Seminar 14Job Overview

Transcription

1 Seminar 14Job Overview Seminar 1b and 1c 4Responsibilities 4Role in the ICS 1b and 1c Study Question 1 Explain why you chose to become a wildland firefighter and what skills, attitudes, and behaviors you possess that will help you in your position. Answers will vary 1b and 1c Study Question 2 Describe the guidelines for the common responsibilities you will have when you are given and incident assignment. Bring supplies and equipment required for the job, including enough personal supplies to last for the expected duration of the assignment. Check in with immediate supervisor and get a briefing. Be sure assignment is understood. Use clear text for all radio communications. Get any necessary work materials. Locate and set up work station. Organize and brief any assigned subordinates. Brief the relief at the end of the operational period or when demobilized. Complete required forms and reports and give them to supervisor or Documentation Unit before leaving. Demobilize according to plan. 1b and 1c Study Question 3 As a trainee, what are your responsibilities? The Trainee is responsible for the following: Reviewing and understanding instructions in the PTB. Identifying desired objectives/ goals. Providing background information to an evaluator. Satisfactorily demonstrating completion of all tasks for an assigned position within three years. Assuring the Evaluation Record is complete. Notifying home unit personnel when the PTB is completed and providing a copy. Keeping the original PTB in personal records. 1b and 1c Study Question 4 List at least five skills you will have to demonstrate as a Firefighter Type 2. See PTB. 1b and 1c Study Question 5 List the five major activities around which the ICS is organized. Command, Operations, Planning, Logistics, Finance/Administration 1b and 1c Study Question 6 For each of the organizational elements listed below, designate the appropriate ICS title (i.e., leader, officer, supervisor, chief, director, manager). Branch Section Division Command Staff Group Branch Director, Section Chief, Division Supervisor, Command Staff Officer, Group Supervisor 1b and 1c Study Question 7 List the check-in places at an incident. Incident Command Post, Staging areas, Base or camps, Helibases, Division or group supervisors 1b and 1c Study Question 8-24 Listed below are the names of the various organizational elements found within each of the four sections. Match each element with the section letter identified in the table. Operations Section Planning Section Logistics Section Finance/Admin Section O 8. Cost Unit F 9. Food Unit L 10. Resources Unit P 11. Communications Unit L 12. Technical Specialists p 13. Documentation Unit P 14. Facilities Unit L 15. Compensation/Claims Unit F 16. Air Operations O 17. Ground Support Unit L 18. Staging Areas O 19. Situation Unit P 20. Time Unit F 21. Medical Unit L 22. Procurement Unit F 23. Demobilization Unit P 24. Supply L 1b and 1c Study Question 25 List five events where ICS could be applied. Fires, HAZMAT, and multi-casualty incidents; multijurisdiction and multi-agency disasters; wide area search and rescue missions; post-eradication programs, oil-spill response and recovery; single and multi-agency law enforcement incidents; air, rail, water, or ground transportation incidents; planned events such as parades, conferences, and celebrations; private sector emergency management P L F Copyright 2007 Interactive Training Media, Inc. Appendix Page viii

2 Seminar 14Job Overview 1b and 1c Study Question 26 List the general responsibilities you will have with an incident assignment. Acquire necessary work materials; locate and set up your workstation. Bring any specialized equipment or supplies needed for your job. Upon arrival, follow the check-in procedure. Obtain a briefing from your immediate supervisor. Use clear text in all radio communications. Organize and brief any subordinates assigned to you. Brief your relief at the end of each operational period. Demobilize according to plan. Complete all required reports and forms and give them to your supervisor or Documentation Unit before you leave. Copyright 2007 Interactive Training Media, Inc. Appendix Page ix

3 Seminar 24Fire Behavior Seminar 2a and 2b 4The Fire Triangle 4Heat Transfer 2a and 2b Study Question 1 A. Describe your experiences with the fire triangle, breaking the triangle, and with the three methods of heat transfer. B. Why is information about the fire triangle and heat transfer methods important to fireline personnel. A. Answers will vary B. Fireline personnel should take into account what is starting a fire (the heat source), how airflow near the fire will affect it (oxygen), and the fuels available for combustion. It is their job to control the fire, or break the triangle. Seminar 2c 4Topography 2c Study Question 1 Explain how the following affect wildland fire behavior: A. Box canyons B. Narrow canyons C. Slopes, ridges and saddles A. Box canyons can create the chimney effect that can cause very strong upslope drafts, making the fires burn and spread very quickly. B. Spot fires occur easily in narrow canyons due to radiation. C. Fire burns more quickly upslope because of the preheating of fuels and the fuels are closer to the flames. Slope winds can drastically affect fire direction and rate of spread. The south aspect slope is the most critical in the start and spread of fire. Wind eddies may cause fire direction to change abruptly at the end of a ridge line. Saddles are natural fire paths where fire will travel first, and with more intensity. 