Foreword - pumicelands.co.nz A wildfire incident ... incident roles within the CIMS ICS structure....

Rural Fire Management Handbook

ForewordA wildfire incident in New Zealand can involve many people moving from their normal day to day work environment into a temporary fire fighting organisation.

The question on some people’s minds when tasked to a role(s) at a wildfire incident is: what are the responsibilities of my role(s) and how does this fit with other role(s) involved with the management of the incident.

This handbook provides the detail for each of the wildfire incident roles within the CIMS ICS structure. It is similar in many aspects to the Fireline Handbook published by the USA National Wildfire Co-ordinating Group.

At a small to medium wildfire incident one person will fill one or more roles as defined in this handbook. As the incident increases in size or complexity the number of roles will reduce until finally a person will be tasked to only one role.

Additional references and information is also provided on fire behaviour in different fuel types and weather.

I recommend that Rural Fire Authorities issue this handbook to regular fire fighters and those involved in the management of wildfires. This will ensure the maximisation of knowledge on wildfire incident management is known prior to deployment of resources to wildfires.

The handbook is also structured in a way that it can be placed in the pocket of fire fighting clothing and referenced when required during an incident.

Murray DudfieldNational Rural Fire OfficerJanuary 2005

IndexSection 1 Introduction

1.1 Purpose 1

1.2 Use 1

1.3 Maintenance 2

1.4 Approvals 2

Section 2 Safety

2.1 Personal Safety 1

2.2 LACES 5

2.3 Watchouts 6

2.4 Ten Standard Fire Orders 7

2.5 Safety Briefing 8

2.6 Use of Vehicles 8

2.7 Use of Machinery 9

2.8 Working with Aircraft 10

2.9 First Aid 11

2.10 CPR 12

Section 3 Initial Attack

3.1 Definition of Initial Attack 1

3.2 Responding to a Reported Incident 1

3.3 Enroute to the Incident 2

3.4 Arriving at the Fire 3

3.5 Getting to work 3

3.6 Initial Attack Checklist 5

3.7 Transition (Initial to Extended Attack) 6

3.8 Fire Incident Types 8

Section 4 Incident Management

4.1 Control 2

4.1.1 Incident Controller 4

4.1.2 Information Officer 6

Page

4.1.3 Liaison Officer 7

4.1.4 Safety Officer 8

4.2 Planning and Intelligence 9

4.2.1 Planning/Intell Manager 10

4.2.2 Situation Unit 11

4.2.3 Resource Unit 12

4.2.4 Information/Intell Unit 13

4.2.5 Management Support Unit 13

4.3 Operations 14

4.3.1 Operations Manager 15

4.3.2 Air Operations 16

4.3.3 Ground Operations 21

4.4 Logistics 25

4.4.1 Logistics Manager 26

4.4.2 Supply Unit 27

4.4.3 Facilities Unit 28

4.4.4 Ground Support Unit 28

4.4.5 Communications Unit 29

4.4.6 Catering Unit 30

4.4.7 Medical Unit 31

4.4.8 Finance Unit 32

Section 5 Operational Guidelines

5.1 Fire Control Objectives 1

5.2 Fire Control Strategy 1

5.2.1 Direct Attack 2

5.2.2 In-Direct Attack 3

5.2.3 Back Burning and Burn-out 4

5.3 Communications 5

5.3.1 Communication Networks 5

5.3.2 Communications Plan 8

5.3.3 Operating Guidelines 9

Page

5.3.4 Standard IGC Frequencies 10

5.4 Media Interviews 11

Section 6 Fire Behaviour

6.1 Introduction 1

6.2 Fire Weather Index (FWI) System structure 2

6.3 Available Fuel Load (AFL) – Forests 4

6.4 Available Fuel Load (AFL) – Grasslands 5

6.5 Available Fuel Load (AFL) – Scrublands 6

6.6 Headfire Rate of Spread (ROS) – Flat Terrain 7

6.7 Slope Correction Factor 8

6.8 Headfire Intensity (HFI) – Equations 10

6.9 Headfire Intensity (HFI) – Rate of Spread/ Fuel Load Relationship 12

6.10 Headfire Intensity (HFI) – Flame Length Relationship 15

6.11 Headfire Intensity (HFI) – Fire suppression effectiveness 16

6.12 Fire Danger Class Criteria – Forest 17

6.13 Fire Danger Class Criteria – Grassland 18

6.14 Fire Danger Class Criteria – Scrubland 19

6.15 Fire Danger Class Criteria 20

6.16 Simple Elliptical Fire Growth Model 22

6.17 Wind Speed Estimation 24

6.18 Abbreviations and Conversions 26

Section 7 Fire Investigation

7.1 On Arrival 1

7.2 Fire Cause Report 2

Appendix A - Glossary

Appendix B - Local/Regional Information

Appendix C - Notes

Page

1. Introduction1.1 PurposeIt is intended that this handbook will provide a condensed reference of key information that a fire manager will find useful at an incident. The handbook includes guidelines and information on:

• Safe fire fighting

• The structure and inter-relationships of a National Incident Management Team (NIMT)

• The roles and responsibilities of the personnel forming an IMT

• Guidelines on when a national team should be deployed

• Operational information and fire control strategies

• Fire behaviour information

• Fire investigation guidelines

• Local information (added by user).

1.2 UseThe handbook has information that may be required or is useful at any phase of an incident. It is intended to be used on the Incident Ground and therefore portability is important. As personnel may wish to carry the handbook at all times, a “pocket size” format has been adopted.

The book is not intended as a complete reference for rural fire fighting. It contains summary information in the form of bullet points, tables and checklists that are intended to be used as a guide or as reference material.

Section1 January2005 Page1

1.3 MaintenanceThe handbook is modular in format and “loose” bound to allow for:

• Sections to be revised over time and updated versions issued. The bindings and page numbering system allows sections to be replaced. The sections will include version control in the form of the issue Month/Year

• Additional local or regional sections to be developed and added to the Handbook (eg local resources and contact numbers).

An electronic copy will also be maintained on the NRFA Web Site to enable users to access the Handbook and print out sections as required.

1.4 ApprovalsContent of this handbook has been:

• Developed and/or collated from existing reference materials; and

• Reviewed by fire managers from throughout the rural sector; and

• Approved by the National Rural Fire Advisory Committee.


2. SafetyRemember:

“Safety is no Accident”“Safety First”

“Don’t take Chances”“When in doubt, back out”

2.1 Personal Safety

ResponsibilityAll personnel have a responsibility for their own personal safety and for the safety of those personnel they are supervising.

