Roadside Fire Management Guidelines contents CONTENTS
PART A: INTRODUCTION 2
LEGISLATION 2
ROADSIDE MANAGEMENT PLANNING 3
MUNICIPAL FIRE PREVENTION PLANNING 3
PART B: ROADSIDE FIRE MANAGEMENT 5
OBJECTIVES OF ROADSIDE FIRE MANAGEMENT 5
Objective 1: Prevent Fires on Roadsides 8
Objective 2: Contain Roadside Fires 12
Objective 3: Manage Safety of Road Users 20
Objective 4: Provide Control Lines 24
Objective 5: Recovery From Roadside Fires 27
PART C: ROADSIDE RISK ASSESSMENT PROCESS 29
THE RISK ASSESSMENT PROCESS 29
SUMMARY OF RISK ASSESSMENT PROCESS 29
SELECTING TREATMENT OPTIONS 30
Roadside Reserve Categories 31
ROADSIDE RISK ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET 32
PART D: APPENDICES 34
Appendix 1: CFA Regions 34
Appendix 2: Glossary of Terms 35
REFERENCES 37
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
These guidelines have been developed by the Country Fire Authority Victoria (CFA), after consultation with the Rural and Urban Fire Brigades Associations, Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE), VicRoads and the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV).
Roadside Fire Management Guidelines 1 INTRODUCTION PART A 2 Roadside Fire Management Guidelines objectives. be considered inadditiontofire management conservation objectives.Theseobjectives needto Commonwealth, Stateandlocallevelsupports values. Arange oflegislationatthe many areas, roadsides havehighconservation Roadsides servemanyimportantobjectives.In the CFAAct. The MFPPswillbeauditedbyCFAunderS55Bof specifywhoisresponsible fortreating those • specifyhowtheseare tobetreated; and • thePlanmustidentifyareas whichare at • eachmunicipalcouncilmustprepare and • Section 55AoftheCFAActstatesthat: anyhighway, road, street, laneor • anylandvestedinitorunderits control or • from: minimise thedangerofspread offires onor steps toprevent theoccurrence offires onandto and everypublicauthoritytotakeallpracticable It shall bethedutyofeverymunicipalcouncil 1958 inSection43(1),whichstatesthat: purposes isspecificallyreferred tointheCFAAct The managementofroadsides forfire prevention LEGISLATION with communityexpectations andensure aconsistent approach tofire management. emergency management,there is aneedtoreview fire prevention onroadsides tokeeppace programs. Withchanges inlandandresource managementandashift torisk based Traditionally, roadsides havebeenused extensively fortheimplementationoffire prevention risks. particular risk; Prevention Committee(MFPC). recommendation oftheMunicipalFire (MFPP) inaccordance withtheadviceand maintain aMunicipalFire Prevention Plan charged uponit. thoroughfare themaintenanceofwhichis management, and Electricity Safety Act1988. Electrical LineClearance prepared underS65ofthe in accordance withtheCodeofPractice for works. Exemptionsalsoapplyto workscarriedout fuel reduction, orotherspecifiedfire prevention clearance relates tofirefighting measures, periodic permit underthislegislationiftheproposed Currently, there are exemptionsfrom gaininga native vegetationexceptbyCouncilpermit. in allplanningschemestorestrict theremoval of Native Vegetation Clearance Controls are included Under thePlanningandEnvironment Act1987, advisable. consultation withNREduringtheplanningphaseis protected vegetationthroughout Victoria, Environment (NRE)(S48).Giventheextentof from theDepartmentofNatural Resources and (S3) mayrequire an FFGprotected flora permit public roadsides whichmayaffect“protected flora” have regard forthese objectives(S4).Works on CFA andMFPCsshouldbeadministered soasto Under theFFGAct,allpublicauthoritiesincluding tomanagepotentiallythreatening processes. • toconserveVictoria’s communities of flora • Victoria’s that flora andfaunacansurvive, • The Flora andFaunaGuarantee (FFG)Act1988 Environment Minister. must havepriorapproval from theCommonwealth as speciesorcommunitiesofnationalsignificance) impact uponmatters ofnationalsignificance(such Under thislegislationactionswhichsignificantly Protection andBiodiversity ConservationAct1999. protected undertheCommonwealth’s Environment Conservation valuesofnationalsignificanceare and fauna; evolutionary developmentinthewild; flourish andretain theirpotentialfor includes thefollowingobjectives: part a INTRODUCTION PART A INTRODUCTION 3 Roadside Fire Management Guidelines Roadside Fire MUNICIPAL FIRE PREVENTION MUNICIPAL PLANNING Guidelines (CFA, Prevention The Municipal Fire guidance to Municipalities in 1997) provide Plans. They Prevention developing their Fire risks of fire for the identification a process provide However, programs. and development of treatment or guidance on treatments they do not provide their application. Fire Community consultation during the Municipal and the Roadside Planning process Prevention will ensure Management Planning process of the plans. community acceptance and ownership Planning Guidelines Prevention The Municipal Fire of the Risk based on the application are (Standards Management Standard New Zealand 1995). Risks to Australia/Standards and suitable identified the community are implemented to prevent developed and treatments occurring or to minimise their impact on from fires 1). the community (see Figure and potential When considering the risk of wildfire management of impacts on the community, may assist in mitigating this risk. roadsides ROADSIDE MANAGEMENT PLANNING by shared Roadside management is a responsibility municipalities and VicRoads within the Country for those responsible of Victoria. DNRE is Area (ie. State Area Protected that cover the Fire roads and other State Parks National Parks, Forests, assisted are managers public land). Road protected programs in their task by advice and training Conservation Advisory by the Roadside provided Prevention Committee (RCAC). Municipal Fire with opportunities to provided Committees are necessary for fire considered include requirements must be based on These requirements prevention. the identified through management objectives fire For Planning Process. Prevention Municipal Fire information about how fire comprehensive can become involved in the planners prevention to refer Roadside Management Planning Process, Roadside Management Guidelines for Fire information (CFA, 1994). More Planners Prevention management planning process about the roadside DNRE or the Municipalities. is available from Guidelines for Roadside Management have been published by RCAC (1995). It is the responsibility of agencies or individuals It is the responsibility that they to ensure works on roadsides proposing legal obligations. meet all relevant and management Information on the location significance for sites of conservation requirements and Fauna Flora from in Victoria can be obtained information on Further in NRE regions. Officers can be obtained of national significance matters Australia. Environment from INTRODUCTION PARTB PART A 4 Roadside Fire Management Guidelines Figure 1.StepsOfTheMunicipalFire Prevention PlanningProcess Implement Treatment Identify PriorityRisk Monitor andReview Develop Solutions Risk Assessment Environments To Treat Risks Analysis • Target Date • Others Involved • Responsibility • Treatment Program • Treatment Approach • Objective PART B
part b MANAGEMENT FIRE ROADSIDE ROADSIDE FIRE MANAGEMENT
These Guidelines will assist with: 1. Identification of management objectives; 2. Identification and assessment of treatment options; and 3. Development of roadside management programs.
For most municipalities, risk treatments for wildfire 1. Prevent Fires on Roadsides risks may involve specific roads or roadsides. These The causes of ignitions may be natural, Guidelines are intended for use by people involved accidental or deliberate. Programs which in the management of roadsides to prevent or target the behaviour of those responsible for mitigate the impact of wildfires. The Guidelines such fires are likely to be most effective. will assist with the assessment of proposed treatments and selection of most appropriate 2. Contain Roadside Fires solutions. To prevent roadside fires becoming large and The Guidelines are organised according to five uncontrollable, we need to manage the factors management objectives. For each objective, the that affect fire spread. Few treatments will be information guides the user to the most suitable successful unless fire suppression is also treatment. A range of treatment options is undertaken. Changing the nature, quantity and presented, with technical information (where arrangement of the fuel are treatments that available) to indicate the likely success of may reduce the rate of fire spread and/or treatments in various situations. ensure the earliest possible suppression.
OBJECTIVES OF ROADSIDE FIRE 3. Manage Safety of Road Users MANAGEMENT Research suggests that roads are unsafe during the passage of a fire front. People can tolerate Effective risk management requires clear objectives. only low levels of radiant heat without some Although road user safety is always a priority, there protection. While cars offer some protection are a number of objectives of roadside fire from low intensity fires, they will not protect management: people in moderate to intense grass fires or in any location where scrub or forest abut the road. Strategies should aim to reduce the likelihood of people being on roads during the passage of a fire front.
