Air & Wildland Division

Transcription

1 Air & Wildland Divisin Ls Angeles Cunty Fire Department 1

2 INTRODUCTION Firefighter Safety Shuld Always Be Yur First Cnsideratin Successful wildland firefighting peratins are accmplished by selecting sund strategies supprted by effective tactical actins that keep firefighters safe, prtect the public and minimize prperty lss r damage. Firefighters must prepare themselves by develping a sund understanding f the Risk Management Prcess, tactical terms and assciated tactical actins used t cunteract the fires impact n them and the values they are tasked with defending. One f the mst challenging wildland actins ccurs during indirect firefighting peratins. Here tactics and safety mitigatins depend n fire behavir frecasts made in advance f the fire s arrival. Accurate fire behavir frecasts are difficult t make with abslute certainty and firefighter safety is left hanging in the balance, s it is imperative that cntingency planning be part f every tactical plan. This training dcument is intended t assist firefighters with develping and implementing safe, effective and efficient slutins t tactical challenges encuntered in the wildland fire arena. Firefighters must fcus n agile tactical slutins as ppsed t a siege apprach which is rigid and inflexible. BASE EVERY TACTICAL ACTION ON CURRENT AND EXPECTED BEHAVIOR OF THE FIRE & ALWAYS HAVE A WAY OUT! Ls Angeles Cunty Fire Department 2

3 CONTENTS Standard Firefighting Orders 4-5 Watch Out Situatins 6 Risk Management Prcess 7 8 P.A.C.E Survival Tactics and Yur Fire Shelter 11 Safety Zne Calculatins 12 Structure Defense Tactical Terms Wildland Terms Engine Operatins DRAW-D 20 Agreements 21 References 22 Ls Angeles Cunty Fire Department 3

4 STANDARD FIREFIGHTING ORDERS The Standard Firefighting Orders are essential interactive steps used in making sund fire grund decisins. Each rder identifies a specific area f fcus, cmbined they result in safe, effective and efficient fire grund activities. These are nt ten things t memrize, they are ten things t d! FIRE BEHAVIOR 1. Keep infrmed n all fire weather cnditins and frecasts. 2. Knw what yur fire is ding at all times. 3. Base all actins n current and expected behavir f the fire. SAFETY 4. Identify Escape Rutes and Safety Znes, and make them knwn. 5. Pst Lkuts when there is pssible danger. 6. Be alert. Keep calm. Think clearly. Act decisively. ORGANIZATIONAL CONTROL 7. Maintain prmpt Cmmunicatins with yur frces, yur supervisr and adjining frces. 8. Give clear instructins and insure they are understd. 9. Maintain cntrl f yur frces at all times. 10. Fight fire aggressively, having prvided fr safety first. Ls Angeles Cunty Fire Department 4

5 Examples: Standard Firefighting Orders 1. Keep infrmed n fire weather cnditins and frecasts. Mnitr n site weather Anticipate ptential weather changes 2. Knw what the fire is ding at all times. If yu cannt see the appraching fire cntact smene wh can; use lkuts 3. Base all actins n current and expected behavir f the fire. P - Primary plan A Alternate plan Tactical agility: D defend R reinfrce A advance W withdraw D delay 4. Identify TRA s, escape rutes and safety znes and make them knwn. C Cntingency plan (escape rute - safety zne) E Emergency plan (shelter deplyment site) When threatened by fire: Emply tactical maneuver r; Mve int a TRA r; Mve int a Safety Zne r; Get int yur fire shelter Always have a deplyment site identified 5. Pst lkuts when there is pssible danger. The lkut(s) must be experienced A lkut is dedicated and must nt have cllateral duties Lkuts must have clear and reliable cmmunicatins with thse at risk Lkut must be able t see the fire 6. Be alert. Keep calm. Think clearly. Act decisively. Have a plan Remain agile D nt hesitate t adjust tactics 7. Maintain prmpt cmmunicatins with yur frces, yur supervisr and adjining frces. Withut effective cmmunicatins there can be n cmmand D nt mnitr unnecessary frequencies Prvide yur supervisr with updates: Situatin Prgress Needs 8. Give clear instructins and insure they are understd. Establish Leaders Intent: Task What is t be dne Purpse Why it is t be dne End State Hw it shuld lk when it is dne Tactical briefings shuld be limited t essential infrmatin The Risk Management Prcess shuld be used t rganize briefing infrmatin 9. Maintain cntrl f yur frces at all times. Keep persnnel frm taking excessive risk Lk ut fr the welfare f assigned persnnel Trust, but verify assignments are being carried ut 10. Fight fire aggressively, having prvided fr safety first. Insure Fire Orders 1-9 are in place Risk will increase when cmpliance with the Fire Order decreases Ls Angeles Cunty Fire Department 5

