BUSH or
GRASS FIRE
TURNING OUT
In addition to the standard turn out
procedure the OIC of the first responding appliance should
consider the level of response according to the Initial Response
Plan.
FDI Initial Alarm Response
- 0 - 30 Single Appliance
- 30 - 50 1st Alarm
- 50 - 60 (Ban Only) 2nd Alarm
- 60+(Alert Station manned) 3rd
Alarm
EN ROUTE TO INCIDENT
While en route to the incident the OIC
should be evaluating the following...
- is the incident located in a
reticulated area? If so, as the appliance closes to the
incident, keep an eye out for hydrant markers. If not
consider turning out a Water Tanker, also keep an eye out
for bodies of water suitable for draughting.
- the smoke column - can you see it,
where is it, how big is it, what does it look like?
- will more resources be needed
(more appliances or even air support) or can a stop call
be transmitted?
- if it appears that the fire will
develop into a major incident, where can a ICS team and
staging point be situated?
- will the Group Base be required to
be turned out?
ON ARRIVAL AT THE INCIDENT
- The OIC will immediately upon
arrival will give a basic/brief SITREP and predicted
resource requirements to the Brigade, Group or Region 1
Base.
- Size Up the incident and decide of
the tactics and strategies to combat the fire.
- After 5 minutes the OIC will give
a detailed SITREP, with further detailed SITREPs every 30
minutes thereafter.
- When Sizing Up an incident the OIC
bases his evaluations on...
- Principles of Combustion and Fire
Behaviour
- Knowledge of the Land (Topography,
Fuels and weather)
- Aids and Guides (Maps, weather
forecasts etc)
FIRE FIGHTING & SAFETY NOTES
- Before any fire fighting tactic or
strategy is implemented the OIC must first consider the
safety of his fire fighters.
- A fast concentrated direct attack
on a fire is best when the fire is in its first stage of
development.
- Beware of a fire that begins to
pulsate - it is a warning sign that the fire is balanced
on a knife edge between a low and high intensity and may
suddenly ?blow up?.
- Position the appliance for fast
evacuation of an area.
- Keep an eye out for safe areas
(large open paddocks etc)
- Keep hose lines short and crew
close to appliance.
- If in a 2 wheel drive appliance
keep to roads and tracks.
ENTRAPMENT PROCEDURE
Make the maximum use of the bodywork of
the appliance to provide protection from flames and radiant heat
during fire fighting operations.
If trapped by the fire....
- park the appliance in a burnt or
clear area
- leave the engine of the appliance
running
- switch on the headlights and all
warning lights
- close all doors windows and vents
- get down low in the driver?s cab
and cover up with a blanket
- in the crew compartment lower the
fire blanket and cover up
- leave the pump running and if
water is available operate a protective spray.
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