1. 1 Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Training Centre LINCOLNSHIRE FIRE & RESCUE RURALFIREFIGHTING

2. 2 Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Training Centre COMPETENCE STATEMENTS: CS416 – Heath & Woodland Fires CS396 – Flexible Backpack Extinguisher

3. 3 Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Training Centre AIM To give operational crews an understanding of the hazards, risks and operational procedures associated with controlling rural fires, in particular “ Heath and Woodland fires”

4. 4 Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Training Centre OBJECTIVES List and explain the different rural fires and their hazards Identify the hazards, risks and control measures when extinguishing the three different types of heath and woodland fire Describe the methods to protect personnel, equipment and appliances from heat, fire and smoke spread Define the term “Crown Fire” Identify some other possible resources, farm equipment or farm systems that could assist with, and control, the fire spread Recall other types of rural fires and the need to consider local fire plans

5. 5 Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Training Centre RURAL FIRES - CLASSIFICATIONS Classifications Smouldering Creeping Running Torching Spotting Crowning Blow-Up

6. 6 Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Training Centre RURAL FIRES - HAZARDS Hazards Terrain Weather conditions Smoke Fatigue Lone working Manual handling Overhead power lines Rapid fire spread Difficult access Night working Manoeuvring off road Surrounded by fire

7. 7 Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Training Centre HEATH AND GRASS FIRES There are three types of heath and grass fire: Heath and Grass fires in non-peaty soil Heath and Grass fires in peaty soil Gorse, Bracken and undergrowth fires

8. 8 Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Training Centre 1) HEATH AND GRASS FIRES IN NON-PEATY SOIL Characteristics The fire only travels through surface growth Extinguishing Methods: To extinguish use beaters or water Consider the ‘Flexible Backpack Extinguisher’ Consider use of HVP & Water carrier : Risks: Personnel becoming isolated Lack of water supplies

9. 9 Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Training Centre 2) HEATH AND GRASS FIRES IN PEATY SOIL Characteristics Fires travel underground as well as above ground Fire travelling underground is almost invisible Extinguishing Methods: Surface fires are extinguished as per non-peaty soil mentioned previously Consider use of HVP & Water carrier Underground fires can be extinguished either by: i) Trenching ii) Water Jets Risks: Injury to personnel due to soft ground Limited access for vehicles & by foot – fatigue, stress

10. 10 Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Training Centre 3) GORSE, BRACKEN AND UNDERGROWTH FIRES Characteristics Generally more dense and wider covering Extinguishing Methods: Fire Breaks High pressure hose reel jets Wetting a fire break Consider use of HVP & Water carrier Beaters – limited use Risks: Personnel & public near by Carrying equipment over rough terrain

11. 11 Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Training Centre WOODLAND FIRES Characteristics: Numerous sizes and types of trees Sparks can travel long distances causing secondary fires Change of wind directions Underground fires Crown Fires Extinguish by: Create fire breaks Beating – limited use Use of water – jets and hosereels Consider use of HVP & Water carrier Crown Fires: This is a term used when the fire spreads from one tree to the next, high up in the tree canopy. It causes problems with the fire spreading over the top of firefighters and it’s extremely difficult to extinguish.

12. 12 Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Training Centre WHEN ATTENDING INCIDENTS Liaise with Forestry Commission Officers Refer to the fire plan (if available) Consider RVP’s, access, water supplies ( early make ups ) Decide on the action to be taken Ensure all personnel have correct PPE and manual handling techniques Monitor crew welfare / hydration ( reliefs ) Monitor fire spread Monitor water supplies Monitor environmental conditions

13. 13 Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Training Centre PPE & MANUAL HANDLING CONSIDERATIONS Full PPE (inc goggles, gloves, BA if required) Carrying equipment over rough terrain Creating Fire Breaks Beating Making up large quantities of hose & equipment Crew welfare / hydration (Safety Flash: 07/06)

14. 14 Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Training Centre FIRE SPREAD & ACCESS Speed of fire spread due to: Environmental conditions – Weather, temperature, wind direction (speed and strength) Type (FUEL) & size of vegetation area Access for appliances & personnel: Limited with large open areas of vegetation Terrains vary - steep hillsides to soft boggy areas

15. 15 Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Training Centre HAZARDS OF FIRE SPREAD Loss of appliances Loss of water supplies Property involved Firefighters surrounded by fire

16. 16 Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Training Centre OVERHEAD POWER LINES SOP 13, Risk Card 29

17. 17 Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Training Centre HAZARDS OF SMOKE SPREAD Disorientation Concealed hazards Reduced visibility Isolation of personnel Smoke affecting nearby public roads Smoke Inhalation

18. 18 Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Training Centre NON SERVICE EQUIPMENT & PERSONNEL Considerations : Suitability of the equipment Lack of competence of the operators Lack of experience of emergency situations Lack of effective command and control systems Service personnel and members of the public close by Agricultural vehicles Earth moving vehicles ( Above must be trained operators ) Volunteers – supervise!

19. 19 Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Training Centre OTHER TYPES OF RURAL FIRES WITHIN LINCOLNSHIRE Standing crop fires Stubble fires Haystacks Agricultural buildings and machinery/Vehicle fires Railway embankments Hedges/Hedgerows Landfill fires Woods e.g., Bourne, Laughton, Stapleford This list is not exhaustive

20. 20 Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Training Centre RISK CARD 47

21. 21 Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Training Centre REFERENCES Crews should familiarise themselves with the following: Risk card 47 - Rural Fires Risk card 29 - Electricity NOS Unit FF4.1 / FF4.2 SOP 13 - Rural Areas F202 / F202A TB 1/97 – Breathing Apparatus Op Tac note 9 – Water Supply Op Tech note 70 – PPE Safety Flash 07/06

22. 22 Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Training Centre SUMMARY The different types of rural fires and their characteristics Identified the hazards, risks and control measures when extinguishing the three different types of heath and woodland fire The methods to protect personnel, equipment and appliances from heat, fire and smoke spread The term “Crown Fire” Identified other resources, farm equipment and farm systems that could assist with, and control, the fire spread Recalled other types of rural fires and the need to consider local fire plans

23. 23 Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Training Centre ANY QUESTIONS?