Every person entering a fireground:

• Shall receive a briefing which includes the safety and operational aspects appropriate to their role at the fire; and

• Shall have attained the competency in the FRSITO Unit Standard 3285, or be under the close supervision of a person who has attained this competency; and

• Shall receive a general fire related safety briefing before entering the fire ground if they do not have Unit Standard 3285.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)Every fire fighter must be dressed in appropriate and approved gear (PPE) for the task. This includes:

• Leather or other boots appropriate to the conditions

• Ankle to wrist outer clothing (wool or fire resistant)

• Cotton undergarments

• Head wear appropriate to work being done (chin straps must be fastened when working around aircraft)


• Safety goggles appropriate to work being done

• Earmuffs of appropriate grade to be available with each pump or other noisy environment

• Wet weather and protective gear for persons handling fire chemicals or loading water into aircraft

• In some situations gloves will be necessary.

HydrationFire fighting can be hot and physically very demanding. The loss of body fluids (de-hydration) through sweating quickly reduces fire fighter effectiveness and can lead to heat stress. In severe circumstances heat stroke can occur.

To prevent de-hydration it is essential that all fire fighters:

• Have access to plenty of fresh drinking water

• If appropriate to the task, carry drinking water in a belt water bottle

• Drink water frequently to replace lost fluids

• Keep themselves in good physical condition

• Take regular breaks when working hard

• Do not wear heavy clothes, jackets or PPE that is not suitable for vegetation fire fighting.

Crew Leaders and Supervisors need to:

• Monitor that firefighters are carrying and regularly drinking from their water bottles

• Regularly provide their crews with a rest period

• Regularly rotate tasks amongst the fire fighters to share the workload

• Monitor fire fighters (and themselves) for any symptoms of heat stress including:

• red, flushed features

• heavy sweating


• excessive thirst and drinking

• fatigue, clumsiness, giddiness or anxiety

• Stand down any person showing early signs of heat stress from the fireground

• Stand down any person from the fireground who is showing symptoms of heat stress and arrange for them to receive first aid assistance

• Arrange the evacuation and urgent medical attention for any fire fighter who shows any signs of severe heat stress or the onset of heat stroke (ie the patient becomes delirious or even unconscious).

Smoke/CO2 InhalationAlways avoid working in areas where there is high smoke levels or fire intensity. If the air becomes too smoky or hot, keep low to the ground and immediately retreat back along your escape route to clear air. Goggles can provide some protection and relief from smoke and fine dust particles.

Radiant HeatRadiant heat is very dangerous and can kill! It is important to avoid exposure to radiant heat and to shield exposed skin from its heat source. Radiated heat cannot pass through solid objects.

• always avoid being in any situation where you become exposed to the direct heat of a high intensity fire front

• always wear the correct PPE and where possible, keep all exposed skin covered (eg use helmet skirt to cover neck and ears)

• if exposed, use any equipment you are carrying (eg a shovel) to shield your face from the heat source

• if there is no immediate escape, turn away from the heat source and crouch low until it is safe to exit back along the escape route.


EntrapmentEntrapment can be a major threat to fire fighters when a fire suddenly and unexpectedly changes direction or rate of spread. The first responsibilities of all fire fighters is to:

• Always adopt a “safety first” attitude. No fire suppression tasks justify any risk taking or short cuts with safe work procedures

• Maintain LACES (refer the next section)

• Be aware of the topography, the fuels and fire environment

• Be alert to and consider any sudden changes to topography, fuels or fire weather.

In the event an entrapment situation arises and it is not possible to escape to the designated safety zone:

• Make sure crews stay together

• Do not try to out run a fire front up a steep slope

• Seek a possible route to get within the burnt area (as the safest place to be)

• If no escape, seek any immediate shelter from the radiant heat (in a ditch, behind a rock, in/under vehicle, etc)

• If there is no shelter (or no time), hit the ground and keep face close as possible to the earth. If possible, cover any exposed skin (ie if wearing gloves, cover ears). Take short breaths, the protection of your airway is essential

• Once the fire front has moved past:

• account for all personnel

• move further into burnt area to a safe position

• check yourself for any injuries

• check the condition of other personnel

• seek immediate assistance as required.


Experienced,competentandtrusted?

EnoughLookouts,goodadvantagepoints?

Knowledgeofcrewlocations?

Knowledgeofescapeandsafetylocations?

Crewsarebriefedandunderstandtheincidentandtheirobjectives?

Firebehaviourandweatherareknown?

Crewsareworkingfromasafeandsecureanchorpoint?

Radiochannelsareconfirmed?

Communicationsareestablishedwithallcrews,controlpoint,HQ,etc?

Situationupdatesarecommunicated?

CommunicationsrequiredwiththeComcenorRFA?

Morethanoneescaperoute?

Scoutedout,suitedtoslowestperson(allowforfatigue),knowntoallthecrewmembers?

Aremarked(nighttime)?

Naturalorconstructedarea(inburntarea,roadway,etc)?

Morethanonerequired?

Vehiclesavailableandcorrectlypositionedforescape?

Arecloseenoughgiventheplannedescaperoute?

SAFETY ZONES

LOOKOUTS

AWARENESS andANCHOR POINTS

COMMUNICATIONS

ESCAPE ROUTES

LACES CONSIDER

2.2 Laces


2.3 Watchouts

The 20 situations that shout “Watch Out”!


1 Fire size is unknown (not scouted and sized up?)

2 Unfamiliar territory (not seen in daylight?)

3 Safety zones/escape routes not identified?

4 Unfamiliar with weather and local factors influencing fire behaviour?

5 No communications link with fire fighters and their control point?

6 Instructions are not clear (unsure of assigned task, objectives, strategy, command chain, etc?)

7 Weather is getting hotter and drier (increasing temperature, falling humidity?)

8 Wind changes speed and/or direction (sudden change or un-expected change?)

9 Spot fires occurring across the line

10 Uphill or down wind of the fire front (attempting a frontal assault on fire?)

11 On a steep slope (constructing fireline downhill with fire below, on a hillside where rolling material can ignite fuel below?)

12 In rugged terrain (terrain makes escape to safety zones difficult?)

13 Can’t see the fire (are there communications with someone that can – LACES?)

14 In unburnt vegetation (are there fuels between you and the fire?)

15 Walking through hot ashes?

16 Working alone?

17 Getting tired?

18 Near power lines?

19 Working with machinery?

20 Working with aircraft?

2.4 Ten Standard Fire Orders

1 Fight fire aggressively but provide for safety first.

2 Initiate all actions based upon current and expected fire behaviour.

3 Recognise current weather conditions and obtain forecasts.

4 Ensure instructions are given and understood.

5 Obtain current information on fire status.

6 Remain in communication with crew members, your supervisor and adjoining forces.

7 Determine safety zones and escape routes.

8 Establish lookouts in potentially hazardous situations.

9 Retain control at all times.

Stay alert, keep calm, think clearly and act decisively.

10


2.5 Safety BriefingAll tasks should be preceded by a safety briefing. This may be delivered by a dedicated Safety Advisor or by the person supervising the assignment. The person delivering the safety briefing will:

2.6 Use of Vehicles • The driver is qualified for the operation of the vehicle

and for the road conditions?