6 Watch Out Situatins 1. Fire nt scuted and sized up. 2. In cuntry nt seen in daylight. 3. Safety znes and escape rutes nt identified. 4. Unfamiliar with weather and lcal factrs influencing fire behavir. 5. Uninfrmed n strategy, tactics, and hazards. 6. Instructins and assignments nt clear. 7. N cmmunicatin link with crewmembers r supervisr. 8. Cnstructing line withut safe anchr pint. 9. Building fireline dwnhill with fire belw. 10. Attempting frntal assault n fire. 11. Unburned fuel between yu and fire. 12. Cannt see main fire; nt in cntact with smene wh can. 13. On a hillside where rlling material can ignite fuel belw. 14. Weather becming htter and drier. 15. Wind increases and/r changes directin. 16. Getting frequent spt fires acrss line. 17. Terrain and fuels make escape t safety znes difficult. 18. Taking a nap near fireline. Ls Angeles Cunty Fire Department 6

7 Risk Management Prcess Situatin Awareness Hazard Assessment Hazard Cntrl Decisin Pint Evaluate Ls Angeles Cunty Fire Department 7

8 Wildland Risk Management T be safe, effective and efficient when undertaking perimeter cntrl actins r structure defense assignments it is essential that reliable methds are used t develp the tactical plan. Fllw the Risk Management Prcess. In ding s firefighters are guided thrugh a series f steps that identify key elements f tactical planning. Situatin Awareness (Sense making) Gather Intelligence Objective(s) Weather Frecast Cmmunicatin Lcal Fire Factrs Unity f Cmmand Fuel Cnditins Scut the Fire (Knw yur surrundings) Hazard Assessment (Assess the Cnditins) Fire Behavir Frecast Lk Up / Dwn / Arund Indicatrs Ptential Changes in Alignment Tactical Hazards Watch Out Situatins WUI Watch Outs What ther safety hazards exist? Hazard Cntrl (Develp yur Plan) Firefighting Orders P.A.C.E. Structure Defense Tactical Actin Check and G Prep and G Prep and Defend Fire Frnt Fllwing Perimeter Cntrl Tactical Actin Direct / Anchr and Flank Dwnhill Checklist (if applicable) Indirect Medical Evacuatin Plan Decisin Pint (Validate / Engage) Are cntrls in place fr identified hazards? Are tactics based n fire behavir frecast? Have instructins been given and understd? Evaluate (Observe / Reassess Tactical Actins) The Situatin: Are things changing? Is yur plan wrking? Human Factrs: Is experience level lw? Distracted frm primary task? Fatigued r verly stressed? Unsafe r hazardus attitude? Ls Angeles Cunty Fire Department 8

9 P.A.C.E. Structure defense firefighting in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) is inherently dangerus because it is primarily assciated with indirect firefighting. An appraching fire is a dynamic event and subject t sudden changes that can be very difficult t anticipate. Structure defense shuld start with a determinatin f the exit strategy. Indirect firefighting safety mitigatins depend n fire behavir frecasts made in advance f the fires arrival. Accurate fire behavir frecasts are difficult t make with abslute certainty and at the same time these frecasts are the crux fr determining effective safety mitigatins. Due t the uncertainties assciated with fire behavir frecasting, firefighters must anticipate the unexpected and build agility int their tactical plan thrugh cntingency planning. The lexicn fr this is P.A.C.E. P - A - C - E - Primary Plan [Offense] The preferred plan that is intended t yield the best results Is fcused n missin bjectives and firefighter safety (Example: manning hse lines t suppress the fire arund a structure) Alternate Plan [Offense] A fall back plan that clsely supprts the Primary Plan The results may be less desirable but still supprts the Primary Plan (Example: retreating int r behind the structure until fire intensity diminishes) Cntingency Plan [Defense] A plan ttally fcused n the firefighter s safety Examples: Mve t a temprary refuge area (an area that prvides shrt term relief) Withdraw alng the escape rute Mve int a safety zne Emergency Plan [Defense] A ttal fcus n individual firefighter survival When threatened with ptential injury, firefighters shuld get int their fire shelter ALWAYS HAVE A DEPLOYMENT SITE IDENTIFIED! Implement P.A.C.E. prir t engaging in any structure defense actin Give clear instructins and ensure they are understd (Fire Order #8) Ls Angeles Cunty Fire Department 9

