Community wildland fire defenses [1988]

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COMMUNITY WILDLAND FIRE DEFENSES
GEORGIA FIRE ACADEMY GEORGIA FORESTRY COMMISSION
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
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FOREST

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COMMUNITY WILDLAND FIRE DEFENSES TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

INTRODUCTION

1

CHAPTER 1 GEORGIA FORESTRY COMMISSION: ORGANIZATION AND SERVICES 4

CHAPTER 2 WILDLAND FIRE BEHAVIOR

20

CHAPTER 3 SUPPRESSION TACTICS OVERVIEW

31

CHAPTER 4 LOCATING, SIZE-UP, INITIAL ATTACK

36

CHAPTER 5 PERSONAL PROTECTION

39

CHAPTER 6 HAND TOOLS

42

CHAPTER 7 WATER USE AND APPARATUS

48

CHAPTER 8 EARTH MOVING EQUIPMENT

57

CHAPTER 9 AIR SUPPORT

63

CHAPTER 10 MOP-UP

67

CHAPTER 11 CAUSE DETERMINATION

68

.

Introduction

Comparison of the simularities and differences between

structure fires and wildland fires.

A structure fire burns up and thell down as a general rule it

does not go anywhere else. A brush fi re burns up, down, and is

constantly moving and getting bigger.

The objective of the course are to make the individual Fire-

fighter aware of:

1. Basic wildland fire behavior and suppression tactics.

2. That fire suppression can be conducted without plow/dozier support.

3. Handtool use, water spray equipment use, and support of plow/dozier equipment.

4. Interagency co-ordination, pre-planning, communications, and chain-of-command.

5. liThe SAFETY AND WELFARE of personnel 'shall be the first and

foremost consideration in EMERGENCY operations and

all fire decisions.

s1I uppression

or/and

other

STANDARD FIRE FIGHTING ORDERS

F - Fight fire aggressively but provide for safety first. I - Initiate all action based on current and expected fire
behavior. R - Recognize current weather conditions and obtain forecasts. E - Ensure instructions are given and understood.
o - Obtain current information on fire status.
R Remain in communication with crew members, your supervisor and adjoining forces.
D - Determine safety zones and escape routes. E - Establish lookouts in potentially hazardous situations. R - Retain control at all times. S - Stay alert, keep calm, think clearly, act decisely.

IIWATCH OUT! II SITUATIONS - Fi ve i terns have been added' to the IIWatch out!1I situations list to reflect critical hazardous conditions that are not readily recognized. The list, rearranged into the sequence that the hazardous situations are most likely to occur, shows these new items underlined.
1. Fire not scouted and sized up.
2~ In country not seen in daylight.
3. Safety zones and escape routes not identified.
4. Unfamiliar with weather and local factors influencing fire behavior.
5. Uninformed on straregy, tactics, and hazards.
6. Instructions and assignments not clear.

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7. No communications link with crew members/supervisors. 8. Constructing line without a safe anchor point. 9. Building fireline downhill with fire below. 10. Attempting a frontal assault on the fire. 11. Unburned fuel between you and the fire. 12. Cannot see main fire, not in contact with anyone who can. 13. On a hillside where rolling material can ignite fuel below 14. Weather is getting hotter and drier. 15. Wind increases and/or changes directions. 16. Getting frequent spot fires across the line. 17. Terrain and fuels make escape to safety zones difficult. 18. Taking a nap near hre fireline.
AGENCIES INVOLVED IN WILDLAND FIRE CONTROL
Georgia Forestry Commission The Local Fire Department Local private wood company/landowner. U. S. Forest Service National Park Service Bureau of Fisheries
CHAIN - OF - COMMAND
A. Will be decided by: 1. Pre-fire planning a. Standard Operational Procedure b. Mutual Aid Agreements2. Span of control is generally five (5) to one (1)
B. The IICommand ll structure wi 11 only be as 1arge as necessary.
1. There is ONLY one (1) Incident Commander (Radio caTTSign IICommand ll )
C. Flow of Command 1. Incident Commander 2. Section Commanders (3 to 4) 3. Division Commanders (As needed) 4. Sector Commanders (As needed) 5. Crew/Company/ Group Leader is in charge of a crew of five (5) to twenty (20) firefighters. a. This position is responsible for seeing that the work is done right and shared evenly. b. The assigned task is carried out. c. The group stays together~ be where they are suppose to be when they are supposed to be.
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...
6. Squad leaders is in charge of five (5) to seven (7) firefighters. They see that the work is done right, evenly, and that the squad is where it is suppose to be.
COMMUNICATIONS A. Varies from area to area. 1. Includes radio, telephone, written, face to face, etc. B. Radios 1. Are of great importance in wildland fire situations, but it can easily become over crowded. 2. Serious consideration should be given to the use of multi-frequency radios within a jurisdiction. e.g. a. Freq. #1 Primary dispatch/fire frequency b. Freq. #2 Fire ground c. Freq. #3 Fire ground d. Freq. #4 State Fire Mutual Aid 154.280 with NO private line (PL) C. Plain Talk 1. It is strongly recommended that signals such as the "10 Signals" not be used due to the difference in meaning from area to area. 2. What is recommended is to use "Plain Textll or plain talk to cut down agencies/departments.
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Chapter 1- Georgia Forestry Commission: Organization and Services

GEORGIA -fORESTRY COMMISSION

Local Unit
1. Ranger in Charge 2. Patrolman 3. Tower Person

District
1. District Forester: In Charge 2. District Ranger: Jobs as assigned by District Forester 3. Management Foresters: Used as District Forester sees fit
during extreme fire weather.

Macon Center
1. Forest Protection: Chief
a. Rural Fire Defense b. Comminications c. Aircraft Operations d. Weather Forecast e. Law Enforcement
2. Other Departments
a. Forest Management b. Information and Education c. Reforestation d. Administration e. Research

3. Local Unit Activities
a. Telephone call b. Air Patrol c. Tower Cross-out d. RFD Notification

- Fire Located By

Fire identified by block number on fire map.
1. SW corner of State up (letters) 2. SW corner of State eastward - numbers 3. ID is by letter, then number 4. Dispatch and talk in plain text

All burning should be called in to Georgia Forestry
Commission. This is a state law. All information is listed on a BURNING AUTHORIZATION LOG.

Weather Forecast

- Prepared by meterologist at Georgia Forestry Commission and is put on computer terminals through the Districts.
- ~eather is available at 8 AM
- Class Day (1 - 5) available through the fire danger stations

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Class Day Ratings

Class Day 1 LOW

length of Day LONG: BURNING PERIOD MODERATE

2 MODERATE SAME

3 HIGH

LONG; BURNING PERIOD LONG

4 VERY HIGH SAME

5 EXTREME

SAME

HTuemm; pdeirta{ /ure

Igniti on

HIGH TO MODERATE/ MODERATE

DIFFICULT

MODERATE/ MODERATE

MODERATE LIGHTNING MODERATE

MODERATE TO LOW/HIGH

EASY, LIGHTNING OCCURRENCE

MODERATE TO LOW EASY, HIGH (LOW AT NIGHT)/ LIGHTNING HIGH, LITTLE OCCURANCE COOLING AT NIGHT

VERY LOW/

VERY EASY

HIGH, LITTLE

COOLING AT NIGHT

Resistance to Control LOW MODERATE HIGH HIGH
EXTREME

Smoke on Highway Notification Sequence
a. Prospecti ve "Burner" ca 11 s county forestry unit. b. County forestry unit advises of weather conditions as
they will relate to smoke, can advise against burn relative to smoke dispersion. c. We relay information to State Patrol; they will patrol area (or request local sheriff department to do so). d. If smoke becomes hazardous to visibility, the State Patrol will advise the DOT to put smoke signs along the highway. e. DOT may invoice person doing burn, if DOT personnel are required to put in overtime. f. If law enforcement personnel are needed to patrol road, that is their decision.

Georgia Forestry Wildfire Response
1. Unit 10 on truck and tractor (for air patrol use).
2. Water - Some units have water, but gallonage and type of pump do not permit much use (generally for grass, interstate type, only)
- Some plow/tractor units have water for protection of bogged down units.
3. Additional equipment will be requisted if it is necessary (Unless aircraft has already done so.)
Rural Fire Defense Program
Deal with Government EntityOnly. 1. County Commissioner (Administrator) 2. Mayor

_ c; _

Loaned Equipment 1. No Charge 2. Federal Owned Excess (yellow sticker-old,silver tag-new) 3. State Owned Excess 4. Returned to GFC no longer needed 5. GFC Cooperator Decal Leased 1. Unit constructed using state monies to purchase supplies,
equipment. 2. Unit must be leased and title of equipment retains with
State. 3. Returned to GFC when no longer needed: no refund of any
monies paid. 4. Term of agreement is (50) years. 5. GFC Cooperator Decal RFD assists GFC when possible in wildland fires. GFC Fire Responsibility Responsibile for all fires outside of city limits which are IIflammable fuel land ll State Disaster Plan Extreme Fire Danger
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RURAL PlRE DUENSE HEHORANDUM OP UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN
GEORGIA PORESTRY COMMISSION AND
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _FIRE DEPARTMENT

Becau.. of the intermingling .of structure. and natural fu.l. in ar.as of __________County, the objectives of the two above-mention.d organiza-

tiona are in.eparable, to minimize the loss of life and prop.rty a. a r ult of

uncontrolled fire. We, the undersigned have arrived at this MEMORANDUM OP

UNDERSTANDING for th primary purpos:

1. Provide for clost possible coop.ration on mutual objectiv

2. Pr.vent misunderstandings as to purpose and respon.ibiliti of each organi-

zation.

Pire Department

1. Area Cover.d: Hap of station's respon.ibility

2. Re.ource.: (a) Equipment:

(b) Manpow.r:

3. Type Organization: Paid/Volunte.r

Georgia Forestry Commis.ion

1. Area Cover.d: The County of

and federal lands not under

sp.cific alr.emant, and coa.tal island. which do not have highway access.

2. Sourc. of lund.: Primarily .tate appropriation., supplemented by county fire

control a

nt. and federal matching funds.

3. Resources: (a) Equipment:

(b) Manpower:

Fe-60 6-1-88 44 3219

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4. Responsibilities: All forest fire protection work shall be under the direction and supervision of the State lorestry Commission, throulh the Director of said Commission, subject to the provisions of this Act and the laws of the State, now or hereafter enacted, relative to forestry and forest fire prevention and suppression. The Commission shall have power to make and enforce all rules and reaulati~ns necessary for the administration of forest fire protection. (Ga. Laws 1949, pp. 937, 938; Ga. Code 1981, Sec. 12-6-83.)
Operational Procedures 1. Dispatchinl:
(a) The lorestry Commission will dispatch a crew to any known forest/brush/ Irass/etc. fire, or to any fires of unknown nature.
(b) The Fire Department will dispatch a crew to any known buildinl/residence/ structure/etc. fire, or to any fire of unknown character.
2. Communications: Upon arrival at the scene: (a) The Forestry Commission is required to immediately advise the Fire Department of any burninl or threatened s~ructure within the area. (b) The Fire Department is required to immediately advise the Forestry Commission of any burninl or threatened natural cover fUGls within the area and assistance needed.
3. Mutual bsistecs: (a) Suppression. When both alencies are at the same fire, the overall supervisional responsibility shall lis with the alency concerned most directly with what is buminl. If both woods and structures are on fire simultaneously, each alency shall attend its normal responsibility and/or playa supportinl role to the other. Backfires can only be authorized by the Georlia Forestry Commission.
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(b) TraiDiDl. Each agency agrees to attend/participate/assist/etc. in the

other alency's training program.
(c) Q!h!!. Each agency agrees to lend its support to programs of the other

which will increase the public awareness of the hazard and destruction of fire and/or make the objectives of this memorandum possible.