• The driver and all passengers are seated and with seatbelts done up. No arms or legs outside the vehicle?

• No unsecured equipment or containers within the passenger area?

• All other equipment and tools securely stowed on the vehicle?

• All road traffic regulations observed, travelling at a safe speed at all times?

• Front seat passenger assisting driver with operation of the radio, lights, siren and as an observer when backing up?

1 Identify self. Who you are, what is your role/responsibility.

2 Define the assignment and discuss objectives and strategy.

3 Identify the potential hazards and apply the standard Fire Orders, Watch Outs and LACES.

4 For each hazard, discuss the danger signs and identify the avoidance and mitigation measures to be followed to minimise the risk.

5 Discuss fire fighter health and safety issues.

6 Ask for questions or any clarification required?


• Vehicle securely parked in a safe position on arrival at the fire (positioned to be able to quickly move away from the fire and clear of other arriving or passing traffic)?

• Vehicle not locked or ignition key removed?

2.7 Use of Machinery• Machines with the required safety rating for use in the

vegetation cover conditions

• Operator(s) are fully briefed on their task, any hazards and safety issues

• Machines working at night are equipped with suitable flood lighting equipment

• Communications with the machines and established (operator with a radio and headphones or assigned Crew Leader with radio)

• All personnel will:

• watch out for rapid and erratic movement of a machine

• attract the operator’s attention before approaching a machine

• never mount or dismount a moving machine

• keep away from the downhill side of an operating machine

• keep at least two tree lengths away from an operating machine.


2.8 Working with Aircraft

All Aircraft• Remain well clear of aircraft landing or take off areas

when aircraft are operating unless a specific task that you have requires you to be in the area

• A safety briefing will be given before flying, pay close attention and be sure all instructions are understood

• If wearing a helmet, secure it with a chin strap

• Remove any caps or hats and firmly hold on to them along with any other hand carried items

• Do not leave loose objects near aircraft or landing areas where they can get blown about

• Keep crews and their equipment together, upwind of the landing area

• Make each person responsible for their own gear and the equipment they carry and be ready to board as soon as they are given the command

• Board the aircraft only on a signal from the pilot or the person supervising loading. Stay in the pilot’s field of vision at all times

• Only load tools or equipment into the aircraft with the pilot’s approval

• Sit where instructed, fasten seatbelt and secure any objects in cabin from moving in flight

• Uncouple the seatbelt and leave aircraft when indicated by pilot (if possible, re-couple the seatbelt behind you as you exit)

• Always follow any directions or instructions from the pilot.


Fixed Wing• Never approach an aircraft forward of the engine and

propeller(s). Note: This is the reverse of the approach for helicopters

• Keep well clear of propellers at all times (whether spinning or not).

Helicopters• Keep well clear of the main and tail rotors at all times

• Approach and leave the helicopter on the down hill side (ground slope can reduce the overhead rotor clearance)

• Carry all tools and equipment at or below waist height

• Enter or leave the helicopter in a smooth, steady fashion, don’t make sudden movements

• Crouch down with back to helicopter if temporarily blinded by dust.

2.9 First AidFirst Aid is the first assistance or treatment given to a casualty for any injury or sudden illness before the arrival of an ambulance or qualified medical expert. It may involve improvising with facilities and materials available at the time.

First Aid treatment is given to a casualty:

• To preserve life

• To prevent the condition worsening

• To promote recovery.


The responsibility of the First Aider is to:

• Assess the situation without endangering their own life

• Identify the condition(s) that the casualty(s) is/are suffering from

• Determine priorities (where there are multiple injuries and/or multiple casualties)

• Give immediate and appropriate treatment as the situation and resources allow

• Arrange without delay the attendance of ambulance services and/or the transfer of the casualty(s) to a doctor or hospital

• Briefing the ambulance/doctor/hospital on the patient and any first aid given

• Documenting the details of what occurred and the actions taken for the purposes of a formal incident report.

2.10 CPRRemember – consider personal safety before commencing the ABCs. Assess the situation:

• What might have caused the casualty to collapse (power wires, poisoned, gas build up, etc)?

• Does the hazards still exist?

• What needs to be done to remove the hazard and make it safe to attend the casualty?

A – Airway1. Assess the casualty, determine their degree of

responsiveness

2. Call for help (send for an ambulance)

3. Position the casualty

4. Open the airway, use head tilt, chin lift.


B – Breathing Determine if the casualty is breathing.

If the casualty is breathing:

1. Place in the recovery position.

2. Maintain an open airway.

3. Keep casualty warm and calm.

4. If possible, advise status to responding medical services.

If the casualty is not breathing:

1. Place casualty on their back and check mouth for any visible objects or airway obstructions.

2. Begin rescue breathing by giving two full breaths.

3. If unable to give two full breaths, re-position head and try again. If still unsuccessful, re-check mouth for airway obstruction.

C – Circulation Check for pulse.

If there is a pulse:

1. Continue rescue breathing at 12 breaths/min

If there is no pulse:

1. Locate correct hand position and give the casualty 15 external chest compressions at a rate of 80-100 a minute.

2. Open airway and give two breaths.

3. Re-locate hands and give the casualty a further 15 compressions.

4. Continue sequence until 4 complete cycles of 2 breaths and 15 compressions are completed.


5. Re-assess the casualty by checking for pulse (5 secs). If no pulse, continue cycle of 2 breaths and 15 compression stopping every few minutes to check for pulse and spontaneous breathing. Do not interrupt CPR for more than 7 secs unless unavoidable.

6. If pulse returns, check breathing. If no breathing, continue with 12 breaths/min while monitoring pulse. If breathing and pulse, continue to monitor patient closely.

7. If possible, continue to advise responding medical services of the casualty’s status.

Controlling Blood Loss:

• Direct Pressure: Apply pressure directly to the wound. Use clean sterile dressing if possible. Bind firmly and immobilise injured part (maintaining this at higher elevation if possible). Maintain pressure with hands if no dressing or improvised material available

• In-Direct Pressure: Where direct pressure does not control bleeding, it may be possible to restrict the flow of blood loss by applying pressure to the Brachial (upper/inner arm) or Femoral (upper/inner thigh) arteries.


3. Initial Attack

3.1 Definition of Initial AttackInitial attack is the action taken by the resources that are first to arrive at an incident. All wildland fires that are controlled by suppression forces undergo initial attack. The number and type of resources responding as the initial attack varies depending upon fire danger, fuel type, values at risk and other factors. Generally initial attack involves relatively few resources and the incident size is still small at this time.

The Initial Attack may comprise a single crew led by a Crew leader or multiple crews from one or more agencies. On arrival, the Crew Leader or the most senior person from the lead or first arriving agency will assume control as the Initial Attack “Incident Controller”.

3.2 Responding to a Reported IncidentObtain the following minimum information from the Communications Centre (or the persons reporting the incident):

• Nature of the incident and what is burning?

• Location of the fire (incl grid reference if required)?

