Wildland Fire Incident Response

Introduction

• The purpose of this document is to provide policies, procedures, and guidelines for personnel responding to and operating at wildland fire incidents.
• This instruction applies to all Chief Officers and Company Commanders.
• All uniformed members shall be responsible for familiarization with its contents.
• The Deputy Fire Chiefs of the Operations Bureau are responsible for the content, revision, and annual review of this instruction.
• See Appendix I for definitions.

Responsibility

• The first arriving Company Officer is responsible for reporting initial size-up to Command & Control (C&C) and responding units.
• The officer also initiates the Incident Command System (ICS), takes necessary action, requests additional resources, ensures personnel safety, and makes a Helispot assignment.
• The Incident Commander (IC) is responsible for the overall management of the incident.
• The IC provides follow-up reports to C&C until Fire Department resources have been demobilized.
• The Safety Officer identifies and evaluates hazards, advises the IC on personnel safety.
• The Safety Officer investigates accidents involving Fire Department personnel, has the authority to alter, suspend, or terminate unsafe activities.
• Also the Safety Officer provides the safety message for the Incident Action Plan (IAP).
• Company Officer's and Unit Supervisors report "Holding, 1/4 mile out", follow check-in procedures, maintain company unity and safety, maintain contact and update information for their assigned immediate supervisor/leader, and complete assignments.
• Command & Control (C&C) assigns Telephone Radio Operators (TRO)/Dispatchers to greater alarm wildland fire incidents and provides additional frequencies as requested.

Policy

• When dealing with wildland fire incidents, the priorities of The Los Angeles County Fire Department are:
  • Protection of life.
  • Incident Stabilization.
  • Property/environment protection and conservation.
• Safety guidelines include the following:
  • Personnel at wildland fire incidents must adhere to the current Emergency Incident Safety Instructions and Uniform Regulations.
  • PPE is to be worn.
  • During inclement fire weather, supervisors must conduct daily formal safety briefings at morning line-up.
  • Provides personnel with the necessary safety briefing prior to fire fighting operations.
  • Single resource supervisors, personnel with assignments, and operations overhead must carry both Tactical and Command handi-talkie radios.
  • Supervisors must ensure that their assigned personnel have knowledge and access to a safe zone.
  • The Pilot or Fly Crew Supervisor shall notify the Incident Commander when the crew is staged in the air above the fire and the proposed work location of the crew before the crew is positioned.
  • A 1-1/2" progressive hoselay shall be deployed on all constructed indirect and direct Fireline of 300' or more on brush fires.
  • The IC shall assign a Safety Officer as soon as possible.
  • Broadcast routine weather reports or reports when significant weather changes are predicted or anticipated.
  • Individual resource supervisors and Division/Group Supervisors must ensure resting/cooling and provide adequate liquids for their assigned personnel.

Command

• The organizational structure and nomenclature for wildland fire incidents is consistent with the Incident Command System (ICS).
• ICS Facilities (Incident Command Post, Staging, Base, etc.) must be identified by address, intersection, or land mark(s) i.e. (Fire Station X) or (Tapia Park).
• If the ICP is moved, the IC (BC, AC, or DC) usually makes the decision.
• The relocated ICP location must be communicated to C&C.
• During Size-up Reports, standard definitions of fuel type shall be used, as found in Appendix I.
• Follow-up reports to C&C will include the fire's relationship to State Responsibility Lands (SRA).
• Jurisdictional Captain or another officer designated by the Battalion Chief remains in command on scene until demobilization of all personnel is complete.
• Camp Superintendents will be given standard ICS assignments by the IC.
• If there is an immediate defensive need, the IC will assign a group supervisor and the resources necessary for structure protection.
• Multi-Jurisdiction fires and fires that threaten another jurisdiction will be managed by Unified Command Principles.
• The IAP must include information from jurisdictional "Wildland Pre-Attack Plans", with the IC seeking advice on local conditions.
• The IC establishes minimum resources that should remain available in staging to meet contingency/emergency needs.

Communications

• All Initial Action Zone (IAZ) and Mutual Aid fires require the use of a common Command and Air to Ground radio frequency.
• The current standard communications plan should be used on all County Jurisdiction fires
• Request through C&C an expansion of tactical frequencies to eliminate radio frequency overload.
• When emergency radio traffic is requested, a priority of communications shall be given and "All Clear" given on completion.
• Emergency conditions relevant to all personnel on an incident shall be re-broadcast over Command and Tactical frequencies by C&C.
• C&C will utilize the current Department policy on notification of duty Incident Management Team IC's.
• Incident Management Teams will be activated according to current Department policy, if ordered by the Duty Chief or by the Incident Management Team IC.