AGREEMENT
This memorandum shall be effective when signed by both parties. It continues in

effect unless and until either party gives thirty (30) days notice in writing to

the other party.
GEORGIA PORESTRY COHKISSION

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.PIRI DEPARTMENT

BY~DI~RE~CTO~R:----------

BY~GO~VERNKENT==~:AL~ENT=~I~TY~7~T~ITLE~----

DATE,

_

DATE.

_

GEORGIA 'ORESTRY COHHISS10N BY~CO~UNTY=~RAN~G~ER::::-------

DATE

_

_

'.1RE DEPARTMENT

BY~F.1...R. E~-CH....1...E . - F - - - - - - - - - - -

DATE,

_

FC-60 6-1-88 44 3219

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A~NEX 7
1. SUBJECT: FIRE SERVICES
Control of urban and forest fires; fire suppression assistance made available through intrastate, interstate compact agreements and by the Federal government under PL 93-288.
2. PURPOSE:
To provide a coordinated application of State resources for fire service outside corporate limits of cities and towns; to provide assistance to local governments in controlling urban fires.
3. SCOPE:
State program assistance under this function shall include actions taken through the application of equipment, manpower and technical expertise to control and suppress fires that have or threaten to become disasters. Provision of such services will be in accordance with mutual aid compact agreements with local governments, private industry, other States and established recognized standards of fire fighting methods.
Provision of fire suppression assistance under PL 93-288 will be made in accordance with the Federal-State Agreement for Fire Suppression. Paragraph 6, Federal Assistance, provides additional details on this agreement.
4. RESPONSIBILITY:
A. The Director of the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) is responsible for the development, implementation and administration of all State programs, mutual aid agreements and participation in this function as related to emergency or natural disaster assistance. Execution of the Federal-State Agreement for Fire Suppression is shared with the State Disaster Coordinator (SDC) (State Director of Emergency Management).
B. The GFC Emergency Coordinator designated by the Director of GFC will serve as liaison coordinator for all emergency fire services to the State Emergency Operating Center (EDC) and other State Agencies.
C. The SDC is responsible for coordinating the fire service activities of the GFC with overall State response in declared State or Federal emergency/disaster situations.
D. Local governments are responsible for, and assumed to be providing, fire prevention, control and suppression activities within their designated jurisdictions through their own resources or by a mutual assistance compact with the GFC or neighboring governmental organizations. Local governments are also responsible for requesting State support when a fire situation exceeds their control/suppression capabilities.
E. State agencies providing support to the GFC in this function are identified in the Governor's Executive Order and Exhibit 7.
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5. OPERATIONS:
A. Fire services will be initiated at the lowest operational level by the appropriate urban fire department, Rural Fire Defense (RFD) crew, or local unit of the Forestry Commission. Requests for assistance will be directed to the GFC Emergency Coordinator.
B. Fire situation reports for the affected area(s) will be directed to the GFC. The Director of GFC will:
(1) implement intrastate mutual aid compacts as necessary.
(2) request that the Governor implement the Southeastern States Forest Fire Compact when the situation dictates.
(3) monitor fire suppression activities of local Forestry Commission units and RFDs.
(4) provide fire weather and danger forecasts to all fire suppression forces through the Forestry Commission communication network.
(5) coordinate employment of all available fire control resources when this plan is implemented; request assistance from cooperating industries and the Federal government (Federal-State Agreement for Fire Suppression) when required.
C. The SDC will:
(1) integrate GFC activities with those of overall State response efforts in a declared emergency/disaster situation.
(2) coordinate implementation of Federal-State Agreement for Fire Suppression.
(3) coordinate requests for State fire service assistance with the Forestry Emergency Coordinator.
6. FEDERAL ASSISTANCE:
A. Federal assistance for fire suppression in support of State fire services is authorized by Section 417 of PL 93-288, and will be provided in accordance with the current Federal-State Agreement for Fire Suppression. This Agreement contains the necessary terms and conditions with the provisions of applicable laws, executive orders and regulations as the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) deems necessary at time of execution. (Copies of this Agreement with implementing instructions and requirements are maintained by the GFC, State Emergency Management Agency and the Governor's Office.)
B. State requests for assistance under this Agreement are to be made to the FEMA Regional Director. The current Agreement can be executed by the Director of GFC and/or the SDC. As time is of the
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,
essence, such requests can be made by telephone, promptly followered by a confirming telegram or letter. C. The Regional Director will notify the Governor and the Federal fire-fighting agency involved of the Administrator's decision on the State's request. Assistance authorized may be in the form of grants, equipment, supplies, and/or personnel to the State for the suppression of any fire on publicly or privately owned forest or grassland. D. For each request made under the Federal-State Agreement for Fire Suppression, a separate Fire Project Application will be prepared by the Director of GFC and submitted to the FEMA Regional Director for approval.
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ANNEX 7. FIRE SERVICES

AGENCY SUPPORT
to Georgia Forestry Comml..lon

Administrative services

Agriculture

Bureau of Investigation

Comptroller General

M

Derenee

Natural Resources

Ot'render Rehabilitation

Public Sstety

Public Svc Commleslon

Regents

1l'ansportatlon

"Volunteers

SYNOPSIS GEORGIA EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
FIRE SERVICES RESPONSIBILITIES
The Georgia Natural Disaster Operations Plan (NDOP) contains Executive Orders by the Governor which assign authority for the coordination of all response and recovery activities of state agencies in an emergency or disaster situation to the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMC). This authority is usually only exercised when the emergency or disaster situation is beyond the capability of the local government affected and the primary response agency to control. These orders also assign primary or secondary emergency/disaster responsibilities to state agencies based on their functions or capabilities.
This coordinating role would include fire related emergencies detailed in the Fire Service Annex to the NDOP. This annex defines fire services as those designed for prevention- and control of urban and forest fires including fire suppression assistance made available through intrastate/interstate impact agreements and by the federal government under Public Law 93-288.
The Director of the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) is designated by the Governor's Executive Orders as the lead or primary agency for fire services in the state. As such, GFC provides coordinated application of state resources for fire service outside corporate limits of c~~~es and towns; and assistance to local governments in controlling urban fires.
GEMA has the following coordinating or supporting responsibilities and functions relative to fire services:
1. Integrates Georgia Forestry Commission activities with those of overall state response efforts in an emergency/disaster situation.
2. Forwards requests for fire services assistance to Georgia Forestry Commission. Acts as coordinating agency when requested.
3. Coordinated implementation of federal-state agreement for fire suppression.
4. Acts as point of contact with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEXA) and other federal agencies.
5. Provides printed public information materials on fire prevention to local Emergency Management/'Civil Defense Directors for upe by local governments in their fire safety programs. These material~ intlude preprinted press releases that can be used in local newspapers and other fire safety pamphlets and handouts as furnished by the Federal Emergency Management Agencv (FEMA).
6. Assists in rural fire services, through local Emergency Management/Civil Defense organizations that have fire protection responsibilities. Some of these organizations were provided federal surplus and excess fire fighting equipment through GEMA. Although this surplus and excess property program no longer exists, GEMA maintains the accountability of equipment previously assigned.
7. The Director of GEMA, when directed by the Governor, through his authority as Adjutant General of the State, may provide National Guard personnel for use in emergency or disaster situations when they are of such severity or magnitude that immediate manpower and equipment resources are required.
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12-6-17. Director -- Regulation of setting of fires where drought conditions, etc., exist.

(a) Whenever in the judgment of the director, because of drought or

other conditions, controlled burning of woods, lands, marshes, refuse, or

other combustible materials in any county or counties or in any area with-

in a county constitutes an unusual hazard to property, the director may

by order, rule, or regulation prohibit the setting on fire of any woods,

lands, marshes, refuse, or other combustible materials within any county

or counties or within any area within a county, or may permit such burn-

ing only upon such conditions and under such regulations as in his judgment

are necessary and proper to prevent the destruction of property. Where by

rule or regulation the setting on fire of any woods, lands, marshes, refuse

or other combustible material has been prohibited, no person shall set or

cause to be set any backfire, except under the direct supervision or per-

mission of a state or federal forest officer, unless it can be established

that the setting of such backfire was necessary for the purpose of saving

life or valuable property, the burden of proving which shall rest on such

person claiming same as a defense. Any order, rule, or regulation promul-

gated by the director under the authority of this Code section shall have

the force and effect of law.

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(b) Any person violating a lawful order or regulation promulgated under the authority of this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. (GA. L. 1955, p. 309 26.)
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12-6-21. Uncontrolled fire as constituting a public nuisance; duties and liabilities of person, etc., responsible.
Any fire burning uncontrolled on any forested or cut-over brush land or grassland is declared to be a public nuisance by reason of its menace to life and property. Any person, firm or corporation responsible either for the starting or for the existence of such fire is required to control or extinguish it immediately. If such person, firm, or corporation shall refuse or neglect to do so, any organized fire suppression force may suppress the nuisance thus constituted by controlling and extinguishing the fire; and the cost thereof may be recovered from the responsible person, firm, or corporation. (GA. L. 1937,p. 264 GA. L. 1955, p. 309, 31.)