• Rural Fire Authority jurisdiction?

• Best access?

• Details of any other responding services?

Note: If possible, notify the NZ Fire Service Comcen of the reported

incident if the call has not originated from them.


3.3 Enroute to the Incident

“Travel safely, don’t speed!”

(i) Consider what you know about the fire area:

• Fuels and terrain?

• Access?

• Barriers to fire spread?

• Ownership?

• History of fire in the area?

• Resources en-route?

• Backup resources available?

(ii) Think about Fire Behaviour:

• Consider fuels, topography and weather?

• How will this fire burn compared to others in the area?

• Is the fire danger increasing or decreasing?

• Check the wind, is it the forecast direction and speed?

• Any indicators of erratic fire behaviour (whirl winds, gusty winds, etc)?

• Are unfavourable weather changes forecast? (iii) When Approaching the Fire:

• Is the smoke column consistent with what was expected given the conditions (ie colour, height, volume, direction)?

• Watch for people leaving the fire area and note down vehicle registrations and/or any other identifying features or information

• Use caution when approaching the scene

• Identify escape routes

• Look for alternate access routes.


3.4 Arriving at the Fire• Advise the RFA, HQ and/or NZFS Comcen by radio or

phone of the arrival time

• Position vehicles in a safe, accessible location pointing away from the fire with the windows closed, doors unlocked and keys in the ignition

• Take control of the incident and determine the incident control point location

• Size up the fire

• Determine the immediate incident objectives

• Consider any immediate need to request or put on standby additional resources (eg helicopter, rural fire units, personnel, etc)

• As appropriate, advise the RFA or the Comcen, of the situation, your intended action and what additional resources are required.

Note: If they have not already been alerted, advise the Comcen of the

incident and its location (as they may be receiving 111 calls).

3.5 Getting to workStep 1: Determine an initial attack plan immediately on arrival at the fire. This should be done quickly and be based upon the initial size-up of the fire. The intent is to get work started in suppressing the fire as soon as possible.

Consider and identify:

• The location of escape routes and safety zones?

• How topography will affect fire behaviour?

• What fuels are involved and how they will effect fire behaviour?

• The current weather conditions (incl FWI) and how they will effect fire behaviour?

• Any special hazards such as power lines, road traffic, etc?


• Any properties at risk?

• Good anchor points or defensible lines such as roads, fire breaks, burned area, etc?

• The availability of water?

• Where to attack fire (eg Head or Flank)?

• How to attack fire (Direct or In-Direct)?

• Additional resources required (and how long before they arrive)?

• Any evidence of where and how the fire may have started (and protect the point of origin).

Step 2: Brief the crew and begin work.

• Ensure that the crews understands their work assignment

• Give crews safety briefing (hazards, LACES, etc)

• Provide the Comcen or RFA HQ with a further informative message on size of the fire and the action undertaken.

Step 3: After resources have been deployed and control action started:

• Continue assessment of the fire

• Continue to delegate roles as the incident develops and resources arrive

• Gather information for determining fire cause

• Continue to give informative messages to the Comcen and/or RFA HQ on an hourly basis.

Step 4: Preview or review the following Initial Attack Checklist as needed or as conditions change:


3.6 Initial Attack Checklist

HascontrolandanIncidentControlPointbeenestablished?

Haveyousizedupthefire?

Doyouhaveacurrentweatherforecastforthelocation?

Istheobservedweatherconsistentwiththeforecast?

DoyouhavetheFWIvaluesforthearea?

Isthefirebehaviourconsistentwithfuels,weatherandtopography?

Canyoucontrolthefirewiththeresourcesavailable(onthefiregroundorsoontoarrive)undertheexpectedconditions?

Haveyoudevelopedtheincidentobjectivesandaplantoattackthefire?(DirectorIn-Direct,anchorpoints,escaperoutes,priorityareas,etc).

Havetheincidentobjectivesandplanbeencommunicatedtoallpersonnelassignedtotheincident(includingnewarrivals)?

Lookoutsinplaceorcanyouseeallofthefirearea?

Canyoucommunicatewitheveryoneonthefireground(incltheRFAand/orComcen)?

Escaperoutesandsafetyzonesareestablished.Ifyouareworkingfromtheblack,isitcompletelyburnedandwithoutare-burnpotential?

Haveallpersonnelbeenbriefedonsafetyandtheirassignedtasks?

Safety,LACESandstandardfireordersbeingfollowed?

ThestatusofthefireisbeingregularlyreportedtotheComcenand/oryourRFAHQ?

Consider each of the following


Willyoubeabletocontrolthefirewithin2hours?Ifnot,haveyouadvisedthefireauthority?

Isthesizeoftheincidentwithinyourcapabilityandresourcestomanage(SpanofControl)andifnot,haveyouadvisedthefireauthorityassistanceisrequired?

Doyouhaveacompletelistofresourcesonthefiregroundandcurrentlyen-route?

Haveyouestablishedalogorrecordofactionstakenattheincident?

If the answer to any of the above questions is No (x), you MUST take corrective action immediately.

3.7 Transition (Initial to Extended Attack)Early assessment and size up is required to determine if the fire will be controlled within the initial attack period and available resources. This will include consideration of:

• Values threatened

• Environmental issues

• Cultural or heritage issues

• Fire behaviour and fire potential (size of fire, intensity, rate of spread, fuels, weather, etc)

• Potential control problems and hazards (terrain, access, night fall, FWI, etc)

• Resources currently available or en-route

• Control strategy(s) required.


In the event that the Initial Attack IC determines that the fire cannot be contained and controlled with existing resources:

• The Comcen or the Rural Fire Authority should be advised

• Additional resources requested or placed on standby (eg Helicopter(s), VRFFs, NZ Fire Service brigades, earth moving machinery?)

• A full CIMS/ICS Incident Management Team structure implemented

• Additional IMT resources requested.

At transition time the in-coming IMT will require briefing on:

Incident Controller:

• Incident map

• Time and point of ignition

• Fuels (type, loading and moisture)

• Weather (current and predicted)

• Topography

• Fire behaviour concerns

• Local hazards

• Review of initial attack objectives and strategy

• Resources (existing and en-route)

• Fire Authority(s) and associated delegations and authorisations.

Operations:

• Safety/hazards

• Current strategy/tactics

• Resources available (on fire ground/en-route)

• Current ground operations (crews)

• Air operations (aircraft in use/en-route).


Logistics:

• ICP and Staging Areas

• Communications

• Catering

• Traffic control.

Planning:

• Resources currently available/en-route

• Time current resources have been deployed

• Availability of maps, aerial photos, etc

• Current weather info

• Situation and incident predictions.

3.8 Fire Incident Levels

SmalltomediumfirethatwillbecontainedbytheInitialAttackresources.Canbecontrolledwithin12hours.