10 Ls Angeles Cunty Fire Department 10

11 Survival Tactics & Yur Fire Shelter When threatened by fire, firefighters shuld: 1. Emply tactical maneuver (mve away frm the fire) r; 2. Mve t a temprary refuge area (an area that prvides limited relief) r; 3. Withdraw alng the escape rute tward the safety zne r; 4. Get int yur fire shelter Never depend n yur wildland PPE as a way t prevent burn injury. While PPE may help reduce the severity f burns, it is bviusly best t avid the injury altgether. PPE is designed t act as a self extinguishing fabric fr the purpse f reducing injury t firefighters entrapped in fire and was nt intended t prvide significant thermal prtectin. Fireline safety is achieved thrugh situatinal awareness; emplying tactical maneuver, seeking temprary refuge, identifying safety znes and/r using the fire shelter are the first lines f defense aviding burn injury. Any time yu have unburned fuel between yu and the fire r when there is unburned fuel belw yur psitin, yu are in ptential danger (WATCH OUT SITUATION #11). A cmmn theme in wildland burn-ver scenaris is that firefighters wait t lng befre reacting t perceived danger. It is the respnsibility f all firefighters t share and discuss their cncerns and bservatins with thers and nt hesitate t mve t a temprary refuge area r the safety zne. When faced with the slightest dubt that the refuge area is inadequate r that the safety zne cannt be reached in time, firefighters shuld nt hesitate t pull and deply their shelter. Stp, Drp and Deply Dn t wait until it s t late! The actins we take n the fireline are the best way t avid injury. Updating ur situatinal awareness and cntinuusly updating ur fire behavir frecast (Fire Orders #1-3) and ensuring that the escape rutes t the safety zne are still viable (Firefighting Order #4) are the best ways t remain safe. Hwever, situatins develp that can cmprmise safety. These include errrs in judgment, waiting until escape t the safety zne is nt pssible, blcked escape rutes, unexpected events and underestimating the fire s ptential, just t name a few. It is here that firefighters are faced with "Last Resrt Survival." (See IRPG fr additinal infrmatin.) Planning fr Last Resrt Survival is a cntinuus prcess. Discuss cncerns with yur supervisr and fellw firefighters; yu may ntice a change in cnditins that has nt been bserved by thers. It is every firefighter s respnsibility t cntinuusly bserve and mnitr their envirnment, make certain yu knw what the fire is ding and knw what the plan is. Identify deplyment sites befre yu need ne. Plan ahead and lk fr structure and terrain features that wuld be gd deplyment sites in the event circumstances prevent yu frm reaching the safety zne. Identify TRAs, escape rutes and safety znes and make them knwn (Fire Order #4). Ls Angeles Cunty Fire Department 11

12 Preliminary findings 6/3/14 Mdified Safety Zne Rule-f-Thumb --Preliminary Recmmendatins-- BW Butler Based n current findings relative t energy transprt frm wildland fire in the presence f slpe and wind, the fllwing safety zne rule is prpsed. The calculatin als will be based n vegetatin height rather than flame height. The prpsed Safety Zne Rule is: SSD=8 H veg where SSD is safe separatin distance r radius f the safety zne, is the slpe/wind factr frm table belw, and H veg is vegetatin height. The equatin is nn-dimensinal which means that as lng as the user is cnsistent any units will wrk (i.e. if vegetatin height is in feet than the SSD is in feet). The value fr given in the table belw is based n wind in mph and slpe in %. But the actual value fr is nndimensinal. S as an example, if a firefighter were wrking n fire burning in sage brush that was 3 ft tall. The prpsed safety zne was lcated in an area with a general slpe f 15% and the wind speed expected fr the upcming burn perid was 10 mph, and based n past and current weather it is expected that the fire will burn with mderate intensity, the value fr wuld be 2. Thus the safety zne shuld be large enugh t prvide a minimum separatin frm sage brush f 8 x 2 x 3 ft=48 ft. If the vegetatin height were given as 1 meter than the SSD wuld be 8 x 2 x 1m = 16 m. An additinal distance wuld be required t prvide space fr crew and equipment. Generally a crew f 20 peple wuld require an additinal 5 t 10 ft f radius, additin f a vehicle wuld require an additinal 5 ft in radius. The area highlighted in range crrespnds t cnditins under which large natural penings are required r mechanized equipment wuld be required t cnstruct safety znes. Otherwise alternative tactics shuld be cnsidered such as additinal lkuts t mnitr fire activity, enhanced methds t exit fire area, r mdified decisin pints that wuld trigger egress earlier in the burn perid. Slpe (%) Wind (mph) > >40 Fire Intensity Lw Medium High Lw Medium High Lw Medium High -The multiplier selectin shuld be determined based n current and frecast weather, fuel cnditins and fire behavir. Fr example a situatin where the fire is r will be burning at what culd be cnsidered higher than nrmal intensity wuld use a higher multiplier than the multiplier selected fr a fire frecast t burn at nrmal intensity. -Disclaimer: This prpsed safety zne rule shuld be cnsidered preliminary and subject t increase r decrease based n analysis f additinal data. -Mnitr fr updates. Ls Angeles Cunty Fire Department 12

