Fire Operations in the Wildland/Urban Interface S-215 Student Workbook NFES 2171 SEPTEMBER, 2003 Description of the Performance Based System The NWCG Wildland and Prescribed Fire Qualifications System is a “performance-based” qualifica- tions system. In this system, the primary criterion for qualification is individual performance as observed by an evaluator using approved standards. This system differs from previous wildland fire qualifications systems which have been “training based.” Training based systems use the completion of training courses or a passing score on an examination as a primary criteria for qualification. A performance-based system has two advantages over a training based system: • Qualification is based upon real performance, as measured on the job, versus perceived performance, as measured by an examination or classroom activities. • Personnel who have learned skills from sources outside wildland fire suppression, such as agency specific training programs or training and work in prescribed fire, structural fire, law enforcement, search and rescue, etc., may not be required to complete specific courses in order to qualify in a wildfire position. 1. The components of the wildland fire qualifications system are as follows: a. Position Task Books (PTB) contain all critical tasks which are required to perform the job. PTBs have been designed in a format which will allow documentation of a trainee’s ability to perform each task. Successful completion of all tasks required of the position, as determined by an evaluator, will be the basis for recommending certification. IMPORTANT NOTE: Training requirements include completion of all required training courses prior to obtaining a PTB. Use of the suggested training courses or job aids is recommended to prepare the employee to perform in the position. b. Training courses and job aids provide the specific skills and knowledge required to perform tasks as prescribed in the PTB. c. Agency Certification is issued in the form of an incident qualification card certifying that the individual is qualified to perform in a specified position. 2. Responsibilities The local office is responsible for selecting trainees, proper use of task books, and certification of trainees, see appendix A of the NWCG Wildland and Prescribed Fire Qualification System Guide, PMS 310-1, for further information. Fire Operations in the Wildland/Urban Interface S-215 Student Workbook SEPTEMBER, 2003 NFES 2171 Sponsored for NWCG publication by the NWCG Training Working Team Comments regarding the content of this publication should be directed to: National Interagency Fire Center, National Fire Training Support Group, 3833 S. Development Ave., Boise, Idaho 83705. Email: [email protected]. Additional copies of this publication may be ordered from National Interagency Fire Center, ATTN: Great Basin Cache Supply Office, 3833 South Development Avenue, Boise, Idaho 83705. Order NFES 2171. PREFACE S-215 Fire Operations in the Wildland/Urban Interface is required training for single resource bosses (tractor/plow, dozer, engine, or crew) who are seeking certification as incident commander Type 4 (ICT4) and/or strike team leader (STLP, STDZ, STEN, STCR) as identified in the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG), Wildland and Prescribed Fire Qualification System Guide (PMS 310-1). This course was developed by an interagency group of experts with direction and guidance from Fire Training located at the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC). The primary participants in this development effort were: Gil Gray - Rapid City Department of Fire and Emergency Services Dan Snow - USDA Forest Service Robert Pantrich - USDI Bureau of Indian Affairs Pete Peterson - USDA Forest Service Joe Mazzeo - USDI Park Service Dan Dyer - California Division of Forestry Craig Cook - USDI Bureau of Indian Affairs The NWCG appreciates the efforts of these personnel and all those who have contributed to the develoment of this training course including Al Crouch, USDI Bureau of Land Management, for his original electronic presentation program. i ii CONTENTS Preface.................................................................................................................... i Contents ................................................................................................................ iii Introduction ........................................................................................................... 1 Course Instructions................................................................................................ 3 Unit 1 - Interface Awareness ............................................................................... 1.1 Unit 2 - Size-Up .................................................................................................. 2.1 Unit 3 - Initial Strategy and Action Plan............................................................... 3.1 Unit 4 - Structure Triage ..................................................................................... 4.1 Unit 5 - Structure Protection Tactics Lesson A - Initial Operations and Site Preparation................................ 5A.1 Lesson B - Engine Operations, Water Use and Class A Foam ............. 5B.1 Lesson C - Support Resources ............................................................ 5C.1 Lesson D - Firing Operations ............................................................... 5D.1 Unit 6 - Action Plan Assessment and Update ...................................................... 6.1 Unit 7 - Follow-up and Public Relations.............................................................. 7.1 Unit 8 - Firefighter Safety In The Interface .......................................................... 8.1 Appendix A - Glossary of Terms ....................................................................... A-1 iii iv INTRODUCTION S-215 Fire Operations in the Wildland/Urban Interface is a 28 hour course designed to meet the training needs for incident commanders (Type 4), strike team leaders, and company officers confronting wildland fire that threatens life, property and improvements in the wildland/urban interface. This workbook is designed to help the student learn the principles used in suppressing wildland fire and/or protecting structures in the wildland/urban interface area; hereafter referred to as the “interface.” The majority of the workbook is to be used as a note taking guide, but other practical information and exercises are included. Many terms used by both wildland and structure firefighters have different meanings to each. A glossary is included for your reference and/or review. To measure how well you received and retained this information, there will be unit tests covering the material presented and a final examination covering all the course material. Students must obtain an average score of 70 percent or higher on the closed book unit tests and final examination to receive a certificate of course completion. 1 COURSE OBJECTIVE This course provides the student with the skills and knowledge to size-up a wildland/urban interface fire incident, evaluate the potential situation, order and deploy the necessary resources, and apply safe and effective strategy and tactics to minimize the threat to life and property. Unit objectives are located at the beginning of each unit in the student workbook and define what the student will be able to do at the completion of the unit. 2 Fire Operations In the Wildland/Urban Interface, S-215 Unit 1 - Interface Awareness OBJECTIVES: 1. Discuss how preparing for and responding to interface fires is a shared responsibility. 2. Describe the human and environmental factors in the interface that affect critical decision making and require situational awareness for firefighter safety. 3. Identify the value of the Incident Command System as an effective tool to manage interface fires. 4. Discuss the importance of knowing your agency policy relating to interface fires. 1.1 INTRODUCTION The wildland/urban interface is a zone where human-made improvements intermix with wildland fuels. The wildland/urban interface will hereafter be referred to as the “interface” in this course. Due to the growing number of homes and other structures in America’s interface, it is almost inevitable that wildland and structure firefighters will find themselves in dangerous role reversals for which they may not be mentally prepared, adequately trained, or physically equipped. Wildland firefighters may be called on to protect threatened structures, and structure firefighters may be called on to help suppress fires in wildland fuels that threaten structures. The trend throughout the country is for increased growth and development in the interface. With this increased growth comes a corresponding increase in exposure for the nation’s wildland and structure firefighters to interface fires. It is therefore critical to find ways to increase firefighters’ safety under these conditions. The most direct way to improve the safety of both structure and wildland firefighters is cross-training, mental preparation, and improved equipment. Cross-training is being done in some regions throughout the country, however, it is not standard practice in all regions. Some regions are improving and updating their fire fighting equipment. Until cross-training programs and equipment updates become universal, a good understanding of situational awareness may be the tool that saves firefighters’ lives. Over the past ten years, wildland/urban interface