DOCSLIB.ORG

Wildland Fire Suppression Tactics Reference Guide Is Designed to Supplement Courses That Teach Tactics in the Wildland Fire Qualification System

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Wildland Fire Suppression Tactics Reference Guide Is Designed to Supplement Courses That Teach Tactics in the Wildland Fire Qualification System PREFACE The Wildland Fire Suppression Tactics Reference Guide is designed to supplement courses that teach tactics in the Wildland Fire Qualification System. It can be used by the beginning firefighter to learn basic tactics as well as a review of fire suppression tactics for the advanced firefighter. This reference guide was developed under the direction of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group Training Working Team with coordination and assistance of Fire Managers from the following agencies: United States Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management National Park Service Bureau of Indian Affairs United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service National Association of State Foresters Colorado State Forest Service Minnesota Division of Forestry We appreciate the efforts those people associated with the design and development of this product. 1 Additional copies of this publication may be ordered from: National Interagency Fire Center ATTN: Supply 3833 S. Development Ave. Boise, Idaho 83705 Order NFES #1256 11 CONTENTS INTRODUCTION TO REFERENCE GUIDE.............................................. 1 FIRE ORDERS 2 WATCH OUT SITUATIONS 3 LOOKOUTS, COMMUNICATIONS, ESCAPE ROUTES, SAFETY ZONES (LCES) 4 SECTION 1 - FIRE SUPPRESSION PRINCIPLES 5 Fire Sizeup and Initial Attack 7 How to Attack a Fire 15 Where to Attack a Fire 18 Fireline Location 20 Fireline Flagging 26 Fireline Construction 29 Coyote Tactic 36 Crew Production Rates 38 Fireline Explosives 41 Mopup 44 Minimum Impact Suppression Tactics (MIST) 48 SECTION 2 - USE OF WATER AND ADDITIVES 57 Types of Pumps 59 Hydraulics 62 Series, Parallel, and Staged Pumping 71 Hose Lays 75 Mopup 78 Tactical Use of Water 79 Surfactants 92 Class A Foam. 93 Retardants 101 Firegels 101 111 SECTION 3 - USE OF FIRE IN CONTROL OPERATIONS 103 Burning Out and Backfiring 105 Types of Fire Spread 109 Ignition Techniques 113 Strip Firing 113 One, Two, Three - Three, Two, One (1-2-3/3-2-1) Firing Concept 115 Head and Strip Head Firing 117 Blowhole Firing 118 Spot Firing 119 Ring Firing 120 Chevron Firing 121 Burn Strip 122 Planning and Conducting Firing Operations 123 Special Firing Considerations 124 Firing Equipment 127 SECTION 4 - MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT 131 Dozers 133 Comparison of Dozers Used For Fireline Construction 134 Dozer Production Rates 140 Dozer Line Construction Principles 144 Tractor Plows 148 Principles of Tractor/Plow Operations 149 Engines 153 Mobile Attack 156 Tandem Tactic 157 Pincer Tactic 158 Envelopment Tactic 159 Stationary Attack 160 Inside-out Tactic 161 Parallel Attack 162 Engine Production Rates 164 IV SECTION 5 - TACTICAL AIR OPERATIONS 165 Factors Affecting Aircraft Use 167 Factors to Consider in Retardant Aircraft Use 170 Types, Effects, and Use of Retardant 173 Recommended Retardant Coverage Levels 175 Retardant Evaluation Criteria 176 Air Tanker Tactics 177 Principles of Retardant Application 180 SECTION 6 - WILDLAND/URBAN INTERFACE 181 Kinds of Wildland/Urban Interface 183 Structural Fire Behavior 184 Wildland/Urban Fire Sizeup Considerations 185 Structure Triage 188 Wildland/Urban Interface Firefighting Tactics 191 Structure Full Containment 194 Structure Partial Containment 195 Structure No Containment 196 Structural Firefighting Situations That Shout "Watch Out" 200 Structural Watch Out Situations & Triage Made Easier to Remember 201 SECTION 7 - FlTELS, FIRE BEHAVIOR, AND TACTICS BY GEOGRAPHIC AREAS OF THE UNITED STATES 203 Alaska 205 Northwest and Northern Rocky Mountains 219 Southern and Central California 237 Great Basin and Southern Rocky Mountains 257 Southwest 283 Northeast 297 Southeast 313 GLOSSARY OF TERMS 333 v VI INTRODUCTION The Wildland Fire Suppression Tactics Reference Guide provides basic tactical information on suppressing wildland fires. It also provides information on wildland fire fuels, fire behavior, and tactics by geographic areas of the United States. It can be used by the beginning firefighter to learn more about tactics or determining exactly where and how to build a control line and what other suppression measures are necessary to extinguish a fire. It can be used as a review of fire suppression tactics for the advanced firefighter. The tactics reference guide is intended to be a supplement, but not a substitute for wildland fire training. It does not qualify a person for any wildland firefighting position. This guide does not include nor