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12-6-80. Short title. This part shall be cited as the "Georgia Forest Fire Protection
Act" (GA. L. 1949, p. 937, 1.)
12-6-81. Legislative purpose. The General Assembly, recognizing that the forest lands and resources
of the state are a natural resource of great economic value to the citizens of the state, comprising two-thirds of the state1s area, or 25 million acres, and giving employment to over 130,000 Georgia citizens and bringing to the state an annual income of over $275 million, that the present and potential production of forest products are materially menaced and reduced through recurring uncontrolled forest fires, thereby resulting in loss to owners of forest lands, industries, workers, and communities; that it is of vital importance to the state to protect and develop forest lands for the continuous production of forest products; and that this cannot be accomplished without organized and coordinated state-wide protection, declares that protection against uncontrolled fire and pr~servation of the forest lands and forest resources of the state are essential for the economic welfare of the state and its people. (GA. L. 1949, p. 937, ~.)
12-6-82. Definitions As used in this part, the term: (1) I'Forest fire" means any fire burning uncontrolled on any forest
land covered wholly or in part by timber, brush, grass, or other flammable material.
(2) "Forest lands" means all lands which are situated outside of corporate limits and which have enough forest growth, either standing or down, or have sufficient flammable debris or grass, to constitute, in the judgment of the State Forestry Commission, a menace to such lands or ~djoining lands. (GA. L. 1949, p. 937, 7, 8.)
12-6-83. Direction and supervision by State Forestry Commission of forest fire protection work; making and enforcing rules and regulations.
All forest fire protection work shall be under the direction and supervision of the State Forestry Commission, through the director of the commission, subject to this part and the laws of this state relative to forestry and forest fire prevention and suppression. The commission shall have power to make and enforce a11 rules and regulations necessary for the administration of forest fire protection. (GA. L. 1925, p. 199, 3; GA. L. 1931, p. 7, 21: Code 1933, 43-206 GA. L. 1949, p. 937, 4.)
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.
12-6-84. Entry upon land for fire-prevention purpose. etc.
The members of the State Forestry Commission and any of its authorized agents or anyone acting att~ir direction shall have the right at any or all times to go upon any land for the purpose of preventing, controlling, or suppressing forest fires, as defined in Code Section 12-6-82, or for the purpose of making investigations, without incurring liability for trespassing. (Ga. L. 1949, p. 937, 13; Ga. L. 1955, p. 309, 33.)
12-6-85. Fire protection units.
The State Forestry Commission shall divide the state into fire protection units which will provide efficient and economical fire protection within the unit area. Such units will compromise one or more counties or portions of counties. (Ga. L. 1949, p. 937, 9.)
12-6-89. IIExtreme forest fire emergencyll defined; authority of Governor, forestry investigators, and peace officers in ~mergency; advice by director to Governor as to existence of emergency,
,
(a) As used in this Code section, lI extreme forest fire emergencyll means a condition whereby forest fires within the state are of such number, size, severity, and intensity that they cannot be controlled by the existing facilities of the State Forestry Commission and are endangering life and property.
(b) The Governor shall have authority to declare and determine the existence and termination of such emergency and, by order, rule, or regulation, to prohibit hunting, fishing, camping, or picnicking in any woods or lands of the state, or to prohibit the entering of such woods or lands for any other purposes which might cause a fire hazard or endanger the life or property of any person within such area. The Governor may direct and commandeer all state agencies and personnel to assist the State Forestry Commission in such emergency by executive order.
(c)' Forestry investigators and any and all other peace officers of this state, or of any county or municipality thereof, shall have authority to make arrests for violation of any order, rule, or regulation made
pursuant to a declaration of extreme forest fire emergency. Any person
who violates any such order, rule or regulation shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
(d) The director of the State Forestry Commission will notify the Governor from time to time what situation, in his judgment, constitutes an extreme forest fire emergency. (Ga. L. 1949, p. 968; Ga. L. 1955, p. 309, 37, 38; Ga. L. 1959, p. 72, 2.)
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12-6-90. Permit requirement for burning woods t lands t etc.; exceptions.
(a) Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this Code section, any person, firm, corporation, or association lawfully entitled to burn any woods, lands, marshes, or any other flammable vegetation, whether in cultivated or uncultivated areas, shall prior to such burning obtain a permit therefor from the forest ranger of the county wherein such burning is to be made or from another employee of the forestry unit serving such county who is authorized by the chief forester of such unit to grant such permits. An applicant for a permit shall provide the county forest ranger or other authorized employee of the forestry unit serving the county with the location and the recommended time of the proposed burn. Such information may be provided and the permit may be obtained by a telephone call to the county forest ranger or to another authorized employee of the forestry unit serving the county. The permit shall be given by providing the applicant therefor with a permit number which will grant permission for a controlled burn to take place at the location specified by the applicant at the time approved by the cou~ty forest ranger or by the other authorized employee of the forestry unit serving the county.
(b) It shall not be necessary to obtain a permit otherwise required by subsection (a) of this Code section tf a.sudden emergency requires a firing in order to render one1s premises safe.' In any prosecution under this Code section, a necessary firing in a sudden emergency shall constitute an affirmative defense, but the burden of proving such necessity shall rest upon the person asserting it as a defense.
(c) It shall not be necessary to obtain a permit otherwise required by subsection (a) of this Code section to burn improved pastures or residue on cultivated crop land if the person, firm, corporation, or association intending to burn such residue shall, prior to such burning, give notice of the approximate time and location thereof to the forest ranger of the county wherein such burning is to be made or to an employee of the forestry unit serving such county who is authorized to grant permits under subsection (a) of this Code section.
(d) The notice or permit required by this Code section shall be in addition to any other notice or permit or other requirement for burning provided for by law or by ordinance, resolution, or regulation of any county or municipality of this state.
(e) Any person who fails to give any notice required by subsection (c) of this Code section or who makes a burn described by subsection (a) of this Code section without obtaining the permit required by said subsection shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. (Ga. L. 1956, p. 382, 1-3; Ga.L. 1981, p.895, 1; Ga. L. 1988, p. 477, 1.)
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12-6-91. Controlled burning by owners over own forest land. Unless prohibited by the director of the State Forestry Commission
pursuant to the provisions of Code Section 12-6-17, the owners of any forest land may accomplish controlled burning over their own land when a permit therefor is obtained pursuant to the requirements of Code Section 12-6-90 and the fire is not allowed to spread onto or over the land of another or others. (Ga. l. 1949, p. 937, 15; Ga.l. 1988,
p.477, 2.)
12-6-93. Appropriations; agreements between State Forestry Commission and counties; taxation by counties for fire protection.
(a) The funds required to carry out this part and provide for the coordinated protection of uncontrolled fire on all forest lands in the State of Georgia may be provided from annual appropriations made by the General Assembly for this purpose.
(b) In the event any county desires forest fire protection, the county shall enter into an agreement with the State Forestry Commission, and such agreement shall provide for the payment to the commission of 4 per forest acre of privately owned forest land. Forest acres of privately owned land shall be based upon the most recent United States Forest Service survey for Georgia.
(c) Any agreement in existence on July 1, 1967, between a county and the commission providing for a different percentage or amount of payment shall be changed so as to provide for the payment of 4 per forest acre.
(d) Any county may levy a tax to provide the additional funds required for fire protection under this part. (Ga. l. 1949, p. 937, 3; Ga. L. 1950, p. 101, 1; Ga. L. 1955, p. 309, 34; Ga.L. 1967, p. 29,
1.)
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ChaDter 2

~ildl]nd Fire Behavior

Fuels
1. All ground cover vegetation is potential fuel. 2. Types of fuels are grouped based on their location to
the ground and/or air. a. Ground fuels
1. Ground litter a. Small twigs b. Leaves, needles, etc.
2. Duff is when ground litter breaks down and begins to decompose. a. Fires in duff fuels are often deep seated and smouldering. This makes them difficult to extinguish. b. They have a tendency to appear out and then flare up later.
b. Surface Fuels 1. Living a. Grass and brush b. Field crops and small trees c. Other low vegetation 2. Non-living a. Downed logs and heavy limbs b. Smaller twiggs, leaves needles, etc.
c. Crown Fuels 1. Suspended and uprighted fuels 2. Physically separated from the ground and surface fuels to the extent that the air can circulate around it. 3. Burns more rapidly than ground or surface fuels.
3. Fuel Characteristics a. Fuel size determines their ease of ignition and rate of burning. 1. Flash/light fuels ignites easily and are fast burning. These fuels serve as kindling for heavie fuels. a. Dry grass, dead leaves, needles b. Brush, small trees c. Ripened field crops even though they are still growing in the earth. d. Heavier fuels such as live oak fall in this class due to a high oil content and burn rapidly when not in the active growing stage. 2. Heavy fuels are slow burning and seldom ignite without the aid of fire involving light fuels. a. Once heavy fuels ignite they: 1. Burn rapidly giving off large volumes of heat. 2. Are more difficult to extinguish than light fuels. b. Heavy fuels include: 1. Limbs, logs, stumps 2. Deep duff

- 20 -

...

II

Siz.e of Fuel

In the Forest Service we thi nk of si ze of Fuel as bei ng ~ or heavy.

a.

Light fuel is fast burning.

(examples: dry leaves, dry grass, tree needles)

~)
_a, ~U,\

1\1.4' .....

b.

Heavy fuel is slow burning.

(examples: logs, tree stumps, lorge limbs)

(2)

Arrangement

The arrangement of fuel also determines how fast the fuel wi II burn due to the oxygen in the ai r around it. The more oxygen around the fuel,
the faster it wi II burn.

a.

Ground or Aerial

Ground fuel wi II burn slower. (less air around it)

2 Aerial fuel will burn faster. (more ai r around it)

b.

Continuity - by continuity we mean, is the fuel:

Uni form (fue I connected) fast burni ng .

2 Patchy (fuel not connected) slow burning.

c.

. , Compactness - by compactness we mean, is the fuel:

T1,"T~Y

Tightly arranged - slow burni ng

ARRANGED

o

2 Loose Iy arranged - fast burni ng

(3) Volume
Wi th a large amount of fuel avai lable, the fi re wi II burn wi th large
amounts of heat. _ ?1_

b. Gompactness refers to the proximity of fuel particles to one another in relation to air movement. 1. Ground fuels and some surface fuels are tightly compacted with little air movement around them. This will cause the fire to burn across their top and smoulder underneath. 2. It is this compactness that makes some fuels burn easier than others.
c. Continuity refers to the horizonal and vertical spacing of fuels. 1. When these fuels are close together the fire will spread faster due to the effects of heat transfer. This transfer of heat will not be sufficent to preheat or ignite fuels when: a. Patchy and/or scattered b. Separated by natural barriers
d. Volume and quality refers to the amount of fuel in a give area. 1. It is an important consideration in determining how intense the fire will burn. 2. Large volumes of fuel having a close continuity will release tremendous amounts of heat. These conditions will make fire control difficult.
Weather
All aspects of weather have some affects upon the behavior of a wildfire.
Wind is caused by uneven heating of the air. 1. Warm air expands and rises. 2. Cooler/heavier air decends 3. High and low pressure affect wind velocity and direction.
a. Air flows from high pressure to low pressure 1. High pressure winds flow in a clockwise pattern. 2. Low pressure winds flow in a counter clockwise pattern.
b. RULE-OF-THUMB: Back to the wind, high pressure is on the right.
4. Many times fires of medium to large sizes will create their own winds.
5. Probability of wind: a. Prevailing winds are from west to east. b. Usually predictable in plains and long, wide valleys. c. In rough topography the local winds maybe unpredictable.
6. Large bodies of water, such as oceans and lakes, usually cause winds to blow inland as the sun warms the ground. At night the winds blow outward as the land cools quicker than the water. In mountains a similiar occurs with up canyon/valley winds during the day and down canyon/ valley winds at night.
7. Isolated mountains draw air upward as in a chimney as the slopes warm in the sunshine.
8. The wind accelerates the evaporation of moisture from fuels.
9. It intensifies flames by pushing and by introducing fresh air to the flame base.
... ...

