure that the right suppression resources are deployed to the right location and at the right time. Steps 1 to 3 should be completed prior to any wildfires being reported. Steps 4 to 5 need to be planned out but they will not be implemented until a wildfire is reported:

1. Check availability of personnel2. Personnel must have the correct Personal Protective

Equipment (PPE) 3. Equipment should be checked4. Resources are mobilised to the incident5. Develop and implement a suppression plan

A brief explanation of each step is now

provided…

Foundations


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1. Check availability of personnelEnsure systems are in place centrally to identify the availability of all personnel within your service. This should include ranks, roles and appropriate skills i.e. supervisory officers, drivers, pump operators and specific competencies for using specialist equipment.The system should also show where personnel, vehicle s and equipment are located within your area responsibility. Source: Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service (UK)

Foundations


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2 –Check personnel have the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)All personnel should be issued with the appropriate PPE for their role prior to attending wildfire incidents. Individuals should be given responsibility for ensuring this equipment is always available and should check it before and after use. If PPE is damaged then there needs to be a system in place for repairs and replacements.


Foundations


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The videos on the following pages illustrate the types of conditions and terrain that firefighters need to work in at wildfire incidents.

Conditions can be extreme and the terrain can be extremely challenging. The videos illustrate the importance of appropriate and fully-working PPE for all firefighters fighting wildfires.

Foundations


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3 - Check equipmentAll equipment should be operationally available at its designated location. This equipment should be checked in accordance with its inventory to ensure its availability and that it is in full working order at designated times i.e. before use, after use and following repair. This procedure should be included in preparedness plan . Source: Junta de Andalucia (Spain)

Foundations


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4 - Mobilise resources to the incidentArrangements should be secured within your service to ensure calls from members of the public relating to emergency incidents can be taken and handled. The system should then have the capacity to inform and mobilise the nearest appropriate resources to the wildfire incident. Source: Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service (UK)

Foundations


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Emergency call handlers will need to determine what resources to mobilise

As with any incident, the handling of the initial call is of critical importance to ensure that the correct predetermined attendance is mobilised. In handling the call, the mobilising centre operator will need to gather as much information from the caller(s) as possible. If there is any doubt about the size or potential scale of the incident the predetermined attendance should be scaled up rather than down.

The system should be able to relay all relevant information and maintain communications to and from personnel/ vehicles throughout the incident.

Foundations


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Determining the level of response to a wildfire can depend on a number of situations including:

• Size or potential scale of the incident • Fuel types • Potential fire spread • Reported fire behaviour • The possible involvement of infrastructure • Urban Interface fires • The prevailing weather conditions • The remoteness of the incident location • Possible environmental impact

Foundations


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Consideration should also be given for the need to mobilise, at an early stage:

• Specialist wildfire vehicles and equipment • Trained and experienced Fire and Rescue Service personnel • Specialist wildfire officers including subject matter advisers Specialist wildfire teams. Local arrangements may exist whereby specialist vehicles, equipment or personnel are available via partnerships with land management agencies and landowners.

Foundations


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When mobilising resources to a wildfire incident, it may also be really important to notify other relevant agencies and organisations of the incident – this may include civilian agencies, other emergency responders , the military and perhaps also organisations within the voluntary sector. Fire and Rescue Services and other suppression organisations should maintain contact details and establish robust working arrangements with relevant local, regional and national organisations.Fire and Rescue control centres should have early dialogue with any agency that may be involved, be of assistance or may be affected by a wildfire incident. Source: Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service (UK)

Foundations


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5 – Develop and implement a suppression planThe final step is to develop and implement a suppression plan.

This is the topic of the next sub-section of the module.

Foundations


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Develop and implement a wildfire suppression plan


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Upon arrival at the scene of a wildfire, the incident commander will need to develop a wildfire suppression plan that outlines how the fire will be safely and effectively controlled and suppressed.

Lots of information needs to be gathered, processedand communicated.

There also needs to be continualmonitoring and review of the situation.