4. Provide Control Lines
Roads, combined with fuel modification, may provide an opportunity to limit the spread of large fires. They provide good access for suppression activities and an existing fuel- modified, continuous break.
Roadside Fire Management Guidelines 5 ROADSIDE FIRE MANAGEMENT PART B 6 Roadside Fire Management Guidelines alternative treatments. • otherbenefits; and • otherimpacts includingenvironmental • financialcosts; • factors limitingsuccess; • CONSIDERATION SHOULDBEGIVENTO: implemented. that themosteffectivetreatments are Each treatment optionmustbeevaluatedtoensure the identifiedroadside managementobjectives. Risk treatments shouldoffersolutionstoaddress RISK TREATMENTS .RecoveryFrom Roadside Fires 5. and social; recovery. major fire willbecriticaltothecommunity's community anditsserviceabilityfollowinga road infrastructure isan importantassettothe the impactoffire onthecommunity. The following amajorwildfire willhelptoreduce Restoring normalcommunityfunction abutting roads. provide orutiliselarge fuel-modifiedareas roads andfirebreaks. Treatments should while elevatedfuelsmayenableflamestocross Spotting maylimitthesuccessofacontrol line fire intensityasitapproaches thecontrol line. unless there isconsiderable modificationinthe wildfires isunlikelytobesafeoreffective Direct frontal attackonmoderate tointense canbeused tomanageimplementation • canbeusedindevelopingaroadside • provides informationtoincludeinthe • identifiestreatments whichwillachieve • identifieslocationswhere theseobjectiveswill • identifiestheobjectivesofroadside fire • identifiespriorityriskenvironments; • document which: Municipal Fire Prevention Plan,planners willhavea and theinformationisincorporated intothe If theprocess (summarisedinFigure 2)isfollowed, OUTCOMES monitoringofperformanceandestablishing • developingthenecessarybudgets;and • establishingappropriate timeframes; • identifyingtheagenciesorindividuals • Implementation programs shouldinclude: PROGRAMS IMPLEMENTING TREATMENT of treatment programs. management plan;and Municipal Fire Prevention Plan; the objectives; be met; risk management; strategies are effectiveandappropriate. review procedures toensure thatthe the programs; responsible forimplementingandsupporting PART B ODIEFR MANAGEMENT FIRE ROADSIDE
Figure 2. This chart outlines the steps to be taken once the wildfire risk has been identified, and an objective has been identified that can be met by managing the roadside.
Roadside Risk Assessment Process
Identify Objective For Management Of Fire On Roadside
Identify Roads Where It Is Important Confirm Risk Assessment To Meet This Objective
Can The Objective Be NO Identify Alternative Realistically Achieved? Locations Or Treatments
YES
Consider And Evaluate The Treatment Options That May Achieve The Objective
Will The Treatment Have a Detrimental YES Effect On Other Roadside Objectives?
NO NO Is The Treatment Cost Effective?
YES
Develop Treatment Program
Incorporate Into Municipal Fire Prevention Plan
Roadside Fire Management Guidelines 7 ROADSIDE FIRE MANAGEMENT PART B 8 Roadside Fire Management Guidelines proper fire investigation. should bemadetofindoutthesefactsthrough Where fire causesare unknown,particularefforts discarded cigarettes; where fuelsare • machinery/equipment;mowingorslashing • vehicles;faultyexhausts,brakes, wheel • deliberate; especiallywhere there are • The keycausesofroadside fires are: the roadside thatwillnotsupportcombustion. 2. Bypromoting fuelconditionsadjacentto 1. Byeliminatingthesources ofignition. Preventing Fires onRoadsides Prevent Fires onRoadsides Objective 1: .Whatare likelytobetheconsequences 4. Where didtheyoccur? 3. Whichare mostcommonorlikely? 2. Whatare thecausesofignitions? 1. RISK ASSESSMENT cured. exceptionally dryandfine,onlyiffully or othermetal causes sparkswhere metalmaycontactrocks slowing orunderload. bearings, particularlywhere vehiclesmaybe unauthorised/deliberate fires. road, where thesemaybetargetted for abundant weedsordebrisadjacenttothe if ignitionsoccur? Forests Actare relevant. In protected publiclands,sections 61-72 ofthe Motorvehicles/machinery CFAActS50 • ElectricitySafety • Permits toburn, CFAActS38,S40 • ignition sources: many legislativerequirements inplacetorestrict to communityeducationprograms. There are Regulation andenforcement are inextricablylinked RegulationofIgnitionSources 2. information). utilized (RefertoCFARegionalOfficefor Fire Awareness InterventionProgram (JFAIP)canbe community programs. Forjuveniles,theJuvenile municipalities shouldconsiderjointapproaches and For deliberate ignitions,fire agencies,policeand training, vehiclemaintenanceandrepair. agencies andbypeopleinvolvedwithdriver be delivered through licencingandregistration For vehiclerelated causes,educationmessagescan should address majorcausesofignitions. be includedineducationcampaigns.Themessages Fire safetymessagesspecifictoignitionsources can 1. Education PREVENT FIRESONROADSIDES MAY TREATMENTS THAT c 6 Power line clearances Act S65 / equipment Total Fire Bans PART B ODIEFR MANAGEMENT FIRE ROADSIDE
3. Provision of Fuel free Areas
For those ignitions that relate to the use of the road by vehicles, including the discarding of smokers' materials from vehicles, the separation of the ignition source from any flammable material will prevent the ignition of a wildfire. This may require a fuel free area where the ignition source (the vehicle and the activities of the occupants) may be located.
For ignitions emanating from hot parts of the vehicle (e.g. brakes, exhausts), there should be no opportunity to contact combustible material should the vehicle pull off the road for any reason. road shoulder may be preferred if the road shoulder width is inadequate. The slashed verge One strategy is to provide a pull-over lane of should be maintained at 10 cm height during the adequate width (3m) to offer driver safety as well fire danger period. For specially constructed pull- as separation from combustible fuel. Ploughed over areas such as picnic, toilet and rest areas, the ground immediately adjacent to the road may be trafficable sections should be clear of combustible hazardous for vehicles leaving the road. However, a materials, as these are areas where vehicle graded strip of 3m will provide the desired fuel free occupants may discard materials which may initiate area. In some cases a fuel free shoulder will be fires. sufficient. In others a slashed verge adjacent to the
Material ejected from a moving or stationary vehicle may result in a fire if the material makes contact with combustible fuel such as sparse grass in a ploughed area and grass in a slashed area.
Well maintained road reserves may reduce the incentive for deliberate ignitions where this may be a problem.