10. Wind carries sparks and embers across control lines. 11. It changes direction quickly and without prewarning.
This can put suppression crews in danger. 12. Types of winds include:
a. General winds, which are local winds that are produced by the broad-scale pressure guiderants (high pressure to low pressure)
b. Frontal winds are associated with the passage of an air mass. 1. Cold front wind change is usually sharp and distinct. The air maybe dry without clouds. a. Ahead of the cold front the winds will usually be from the south or southwest. b. As the front approches wind speed increases and maybe violently turbulent. c. After the passage of the front the wind will be out of the west, north or northwest. d. A cold front is usually worst for wildfires because it is pushing toward the ground toward new fuel. 2. A warm front will change direction gradually. a. Ahead of the front the wind will be from the south to southeast. b. After the front passes the winds will be out of the southwest. 3. Squall lines ahead of a cold front may produce violent winds. a. Convective winds are caused by local temperatures and they may dominate or be overridden by the general winds. b. Whirlwinds or dust devils are definite indications of intense local heating, turbulent changing wind speeds and direction, and unstable weather. 1. These are common in areas that have just burned over. 2. They can bring an apparent dead fire back to life and thay can transport embers into new fuel. c. Firewhirls are caused by extreme instability in the lower air. 1.They are much more serious than whirlwinds. 2.They usually occur in heavy fuels with large volumes of heat in a small area. d. Thunderstorm winds 1. Developing stage - updrafts are strong, sometimes reaching 30 mph. 2. Mature stage - down drafts. 3. Dissipating stage - down drafts continue but updrafts weaken.
Temperature
1. The higher the temperature the less additional heating needed for ignition.
2. Closely related to temperature is relative humidity.
- 23 -

3. Reduces moisture content in fuels over long periods of time.
Relative humidity is the amountof rroisture in the air canpared to what the air can hold at the same temperature.
1. Dead fuels can take moisture from the air Or put it back in the air.
2. A given volume of warm air will hold more moisture than the smae volume of cool air.
3. Daily fluctuations have a great effect on fire spread. a. When relative humidity drops to: (1) 30% conditions are favorable for burning. (2) 10% fire conditions become critical. b. For every 20F increase in-temperature of air, the relative humidity is cut in half. e.g. 60F and 40% relative humidity 80F and 20% relative humidity
Precipitation 1. The sun's heat causes evaporation of moisture on the earth's surface from plants and animals into the atmosphere. a. As this evaporation meets cooler air, it condenses to form clouds. b. As this condensing gets greater, the clouds become saturated making water droplets which we see as rain, snow, etc.
Fuel Moisture 1. Fuel will give up or take in moisture based on the amount of moisture in the air around it until it equals that of the air. 2. Fiber moisture saturation is generally held to be 30% of the dry weight of a fuel. 3. Equa1ibrium moisture of fuels is affected by how long it takes the fuel moisture to equal the moisture of the air. a. Flashy/light fuels will equalize quicker than a two (2) inch wood limb which may take up to four (4) days to equalize. 4. A prolonged dry spell will considerably reduce the amount of moisture in most ground cover fuels. During prolonged dry spells occasional showers do little to relieve the problem.
Topography
Refers to the lay of the land and it does have a decided effect on fire behavior. The steepness of the slope effects both rate and direction of spread. 1. Fire will move faster up hill than it will down hill. 2. The steeper the slope the faster the fire will travel up
it. There are several factors which influence this: a. On the uphill side, the flames are closer to the fuel
and the fuel becomes drier and causes it to ignite quicker than if on level ground. b. Wind is generally blowing uphill which tends to push the heat and flames into new fuel. c. Convicted heat rising along the slope causes a draft which increases the rate of spread. d. Burning embers and chucks of fuel may roll down hill into unburned fuels spreading the fire.
- 24 -

DAY

N' GHT

nnn
MOISTURE
I

DRY AIR

J=UELS DRAW

DRAWS MOISTURE MOISTURE FROM

FROM FUEL

DAMP AIR

- 25 -

\~ It I g \\"'{'C't:'~\1~
LIGHTNING MATCH
LOG9 GRASS 8RUSH AfR,(OXY6EN) CIGARETTE BUTr:: F" R E
[?~~ ~ <{? O~ ~ [}:[J~[J::: [;l D~~

REMOVE ONE OR MORE
OF THESE ELEMENTS

BY
CUTTING
A Lr N E REMOV' NG
TtfE FUEL

BY
SPRAYINS
WATER TflROWING
DIRT

BY
HOT SPOTTING

G!]@

~ [?D[R{~ COOLING
WIT:J1 WATER

OR DIRT

- 26 -

3. ~hese same factors work against the fire once it goes over the top of the ridge. a. For this reason control lines are best located just over the ridge from the advancing fire. CAUTION should be given to placing them far enough down hill to catch burning embers/brands from the approaching fire.
Slope aspect is the direction which a slope/side of a hill is facing. 1. The Southern aspect gets more heat and sun light than any
other. a. It has higher temperatures b. Lower humidity c. Rapid loss of soil moisture d. A dry, flashy/light type of fuel e. It has more fires 2. About equal in solar heating are the western, southwestern, and southeastern slopes. Local terrain and land features have a direct effect and influence on air movement. 1. Wind follows the path of least resistance. 2. Ridges, trees, and large rocks can cause turbu1ance or eddies.to form on the leeward or downwind side. 3. Wind passing through restriction will increase in velocity. a. This can be critical in chutes of steep "V" drainages. b. Fires in these chutes spread at an extremely fast rate
and are dangerous.
Effects of Time of Day During a 24 hour daily cycle there are periods when burning characterictistics are predictable. 1. 10 AM to 6 PM all factors of fire intensity are usually at their highest. a. Heat of the day - the temperature is highest. b. Air is driest. c. Fuels are driest. d. Wind is usually strongest. e. All these factors are unfavorable for control. 2. 6 PM to 4 AM a. Wind usually moderates b. Air cools c. Re1ative humidity usually rises d. Fuels begin to absorb moisture e. These factors are favorable for fire control. 3. 4 AM to 6 AM fire can be most easily controlled. a.Ground cover burning remains slow until just before dawn 4. 6 AM to 10 AM firefighting becomes increasingly difficult a. Fire intensity is likely to increase. b. Wind usually increases in velocity. c. Humidity decreases. d. Temperature increases.

NOTE: ALL EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL SHOULD BE INSERVICE BY 10 AM IF AT ALL POSSIBLE.

Class Day Ratings

Class Day 1 LOW

Length of Day LONC: BURNINC PERIOO MODERATE

2 MODERATE SAME

3 HICH

LONC; BURNINC PERIOD LONC

It VERY HICH SAME

5 EXTREME

SAME

HTeummpiedriat{u/ re

Ignition

HICH TO MODERATE/ MODERATE

DIFFICULT

MODERATEI MODERATE

MODERATE LICHTNINC MODERATE

MODERATE TO LOW/HICH

EASY, L1CHTNINC OCCURRENCE

MODERATE TO LOW EASY. HICH (LOW ~T NICHT)/ LICHTNINC HICH. LITTLE OCCURANCE COOLINC AT NICHT

VERY LOWI

VERY EASY

HIGH. LITTLE

COOLINC AT NICHT

RCeosnitsrtoalnce to LOW MODERATE HICH HICH
EXTREME

Area Ignition/Blow-up

Advance stage of a fire which exibits characteristics of a fire storm with violent convection currents. Direct attack and control are impossible due to sudden increase in fire intensity and rate of spread. It happens with little warning. Crew members MUST be prepared for it. Indicators are:
1. High sustained rate of spread. 2. Well developed convection colume. 3. Long distance spotting of 600 feet or more. 4. Firewhirl winds. 5. Horizonal flame sheets.

Comparison of ordin~ry ground cover fire and area ignition.

1. Fl ame hei ght
2. Spot fires 3. Smoke Height

ORDINARY up to several feet up to 1000' up to several hundred feet

AREA IGNITION sometimes over 100 feet
freq. 1 mile
5000' to 10,000'

Size of the Fire Large fires tend to crown and spot ahead of the main fire due to strong convection currents~ Large fires are not affected by the size, compactness, or distribution of fuel. Large fires are affected by the volume of fuel available ..

28 -

Rate o~speed is influenced by: Fuel Type Moisture Size and arrangement Wind Relative Humidity Temperature Land features Slope Aspect Spot and crown fires
Heat Transfer Conduction is the transfer of heat through a solid in direct contact with a heat source. 1. An example of this is a frying pan on the stove. 2. Wood is a poor heat conductor. 3. Metal is a good heat conductor. 4. Conduction has little relation to the spread of a wildfire. Radiation is the transfer of heat by waves through space in any direction at the speed of light. 1. An example of this is the sun's heat waves. 2. Another example of this is a grass fire that catches drapes on fire behind a closed glass door. 3. This is the primary means of heat transfer in a wildfire. Convection is the circulation of air upward as it is heated. Mass transport is caused by burning objects rolling downhill or being picked up by convection currents and deposited down wind.
- 29 -

H f /\ r rR;\ ~ J'; f f R (1) Radiation
Heat is transferred from its source, through the ai~ to an obiect.
(2) Sonvecti on Heat is transferred by the movement of hot air and smoke rising and heating the fuel above.
(3) Conduction Heat is transferred within the fuel, or from one fuel to another, by di rect contact (from the hot poi nt to the col d poi nt)
- 30 -

Chapter 3 - Suppressio~ Tactics Overv~ew

Parts of a Wildfire
Head 1. The running edge of the fire down wind. 2. Area where the most intense burning is found.
Rear
1. Opposite of the head. 2. Area of slowest burning.
Flanks
1. Run between the head and the rear. 2. Looking at the head from the rear you have the left
flank and the right flank. 3. The flank area is where the fingers generally develop.
Fingers
1. Develop due to the shifts in the wind, change in fuel or topography.
2. They may develop into a new head. 3. They are generally found on the haed but rarely on the
rear.

Pockets Unburned indentions in the fire's edge. Build a line across the mouth of pocket(s) and burnout.*

Islands
Unburned area(s) inside the fire line. Caused by change(s) in fuel. If close to the perimeter of the control line, burnout* so they will not cause problems later.

Perimeter/Edge
The total length of the outside edge of the burned or burning area. It is constantly changing until the fire is brought under control.

Spot fire(s) Fire(s) ahead of and outside the main fire perimeter.

Breaking the Fire Triangle

Oxygen - smouldering by: Swatters, sacks, pine boughs or tops Covering with dirt, sand or foam

Fuel - Confining the fire to a definite area by:

Use of natural barriers

.

Constructing a fire break/line

With hand tools to bare mineral soil

With plow to bare mineral soil

With water/retardent/foam .

