1. IGNITION OPERATIONS
The three types of ignition operations and the attack methods they are used with
The common types of ignition devices used
The general crew configuration for ignition and holding operations
Safe work procedures used during ignition operations

2. Burn Off
islands of fuel within the fire perimeter are ignited to eliminate the potential of re-burning and short distance spotting over the control line
May be used with direct or parallel attack
small scale routine operation.
hand ignition

3. Burn Out Used in conjunction with parallel attack
Fire set along the control line to consume unburned fuels between the line and the fire perimeter.
Small scale routine operation
Hand ignition or aerial ignition

4. Backfire indirect attack
Control line situated some distance ahead of fire.
Extensive fire is set between the head fire and the control line
with the assistance of convective winds, consumes fuel and deprives the main fire of oxygen.
halts or retards the progress of the fire.
directed by senior and highly experienced fire personnel only.
aerial ignition

5. Typical Burn Out Crew Configuration

6. Hand-held Drip Torch Experienced firefighter.
Filled with a mixture of gasoline and diesel.
Mixture ignites and “drips” to the ground.
Full PPE is required
Take care not to ignite clothing
Always maintain two escape routes and a safety zones
Do not open or fill near hot embers, sparks or while smoking
Mixing and fuelling personnel should wear an organic vapour respirator
Fuel ratio varies
Mix fuel, label with fuel type, ratio and date

7. Helitorch slung beneath the helicopter
fuel is ignited and “drips” from the device.
mixture of the fuel is in a gelatinous form and is designed to stick to
and ignite fuels

8. Aerial Ignition Device
carried in the cabin of the helicopter
small ‘ping-pong’ balls are dropped.
delayed chemical reaction to ignite.

9. General Ignition Safety
LCES (Always use a dedicated Look-Out- Always fire from an Anchor Point)
Minimum 500 meter separation between ground crews and aerial ignition operation
Full fireline PPE during all ignition operations
Use appropriate PPE for mixing- goggles, gloves, respirator
Keep mixing sites away from sensitive ecosystems and aquatic areas- always use spill berms at mixing sites