Roadside Fire Management Guidelines 9 ROADSIDE FIRE MANAGEMENT PART B 10 Roadside Fire Management Guidelines Table 1.Treatments ThatCanReducetheOccurrence ofRoadsideFires Table 1provides asummaryofthelimitationsandbenefitsvarioustreatments. FIRES ONROADSIDES EVALUATION OFTREATMENTS THAT MAY PREVENT Whatdoyouexpectthistreatment toachieve? • Whatare thereasons youhaveselectedthistreatment? • SELECTING TREATMENTS (fuel free shoulder) adjacent toroad separation from fuel Adequate horizontal Changingbehaviourisa sources • Regulation ofignition Education TREATMENT trafficable road verges) road shoulderoron [3m] adjacentto height onevehiclewidth fuel andvehicle(10 cm Vertical separation between ATR IIIGSCESO FACTORS LIMITINGSUCCESS Addresses ignitions • Mustbemaintained • Willnotcaterfor • Adequateidentification • Considerable timeperiod • Enforcement • Adequateidentification • Addresses ignitions • Mustbemaintained • stationary vehicles discarded byoccupantsof parts andmaterials caused byhotvehicle Period during theFire Danger moving vehicles material ejectedfrom of fire causes for development of fire causes long termprocess parts caused byhotvehicle Period during theFire Danger Environmental andOH&S • Visualimpact • Ground disturbancemay • Erosion • Maydamageroad edges • Alteration ofgrassland • HRIPCSOTHER BENEFITS THER IMPACTS use concerns aboutherbicide encourage weedinvasion ecosystem Supportsregulators’ • • Mayenhancegeneral Mayimprove road • Provides someprotection • approach wildfire knowledge safety sightlines wildfire for road users during PART B ROADSIDE FIRE MANAGEMENT 11 Roadside Fire Management Guidelines Roadside Fire maintained during danger period fire • Regulation • Education • shoulder Fuel free • Regulation • Education Municipal Roads• Regulation • Education Class B and C roads Class M and A roads LOW RISK RISK MODERATE HIGH RISK forest, where it can be shown that risk treatments on the roadside are critical to the overall risk critical to the overall are on the roadside be shown that risk treatments it can where forest, management. SOME RISKS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED ON A CASE BY CASE BASIS: BE ADDRESSED ON A CASE BY SOME RISKS SHOULD • high level of ignitions with a documented Areas • such as subdivisions nestled in risk areas, wildfire Roadsides to the north and west of adjacent high Recommended Treatments Table 2. Recommended Treatments to Reduce Roadside Fires 2. Recommended Treatments Table RECOMMENDATION as level of risk is defined by the type of road is based on the level of risk. The The level of treatment of the road. importance and the strategic on the basis of volume of traffic classified by VicRoads ROADSIDE FIRE MANAGEMENT PART B 12 Roadside Fire Management Guidelines is slashedorstanding Table 3.Estimatedtimetakenforafire thatstartsonthe side oftheroad tospread offthereserve, ifgrass Contain RoadsideFires Objective 2: * Time taken toreach edgeofroad reserve maybelongerdependingonhowlongittakesforthefire tobuild.Untilfires re Sullivan 1997. Assumptions: Flatground, grassland 100% cured, rate ofspread assumedtoberelated tofire danger. Calculationsare basedon .Whatistheconsequenceiffire is 5. Whatistheresponse timeof 4. Whatistheextentoffire prevention 3. Whatwillthefire behaviourbeifit 2. Whatisthehistoryofroadside 1. RISK ASSESSMENT eyHg 37sc 20sec. 1min. 2min. 6-12min. 7sec. 20-30sec. 1min. 3-6min. 83 20-30 8 2-3 Very High IFDISTANCE FROMROADIS:* High TIMETAKEN TO REACHEDGEOFRESERVE Moderate Low FORWARDSPREAD POTENTIAL RATE OF FIRE DANGER GRASSLAND 100 m,theirrate ofspread islessthan theirpotentialrate ofspread. not controlled ontheroadside? suppression forces tothislocation? works onadjoiningland? leaves theroad reserve? ignitions inthisarea? mmn 0m20m 10 m (m/min) arrive asshowninTable 3. resources have leftthereserve before suppression moderate orabove,itislikelythatthefire will under lowfire danger. Atfire dangerlevelsof fire totheroad reserve, thefire mustbeburning For suppression tobeeffectiveincontainingthe mitigationofspread through fuel • rapid suppression; and • by: The spread offires onroadsides maybeminimised management. ach awidthofabout Cheney and PART B ROADSIDE FIRE MANAGEMENT 13 Roadside Fire Management Guidelines Roadside Fire 1 23456 w is the fuel load (less than 6mm diameter) in tonnes per hectare (t/ha), in tonnes per hectare w is the fuel load (less than 6mm diameter) in km/h front of the fire of spread and R is the rate Direct attack likely to succeed Direct I = 500 x w x R, where intensity (kW/m), I is the fire lowlowmoderatehighhigh 0.1very high 0.2 0.5 50 1.0 100 250 100 2.0 5.0 200 150 500 300 750 200 500 1000 1000 400 250 1000 2500 1250 1500 2000 500 300 5000 1500 2000 3000 7500 600 2500 4000 10000 12500 3000 5000 15000 6000 GRASSLAND FIRE DANGER(MCARTHUR MARK IV) OF SPREAD RATE (km /h) FUEL LOAD (t/ha) Table 4: Fire Intensities (kW/m) for Various Combinations of Fuel Load and Rate of Spread (kW/m) for Various Intensities 4: Fire Table Mitigation of fire spread through fuel management through spread Mitigation of fire fuel and/or breaks fire may include the use of have limited breaks earth fire modification. Bare is any spotting activity. success if there has been breaks earth fire The effectiveness of bare the to the width of the break, shown to be related of trees or absence and the presence intensity fire that start within 20 m. The likely intensity of fires by their likely rate may be estimated on roadsides the following and the fuel load using of spread rule of thumb: ROADSIDE FIRE MANAGEMENT PART B 14 Roadside Fire Management Guidelines Table 5.FuelLoadsofPastures information). However, forplanningpurposestheestimatesgiveninTable 5shouldbeadequate. fuel samplingtechniques.(SeeCFAManagerCommunitySafetyorDNREFire ManagementOfficerformore The fuelloadisameasure oftheamountfinefuel(grass, leaflitter)perhectare andcanbemeasured by Source: CheneyandSullivan1997,P70 Figure 3:Probability ofabare-earth fire break holdingaheadfire ingrasslands withnoelevatedfuel. intense andthefire break willbemore likelytosucceed. the widthoffire break .Theinformationrefers tofires approaching ‘headon'.Flankingfires willbeless The graphs inFigure 3indicatethelikelihoodofafire break holdingafire inrelation tothefire intensityand road reserve. This informationcanthenbeusedtoestimatetheeffectivenessofafirebreak instoppingafire leavingthe
FIREBREAK WIDTH (m) 6 4 5 3 2 1 FUELLOAD(t/ha) Heavy Good -heavy Good Light Sparse Very sparse PASTURE CONDITION 12 15 0 3 6 9 FIRELINE INTENSITY(kW/m) No Trees Present Within20moftheBreak 0060 0010010018000 15000 12000 9000 6000 3000 1% 10% 50% 90% 99%
FIREBREAK WIDTH (m) 12 15 0 3 6 9 FIRELINE INTENSITY(kW/m) Trees Present Within 20moftheBreak 0060 0010010018000 15000 12000 9000 6000 3000 0 50% 90% 1% 10% PART B ODIEFR MANAGEMENT FIRE ROADSIDE
TREATMENTS TO CONTAIN Figure 4. Fire Danger Levels for an average ROADSIDE FIRES season at Bendigo
Grass Fire Danger Levels during 1. Suppression a Typical Fire Danger Period
Rapid suppression response is critical to contain 50 60 fires in roadsides. When fire danger is high, 50 regardless of fuel management, a fire is likely to 40 leave the reserve in a matter of minutes 40 (see Table 3). 30 30 2. Education 20 20
Education may include a pre-season campaign to 10 10 encourage motorists to report ignitions as soon as they occur. Information about obligations to % of Days 0 0 Number of days LOW report fires may be included in licence testing. HIGH EXTREME VERY HIGH Consideration should be given to appropriate MODERATE reporting for specific causes (i.e. need to minimise FIRE DANGER RATING reporting of authorised burning), as well as an awareness of causes of roadside fires. Forest Fire Danger Levels during a Typical Fire Danger Period 3. Slashing of Grass 50 60
The rate of spread of a fire in slashed grass is about 50 40 the same as that in standing grass (Cheney and Sullivan 1997), but the flame height will be 40 30 approximately halved. 30 3.1 Slashing of Grass From Road to Fence Line 20 20
Because of the reduced flame heights, 10 10 suppression is more likely to succeed, but only if % of Days Number of days suppression forces arrive quickly. If the road 0 0 LOW reserve is mostly grassed and the grass is 100% HIGH EXTREME VERY HIGH MODERATE cured slashed grass, and the fire danger is FIRE DANGER RATING moderate, fire will cross a 10m reserve in about a minute (see Table 3). Slashing the full width of a This information was derived from the weather road reserve is unlikely to achieve the objective records at Bendigo over a period of 11 years. of keeping fires contained to the road reserve The graphs are indicative only. These graphs can unless fires are burning under low fire danger. be used in conjunction with Tables 3 and 4 and To illustrate, Figure 4 provides information on Figure 3 to estimate the number of days that the historical fire danger during an average various fuel treatments may be effective, or season at Bendigo. ineffective. When fire danger is high, regardless of fuel management, a fire is likely to leave the reserve in a matter of minutes.