Tactical Guidelines

• 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 shall develop an evacuation plan on all wildland fires that threaten inhabited areas, using information from Wildland Pre-attack plans.
• The IC shall request local law enforcement agency to control traffic or close roads in the operational area if vehicle traffic is a threat to public safety, fire fighter safety or fire fighting operations.
• Unless there is an immediate exposure protection need, first attack on wildfires will be a perimeter control operation on the fire's flanks.
• Resources assigned to structure protection should follow strategy and tactical procedures contained herein.
• Progressive Hose Lay Packs and fittings shall be carried according to 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 hose lines are in use on a wildland fire, water supply provisions shall be made.
• Apparatus operators shall protect fire apparatus and fire pump equipment from fire damage.
• Burning Out/Firing Out operations need Division/Group supervisor approval.
• Any backfiring operation requires the approval of the Operations Section Chief (OSC) or IC.
• The first engine at the fire origin site shall ensure the area of origin is protected for cause investigation.
• All fires require an appropriate wet mop-up, with Class A foam and wet water utilized per current department policies and procedures.
• A cold trail is required around all wildland fires.
• The IC shall declare knockdown, containment and control through C&C.

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".
• When the IC is requesting additional resources (normally above a second alarm), the IC will request by Strike Team increments, or request "immediate need for closest engines" (any type).
• Crew strike teams shall be formed by the Central Crew Coordinator at Camp 2 and passed on to C&C.
• Hand crews have the ultimate responsibility to construct a control line completely around the fire.
• Dozers will be utilized when and where appropriate.
• Helicopters will be utilized when and where appropriate.
• Fly crews will be made 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.
• Personal Protective Equipment: Personnel operating at wildland fire incidents shall adhere to the Emergency Safety Instructions (Volume 10, Chapter 3, Subject 1), and Uniform Regulations (Volume 2, Chapter 11, Subject 1).
• PPE is required under current Department policies and procedures shall be worn.
• All resource supervisors and overhead shall conduct formal safety briefings with their assigned personnel.
• Minimum safety briefing will discuss "FIRE ORDERS", "LCES" (Lookouts, Communications, Escape Routes, Safety zones) and "WATCH OUT SITUATIONS".
• Personnel shall be provided with briefings on "DOWNHILL- INDIRECT LINE CONSTRUCTION" when relevant to their operation.
• Supervising personnel shall carry copies of the "FIRE ORDERS", "LCES", "WATCH OUT SITUATIONS" and "DOWNHILL-INDIRECT LINE CONSTRUCTION" guidelines, which are in the "FIRELINE SAFETY REFERENCE, (NFES 2243)".
• Battalion Chiefs shall have spare copies of "FIRE ORDERS", "LCES", "WATCH OUT SITUATIONS", and "DOWNHILL-INDIRECT LINE CONSTRUCTION guidelines available.
• Communications equipment shall include (as necessary) both tactical and command handi-talkie radios.
• All personnel working in positions which require radio communications with personnel on the incident shall monitor the assigned command and tactical radio frequencies.
• All Single Resource Supervisors and Operations Overhead shall obtain a briefing on the communications plan.
• Radios shall be set to monitor command and tactical frequencies.
• Subordinates shall be briefed on the incident communications plan.
• Supervisor's will make a safety assessment of the work location.
• Supervisor's select safety zone locations that will ensure all members can reach the safety zone in a timely manner if necessary.
• Supervisor's shall brief members as to the location of safety zones, escape routes and alerting method.
• Supervisor's require oversight and compliance with the "FIRELINE SAFETY REFERENCE" (NFES 2243), which includes "FIRE ORDERS", "LCES", "WATCH OUT SITUATIONS", and the "DOWNHILL-INDIRECT LINE CONSTRUCTION GUIDELINES.
• If no safety zone exists, or the black is not a safe location, a constructed safety zone will be created.
• Safety zones shall be established or identified prior to work beginning on the fire.
• Additional safety zones should be established when travel distance to previously established safety zones does not allow adequate time to reach the zone.
• All crews will announce their arrival at staging, report "staged" in the air above the fire.
• Fly crews must request an assignment from the IC, may suggest a starting point on the line and will indicate they have a safe zone and will not be landed in the safety zone until the IC's approval.
• The IC and Fly Crew Supervisor will discuss the proposed location to deploy the fly crew, direction of travel, safety zones, and the incident command and tactical radio frequencies.
• Fly crews will not begin work until after:
  • An approved assignment from the IC.
  • Received communications briefing.
• The IC will assign the fly crew(s) to appropriate overhead at this 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 supervisor, OPS or IC informed of crew location and progress.
• If the fly crew(s) is (are) able to contain the head of the fire, the crew supervisor will notify the IC for another assignment.
• When the fly crew(s) supervisor decides it is safe and necessary to construct undercut line, the decision shall be reported to the immediate supervisor for evaluation and concurrence or denial.
