Wildland Fire Incident: Policy and Procedure

Introduction

• The defined policies, procedures, and guidelines apply to personnel at wildland fire incidents.
• These instructions apply to all Chief Officers and Company Commanders.
• All uniformed members are responsible for knowing the contents of these instructions.
• The Deputy Fire Chiefs of the Operations Bureau maintain responsibility for the content, revision, and annual review.
• Definitions are available in Appendix I.

Responsibility

• The first arriving Company Officer reports the initial size-up to Command and Control (C&C) and responding units.
• They are responsible for initiating the Incident Command System (ICS), taking necessary action, requesting additional resources, and ensuring personnel safety.
• The first arriving Company officer makes the Helispot assignment.
• The Incident Commander (IC) manages the incident and provides follow-up reports to C&C.
• The IC remains responsible until Fire Department resources demobilize.
• The Safety Officer identifies and evaluates hazards, advising the IC on personnel safety.
• Safety Officers investigate accidents involving Fire Department personnel.
• Safety Officers can alter, suspend, or terminate unsafe activities.
• Safety Officers also provide the safety message for the Incident Action Plan (IAP).
• Company Officers and Unit Supervisors report "Holding, 1/4 mile out" and follow check-in procedures.
• They are responsible for maintaining company unity, safety, contact with supervisors, updating information, and completing assignments.
• Command & Control (C&C) assigns specific Telephone Radio Operators (TRO)/Dispatchers to greater alarm wildland fire incidents.
• C&C provides additional radio frequencies as requested.

Policy

• Incident Priorities for the Los Angeles County Fire Department during wildland fire incidents are:
  • Protection of life
  • Incident Stabilization
  • Property/environment protection and conservation
• Safety measures include:
  • Personnel operating at wildland fire incidents must adhere to Emergency Incident Safety Instructions and Uniform Regulations and wear required personal protective equipment.
  • Supervisors conduct daily formal safety briefings during inclement fire weather.
  • Single resource supervisors, personnel with assignments, and operations overhead must carry both Tactical and Command handi-talkie radios.
  • Supervisors ensure assigned personnel know and have access to a safe zone.
  • The Pilot or Fly Crew Supervisor must notify the Incident Commander when staged in the air and of the proposed work location before positioning the crew
  • A 1-1/2" progressive hoselay is to be deployed on all constructed indirect and direct Fireline of 300' or more on brush fires.
  • The IC assigns a Safety Officer as soon as possible.
  • The IC broadcasts routine or significant weather change reports. -Individual resource supervisors and Division/Group Supervisors ensure adequate rest, cooling, and liquids for assigned personnel.
• Organizational structure and nomenclature for wildland fire incidents shall be consistent with the Incident Command System (ICS).
  • ICS Facilities (Incident Command Post, Staging, Base, etc.) must be identified by address, intersection, or landmark (e.g., Fire Station X, Tapia Park).
  • Relocating the ICP is usually made by the IC (BC, AC, or DC), and must then be communicated to C&C.
  • Standard definitions of fuel type, as found in Appendix I, should be used in Size-up Reports.
  • Follow-up reports to C&C will include the fire's relationship to State Responsibility Lands (SRA).
  • The Jurisdictional Captain (or another officer as designated by the Battalion Chief) will remain in command until demobilization is complete.
  • Camp Superintendents receive standard ICS assignments by the IC.
  • The IC assigns a group supervisor and resources necessary for structure protection, if there is immediate defensive need.
  • Multi-Jurisdiction fires and fires threatening another jurisdiction will be managed by Unified Command Principles.
  • The Incident Action Plan (IAP) will include information from jurisdictional "Wildland Pre-Attack Plans".
  • The IC establishes minimum resources in staging to meet contingency/emergency needs.

Communications

• During Initial Action Zone (IAZ) and Mutual Aid fires, a common Command and Air to Ground radio frequency is required
• The current standard communications plan apply to county Jurisdiction Fires
• The IC requests an expansion of tactical frequencies through C&C to eliminate radio frequency overload if there is excessive radio traffic.
• Emergency conditions relevant to all personnel on an incident shall be re-broadcast over Command and Tactical frequencies by C&C.
• Priority of communications shall be given when emergency radio traffic is requested, and "All Clear" is given on completion.
• C&C will utilize the current Department policy on notification of duty Incident Management Team IC's.
• Incident Management Teams will be activated per Department policy, if ordered by the Duty Chief, or if ordered by the Incident Management Team I.C.