Roadside Fire Management Guidelines 15 ROADSIDE FIRE MANAGEMENT PART B 16 Roadside Fire Management Guidelines within 20m. intensity andthepresence orabsenceoftrees depends onthewidthofbreak, thefire The effectivenessofbare earthfire breaks more likelyitistobreach abreak. has spread, themore severe itsbehaviourandthe should beclosetotheroad, asthefurtherafire equivalent tobare earthbreaks. Bare earthbreaks slashed area andtheyshouldNOT beconsidered in whichcasetheireffectivenesswillbemore likea of fuelbutmaycontainsomecombustiblematerial Ploughed orgraded fire breaks are generally clear .PloughedOrGraded Fire Break 4. 3, 4and5). likely rate ofspread andthe fuelload(seeTables start onroadsides maybeestimatedbytheir respectively. Thelikelyintensityoffires that 40% and95%withwithouttrees bare earthbreak, thesuccessrates are about effective onabout50%ofoccasions.Fora6m If there are notrees, this break wouldbe danger daysabovemoderate. earth fire break islimitedtoabout20%onfire on theroad reserve, thesuccessofa3mbare heavy grass fuelloads,ifthere are trees present and shrubswithin20m.Forroad reserves with intensity andthepresence orabsenceoftrees depends onthewidthofbreak, thefire The effectivenessofbare earthfire breaks Fence Line PloughedOrGraded Fire Break Along 4.1 spotting activity. present, thefire break islikelytobebreached by through direct flamecontact.Iftrees are from breaching anadjacentclearearthbreak height maybebeneficialtopreventing afire If there are notrees present, thereduced flame SlashingofGrass AlongFenceLine 3.2 land holders. managers shouldseektocooperate with estimated bythegraphs inFigure 3.Roadside reserve. Thesuccessofthebreaks maybe Fire breaks couldbelocatedawayfrom theroad Fire Break onproperty adjacentto 5. be effectiveunderlowfire danger conditions. halting fire spread andcanonlybeexpectedto through treed areas are ofminimalbenefitin Ploughed orgraded breaks whichmeander Road Reserve PloughedOrGraded Fire Break Through 4.2 reduces theeffectivenessofbreak. trees within20mupwindofthebreak greatly likely successofthefire break. Thepresence of The predominant winddirection willaffectthe land holders isessential. on theadjacentland.However, consultationwith is cleared, itmaybepreferable tosituatethebreak environmentally significantandtheadjacentland If thevegetationonroad reserve is Road Reserve PART B ODIEFR MANAGEMENT FIRE ROADSIDE
6. Fuel Reduction Burning • Are there people available who are skilled in the use of fire for prescribed burning? Fuel reduction burning on the road reserve may • Are there resources available to assist with the reduce surface fuels to a minimum and deprive an suppression requirements of the burn? Burns ignition source of fuel. In areas where there is a must be patrolled to prevent escapes. history of successful fuel reduction burning and where there is no dispute over the application of If the burn is planned during the Fire Danger this treatment, it is suggested that the practice Period, a permit must be issued by the Municipality. continue where it clearly addresses this objective. Existing roadside management plans (Municipal or VicRoads) should be taken into account. Liaison with DNRE to plan burning activities may provide Fuel reduction burning should be carried out for better use of resources and sharing of skills. A along ecological principles. In very general terms, burn plan should also be developed as it can act as burning vegetation in patches, or mosaics, a checklist to ensure all relevant factors have been addressed. roughly every five years is suitable.
7. Regulation of Fuel Management Fuel reduction burning may follow the application of herbicides to prematurely kill exotic grasses prior Municipalities can require land holders to remove to the Fire Danger Period and permit safe burning. combustible materials to reduce the fire hazard. Herbicides must not be used on native vegetation, This approach has been widely used in the past including grasses, prior to burning. The use of around homes or on vacant lots, but not on herbicides should follow all safety and roadsides. An integrated approach which combines environmental standards. (Refer to The Agricultural roadside fuel management with directions given to and Veterinary Chemicals Control and Use Act 1992 landholders may enhance the effectiveness of and Regulations 1996). works.
Fuel reduction burning should be carried out along 8. Fuse Breaks ecological principles. In very general terms, burning vegetation in patches, or mosaics, roughly In the situation where fires may spread along the every five years is suitable. If the impacts of the roadside through uninterrupted stretches of fuel, burn on the local flora and fauna are not fuse breaks across the roadside reserve may assist understood, then advice should be sought from the with containing the spread of fire. Driveways or local DNRE office. Some burns may result in other roads may effectively act as fuse breaks. The prolific weed species, such as phalaris, producing guidance for the width of the break is as for the an annual management problem. width of fire breaks which run parallel to the road. Fuse breaks may also be used to provide fire vehicle In the case where burning is suggested as a new access. treatment, a number of factors must first be considered.
• Can the burn be safely conducted?
• Is the area populated? If so, are there plans to notify all affected people? Will there be a risk to road users or the community?
Roadside Fire Management Guidelines 17 ROADSIDE FIRE MANAGEMENT PART B 18 Roadside Fire Management Guidelines Table 6.Treatments ThatCanAssisttoContainRoadsideFires Table 6provides asummaryofthelimitationsandbenefitsselectingvarioustreatments. ROADSIDE FIRES CONTAIN MAY EVALUATION OFTREATMENTS THAT euain•Weather • Regulation ulrdcinbrig•Opportunitiestoburn • Fuel reduction burning road reserve Fire break distant from break -alllocations Ploughed orgraded fire - Whatdoyouexpectthistreatment toachieve? - Whatare thereasons youhaveselectedthistreatment? SELECTING TREATMENTS Work load on crews • Changingbehaviourisa • Timedelays • and locations Slashing -allmethods Education Suppression TREATMENT ATR IIIGSCESO FACTORS LIMITINGSUCCESS Co-ordination • Burnintensityand • Area burntwillbegreater • Abilitytomanage • Maintenancecost • Widthofbreak • Topography • Access • Proximity oftrees • Weather limited • Regrowth • Proximity oftrees • Reliesonprompt • Minimalslowing • Weather limited • too high frequency toolowor spotting spotting suppression of fire long termprocess Difficulttomaintain • Landowneronus • Reductioninagricultural • Mayspread weedsand • Potential forerosion • Changesecosystem • Weed invasion,possibly • Potential forescapes • Smoke-healthand • Roadtraffic management • Visual • Changesecosystems • Environmental andsafety • Lossofbiodiversity • Prevents regeneration • Weed invasionifdone • Changesecosystem • HRIPCSOTHER BENEFITS THER IMPACTS ‘standards’ productivity diseases vegetation to amore hazardous safety issues (ifherbicideused) flowering orsettingseed when nativevegetationis Possibility toreduce bark • Opportunityto • Brigadetraining • Communitypressure • Promotes fire awareness • Likelytohavelittle • Mayprotect fences • Mayprovide access • Mayassistwith • Mayprovide somefodder • Mayincrease sight • Mayenhancegeneral • hazard manage ecosystem opportunity to be‘goodneighbour’ environmental impact Objectives 3and4 lines wildfire knowledge PART B ODIEFR MANAGEMENT FIRE ROADSIDE
RECOMMENDATION
The level of treatment should be based on the level of risk.
SOME RISKS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED ON A CASE BY CASE BASIS:
- Areas with a documented history of ignitions - Roadsides to the north and west of adjacent high wildfire risk areas, such as subdivisions nestled in forest, where it can be shown that risk treatments on the roadside are critical to the overall risk management the adjacent area.
Roadside Fire Management Guidelines 19 ROADSIDE FIRE MANAGEMENT PART B 20 Roadside Fire Management Guidelines road users. management techniquesalonecanprotect However itis unwise toassumethatfuel Another optionistoprovide most effective. roads duringthepassageofafire front willbe which reduce thelikelihoodofpeoplebeingon to belifethreatening insidethevehicle.Solutions scrub orforest abuttheroad, fire intensityislikely remain insidetheirvehicle.Inanylocationwhere fires, iftheystayonacleared area andpeople Vehicles offersomeprotection from lowintensity thepassageofafire front. travelling public during Research suggeststhatroads are unsafeforthe can result inroad accidents. Reduced visibilityunderstressful circumstances, not restricted toexposure tothefire itself. The risksofdrivingonroads during fire eventsare in theirvehicles. be suitable.Thisoptionrelies onpeopleremaining ensure theirviability. Someroadside rest areas may adequate maintenance,accessandsignpostingto heavily grazed paddock.Suchareas willrequire Users Manage SafetyofRoad Objective 3: .Are there optionalroutes? 4. Howimportantisthisroad inproviding 3. Whatisthetraffic volumeofthisroad? 2. Whatisthelikelyfire behaviouralong 1. RISK ASSESSMENT access andegress? this road? ‘ safe areas’, suchasa or intensegrass orforest fires. of metres. Theywillnotprotect peopleinmoderate intensity fires withflameheights ofonlyacouple Vehicles mayprovide someprotection from low People canonlytolerate lowlevelsofradiant heat. Petris 1992). the road isdangerous (Wilson1985,Kruseland also considerable evidencethatbeingcaughton surviving thepassageofafire invehicles,there is While there havebeenmanyinstancesofpeople 3. Fuel Management causes ofroadside ignitionscouldbeprovided. their safetystrategies. Informationaboutthe educational programs whichadviseresidents about There are alsoopportunitiestolinkother information onsafetyuseofroads duringfires. pre-season signageandcampaignscouldprovide could beincludedindrivinglicencetestingand Information aboutsafetyonroads duringwildfire 2. Education be specifiedintheEmergency ManagementPlan. should alsoconsiderearlyroad closures whichmay which thepublicshouldnotbeusing.Planning concern aboutusing,are probably alsothoseroads roads whichfire fightingagencieshaveexpressed areas onhighriskroads. Well knownhighrisk Planning mayalsoincludethepreparation ofsafety temporary populationssuchasholidaymakers. to accessoregress forlocalpopulationsor during awildfire includingthosethatare essential Planning shouldidentifyroads thatwillbecritical 1. Planning ROADUSERS OF TREATMENTS TO MANAGESAFETY PART B ODIEFR MANAGEMENT FIRE ROADSIDE
Estimates of flame heights of fires of varying rates of spread in grassland fuels are provided in Table 7, and for forest fuels in Table 8.