Source: Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service

(UK)

Suppression plans


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This section will now provide a basic guide through the process of developing a suppression plan for wildfires. It will present a number of key things that incident commanders should consider, including:

1. Arrival of the first officer in charge2. Management of safety3. Gathering of information

Suppression plans


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1. Arrival of the first officer in charge When mobilised to a wildfire incident, responding vehicles and officers should refer to the information they have available to plan a route to the incident and to plan ahead for what may confront them when they arrive. All data sources that are available to them in the vehicle should be utilised – for instance Mobile Data Systems and mapping systems/GPS systems can help by providing information on:

• Appropriate routes to be taken to the scene• Rendezvous points• Appropriate approach roads and tracks • Site specific pre-determined plans • Pre-determined collaborative arrangements

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Upon arrival at the incident, the officer in charge (or delegated person) should:

• Confirm the precise location of the incident and notify the control room and other responding resources

• Relay any specific information on access to oncoming resources• Liaise with land owners and other co-responders in attendance • Gather information and identify any life risk and any other immediate

hazards• Identify resource requirements and formulate tactical plan• Implement the Incident Command System and establish an effective

communications network

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Upon arrival at the incident, the officer in charge (or delegated person) should also: • Implement the

Incident Command System • Establish an effective

communications network

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2. Management of safetyThe officer in charge should then think about how to manage safety within the suppression plan. The suppression plan should include safety management of suppression personnel and members of the public that may be present. The key steps that should be taken in order to implement safety management at wildfires can be summarised as follows:

1. Identify hazards to personnel2. Implement an appropriate Safety Protocol – for instance LACES3. Communications4. Establish Incident Command 5. Establish an effective communication system6. Use a wildfire prediction system

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2. Management of safetyThe officer in charge should then think about how to manage safety within the suppression plan. The suppression plan should include safety management of suppression personnel and members of the public that may be present. The key steps that should be taken in order to implement safety management at wildfires can be summarised as follows:

1. Identify hazards to personnel2. Implement an appropriate Safety Protocol – for instance LACES3. Communications4. Establish Incident Command 5. Establish an effective communication system6. Use a wildfire prediction system

A brief reminder about LACES is now

provided…

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LACES Safety Protocol

As discussed within the wildfire preparedness module, there are different safety protocols in use around the world. A number of countries currently implement the LACES Safety Protocol. The implementation of a safety protocol at a wildfire incident is an extremely important step for ensuring that personnel and members of the public are kept safe. It is for this reason that we will provide a brief reminder about LACES within this section.

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LACES is an acronym for:

L = LOOKOUTSA = AWARENESS and/or ANCHOR POINTC = COMMUNICATIONSE = ESCAPE ROUTESS = SAFETY ZONES


Photograph of a lookout deployed to monitor safety of a team at a wildfire…

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LACES is an acronym for:

L = LOOKOUTSA = AWARENESS and/or ANCHOR POINTC = COMMUNICATIONSE = ESCAPE ROUTESS = SAFETY ZONES


Photograph of a lookout deployed to monitor safety of a team at a wildfire…

A brief explanation of the five key

elements of LACES is now provided…

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Part of LACES Explanation

Lookouts Personnel are tasked as lookouts to observe and monitor the fire and personnel

Awareness and Anchor Point Awareness = The establishment and maintenance of situation awareness for all personnel responding to a wildfire incident.

Anchor point = An advantageous location, usually a barrier to fire spread, from which to begin constructing a control line and/or other fire suppression activities.

Communications Establishing and maintaining effective communication is vital for maintaining safety at wildfire incidents. Clear, concise briefings are a vital part of the communication strategy for all wildfire incidents.

Escape routes Pre-planned routes for personnel to use in an emergency situation.

Safety zones Predetermined areas of safety where personnel can find refuge from a wildfire

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The LACES element of a suppression plan helps incident commanders to think about contingency planning. It helps them think about potential hazards and risks and to put plans in place before personnel are deployed. It is also about making back-up plans in case initial plans fail or are compromised.

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IMPORTANT:This short section has provided a basic overview on LACES and is not comprehensive. Before attempting to implement LACES, further research and training should be completed.

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As a starting point, further information on LACES can be found in the following places:

• Wildfire Preparedness Module of E-PPR• National Wildfire Coordinating Group - USA• Scottish Government’s (2013) Fire and Rescue Service Wildfire Operational Guidance – see pages 180-208• Canadian Forest Service Publication – LACES versus LCES

Find out more about LACES

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http://training.nwcg.gov/classes/s130/508%20Files/071231_s130_m2_508.pdf

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


http://cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/publications/?id=20908


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3. Gathering of information The gathering of information to inform the development and review of a suppression plan is of vital important. Incident Commanders should continually gather information from the beginning to the conclusion of a wildfire. They should commence information gathering at the earliest opportunity. There is a lot of information required to develop a suppression plan. Examples of some types of useful information are now provided, but this is not an exhaustive list – there may be other types of information that could be very valuable for suppression planning.

