Manejo de Incendios Forestales - Protocolo OACEL

Prioritizing the safety of firefighters over operational efficiency during wildfire suppression.

Ensuring clear communication channels exist for situational updates and resource coordination during wildfire response.

Communicating the fire's intensity level and needs for additional personnel to the Incident Command Post (ICP) and subsequently the Operations Section.

Maintaining strict adherence to the OACEL protocol throughout fire suppression operations to ensure safety.

Regular observation and reporting of weather conditions, and especially significant changes, affecting firefighting operations.

When a risk to firefighters is imminent, resources should be removed from the danger zone, and units may be deactivated to ensure safety.

Commanders at every level (unit, team, sector) must regularly report the position of their team members to superiors.

If leaders (unit, team, sector) become aware of a threat to the safety of their teams, particularly from the firefront, they should order an immediate retreat to a safe zone.

If the OACEL protocol or preventative measures are not achievable, units should retreat to a safe zone and report to superiors.

Maintain consistent communication channels from the lowest to highest levels (firefighters, team leaders, command) to ensure unit location and status awareness.

A safe, fire-free area at the end of a fire operation for maneuvering, used to prevent being surrounded by fire. It's a designated 'safe zone' at the start and finish of fire suppression efforts.

A clear path to safety, established in advance, to quickly evacuate from a fire-prone area. It must lead to a safety zone or anchor point.

A designated area free of significant fire risk, including direct flame, radiant, and convective heat. Firefighters can seek shelter here.

Continuous communication with the fire team is vital for alerting the team to potential hazards during fire suppression operations.

Essential to prevent workers from getting trapped in fire fighting situations at risk from being surrounded by fire.

Ensuring firefighter safety over operational efficiency is paramount during fire suppression.

Communicating the intensity of a wildfire and resource needs to higher command during wildfire suppression.

Following the OACEL protocol is mandatory in all wildfire suppression areas.

Continuously monitoring and reporting weather changes to manage fire risks during wildfire suppression.

Removing units from danger zones when imminent danger to firefighters arises during fire suppression.

If a severe or immediate risk threatens personnel, units must withdraw from the danger zone and be put on standby, if needed, ensuring safety.

Commanders at all levels (unit, team, sector) must regularly report the location of their teams to higher-ups.

If a fire danger threatens those under command, especially from the fire, immediately order a retreat to a safe zone.

If the OACEL process isn't possible or isn't being followed, units must withdraw to a safe area and inform higher-ups.

Maintain constant communication from entry-level to highest command (firefighters, team leaders, command) ensuring awareness of unit position and status.

A safe, fire-free area at the extremes of fire operations, used to prevent being surrounded by fire.

A clear, pre-planned path to safety leading to a safe zone, essential for quick evacuation.

A designated, safe area free from direct fire, radiant, or convective heat.

Essential to prevent workers from getting trapped in fire fighting situations at risk from being surrounded by fire.

Continuous communication with the fire team for updating them of any potential hazards.

Ensuring the safety of firefighters is more important than efficiency during a wildfire.

Removing fire teams from a dangerous area when a threat emerges.

Communicating fire intensity and resource needs to higher-ups.

Following the OACEL protocol in all wildfire areas ensures safety.

Observing and reporting weather changes to manage wildfire risks.

A situation where serious danger to firefighters is imminent, requiring immediate removal from the area.

Moving a unit to a safe location when a serious or immediate risk to personnel exists.

The system of reporting from lower to higher command, ensuring everyone is aware of the position and status of all involved.

A protocol outlining specific preventative safety measures for fire suppression operations.

The critical responsibility of monitoring the fire's behaviour and its impact on operations and escape routes.

A safe, fire-free area at the beginning and end of a fire operation to prevent firefighters being encircled by the fire.

A path to a safe zone; established before the operation, evaluated constantly, under 5 minutes to walk to the designated safe zone.

A designated area free from significant fire risk (flame, radiant, or convective heat) where firefighters can seek shelter.

Making sure operations like flanking attacks or indirect attacks in dangerous areas have a safe starting and finish point (Anchor Points).

Constant communication between personnel about any changing conditions or threats concerning fire and surroundings, especially those that pose a risk to workers.