Table 7. Flame Heights in Pastures
RATE OF SPREAD (km/h) FLAME HEIGHT (m)
NATURAL PASTURE GRAZED OR MOWN PASTURE EATEN-OUT PASTURE
1 1.8 0.9 0.3
6 3.1 1.3 0.5
10 3.6 1.5 0.7
20 4.4 1.9 -
Source: CSIRO Grassland Fire Spread Meter 1997
Table 7 shows that flame height can be reduced significantly by modifying the fuel.
If there are trees and elevated fuels present, flame heights may be significantly greater than in grassland. The Overall Fuel Hazard Guide (McCarthy et al 1999) should be referred to for specific information on the contribution of bark and elevated fuels to fire behaviour. If there are trees adjacent to the road reserve, In general, the surface fuel, bark and elevated fuels all their contribution to fire behaviour should be contribute to the fire behaviour. taken into account. At elevated fuel levels above moderate to high, they become the dominant fuel in terms of fire behaviour. It is likely that for crown fires in forest fuels, the height of the flames will be considerably over the height of the trees. If there are trees adjacent to the road reserve, their contribution to fire behaviour should be taken into account.
Table 8. Estimated Flame Heights in Forests
FUEL LOAD (t/ha) FLAME HEIGHT (m) FIRE DANGER: LOW MODERATE HIGH VERY HIGH EXTREME
5 0.3 0.6 1.5 3.0 6.0
10 1.0 2.0 4.0 7.0 14.0
15 2.0 3.5 7.0 12.0 crown
20 2.5 5.0 9.0 crown crown
25 3.0 7.0 12.0 crown crown
Source: McArthur Mark V Forest Fire Danger Meter (1973)
Roadside Fire Management Guidelines 21 ROADSIDE FIRE MANAGEMENT PART B 22 Roadside Fire Management Guidelines Management Plans. threatened byfire. Traffic managementplansshouldbeincorporated intotheMunicipalEmergency Traffic managementmeasures canprotect road users bylimitingtheopportunityforroad users tobe 4. Traffic Management loads from fuelhazard levels(seeTable 9). The Overall FuelHazard Guide(McCarthyetal1999)(Availablefrom DNRE)canbeusedtoestimatefuel Table 10. Treatment OptionstoManagetheSafetyofRoadUsers Table 10 provides asummaryofthelimitationsandbenefitsselectingvarioustreatments. USERS ROAD OF SAFETY THE MANAGE EVALUATION OFTREATMENTS THAT Table 9.FuelLoads(t/ha)Estimatedfrom FuelHazard Levels rfi aaeet•Needssupportofan • Traffic Management ulMngmn Inforest areas, road Changingbehaviourisa • • Fuel Management Requires cooperation • Education Planning lvtd002610 7 20 6 5 16 TREATMENT 2 2 10 0 0 5 0 0 2 Elevated HAZARD: Surface fine Bark FUEL What doyouexpectthistreatment toachieve? • Whatare thereasons youhaveselectedthistreatment? • SELECTING TREATMENTS O OEAEHG EYHG EXTREME VERYHIGH HIGH MODERATE LOW ATR IIIGSCESO FACTORS LIMITINGSUCCESS Requires good planning • Reliesonappropriate • Extentoffuelreduction • Roadaccidentsare not • and implementation residents problems forlocal otherwise creates education program behaviour may beimpractical prevented realistically achieved safety cannotbe long termprocess Operational Plans) Management, CFA (Municipal Emergency with otherplanners Mayhinderresidents • Smokemanagement • Reductionofroad user • Reductionof • HRIPCSOTHER BENEFITS THER IMPACTS separate families properties ormay returning totheir amenity environmental value Maybecosteffectiveand • Provides easieraccessfor • Fuelreduction burning • Mayassist with • General road safety • Mayenhancegeneral • Maximisesthevalue • fuel management practical compared to emergency vehicles values could enhanceecological objective 4 wildfire knowledge of individualplans PART B ODIEFR MANAGEMENT FIRE ROADSIDE
RECOMMENDATION
The level of treatment is based on the level of risk. The level of risk is defined by the type of road as classified by VicRoads on the basis of volume of traffic and the strategic importance of the road.
Table 11. Recommended Treatments to Manage the Safety of Road Users
LOW RISK MODERATE HIGH
Municipal Roads Class B, and C roads Class A and M roads
Recommended Treatments • Planning • Planning • Planning • Education • Education • Education • Traffic management • Traffic management • Fuel management • Traffic management
SOME RISKS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED ON A CASE BY CASE BASIS:
• Areas with a documented level of high ignitions • Roads providing the only access or egress for vulnerable populations
Roadside Fire Management Guidelines 23 ROADSIDE FIRE MANAGEMENT PART B 24 Roadside Fire Management Guidelines burning shouldaimtoreduce theground, elevated roadsides, pre-season preparation bycontrol opportunity forspotting.Inthecaseoftreed should beprepared sothatthere isminimal safe anchorpointsfrom which toburnandthey If usedforbackburning,roadsides mayprovide compromised. surrounding areas andfire fightersafetymaybe behaviour there willbemore intensethanin suitable placetoplanacontrol lineasthefire cases, theroad reserve islikelytobetheleast heavily treed partsofthecountryside.Insuch cropping, theroad reserve maybeoneofthemore or In alandscapewhichispredominantly grassland swamp area orariverflat. example, toadifferent agricultural use,alowlying where there isamajorchangeinlanduse,for relatively noncombustiblefuel.Thisisusually when theyare adjacenttoasubstantialarea of CFA showsthatcontrol linesare mosteffective are locatedinlowfuelareas. Recentexperienceby 1995). Roadsmaybeusefulascontrol linesifthey area orafire edgeusedtocontrol afire (AFAC A control lineisanatural orconstructedlow-fuel Provide Control Lines Objective 4: .Whatare thechancesofcontrolling 4. Whatare theconsequencesiffire isnot 3. Are there adequateorbettercontrol 2. .Aelrefrslkl nti ra(stee a Are large fires likelyinthisarea (isthere 1. RISK ASSESSMENT a fire atthisroad ? controlled atthispoint? lines thantheroad? history ofthem)? suitable place toplanacontrol line. countryside. Insuchcases, theroad reserve islikely tobetheleast road reserve maybeoneofthemore heavilytreed partsofthe In alandscapewhichispredominantly grassland or cropping, the during wildfire. they are specificallylocatedtoaidassetprotection control linesandtheymaynotbepractical unless the fire. Thislimitstheeffectivenessofplanned the rightplaceattime’withrespect to To beeffectiveascontrol lines,roads needtobe‘in plans. in operational managementandpreparedness roadside forthispurposeshouldbeclearlystated roadside managementplans,theintentiontousea treatment tobeincludedinfire prevention or treed, itshouldreceive similartreatment. Forthis and barkfuels.Iftheadjoininglandscapeisalso OTO LINES CONTROL TREATMENTS THAT MAY PROVIDE control lines. behaviour, suppression andsafetyaspectsof As such,bothgroups needto understand thefire effective applicationbythefire suppression people. planning bythefire prevention managers, and planning anduseofcontrol lines requires effective should alwaysbeahighpriority. Successful personnel infire behaviourandfire suppression Training offire suppression andfire management 2. Education plans. identified inbrigadeandregional operational roads thatmaybeusedascontrol linesbe objective. Forthisreason itisimperative that be usedandtherefore more likelytoachievetheir Victoria. Plannedcontrol linesare more likelyto often limitedbythespeedoffire spread inrural The effectivenessofroads ascontrol linesinfires is 1. Planning PART B ODIEFR MANAGEMENT FIRE ROADSIDE
3. Fuel Management on Reserve (and Abutting Land) adjacent to fuels with spotting potential, road reserve treatment should be accompanied by Preparatory fuel management works on control treatment of the adjacent fuels to minimise the lines will only be effective if the control lines are overall fuel hazard. incorporated into Brigade plans and Regional Operational Management Plans, as fuel breaks will For control lines that may be used for back burning only be effective as control lines if supported by in rapid grass fires or in scrub and forest fires suppression activity. above moderate fire danger where indirect attack is necessary, the control lines must be located in low When planning for control lines, firefighter safety fuel areas. Fuel preparation requires minimising is of paramount concern. Direct attack of fires can spotting potential by either pre-season control only occur safely on low intensity fires, therefore burning, or by preparation during the fire (e.g. fuel management must substantially reduce the raking, bull dozing). flame height for it to be effective. If located in or
EVALUATION OF TREATMENTS THAT MAY PROVIDE CONTROL LINES Table 12 provides a summary of the limitations and the benefits of selecting various treatments to provide control lines.