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Incident Information Where is the fire located? Are there any threats to life and Property? Fuel type, condition, quantity, arrangement Fire spread and direction Fire behaviour Are there any threats to the life, property or the environment?

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Resource InformationWhat resources are immediately available?What resources may be available later to provide assistance?

What resources are available from other agencies?What specialist equipment is required and what is available?

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Hazard Information Electrical pylons, sub stations, gas pipelines, Property risks, chemicals (i.e. fertiliser), military ordnance Topographical and terrain hazards (i.e. steeps slopes) Fuel storage tanks, flammable substances Urban interface involved? Roadways, railway lines, airports and flight routes Environmental Risks Extreme Weather Predictions

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4. Using a wildfire prediction System (WPS)Personnel involved in wildfire suppression need to understand and be able to predict fire behaviour and extreme fire behaviour at wildfires, in order recognise potential hazards and to manage safety.

The principle method for predicting and anticipating likely fire behaviour is to apply an appropriate wildfire prediction system at every wildfire incident. The information obtained from the WPS should be used to determine the content of the wildfire suppression plan and the selection of wildfire suppression tactics.

Suppression plans


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An understanding of fire behaviour and wildfire prediction is vitally important in enabling incident commanders to develop safe and effective wildfire suppression plans. More specifically, this understanding is necessary for successfully: • Implementing an appropriate safety protocol (for example LACES)• Identifying windows of opportunity • Identifying critical points • Selecting appropriate trigger points • Selecting appropriate suppression tactics for use at particular times and places

Suppression plans


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The key principle behind any wildfire prediction system is that fire behaviour within any given fuel is influenced predominantly by three major forces:

• Wind • Slope • Aspect

WIND

ASPECTFUEL

SLOPE

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As we discussed within the wildfire prevention module, these three factors are referred to as the ‘forces of alignment’, because whenever a wildfire is supported by either the wind, slope and/or aspect it will burn with greater intensity and spread more rapidly.

• If the fire loses the support of the wind, slope and/or aspect the intensity and rate of spread will decrease, perhaps leading to windows of opportunity.• But, If the fire gains the support of the wind, slope and/or aspect the intensity and rate of spread will increase, leading to more rapid firespread and potentially to extreme fire behaviour.

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Key concept Explanation

Windows of opportunity ‘A period of time or location on the landscape when/where it will be particularly advantageous to adopt particular suppression tactics or actions.’*

Trigger points ‘A pre-designated point in time or place whereby a predicted change in fire behaviour will influence tactical decision-making. For instance, if a wildfire reaches a particular trigger point on the landscape, the Incident Commander may decide it is necessary to adopt alternative tactics in order to maintain safety and effectiveness.’*

Critical points ‘This is a point in time or space when/where there will be a significant influence on fire spread, rate of spread and/or fire intensity.’*

Wildfire predictions systems enable incident commanders to be able to identify and include the following key elements within their suppression plan:

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

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


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It is important to understand that sometimes the parts of the fire that show little activity (for example, lower intensity parts of the fire with lower rates of firespread) may actually have the most potential for future fire development.

This is why wildfire prediction is so important to suppression planning – it helps keep people safe.

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IMPORTANT:This short section has provided a basic overview on wildfire prediction and is not comprehensive. Before attempting to use a wildfire prediction system, further research and training should be completed.

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• Campbell, D. (1995)The Campbell Prediction System (Ojai, California)• Scottish Government’s (2013) Fire and Rescue Service Wildfire Operational Guidance (Scottish Government; Edinburgh)

Sources of further information on Wildfire Prediction Systems

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5. Other important considerations for wildfire suppression plansThere are a number of other important considerations for suppression plans. Some of these include:

• Consideration of time of day• Anchor points (which forms part of LACES)• Deployment of sufficiently sized teams

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5. Other important considerations for wildfire suppression plansThere are a number of other important considerations for suppression plans. Some of these include:

• Consideration of time of day• Anchor points (which forms part of LACES)• Deployment of sufficiently sized teams

Suppression plans

A brief explanation of these

considerations is now provided.