Tactical Guidelines

• The Jurisdictional Captain (or first in Captain) will designate a Helispot location and Helispot engine company to C&C within two (2) minutes of dispatch.
• The IC develops an evacuation plan on wildland fires that threaten inhabited areas.
  • Wildland Pre-attack plans will contain evacuation plan information.
• The IC requests local law enforcement to control traffic or close roads if vehicle traffic threatens public or fire fighter safety, or fire fighting operations.
• Perimeter control is prioritized unless there is an immediate exposure protection need.
• Resources assigned to structure protection should follow strategy and tactical procedures.
• Progressive Hose Lay Packs and fittings must be carried per current Department standards.
• A 1-1/2" Progressive Hose Lay will be deployed for the entire perimeter on both flanks of a wildland fire over 300' in diameter, when deploying hose.
• Water supply provisions must be made when hose lines are in use on a wildland fire.
• Apparatus operators should protect fire apparatus and fire pump equipment from fire damage.
• Burning Out/Firing Out operations require the approval of the Division/Group supervisor.
• Any backfiring operation requires the approval of the Operations Section Chief (OSC) or IC.
• The first engine at the fire origin site needs to ensure the area of origin is protected for cause investigation.
• All fires will receive an appropriate wet Mop-Up, utilizing Class A foam and wet water per current Department policies and procedures.
• A cold trail is required around all wildland fires.
• The IC shall be responsible for declaring knockdown, containment and control.

Resource Use

• The standard response to a wildland fire incident within the jurisdiction of the County of Los Angeles Fire Department will comply with Volume 10-2-2, "Response to Alarms".
• The IC requests additional resources, such as Strike Team increments or "immediate need for closest engines".
• Crew strike teams shall be formed by the Central Crew Coordinator at Camp 2 and passed on to C&C.
• Hand crews have ultimate responsibility to construct a control line around the fire.
• Dozers and helicopters will be utilized when and where appropriate.
• Fly crews must be available as soon as practical after knockdown.
• Fixed wing aircraft tankers will be utilized when available and where appropriate.