Table 12. Treatments for Control Lines
TREATMENT FACTORS LIMITING SUCCESS OTHER IMPACTS OTHER BENEFITS
Planning • Requires cooperation • Adds strategic value with operational planners to individual plans
Education • Changing behaviour is a • More safe and effective long term process suppression operations
Fuel Management • Weather • Reduction of • May assist with • Adjacent land use may environmental value objective 3 render suppression unsafe • Reduction of road user • Trees or elevated fuels amenity may render suppression unsafe • Cooperation of adjacent land owners may be hard to manage • Extent of fuel reduction may be impractical • Relies on effective on site suppression • Relies on effective planning with operational managers • Location is difficult to plan unless aimed at asset protection
SELECTING TREATMENTS
• What are the reasons you have selected this treatment? • What do you expect this treatment to achieve?
Roadside Fire Management Guidelines 25 ROADSIDE FIRE MANAGEMENT PART B 26 Roadside Fire Management Guidelines effective control lines. abutting roads willprovide themostsafe and Treatments thatutilise large low-fuelareas the fire intensityandtheflameheight. there isasignificantlymodifiedfuelzonetoreduce danger ismoderate orhigherinforest fuelsunless during highfire dangeringrass fuelsorwhenfire support ofcontrol lines)shouldnotbeattempted In general, direct headfire attack(evenwiththe firefighters andvehiclescanretreat. there are noaccessiblelowfuelareas towhich may notbeadequate.Thisespeciallysoif control line,andalsobebecausefirefighter safety as spottingactivitymaycausebreach ofthe Treed roadsides maynotprovide goodcontrol lines SUMMARY the fire are needed. Pre-season burningorraking andbulldozingduring preparation mustbedonetominimisespotting. attack inbackburningoperations, adequate If roads are tobeusedascontrol linesforindirect PART B ROADSIDE FIRE MANAGEMENT 27 Roadside Fire Management Guidelines Roadside Fire Road users should be aware of the dangers should be aware Road users and both during associated with using the road after a fire. TREATMENTS TO ASSIST RECOVERY TO TREATMENTS FROM ROADSIDE FIRES 1. Planning Management Plans should Municipal Emergency of for reinstatement identify and develop plans to wildfire. that is vulnerable infrastructure risk areas works in high fire Planned infrastructure Existing as practical. to fire should be as resistant should be identified vulnerable assets which are plans (e.g. wooden bridges) and treatment developed. itself after a fire reserve Recovery of the road An environmental should also be considered. or roads areas plan for significant roadside recovery with high conservation value should be considered. Roadside management plans should be considered earth moving Heavy in any mop up operations. areas, high conservation machinery may destroy management and poor may facilitate erosion weeds and pathogens. may spread practices 2. Education the demands The community should understand Road users during bushfires. placed on roads associated with of the dangers should be aware and both during and after a fire, using the road status. should be kept informed about road wildfire? be to the community? RISK ASSESSMENT to vulnerable infrastructure any road 1. Is there 2. How disabling would the loss of these assets Objective 5: Objective 5: Roadside Recovery From Fires Restoring normal function to a community mitigate the will help following a major wildfire on the community. effects of the fire is an important asset to the infrastructure The road a major community and its serviceability following recovery. will be critical to the community’s fire ROADSIDE FIRE MANAGEMENT PART B 28 Roadside Fire Management Guidelines Table 13.Treatments toFacilitateRecoveryFrom RoadsideFires Table 13provides asummaryofthelimitationsandbenefitsselectingvarioustreatments. FIRES FROM ROADSIDE ASSISTRECOVERY EVALUATION OFTREATMENTS TO lnig•Requires cooperation withother • Planning dcto Changingbehaviourisalongterm • Education Whatdoyouexpectthistreatment toachieve? • Whatare thereasons youhaveselectedthistreatment? • SELECTING TREATMENTS OTHER BENEFITS FACTORS LIMITINGSUCCESS TREATMENT Focusonshorttermrecovery works • maintenance activities management plansorroad may jeopardise longtermroadside Plans) Management, CFAOperational planners (MunicipalEmergency process Maximisesthevalueof • Mayenhancegeneral wildfire • individual plans knowledge PART C ROADSIDE RISK ASSESSMENT PROCESS 29 Roadside Fire Management Guidelines Roadside Fire objective(s) Fire Prevention Plans Prevention Fire • to be addressed Select objective(s) • to help achieve the Select treatments Stage 3: Recommendations A. Identify high priorities for the community B. into Municipal recommendations Incorporate C. Develop implementation programs SUMMARY OF RISK ASSESSMENT PROCESS SUMMARY OF RISK ASSESSMENT Stage 1 : Research and specific sites to be Identify risk environments the likely impacts on the assessed and consider community. Stage 2: Assessment The Roadside Risk Assessment Worksheets should be with these guidelines (1 & 2) provided about risk environments information used to record treatments. and proposed is important 1, it As indicated on Worksheet to consider nearby assets including, residential, before industrial and other populated areas, using selecting the objectives to be addressed 2. Worksheet consider or site, For each risk environment the five management objectives: 1. on roadsides fires Prevent 2. fires Contain roadside 3. users Manage safety of road 4. lines control Provide 5. fires roadside Recovery from
ROADSIDE RISK ASSESSMENT PROCESS RISK ASSESSMENT ROADSIDE
THE RISK ASSESSMENT PROCESS THE RISK ASSESSMENT roadside risk of related The assessment of wildfire Prevention support Municipal Fire will reserves Roadside Management Planning and facilitate Planning. of categories of A systematic risk assessment specific sites should enable and reserves roadside and high risks or high priorities to be identified addressed. of the risk a summary This section provides or treatments and outlines assessment process risks. management options that can address will of roads In some situations, many kilometres In other be assessed as one risk type or category. areas, such as rest of road, cases, small stretches separately. will need to be considered to also provided and checklists are Worksheets of assist with field assessment and recording information. part c part ROADSIDE RISK ASSESSMENT PROCESS PART C 30 Roadside Fire Management Guidelines Selecting treatment options: site(s) andthelikelyimpactoncommunity. objectives. Choiceoftreatment foragivenriskenvironment orsitewilldependonthecharacteristics ofthe The chartbelowisasummaryofthetreatment optionsavailabletoachieveroadside riskmanagement SELECTING TREATMENT OPTIONS Bare earthfire break limitations-successrate fora3m • Vertical separation betweenfuelandvehicle(10 cm • Fuel-free shouldermaintainedduringfire dangerperiod • Education • Regulation • Changingbehaviourisalongtermprocess • Adequateidentificationofcauses • Enforcement • Fuelreduction burning • Traffic management • Fuelmanagementtoreduce theflameheightandfire • Changingbehaviourisalongtermprocess • Education • Planning(MunicipalEmergency Management,CFA • Education • Fuelmanagementtoreduce intensityto2-3000 kW/m • Planning-road mustbeidentifiedforthisobjective on • Education • Planning (MunicipalEmergency Management, • Objective 2:ContainRoadsideIgnitions LIMITATIONS Objective 1:Prevent Fires StartingonRoadsides POSSIBLE TREATMENTS Objective 3:ManagetheSafetyofRoadUsers Objective 4:Provide SafeandEffectiveControl Lines Objective 5:RecoverFrom Fires WhichAffectRoadsides bare earthbreak: or ontrafficable road verges) height