SOP 511.11: Emergency Operations/Wildland Fires

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|`Functional Area: `
`SUPPORT SERVICES/FIRE`
`SERVICES`|`Reference Number: `
`IVN07-0002`|`Revises`
`Previous`
`Effective Date:`
`NEW`|
|`Subject:`
`EMERGENCY`
`OPERATIONS/WILDLAND FIRES`|||
|`Authority:`
`WETHERINGTON/HODGE`|`Effective Date:`
`4/01/02`|`Page``1`` of`
`4 `|

I. POLICY:

   This standard was promulgated to regulate the management of
   incidents involving ground cover in the wildland/urban
   interface.

II. APPLICABILITY:

   All Dept. of Corrections Certified Firefighters in State and
   County Fire Departments, and Detention Center/Boot Camp
   Rakecrews.

III. RELATED DIRECTIVES:

   A. NFPA 295

IV. DEFINITIONS:

   A. Anchor point : A term associated with attack methods,
      referring to an advantageous location, usually one with a
      barrier to fire spread, from which to start constructing
      a fire line. Used to minimize the chance of being
      outflanked by the fire while constructing the fire line.
      Most anchor points originate at or near the area of
      origin.

   B. Backfiring : Intentionally setting fire to fuels inside
      the control line to reduce fuel and contain a rapidly
      spreading fire. Used in the indirect method only.

   C. Brands : Pieces of burning debris carried aloft into the
      convective column. May be carried outside the perimeter
      of the main fire by wind, causing spot fires.

   D. Brush : Shrubs and stands of short, scrubby trees
      generally three to twenty feet in height.

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   E. Cat line : A fire line constructed by a bulldozer.

   F. Control Line : A term used for all constructed or natural
      fire barriers used to control a fire.

   G. Crown fire : Any fire that advances from top to top of
      trees or brush that is more or less independent of the
      surface fire.

   H. Fire line : The part of a control line that is scraped or
      dug down to mineral soil. Normally only used in wooded
      areas. Generally not used on grass fires.

   I. Fire perimeter : The entire length of the outer edge of
      the fire.

   J. Head of a fire : The most active part of a wildland fire.

   K. Heavy fuels : Fuels of large diameter, such as logs,
      snags, and large tree limbs.

   L. Mop-up : After the fire has been controlled, all actions
      required making the fire safe. This includes trenching,
      falling snags, and checking all control lines.

   M. Rear of fire : The portion of a fire opposite the head.
      The slowest burning part of a fire.

   N. Wildland/urban interface : Where native vegetation comes
      in contact with structures and other man-made fuels.

V. ATTACHMENTS:

   NONE

VI. PROCEDURE:

   A. Each Fire Station/Rake Crew shall be responsible for
      developing and maintaining preplans for wildland areas
      located within their districts. Preplans shall identify
      fuel loads and types, water sources, natural fire breaks,
      etc.

   B. Fuel Loads: Grass ¼ -1 ton per acre

      Medium brush: 7 - 15 tons per acre

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   Heavy brush: 20 - 50 tons per acre

   Timber: 100 - 600 tons per acre

C. OPERATIONAL PROCEDURE :

   1. Direct attack: Personnel and resources work close to
      the fire’s edge and put it out there. Best to use
      on small, slow moving fires with light fuels.

   2. Indirect attack: Uses natural barriers and
      backfiring.

   3. Parallel attack: Made by hand crews and bulldozers
      when intense heat or fire spread precludes direct
      attack. Back off five to 50 feet and parallel the
      flank.

D. SAFETY PRECAUTION :

   1. The level of protective clothing to be used shall be
      determined by the incident commander but shall
      include as a minimum:

      a. Department-issued NFPA-approved wildland
         helmet, gloves, pants and shirt, hood, and
         boots.

      b. If not in department-issued wildland turnout
         gear, personnel shall wear structural turnouts.
         This includes helmet, hood, boots, turnout
         pants, turnout coat, and gloves.

   2. Eye and respiratory protection shall be worn as
      conditions warrant.

E. The incident command system shall be used whenever more
   than one company operates at an incident.

F. Standard fire Orders:

   1. Keep informed of weather conditions.

   2. Know what your fire is doing at all times.

   3. Base your actions on current and expected fire
     behavior.

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4. Plan escapes routes for everyone and make them known.

5. Post a lookout when there is possible danger.

6. Be alert, keep calm, think clearly, and act
  decisively.

7. Maintain good communications at all times.

8. Give clear instructions and be sure they are
  understood.

9. Maintain control of your personnel at all times.

10. Fight the fire aggressively, but provide for safety
  first.

11. On grass fires, fight the fire from the burned area
  whenever possible.

12. Guard against getting your apparatus stuck in soft
  terrain. As a general rule, structural engines
  should not leave the roadway.