2c Study Question 2 Explain how elevation and barriers are factors of fire behavior. Fuels at lower elevations dry out earlier in the year than those at higher elevations, making them more flammable. Fuel may be completely gone at the timberline, representing a break in the fire triangle. However, precipitation and winds may differ in higher elevations. High peaks may interact with nearby terrain to influence fire behavior. Topographical barriers also affect fire behavior, usually helping to reduce the fire s intensity. Natural barriers include rivers, lakes, rock slides, or areas of less flammable fuels. Manmade barriers include roads, highways, reservoirs, and the fireline itself. Seminar 2d 4Fuels 2d Study Question 1 Describe w fire behavior will be different for the following two fuel descriptions: A. Lots of light, continuous fuels, plenty of sunshine, very little rain, low humidity. B. Heavy ground and surface fuels with patchy breaks of rock outcroppings and bare ground. Lots of rain and moisture. A. A fire here will ignite very fast and spread fast. Light fuels, usually surrounded by plenty of oxygen, quickly ignite and burn fast. They ignite at a lower temperature, burn for shorter periods, and dry out faster. A network of connecting fuels provides a continuous path for fire to spread. B. A fire here will be take longer to ignite and will burn much more slowly. Heavy fuels take longer to heat. Oxygen reaches their interiors only after the outside is burned off. Before a wet fuel can burn, its moisture must be converted to vapor and be driven away. The patches of rock or bare ground will provide fuel breaks which will reduce the fire s spread. Seminar 2e 4Weather 2e Study Question 1 Explain how wind affects fire behavior. Wind, one of the most important influences on fire behavior, encourages combustion and spread of fire by: Increasing oxygen supply Influencing direction of fire spread Drying fuels Preheating fuels, and Causing spot fires by carrying sparks and firebrands 2e Study Question 2 Explain how temperature and relative humidity affect fire behavior. Surface air temperature affects the temperature of fuels in contact with the ground. Fuel temperatures in the sun and the shade may differ as much as 50 degrees. Fuels heated by the sun will ignite and burn more easily than those at lower temperatures. Dead forest fuels and the air are always exchanging moisture. Low humidity takes moisture from fuels; fuels in turn, take moisture from the air when the humidity is high. It is important to know when fuels might be more combustible due to low relative humidity. 2e Study Question 3 Explain how light fuels and heavy fuels differ in terms of ignition, rate of spread, and how they react to humidity and precipitation. Light fuels ignite more quickly than heavy fuels, burn out more quickly, and spread much more quickly than heavy fuels. Light fuels gain and lose moisture quickly due to relative humidity and precipitation; heavy fuels respond much more slowly to precipitation and humidity. Copyright 2007 Interactive Training Media, Inc. Appendix Page x

4 Seminar 24Fire Behavior 2e Study Question 4 How might the passage of a cold front affect fire behavior? An abrupt change in wind direction from a passing front can cause dangerous fire conditions. Strong southerly winds ahead of the front drive the fire head to the north or northeast. Winds shifting to the west or northwest after the front passes drive the fire head to the east or southeast. Also, relative humidity drops within 24 hours of the passage, drying out fuels and making them more flammable. 2e Study Question 5 Why is a thunderstorm potentially dangerous to fireline personnel and how might a thunderstorm affect fire behavior? Lightning can easily strike firefighters in the field. It can also start new fires. Strong gusty winds will affect the direction a fire will burn. 2e Study Question 6 Describe Foehn winds, where in the US they often occur, and why they can create a dangerous fire situation. Foehn winds - warm, dry winds with strong downdrafts - are typical of the lee side of mountain ranges. These winds often reach speeds of 40 to 60 miles per hour, but can be as high as 90 miles per hour. They can persist for days. Relative humidity will usually drop at the onset of foehn winds, decreasing fuel moisture and increasing flammability. They occur often in 1. Chinook on the east side of the Rocky Mountains 2. Santa Ana in Southern California 3. Mono, Diablo or North winds in Northern and Central California 4. East winds in Western Washington and Oregon 2e Study Question 7 Explain how the following affect fire behavior: A. Sea/land breezes B. Day and night slope winds C. Night inversions D. Thermal belts E. Dust devils and firewhirls A. Sea breezes move on shore during the day at mph which affects the direction the fire is moving and the rate of spread. A nighttime shift to a land breeze flowing from land to the coastal water (3-10 mph) will change fire direction. B. Upslope day winds increase as south slopes warm causing increased rate of spread upslope. As slopes cool at night, downslope winds will occur, changing the direction of fire spread. C. Night inversions are common during calm, settled weather. Fire behavior can change abruptly when these inversions start to lift or break. D. Fires can rage during the night in the thermal belt. E. Dust Devils are one of the most common indicators of unstable air. They occur on hot, clear days over dry ground when winds are light. Intensely heated air near the ground spirals upward in columns or chimneys. Firewhirls are generated by intense fires. They can pick up large burning embers and spew them far across the fireline, starting numerous spot fires. A favorite area for firewhirl development is on the lee, or downwind side, of ridges. Seminar 2f 4Monitoring Fire Behavior 2f Study Question 1 List 3 indicators of extreme fire behavior under the topics of fuel, weather, topography, and other indicators. Fuel indicators include: Unusually dry fuels Large amount of continuous light fuels Fuels exposed to direct sunlight Fuels dried by prolonged drought Ladder fuels that will allow a surface fire to move into the crowns of brush or trees Crown foliage dried by surface fire over a large area A concentration of snags Weather indicators include: Strong wind Sudden changes in direction and /or velocity of wind due to weather fronts High clouds moving fast that may indicate unusual surface winds to follow Unexpected calm that may indicate winds will shift Thunderstorms above or near a fire that may cause dangerous downdraft winds Unusually high temperatures and low relative humidity Developing dust devils and whirlwinds A bent smoke column Topography indicators include: Steep slopes that allow fire to spread faster upslope Chutes, saddles, and box canyons that provide the conditions for the chimney effect Narrow canyons that increase the possibility of fire spread through radiation and spotting Other fire behavior indicators include: The smoke column, which can reveal the direction of fire spread, the location of spot fires, and changes in fire intensity Many fires starting simultaneously or smoldering fires over a large area becoming more intense Fire beginning to torch small groups of trees or brush Frequent spot fires Firewhirls beginning Copyright 2007 Interactive Training Media, Inc. Appendix Page xi