address the constraints on firefighting imposed by environmental laws and regulations; i.e., designated wilderness areas, wilderness study areas, threatened and endangered species, cultural and archeology sites, air quality, etc. 1 FIRE ORDERS Fight fire aggressively but provide for safety first. Initiate all action based on current and expected fire behavior. Recognize current weather conditions and obtain forecasts. Ensure instructions are given and understood. Obtain current information on fire status. Remain in communication with crew members, your supervisor and adjoining forces. Determine safety zones and escape routes. Establish lookouts in potentially hazardous situations. Retain control at all times. Stay alert, keep calm, think clearly, act decisively. 2 WATCH OUT SITUATIONS (Survival Checklist) Fire not scouted and sized up. In country not seen by daylight. Safety zones and escape routes not identified. Unfamiliar with weather and local factors influencing fire behavior. Uninformed on strategy, tactics and hazards. Instructions and assignments not clear. No communication link with crew members/supervisor. Constructing fireline without safe anchor point. Building fireline downhill with fire below. Attempting frontal attack on the fire. Unbumed fuel between you and the fire. Cannot see main fire, not in contact with anyone who can. On a hillside where rolling material can ignite fuel below. Weather is getting hotter and drier. Wind increases and/or changes direction. Getting frequent spot fires across line. Terrain and fuels make escape to safety zones difficult. Taking a nap near the fireline. 3 LOOKOUTS, COMMUNICATIONS, ESCAPE ROUTES, SAFETY ZONES (LCES) Figure 1 displays the concept of LCES which is posting lookout(s) if you cannot see the fire, maintaining communications between the lookout(s) and firefighters, and always knowing your escape route(s) and safety zone(s). If LCES is constantly practiced the Standard Firefighting Orders and Watch Out Situations will not be compromised. Figure I-LCES ILeES I Lookout(s) --r(f) ~ -- -- Objective ~ Hazard Communication(s) ~ Escape Route(s) y Safety Zone(s) LeES must be established & known to ALL firefighters BEFORE needed. 4 SECTION 1 - FIRE SUPPRESSION PRINCIPLES Strategy is an overall plan of action for fighting a fire which gives regard to the most cost efficient use of personnel and equipment in consideration of resource values threatened, fire behavior, legal constraints, and objectives established for resource management. Tactics are the operational aspects of fire suppression. Determining exactly where and how to build a control line and what other suppression measures are necessary to extinguish a fire. Tactics must be consistent with the strategy established for suppressing a fire. The purpose of this section on fire suppression principles is to acquaint all firefighters with the factors to size up a fire and apply the strategy and tactics that will enable an appropriate suppression response to be completed in a safe, efficient manner, and facilitate rehabilitation of the suppression impacts. Most wildland fires are suppressed by initial attack (first to arrive) forces. Some wildland fires become large for various reasons. Fire suppression principles apply to initial attack as well as to large fires or parts of large fires. 5 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 I FIRE SIZEUP AND INITIAL ATTACK Often times firefighters and incident commanders take shortcuts concerning fire sizeup, establishing communications and safety. A thorough fire sizeup, establishing communications among all resources on a fire, and applying safety to all aspects of fire suppression are critical elements that must be adhered to. If adequate communications can not be established and firefighter safety is compromised then it is time to back off and re-evaluate your tactics. If you are assigned to fight fire in an area where you are unfamiliar with the local fuels, weather, topography, and fire behavior you should request a briefing from the local agency, to provide you with this information. In many cases sizeup and initial attack go hand in hand because the firefighter with a passion for safety begins to gather information about the fire situation from the initial dispatch and/or prior to departing to the fire incident. En route To A Fire En route to a fire begin to think about your knowledge of the fire area and how current conditions compare to past experiences. Some items to consider are: • Firefighter safety. • Fuels and terrain. What are the fuels? Are they heavy timber types or light, flashy, grass types? Are the fuels sheltered from direct solar radiation due to aspect or cover? Is the terrain steep or gentle? How do you expect this fire to bum compared to recent fires in similar areas? • Weather-is the windspeed greater or less than the forecast? Is it from the same direction? Are there dust devils or gusty winds that would indicate erratic behavior? Is the humidity about what was forecast? Are there any indicator clouds or thunderstorms? • Smoke column-check size, height, color, direction and shape. The greater the height and size of the column the greater the fire intensity. A fractured (bent over by the wind) column indicates a wind­ driven fire. Wind-driven fires can pose serious threats to safety as the fire grows. Spotting can become long range creating new fires ahead of the main fire. However, direction and rate of spread is more predictable. 