• When a decision is made to construct an indirect line:
  • Identify location of the indirect line. Identify a starting and stopping point for the indirect line.
  • Order adequate resources to support the operation.
  • 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 as a Safety Officer.
  • If the incident requires additional personnel, a Safety Officer shall be requested through C&C.
  • The IC shall brief the Safety Officer.
  • The Safety Officer shall record information and provide safety message for IAP.
• Weather Reports:
  • The IC shall obtain weather forecast reports.
  • Local weather conditions should be monitored.
  • The weather channel on the radio should be monitored.
  • C&C will contact the South Operations Coordination Center (OCC), Riverside, to obtain weather information and any necessary forecasts.
  • The IC or Plans Section Chief shall analyze obtained weather information.
  • The IC shall ensure that weather changes and forecasts are broadcast.
    • If adverse conditions are predicted or anticipated, the broadcasts should be done on command and tactical channels.
• Rehabilitation:
  • Single Resource Supervisors and Division/Group Supervisors ensure that all individuals carry or are provided adequate water.
  • They should also give appropriate breaks for cooling and rest, and monitor the physical and mental status of assigned personnel for signs of heat illnesses.
  • Rehab caches shall be requested by the Incident Commander when the incident warrants.
• Command:
  • Location: identify desirable locations used in Wildland Pre-Attack Plans.
  • Report ICS Facilities location to C&C during follow-up report.
  • Report location via address, intersection, landmark, or Thomas Bros. grid to C&C.
• Relocating the Command Post - Initial IC (Captain) dictates the ICP based on tactical location needs. - The IC (Battalion Chief) relocate the ICP to a better location that provides: - Area away from tactical activities. - Better communications. - Safer location. - Easy access. - Better view of the incident. - The IC (Assistant Chief) relocate the ICP to a location with adequate facilities, which should include office space, telephones, lighting, helicopter pads, parking,etc..
  • The IC may choose to move the Incident Command Post to a location listed in the Wildland Pre-Attack Plan.
• Fuel Size-up: - Standard definitions of fuel type are used during size up reports. - Types: - Grass: Flashy grass fuels includes tall grass. - Light Fuel: Mix of grass and brush fuels, up to 2ft. - Medium Fuel: fuel of 2ft to 6 ft in height. - Heavy Fuel: Fuel over 6ft in height.
• SRA Lands:
  • Battalion Chief shall determine exact fire location during briefing by district Captain.
  • Battalion Chief shall check the SRA Map.
  • Battalion Chief shall report to C&C when fire is on or threatening SRA lands.
    • If the fire will involve SRA lands, an agency representative should be requested.
• Scene Command:
  • When Battalion Chief returns command to the jurisdictional Captain, that Captain will retain command until demobilization is complete and all personnel have left the scene.
  • If district Captain cannot assume command another Captain from the Battalion will assume command.
• Superintendents:
  • Shall report to IC for briefing and assignment.
  • The first arriving superintendent will become crew coordinator.
  • The second and any additional Superintendents should be given line assignments to assess operations, safety, and fire activity.
  • Assist the IC with developing the Incident Action Plan using visual reviews.
    • Assist the IC by reviewing utilization/tactical needs for crew deployment, also discuss crew supervision needs with the IC.
• Exposure Protection:
  • Immediate Exposure: -Life/evacuation must be prioritized. -Structures: assess any wood roofs, siding, decks/attic vents, size proximity + defensible space, fire behavior, resources available, structures, etc.
  • Assign a Group Supervisor: give geographic location name. Allocate resources, notify Division/Group Sup when Groups established to protect exposures.
• United Command -Determine jurisdictional boundaries + multi-jurisdictional potential. - If needed, IC request C&C to notify agencies involved and request Agency Rep report to command post + designate Unified Command/Co-Locate Command Post as situation dictates. -IC's brief on mission objectives, limit/priorities, resource levels, etc. - Establish prioritized list of incident objectives. - Agree on strategy + appoint 1 OSC + brief. -Develop Single IAP/Single Point Ordering System/ stay + jointly evaluate + change/work together to solve problems.
• Incident Action Plan: -IC forecasts fire, spread, goals and resources needed. -IC consult jurisdictions involved and IC will refer to info gathered from "Wildland Pre-Attack Plans."
• Staging: -IC/OPS needs areas for staging. -Brief Staging Managers on - organization, travel routes/divisions, resources assignment method, establish minimum resource levels at staging. -As needed, reserve resources are kept for escape/spot fires, injuries, emergency response or resource rehabilitation. -If needed, Staging advises IC/OPS to order more additional resources.
• Communications: -Action/Mutual -Resources get common air/ground radio. -Verify all necessary agencies respond. -All operate on tactical comms plan announced instead of assisting tactical frequencies. -All companies contact supervisors+TRO + Command. -Tactical Frequency: - remain as given unless comms plan announced and C&C shall notify units from comms( battalions) if needed.