5 Seminar 3a1 4Fire Terms 3a1 Study Question 1 On the graphic to the right, write the parts of the fire in the boxes provided. See right. 3a1 Study Question 2 You observe a fire spreading about 100 feet over five minutes. How would you report the Rate of Spread in chains per hour? The rate of spread for a fire that spreads 100 feet over five minutes is 20 feet per minute. Twenty feet per minute is approximately equal to 20 chains per hour a1 Study Question 3 What is the difference between a control line and a fireline? A control line is any constructed or natural fire barrier used to contain a fire. A fireline is any cleared strip or portion of a control line you construct by digging or scraping away flammable material down to mineral soil a1 Study Question 4 Explain the difference between a safety zone and a deployment zone. Safety zones are the locations you use to escape a threatening fire. Deployment zones are places where firefighters employ their fire shelter, which is a last resort safety tactic Seminar 3a2 4Firefighter Preparedness 3a2 Study Question 1 Describe the consequences of firefighter fatigue, the warning signs of fatigue, and steps you can take to reduce fatigue. 3a1 Study Question 1 Parts of a Fire Spot Fire Finger Flank Pocket When you are fatigued you tend to make poor decisions resulting in accidents, injuries, and fatalities on the fireline. Symptoms of fatigue include feeling rundown and groggy in the morning, falling asleep at every break, feeling light headed and having difficulty concentrating, and irritability. Fatigue also dulls your senses, which reduces your situational awareness. You can minimize fatigue by drinking plenty of water and eating enough of the right kinds of food. Pace yourself; maintain a steady rate of productivity. Your work-to-rest ratio should be 2 to 1; one hour of rest for every two hours worked. And whenever you have the opportunity, get some sleep! 3a2 Study Question 2 List the mandatory equipment you must bring to the work site, as well as suggested additional items. Your mandatory PPE includes a hard hat, goggles or safety glasses, earplugs, leather gloves, flame resistant pants and shirt, cotton undergarments, leather Head Rear/Heel Origin Island Perimeter work boots and wool boot socks, a vinyl-covered fire shelter, a canteen, and a headlamp. You should also carry an Incident Response Pocket Guide on the fireline at all times. Additional suggested items include a first aid kit, a flat files for sharpening tools, a compass, and food one or two high-energy meals. For longer stays, pack your supplies in a personal gear pack and bring a lightweight sleeping bag. Seminar 3a3 4Resource Types 3a3 Study Question 1 Briefly describe the role of hand crews, engine crews, helitack crews, and dozer/tractor plow crews in fighting fires. Organized Type 1 and 2 hand crews typically construct firelines using cutting tools, scraping tools, smothering tools, and chain saws. They can also assist in making hose lays. Engine crews pump water on mobile attack and extended hose lays. They use a combination Copyright 2007 Interactive Training Media, Inc. Appendix Page xii

6 of hand tools and water to fight fire. Helitack crews are used for initial attack on small remote fires. Dozer and tractor plow units construct firelines and support other ground forces. Seminar 3b1 4Risk Management Introduction 3b1 Study Question 1 List the common denominators of fire behavior on fatal and near fatal fires. These tragedies most often occur: On relatively small fires or isolated areas of large fires; In deceptively light fuels, such as grass, and light brush; When topographical conditions cause fire to run uphill; and, When there is an unexpected shift in wind direction or in wind speed. Seminar 3b2 4Standard Firefighting Orders 3b2 Study Question 1 List the Standard Firefighting Order headings and the 10 orders. Fire behavior 1. Keep informed on fire weather conditions and forecasts. 2. Know what your fire is doing at all times. 3. Base all actions on current and expected behavior of the fire. Fire Safety 4. Identify escape routes and safety zones and make them known. 5. Post lookouts when there is possible danger. 6. Be alert, keep calm, think clearly, and act decisively. Organizational Control 7. Maintain prompt communications with your forces, your supervisor, and adjoining forces. 8. Give clear instructions and ensure they are understood. 9. Maintain control of your forces at all times. The Final Order 10. Fight fire aggressively, having provided for safety first. Seminar 3b3 4Watch Out Situations 3b3 Study Question 1 List the 18 Watch-out situations. 1. Fire not scouted and sized up. 2. In country not seen in daylight. 3. Safety zones and escape routes not identified. 4. Unfamiliar with weather and local factors influencing fire behavior. 5. Uninformed on strategy, tactics, and hazards. 6. Instructions and assignments not clear. 7. No communication link with crewmembers/supervisors. 8. Constructing line without safe anchor point. 9. Building fireline downhill with fire below. 10. Attempting frontal assault on fire. 11. Unburned fuel between you and the fire. 12. Cannot see main fire, not in contact with anyone who can. 13. On a hillside where rolling material can ignite fuel below. 14. Weather is getting hotter and drier. 15. Wind increases and/or changes direction. 16. Getting frequent spot fires across line. 17. Terrain and fuels make escape to safety zones difficult. 18. Taking a nap near the fire line. Seminar 3b4 4LCES 3b4 Study Question 1 List the 4 components of LCES. LCES should be established before fighting the fire: Select lookouts, set up a communications, choose escape routes, and select safety zones. 