7 A large developing mushroom shaped column can indicate a plume­ dominated fire where the fire's rate of spread and direction is very unpredictable. Strong wind indrafts and downbursts can occur with short range spotting in all directions.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Chainsaw Vibrations, a Useful Parameter for the Automatic Tree Volume Estimations and Production Assessment Of
    655 A publication of CHEMICAL ENGINEERING TRANSACTIONS VOL. 58, 2017 The Italian Association of Chemical Engineering Online at www.aidic.it/cet Guest Editors: Remigio Berruto, Pietro Catania, Mariangela Vallone Copyright © 2017, AIDIC Servizi S.r.l. ISBN 978-88-95608-52-5; ISSN 2283-9216 DOI: 10.3303/CET1758110 Chainsaw Vibrations, a Useful Parameter for the Automatic Tree Volume Estimations and Production Assessment of Felling Operations Raimondo Gallo*a, Filippo Nallia, Luca Corteseb, David Knollseisenc, Werner c a Noggler , Fabrizio Mazzetto aFaculty of Science and Technology, Free University of Bozen (FUB), Piazza Universitá 5, 39100 Bolzano (Italy) bMechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Eudossiana 18, 00184 Rome (Italy) cAzienda Provinciale Foreste e Demanio, Via Michael-Pacher 13, 39100 Bolzano (Italy) [email protected] An innovative approach for the automatic operational monitoring of motor-manual felling activities with chainsaw is here described and discussed. This new system of assessment can be considered as a solution for Precision Forestry (PF) applications and can be employed as a ICT tool for the management of the forest companies. Aim of the proposed system is to manage operational information such as: a) positioning of each felling operation inside the forest, b) measurement of the time spent to carry out the felling, c) estimation of the size of every felled tree, and in the end, d) the analysis of the productivity of the felling operations. This experience is based on the operative principle which considers that the lumberjack, during the actual cutting, drives the chainsaw with the engine at the highest number of rpm.
    [Show full text]
  • Human Health Risk Assessment of Wildland Fire-Fighting Chemicals: Long-Term Fire Retardants
    HUMAN HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT OF WILDLAND FIRE-FIGHTING CHEMICALS: LONG-TERM FIRE RETARDANTS Prepared for: Fire and Aviation Management U.S. Forest Service By: Headquarters: 1406 Fort Crook Drive South, Suite 101 Bellevue, NE 68005 September 2017 Health Risk Assessment: Retardants September 2017 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT OF WILDLAND FIRE-FIGHTING CHEMICALS: LONG-TERM FIRE RETARDANTS September 2017 The U.S. Forest Service uses a variety of fire-fighting chemicals to aid in the suppression of fire in wildlands. These products can be categorized as long-term retardants, foams, and water enhancers. This chemical toxicity risk assessment of the long-term retardants examined their potential impacts on fire-fighters and members of the public. Typical and maximum exposures from planned activities were considered, as well as an accidental drench of an individual in the path of an aerial drop. This risk assessment evaluates the toxicological effects associated with chemical exposure, that is, the direct effects of chemical toxicity, using methodologies established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. A risk assessment is different from and is only one component of a comprehensive impact assessment of all types of possible effects from an action on health and the human environment, including aircraft noise, cumulative impacts, physical injury, and other direct or indirect effects. Environmental assessments or environmental impact statements pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act consider chemical toxicity, as well as other potential effects to make management decisions. Each long-term retardant product used in wildland fire-fighting is a mixture of individual chemicals. The product is supplied as a concentrate, in either a wet (liquid) or dry (powder) form, which is then diluted with water to produce the mixture that is applied during fire-fighting operations.