13 Structure Defense Tactical Actins fr Structure Defense Structure prtectin tactical terminlgy was develped t create a cmmn language that describes actins that put firefighter safety ahead f the structure defense assignment. When selecting a tactical actin, firefighters must first cnsider the fires ptential at the time f cntact with the structure, and the impact the fire will have n the crew. If firefighter safety is nt certain then an alternative actin shuld be selected. Check and G This is a rapid evaluatin t check fr ccupants at a structure that may be unaware f the appraching danger. In sme instances ccupants may nt be able t help themselves, such as children, invalids r the elderly and it may be necessary fr firefighters t assist in the evacuatin. This tactic is apprpriate when fire spread, intensity, lack f time r inadequate defensible space prhibits resurces frm taking actin t defend the structure. [Example: Threatened Nn-Defensible] Prep and G Describes a structure that is in danger and it is NOT safe fr the crew t remain when the fire arrives. Prep and G implies that sme amunt f pre-fire actin/hazard reductin is pssible prir t the arrival f the fire: remving flammable vegetatin, applicatin f Class A fam, etc. Use trigger pints (Decisin pints) t establish the time fr withdraw. [Example: Threatened Nn-Defensible] Prep and Defend Describes a structure that is in danger but it is relatively safe fr the crew t remain when the fire arrives. "Prep and Defend" means that firefighting activities, hazard reductin, applicatin f water and/r fam, patrls, engines and/r crews will be necessary t defend the building. "Defend implies persnnel will remain at the structure during fire frnt cntact. [Example: Threatened Defensible] Fire Frnt Fllwing Means cming in behind the fire frnt t take actin n a structure. This tactic is used when there is insufficient time t safely set up ahead f the fire r the intensity wuld likely cause injury t persnnel lcated in frnt f the fire. Fire Frnt Fllwing culd be used n structures that were previusly identified as Prep and G r Check and G. [Example: Threatened Nn-Defensible] Tactical Patrl The key element fr tactical patrl is mbility, situatinal awareness and cntinuus mnitring f the assigned area fr spt fires and flare ups. A tactical patrl shuld be assigned t areas expsed t dwnwind ember shwers and als areas where the fire has passed but the structures remain at risk. Vigilance and suppressin actins must cntinue with fcus n residual burning f wd piles, lawn furniture, and secndary ignitins caused frm embers in vid spaces and n rfs. Identify and mitigate hazards such as islands f unburned vegetatin, burning pwer ples, dwn pwer lines, fire weakened trees, rlling rcks etc. [Example: Useful fr all categries] Ls Angeles Cunty Fire Department 13

14 Bump and Run "Bump and Run" is a tactic where resurces typically mve ahead f the fire frnt in the sptting zne t extinguish spt fires and ht spts, and t defend as many structures as pssible. Bump and Run may be effective in the early stages f an incident when the resurces cmmitment is light and structure defense is the pririty. Resurces shuld remain mbile during Bump and Run and must cnstantly identify escape rutes t Safety Znes and Temprary Refuge Areas as they mve with the fire frnt. The tactic is useful when terrain and fuels are suitable fr mbile attack. Fireline supervisrs and Strike Team/Task Frce Leaders must realize that Bump and Run places resurces in frnt f the advancing fire frnt and that extreme cautin shuld be exercised. Anchr and Hld When the "Anchr and Hld" tactic is used, resurces utilize cntrl lines and large water streams in cnjunctin with fixed water supplies in an attempt t stp fire spread. The gal is t extinguish structure fires, prtect expsures, and reduce ember prductin. Anchr and hld can be referred t as taking a stand t stp the prgressin f the fire. Anchr and hld tactics are mre effective in urban neighbrhds where the fire is spreading frm huse t huse. Ls Angeles Cunty Fire Department 14