Any combination of the above

- 31 -

.
PARTS OF A FI RE
"1)5POT

. LEFT FLANK

RIGHT FLANK

REAR
- 32 -

...
Fireline Location
Wi de enough so the fire does not jump the control 1i ne. Far enough a~ay so the line can be completed. Points to consider include:
Taking advantage of natural barriers. Avoid thick fuel and dense fuel. Anchor the line to a safe barrier.
Fireline Construction
Act of putting a control line around a fire by: Earth moving equipment Hand tools
The objective is to remove fuel from the fire1s edge.
Direct Attack vs Indirect Attack
Direct - you are in a lot of heat and smoke while working directly on the fire1s edge. Indirect you are not right on the fire1s edge and most of the time you may not be in the heavy heat and smoke associated with direct attc~.
Direct Attack - If you are fast enough you can keep the fire small. However, your fireline will be long and erractic. Indirect - your fire will be larger in area but your line maybe shorter and more uniform
Group Positions:
Operations The doing leg of the organization. Carriers out orders and plans of IICommand ll Orders resources as needed through IICommandll Rotates crews as needed.
Crew Boss Observes squads working and blazes trail. Makes sure Squads are doing fair amount of work. Rotates Squads and gives brakes as needed. Takes direction from sector command or IICommand ll or operations depending on set up.
Squad Leader Is working member of the squad. Is responsible to the crew boss and to the squad members Other duties include: Obtain job briefing for Squad from Crew Boss. Understand the job assignment. Keep Squad organized and together at all times. Keep Squad working while on the assigned job. Issue and collect tools/equipment as directed. Provide for Squad SAFETY at all times. Report any problems and non-workers to Crew Boss.
- 33 -

METHODS OF ATTACK
There are two basic methods of attack:
1. Direct-fighting the fire itself directly on the edge by using water spray, throwing dirt, using beaters, or building a line to mineral soil by throwing the burning edge inside the fire and then widening the line as necessary.
2. Indirect-building a line some distance from the edge of the fire when the fire is too hot to fight directly.

Advantages. The advantages of direct attack are the following: There is minimum area of bum. Crew can usually escape into the bum area for an escape route. Full advantage is taken of burned-out areas. No additional area is intentionally set on fire.
Disadvantag.. The disadvantages of direct attack are the following: Fire fighters can be hampered by heat, smoke, and flames. The control line can be very long from following an irregular edge. Natural barriers may not be taken advantage of. Hot spots may cause breakover and spot fires. ~ore mop-up and patrol may be necessary.

Advantag.. The advantages of indirect attack are the following: Indirect work is easier on the line workers. There is more time to construct the line and to develop the best teamwork and coordination. Indirect attack makes maximum use of naturalbarriers. It develops the shortest line. It takes advantage of the easiest location for line construction. In burning out, the crew is available when hot spots develop.
There may be less danger of slop-overs in indirect attack, depending on how forces are deployed and the effectiveness of their work.

Disadvantages. The disadvantages of indirect attack are the following:

More acreage is usually burned. The burning-out fires may break over the line and add more area.

Careful watch must be maintained along the entire line.

Crew can be outflanked.

No advantage is taken of burned-out edges.

Changing weather conditions, especially wind. ~ould ~hange the

direction of spread, making useless much of the work previously

done.

- 34 -

Heat -_Cool down with water or soil.
Blackline Concept
Use a "Blackline Concept" on all large fires. This means there is no fire or smoke within a given distance of the control line. Everything within the control line has been burnt with no fuel remaining. The blackline will be to the standard of the Agency havi g jurisdiction. It maybe from la' to 100'. If it is one (1) acre or less it is recommended to do the whole area.
Direct Attack Technique to suppress the flame: Cool down or drown Smother or beat out Starve
It is used most often on: Grass, leaves, duff Small brush and field crops Flanks and rear of large fires.
Working on fires edge:
Spot fires may dictate that an indirect attack would be safer. Burned material should be raked into the burned over area. Keep watch for spot and crown fires.
Indirect Attack
Consist of constructing a control line to bare mineral soil some distance from the fire's edge and then burning out the intervaining fuel toward the advancing fire to widen the 1i ne. - It is wide enough so the fire will not cross to fuels on the outside.
- When constructing the fireline on a hillside near the top, do so on the opposite side the top fron the fire and far enough down slope to catch any falling embers within the line. This is so you do not become trapped by spot fires outside your control line and below you.
- The "Parallel Method" of attack is cutting a straight line five (5) to fifty (50) feet from the fire's edge and burning out intervening fuel.
- "Point and Cut OffII of "Hot Spotting" is where several crews are used to throw a blocking action on fingers of head(s).
- 35-

Chapter 4 - Locating, Size-~~, :nl:ial Attac~
,
Locating the Fire
Map of protection area. Should be the best available. Georgia Forestry Commission Local Government National Geoditic Survey
Responding to an Emergency The best route to a fire may not the shortest.
1. Take a route which will bring you closest to the fire in the shortest amount of time.
2. In selecting a route consider: What is the weight of your equipment and will it make it across the lowest rated bridge you may encounter while responding .. You may want to have your equipment weighed with full load including crew and place the tonnage weight on dashboard of the apparatus.
Time of day/weeki year. Railraod crossings Utility/road work, road closings, etc. 3. DRIVE DEFENSIVELY~ make sure crews are seated. 4. Notify crew boss and dispatcher of arrival on scene/ location. 5. The driver will check the area around the vehicle before it is moved and the driver wll use chockblocks whenever the vehicle is parked. 6. In cross country driving use ground guide(s) if you cannot see the ground. Watchout for:
Bogs, tailwater Stumps, rocks Cliffs, gullies, drop-offs
Arriving on the scene
Place the vehicle facing the escape route and out of the traffic flow. If personnel are to be away from the vehicle for any amount of time:
Leave the keys in the vehicle's ignition. Leave a list of the crew asslgned to the vehicle and their location.
Size-up the Fire
Weather conditions: What is the weather doing? What is it expected to do?
Time of day/week/year: Is it peak burning time? Is it during the week or on a weekend or holiday? Is it during summer or spring?
Access roads/trails:
Is there a road or trail of any type that can be used to get crews and equipment into or close to the fire area?
- 36-

.
Head Location Where is the head located and where will it be located 30 minutes from now? Are there any structures in its path?
Type of Fuel Burning: Flashy fuel or heavy fuel? Dead/drying fuel or growing fuel?
Exposure hazards: Structures Smoke Problems to vehicle traffic (ground and airborne)
Fire Size What is the size now? What is the size expected to be in 30 minutes?
Firefighters and Equipment Available: Can the situation be handled with what is presently assigned? If more resources are ordered will it be enough when it arrives?
Natural Barriers: Roads, plowed fields? Streams, lakes?
Available water sources where you know you can get water!
Escape Routes !!
Initial Attack: There is ONLY ONE (1) INITIAL ATTACK!! It will depend on a variety of conditions to include: Location of the fire. Time of year. Weather conditions. Past experiences.
Inital attack assignments are based on: Pre-planning Size-up which starts prior to a call
Planning the attack: Method of attack is determined by: Fire behavior Amount of personnel and equipment available. What are the economic factors and how will they be affected? Where is it best to attack this fire, the head or the flank?
- 3 7-

Where will it be best to put in a control line(s)? What is the estimated time of completion of the control line(s)?
What is the estimated probable spread and behavior of the fire? Determine possible danger spots.

Method of Attack will revolve around Perimeter Control

The control line may be:

On the burning edge

Next to the burning edge.

A considerable distance from the burning edge.

I

The objective is to establish fire breaks that comPletelj encircle the fire with all the fuel inside the break rendered harmless: Blackline concept

There are fpur (4) essentials for attack that should be followed by all firefighters:
Consider the fire situation, personnel available, and time of day. Remember to take advantage of natural barriers, changes in fuel type, and old burns. DO NOT try the impossible or permit your crew to separatE or scatter. Take advantage of night burns and use your crew as a uni t.

- 38 -

Chapter 5 - ;Jersonal Action - ?rotectLJ"

Equipment
Personal protective equipment
One of the best ways to prevent injury during a ground cover fire is to wear:
Gloves for hand protection Goggles for eye protection Protective clothing and helmet for body and head protection. Proper foot wear for foot protection.

Gloves: Leather and or natural fabric. Make sure they are comfortable and the right size to prevent abrasions and blisters. Watchout for jewelry. e. g. Watchbands - plastic and metal Bracelets - plastic and metal Rings and necklaces - plastic and metal

Goggles: Designed for the greatest field of vision. Should have vents in the sides.

Footwear:

It will differ from region to region.

Some standard guidelines are:

1. Lace-up boots with lug soles or grip

tread soles are best for rock_and/or

uneven ground.

-

2. Slip-on leather boots give better

protection than street shoes but they

do not give the protection to the ankle

that the lace-up do.

3. N.F.P.A. Standard 295 specifies six (6) inches minimum height on tops with eight (8) inches or greater prefered. Ten to fourteen will give some lower leg protection against snake bites, sharp rocks, and sticks as well as barbed wire
4. Heavy socks should be worn. 5. RUBBER TURNOUT BOOTS ARE NOT RECOMMENDED
because of: Poor fit Bulkiness Poor ankle support BUT they are better than nothing.

Cloth-ing:

Helmet - N.F.P.A. standard 295 1985 edition
page 295-11 A-3-1.2: A safety hardhat with chin strap must be worn on the fireline. Fire department helmets are a good alternativE. Light weight "Bump" hats are UNACCEPTABLE. Long hair should be kept under your helmet an
out of the way.

- 39 -

Clothing Nomex or some other type of fire resistive clothing is prefered, pants and shirt and/or coveralls. Wool or cotton long pants and shirts are the next best. Pants should be cuff1ess. Shirts should be secured at the wrist. Synthetic fabric will melt and/or burn and stick to your skin. DO NOT USE IT!! If you have nothing else,- wear your structural turnouts. Always carry your turnouts with you. The will be hot, watch for: Heat exhaustion and dehydrat on. Be careful of name plates, badges, etc. If no protective clothing is availableJpick the suppressio technique that will not allow people to come in contact with heat, smoke, embers, etc.
Personal Survival Techniques
- Keep calm, keep together, follow order of your crew boss. - NEVER try and out run an advancing fire front.
The excessive heat and smoke will drain your energy to the point of taking unnecessary risk or using poor _ judgement. This has been the cause of many fire deaths. Ifcyaur crew was issued fire shelters/blankets and there is NO ESCAPE use them.
Clear a radius around your shelter of six (6) to ten (10 feet of any combustibles. Group together and work as a team. Co-ordinate and give it maximum team effort.
There maybe only three (3) minutes or less to complete the clearing and get into the shelters. Lay in the shelter with your feet toward the coming fire and have a dry cloth over your face to breathe through and a canteen of water to drink from.
IF YOU HAVE TO RUN INTO THE ADVANCING FIRE FRONT AS A LAST MEANS OF SURVIVAL:
-Cover your mouth. -Hold your breath. -Protect your face. -Running through the fire will work in light fuels, but heavier fueis burn hotter and make it extremely dangerous.
Flames four (4) or less in height and six (6) or less in depth. -If you are in a vehicle and are run over by the fir stay in the vehicle, close the windows and vents, and remain inside until the fire front has passed before you get out. In a building do the same thin as for a vehicle except go to the furtherest point in the building away from the approching fire front. -If the fire1s heat and smoke make visibility and breathing difficult, try to filter the smoke by: Using your turnout coat or using a wet hankerchief or rag.
- 40 -

...
I.F.S.T.A. Ground Cover Firefighting - page 118 I.F.S.T.A. Essentials of Firefighting, 2nd edition, page 52,
Breathing Apparatus' "Exposure to heated air can damage the respiratory tract, if the air is moist the damage is worse. Excessive heat exceeding 1200 F. can cause a serious decrease in blood pressure and failure of the circulatory system, may cause you to stop breathing." Pace your work and breathing rate~ Breathe shallow. There is fresh air pockets even in heavy smoke. The good air will be close to the ground. First Aid: A working knowledge of Basic First Aid will be beneficial to you and your fellow Firefighters to assist each other should an injury befall you while working the fireline. Physical Fitness: The better shape you are in physically the better job you are going to do and with less injuries' generally ..~.
- 41 -

Chapter 6 - Hand Tools

_.
Handtools:
Handtools are the backbone of wildland fire fighting because of their versatillity and the fact that when nothing else will do, the firefighter's pick up hand tools and go in on foot to get the job done.
The intent of this portion of the class is not to take firefighter's away from their engines or plows away from forestry The intent is to show alternative methods of doing a job with limited mechanized equipment available or where you have access problems.