3b4 Study Question 2 List 5 things lookouts must do while on the job. Communicate well and use the radio well. Maintain constant communication with everyone in their area, as well as the outside world. Be alert, think clearly, and know current fire conditions. Know the path and location of escape routes and safety zones. Maintain an adequate view for monitoring the fire. Monitor weather. Anticipate what may happen next and think ahead. Stay in position until a replacement arrives, the hazard is mitigated, or they are ordered out by a supervisor. 3b4 Study Question 3 List 3 suggestions for avoiding communication breakdowns. Always pass along all pertinent information. Listen. Pay attention to non-verbal cues. 3b4 Study Question 4 What should you do if you did not receive a briefing, or if the briefing was unclear? Ask for a briefing. Ask for clarification 3b4 Study Question 5 What are the decision points in the Risk Management Process? Copyright 2007 Interactive Training Media, Inc. Appendix Page xiii

7 Are controls in place for identified hazards? NO - Reassess situation YES - Next question Are selected tactics based on expected fire behavior? NO - Reassess situation YES - Next question Have instructions been given and understood? NO - Reassess situation YES - Initiate action 3b4 Study Question 6 What are the limitations of using the safety zone guidelines? Calculations assume no slope and no wind. 3b4 Study Question 7 How would you compute the minimum distance separation between firefighter and flames for radiant heat only? For radiant heat only, the distance separation between the firefighter and the flames must be at least four times the maximum flame height. 3b4 Study Question 8 How do you determine if a damaged structure is safe for search and rescue? You may find a 2 x 2 box at the entrance (or an arrow to indicate the entrance) to the compromised structure. If the box is empty, the structure is fully collapsed or has minor damage and is safe for search and rescue. 3b4 Study Question 9 What are the differences between appearances of someone who has heat exhaustion and someone who has heat stroke? Heat exhaustion: Skin gray, cool and clammy. Rest in cool place and replace electrolytes. Heat stroke: Skin dry, red, and temperature hot. Cool and transport immediately. 3b4 Study Question 10 How would you signal a helicopter to abort a landing? Wave arms & cross overhead. 3b4 Study Question 11 What kind of feedback should you give to the pilot about retardant or bucket drop accuracy? Let pilot know if drop is early, late, uphill, downhill, on target, too high, too low, etc. Report low drops immediately. 3b4 Study Question 12 What would be the predicted flame length at the head of a fire if the fire s burning index is 85? 8.5 feet 3b4 Study Question 13 What does a Lightning Activity Level (LAL) of 5 indicate? Numerous thunderstorms. Rainfall is moderate to heavy. Lightning is frequent and intense, greater than 15 cloud-to-ground strikes in a 5-minute period. 3b4 Study Question 14 How would you hand-signal a dozer operator to reverse or back up? Move arms Full circle in front of the spotter. 3b4 Study Question 15 What is the size classification for a 2500-acre fire? F Seminar 3b5 4Fire Shelter 3b5 Study Question 1 Describe how you might prepare your deployment site if you know there is time to do so. Drop any gear that will not be needed in the site preparation, e.g., packs, saws, and fuel and fusees (keep fusees if considering burnout). The bare minimums should be the fire shelter, a tool for removing ground fuel, and some drinking water. Dropping gear will increase speed in moving to a better area to deploy shelter and ability to get into the shelter. Avoid hazardous terrain and heavy fuels, e.g., narrow/box canyons, chimneys, saddles, debris filled rock piles, and areas with heavy concentrations of fuel. Be aware of snags, rolling rocks and any area that may have vehicle travel. If needed block the roadway to prevent injury from any vehicles. Attempt to find rivers, streams, ponds, lakes, or other bodies of water. Two feet of water depth that will cover body can save life. Cover head with your shelter to create an airway. Remember to use caution in deep pools, rapid currents, and near waterfalls. Prepare the site. Site preparation can reduce the potential fire intensity by improving the radiant heat distance separation. Cut and scatter as many of the fuels as possible. Remember time is a huge factor in this task. So situation must be constantly reassessed based on the fire behavior observed. Consider where to deploy the fire shelter. Seek the lowest point. Choose the greatest distance from the nearest fuels. Look for smooth surface textures for shelter seal. Utilize heat barriers. Remove ground fuels (4 x 8 ). Prepare to deploy as a crew with shelters grouped as close together as possible. Consider starting a burnout if have time. Burnouts must not jeopardize other individuals and consider burnouts only in light fuels. Burnouts aid in fuel reduction, Copyright 2007 Interactive Training Media, Inc. Appendix Page xiv

8 reduce radiant heat, help avoid direct flame impingement. Be aware that a burnout might pull the advancing main fire toward site at a greater rate of spread. Seminar 3b6 4Potential Hazards and Human Factors 3b6 Study Question 1 List and explain the 5 steps of the Risk Management Process. 1. Situation Awareness What specific task am I to perform? What are the known hazards at the work location? Where do I go to be safe if there is a problem (safety zone)? How do I get there (escape route)? 