    [Show full text]
  • Felling Hazard Trees with Explosives Bob Beckley, Project Leader
    United States Department of Agriculture Safety and Health Forest Service Technology & Development Program April 2008 6700 0867–2325–MTDC Felling Hazard Trees With Explosives Bob Beckley, Project Leader elling hazard trees is extremely dangerous. It can also be dangerous to leave hazard trees standing, because FFthey can fall unexpectedly. Removing hazard trees with explosives (figure 1) can be a safe alternative to cutting the trees down. Workers can be a safe distance away when the hazard tree falls. Explosives and ignition systems are safe and reliable when used properly. The Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, explosives program is one of the agency’s safest programs. Certified blasters need a “Hazard Trees” endorsement on their certification card (figure 2) to Figure 1—Fireline explosives have been wrapped around the trunk of this hazard tree. Note the catface (scar on the trunk), splits, cracks, and the fell hazard trees with explosives. separation of part of the trunk. Trees with these warning signs can be too dangerous for most sawyers to fell, but are excellent candidates for felling with explosives. -Blasting & Explosives Certificate- Agency: Issue Date: • Some trees with excessive decay or fire Name: DOB: damage are too hazardous for sawyers to License No: State: fell safely. Often, explosives can be used -Work Authorized- Height: Weight: to fell such trees. Initials Issued BlasteBy: r-In-Training • Trees felled with explosives have jagged Photo stumps that appear more natural than Blaster Examiner ApprovedBla By:ster sawn stumps, an advantage in • Transport/SSupervisortore/Inspect • 10 Holes wilderness settings. FS-6700-27 (03/08) Front ice, only certified • Rocks/Stumps/Ditches • In the Forest Serv • Quarry blasters with a “Hazard Trees” • Demolition explosives to • Destroy Explosives endorsem ent can use • Hazard Trees trees.
    [Show full text]
  • Active Extensional Faults in the Central-Eastern Iberian Chain, Spain
    ISSN (print): 1698-6180. ISSN (online): 1886-7995 www.ucm.es/info/estratig/journal.htm Journal of Iberian Geology 38 (1) 2012: 127-144 http://dx.doi.org/10.5209/rev_JIGE.2012.v38.n1.39209 Active extensional faults in the central-eastern Iberian Chain, Spain Fallas activas extensionales en la Cordillera Ibérica centro-oriental J.L. Simón*, L.E. Arlegui, P. Lafuente, C.L. Liesa Dpt. Ciencias de la Tierra, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Zaragoza, c/ Pedro Cerbuna 12, E-50009 Zaragoza, Spain [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] *Corresponding author Received: 27/06/2011 / Accepted: 29/02/2012 Abstract Among the conspicuous extensional structures that accommodate the onshore deformation of the Valencia Trough at the central- eastern Iberian Chain, a number of large faults show evidence of activity during Pleistocene times. At the eastern boundary of the Jiloca graben, the Concud fault has moved since mid Pliocene times at an average rate of 0.07-0.08 mm/y, while rates from 0.08 to 0.33 mm/y have been calculated using distinct stratigraphic markers of Middle to Late Pleistocene age. A total of nine paleoseisms associated to this fault have been identified between 74.5 and 15 ka BP, with interseismic periods ranging from 4 to 11 ka, estimated coseismic displacements from 0.6 to 2.7 m, and potential magnitudes close to 6.8. The other master faults of the Jiloca graben (Ca- lamocha and Sierra Palomera faults) have also evidence of Pliocene to Late Pleistocene displacement, with average slip rates of 0.06 and 0.11-0.15 mm/y, respectively.