15 Wildland Terms Temprary Refuge Area Temprary Refuge Areas (TRAs) describe a lcatin that prvides temprary shelter and limited relief frm an appraching fire withut having t use a fire shelter. A TRA des nt meet the requirements fr a safety zne, but will prvide an acceptable margin f safety fr shrt perids f time. Unlike a safety zne that may be sme distance away, the TRA shuld always be near the area f peratin s firefighters can quickly secure shrt-term relief frm a sudden increase in fire intensity. The purpse f the TRA is t have a predetermined rally pint identified that firefighters can reach quickly and reassess their situatin. If it is determined that the TRA (refuge area) will nt prvide sufficient prtectin frm the fire s ptential then firefighters shuld immediately withdraw alng their escape rute t the safety zne, r in the wrst case deply their fire shelter. (Anytime there is dubt abut the safety f the crew, firefighters shuld immediately attempt t withdraw) Anything that prtects firefighters frm the fire s elements can be cnsidered a TRA. Lcating behind a wall, inside f a structure r in the cab f the apparatus may prvide adequate temprary shrt term relief. When cnfrnted with a piece f pen fire line that has flared up firefighters may find refuge by ging back dwn the line r farther int the black, mve ver the ridgeline r get behind sme bulders. What s imprtant is fr firefighters t always have a plan f where they are ging t g if the fire intensifies. The majr difference between a temprary refuge area and a safety zne is that when in a TRA yu must have anther tactical actin planned. Fr example firefighters seeking refuge inside f a structure need t plan their next mve in case the structure begins t burn and they are unable t remain inside. Tactical Maneuver Tactical maneuver is a way t build agility int a tactical plan. The fundatin fr tactical maneuver is built n the premise f being able t wrk and mve arund in a hazardus envirnment withut injury, yet at the same time remain effective. Tactical maneuver implies mvement r a tactical r purpseful reactin t change. Tactical maneuver will be mst effective when ptential changes t the primary plan have already been identified and firefighter s reactins t thse changes are planned ut. This means that tactical planning must be develped in cnjunctin with anticipated changes in the fire envirnment r the fire behavir. Be prepared t mve during lulls in fire activity r take shelter in refuge areas when the fire is active. Stay behind the huse when the fire is hitting hard but g int full suppressin mde when it subsides. Anther example f tactical maneuver wuld be an engine crew ging frm ne structure t anther, mving with the fire. This will require a cntinuus assessment f the fire s behavir and ptential, mving thrugh varius terrain features, changes in fuel types and fire activity. Even during this type f mvement, crews must have temprary refuge areas and an escape rute t a safety zne identified. Ls Angeles Cunty Fire Department 15

16 Wildland Structure Cnditins Interface A situatin where structures abut the wildland. There is a clear line f demarcatin between the structures and the wildland fuels alng rads r backyard fences. Usually identified as husing tracts adjacent t a wildland area Multiple triage decisins may be necessary fr a single interface area May require multiple structure defense tactics in a single interface area Head fire cntact with the structures is usually mre hazardus and pses a higher risk t fire fighters than flanking fire r backing fires There is ptential fr a cnflagratin fire Intermix A situatin where structures are scattered thrughut a wildland area. There is n clear line f demarcatin; the wildland fuels are cntinuus utside f and within the develped area. Each structure shuld be assessed independently Usually mre cmplex t triage than interface Usually mre hazardus t defend than interface Usually requires a higher rati f engines t structures than with an Interface Cnditin Ls Angeles Cunty Fire Department 16