2. Hazard Assessment Watch-out Situations Four Common Denominators of Fire Behavior on Tragedy and Near-miss Wildland Fires 3. Hazard Control Use the Standard Orders, Watch-out situations, and LCES 4. Decision Point Ask questions if you do not understand the supervisor s decision 5. Evaluate - The risk management process must be continually evaluated/updated when: The fire is continually changing Your location on the fire may change Fire personnel may become distracted, fatigued, and/or stressed Seminar 3b7 4Transportation Safety 3b7 Study Question 1 Develop a list of three safety procedures to follow when traveling by each of the following: Vehicle Boat Helicopter Fixed-wing aircraft On Foot Answers will vary. See Fire Shelter article for possible answers examples. Seminar 3b8 4Hazardous Materials 3b8 Study Question 1 Explain the general guidelines when reacting to a possible hazardous materials emergency. Approach cautiously resist the urge to rush in. Approach upwind, upgrade, and upstream. Do what you can to isolate the area, keeping people away from the scene and the perimeter. Use placards, container labels, shipping papers, and/or knowledgeable people on the scene to identify the hazards. Then consult the DOT Emergency Response Guidebook before placing yourself or others at risk. Once the hazard has been identified, choose the correct action option such as to keep out of the isolated area, or evacuate immediately down wind, or call for assistance from trained experts. Do not walk into or touch spilled materials. Avoid inhalation of fumes, smoke, and vapors, even if no hazardous materials are know to be involved. Do not assume that gases or vapors are harmless because they don not have an odor odorless gases or vapors may be harmful. 3b8 Study Question 2 List and explain the six steps in the D.E.C.I.D.E. process and the six clues for detecting the presence of hazardous materials. Detect hazardous materials present. Look for clues in the following order: 1. Occupancy/location 2. Container shapes 3. Markings and colors 4. Placards and labels 5. Shipping papers 6. Your senses Estimate likely harm. Determine the extent of the problem and predict the behavior of the material. Choose the response objective. Ex. Stay away from isolated area, keep others away, get help from authorities. Identify action options. Ex. Notify authorities evacuate downwind, secure area, withdraw immediately. Do best option. Use agency policy to determine whom to call. Know your community hazardous materials authority. Evaluate your progress. Observe the effect of your decision and follow up to make sure your action decisions are working. Get feedback from residents, fellow crew members, and dispatch center. Seminar 3b9 4Wildland/urban Interface Safety 3b9 Study Question 1 List the watch-out situations for wildland/urban interface fires. The watch-out situations for wildland/urban fires include the following: 1. Wooden Construction and Wooden Shake Roofs Fireline intensity is frequently high enough where radiant heat can preheat the structure until it reaches combustion. 2. Poor Access and Narrow, Congested One-Way Roads Copyright 2007 Interactive Training Media, Inc. Appendix Page xv

9 3. Inadequate Water Supply 4. Natural Fuels Within 30 Feet of the Structure 5. Extreme Fire Behavior 6. Strong Winds 7. Public Panic and Evacuation 8. Structures Located in Chimneys, Box, or Narrow Canyons, Saddles, or on Steep Slopes (30% or more) in Flashy Fuels Homes in these locations have the lowest survivability and present the highest safety risk to personnel. 9. Bridge Load Limits Fire vehicles may exceed the weight limits of many rural bridges. 3b9 Study Question 2 Explain the safety guidelines when dealing with power lines and flammable liquids in the wildland/urban interface. Power Lines: If possible, the power company should deactivate lines in the fire area. Don t operate heavy equipment under power lines. Don t use right-of-ways as a jump or cargo drop spot. Don t drive with long antennas under power lines. Don t stand near power lines during retardant drops. Don t park under power lines. The magnetic field around energized power lines can induce an electrical charge in ungrounded vehicles or equipment. This charge can shock anyone who touches the vehicle. Don t apply straight stream to power lines. All personnel should be cautioned that smoke may become charged and conduct the electrical current. Deactivated transmission and distribution lines may continue to pose a hazard due to induction. If power lines fall on your vehicle, DON T leave the vehicle until the power company arrives. If the vehicle is on fire or fire is near, jump clear, don t hang on, keep feet together, and bunny hop away. Hazardous Materials: Post a lookout and keep your supervisor informed of hazardous materials. Avoid breathing hazardous materials without proper protection. Check outbuildings and garages for flammable liquid storage. LP Gas Tanks - Leave the area immediately if you smell propane, hear a rising sound from venting safety devices or see discoloration or deformation of the tank. If you leave the area, get at least 2,500 feet away and do not go down wind or down slope of the leaking propane. Do not position engines or other apparatus near LPG tanks or down wind/down slope from tanks. Do not deploy fire shelters near LPG tanks or down wind/down slope from tanks. 3b9 Study Question 3 Discuss the importance of defensible space in the wildland/urban interface. Defensible space is the area between structures and an oncoming wildfire where the vegetation has been modified to reduce the wildfire threat. This space between structures and an approaching wildfire ensures that structures can survive on their own without extensive effort from firefighters. Defensible space also provides room for firefighters to make a stand in protecting structures. Without adequate defensible space, firefighters may have to bypass structures, choosing a structure they have a better chance of saving. All vegetation, including plants native to the area as well as ornamental plants, is potential wildfire fuel. If vegetation is properly modified and maintained, a wildfire can be slowed, the length of flames shortened, and the amount of heat reduced, all of which assist firefighters to defend the home against an oncoming wildfire. It has been shown that in investigations of homes threatened by wildfire that those with an effective defensible space are much more likely to survive a wildfire. Furthermore, homes with both an effective defensible space and a nonflammable roof are many time more likely to survive a wildfire that those without defensible space and flammable roofs. Seminar 3c1 4Fireline Construction 3c1 Study Question 1 Describe the five factors that influence standards for fireline construction. What types of fuels are in the burn area: grasses, shrubs, or trees? How much moisture does the fuel contain? The lower the fuel moisture the greater the chances for combustion and fire spread. What is the continuity and arrangement of fuels? The closer together and more continuous the fuels, both horizontally and vertically, the greater the chance for combustion and fire spread. How hot is it? Temperatures will inversely affect fuel moisture. The higher the temperatures the lower the fuel moisture. As fires burn more intensely, more heat is produced and combustion and fire spread increase. How windy is it? Increases in wind will increase the amount of oxygen available and preheat fuels, increasing the chances for combustion and fire spread. 