Dexter Area Fire Department

Policy Number/Title: 2502.003 Grass and Wildland Fires Standard Operating Guide

Effective Date: 16 June 2016

Scope/Applicability: This policy applies to all personnel employed by the Dexter Area Fire Department. It is the responsibility of all members to become familiar with the guidance provided in this document.

Enforcement/Deviation: This policy will be enforced as necessary by the Fire Department Chain of Command In Accordance With (IAW) Department of Labor Regulations and Bargaining Unit Agreements. Deviations are authorized from this guideline based on the situation, education, skills and experience of the decision maker. However, deviations’ may need to be justified to the Fire Chief. If a modification to this guidance is necessary it will be reviewed at the Fire Chief level.

Reference: MIOSHA Part 74, NFPA 1500

Purpose: To provide a standardized approach to service calls concerning Grass/Wildland fires.

A. General:

1. Initial Response: Initial response shall be a Utility/Jeep and a Tanker. The closest station crew shall respond with a Utility/Jeep equipped for grass or brush fires, the second closest crew shall respond with a tanker.

2. Personal Protective Equipment: Full PPE or fire retardant jumpsuit with leather boots.

3. Incident Priorities: Fire Fighter Safety, Public Safety, Scene Stabilization, Fire Attack

B. Procedures:

1. Small Fires:

a. Response to grass fires shall be in emergency mode until the first arriving unit provides a size-up that indicates no immediate threats.

b. Successful control of major fires, both wild-land and conflagration, depends on the selection of correct tactics and strategies and affective command and control. Timely size up of the situation, and implementation of an incident command system, will enhance the ability to effectively control the situation.

c. All fires are to be fought from a safe location. Only four-wheel drive apparatus will be permitted off the roadway or firm ground. Firefighters will work in teams utilizing vehicle- mounted pumps, brooms and pump cans. If the fire cannot be controlled offensively, units will be placed to protect exposures.

2. Large Fires:

Fire Chief: Robert L. Smith (Original Signature on File) Page 1 of 2 2502.003 Grass and Wildland Fires Standard Operating Guide (continued)

a. Due to the scope of wild-land fires and conflagrations, listing specific operating instruction is not practical. The following procedures are intended to aid the Senior Fire Officer (SFO) in formulating a sound strategy from which to operate.

1) In the event a major wild-land fire or conflagration hazard exists an incident command system will be utilized to manage the situation. The SFO will assume the role of Incident Commander (IC) and shall establish a command structure that meets the needs of the particular situation.

2) Responsibility for overall coordination and direction of all activities shall rest with the Incident Commander. This will include overall responsibility for the safety and health of all members operating within the ICS.

3) The IC will implement a personnel accountability system and maintain overall accountability at the incident.

4) As a minimum, the IC should consider the following variables when formulating a general strategy: exposures and building construction, wind velocity, weather, terrain, obstructions and fire breaks, vehicle traffic, evacuation, mutual aid assistance, staging, communications, rest and rehabilitation and the recall additional personnel.

Summary of Changes: New document

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