Mediumtolargefirethatrequiresextendedattackandmayinvolvemultipleagencies.Highvaluesatrisk,possiblyincludingthoseofenvironmental,culturalandheritagesignificance.Maytakeupto12-24hourstocontrol.IMTwouldbeimplementedusinglocalandregionalresources.

Largeandcomplexfiresthatmaytakeseveraldaystocontrolandsuppress.LikelytooccuratperiodsofVeryHighorExtremefireweatherconditionswiththepotentialforextremefirebehaviour.Significantvaluesareatriskwithlargesuppressioncostslikely.Level3mayalsoapplywhensignificantenvironmental,culturalorheritagevaluesatrisk.ANationalIncidentManagementTeamislikelytoberequired(supportedbylocalresources).

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3


4. Incident ManagementIncident Management Defined:

“...A process for organisations with different legal, geographic and functional

responsibilities to work together effectively...”

CIMS/ICS:• Is modular and adaptable to any incident type

• Is suitable for use regardless of the jurisdiction or agency involved

• Employs common organisational structure with a manageable span of control

• Utilises common command structures and consolidated action-planning

• Utilises common terminology and integrated communications

• Has clear lines of accountability and authority.

Incident Management Team:• Is in accordance with the CIMS/ICS model

• Sets out a recommended structure for the formation of a team and the roles and responsibilities of each team member

• Is scaled to the needs of the incident with the actual structure implemented determined by the size and/or complexity of the incident

• In small to medium incidents, one team member may be responsible for the roles/responsibilities of several positions (eg one person may be delegated the responsibilities for the provision of Planning/Intell services in a small incident)

• Safety is integral to IMT positions and is a priority in all roles/ responsibilities.


4.1 Control

IncidentController

Information

Liaison

Safety

PlanningIntelligence

Manager

OperationsManager

LogisticsManager

DeputyIC

SituationUnit

ResourceUnit

Info/IntellUnit

MgmtSuppUnit

AirDivisionCommander

AirAttackSupervisor

LeadPilot

Aircraft

AirSupportSupervisor

DivisionCommanders

SectorSupervisors

CrewLeaders

FireFighters

SupplyUnit

FacilitiesUnit

CommsUnit

FinanceUnit

MedicalUnit

CateringUnit

GroundSuppUnit


Incident Controller• Overall management of the incident.

Planning/Intelligence• Gathering and analysing information

• Predicting incident behaviour

• Planning how to control the incident

• Maintaining resource status

• Preparation and documentation of the Incident Action Plan.

Operations• The tactical activities in accordance with the IAP

• Identifying resource requirements

• Determining operational structures.

Logistics• Providing and maintaining facilities

• Provision of services, materials and supplies.


4.1.1 Incident Controller

IncidentController

Information

Liaison

Safety


Manager

OperationsManager

LogisticsManager

DeputyIC

All incidents must have an Incident Controller appointed. The IC is determined by Statute, Agency Protocols and/or Agreements. The Incident Controller’s responsibility is the overall management of the incident.

DeputiesThe Incident Controller may appoint a deputy, who may be from the same agency, or from an assisting agency for particular incidents. Deputies may also be used at section levels of the CIMS organisation. Deputies must be appointed by the Section Manager in consultation with the I/C, and be given a specific job description. Deputies should have the same qualifications as the person for whom they work as they must be ready to take over that position at any time.

Major Responsibilities of the Incident Controller:

(i) Assume Control• Receives an initial briefing from the Lead agency

and/or the previous Incident Controller

• Confirms and formalises hand over of incident and assumption of control including delegations and authorities.


• Assesses the situation and confirms or establishes the immediate priorities (safety as #1 priority)

• Reviews and/or prepare plans for the available resources prior to the first IMT planning session

• Ensures that adequate welfare and safety measures are in place

• Considers appointment of a Deputy or Aide as required.

(ii) Organise and Delegate• Establishes an Incident Control Point

• Establishes an appropriate organisation for the size of the incident

• Establishes CIMS management structure (refer CIMS manual)

• Determines the requirements for support agencies and requests their attendance

• Appoints, briefs and tasks the IMT staff.

(iii) Plan• Establishes the Incident Objectives

• Initiates the incident planning cycle, schedule and attends IAP planning meetings

• Reviews plans and participates in planning meetings as required

• Approves the Incident Action Plan.

(iv) Manage• Manages the activity for all command and general

staff maintaining the “Management by Objectives” principle

• Co-ordinates with key people, agencies and officials and conducts briefings as required

• Ensures that systems are in place to effectively manage resources

• Approves requests for additional resources.


• Ensures that accounting systems are in place to approve, record and track expenditure

• Ensures that a log is maintained by all key functions of decisions, actions and other events and outcomes.

(v) Inform• Authorises the release of information to the news

media

• Reports to and keeps the lead agency informed of incident status.

(vi) Demobilise• Approves the release of resources

• De-briefs following incident or shift

• Prepares a comprehensive incident report for the responsible agency.

4.1.2 Information OfficerThe Information Officer is responsible for handling queries and developing and releasing information about the incident to the news media, to incident personnel, and to other appropriate agencies and organisations.

Only one Information Officer will be assigned for each incident. The Information Officer may have assistants as required.

The Information Officer reports to the Incident Controller and has the following major responsibilities:

• Establishing a point of contact and/or a media centre

• Advising the Incident Controller on media strategy

• Co-ordinating with other agencies to ensure a consistent message to media

• Developing material of interest to the media or for use in media briefings


• Obtaining Incident Controller’s approval of media releases

• Informing media and conducts media briefings

• Handling all further queries for information by the media

• Arranging for media tours and other interviews or briefings that may be required

• Monitoring news reports (all media), advising IC and passing relevant information on to Planning, etc

• Maintaining a log of media releases, media reports, decisions, actions and other activities.

4.1.3 Liaison OfficerMost incidents are multi-agency and will require the establishment of the Liaison Officer position to the IMT. The Liaison Officer is the contact for the personnel assigned to the incident by assisting or co-operating agencies. These are personnel other than those on direct tactical assignments.

Other agencies involved in the incident may also need to appoint inter-agency/liaison representatives.

The Liaison Officer reports to the Incident Controller and has the following major responsibilities:

• The primary contact point for inter-agency representatives

• Maintaining a list of assisting and co-operating agencies and agency representatives

• Assisting in establishing and co-ordinating interagency contacts

• Keeping agencies supporting the incident fully informed of the incident status

• Monitoring incident operations to identify current or potential inter-agency problems


• Participating in planning meetings, providing current resource status, including limitations and capability of assisting agency resources

• Maintaining a log of activities and actions.

4.1.4 Safety AdvisorThe Safety Advisor’s function is to develop and recommend measures for assuring personnel safety, and to assess and/or anticipate hazardous and unsafe situations. Only one Safety Advisor will be assigned for each incident. The Safety Advisor may have assistants representing agencies. Safety assistants may have specific responsibilities such as air operations, hazardous materials, etc.