onevehiclewidth[3m]adjacenttoroad shoulder intensity Operational Plans) and tominimisespotting operational plans CFA Operational Plans) inheavygrass -50%atHigh FDI,0atV.Highor - ingoodgrass -60%HighFDI, 0atV.HighorExtreme - insparse grass -70% HighFDI;55%V.High35% - Extreme FDI FDI Extreme FDI MustbemaintainedduringtheFire DangerPeriod • Onlyaddresses ignitionscausedbyhotvehicle • Willnotcaterformaterialejectedfrom movingvehicles • Environmental considerations • Burnintensitytooloworhigh • Opportunitiestoburn • Topography -fire breaks lesslikelytosucceed • Needssupportofaneducationprogram otherwise • Needstobelinkedoperational training • Recommendedwhere supportedbyachangeto aless • Weather • Adjacenttrees orelevatedfuels • vehicles parts andmaterialsdiscarded byoccupantsofstationary on upslopefires creates problems forlocalresidents (e.g.road closures) hazardous landuse(e.g.intensiveagriculture) PART C ROADSIDE RISK ASSESSMENT PROCESS 31 Roadside Fire Management Guidelines Roadside Fire Bare Earth Bare shoulder) (eg graded Grass Scrub Trees Roadside Reserve Categories Roadside Reserve and reserve of the road the characteristics Clearly, together. be considered of the adjacent land must adjacent land vegetation or The aspect, slope and will and adjacent land reserve fuels of the road behaviour. influence fire the It is very important to describe and record as part of of the risk environment characteristics the risk assessment. can be used in The fuel categories suggested here describe the to combinations as appropriate areas. and surrounding vegetation of roadsides just this information on the Worksheets, record To box(es). tick the appropriate WORKSHEET 1 • ROADSIDE RISK ASSESSMENT 32 Hazard 1999 toestimateFuel Use McCarthyet.al. to Table 5 Load byreferring Estimate theFuel Roadside Fire Management Guidelines worksheet approach ofwildfire: Indicate, onasketch,locationsoflikelyassetsand tp5 IndicateFuelLoadofadjacentlandandreserves. Step 5. Indicatewidthofroad androadside reserves. Step 4. Indicatelanduse onadjacent land. Step 3. Tickcircle orcircles belowtodescribevegetation. Step 2. Indicateapproximate slopes onsketch. Step 1. INSTRUCTIONS Assessment Completed By: Describe thesurrounding residential, industrialandotherpopulatedareas: Road Category(VicRoads)ormunicipalroad: Length ofroad andreserve inthisassessment(km): Site orArea Details Brigade Municipality ODIERS ASSESSMENT RISK ROADSIDE Step 5 Width (m) Step 4 Land Use Step 3 Step 2 Step 1 or FuelHazard Fuel load(t/ha) DAETLN EEV RA EEV ADJACENTLAND RESERVE ROAD RESERVE ADJACENT LAND N/A
FENCELINE N/A 1 3. 2. 1. Suggested Treatments: Objective(s) tobeAddressed: Facing (circle direction) Date Grid Ref. rs Trees Scrub Grass Bare Earth N/A N/A N/A ASSESSMENT NO: N/A
FENCELINE N/A ROADSIDE RISK ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET 2 33 Yes / No Yes Yes / No Yes / No Yes Yes / No Yes / No Yes Roadside Fire Management Guidelines Roadside Fire Need to address this objective? this Need to address objective? this Need to address Need to address this objective? this Need to address Need to address this objective? this Need to address objective? this Need to address 2
SELECTING APPROPRIATE TREATMENTS
How disabling would the loss of these assets be to the community? and worthwhile? realistic are Which treatments Which treatments are realistic and worthwhile? realistic are Which treatments Roadside Fires Objective 5: Recovery from to wildfire? vulnerable infrastructure any road Is there Are large fires likely in this area (is there a history of them)? (is there likely in this area fires large Are lines than the road? adequate or better control there Are at this point? is not controlled the consequences if the fire What are ? at this road a fire the chances of controlling What are Which treatments are realistic and worthwhile? and realistic are Which treatments Lines Control Objective 4: Provide Objective 3: Manage the Safety of Road Users in Large Fires in Large Users Objective 3: Manage the Safety of Road along this road? behaviour What is the likely fire of this road? volume What is the traffic access and egress? in providing How important is this road alternative routes? there Are What is the consequence if the fire is not controlled on the roadside? is not controlled What is the consequence if the fire worthwhile? and realistic are Which treatments Objective 2: Contain Roadside Fires ignitions in this area? What is the history of roadside reserve? be if it leaves the road behaviour What will the fire works on adjoining land? prevention What is the extent of fire to this location? forces of suppression time What is the response What are likely to be the consequences if these ignitions occur? likely to be the consequences if these ignitions What are and worthwhile? realistic are Which treatments Objective 1: Prevent Fires Starting on Roadsides Fires Objective 1: Prevent the most likely causes of ignitions here? What are worksheet worksheet PART D part d APPENDICES
APPENDIX 1: CFA REGIONS
APPENDICES REGION 2 45 Chapel Street, Bendigo, 3550 (03) 5443 7444 Consists of: Greater City of Bendigo (Part), Northern Grampians (Part), Mt Alexander (Part), Central Goldfields (Part), Loddon (Part) Buloke (Part) and Campaspe (Part)
REGION 4 38 Henty Street, Casterton, 3311 (03) 5581 1114 Consists of: Glenelg, Southern Grampians (Part) and West Wimmera (Part)
REGION 5 P O Box 389, Hamilton, 3300 (03) 5572 3122 Consists of: City of Warrnambool, Southern Grampians (Part), Moyne (Part) and Corangamite (Part)
REGION 6 115B Bromfield Street, Colac, 3250 (03) 5232 1923 Consists of: Corangamite (Part) and Colac/Otway (Part)
REGION 7 61 Separation Street, North Geelong, 3215 (03) 5277 1499 Consists of: Borough of Queenscliffe, City of Greater Geelong, Surf Coast, Golden Plains and Colac/Otway (Part)
REGION 8 120-122 Princes Highway, Dandenong, 3175 (03) 9793 4088 Consists of: Bass Coast, Casey, Frankston, Cardinia, Mornington Peninsula, French Island, Greater Dandenong and Kingston (MFB)
REGION 9 24 Normanby Street, Warragul, 3820 (03) 5623 1180 Consists of: La Trobe, Baw Baw and South Gippsland
REGION 10 81 Macarthur Street, Sale, 3850 (03) 5144 2933 Consists of: Wellington and La Trobe (Part)
REGION 11 130 MacLeod St, Bairnsdale, 3875 (03) 5152 3048 Consists of: East Gippland
REGION 12 52 Tallarook St, Seymour, 3660 (03) 5799 1517 Consists of: Greater Bendigo (Part), Murrindindi and Mitchell
REGION 13 18-22 Lakeview Drive, Lilydale, 3140 (03) 9735 0511 Consists of: Banyule (Part & MFB), Manningham (MFB), Knox, Maroondah (MFB), Nillumbik (Part & MFB) and Yarra Ranges
REGION 14 14-15 Melton Valley Drive, Melton, 3337 (03) 9747 6014 Consists of: Nillumbik (Part & MFB), Wyndham (MFB), Melton, Moorabool (Part), Hume (MFB) Banyule (Part & MFB), Hobson's Bay (MFB), Macedon Ranges (Part) and Whittlesea (MFB)
REGION 15 1120 Sturt Street, Ballarat, 3350 (03) 5331 7966 Consists of: City of Ballarat, Macedon Ranges (Part) Mt Alexander (Part), Hepburn, Central Goldfields, (Part) Moorabool (Part), and Golden Plains (Part)
REGION 16 390 Barkly Street, Ararat, 3377 (03) 5352 5516 Consists of: Rural City of Ararat, Northern Grampians (Part), Pyrenees, Moyne (Part) and Southern Grampians (Part)
REGION 17 119 Firebrace Street, Horsham, 3400 (03) 5382 6672 Consists of: Horsham Rural, Hindmarsh, West Wimmera, Northern Grampians (Part) and Yarriambiack (Part)
REGION 18 Curlewis Street, Swan Hill, 3585 (03) 5033 1884 Consists of: Rural Cities of Mildura and Swan Hill, Buloke (Part) and Yarriambiack (Part)
REGION 20 173 Boundary Street, Kerang, 3579 (03) 5450 3406 Consists of: Campaspe (Part), Loddon (Part), Buloke (Part) and Gannawarra
REGION 22 270 Maude Street, Shepparton, 3630 (03) 5831 4075 Consists of: Greater Shepparton, Campaspe (Part), Moira (Part) and Strathbogie