Please note however, this is not an exhaustive list…


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Consider the time of day

Another important consideration for developing a tactical plan is the time of day. The hours of darkness are generally characterised by cooler temperatures, higher fuel moisture and higher relative humidity levels, all of which can substantially reduce fire intensity. Reductions in fire intensity during the hours of darkness can therefore provide windows of opportunity for suppression.

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… However, it is important to remember that there are hazards associated with personnel working at night. Personnel may require additional PPE to enable them to work safely at night.

Any activities and operations completed during the hours of darkness must be fully risk-assessed, and the hazards must be balanced against the potential benefits.

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Anchor points

Wherever possible, personnel should commence fire suppression activities from a strong anchor point to help prevent a wildfire escaping and threatening the success of the operation, and/or the safety of personnel.

An anchor point is a location on the landscape that can act as a sufficient barrier to firespread. Anchor points may need to be strengthened before use or created by hand or machine.

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Deployment of sufficiently sized teams

Sufficiently sized teams should be deployed to safely and effectively complete the tasks they have been assigned. It may be necessary to join individual crews together to form larger teams to safely and effectively accomplish the task they have been given.

Suppression plans should also include task rotation and regular rest breaks. When deploying teams at the incident, the Incident Commander should consider what size of team is required to ensure all personnel can take regular rest breaks.

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6. Communicating the suppression planOnce safety has been managed, information gathering has commenced and a wildfire prediction system has been used, the incident commander can select appropriate suppression tactics (explained in the next section), finalise the suppression plan and communicate the plan to personnel. Clear, concise briefings and effective communication are vitally important at wildfire incidents. Personnel should only be deployed at the incident ground if they have a clear task and are aware of the key elements of the suppression plan, such as how LACES (or another safety protocol) is being implemented, how communications will be established and the incident command system that is being implemented.

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Some organisations structure briefings at wildfire units using a well-known briefing system called SMEAC. SMEAC is an acronym for:

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Some organisations structure briefings at wildfire units using a well-known briefing system called SMEAC. SMEAC is an acronym for:S = Situation

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Some organisations structure briefings at wildfire units using a well-known briefing system called SMEAC. SMEAC is an acronym for:S = SituationM = Mission

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Some organisations structure briefings at wildfire units using a well-known briefing system called SMEAC. SMEAC is an acronym for:S = SituationM = MissionE = Execution

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Some organisations structure briefings at wildfire units using a well-known briefing system called SMEAC. SMEAC is an acronym for:S = SituationM = MissionE = ExecutionA = Administration and logistics

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Some organisations structure briefings at wildfire units using a well-known briefing system called SMEAC. SMEAC is an acronym for:S = SituationM = MissionE = ExecutionA = Administration and logisticsC = Command and Control

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Some organisations structure briefings at wildfire units using a well-known briefing system called SMEAC. SMEAC is an acronym for:S = SituationM = MissionE = ExecutionA = Administration and logisticsC = Command and Control

SMEAC can be used effectively in conjunction with

LACES.

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Incident Decision Making

All suppression plans should be continually reviewed, reassessed and evaluated. New information should be gathered and considered throughout the incident and changes should be made to the suppression plan as and when required.These changes must also be communicated to personnel as soon as possible. Source: Junta de Castilla y Leon (Spain)

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Incident Commanders should follow an Incident Decision Making Model (IDM) when developing, reviewing and evaluating a suppression plan.

Different IDM’s exist; however, an example of an Incident Decision Making Model is now provided.

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Incident Decision Making Model

IncidentInformation


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• The UK National Operational Guidance Programme (NOGP) has produced a number of national guidance documents that provide further information about how to implement an effective Incident Command System at wildfire incidents. • Visit the following website pages to find out more:

• UK FRS National Operational Guidance: Foundation for Incident Command• UK FRS National Operational Guidance for Incident Com

mand• UK FRS National Operational Guidance for Wildfires

Find out more about Incident Command at Wildfires

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https://fireandrescue-public.sharepoint.com/Pages/Guidance-Catalogue.aspx?guidanceid=141






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End of Wildfire Response and Recovery: Part 1

We hope you enjoyed this part of the module!

Please visit the next part which explains how to select appropriate suppression tactics at wildfires. Source: Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service (UK)


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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.

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professionals - wildfires - response part 1

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