Types of handtools
1. Shovels, round pointed - slohnogrth1a1n01d1 lehdandled Used for scrapping and digging.
2. Rakes, Fire - councilor rich tool, probably one of the versatile of all hand tools - McLeod - Broom
3. Hoes 4. Mattocks 5. Water pump can (backpack) - weighs approximately 40-50
pounds; hard tank, collapsable bladder, vest 6. Axes - brush hook, bush axe, Pulaski, single bit, double
bit 7. Fire Swatter (flap) - use in a rubbing motion 8. Torches - drip (fuel mixture to manufacture specs), fusee,
pressurized 9. Support equipment - canteens, hand or head light(s),
first-aid kit, buckets, hand-held radios, fire shelters

Handtool safety

Carried in the downhill side hand, at arms length, with

the point/cutting edge toward the ground unless designed

to told to carry differently. THEY ARE NOT TO BE CARRIEC

ACROSS THE SHOULDER.

---

All cutting edges should be covered when not in use.

The handles should be tight and linseed oil wiped on them.

The cutting edge should be sharp and the metal have a thin coat of oil to deter it from rusting.

Tools should be stored clean and properly after use.
DO NOT use for otherjpbsthan firefighting nor abuse the tools.

DO NOT ride people in the same compartment as the tools.

- 42 -

.
I

Fireline construction with handtools
The person in charge of your crew will determine where the line will go. Take advantage of light fuels and sparcely covered areas. Game trails and natural barriers. The handtool crew will generally consist of ten (10) to twenty (20) firefighters, but it is determined to a large extent by:
- Amount of line to be constructed Type of fuel working in
- Weather conditions - Topography Assign a major job function to each member. Maintain strict line formation:
NO crowding; six (6) feet apart walking in and ten (10) feet apart while working the line. - NO passing; if YOU must pass, shout "COMING BY" whe-n you get ready to pass. ' Types of line movement: One step is where you take a stroke with your tool and then a step, keep repeating. Bump-up is when you are through with your area and you tell the person a head of you to move up a slot and you start working again. Another way this work is when a crew is done with its area and the crew leader tells the next crew to move up. Leap frog is where a person by passes a position to take over another position. Another way is for a crew to move by another crew into a new position.
The following procedure should be used in line clearing:
1. Remove all ground cover and debris along the line from rake handle wide/across (SxS).
2. Clean the line down to bare mineral soil, free leaves, twigs, roots, etc.
3. The line should be not less than eighteen (18) inchec wide (2 rake heads) and to bare mineral soil on the side furtherest away from the approaching~fire.
4. All burned/charred material should be put inside the burned area.
5. Scatter all unburned material outside the burned area 6. Remove allover hanging branches. 7. Normally you do not under cut the central line. On
hill sides, if an under cut is needed use a cup trench with a berm to catch rolling debris.
- 43 -

- t;t; -

\.,

'11001 ~ eJU.M ~.. " . . . . , .., .....

~ - Ap.....

IIXV IlfOOUIft

.

Foreman moves up and down fire line and directs operations continuously.
onman: and directs crew
Is responsi Ie for crew safety, line lacat' n, crew progress
ntact with sector
e
/

n-::es are used on entry_

/d-

::::::;

(

j Shovels are used for trenching.and ,to scatter brush and cool hot ~01'.

Shovels scatter brush and cool hot G::Ji=sp=o=t=s.=========

w e s widen line.

Pulaskis cut line to full width.

Shovels scrape line to mineral soil. and ~-... scatter brush in the burn area.

FIRE EDGE

G Tool boy or swamper carries shovel and I knapsack supplies as required ~y foreman.

Crew organization for line control in trees, heavy brush, and scrub oak.
I. c:_

The first five men may be u.ed IS. e "hot spot" group. Cut the cratch line as directed by the
emen. The rest of the crew w~ follow and complete the fire
lin~
II'AI"lP an? down fire peratlons
Foreman: Leads end

First Pulaski. open traU and locate the fire line without p.ss;ng each other..
First shovels cool hot spot., control fire
C+spreed, and assist in disposal of cut matsriall. I
First McLeods cut light ground cover f on both sides of the fire tine.
Pulaskis cut the control Une to its full width and put all cut materiab in the burn area.

McLeods cut all standing materiel.

G

Shovels scrape to mineral soil over full width of fire line and scatter aU mate(i~

;n the burn area.

)

Tool boy or swamper carries shovel and ~..----1J1f knapsack supplies as required bV foreman.

Crew organization for line, ~Q"tr.ol in grass or other light ground fuels.

I.~~
te"

Foreman mo"., up and down In line and d,rects operations

continuously.

I

I

.
Brush hooks are uled on entry.
:",
Pulaskis widen fire line.
G Shovels cool hot spots, trench, and ,scatter.brUsh in burn area. ,

Pulaskis widen fire line.

r-t::xes chop heavier materials.
0-------=-..7

FIRE EDGE

Pulaskis widen line.

G Shovels scrape line to mineral soil, scatter materials in burn area, and

,trenCh as needed.

)

FIRE LINE

Tool boyar swamper carries shovel

and knapsack supplies as required

(

~ ,bY foreman. .

)

Crew organization for line control in heavy brush.
- 47-

CHAPTER 7 - Water Use &Apparatus
FIRE APPARATUS:
Simply because an Engine carries water, hose, tools, and can pump water does not make it good for all firefighting operations.
1. The main purpose of fire department pumpers is to provide adequate fire streams with all other functions being secondary.
2. These pumpers are mainly designed for urban use and are generally not suited for wildland operations.
3. For rural operations consideration should be given to the primary use of the equipment and consideration to body and chassis design for off road use to include all wheel drive.
Water tank capacity of 1000 to 1500 gallons should be considered with tandum rear wheels and the capability of rapid loading and off loading of water in accordance with N.F.P.A. 1901 and 1231.
1. Pump to tank fill line off the discharge side of the pump for filling the tank from draft.
2. Jet dump valve. 3. Large diameter dumps.
Ground cover fire engines should have a "Pump and Roll" capability for a running attack.
1. Usually built on a small utility type of chassis equipped with all wheel drive capability.
2. Usually equipped with a small water tank (40 gallons to 300 gallons), a pump (operated by an auxilhry engine or power take off).
3. It usually has a one (1) inch or one and one half
(1,) inch short section of hose preconnected to the
pump with a variable flow nozzle. 4. Some brush engines may have ground sweep nozzles
for use in light brush.
Design for ground cover fire engines.
1. Gross Vehicle Weight is very important, therefore consideration should include:
a. Water tank loaded figure ten (10) pounds per gallon to get approximate weight of water and metal in tank.
b. Hose amount and weight. c. Pump weight to include piping with water in
them. d. Personnel weight based on the most that will
be riding at one time safely.
-48-

e. Miscellanous equipment: (1) Backpack pump cans (2) Rakes (3) Shovels (4) ETC.
2. Particular attention should be given to keeping the profile as low as possible and being sure the tank is baffled in accordance with N.F.P.A. Standard 1901 and 1231 or superceeding issues.
a. A partially full tank is a greater danger than a full one.
3. All vehicles should be marked for identification.
a. It is a good practice to have identifing numbers/letters on the front, sides, rear, and inside the cab.
b. For air identification put 2' X 21 numbers/ letters on the cab with the tops facing the front of the cab.
4. Personnel Protection
* a. The Georgia Fire Academy does NOT recommend
riding on the outside of the apparatus. b. Pull hose and walk along with the apparatus
in a pumping mode. c. Protection from the exhaust system on the
apparatus and pump should be provided so firefighters will not be burned. d. Spark arrestors should be provided on the equipment to lesson the danger of starting another fire.
Safety:
1. Keep clear of fire line construction, watch for falling rocks, trees, and other hazards.
2. Watch for low hanging branches in smoke. 3. DO NOT drive into smoke where hand crews may be
working. If you must drive in smoke, sound your horn and siren intermittently, drive with your lights on and slowly. 4. Always position your vehicle for maximum protection from heat and fire. Also consider
a. Face escape route, keep mobile as possible, and keep roadways clear.
b. Watch for overhead power lines. c. Watch for heavy stands of fuel. d. Watch for incoming air drops. e. Take advantage of natural breaks. f. If you have to protect your unit, use one (1)
oHrOSoEn. e and one half(li) inch hose. -N-O-T GARDEN

~. Do not drive in fuel, off the road where the fuel is, higher than the bumper or running boards without a spotter. Hidden hazards such as stumps, rocks, gullies, and ditches may disable the vehicle.
5. If your vehicle breaks down in front of the fire, wet down or clear out with hand tools a ten (10) foot radius around the vehicle. If time permits, you may consider burning out this area. After you have cleared this area, get back inside the vehicle, close all windows and vents and stay there until the fire front has passed.
6. Make sure operators of all wheeled vehicles are experienced and have a full working knowledge of the vehicle's limitations.
7. Periodically check fuel, oil and temperature gages for vehicle's engine. At all times know tank water level and tire condition.
8. Watch for embers landing in the cab and/or on the hose bed.
9. When operating in hilly country, watch for loose ground which may cause the vehicle to slide or turn over.
a. Be especially careful of the tank contents . -Sn~~tin~.and changing the point of gravity.
10. Spotters:
a. Backing b. Night or day in terrain that is not flat
and/or visible. c. They should wear highly visible clothing
and know the area. d. They should stay in the driver's sight and
have a good light with them.
11. ALL fuel should be carried in U.L. or F.M. approved containers, outside of closed compartments.
12. Drivers should keep a special watch for firefighters on foot.
13. Do not carry firefighters and tools in the same compartments.
14. A1w~ys keep the fire apparatus running and at night keep the lights on.
-50-

Water Supply &Use
1. One (1) of the most important tools available to firefighters is an ample supply of water.
2. Ground cover fires generally occur in areas where pressurized public water sources are not available.
3. All fire departments need to have provisions for other water sources and know how to use them effectively.

Sources of water supply:
1. Pre-fire plan the location of water sources and determine their usefulness.
2. Tank storage:

a. Types inciude:

(1) Under ground tank/basin

(2) Surface tank/basin

(3) Elevated tank/basin

b. Use considerations include:

(1) Travel distances

(2) Refill time

(3) Road conditions

~

(4) Locked gates

(5) Tank fittings and valves

(6) Condition of the ground at the water's

edge.

c. Streams and impounded water sources:

(1) These can be valuable water sources.

(2) People who have these should be encouraged

to provide the fire department with access

to them.