    [Show full text]
  • RFQ/UNDP/REDD+/025/2015 (Rev 3) Provision of Fire Fighting Equipment (Tools) for Community Base Forest Fire Management Training in 4 Provinces
    REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (Goods) NAME & ADDRESS OF FIRM DATE: December 19th, 2015 Interested VENDORS REFERENCE: RFQ/UNDP/REDD+/025/2015 (Rev 3) Provision of Fire Fighting Equipment (Tools) for Community Base Forest Fire Management Training in 4 Provinces Dear Sir / Madam: We kindly request you to submit your quotation for Provision of Fire Fighting Equipment for Community Base Forest Fire Management Training in 4 Provinces, as detailed in Annex 1 of this RFQ. When preparing your quotation, please be guided by from attached hereto as Annex 2. Quotation may be submitted on or before Tuesday, December 22th, 2015 at 12.01 PM and via (choose appropriate box) e-mail, courier mail or facsimile to the address below: Subject: REFERENCE: RFQ/UNDP/REDD+/025/2015 (Rev 3) Provision of Fire Fighting Equipment (Tools) for Community Base Forest Fire Management Training in 4 Provinces Email for sending quotation electronically: Address for sending quotations by courier/mail: [email protected] ; [email protected] and cc [email protected] United Nations Development Programme REDD+ Project Mayapada Tower II – 14th Floor Jl. Jend Sudirman Kav. 27 Jakarta Selatan Attention: Anna Rahmadhani, Procurement Unit E-mail: [email protected] Quotation submitted by email must be limited to maximum of 4MB, virus-free and no more than [indicate number) email transmissions. They must be free from any form of virus or corrupted contents, or the quotations shall be rejected. 1 It shall remain your responsibility to ensure that your quotation will reach the address above on or before the deadline. Quotations that are received by UNDP after the deadline indicated above, for whatever reason, shall not be considered for evaluation.
    [Show full text]
  • Fire Extinguisher Booklet
    NY Fire Consultants, Inc. NY Fire Safety Institute 481 Eighth Avenue, Suite 618 New York, NY 10001 (212) 239 9051 (212) 239 9052 fax Fire Extinguisher Training The Fire Triangle In order to understand how fire extinguishers work, you need to understand some characteristics of fire. Four things must be present at the same time in order to produce fire: 1. Enough oxygen to sustain combustion, 2. Enough heat to raise the material to its ignition temperature, 3. Some sort of fuel or combustible material, and 4. The chemical, exothermic reaction that is fire. Oxygen, heat, and fuel are frequently referred to as the "fire triangle." Add in the fourth element, the chemical reaction, and you actually have a fire "tetrahedron." The important thing to remember is: take any of these four things away, and you will not have a fire or the fire will be extinguished. Essentially, fire extinguishers put out fire by taking away one or more elements of the fire triangle/tetrahedron. Fire safety, at its most basic, is based upon the principle of keeping fuel sources and ignition sources separate Not all fires are the same, and they are classified according to the type of fuel that is burning. If you use the wrong type of fire extinguisher on the wrong class of fire, you can, in fact, make matters worse. It is therefore very important to understand the four different fire classifications. Class A - Wood, paper, cloth, trash, plastics Solid combustible materials that are not metals. (Class A fires generally leave an Ash.) Class B - Flammable liquids: gasoline, oil, grease, acetone Any non-metal in a liquid state, on fire.