The Safety Advisor reports to the Incident Controller and has the following major responsibilities:

• Participating in planning meetings

• Identifying hazardous situations associated with the incident

• Reviewing and contributing to the Incident Action Plan for safety implications

• Prepare safety messages

• Giving safety briefings

• Investigating and reporting on any accidents that occur within the incident area

• Assigning assistants as needed

• Reviewing and approving the medical plan

• Maintaining a log of activities and actions.


4.2 Planning and Intelligence


Manager

SituationUnit

ResourceUnit

Info/IntellUnit

MgmtSuppUnit

The Planning/Intelligence Section collects, evaluates, processes, and disseminates information for use at the incident. There may be up to five units within the Planning/Intell Section that can be activated:

• Situation Unit

• Resources Unit

• Information/Intell Unit

• Management Support Unit.

The Planning/Intell Manager will appoint a Supervisor to each unit as activated. The Supervisor will staff the unit with additional personnel as required given the size or complexity of the incident.


4.2.1 Planning/Intell Manager

The Planning/Intelligence Manager reports to the Incident Controller and has the following major responsibilities:

• Obtaining a briefing from the Incident Controller

• Organising and implementing the Planning/Intell Section including:

• the Section, its facilities and resources

• the requirements for supporting units

• appointing, briefing and tasking Unit Officers

• establishing the information requirements and reporting schedules for each unit.

• Establishing information collection activities Eg, weather, environmental, fire behaviour, etc

• Managing the analysis and dissemination of situation information about the incident (maps, display boards, etc)

• Organising planning meetings

• Providing an analysis of incident information and advises on alternative strategies

• Supervising the preparation of the Incident Action Plan

• Determining the need for any specialised technical resources in support of the incident

• Providing periodic predictions on incident potential

• Reporting any significant changes in incident status

• Supervising the preparation of an Incident Demobilisation Plan

• Maintaining records of resource status and location

• Maintaining a section log of decisions, actions and other activities.


4.2.2 Situation Unit

The Situation Unit Officer leads this unit reporting to the Planning/Intell Manager. The unit is responsible for:

• Establishing information flows

• Gathering of situation information from the incident ground

• Obtaining met data and weather forecast information.

• Predicting fire behaviour and potential

• Developing alternative strategies

• Organising and analysing information

• Identifying environmental information and any environmental issues

• Establishing mapping services and transferring situation information to maps

• Preparing, distributing and displaying situation reports and associated fire plot and map information

• Developing and distributing the Incident Action Plan

• Monitoring implementation and progress of the Incident Action Plan

• Conducting briefings for the Planning/Intell Manager, the Information Officer and the IMT

• Advising on safety threats

• Participating in planning meetings and providing technical advice

• Preparing a de-mobilisation plan

• Maintaining record of information gathered and a Unit Log of activities.


4.2.3 Resource UnitThe Resource Officer leads this unit reporting to the Planning/Intell Manager. The unit is responsible for:

• Establishing and maintaining a resource management system

• Identifying and recording the location and status of all resources including personnel, appliances, plant and machinery:

• deployed (allocated tasks and working)

• available (on incident ground and ready)

• out of service (on incident ground but available due to resting, unserviceable, other)

• en-route (deployed to incident but not yet arrived).

• Establishing “Check-in Points” at staging or assembly areas to gather resource and status information

• Displaying organisation chart and resource status information

• Providing resource information to the IMT as required

• Identifying resources required for Incident Action Plan

• Identifying requirements for specialist or technical resources

• Setting up shift assignments

• Maintaining a Unit Log of activities.


4.2.4 Information/Intell UnitThe Information Officer leads this unit reporting to the Planning/Intell Manager. The unit is responsible for:

• Compiling general information regarding the incident cause, size, current situation, resources, losses, assets threatened and other matters of general interest

• Preparing media releases for the Information Officer (or IC if an Information Officer hasn’t been appointed)

• Distributing media releases if Information Officer has not been appointed

• Liasing with Information Officer, if appointed

• Answering telephone calls from public (Management Support Unit may assist)


4.2.5 Management Support UnitThe Management Support Officer leads this unit reporting to the Planning/Intell Manager. The unit is responsible for:

• Setting up the Incident Control Point

• Providing support personnel to other IMT units

• Providing administrative services for the IMT (typing, photocopying, records management, etc)

• Providing operators (computers, telephones, faxes, radios, etc)



4.3 Operations

OperationsManager

AirDivisionCommander

AirAttackSupervisor

LeadPilot

Aircraft


DivisionCommanders

SectorSupervisor(s)

CrewLeader(s)

FireFighter(s)

Division 2

Division 3, etc

The Operations Section is responsible for the safe management of all tactical operations at an incident. The Incident Action Plan sets out the necessary guidance for the tactics. The size and structure of the Operations Section is determined by:

• The size and complexity of the incident

• The span of control required

• The geography of the incident ground

• The hazards

• The objectives and strategies set out in the IAP

• The resources or equipment required.


4.3.1 Operations ManagerThe Operations Manager reports to the Incident Controller and has the following major responsibilities:

• Obtaining a briefing from the Incident Controller

• Ensuring safety and welfare of personnel

• Participating in planning meetings

• Developing the operations component of the Incident Action Plan

• Managing and supervising the Operations Section in accordance with the IAP including:

• determining Operations Section structure

• appointing, briefing and tasking Operations staff

• establishing staging area(s) Note: Logistics provides and Operations manages this facility

• identifying resource needs

• assembling and deploying resources.

• Maintaining close contact with subordinate positions

• Requesting additional resources to support tactical operations

• Providing regular Situation Reports

• Initiating release of resources from active assignments (not the incident)

• Making or approving changes to the Incident Action Plan during the Operational Period as necessary

• Maintaining close communications with the Incident Controller and the other members of the IMT

• Maintaining section log of decisions, actions and other activities.


4.3.2 Air OperationsWhere the incident requires air support, the Operations Manager may set up a dedicated air operations group. The size and structure of this group will depend on:

• The size and complexity of the incident

• The number of aircraft and types or aircraft deployed

• The number of separate sectors operating and requiring air support

• The geography of the incident.

OperationsManager

Air DivisionCommander

AirAttackSupervisor

LeadPilot

Aircraft


DivisionCommanders


Air Division CommanderThe Air Division will be established as a separate organisational activity by the Operations Manager when considered necessary. Until this occurs, any air operations are the responsibility of the Operations Manager.

When established, the Air Division has two main areas of responsibility:

(i) Supervising the air attack; and

(ii) Providing logistical support for the aircraft.

The Air Division Commander reports to the Operations Manager and has the following major responsibilities:

• Obtaining a briefing from the Operations Manager and agreeing immediate strategy and tactics for air operations

• Monitoring all activities of the Air Division to ensure safe operations are maintained at all times

• Managing the overall air operations including:

• Air Attack

• Air Support.