(a) A dry hydrant is ideal for hooking

up at these sources.

(. l).A strainer should be kept on

both ends to keep out debris.

(.2) They should be checked annually

paying particular attention to

the submerged end.

(3) Where streams do not run full year round,

a covered cistern with a dry hydrant can

be put in. It will fill when the stream

is up and have water when the stream is

not flowing unless it has been used.

Portable pumps are a means of getting water to pumpers/ tenders when there is a problem getting close to the water source.

Mobile water supply apparatus:

1. Referred to under the ICS-220 system as "TENDERS" (Tankers are aircraft), are widely used in rural areas without pressurized water systems.

2. When used in conjunction with engines, just about anything with a large tank that can haul water can be used.
3. Mutual aid departments with reserve engines/apparatus with large tanks may also be used.
4. Part of a well developed mutual aid plan includes provisions for getting auxil1ary water transportation.
5. Water from a tender may be discharged from any type discharge available.
6. Grading criteria is generally one (1) to two (2) minutes per 1000 gallons per minute dump time.
Water Additives:
1. Increases the suppression capabilities of water. 2. There are two (2) types of additives used in ground
cover fire suppression.
a. Penetrants which breaks down the surface tension of the water so it will penetrate deeper and faster into vegitation.
b. Retardents make fuels more resistant to ignition. Usually dropped from the air to buy time for fire crews going into an area difficult to reach.
Fire Fighting Operations With Water
1. Use water wisely, the water supply is generally limited. 2. Some precautions on water use on the fire line are:
a. Shut off the nozzle between flame areas, this will help you to conserve water.
b. High pressure water may scatter burning material, a nozzle pressure of fifty (50) to sixty (60) psi is usually sufficient.
c. Volume of water discharge should be kept at the lowest that will do the job well.
d. The nozzle should be used as close to the burning material as is practical.
e. An independent power source should be considered for the pump.
3. When fuel type and topography al10w,you should use a 300 degree fog pattern directed downward and parallel to the fire edge.
a.ln light fuel such as grass, use a narrow fog pattern from a low volume (6-15 gpm) nozzle and direct the stream at an angle in toward the burned area.
b. In dense, heavy fuel, it may be advantages to direct a narrow fog stream of 23 to 95 gpm parallel to the fire line.
c. A straight stream or narrow fog may be used to knock down hot spots.
- 52 -

4-. Building a Fire Barrier With Water:

a. The objective is to wet down a strip of fuel
wide enough to hold a burn out ahead of the fire. b. Nozzle size and pattern must be sufficient to
penetrate to mineral soil and wide enough to form a water barrier. c. Penetrants may be an added advantage to this operation.
d. Reinforce the line to prevent spot fire and/or slope overs.

Mobile Attack:

1. A fast and efficient method of direct attack using one (1) or more engines.
2. There are three (3) basic methods of mobile attack:

a. Pincer is an attack around the perimeter in

opposite directions by two (2) or more engines.

b.

It may Tandem

come is an

from the attack

byheatdw~o(f2)theorremaorre

of the fi engines

r

e

.

following behind each other around the perimeter

of the fire.

c. Enve10pement is where a number of engines

attach key critical segments on the line at

the same time.

3. When using engines to attack the fire at least two (2) firefighters should follow along behind to mop-up and make sure the fire is out.
4. Possible problems:

a. Heavy vehicles become stuck.
b. Vehicles become blocked by terrain. c. Valuable time may be lost trying to find a way
in when hand tools could have done the job quicker.
d. Bridges not strong enough for vehicles. e. Vehicles are not designed for fording. f. Railroad beds are DANGEROUS:

(1) Collapsing shoulders (2) Collapsing cross ties , (3) Collapsing truct1es
(4) Approaching trains

Hose-Lays (WHAT WORKS FOR YOU)

1. Small fire/slow burning fires use booster line or one and one half (11) inch hose.
2. On acitive fires and long lays, use 11" hose.

- 53 -

TEN FIREFIGHTING ORDERS
1. Know what your fire is doing at all times; observe it personally if at all possible. Base all actions on current and expected behavior of the fire. Plan escape routes for everyone and make them known. Post a lookout where there is possible danger. Maintain prompt communications with your crew, your boss and adjoining forces. Fight fire aggressively, but provide for safety first.
EIGHTEEN WATCHOUTS
The wind begins to blow, increase or change direction. a. Watch for spot fires, snags on fire, and possible
mass transport of embers across the line. b. Be ready for a blowup. c. Check escape routes.
You are on a line in heavy fuel with unburned fuel between you and the fire. a. Be aware of flare ups, spots across the line. b. Difficult, if not impossible work conditions.
You are in an area where the topography and/or cover make travel difficult and slow. a. Have an escape route planned in case a run
occurs in your direction. b. Provide for observation of the fire's progress. c. Try to avoid this situation.
You are in unfamiliar country. a. Travel cautiously; watchout for cliffs,
steep grades, drop offs, etc. b. Know that the fire weather is for your location. c. Provide for communications.
You are in an area where you are not familiar with local factors influencing fire behavior. a. Arrange for local information. b. Provide/maintain communications.
You are attempting a frontal assault with pumpers. a. A frontal assault should never be attempted under
extreme fire conditions. b.. It should never be tried in light or fast
spreading fuels unless the fire weather conditions are ~n to be low or low to moderate and you are sure the conditions will remain low. c. If possible work two (2) pumpers in tandum for mutual support. d. Preferable attack the head from the burned area.
- 54 -

Frequent spot fires are crossing the line. a. Be sure escape route is planned. b. Try to eliminate the source of spot fires.
- 55 -

.........,~---
.... ,..-'''. t
./ ... J

~. ~
.' . '"
. . .

.'
.\
.

Tariken draft from any I

of t..... water lOurcel

r.

and resupply pumpara

~
.." . .-i

::.~.~:'<: .~ ...-:~.\,;

'0:, :;. :':':"

:I:'."::t'.."'~.~::.\;'..i,..::....;..'.'0;":,:~::''~.:._.'..:..
. .. .-:'~:.::.; ":...J,.":..":..\~:.'~.:'.:..:".:\;..\.:..s.:... ...'.'".l:.~,."~":..~..:".:...

.:~::::.,.::.:.:::.::.:

::."

~

: ~

.:::.:.:,.

:'/;'.::;~~:'::::

,.. . .~.~.;:.:I.::~.;~'.~~';.::'.:

.'I'."..:...:.-.:;:. "I.
....,.-.-:..::.:.:.. ,.' ~.:;.,~~~;. ' ~.I.~ ,~.

Wen or cJ.tarn

Pumper. draft directly from any of the.. water source.

~?:J."

\" . .....

. Pack train.
-.

I'
.,. . '.

U~IYc"1 I I I ". 1..1 -J
Hydrant
...".. _ _ ~ 1

Concrlte A1lxlr.arll;Om. .- tim.. used to 'rlsupply pum~rl .

Portable pump

-. I .
.

. ~ '

..

~

.'1' .1

Helicopter. draft from lak~., ponds, and. tank.
I
Portable and stationary tanks
C:Jgur. 5.44. Sources of v: 3ter are shown Cit right and left. The equipment th ..t ansports water from these sources is shown in the center.

- 56 -

.
CHAPTER 8 EARTH MOVING EQUIPMENT
EART~ MOVING EQUIPMENT CAN BE CONSIDERED AS THE FOLLOWING TYPES.
Front-End Loaders Road Scrapers Bu 11 dozers Back Hoe
GFC does not use blades to plow into the ground.
Not every tractor has a blade.
Not trained in nor protected from hazardous material or liquid spill work.
Blades "carried" in different positions on transports.
GFC tractors (& required transports) range from JD 350 to D~5 and their use is based on section of the state &/or particular ground fuel types and amounts.
Not all have winches All are diesel powered. (No gas) None have spark arrestors. All have canopies & brush guards. (Bui 1t in Macon.) All have lights for night operations. Hydraulic system may have to power three items (Blade, Plow, Winch).
Plows are 2 (99%) or 4 disc: The width of fire breaks will vary.
Wheel or lift type. All are built in Macon.
Transport bodies have ramps
Slide-out at rear Fold Down
1. Manual 2. Hydraulic
Stands (feet) are put down on all non-trailer vehicles: trailers have no stands due to 5th wheel and tractor cab.
Loading & unloading a tractor/plow unit is dangerous when only one trained person is doing it.
As more people offer help, the danger increases. Unloading process should not be rushed.
1. Ramps will break backs. 2. Ramps will mash fingers.
- 57 -

3. Serious injury will occur if several people
are working the ramps and the tractor operator is moving the tractor or the truck. 4. By-standers should remain at least 20 feet from truck during actual unloading. 5. Give the GFC truck plenty of room to front
&rear. (At least 50 feet.)

Loading process is also dangerous.

1. Incomplete safe-up of ramps and feet happens often when several people help.
2. People get hurt trying to help safe-up plow while it is still moving up or down.
3. Be careful slinging chain across trailor. 4. Be careful with chain bucks.

Considerations of GFC tractor operations in woods fire-fighting operations.

Operator will know terrain, weather, forecast and class da~

1. Based on this, he will attack fire where it is best.
2. He will also park his truck where it is safe. FOLLOW HIS ACTIONS.

At Fire Scenes

1. Parking of truck

a. Location of fire

b. Safety of truck (GFC operator will sometimes plow

a firebreak around vehicles.

.

c. Te:"rain in relation to fire-or-how to get to fire

d. Traffic

2. Unloading or unit

a. Close truck doors.
b. Ramps &"Stands" down
c. Level Ground
d. Time &terrain to travel to fire
e. Parking brake "on"
f. Need room to unload; closeness or other vehicles and/or people can make this difficult.

3. Safety

a. Closeness to fire b. Plow overturn ~. Branches in tractor cab

- 58 -

.
d. Insects e. Crossings, gullies, creeks, wet spots
f. Smoke &vision
g. Dead snags h. Proper dress
(1) Helmet &goggles
(2) Gloves (3) Nomex lpiece (with sleeves rolled down.) (4) Boots
Handtools &Safety Equipment Available to GFC
Tractor Operators. Fire extinguisher, shovel, axe, fire rake 1. Used for construction of sdfetj break if
tractor/plow is disabled. 2. Used to free' a unit which is stuck. Cha in or cab1e Assorted tools, hammer, wrench Operator has 1. Helmet (hard hat) 2. Goggles 3. Gloves 4. One piece nomex 5. Fi re she Her 6. Radi 0 7. 10 marking on tractor brush guard top Hazards in fire line plowing Fire Weather
Fuel (ground and overhead) &the resultant flame height &spread.
Terrain/Topography Smoke (Visibility obstruction)
Carbon monoxide poisoning &its adverse health
safety effects. Bogged tractor (wet, tree stumps) Broken Hydraulic Hoses Fence wire in rear rollers or support rollers
_ <;0 _

General Rules &Safety Precautions

Do not count on a plow unit until you see it on your scene.

Good in dense growth and areas of leas than 40% slope.

A wide plow or dozier line should not give a false sense of security. The line built still needs to be held by manpower and mopped up properly with hand tools and if possible, hose lines.

