Unit 11 – Standards for Survival

Standards for survival

• Wildland firefighters have too many reminders of those who have passed before them who have not heeded the following information.

• DON’T BECOME A STATISTIC!

Common Denominators

• Small incidents• Light Fuels• Chimneys, gulleys,

steep slopes• Low flying aircraft• “Innocent”

appearance before blowups

Fire Orders

• Since 1926, more than 250 Wildland Firefighters have lost their lives.– Deaths occurred due to failure to recognize

like threatening situations.– Proper action could have reduced fatalities

• In 1950, the 10 standard fire orders were introduced.– Read second half of NFES 2388– Read inside plastic covers of the Fireline

Handbook

Fire Orders

• Fight fire aggressively but provide for safety first

• Initiate all actions based on current and expected fire behavior

Fire Orders

• Recognize current weather conditions and obtain forecasts

• Ensure instructions are given and understood

Fire Orders

• Obtain current information on fire status

• Remain in communications with crew members, your supervisor, and adjoining forces

Fire Orders

• Determine escape routes and safety zones

• Establish lookouts, especially in hazardous situations

Fire Orders

• Retain control at all times

• Stay alert, keep calm, think clearly, act decisively

Unit 11.A – Watch out situations

• 18 Situations to remember that shout “watch-out” (Reference: NFES 2388)

• Many of the watch out situations are not things to never do; the more of the situations you break, the more trouble you’re in

Reference: NFES 2388

Watch out situations

1. Fire not scouted and sized up Can you observe the fire? Do you know the location of the fire

perimeter?

Watch out situations

2. In country not seen in daylight

• Can you observe the area or use scouts?

• Have escape routes and safety zones been established for day and night use?

Watch out situations

3. Safety zones and escape routes not identified

• THIS IS THE ONE WATCH OUT ORDER YOU SHOULD TRY TO NEVER BREAK!

Watch out situations

4. Unfamiliar with weather and local factors influencing fire behavior Can you ask question of local experts?Can you get information from resources

that have been on the fire?

Watch out situations

5. Uninformed on strategy, tactics, or hazardsCan communications

be established to find out strategy, tactics, or hazards?

Can you get a briefing from your supervisor?

Watch out situations

6. Instructions and assignments not clearAsk: task assignment, location,

communications, hazards, fire weather, etc.?

Did you understand the assignment?

Watch out situations

7. No communication link with crew members; supervisors and adjoining forcesCan communications be established?

8. Constructing line without a safe anchor pointCan the fire go around your line?Are there adequate safety zones and escape

routes?

Watch out situationsWatch out situations

9. Building fireline downhill to the fire belowWill wind direction be and stay at your

back?Are there escape routes and safety zones

as you move down the hill?

Watch out situationsWatch out situations

10. Attempting a frontal assault on a fireHas the fire been scouted and sized?Is you position defendable?Are escape routes and safety zones adequate?

Watch out situationsWatch out situations

11. Unburned fuel between you and the fireCan you see the fire?Will your position be defensible when the fire

reaches you?

Watch out situationsWatch out situations

12. Cannot see the main fire, not in contact with anyone who canAre you informed on expected fire behavior and

weather?Do you have safety zones and escape routes?Will you receive adequate warning to go to your

safety zone?

Watch out situationsWatch out situations

13. On a hillside where rolling material can ignite fuel belowCan you locate/construct a fireline to prevent

material rolling below?Will you get enough warning?Can you see where any material that rolls

below you goes and what it does?

Watch out situationsWatch out situations

14. Weather is getting hotter and drierDo you have a workable plan if fire behavior

increases?Are your escape routes and safety zones still

adequate?Will you have adequate warning if you need to

use the safety zones?

Watch out situationsWatch out situations

15. Wind increases and changes directionIs the wind at your back?Will it stay at your back?Do you have a plan if the fire reaches you

faster than expected?

Watch out situationsWatch out situations

16. Getting frequent spot fires across the lineCan you handle increased spotting?Do you have a plan for long range spotting?

Watch out situationsWatch out situations

17. Terrain and fuels make escape to safety zones difficult

• Escape routes and safety zones are worthless if you cant get to them or use them when needed

Watch out situationsWatch out situations

18. Taking a nap near firelineAre lookouts posted?Is the area free of hazards?

Watch out situationsWatch out situations