Unit 11 – Standards for Survival

Standards for survival Wildland firefighters have too many reminders of those who have passed before them who have not heeded the following information. DON’T BECOME A STATISTIC!

Common Denominators Small incidents Light Fuels Chimneys, gulleys, steep slopes Low flying aircraft “Innocent” appearance before blowups

Fire Orders Since 1926, more than 250 Wildland Firefighters have lost their lives. –Deaths occurred due to failure to recognize like threatening situations. –Proper action could have reduced fatalities In 1950, the 10 standard fire orders were introduced. –Read second half of NFES 2388 –Read inside plastic covers of the Fireline Handbook

Fire Orders F ight fire aggressively but provide for safety first I nitiate all actions based on current and expected fire behavior

Fire Orders R ecognize current weather conditions and obtain forecasts E nsure instructions are given and understood

Fire Orders O btain current information on fire status R emain in communications with crew members, your supervisor, and adjoining forces

Fire Orders D etermine escape routes and safety zones E stablish lookouts, especially in hazardous situations

Fire Orders R etain control at all times S tay alert, keep calm, think clearly, act decisively

Unit 11.A – Watch out situations 18 Situations to remember that shout “watch-out” (Reference: NFES 2388) Many of the watch out situations are not things to never do; the more of the situations you break, the more trouble you’re in Reference: NFES 2388

Watch out situations 1. Fire not scouted and sized up Can you observe the fire? Do you know the location of the fire perimeter?

Watch out situations 2. In country not seen in daylight Can you observe the area or use scouts? Have escape routes and safety zones been established for day and night use?

Watch out situations 3. Safety zones and escape routes not identified THIS IS THE ONE WATCH OUT ORDER YOU SHOULD TRY TO NEVER BREAK!

Watch out situations 4. Unfamiliar with weather and local factors influencing fire behavior Can you ask question of local experts? Can you get information from resources that have been on the fire?

Watch out situations 5. Uninformed on strategy, tactics, or hazards Can communications be established to find out strategy, tactics, or hazards? Can you get a briefing from your supervisor?

Watch out situations 6. Instructions and assignments not clear Ask: task assignment, location, communications, hazards, fire weather, etc.? Did you understand the assignment?

Watch out situations 7. No communication link with crew members; supervisors and adjoining forces Can communications be established?

8. Constructing line without a safe anchor point Can the fire go around your line? Are there adequate safety zones and escape routes? Watch out situations

9. Building fireline downhill to the fire below Will wind direction be and stay at your back? Are there escape routes and safety zones as you move down the hill? Watch out situations

10. Attempting a frontal assault on a fire Has the fire been scouted and sized? Is you position defendable? Are escape routes and safety zones adequate? Watch out situations

11. Unburned fuel between you and the fire Can you see the fire? Will your position be defensible when the fire reaches you? Watch out situations

12. Cannot see the main fire, not in contact with anyone who can Are you informed on expected fire behavior and weather? Do you have safety zones and escape routes? Will you receive adequate warning to go to your safety zone? Watch out situations

13. On a hillside where rolling material can ignite fuel below Can you locate/construct a fireline to prevent material rolling below? Will you get enough warning? Can you see where any material that rolls below you goes and what it does? Watch out situations

14. Weather is getting hotter and drier Do you have a workable plan if fire behavior increases? Are your escape routes and safety zones still adequate? Will you have adequate warning if you need to use the safety zones? Watch out situations

15. Wind increases and changes direction Is the wind at your back? Will it stay at your back? Do you have a plan if the fire reaches you faster than expected? Watch out situations

16. Getting frequent spot fires across the line Can you handle increased spotting? Do you have a plan for long range spotting? Watch out situations

17. Terrain and fuels make escape to safety zones difficult Escape routes and safety zones are worthless if you cant get to them or use them when needed Watch out situations

18. Taking a nap near fireline Are lookouts posted? Is the area free of hazards? Watch out situations