3c1 Study Question 2 Describe three methods for breaking the fire triangle. You can rob a fire of oxygen by smothering it with dirt or water. You can remove heat by applying water, dirt, and/or a retar- Copyright 2007 Interactive Training Media, Inc. Appendix Page xvi

10 dant to cool the fire. And, you can remove the fuel by burning out or constructing a fireline to separate fuel from the fire. 3c1 Study Question 3 Explain the difference between a constructed fireline and a natural control line. Constructed firelines include man-made. Natural control lines are natural barriers to fire. 3c1 Study Question 4 List examples of natural and constructed fire control lines. Constructed firelines include those made by a hand crew, a dozer/tractor plow crew, and by applying water or a fire retardant. Natural control lines include a cold fire edge; fuel breaks such as streams, ponds, rock slides, and areas of sparse fuel; and previously constructed barriers such as roads and canals. Seminar 3c2 4Attack Methods 3c2 Study Question 1 List the advantages and disadvantages of direct and indirect attacks. The advantages of a direct attack are: Minimal area is burned; no additional area is intentionally burned. It s the safest place to work; firefighters can usually escape into the burned area. The possibility of fire moving into the brush or crowns of trees is reduced. The uncertainties of burning out or backfiring can be reduced or eliminated. Disadvantages of a direct attack are: Firefighters can be hampered by heat, smoke and flames. Control lines can be very long and irregular because the line follows the edge of the fire. Burning material can easily spread across mid-slope lines. May not be able to use natural or existing barriers. More mop-up and patrol is usually required. The advantages of an indirect attack are: Firefighters can use favorable topography and natural to their advantage. Firefighters may not have to work in smoke and heat. The line can be constructed in lighter fuels. There may be less danger of slopovers. Disadvantages of an indirect attack include: More land will be burned. You may be in greater danger because you are farther from the fire and can t observe it. Burning out or backfiring can be dangerous. The fire may cross the line before it s backfired. Burning out may leave unburned islands of fuel. 3c2 Study Question 2 Explain the difference between a constructed fireline and a natural control line. Constructed firelines include those made by a hand crew, a dozer/tractor plow crew, and by applying water or a fire retardant. Natural control lines include a cold fire edge; fuel breaks such as streams, ponds, rock slides, and areas of sparse fuel; and previously constructed barriers such as roads and canals. Seminar 3c3 4Suppression Techniques 3c3 Study Question 1 Describe five suppression techniques and when they would be used. Hotspotting is attacking a particularly dangerous or rapidly spreading area of a fire. Hotspotting cools a fire edge and allows firefighters engaged in line construction to get close enough to attack the fire directly. Using your hands to detect any lingering fire along a fire edge is called cold trailing. To contain a fire in light fuels, you can dig a scratch line until a wider line can be constructed. You can reduce the chance of igniting fuels outside the control line by fireproofing them: spraying them with water or chemicals or covering them with dirt. To consume the fuel between the fire and the control line, set a fire inside the control line that will burn out the fuel to the fire s perimeter. 3c3 Study Question 2 Describe safety procedures around engines, tractors, and dozers. Engines: Be alert when an engine is moving; Be alert to hazards of charged hose line; Be alert and on the lookout for rolling materials when working uphill or downhill of equipment; Be alert during night operations, as you will not be as visible to the engine operator; Take extra precautions when visibility is poor heavy smoke, rain, fog, etc.; Be alert to hazards when removing a stuck vehicle from winch cables, jacks, vehicle slipping, etc. Tractor/Dozer Keep 50 feet distance; Be careful and maintain stable footing when working around winch cables; Be alert and on the lookout for rolling materials when working uphill or downhill of equipment; Be alert to soft spots or bogs where the equipment can get stuck or roll; Take extra precautions when visibility is poor; Be alert to the hazards of night operations and leave headlamps on for visibility; Never sleep on the fireline. Copyright 2007 Interactive Training Media, Inc. Appendix Page xvii