17 Engine Cmpany Operatins Engine Cmpany Operatins During Wildland Fires The fundamental activity f applying water t fire as a means f cntrl is as imprtant tday as it has ever been and engine cmpanies are still the principle water delivery system used fr this purpse. The intent f this sectin is t reinfrce the imprtance f specific actins engine cmpanies carry ut during wildland fire fighting peratins. Perimeter Cntrl When engine cmpanies are assigned t perimeter cntrl, their primary functin and purpse is t deply a prgressive hselay arund the fire. The sner the hselay is cmpleted and perating, the mre secure the fire becmes and the risk is reduced f the fire cntinuing t spread. Perimeter cntrl hselays are generally referred t as an "anchr and flank" peratin with the hselay beginning at a secure psitin, such as a radway, and wrk its way alng the flank f the fire in a steady and safe manner. The number f engines needed t effectively sustain the advance will vary and depend n many factrs such as the length f the hselay, the vlume f water necessary t knck dwn the fire and hld the flank, the steepness f terrain, etc. In mst cases it will be necessary t assign a minimum f 2 t 3 engines t sustain a viable attack. Hselays Hselays can be perfrmed safely n mst wildland fires; hwever situatins exist such as dwnhill and under slung line fire cnditins that are ptentially hazardus, s the Risk Management Prcess must be utilized t minimize the hazard. Prir t advancing the hselay, firefighters shuld insure they have adequate resurces n hand t accmplish the task. Firefighters must base all f their actins n current and expected behavir f the fire, each situatin must be evaluated in the mment the hselay is being deplyed; a plan made an hur ag is ld news. All persnnel invlved in the evlutin shuld be briefed n the bjective, ptential hazards and the apprpriate hazard cntrls fr the peratin. Pst an experienced lkut when there is pssible danger and insure the lkut has prmpt cmmunicatins with hselay persnnel. It is everyne s respnsibility t remain alert and evaluate any change in cnditins, n matter hw insignificant it may seem. If yu see it, say it. Starting at an anchr pint, advance the hselay alng the flank by kncking the fire dwn as far as pssible in frnt f the attack crew using a straight stream, flw the fg pattern as necessary t pick up ht spts r t cl the grund as the attack crew mves alng the line. If cnditins allw, a greater margin f safety may be realized by wrking in the black r burned area as the hselay is extended. Hwever, the intensity f radiated heat, cnvective heat r the amunt f burned material n the grund will gvern this chice s it may nt be practical. This is especially true in heavy brush where the fuel must either burn ut r be extinguished with cpius amunts f water befre cnditins will be tenable enugh fr persnnel t advance thrugh the area and put hse n the grund. Ls Angeles Cunty Fire Department 17

18 If cnditins prevent fire crews frm safely mving thrugh the black then it may be necessary t mve thrugh the unburned and advance the hselay, but this des require a heightened level f awareness since firefighters are wrking in the unburned fuel bed. This is a cmmn practice in grass fires where persnnel can quickly and effectively extinguish the fire and freely mve frm the burn t the unburned as necessary. Hselays in grass and light fuels g faster than thse hselays in heavy fuel beds, it s simply a case f sufficient vlumes f water being applied t vercme the BTUs being prduced by the fire. Spt Fires Spt fires and slp vers are fires that lay utside f the bjective cntrl line. Every effrt shuld be made t extinguish them. In many cases these situatins may require what seems like a disprprtinate amunt f effrt and resurces, and the attempt may fail, but an effrt must be made t keep the fire within the stated cntrl line and as small as pssible. By their very nature spt fires are dangerus since there is unburned fuel between the firefighter and the fire. Spt fires r slp vers in heavy fuel, steep terrain r that are burning with great intensity may require additinal tactical measures prir t extending the hselay such as air supprt and r heavy stream tactics. Heavy stream tactics using the engine cmpany deck gun r a 2½" hse line with smth bre nzzle will quickly deplete the water supply f the engine making the attack, but at the same time that actin may be sufficient t hld the fire lng enugh t reinfrce the attack with ther resurces and secure the targeted area. If the fire is ut f reach fr these tactics then it may be necessary t request air supprt fr drps and knck the fire dwn then fllw-up with a hselay fr ttal cntrl. Structure Defense Cmpany fficers shuld utilize the Risk Management Prcess prir t engaging in structure defense. (The RMP can be fund n pp.7-8 in this dcument.) Withut cmprmising the structure defense assignment, engines shuld take advantage f pprtunities t put the main fire ut as it passes by, extinguishing fire between adjacent structures r between structures and a nearby rad etc., thereby cntrlling the fire s spread. Once the fire arund a structure has been kncked dwn r has passed, engines shuld mp up at least 50' n all sides t ensure the building is secured. Mp-up includes extinguishing burning utility ples, signs r ther rad side items that, left t burn, culd tpple and blck rads, vehicle access and egress. Extinguishing an already invlved building may reduce the risk t neighbring structures. Water Supply Establish a water supply whenever a water surce is available. Utilize any available means t replenish water supplies, including but nt limited t hydrants, pls, tanks, prtable tanks and hse bibs. Hard suctins are the first chice when cnnecting t nsite tanks and pl draft hydrants. If the tank is beynd hard suctin reach, utilize the educatr. Nte: There is usually insufficient head pressure in a water tank t simply attach a sft suctin r bypass hse at the base f the tank. Ls Angeles Cunty Fire Department 18

