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Unit 11 – Standards for Survival. Standards for survival. Wildland firefighters have too many reminders of those who have passed before them who have not heeded the following information. DON’T BECOME A STATISTIC!. Common Denominators. Small incidents Light Fuels
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Standards for survival • Wildland firefighters have too many reminders of those who have passed before them who have not heeded the following information. • DON’T BECOME A STATISTIC!
Common Denominators • Small incidents • Light Fuels • Chimneys, gulleys, steep slopes • Low flying aircraft • “Innocent” appearance before blowups
Fire Orders • Since 1926, more than 250 Wildland Firefighters have lost their lives. • Deaths occurred due to failure to recognize like threatening situations. • Proper action could have reduced fatalities • In 1950, the 10 standard fire orders were introduced. • Read second half of NFES 2388 • Read inside plastic covers of the Fireline Handbook
Fire Orders • Fight fire aggressively but provide for safety first • Initiate all actions based on current and expected fire behavior
Fire Orders • Recognize current weather conditions and obtain forecasts • Ensure instructions are given and understood
Fire Orders • Obtain current information on fire status • Remain in communications with crew members, your supervisor, and adjoining forces
Fire Orders • Determine escape routes and safety zones • Establish lookouts, especially in hazardous situations
Fire Orders • Retain control at all times • Stay alert, keep calm, think clearly, act decisively
Reference: NFES 2388 Unit 11.A – Watch out situations • 18 Situations to remember that shout “watch-out” (Reference: NFES 2388) • Many of the watch out situations are not things to never do; the more of the situations you break, the more trouble you’re in
Watch out situations 1. Fire not scouted and sized up • Can you observe the fire? • Do you know the location of the fire perimeter?
Watch out situations 2. In country not seen in daylight • Can you observe the area or use scouts? • Have escape routes and safety zones been established for day and night use?
Watch out situations 3. Safety zones and escape routes not identified • THIS IS THE ONE WATCH OUT ORDER YOU SHOULD TRY TO NEVER BREAK!
Watch out situations 4. Unfamiliar with weather and local factors influencing fire behavior • Can you ask question of local experts? • Can you get information from resources that have been on the fire?
Watch out situations 5. Uninformed on strategy, tactics, or hazards • Can communications be established to find out strategy, tactics, or hazards? • Can you get a briefing from your supervisor?
Watch out situations 6. Instructions and assignments not clear • Ask: task assignment, location, communications, hazards, fire weather, etc.? • Did you understand the assignment?
Watch out situations 7. No communication link with crew members; supervisors and adjoining forces • Can communications be established?
Watch out situations 8. Constructing line without a safe anchor point • Can the fire go around your line? • Are there adequate safety zones and escape routes?
Watch out situations 9. Building fireline downhill to the fire below • Will wind direction be and stay at your back? • Are there escape routes and safety zones as you move down the hill?
Watch out situations 10. Attempting a frontal assault on a fire • Has the fire been scouted and sized? • Is you position defendable? • Are escape routes and safety zones adequate?
Watch out situations 11. Unburned fuel between you and the fire • Can you see the fire? • Will your position be defensible when the fire reaches you?
Watch out situations 12. Cannot see the main fire, not in contact with anyone who can • Are you informed on expected fire behavior and weather? • Do you have safety zones and escape routes? • Will you receive adequate warning to go to your safety zone?
Watch out situations 13. On a hillside where rolling material can ignite fuel below • Can you locate/construct a fireline to prevent material rolling below? • Will you get enough warning? • Can you see where any material that rolls below you goes and what it does?
Watch out situations 14. Weather is getting hotter and drier • Do you have a workable plan if fire behavior increases? • Are your escape routes and safety zones still adequate? • Will you have adequate warning if you need to use the safety zones?
Watch out situations 15. Wind increases and changes direction • Is the wind at your back? • Will it stay at your back? • Do you have a plan if the fire reaches you faster than expected?
Watch out situations 16. Getting frequent spot fires across the line • Can you handle increased spotting? • Do you have a plan for long range spotting?
Watch out situations 17. Terrain and fuels make escape to safety zones difficult • Escape routes and safety zones are worthless if you cant get to them or use them when needed
Watch out situations 18. Taking a nap near fireline • Are lookouts posted? • Is the area free of hazards?