Tactical Guidelines

• Excessive Radio Traffic : Request Frequency through C&C, announce comms plan through C&C, include all and frequency changes in announcement.
• Non Interrupt : Emergency comms must not be interrupted with command personnel.
• Notify IMT: 2nd alarm requires C&C notify the Team IC. Tactical Guideline: • Helispot Assign: Get alarm use battalion index, assign. Get engine co, Contact announce get engine spot; C&C repeats over repeater message gets MDT engine alpha verify using index follow operations. • Evals: Command and Control need local law for support and enforcement plans. • IC/OPs/Staging: Needs road closures residents or complete also must close. • Structures : assign crew group or split on both Use tactics and have safety zones to enter/ consider crews and get engines on side and keep safe get water Get ladders + fuels and structure access and shut off gas or foam.
• Hose/Engine/Pumps get hoses and pumps in all rigs current.
• Deploys begin line (1 1/2) with attack and T with 1/ lateral as primary -Water: use +get lay (2 1/2) protection/access.

Apparatus operation

• Operators park for egress and remote as needed, with ridge triple and quad flames. Back in, Park , no mid slope or near slope or lights. Use Aux pump alert fire + check CO2 extinguishers.

Firing

• Firing Out operations get line needs + Division/group and notification for IC and get A-B location visual persons-spot Slope resources and hoseline then plan escape route with insight op.
• Backfiring : Request operations + Operations supervisor and get Area op Point Estimates notify+ contact all and get - engines + crew, tank and personal finalize/brief, review+ frequency Identify origin+ point.

Mop-up

• Origin: +tapeless /Hydro evidence
• Notify-Sheriff and command (code. )
• Water 5< / over 5 + out.

Staging

• Hose or watch in place + patrol consider weather + spot.

Trails

• Cold trail all fires and cancel the power.

Containment

• Declaration by command personnel and responsible.
• Resource Use: Standard per 10 2 2 IC may unit or request additional teams+ support and IMT
• Crews responsibility: construct lines maintain contact Dozer stay Bureau in location Heli during stage+ chief deputy coordinate etc and spot outside or fly available soon as practical Fly be up as soon And all in APPENDIX I

Definitions

• Agency Representative - assigned from supporting agency make decisions
• Backfiring- to control spreading or defense.
• Battalion wild plan- Pre-attack station to Captains chief-emergency with special information like special note base helipad evac notes
• Black area--burned area.
• Blue Radio-- radio
• Burning Out / Firing Out**:** setting on side to controls to confusion
• Burning Period**:** start to fire and 10 am next
• C&c command control
• Clear text- communication.
• Construct Zone- burnt area.
• Containment line spot high
• Control- usually member the fire or Battalion
• Defensive= action
• defensive need = other needs
• Demobilization or end
• Engine Zone safety area pre identified maps locate overrun vehicles and policy.
• Fire (NFES 2243):- Look low to down pocket
• Fire Append"II"
• Fire Shelter- tent
• Flanking- connection
• Flanks- Left/top down. FLY-10 plus supervisor.
• Class A.
• Fuel types - list including grass mix two six or heav.
• "green".
• Group Supervisor: - accomplish
• Incident Team A Emergency
• Indirect - is line fuel
• Knock Down: No is all that perimeter.
• Line: Install hose - spot hose attack.
• Look Out:
• Major IMT added small organization
• Mop up: or line
• OFFENSIVE crews air scratch line offensive.
• Overhead general unit
• Over Sight hazardous" look out".
• Parallel or attack.
• Planning team info or larger get generator trailer.
• Pro hoseor Lay is long.
• Pro house ready get deploy.
• PRA for all members vehicle can"safety zones".
• Road contact access(CHP Sheriff PD)
• Residents only requests identifying are police.
• Complete 3.
• Hazard + Pre High map heavy water tops - residents leave get high risk or resources
• Support - lean organization greater get hours the 30 team 350 team