    [Show full text]
  • Grist Awards Announced
    25 VOLUME 14 NUMBER 4 JULY/AUGUST 1970 GRIST AWARDS ANNOUNCED Top awards for the most original, time partment of Parks and Recreation in New Downward designed and constructed a and money saving ideas published in York for his charcoal disposal barrel water drag rake which appeared in the GRIST last year have been selected by the which was shown in the January/February January/February 1969 issue. Pulled from National Conference on State Parks. issue. Made from two oil drums, the shoreline by boat, the rake cleans ponds First place winner was Ed Williamson, barrel was devised to overcome the prob­ and beach areas. ranger at Folsom Lake State Recreation lem of hot charcoals left in parks by Manning's description of an outdoor Area, California, and former marine ma- visitors who bring their own portable peg board at Indian Lake was in the intenceman at Oroville Reservoir SRA. grills for cookouts. Schaefer received a Nov./Dec. 1969 issue. The board is His $100 award is based on his descrip­ $50 check for his suggestion. used by rangers to note their daily tion of a low-cost buoy which appeared in Third place was a tie between Eugene work locations, saving much driving time the July/August 1969 issue. Used to mark T. Downward, garage foreman mechanic as the units they supervise are widely water recreation hazard and control areas, with the New Castle County Department scattered around the lake. the buoys are made from inexpensive and of Parks and Recreation in Delaware, easily accessible materals: a 16-gallon and William Manning, assistant supervisor grease drum available from local gas at Indian Lake State Park in Michigan.
    [Show full text]
  • "Using Fire Extinguishers"
    PRESENTER'S GUIDE "USING FIRE EXTINGUISHERS" Part of the General Safety Series Quality Safety and Health Products, for Today... and Tomorrow OUTLINE OF MAJOR PROGRAM POINTS OUTLINE OF MAJOR PROGRAM POINTS The following outline summarizes the major points of information presented in the program. The outline can be used to review the program before conducting a classroom session, as well as in preparing to lead a class discussion about the program. You've probably heard the best way to fight a fire is to prevent it, and that's true. — But accidents do happen and fires do start. — When this occurs in a workplace, you or a coworker will often be the first to respond, and fire extinguishers become the first line of defense. Fire extinguishers can enable you to act quickly and effectively to protect people and your facility. — So you need to understand the equipment, as well as how to use it. Fire extinguishers are designed to put out small fires before they grow out of control. — Putting out fires with an extinguisher isn't always easy. — It can be hazardous if you go about it in the wrong way. To use an extinguisher effectively it’s helpful to know what causes things to burn. — Fire always needs three ingredients, fuel, oxygen and heat. The "fuel" is any material that will burn, including: — Combustible solids such as wood, paper, cardboard and some metals. — Flammable and combustible liquids such as gasoline, toluene and some solvents and cleaning solutions. — Ignitable gases such as propane and natural gas. 1 Next, a fire must be in an environment where there is oxygen that it can "breathe".
    [Show full text]
  • Fire Service Features of Buildings and Fire Protection Systems
    Fire Service Features of Buildings and Fire Protection Systems OSHA 3256-09R 2015 Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 “To assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women; by authorizing enforcement of the standards developed under the Act; by assisting and encouraging the States in their efforts to assure safe and healthful working conditions; by providing for research, information, education, and training in the field of occupational safety and health.” This publication provides a general overview of a particular standards- related topic. This publication does not alter or determine compliance responsibilities which are set forth in OSHA standards and the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Moreover, because interpretations and enforcement policy may change over time, for additional guidance on OSHA compliance requirements the reader should consult current administrative interpretations and decisions by the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission and the courts. Material contained in this publication is in the public domain and may be reproduced, fully or partially, without permission. Source credit is requested but not required. This information will be made available to sensory-impaired individuals upon request. Voice phone: (202) 693-1999; teletypewriter (TTY) number: 1-877-889-5627. This guidance document is not a standard or regulation, and it creates no new legal obligations. It contains recommendations as well as descriptions of mandatory safety and health standards. The recommendations are advisory in nature, informational in content, and are intended to assist employers in providing a safe and healthful workplace. The Occupational Safety and Health Act requires employers to comply with safety and health standards and regulations promulgated by OSHA or by a state with an OSHA-approved state plan.
