Hoffman Estates Fire Department Wildland Firefighting Operations PDF

HOFFMAN ESTATES FIRE DEPARTMENT STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINES SOG Category & Identification Number: EFFECTIVE DATE: SPECIALIZED OPERATION - 014 January 1, 2022 NIMS COMPLAINT SOG Ti...

HOFFMAN ESTATES FIRE DEPARTMENT STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINES SOG Category & Identification Number: EFFECTIVE DATE: SPECIALIZED OPERATION - 014 January 1, 2022 NIMS COMPLAINT SOG Title: Wildland Firefighting Revision: 3 APPROVED BY: NUMBER OF PAGES: Re-evaluation Date: Alan Wax January 1, 2025 Fire Chief 5 PURPOSE Wildland fires pose some unique and unusual problems with regard to fire suppression and eventual extinguishment. The prototypical suburban firefighter does not get much exposure to these unpredictable and dangerous fires, therefore, a basic understanding of the different factors that affect these types of fires will result in a much more efficient and safe operation. POLICY PROCEDURE A. Due to the unpredictability, and the potential for a fast rate of spread with these types of fires, a general understanding of the “parts of a fire” will assist greatly. Please see visual on page 4. B. Size-up and other factors to consider while enroute should include, but are not limited to: 1. Fuels and terrain 2. Access roads or trails 3. Barriers (Natural / Man Made) 4. Ownership 5. Water sources 6. Special Hazards 7. Smoke Column a. Color b. Amount c. Shape C. On scene report is vital to the overall success of the eventual fire suppression activities. The information given by the first arriving apparatus will dictate where the attack will begin, what method will be used, and the need for more resources. Establish Command early! 1 D. The direct attack method will be the method of choice for the majority of these types of fires. Certainly at times, albeit very few, a parallel or indirect attack might be considered. However, the direct attack will be the safest and most efficient attack method, and should be used whenever possible. E. With the arrival of Brush 24, or any other off road firefighting vehicle, Command should consider the following: 1. Flanking Attack – Starting on one flank and working around the entire perimeter. Usually best to start on the “hot” flank and work from the burned area in light fuels. 2. Tandem Attack – Initial knock down by the first brush truck, followed by the second brush truck to secure the line. 3. Pincer Attack – Both flanks attacked simultaneously to eventually pinch off the head. F. At all times safety is paramount! Be aware of the potential risk to personnel and vehicles. Fight fire aggressively, but provide for safety first! ADDITIONAL INFORMATION – KEY POINTS  Always use an “anchor point”  Always use the “black” area as a safety zone  Never attempt a frontal or head attack  Remember, one foot in the “black” at all times  If needed, call for assistance early!  Drive carefully when off-road, know where your people are Protective Clothing The Hoffman Estates Fire Department is committed to providing suppression personnel with the appropriate wildland firefighting clothing. Making this lightweight clothing available should increase effectiveness while combating these demanding fires, at the same time increasing the safety of all personnel. Every firefighter shall be sized with the 2-piece lightweight gear. Currently the department has wildland gear in a wide variety of sizes. Each station will receive gear that will be stored in a centralized location at each station. The gear will be packed in small individual bags that will be clearly labeled as to the size of the gear in said bag. It will be the responsibility of each firefighter to add the appropriate wildland gear to their firefighting ensemble on a daily basis during wildland fire season. Company officers should use good judgment to ensure that all personnel have a set of wildland gear on their vehicle while on 2 shift in a suppression capacity. In turn, all personnel should return said wildland gear to the designated staging area in each station after the completion of shift. This will ensure that the gear will be available for oncoming shift personnel. The following will be the "clothing of choice" for suppression personnel actively engaged in wildland firefighting operations; *Leather "shoe fit" turn-out boots (structural firefighting boots) *Structural firefighting helmet (including eye protection) *Structural firefighting gloves (no "extrication gloves") *Nomex hood (placed around neck) *Lightweight wildland gear (top and bottom) NOTE: This lightweight gear will be worn over the normal quarter master issued pants, and a department issued 100% cotton T-shirt. DO NOT wear any "Under Armor" or other moisture wicking fabric under the gear. In the event of a call back, or a set(s) of gear is OOS, or any other situation that may arise where an individual is not able to be outfitted with the lightweight gear, it will be permissible for personnel to wear the current structural firefighting gear. DEFINITIONS Anchor Point – an advantageous location to start firefighting operations. Could be road, stream, plowed field, etc. Control Line – a term used for all constructed or natural fire barriers used to control a fire. Direct Attack – attacking the fire on its burning edge or close to it. Usually used on fires moving slowly and one that is not too hot for personnel to get in close with equipment. Fingers of a Fire – long, narrow “fingers” projecting from main body of fire. Fire Break – an existing barrier, man-made or natural, that will stop or slow an oncoming wildland fire. Flank – part of a fire between the head and rear. Described as “hot” or “cold”, depending on wind and fire spread. Flanking – an attack used on a fire working the sides or area between the head and rear. Head of Fire – the most active, most dangerous part of fire. Indirect attack – a method of attack in which the control line is located along a natural barrier or firebreak, long distance from edge of fire. 3 Parallel Method – a method where crews operate 100 yards or so parallel to the fire’s edge. Rate of Spread – to express relative horizontal growth of a wildland fire. Rear of Fire – opposite of the head. The slowest, least active part of fire. Wet Line – control line put in by means of advancing hose. Typically using 1 ½” feeder line with 1-inch branch lines. Wildland Fire Season – Seasons of the year presenting with dry under or over brush that may cause fire to spread. This may during the spring, fall, or even dry winter months. Times not usually associated with the fire season would be snow-covered or water-soaked brush/ground and green vegetation during warmer summer months. Wildland/Urban Interface – where native vegetation interface with man-made fuel types (homes), or human encroachment into wildland areas. EXCEPTIONS Where MABAS Illinois Policies and Procedures current online reference or MABAS 1 Operating Guidelines/Policy Statements are in conflict with HEFD Standard Operating Guidelines, HEFD Standard Operating Guidelines will take precedence. REFERENCES MABAS Illinois Policies and Procedures current online reference MABAS 1 Operating Guidelines/Policy Statements 4  FIRE BREAK FIRE BREAK HEAD LEFT FLANK RIGHT FLANK ORIGIN WIND End of Document 5