If burnout is necessary, let fire burn to the control line, depending on the fire condition and wishes of the G.F.C. on the scene.

Never depend on the extra width of a dozier/ plow to hold the fire by itself.

Keep a minimum distance of one and one-half (ll) times the plow unit or the tallest fuel you are working in (whichever is greater) away from. the plow unit.

1. Watch for trees snapping back over plow when walking at rear of unit.
2. Be careful of insects &snakes.

Make pre-fire planned arrangements for use of all

types of earth moving equipment available in your

area of operation for building and clearing fire

control lines. (This should not include GFC or USFS

equipment.) request.

They

- can -not

be

called

on

to

help

by

Fire Fighters shall not -

1. Work directly above or below tractors or bulldozers where they may slide beneath
the machine or be struck by rolling material.

2. Approach a tractor or bulldozer until it has stopped and the operator has signaled it is safe to approach.

3. Ride on tractors or bulldozers.

4. Get on or off moving equipment.

5. Sit or bed down near a tractor or bulldozer.

Fire fighters shall avoid being immediately in front or in back of a tractor or bulldozer in operation.

- 60 -

Tractors and bulldozers shall be operated only by trained, experienced operators.
RFD will not have communications with tractors and will not know their location(s) and GFC WILL NOT KNOW YOURS. BE careful in smoke. ------
Maintenance requirements/inspections on fire-fighting tractors.
Fire Hazards
1. Trash 2. Dirt with oil/gas 3. Stuck (wet/plow being or turned over/terrain/
tree density) w/fire advance.
Electric system &start system Filters (Fuel &Air)
Fue 1- Shut Off
Lubrication
If earth-moving equipment is considered in pre-planning: consider the following problems with control (or non-forestry type business & operator.)
No fire training
1. Where to park truck 2. Unaware of terrain: How to back out. 3. Fuel load 4. Disorientation concerning direction
Equipment used not built &purchased for rough
terrain or close proximity to hear.
1. Fuel tank &Lines 2. Oil, hydraulic tanks &lines
3. Brush guard nor seat belt 4. Exhaust stack 5. Rubber tires not cleat track 6. Type truck
No communications
Cost
How comfortable do you feel in telling him what to do? What do you know about use of this type equipment?
- 61 -

Could be used just for structures (or valuable asset) protection. Liability 1. Equipment: Grease/oil in pan 2. No safety equipment (fire exist, rake, axe) Effects of smoke (CO poisoning on operator and fire fighters.)
.r'
- 62 -

..
Chapter 9 - Air Support
Georgia-Forestry Commission
Operating Fleet
31 Fixed Wing Aircraft 3 Rotary Wing Aircraft
Personnel 11 Permanent Pilots - Located at District Office sites and under the control of District Foresters where aircraft is based.
15 Seasonal Pilots - located at selected District Office sites and also under the control of the particular District Forester where aircraft is based.
Helicopter - contract Helicopter Pilots are under the Forest Protection Chief in Macon.
Dispatching Fixed wing are flown at times designated by District Forester after consideration of fire weather and class day. Highest priority usage will always be to cover an occuring fire.
Rotary wing are requested from Macon by District Forester based on his decision of a particular fire. Once the Helicopter is in the District, the fire use is determined by that District Forester. Determination of bucket drops are made by fixed wing pilot.
Georgia Army National Guard Helicopters
- Contracted for between Georgia Forestry Commission and Georgia ARNG.
- Buckets are supplied to GA ARNG by GFC; responsibility for training and use is by GA ARNG.
- Request for use, what type and location is made by Forest Protection Chief to GA ARNG.
- Forest Protection Staff Member will usually be in District where GA ARNG Helicopter is dispatched for coordination.
- Helicopter locations are: Hunter AAR (Savannah) with 2000 gal bucket, and Winder with 250 gal bucket.
USFS
- Aircraft or helicopters from Knoxville, TN. - Helicopters from Merritt Island, FL.
Will only be sent if you are on a fire that is on federa land. (USFS, Bureau of Fisheries and Government Employees will probably advise you of the drop IF THEY KNOW YOU ARE THERE.
- 63 -

Uses of ~FC Aircraft
Fixed Wing
1. Supplement towers in smoke detection. 2. Check out smokes to determine if fire controlled
or wildfire. 3. Lead fire suppression units to fire scene. 4. Direct tractors to fire. 5. Lead in all inital drops. 6. Maintain contact with all types of aircraft doing
drops. 7. Check plowed breaks. 8. Watch for jump overs. 9. Protect equipment and personnel for fire spread. 10. Watch for traffic congestion. 11. Warn of potential smoke problems. 12. Advise of wind shifts. 13. Watch for possible arson and follow suspecious
vehicle.
Helicopter (at scene)
1. Recon of fire with Ranger 2. Medical evacuation 3. Water drop
Usually on head or flank Spot fires Hot spots Burning snag Safety drop - protect truck or tractor from
advancing fire.
Aircraft is used for patrol, under contract, of USFS land.
ALL non-GFC uses of any type aircraft MUST be approved by the Forest Protection Chief or State Forester for OUT-OF-STATE.
Problem areas
Helicopters
- Rotor downwash at fire scene, where there is no overhead cover, could cause erratic wind at flame area.
- Certain type drops with AIC speed and overhead cover and
wind speed, can cause water to fall only as a fine mist. - DO NOT even plan on helicopter drops totally extinguishi~g
a fire ( as far as not checking the fire). - No contact with RFD
Fixed Wing
- Can1t work every fire. - No contact with RFD - Can not tell you where to go. - Does not know your attack intentions.
RFD: For Future Reference - Need to consider 10 markings if communications is possible.
- Can assist with attack
- 64 -

- Can re-position - Can stand by - Can relocate if structures are threatened - Can move (or protect) GFC transport if threatened by
fire.
Firefighters fire line precautions if aircraft drop is to be made and retreat to a safe area can not be made.
Lie facedown with head toward oncoming aircraft and hard hat in place. If possible, grab something solid and get behind it to prevent being carried or rolled about by the drop. Spread feet apart for better body stability and to assist digging in. Hold tools firmly out to the side and away from the body. Flying tools or equipment can cause injury. Do not run unless escape is assured. Never stand up in the path of an air drop. Stay away from large, old trees and snags, tops, limbs or entire trees may break and fa 1'" caus i ng i nj ury. If retardant is dropped, remember the following points as they apply:
1. Most retardants are slippery; therefore, be careful of footing and wipe off all hand tools, especially the handles.
2. Heavy application of retardant on surfaced roads can be hazardous and should be washed down as soon as possible.
3. Retardant should be washed from equipment and structures as soon as possible to prevent damage to finish.
4. Retardant may also damage agricultural or ornamental vegetatio, and actions should be taken to minimize such damage.
Helicopter Safety Consideration Approach and Departure
1. Get the pilot's attention and permission before approaching the helicopter.
2. Always approach in full view of the pilot. Never approach from the rear.
3. Always approach or depart in a crouched position. Gusts of wind can cause the rotor blades to drop dangerously low to the ground.
4. Safety helmets must be held securely to prevent being blown away or blown up into the rotors by the rotor blast.
5. Never approach or depart a helicopter from ground which is upslope from the main rotor. Rotors are almost invisible when turning at high speed or under poor lighting conditions.
6. Keep clear of the main and tail rotors at all times. Do not walk to the rear of the helicopter when entering or exiting.
7. Carryall long-handled tools in such a manner that the handles will not be inadvertently raised into the rotor path.
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Working Around Heliports 1. Stay at least 100 ft. ( 30 m ) away from helicopters at all times unless you have a specific job that requires otherwise. Your presence can cause confusion and disrupt the pilot1s concentration. 2. Don1t face a landing helicopter unless wearing goggles. 3. Do not remain in an area that is consistently under the flight path of any helicopter. 4. Do not smoke within 50 ft. (15 m) of any helicopter or fueling area.
In-flight Safety 1. Do not smoke in the helicopter. 2. Use the seatbelt and keep it secured until the pilot instructs you to leave the helicopter. 3. Ensure that all loose gear and helmets, maps, papers, etc. are securely held to prevent ,their being blown about the helicopter or out the windows. 4. Do not let any gear get in the way of the pilot or his controls. 5. Never throw anything out of a helicopter.
6. Do not talk to the pilot unless necessary, particularly during take-off and landings.
7. Be alert for hazards such as other aircraft and especially telephone and power lines.
8. Never slam the doors of a helicopter. The doors do not have spring-loaded locks so the handles must be physically turned to secure the door.
Fire Fighting Orders applicable to Air Operations. Plan escape routes for everyone and make them known. Post a lookout where there is possible danger. Be alert, keep calm, think clearly, and act decisively. Maintain communicati'ons with your crew, boss, and adjoining forces. Maintain control of your crew at all times.
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Chapter 10 - MOP-up
Mop-up defined: The most important phase of fire suppression is mop-up. It begins as soon as the first segment of line has been constructed and completed. It is usually not an assigned task until the fire is contained. It involves removal of burning material from the control line and final extinguishment. ~lling snags may have sparks that can blow across the line. It is done only by trained sawyers. Trenching logs is done where you cannot turn the log side/ long ways on a hill side to keep it from rolling across the control line. Widening the control line is done by a combination of earth moving equipment, plow units, and hand tools. Stumps and roots get special attention since they can burn underneath the control line and come up on the other side. To extinguish you must dig them out and wet them down where possible. On small fires (less than on~ acre) extinguish the whole area dead out or to agency-- standards having jurisdiction. Patrol of the line/area is important for the control of spot fires over the line and hot spots on the line. Each member gets a section of line which they extinguish and strengh as needed. Always make several trips along the line you are responsible for, you may have missed something. Many fires have started again due to NO or improper mop-up. This could be looked on as a sign of inefficiency. Water gives a crew a definite advantage during mop-up. It permits a crew to move faster and finish sooner. The crew will be able to do a better job. Some departments carry garden hose adapters for their booster hose and 100 ft. of garden hose on their engines for this reason. Cold trailing is the construction of a minimum zone inside the perimeter to prevent the further advance of the fire after the perimeter is relative cold. Done with hand tools and pump cans.
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Chapter 11 - Cause Determination

This section is not intended to make Fire Investigators out of you. It is intended to make you aware of common sense things
about a fire situation. The biggest single thing is if it does not feel right or look right then call for an investigator if
you are in charge or notify your leader.

, Fi re Causes:
Incendiary Smoking Railroads Trash/debris burn

Camp fires Equipment Use Li ghtni ng Chil dren

Fire Spread: Outwards and upwards The head will have more damage.

Determination:
What happened? Look for the obvious; people/vehicle leaving the area.
time of day/week/month year.
Is the the cause obvious like trash burning? Is there anything there that should be there?
, - More than one fire with no relation to the other. -Are there any unusual burn patterns like trailers?

Do you need assistance?

Fire Investigator from the local area. Fire Department Law enforcement County Forest Ranger (GFC)

State Fire Marshal's Office

Georgia Forestry Commission Fire Investigator

Other Sources

'

If no assistance is available: Photograph the evidence and the area where you found it. Make a detailed sketch of the area.
Make a detailed report of everything you know about the call and the evidence

.
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