Duties and Responsibilities Associated With a Firing Operation

4320.17 SL 1

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ASSOCIATED WITH A FIRING OPERATION

SL 2-1-1

4320.17 SL ‹#›

4320.17 SL 2

Why do we burn?

• A rapid and efficient method to remove receptive fuels in the path of an advancing fire

• Vegetation Management Program– To alter/modify fuel beds

4320.17 SL 3

Should We Burn?• Risk vs. Gain

– Potential risk• Loss of fire control• Property damage

– Structures and improvements– Livestock and grazing land

• Others?

– Potential Gain• Cleanup and strengthen line• Quick removal of fuel with minimal resources• Firefighter Safety• Others?

4320.17 SL 4

Organization of a Firing Operation

4320.17 SL 5

Organization of a Firing Operation

• Firing Group Supervisor– Develops Firing Plan– Supervises Firing Operation– A Firing Group entails firing team(s) and other

resources under an OSC or Branch

4320.17 SL 6

Organization of a Firing Operation

• Firing Team Leader– Develops firing plan for initial attack firing– May be supervised by IC or firing group supervisor– Supervises team member/igniters

• Firing Team Member (Firefighter)– An individual igniter working under the supervision of

a firing team leader

4320.17 SL 7

Firing Operations Plan

• Must have a Firing Plan– May be verbal or written

• Plan must be approved by the IC

• Plan must be communicated to all affected personnel

4320.17 SL 8

Group Organization

• Field Observer

• Lookouts

• Ignition Team(s)

• Holding Team

• Mop-up Team

• Reserves / Contingency Forces

4320.17 SL 9

Reconnaissance and Size-Up

• Fuels• Weather

• Topography

• Ingress and egress• Problem areas

4320.17 SL 10

Dog Legs

SL 2-1-10

4320.17 SL ‹#›

4320.17 SL 11

Heavy Fuel Buildups / Jackpots

4320.17 SL 12

Aerial Retardant DropsAerial Retardant Drops

4320.17 SL 13

Structures

4320.17 SL 14

Communities

4320.17 SL 15

Utilities

4320.17 SL 16

4320.17 SL 174320.17 SL ‹#›

4320.17 SL 184320.17 SL ‹#›

4320.17 SL 194320.17 SL ‹#›

4320.17 SL 204320.17 SL ‹#›

4320.17 SL 214320.17 SL ‹#›

4320.17 SL 224320.17 SL ‹#›

4320.17 SL 234320.17 SL ‹#›

4320.17 SL 244320.17 SL ‹#›

4320.17 SL 254320.17 SL ‹#›

4320.17 SL 264320.17 SL ‹#›

4320.17 SL 27

LPG Tanks

4320.17 SL 28

Hazardous Materials

4320.17 SL 29

Personnel Management

• SAFETY– L.C.E.S.

• Lookouts• Communications• Escape Routes• Safety Zones

– 10 Standard Fire Orders

– 18 Watch-Out Situations

– PPE

4320.17 SL 30

Personnel Briefing

• Objectives

• Chain of command /

organization

• Fire situation

• Fire weather forecast

• Fire behavior predictions• Safety

4320.17 SL 31

Personnel Briefing• Communications

• Medical

• Air support resources

• Maps

• Problem areas

– Saddles

– Switchbacks

– Dogleg

4320.17 SL 32

Personnel Briefing

• Who will be performing the firing

• What techniques will be employed

• Anchor and termination points

• Timing / burn window

• Procedure for escapes / spots

• Contingency