Tulsa Fire Department - Emergency Operating Guidelines Section 300

Questions and Answers

In the event of a major incident, what is the primary reason to establish a command post in a strategic location?

To locate near major roadways for quick access

To provide a clear line of sight to endangered structures

To position close to a water source for rapid refills

To ensure it remains safe and does not need to be moved if fire direction changes (correct)

According to the guidelines, what is considered the primary goal when immediate control of a fire is not possible?

Evacuating civilians from the area

Aggressively stopping the forward progress of the fire

Protection of exposures (correct)

Protecting firefighters

What should be done when water is in short supply during a brush fire?

Allow the fire to burn freely

Apply water to the burning material (correct)

Wet the fuel ahead of the fire

Focus on building firebreaks

Which practice is considered a last resort due to its dangerous nature according to the guidelines?

Back-firing Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended concentration of Class A foam for a direct/mobile attack?

1% Signup and view all the answers

What should company officers consider taking along with a grass rig during dispatch for exposure protection?

Structural apparatus (engines/telesquirts) Signup and view all the answers

What is the best action when immediate control of a brush fire is possible?

Perform a direct water attack Signup and view all the answers

Why is back-firing seldom recommended in Tulsa's firefighting guidelines?

It is very dangerous and often ineffective Signup and view all the answers

Which natural barrier is NOT mentioned as a control measure for large open grass fires?

Man-made reservoirs Signup and view all the answers

What is the common misconception about applying water for exposure protection during a fire?

Apply water to burning material instead of ahead of the fire Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Command and Control

Establish a command post and divisions as soon as possible on major incidents.
Choose a command post location that is safe and won't need to be moved if the fire changes direction.
Ensure the command post is near a potential helicopter landing site.

Brush Fire Tactics and Strategy

The primary goal is to stop the forward progress of the fire whenever possible.
Protection of exposures becomes the primary goal when immediate control is not possible.
A direct water attack is the fastest control option available.
When a direct attack is not possible, develop a defensive strategy to protect exposures and allow the fire to burn to a more controllable location.
When water is scarce, apply it to the burning material instead of wetting the fuel ahead of the fire.
Keep seriously exposed structures wet.
Call for structural companies to respond for exposure protection, leaving grass rigs free to be mobile.

Using Natural Barriers and Resources

Take advantage of natural fire barriers such as dry sandy washes, roads, trails, rock outcroppings, ravines, and ponds to assist in control measures.
Class A foam is effective for suppression and exposure protection and should be used when available.
A 1% Class A foam mixture is effective for direct/mobile attacks, with greater concentrations used for mop-up and exposure protection.
Consider taking structural apparatus (engines/telesquirts) to use as a mobile water supply and/or exposure protection tool when responding with a grass rig.

Back-firing

Back-firing is a last resort and should be avoided due to its high risk, especially in the terrain and fire sizes around Tulsa.