• Appointing, briefing and instructing Air Support and/or Air Attack Supervisors

• Preparing the tactical planning for Air Operations

• Providing input into the Incident Action Plan and specialist aviation advice to the IMT

• In consultation with the Air Attack Supervisor, determining the assignments for aircraft operations

• Approving aircraft ordering

• Approving aircraft release

• Establishing procedures for emergency reassignment of aircraft


• As appropriate, initiating request for temporary flight restrictions

• Scheduling approved flights of non-incident aircraft into the incident area

• Evaluating requests for non-tactical use of incident aircraft

• Monitoring for accidents or special incidents

• Keeping the Operations Manager and the Incident Controller updated on Air Division activities

• Maintaining a log of air operations.

Air Attack SupervisorAir Attack is responsible for the co-ordination of aircraft operations in accordance with the Incident Action Plan, the air operations plan and the directions of the Air Division Commander. The co-ordination may be ground and/or air based.

The Air Attack Supervisor reports to the Air Division Commander and has the following major responsibilities:

• Obtain briefing from the Air Division Commander and/or Operations Manager

• Ensuring that all aircraft operate with safety as the first priority

• Participating in air operations planning

• Managing and directing air attack activities based upon the Incident Action Plan and the air operations plan

• Establishing communications frequencies required for ground-to-air and air-to-air communications in conjunction with the Communications Unit (Logistics Section)

• Co-ordinating the activities of all aircraft over the fire


• Briefing pilots on assignments and safety

• Monitoring pilot and aircraft effectiveness and performance in accordance with set objectives

• Making tactical recommendations to Division Commanders

• Informing Air Division Commander of tactical recommendations affecting the IAP

• Reporting on air attack activities to Air Division Commander

• Maintaining air to fire ground communications and liaison

• Terminating air operations as considered necessary or if pilots recommend this on safety grounds

• Reporting on incidents/accidents

• Maintaining air attack log.

Air Support SupervisorAir Support is responsible for organising and managing ground based support for aircraft. This includes fuels, maintenance, retardant mixing and loading, keeping records of aircraft activity, providing enforcement of safety regulations.

The Air Support Supervisor reports to the Air Division Commander

Major Responsibilities of the Air Support Supervisor:

• Receive briefing from the Air Division Commander

• Safety of air support operations

• Participating in air operations planning

• Requesting special air support items from the appropriate sources (via Logistics Section if established)


• Establishing air support facilities including:

• locations (Airports, Airbases, Airstrips, Heliports, Helibases)

• support personnel (loading, marshalling, safety, security, retardant handling, etc)

• pilot information services

• additional communications services

• dust abatement

• fuels

• retardants and mixing

• crash-rescue services

• ground safety provisions.

• Co-ordinating support activities with the Air Attack Supervisor

• Informing Air Division Commander of air support requirements affecting the IAP

• Reporting on air support activities to Air Division Commander

• Maintaining records of aircraft and aircraft movements as well as other activities of Air Support.


4.3.3 Ground Operations

OperationsManager

AirOperations

DivisionCommander(s)

SectorSupervisor(s)

CrewLeader

CrewLeader

CrewLeader

FireFighters

FireFighters

FireFighters

Division Commander(s)The Operations Manager may appoint one or more ground attack Division Commanders depending on:

• The size and complexity of operations;

• The requirements of the IAP; and

• The incident objectives and strategies.

The Division Commanders report to the Operations Manager.

Major Responsibilities of a Division Commander:

• Obtain briefing from the Operations Manager

• Ensuring that the safety of all fire fighters and any other personnel is the first priority in all division operations


• Supervising Division operations

• Co-ordinating activities with other Divisions

• Developing tactics to implement incident or divisional strategies

• Attending incident planning meetings at the request of the Operations Manager

• Reviewing Division assignments and report status to the Operations Manager

• Informing Resource Unit (if established) of status changes of resources assigned to the Division

• Assigning specific work tasks to Sector Supervisors

• Monitoring and inspecting progress and make changes as necessary

• Resolving tactical assignment and logistics problems within the Division

• Keeping the Operations Manager informed of hazardous situations and significant events

• Maintaining a Division Log of decisions, activities and events.

Sector Supervisor(s)Each Division may establish one or more sectors of operation. Each sector will be managed by a Sector Supervisor.

The major responsibilities of a Sector Supervisor are:

• Obtain a briefing from the Division Commander

• Ensuring that the safety of all fire fighters and any other personnel is the first priority in all sector operations

• Undertake specific assignments in a sector as directed by the Division Commander


• Delegate sector assignments to Crew Leaders and brief them on safety, strategy and tactic

• Monitor sector assignments and work progress keeping the Division Commander informed of status

• Consider and recommend to the Divisional Commander any changes to tactics as conditions and fire behaviour require

• Ensure that adequate communications are established and maintained within the Sector and to the Division

• Maintain Sector Log of tasks, crews, equipment, time, etc.

Crew Leader(s)Each Sector Supervisor may have one or more crews assigned to specific tasks. Each crew will be led by a Crew Leader.

The major responsibilities of a Crew Leader are:

• To get a briefing from the Sector Supervisor on the incident and the specific crew assignment (strategy and tactics)

• To ensure the safety and welfare of fire fighters working in the assigned crew

• To brief the crew on the assigned task ensure that LACES are identified, understood and maintained

• Obtaining the necessary equipment and supplies as required for the task

• Keeping the Sector Supervisor informed of the status and progress of the assigned task

• Consider and recommend to the Sector Supervisor any changes to tactics as conditions and fire behaviour require

• Accounts for all equipment drawn by the crew

• Maintain records of crew time and status.


Firefighters and other personnel

Firefighters and other personnel will be formed into crews under the direction of a Crew Leader for assigned tasks.

The major responsibilities of all Firefighters and other crew personnel are:

• To get a briefing from the Crew Leader on the incident and the specific crew assignment (strategy and tactics)

• To understand their crew’s assignment and their own role within the crew

• To wear the appropriate PPE for the crew task and observe safe work practices at all times

• Observe the directions of the Crew Leader and advise him/her promptly in the event that they have any concerns re their own safety or wellbeing (or the safety or wellbeing of others)

• Remain with the assigned crew at all times and strictly follow checkin/checkout procedures

• To attain the minimum of Unit Standard 3285 and be familiar with LACES, Watch Outs and the 10 Fireline Orders.


4.4 Logistics

SupplyUnit

FacilitiesUnit

CommsUnit

FinanceUnit

MedicalUnit

CateringUnit

GroundSuppUnit

LogisticsManager


All incident support needs are provided by the Logistics Section, with the exception of aviation support. Aviation support is handled within the Air Division group. The Logistics Section is managed by the Logistics Manager who may assign a Deputy. A Deputy is most often assigned when all designated units (listed below) within the Logistics Section are activated.

Seven units may be established within the Logistics Section:

• Supply Unit

• Facilities Unit

• Communications Unit

• Finance Unit

• Medical Unit

• Catering Unit

• Ground Support.