19 When cnnecting a supply line t a wharf hydrant, first install a 2½" gated wye, thus allwing ther apparatus t utilize the hydrant withut interrupting the supply lay. Cnserving water means making it cunt and smetimes that means using a lt f water quickly t btain a desired result, like using a deck gun t knck dwn a spt fire, r using a straight stream t cl ff a flareup that may prduce additinal fire brands and threaten the fireline. Water applied t unburned fuel in advance f the fire s arrival is f questinable value especially when wrking with limited water supplies. Attempting a frntal assault with a hse line is a risky tactic and whenever pssible shuld be avided. When attempting a frntal assault much f the water being directed at the fire is cnsumed by cnvective and radiated heat and never reaches the base f the fire where it is needed. Water is mst effective when applied frm the back r side f the fire and directly t the base f the fire edge, it must als be applied in sufficient quantities t vercme the BTUs that are being develped by the fire. Ls Angeles Cunty Fire Department 19

20 Levels Of Engagement "There are nly five things we can d in firefighting" Defend: Hlding actins aimed at prtecting values at risk; defending structures, preventing the fire frm crssing a piece f line. Reinfrce: Bring additinal r different kinds f resurces t bear n the issue. Advance: General firefighting activities that are directed tward accmplishing cntrl bjectives; anchr and flank, direct r indirect attack. Withdraw: Pull back frm the assigned area, cease current activities until cnditins allw a different level f engagement, withdraw alng the escape rute, mve int a TRA r a safety zne. Delay: Waiting until the situatin has mdified sufficiently t allw a level f engagement. Ls Angeles Cunty Fire Department 20

21 AGREEMENTS Initial Actin Zne IAZ Mst ften used fr wildland fire respnses Used t describe a bundary area where a wildland fire in ne jurisdictin may pse a significant threat t an adjining jurisdictin Each agency autmatically respnds a pre-determined number f resurces in an attempt t keep the fire small Generally accepted that there will be n reimbursement fr resurce cmmitment fr a specified perid f time Specific details f the agreement are utlined in the AOP (Annual Operating Plan) Lcal Respnsibility Area LRA A term utilized t identify lands exclusive f SRA classificatin and/r FRA where a Cunty r ther lcal jurisdictin is respnsible fr prviding fire prtectin services. LRA can include incrprated cities, fire districts, unincrprated cunty areas as well as sme unincrprated areas classified as wildland. State Respnsibility Area SRA A term utilized t identify lands exclusive f cities and federal lands, regardless f wnership, bth public and private, which are classified by the State Bard f Frestry as areas in which the primary financial respnsibility fr preventing and suppressing fires is that f the STATE r its agent. CAL FIRE is the principle agency fr all state respnsibility lands. There are six (6) Cntract Cunties where the State f Califrnia cntracts with the lcal Cunty Fire Department t suppress wildland fires n SRA land within thse respective jurisdictins. In thse 6 cases, the cunties are treated like a CAL FIRE Ranger Unit, Ls Angeles Cunty Fire Department is ne f thse cntract cunties. Federal Respnsibility Area FRA A term utilized t identify land where the primary respnsibility fr preventing and suppressing fires is that f the Federal Gvernment. These lands are generally prtected by the United States Department f Agriculture (USDA)- U.S. Frest Service (USFS), and the Department f Interir-Bureau f Land Management (BLM), Natinal Park Service (NPS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), and the Bureau f Indian Affairs (BIA). Ls Angeles Cunty Fire Department 21

22 References Field Operatins Guide (ICS 420-1, U.S. Fire Administratin) Incident Respnse Pcket Guide (PMS 461, NWCG) Wildland Fire Incident Field Guide (PMS 210, NWCG) Tactical Tls fr Wildland Fire (Ls Angeles Cunty Fire Department) Ls Angeles Cunty Fire Department 22