11 3c3 Study Question 3 Define the phrase cultural resource. A cultural resource is any surviving material that is a potential resource for understanding the past and has significance for inclusion in the National Record of Historic Places (NRHP). Generally, on public lands and on Indian reservations, the buildings, sites, areas, architecture, memorials, and objects having scientific, historic, religious, or social values comprise a non-renewable resource relating to past human life. 3c3 Study Question 4 Explain 3 ways cultural resources can be affected by fire and fire management activities. (3 ways from the following list) Fireline construction with mechanical equipment Dozer blades and tracks cause damage in and around sites by cutting deep into the soil, destroying architecture and displacing artifacts. During night shift, even with lights, dozers can crush structures and unseen surface artifacts. Engines, water tenders, and vehicles can crush cultural material. Foam may protect certain structures. Water pressure can cause erosion to sites or chip away the integrity of structures and displace artifacts. Handline and helispot construction Can result in exposure of subsurface deposits and potentially affect structural sites by loading them with discarded vegetation. Causes displacement or destruction of artifacts. Aerial applications Damage from retardant on structure walls could cause corrosion and contamination of subsurface and surface materials. High velocity retardant hitting structures and causing damage. Careful consideration must be given during air operations in and around cultural resource sites. Concentration of people in and around sites Trampling generally occurs in patterns by creating definite path (fireline) and non-path areas; this displaces artifacts either vertically and/or horizontally. Stockpiling and collecting of artifacts by fire suppression personnel Impacts from Mopup Activities Engines and other vehicles moving around inside the burned area crushing or displacing cultural materials. Dragging hoses across sites and material, which can cause breakage, artifact displacement, or structural damage to features such as burials, pit houses, and hearths. Digging and tillage of the soil, straight stream water application, digging roots, and stump holes. Impacts from Prescribed Fire The impact of installing control lines. The loss of ground cover can lead to erosion and vandalism. 3c3 Study Question 5 Explain the steps to protect cultural resources during fire management activities. Incident Action Plans should contain clear and specific instructions for suppression activities around cultural values. Incident Management Teams are usually made aware of existing cultural values at risk during the Line Officer s Briefing and may be assigned a resource advisor(s). Brief all burn personnel of sites needing attention and alternatives to ignition patterns and holding activities. Don t disturb a site. Practice avoidance by protecting the site from the fire. Mark it and make it known. Be aware of the penalties of removing artifacts from any site. When personnel come across archaeological sites and materials, inform your supervisor. If possible, make notes of the site for your Cultural Resource Specialist. Be sure that personnel understand that when they encounter a site they leave it alone and send for a Cultural Resources Specialist. Seminar 3c4 4Control Line Threats 3c4 Study Question 1 Explain the four methods you can use to control threats to existing control lines. Look for and extinguish any embers or burning debris that have crossed the control line. Construct cup or V trenches on slopes to contain any rolling debris. Make sure all firelines are built to mineral soil to prevent burning roots from crossing a fireline. Remove or fireproof any buildup of unburned fuel near the control line. Seminar 3c5 4Dozer/Tractor Plow Follow Up Procedures 3c5 Study Question 1 Describe the six procedures you use when securing a fireline constructed by a dozer or tractor plow crew. Make sure that the line extends to mineral soil, permafrost, or water level and that all combustible materials have been removed from the line. Break up any piles or berms created by the dozer or tractor plow. Fireproof hot areas inside the control line with water, chemicals, or dirt. Blackline the area between the control line and the fire. Remove limbs and snags from any trees that may threaten the control line. Extinguish any spot fires or hot spots that endanger the control line. Copyright 2007 Interactive Training Media, Inc. Appendix Page xviii

12 3c5 Study Question 2 Explain the importance of breaking up and dispersing machine piles and berms adjacent to the control line. Dozers and tractor plows create piles and berms as they dig a fireline. These piles may contain burning fuels that can smolder for months then start a fire. Seminar 3c6 4Coordinated Crew Techniques 3c6 Study Question 1 Describe the two techniques used to help coordinate the work efforts of various sized crews. In the one lick or progressive method, each crew member does one to several licks or strokes of work then moves forward a specific distance. In the bump up or leapfrog method, each member completes a given section of line unless bumped-up by another crew member before completion. 3c6 Study Question 2 Explain why teamwork is so important in firefighting. Individuals cannot know all the hazards in the work environment. Individuals cannot by themselves accomplish most tasks that are assigned to a crew. Good teamwork goes hand in hand with good communication. A crew is only as strong as its weakest member. 3c6 Study Question 3 Describe the characteristics of a good team member. You are a good team member is you have a good attitude, a willingness to learn, and a willingness to get along and work together with others. Good team members always help each other and look out for each other s safety. Some characteristics of successful teams you have seen or been involved with include: Continuous and effective communication Continual experimentation in order to improve performance High performance is expected by team members as well as team leaders Needs of the team come before the needs of individuals Cohesion among team Seminar 3c7 4Retardant/Water Drop Safety 3c7 Study Question 1 Describe safety procedures to follow when in an area where retardant/water drops are being made. Make sure your presence is known. Move at least 200 feet away from the drop area and stay clear until all drops are completed. If you don t have time to leave the area, lie down facing the oncoming aircraft, keep your helmet on and fastened, goggles in place, and your feet spread. Grab a tree, shrub, or rock if possible. If it s possible, get behind a tractor or brush guard. If you have retardant dropped on you, change your clothes and clean off the retardant as soon as possible. Seminar 3c8 4Hand Tools 3c8 Study Question 1 List and describe 3 hand tools used for cutting and explain how to use them. A single-bit ax is effective during mopup for felling snags. You can also use the hammerhead for breaking up stumps, logs and heavier materials, and for driving wedges. The Pulaski is a dual-use tool: its head consists of an ax-like cutting edge and a hoe-like grubbing edge for digging roots and trenching. An adz hoe has a grubbing edge you use for digging roots, removing grass, and trenching. 