REGION 23 22 Rowan Street, Wangaratta, 3677 (03) 5721 4122 Consists of: Delatite, Indigo (Part), Wangaratta Rural and Moira (Part)
REGION 24 Cnr Smythe & Stanley Streets, Wodonga, 3690 (02) 6056 3022 Consists of: Wodonga Rural City Council, Indigo Shire Council (Part), Alpine Shire Council and Towong Shire Council
34 Roadside Fire Management Guidelines PART D APPENDICES 5 3 ead, ession r e and r e Management Guidelines r r e used. It ed under r egate, stop, elated to r r r , assets and onment. es, particularly e supp y r ds r r ol line to om which to r e. r r r Roadside Fi opert r e cont r e line f r ates the specifications r ces and Envi r escribed burning. It contains alia / Standa ation is by publication in the r r e. r essed in terms of one of five r r st e edge, used in fi u r ovide a fi efighting techniques a r r e edge which then becomes the r al Resou e. r e. ds A r r r ead of fi ession difficulty of a fi ea (including life, p r r eated fi r ation is to be conducted. r r e, or to p r , or t r al supp r , heath and suspended material. e wet or dry fi r b otect an a e. elative number denoting an evaluation of sp r r essed in terms of one of five categories 1999, Standa r e by attacking its side/s (flank/s). r e of elevated fuel exp e danger period. Decla . ea of Victoria and means the period decla r ea to be burnt and incorpo r r r r oved for the conduct of p r e starting. et al r ead of a wildfi r ession difficulty of a fi r ol of a fi e attack whe r r ession action right on the fi r e. r elated to the gene r al or constructed discontinuity in a fuel bed used to seg al or constructed discontinuity in a fuel bed ol the sp al supp ol line. om damage by fi r r r ign Guidelines 1997. r r ession difficulty for specific combinations of fuel, fuel moistu etary of the Department of Natu , McCarthy s al or constructed barrie r r y r escribed burning to limit the sp obability of fi e Danger Rating) A r ess a fi r s to the Country A r r r e started intentionally along the inner edge of a fi e started intentionally r e cont r The portion of the total fuel that would actually burn under various specified fuel that would actually burn under various The portion of the total conditions. A fi The type of bark fuel exp consume the fuel in the path of a wildfi the gene The plan which is app a map identifying the a and conditions under which the ope A method of fi involves supp The amount and structu fi Elevated fuel comprises shru categories Any natu and cont supp A natu and p (or Fi or supp wind speed. Refe the CFA Act to be the fi Government Gazette, and is by the Chairman of CFA after consultation with the Sec those of human origin. All activities designed to p Any fuel which if ignited, may be difficult to extinguish. All activities associated with minimising the incidence of wildfi values) f The p Obtaining cont erminolog T ) e r ) eak r al Fi d r r d d e r n erio n l l P g k k d ol lin r r n
k eak (or fuel b otectio eventio r r r is ces: AFAC Ru r ect attac e b e cont e Danger Index (FDI e Danger e p e haza e p e r r r r r r r r r r APPENDIX 2: GLOSSARY OF TERMS APPENDIX 2: GLOSSARY Sou Back burnin New Zealand 1995, VicRoads Road De New Zealand 1995, VicRoads Available fue Bark fuel haza Burn pla Di Elevated fue Elevated fuel haza Fi Fi Fi Fi Fi Fi Fi Fi Flank attac APPENDICES PART D 36 Roadside Fire Management Guidelines batter slope Wildfire Surface finefuelhazard Spot fires Spotting Scrub Road verge Road shoulder Risk assessment Risk Prescribed burning Near surfacefuels Overall fuelhazard Indirect attack Fuel load eg batterslope verge hudrverge shoulder scrub fires. An unplannedfire. Agenerictermwhichincludesgrass fires, forest fires and fuel load. classes related tothefire behaviourandtheequivalentlitter The litterbeddepthandnearsurfacefuelsexpressed asoneoffivehazard material, sometimestoadistanceofseveral kilometres. Isolated fires startedaheadof themainfire bysparks,embers orotherignited The ignitionofspotfires from sparksorembers. as anunderstorey orbyitselfintheabsenceofatree canopy. Refers tovegetationsuchasheath, wire grass andshrubwhichgrows either between theshoulderandbatterslope(seediagram). Verges are adjacenttothe road shoulder. Theyprovide atrafficable transition surface standard thanthelane,butreadily trafficable (seediagram). The sectionoftheroad adjacenttothelane,usuallyofaslightlylower comparing againsttarget risklevels. The process usedtodetermineriskmanagementprioritiesbyevaluatingand measured intermsoflikelihoodandconsequences. The chanceofsomethinghappeningthatwillhaveanimpactonobjectives; attain plannedresource managementobjectives. a predetermined area andatatime,intensity, andrate ofspread required to The controlled applicationoffire underspecifiedenvironmental conditionsto fine fuelhazard. surface littertoincrease fire behaviourandare addedtoproduce thesurface e.g. grass tussocks,deadbracken, lowshrubsorwire grass. Interact with the surfacefinefuelhazard. The sumoftheinfluencesbarkhazard, theelevatedfuelhazard and may beaconsiderable distanceaheadofthefire. a definedarea boundedbyexistingorprepared control lines.Control lines The useofbackburningasamethodsuppression toconfinethefire within Commonly expressed astonnesperhectare. (or fuelquantityorweight)Theovendryweightofperunitarea. rfi aeshoulder traffic lane PART D APPENDICES 37 Roadside Fire Management Guidelines Roadside Fire REFERENCES Mount Waverley, Authorities Council. Fire Australasian Terminology. Fire of Rural AFAC 1996. Glossary Victoria. 23pp. 4360:1995. New Zealand 1995. Risk Management AS/NZS Australia/Standards Standards Radiative Model Based on A Theoretical Safety Zones: 1998. Firefighter and Cohen, J.D. B.W. Butler, 73-77. 8(2): Journal of Wildland Fire Heating. International International in Grasslands. Spread of Fire 1998. Prediction J.S. and Catchpole, W.R. Gould, P.N., Cheney, 8(1):1-13. Journal of Wildland Fire. 102pp. CSIRO Publishing. behaviour. fuel, weather and fire Sullivan, A. 1997. Grassfires: and P. Cheney, No 6228/1958, Victorian Government. Authority Act 1958. Country Fire and tactics in the Field. 23.50 pp. A Guide to Operations Guidelines 1995. Operations Authority. Country Fire CFA. Planning Guidelines. 26pp. CFA. Prevention 1997. Municipal Fire Authority. Country Fire for State Government Guidelines Access Tracks. and Fire Service. 1992. Fuelbreaks Country Fire Departments. CSF Ref: 1227A. 18pp. Management on Public for Fire 1995. Code of Practice and Environment Resources Department of Natural 38 pp. Resources. Land. Department of Conservation and Natural of civilian deaths in the 1983 Ash a study S. 1992. Staying Alive: Lessons learnt from Krusel, N. and Petris, Management Quarterly 2:1-17. Fire bushfires. Wednesday 359pp. AGPS Canberra. in Australia. A.G. 1978. Bushfires Luke, R.H. and McArthur, and Timber Bureau, Institute, Forestry Resource Danger Meter MK 5. Forest Fire A.G. 1973. Forest McArthur, Canberra. Victoria, Australia. Authority, Danger Meter MK V. Country Fire Fire A.G. 1977. Grassland McArthur, Management Research Guide. Fire Fuel Hazard K.G. and Chatto, K. 1999. Overall G.J., Tolhurst, McCarthy, 28pp. and Environment. Resources Natural Report No. 47. CFTT. CFA. 31pp. Planners. Prevention Management Guidelines for Fire S. and Spittle, J. 1994. Roadside Petris, VicRoads. 1997. Road Design Guidelines and Background Roadside Conservation Committee of Victoria. 1995. Roadside Management and Planning, Guidelines. RCAC. I.S. 1984. Fight or flee: a case study of the Mount Macedon bushfire. Wilson, A.A.G. and Ferguson, 47(4):230-236. Forestry Australian some field experiments. grassfires: that is necessary to stop Wilson, A.A.G. 1988. Width of Firebreak 18:682-687. Research Canadian Journal of Forest