Procedures

• Incident Priorities are supported by the policies, procedures, and tactical guidelines.
• Regarding Safety:
  • Personnel adhere to Emergency Safety Instructions (Volume 10, Chapter 3, Subject 1) and Uniform Regulations (Volume 2, Chapter 11, Subject 1).
  • Required personal protective equipment must be worn.
  • Resource supervisors and overhead will conduct formal safety briefings, to include "FIRE ORDERS", "LCES", and "WATCH OUT SITUATIONS."
  • Personnel need to be provided with briefings on "DOWNHILL-INDIRECT LINE CONSTRUCTION" when relevant to operation. Supervising personnel must carry copies of guidelines.
  • All safety items are contained in the "FIRELINE SAFETY REFERENCE, (NFES 2243)".
  • Battalion Chiefs must have spare copies of "FIRE ORDERS", "LCES", "WATCH OUT SITUATIONS", and "DOWNHILL-INDIRECT LINE CONSTRUCTION guidelines available.
• Radio communications equipment shall include necessary tactical and command handi-talkie radios.
  • Personnel with radio communications responsibilities must monitor assigned command and tactical radio frequencies.
  • Single Resource Supervisors and Operations Overhead must obtain a briefing on the communications plan.
  • Radios shall monitor command and tactical frequencies. -Subordinates shall be briefed on the incident communications plan.
• Safety Zones:
  • Supervisors assess the work locations.
  • Supervisors select locations ensuring timely access.
  • Supervisors brief members on locations, escape routes, and alerting methods.
  • Supervisors require compliance with the "FIRELINE SAFETY REFERENCE" (NFES 2243).
  • A constructed safety zone will be created if no safety zone exists, or the black is unsafe.
  • Safety zones must be established or identified prior to work.
  • Additional safety zones should be established when travel distance to previously established safety zones does not allow adequate time to reach the zone.
• Fly Crew Safety:
  • All crews announce arrival at staging, report "staged" in the air, and request assignment.
  • Crews may request a starting point and indicate the safety zone.
  • Fly crews will not be landed in the safety zone without IC approval.
  • The IC and Fly Crew Supervisor must discuss the proposed location, direction of travel, safety zones, and radio frequencies
  • Fly crews will not begin work until having an approved assignment from IC and communications briefing.
  • The IC will assign the fly crew(s) to appropriate overhead at the time.
  • When the Fly Crew is deployed, the IC records crew location and working direction, on "Brush-Incident Command Worksheet".
  • The Fly Crew Supervisor keeps the assigned superior informed of crew location and progress.
  • The crew supervisor notifies the IC if the crew is able to contain the head of the fire for another assignment.
  • The Supervisor must report a decision to construct undercut line for evaluation and concurrence or denial.
• When constructing an indirect line::
• Identify the indirect line location, starting and stopping point.
• Order adequate resources for support.
• Deploy a 1-1/2" Progressive Hose Lay on the indirect line.
• Safety Officer:
  • The IC may utilize a qualified engine Captain or Camp Superintendent.
  • The Safety Officer must be requested through C&C, if additional personnel are required.
  • The IC must brief the Safety Officer.
  • The Safety Officer must record information and provide a safety message for IAP.
• Weather Reports:
  • The IC must obtain weather forecast reports
    • Monitor local weather conditions.
    • Monitor weather channel on radio.
    • C&C will contact the South Operations Coordination Center (OCC), Riverside for weather information and forecasts.
  • The IC or Plans Section Chief shall analyze the weather information obtained.
  • Weather changes and forecasts must be broadcast.
  • If adverse conditions are predicted, the broadcasts should be done on command and tactical channels.
• Rehabilitation:
  • Single Resource Supervisors and Division/Group Supervisors shall:
    • Ensure that all individuals carry or are provided adequate water.
    • Distribute regular appropriate breaks for cooling and rest.
    • Monitor status for signs of heat illnesses.
  • Rehab caches are requested by the Incident Commander when the incident warrants.
• Command:
  • ICS Facilities:
• Identify and locate locations previously identified in the "Wildland Pre-Attack Plans.
• Report ICS Facilities location to C&C during follow-up reports.
• Use address, intersection, landmark, or Thomas Bros. grid, when reporting location to C&C.
• Relocating Command Post:
  • Initial IC (Captain) has ICP dictated by tactical location needs.
  • The IC (Battalion Chief) may consider moving the ICP to a location that can provide an area away from tactical activities, communications, and safer location with improved access and incident visibility.
  • The IC (Assistant Chief) may consider moving the Incident Command Post to a location with adequate facilities that should include; office space, telephones, lighting, helicopter pads, parking for support equipment, etc.
  • The IC can choose to move the Incident Command Post to a location listed in the Wildland Pre-Attack Plan.
  • During size-up reports, use the standarddefinitions of fuel type.
    • Grass = Flashy grass fuels + tall grass.
    • Light Fuel = Mix of fuels up to 2 feet in height.
    • Medium Fuel = Mix of fuels 2-6 feet in height.
    • Heavy Fuel = Mix of fuels over 6 feet in height.
• For SRA Lands:
• Battalion Chief needs determination of fire location during briefing by district Captain.
• Battalion Chief needs the SRA Map.
• Battalion Chief needs to report to C&C when fire is threatening SRA lands.
• If the fire will involve SRA lands, agency representative should be requested.
• Command:
  • Whan Battalion Chief returns command the jurisdicational Captain retains command until demobilization,
• If District Captain cannot assume command another Captain from the Battalion must be assigned.
• Superintendents: Report for briefing and assignment.
• The first arriving superintendent will become crew coordinator.
• Additional Superintendents will be given fire line assignments so their assessments of tactical operations, crew safety, and fire activity, can be made.
• Assist the IC with developing the Incident Action Plan.
• Monitor crew utilization and tactical needs for crew deployment.
• Assess crew supervision needs with the IC. Exposure Protection:
• Immediate exposure protection, factors: - Review life safety and evacuation needs. - Structures: Check roofs, siding, decks and attic vents. - Fuels: Account for the size and proximity to structure and defensible perimeters.
• Account for fire behavior.
• Take stock of resources available
• Asses Defendable Structures - Assign a Group Supervisor for defensive needs, using designators of street name/ location. - As needed, assign resources.
• The Incident Commander must notify other Supervisors, if a Group has been established to protect exposures.
• For a Unified Command:
• Ascertain jurisdictional boundaries to evaluate whether the fire has or is about to become multi-jurisdictional.
• Request that the threatenend, or involved jurisrdiction agency to request the presence of a representative to the on-fire command.
• Establish a colocated Unified Command Post, as situation dictates.
• IC's tasks then to be followed up.
  • To brief each other.
• To form a list objectives of the plan.
  • To finalize a joint strategy.
• The IC needs to use forecasting for threats and objective resources regarding the "Battalion Wildland Pre-Attack Plans" .
• Local officers should be reallocated to command for for guidance, (i.e., Operations Tchnical Specialist).
• The Emergency Command should devolop a Action Plam based on the conditions at hand. Then staging:
• The Command need to establish the areas needed, and brief those that will manage the plan, or the OPS.
• To brief those selected to manage the project, and review routes that need assessment.
• The IC will give the resource assignmnet at this point.
• At a certain level of action, a level can be met, so that the level can be assigned in a state.
• All priorities a need to be met and accounted for
• Spot fires and escape fires. Inury and resuce
• Emergency response
• Rehabilitation. Other and possible actions available. Need level maintace.

Comunications

• The correct fequencies need to be assigned when the fire is in initial action

• When the fire is over Mutual-aid

• If the agencies re sponding are the approriate to engage.

• Those engaged not involved in the support, will not be a direct role in the main efforts, or ( IC).

• Those are tactical freAquencies.

• All personal in command need to observe all Frequencies.

  • The command may request the assigned F requency to support the action needed.
  • Those not apart of the team will also need correct fequency .
  • The Frequencies are for internal commuincation,.
  • Those in command who engage in radio abuse, are to be asked to disengage and follow standards set up for the action.
  • At high events that have engaged units, not direct , there shoul dbe a request from the command and controle, so that support from a IC can be dispatched. This can be to assist with personnel management and resources,.

Tacticql guide;

The team will make sure that all those on location to be on a air location to have a engine and equipment on the ground - Have the team and C report the location when completed.