    [Show full text]
  • The Rising Cost of Wildfire Protection
    A Research Paper by The Rising Cost of Wildfire Protection Ross Gorte, Ph.D. Retired Senior Policy Analyst, Congressional Research Service Affiliate Research Professor, Earth Systems Research Center of the Earth, Oceans, and Space Institute, University of New Hampshire June 2013 The Rising Cost of Wildfire Protection June 2013 PUBLISHED ONLINE: http://headwaterseconomics.org/wildfire/fire-costs-background/ ABOUT THIS REPORT Headwaters Economics produced this report to better understand and address why wildfires are becoming more severe and expensive. The report also describes how the protection of homes in the Wildland-Urban Interface has added to these costs and concludes with a brief discussion of solutions that may help control escalating costs. Headwaters Economics is making a long-term commitment to better understanding these issues. For additional resources, see: http://headwaterseconomics.org/wildfire. ABOUT HEADWATERS ECONOMICS Headwaters Economics is an independent, nonprofit research group whose mission is to improve community development and land management decisions in the West. CONTACT INFORMATION Ray Rasker, Ph.D. Executive Director, Headwaters Economics [email protected] 406 570-7044 Ross Gorte, Ph.D.: http://www.eos.unh.edu/Faculty/rosswgorte P.O. Box 7059 Bozeman, MT 59771 http://headwaterseconomics.org Cover image “Firewise” by Monte Dolack used by permission, Monty Dolack Gallery, Missoula Montana. TABLE OF CONTENTS SUMMARY .................................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • A Preparedness Guide for Firefighters and Their Families
    A Preparedness Guide for Firefighters and Their Families JULY 2019 A Preparedness Guide for Firefighters and Their Families July 2019 NOTE: This publication is a draft proof of concept for NWCG member agencies. The information contained is currently under review. All source sites and documents should be considered the authority on the information referenced; consult with the identified sources or with your agency human resources office for more information. Please provide input to the development of this publication through your agency program manager assigned to the NWCG Risk Management Committee (RMC). View the complete roster at https://www.nwcg.gov/committees/risk-management-committee/roster. A Preparedness Guide for Firefighters and Their Families provides honest information, resources, and conversation starters to give you, the firefighter, tools that will be helpful in preparing yourself and your family for realities of a career in wildland firefighting. This guide does not set any standards or mandates; rather, it is intended to provide you with helpful information to bridge the gap between “all is well” and managing the unexpected. This Guide will help firefighters and their families prepare for and respond to a realm of planned and unplanned situations in the world of wildland firefighting. The content, designed to help make informed decisions throughout a firefighting career, will cover: • hazards and risks associated with wildland firefighting; • discussing your wildland firefighter job with family and friends; • resources for peer support, individual counsel, planning, and response to death and serious injury; and • organizations that support wildland firefighters and their families. Preparing yourself and your family for this exciting and, at times, dangerous work can be both challenging and rewarding.
    [Show full text]
  • Wildland Fire Incident Management Field Guide
    A publication of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group Wildland Fire Incident Management Field Guide PMS 210 April 2013 Wildland Fire Incident Management Field Guide April 2013 PMS 210 Sponsored for NWCG publication by the NWCG Operations and Workforce Development Committee. Comments regarding the content of this product should be directed to the Operations and Workforce Development Committee, contact and other information about this committee is located on the NWCG Web site at http://www.nwcg.gov. Questions and comments may also be emailed to [email protected]. This product is available electronically from the NWCG Web site at http://www.nwcg.gov. Previous editions: this product replaces PMS 410-1, Fireline Handbook, NWCG Handbook 3, March 2004. The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) has approved the contents of this product for the guidance of its member agencies and is not responsible for the interpretation or use of this information by anyone else. NWCG’s intent is to specifically identify all copyrighted content used in NWCG products. All other NWCG information is in the public domain. Use of public domain information, including copying, is permitted. Use of NWCG information within another document is permitted, if NWCG information is accurately credited to the NWCG. The NWCG logo may not be used except on NWCG-authorized information. “National Wildfire Coordinating Group,” “NWCG,” and the NWCG logo are trademarks of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group. The use of trade, firm, or corporation names or trademarks in this product is for the information and convenience of the reader and does not constitute an endorsement by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group or its member agencies of any product or service to the exclusion of others that may be suitable.
    [Show full text]