I-D-05 Natural Cover (Wildland) Fire Procedures 08/20/2020

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Questions and Answers

What role does the lookout play in wildland fires?

They coordinate the response of multiple fire units.

They provide a detailed fire prediction model.

They monitor fire behavior and advise the Incident Commander. (correct)

They manage the evacuation of civilians from the area.

What is the primary purpose of a bombardier in wildland firefighting?

To provide medical assistance to injured crew members.

To act as a lookout for fire spotting potential.

To carry personnel to remote fire locations.

To transport large quantities of water and foam to the fire scene. (correct)

Which statement accurately describes firebrands?

They refer to the natural firebreaks found in landscapes.

They are large controlled fires set to manage fuel loads.

They are particles of burning material driven by wind causing spot fires. (correct)

They are fixed structures used for fire observation.

What is considered an 'anchor point' in wildland firefighting?

An area that has already been burned and cannot burn further. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'black' refer to in the context of fire management?

An area through which the fire has already burned. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Bambi Bucket in firefighting operations?

To carry and drop water on fire-affected areas from the air. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to monitor different fuels in a wildfire?

Each type of fuel has a different spotting potential that can affect fire behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect is NOT a major factor affecting wildfire behavior?

Availability of fire extinguishers Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for continuously conducting a size-up during a wildland fire?

To adjust the attack strategy to the changing nature of the fire. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes an anchor point when attacking a wildland fire?

An area that prevents the fire from trapping firefighters. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary priority when operating in a wildland/urban interface setting?

Protecting life and safety Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT a recognized wildland/urban interface watch out?

Inadequate fuel management Signup and view all the answers

What does LCES stand for in wildland fire operations?

Lookout(s), Communications, Escape Routes, Safety Zones Signup and view all the answers

What must be established early during an incident if water supply is inadequate?

Water support systems Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if a fire is beyond the reach of MDFR equipment?

Request assistance from the Florida Forest Service or the National Park Service. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with spot fires that develop during a wildland fire?

Suppress them immediately to maintain control. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions requires extreme caution when responding to a wildland fire?

Extreme fire behavior Signup and view all the answers

Which tactic is NOT recommended when constructing firelines?

Build fireline downhill with fire below. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant hazard when dealing with structures in flashy fuel environments?

High potential for quick-burning fires Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to ensure safety when evacuating the public during a wildfire?

Coordinate with law enforcement Signup and view all the answers

When is backfiring an appropriate tactic in wildland firefighting?

Only when directed by the Florida Forest Service. Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical safety factor for wildland firefighters?

Maintaining visual contact with the main fire. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of construction poses a fire threat in the wildland/urban interface?

Wooden structures Signup and view all the answers

Why is maintaining communication during firefighting operations essential?

To keep all personnel informed about the current situation Signup and view all the answers

What might happen if five or more 'Watch Out Situations' are present during a wildland fire operation?

Injuries or fatalities are likely to occur. Signup and view all the answers

What factor must be considered regarding the winds while fighting a wildfire?

Winds can change direction and increase rapidly Signup and view all the answers

Which precaution is advised regarding hydration for personnel during fire incidents?

Hydration should begin early in the day. Signup and view all the answers

What indicates that a fire is considered under control?

The fire can be expected to hold under all conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical concern regarding access routes in wildland/urban interface areas?

Narrow one-way roads and poor access Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of the LCES method?

Emergency Care Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of using natural and man-made fire breaks in an indirect attack?

They allow the fire to burn toward these breaks for control. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the Florida Forest Service regarding wildland fires?

Control and extinguishment of all wildland fires except small fires Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a safety zone in firefighting?

An area where firefighters can seek refuge from the fire Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI)?

A numerical rating for drought conditions ranging from 0 to 800 Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of backfire pots in firefighting operations?

To create a controlled burn that helps manage fire spread Signup and view all the answers

How should master and aerial streams be utilized during a wildfire?

When a sufficient water source has been established and absolutely necessary Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant caution regarding the use of booster lines in firefighting?

They do not provide significant GPMs and require caution Signup and view all the answers

What must personnel wear under their firefighting protective gear?

Issued Class D uniform including pants, shirt, and socks Signup and view all the answers

What unique capability does the Simplex Tank have compared to the Bambi Bucket?

It can drop a partial load or the entire load Signup and view all the answers

What should be checked daily for safe firefighting operations?

Functionality of forestry radios on fire suppression vehicles Signup and view all the answers

What should the command structure be when multiple agencies respond to a wildland fire?

A Unified Command structure should be used Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances can Air Rescue aircraft dump water?

Only in extreme cases threatening life safety at night Signup and view all the answers

Why should full gasoline not be used in backfire pots?

It increases the risk of explosion of the canister Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'true black' refer to in firefighting context?

An area that has been completely burned with no fuel left Signup and view all the answers

What type of equipment is a Bombardier used for in wildland firefighting?

For water supply and foam delivery with off-road capabilities Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of the head of a wildland fire?

It is driven by the wind and spreads fastest. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of fuel is classified as all combustible materials lying immediately above the ground?

Surface Fuels Signup and view all the answers

In a wildland fire, what does a spot fire indicate?

A fire caused by firebrands that is outside the main body of the fire. Signup and view all the answers

Which method of control involves applying treatment directly to burning fuel?

Direct Attack Signup and view all the answers

What does the KBDI (Keetch-Byram Drought Index) indicate regarding wildland fires?