3c8 Study Question 2 List and describe 3 hand tools used for scraping and explain how to use them. Use a round point shovel for digging and scraping a fireline, smothering or beating small fires, cutting light fuels, and throwing dirt. A McLeod is primarily a scraping tool but you can also use it for cutting. Although the combi tool is primarily used for digging, you can also use it for scraping, smothering, cutting, and picking in light fuels. It s also a good tool for building roll trenches and working between rocks. A fire rake or council rake is used for a final sweep of the fireline and to clean up in rocky areas. Seminar 3c9 4Firing Devices 3c9 Study Question 1 Describe how to safely ignite, use, and extinguish a fusee. Make sure you re standing upwind of the fusee to avoid inhaling fumes. Turn your head to the side and scratch the striker against an ignition surface by striking down and away from your body. Once ignited, hold the fusee away from your body and always carry it in a downward position, keeping it away from anything you don t want to burn. To extinguish your fusee, strike the burning end sharply on ground or push the fusee into mineral soil. Copyright 2007 Interactive Training Media, Inc. Appendix Page xix

13 3c9 Study Question 2 Describe how to safely ignite, use, and extinguish a drip torch. To light your torch, spread some fuel on some ground litter or paper in a cleared area where you will be using your torch and ignite the litter. Use that ground fire to light the wick of your torch. Carry the torch upright until you are ready to use it, then tilt the torch forward to ignite the ground fuels. To achieve a continuous line of fire, swing the torch slowly in a line parallel to the direction you are walking. When you have finished using your torch, extinguish the lit wick or let it burn dry, then set the torch upright and let it cool. Seminar 3c10 4Use of Water 3c10 Study Question 1 Describe how to properly operate a backpack pump. Prime the pump by working the trombone in and out. Use the nozzle tip to change the application from fog to straight stream. Direct streams in a swinging motion parallel to fire perimeter and at base of the flame. Do not use anything but clean water in a backpack pump. Muddy water will plug the water passages. 3c10 Study Question 2 Describe the process of correctly unrolling hose. There is a specific twostep process for unrolling the hose. First, remove and store the ties. Unroll the hose so that the female end always points toward the water source and the male end points toward the fire. Consequently, when rolling hose, the male end should be on the inside of the roll. 3c10 Study Question 3 Describe fire situations when the straight stream and fog/spray water applications would be used. If close work is possible or the fire covers a large area, use the fog spray pattern. You should also use fog spray if less water is required or you need to conserve water. Fire situations where you should use fog spray include hot spotting, building a wet line, direct attack, and mopup. Also, the fog spray pattern provides you with the most personal protection. If the fire is hot, and fog spray will not work, use a straight stream to knock the flames down so you can get closer to the edge. Turn and direct the fog spray parallel to the edge at the base of the flames. Be sure the fire is knocked down before you proceed. Aim accurately and maintain water stream in a sweeping motion. Apply water intermittently to help conserve water. Keep an eye on your water pressure. High pressure will deliver air as well as water to the fire and can fan the flame rather than knock it down. Excessive pressure wastes water while low pressure may not penetrate to the base of the flame. 3c10 Study Question 4 Describe three protective measures for hose and fittings when in use or being transported. When storing hose, drain water from the hose and roll it to protect any exposed threads. Use an accepted method of rolling hose when you are retrieving it, such as the watermelon roll or figure eight. Replace the protective caps on accessories and male hose ends. Be sure female ends have the correct gasket size. 3c10 Study Question 5 Describe four hazards to hose lays. Fire, sharp rocks, vehicles in traffic areas, sharp tools, and hose reels. 3c10 Study Question 6 Describe the safety guidelines and responsibilities of the pump operator. The pump operator must check to ensure the fuel line, tank, and pump match. And be sure to have a tool kit, spare gaskets, the proper fuel for the engine, suction hose, and a foot valve and strainer of the proper size for the pump. The pump operator should choose a site that is relatively flat on firm ground. The site should not be more than 2 to 3 feet above the surface of the water supply and be the best site to set up that causes the least amount of environmental damage and still be safe. The pump should be set on a good, firm base. This may need to be built out of small logs in sandy or muddy areas. Place a piece of plastic over the base, then set the pump upon it. This will help keep mud and dirt out of the cooling fins and electrical system. If the pump must be placed on a slope, tie it down to prevent it from sliding down the slope or dig out a shelf. Listen to how the running pump sounds. The tone of the pump will change with the opening and closing of the nozzles up the hose line. As nozzle operators open their nozzles, the tone deepens; as they close their nozzles, it will have a higher pitch. The most important job of a pump operator is to maintain a consistent, adequate supply of water and pressure to the nozzle operators. To maintain a safe operation, adhere to the following guidelines: Radio contact is a must. Have a warm coat, hard hat, and gloves. Wear ear plugs and do not stand too close. Watch your step around the pump and fuel line. Copyright 2007 Interactive Training Media, Inc. Appendix Page xx