The availability of fuels to burn. Signup and view all the answers

What type of fuel acts as a bridge for fire to spread from the surface to the upper canopy?

Ladder Fuels Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of wildland fires is most influenced by local terrain features?

Fire behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is a common result of low relative humidity in wildland firefighting?

Higher availability of fuels to burn. Signup and view all the answers

When should additional resources be requested during a firefighting effort?

Immediately if personnel are unable to reconnoiter the entire area. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of recognizing environmentally sensitive areas during a wildfire response?

They might face greater risks from fire spread. Signup and view all the answers

What defines the perimeter of a wildland fire?

The boundary of the fire. Signup and view all the answers

How does wind condition impact fire behavior in wildland firefighting?

It can assist in the dispersion of firebrands. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the characteristics of 1,000 hour fuels?

3” - 8” in diameter Signup and view all the answers

What is a finger in the context of a wildland fire?

A narrow extension of fire from the main body. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Wildland Fire Overview

Wildland fires occur in diverse vegetation such as weeds, grass, forests, and brush.
Unique characteristics are influenced by weather, fuel type, and topography.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) responds to wildland fires outside Everglades National Park, with the Florida Forest Service managing fires beyond MDFR's reach.

Key Terminology

Anchor Point: Area that cannot burn (e.g., roads, lakes).
Backfire Pot (Drip Torch): Aluminum pot used to ignite backfires.
Bambi Bucket: Aerial water bucket carrying about 200 gallons, operated by Air Rescue.
Bombardier: A rugged vehicle by the Florida Forest Service that seats two and can carry 500 gallons of water and foam.
Firebrands: Wind-driven particles that cause spot fires.

Operations and Procedures

The Florida Forest Service oversees wildland fire control, except those in Everglades National Park.
Notifications are required for all wildland fires except very small ones.
Unified Command is implemented for incidents involving multiple agencies, with the Forest Service typically as the lead.

Fire Behavior and Control

Fire behavior analysis involves size-up, accessibility, potential threats, and environmental factors.
The Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) rates drought conditions from 0 to 800, with higher numbers indicating greater fire risk.
Safeguards include utilizing safety zones and escape routes, ideally four times the height of flames.

Equipment and Gear

Protective clothing includes bunker coats, pants, boots, gloves, and eye protection.
SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) is used when necessary.
Equipment for wildland fire includes attack lines, backfire pots, radios, and specialized vehicles (Bombardier, Rollagon).

Fire Fuel Types

Fuels are categorized into ground, surface, ladder, and aerial:
- Ground Fuels: Below surface (e.g., rotten logs).
- Surface Fuels: Combustibles on the ground (e.g., grass, leaves).
- Ladder Fuels: Help fire climb (e.g., tree branches).
- Aerial Fuels: Vegetation in the canopy.

Pre-Arrival and Attack Strategies

Size-up and planning are critical pre-arrival tasks.
Direct Attack: Engaging the fire with water or retardants directly.
Indirect Attack: Utilizing firebreaks and natural barriers.
Continuous evaluation of tactics is necessary during the incident.

Safety Precautions

Watch for "Watch Out Situations," which increase the risk of injury or fatalities.
Hydration is crucial to prevent dehydration during operations.
Eye protection is mandated due to environmental hazards.

Environmental Considerations

Identification of environmentally sensitive areas is essential.
Weather conditions can drastically affect fire behavior, requiring constant monitoring.

Conclusion

Effective wildland firefighting relies on understanding fire dynamics, appropriate resource management, communication, and safety measures to protect personnel and the environment.### Current Weather and Communication
Recognize current weather conditions to adapt firefighting strategies.
Frequent weather forecasts are essential for planning operations.
Clear instructions must be provided and confirmed among all team members.
Maintain communication with crew members, supervisors, and adjacent forces for coordinated efforts.

Wildland/Urban Interface Definition and Priorities

The wildland/urban interface (WUI) is where human structures meet wildland fuels.
Top priorities in WUI:
- Protecting human life and safety (firefighters and civilians).
- Stabilizing incidents by saving property and controlling wildfires.
- Conserving resources and minimizing damage to properties and natural resources.

Wildland/Urban Interface Hazards

Construction Materials: Homes built with wooden materials, such as shake roofs and wooden decks, present significant fire risks.
Access Issues: Poor access routes and narrow roads complicate escape and firefighting efforts; plan escape routes prior to action.
Hazardous Materials: Be aware of power lines, propane tanks, and agricultural chemicals; avoid parking under power lines.
Water Supply: Secure water sources early using tenders or shuttles; maintain at least 25% water tank capacity for safety.
Natural Fuels: Green fuels within 30 feet of structures pose an immediate threat; both ornamental and natural vegetation can ignite.
Extreme Fire Behavior: High-intensity fires with crowning and spot fires can overwhelm efforts; prioritize life safety.
Wind Conditions: Winds can rapidly change; always monitor wind direction and speed, and assign units for managing spot fires.
Public Evacuation: Coordinate with law enforcement for evacuations; disorderly public behavior can obstruct firefighting operations.
Flashy Fuels: Structures near high-potential fuels are at risk; residual fires pose a threat after the main flame front has passed.
Road and Bridge Limitations: Assess road conditions for safety, checking for weakened infrastructure and vehicle maneuverability.

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Description

This quiz explores the characteristics and behaviors of wildland fires, including the effects of weather, fuel type, and topography on fire dynamics. It also highlights the role of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue in managing these fires. Test your knowledge on wildland fire management and response strategies.