4.4.1 Logistics ManagerThe Logistics Manager is delegated the role of logistics by the Incident Controller. The Logistics Manager is part of the IMT and reports to the Incident Controller.

The Logistics Manager will determine the need to activate or deactivate the required units within the Logistics Section. If a unit is not activated, responsibility for that unit’s duties will remain with the Logistics Manager.

Major Responsibilities of the Logistics Manager:

• Obtains a briefing from the Incident Controller

• Organises and implements the Logistics Section including:

• establish the Logistics Section, its facilities and resources

• determine requirements for supporting Units

• appoint, brief and instruct unit officers as required


• Provides logistical input to the Planning Section in preparing the Incident Action Plan (eg Comms Plan, Transport Plan, Medical Plan, etc)

• Reviews and provides input to the Communications Plan and Medical Plans

• Advises Operation of resource availability

• Identifies and plans incident service and support requirements

• Processes requests for additional resources

• Oversees the demobilisation of Logistics Section

• Maintains section log of decisions, actions and other activities.

4.4.2 Supply UnitThe Supply Unit is responsible for ordering, receiving, processing and storing all incident-related resources. All off-incident resources will be ordered through the Supply Unit, including tactical and support resources (including personnel) and all expendable and non-expendable support supplies.

Major Responsibilities of the Supply Unit:

• Providing input to Logistics Section planning activities

• Planning for the provision of personnel, equipment, supplies and other resources as required/requested by the IMT

• Ordering, receiving, distributing and storing supplies and equipment

• Maintaining an inventory of supplies and equipment

• Servicing reusable equipment, as needed

• Maintaining detailed records of all orders, issues, receipts, deliveries, invoices, etc

• Maintaining a Unit Log of other activities.


4.4.3 Facilities UnitThis unit is responsible for set up, maintenance and demobilisation of all incident support facilities. The Facilities Unit will also provide security services to the incident as needed.

Major Responsibilities of the Facilities Unit:

• Participating in Logistics Section planning activities

• Determining requirements for each incident facility

• Preparing layouts of facilities, inform appropriate unit leaders

• Activating incident facilities

• Obtaining and supervising personnel to operate facilities

• Providing security services

• Providing facility maintenance services, e.g., sanitation, lighting, etc

• Demobilising incident facilities


4.4.4 Ground Support UnitThe Ground Support Unit is primarily responsible for the maintenance, service, and fuelling of all mobile equipment and vehicles, with the exception of aviation resources. The Unit also has responsibility for the ground transportation of personnel, supplies and equipment, and the development of the Incident Traffic Plan.

Major Responsibilities of the Ground Support Unit:

• Participating in Support Unit and Logistics Section planning activities

• Providing support services (fuelling, maintenance, and repair) for all mobile equipment and vehicles


• Identifying requirements for maintenance and repair supplies (e.g., fuel, and spare parts)

• Providing support for out-of-service equipment

• Developing the Incident Traffic Plan

• Maintaining an inventory of support and transportation vehicles

• Recording time use for all incident-assigned ground equipment (including contract equipment)

• Updating the Resources Unit with the status (location and capability) of transportation vehicles

• Maintaining incident roadways as necessary


4.4.5 Communications UnitThe Communications Unit is responsible for developing plans for the use of incident communications equipment and facilities; installing and testing of communications equipment; supervision of the Incident Communications Centre; and the distribution and maintenance of communications equipment.

Major Responsibilities of the Communications Unit:

• Advising on communications capabilities/limitations

• Preparing and implementing the Incident Radio Communications Plan

• Establishing and supervising the Incident Communications Centre and Message Centre

• Establishing telephone, computer links, and public address systems

• Establishing communications equipment distribution and maintenance locations

• Installing and commissioning all communications equipment


• Overseeing the distribution, maintenance and recovery of communications equipment, e.g., portable radios

• Maintaining a register of communications equipment and equipment issued and received

• Providing technical advice on:

• communications systems

• geographical limitations

• equipment capabilities

• amount and types of equipment available.


4.4.6 Catering UnitThe Catering Unit is responsible for supplying the food needs for the entire incident, including all remote locations as well as providing food for personnel unable to leave tactical field assignments.

Major Responsibilities of the Catering Unit:

• Determining food and water requirements

• Determining method of feeding to best fit each facility or situation

• Ordering required food and potable water from the Supply Unit

• Maintaining an inventory of food and water

• Maintaining food service areas, ensuring that all appropriate health and safety measures are being followed

• Supervising caterers, cooks, and other Catering Unit personnel as appropriate



4.4.7 Medical UnitThe Medical Unit will develop an Incident Medical Plan (to be included in the Incident Action Plan); develop procedures for managing major medical emergencies; provide medical aid; and assist the Finance/Administration Section with processing injury-related claims.

Note that the provision of medical assistance to the public or victims of the emergency is an operational function, and would be done by the Operations Section and not by the Logistics Section Medical Unit.

Major Responsibilities of the Medical Unit:

• Determining level of emergency medical activities prior to activation of Medical Unit

• Acquiring and managing medical support personnel

• Preparing the Medical Emergency Plan

• Establishing procedures for handling serious injuries of responder personnel

• Responding to requests for:

• medical aid

• medical transportation

• medical supplies.

• Maintaining detailed records of any medical assistance provided and a Unit Log of other activities.


4.4.8 Finance UnitThe Finance Unit is responsible for managing all financial aspects of an incident.

Major Responsibilities of the Finance Unit:

• Collect and record all cost data

• Provide financial and cost analysis information as requested

• Develop an operating plan for the Finance Unit

• Work closely with the agency administrative headquarters on finance matters

• Ensure that all financial authorities and other obligation documents initiated at the incident are properly prepared and completed

• Determine incident requirements for time recording and ensure that all personnel time records are accurately maintained in compliance with agency(s) policy

• Ensure that all financial records of the incident are complete prior to demobilisation

• Provide financial input to demobilisation planning

• Brief agency administrative personnel on all incident-related financial issues needing attention or follow up



5. Operational Guidelines5.1 Fire Control ObjectivesThere are three basic rules for the successful containment and control of a fire:

(i) Fast Initial Attack

• be prepared (trained) and organised

• initiate an appropriate response as quickly as possible

• deploy adequate and appropriate resources.

(ii) Confident Actions

• always follow safe practices

• determine the appropriate objectives which, in most cases, will be to contain the spread of fire

• assessment of the fire to determine direct or in-direct attack strategy

• if the fire can be contained, work hard and work quickly.

(iii) Prompt and Complete Mop Up

• when the fire is contained, begin the mop up immediately

• mop up thoroughly.

5.2 Fire Control Strategy The strategy to control a fire (direct or in-direct) depends on an assessment of a number of criteria. These include:

• The fuels involved

• The fire weather

• The size and intensity of the fire

• The rate of spread of the fire


• The topography

• The available resources and their skills and experience

• Any hazards or safety issues.

It may not be appropriate to keep to a single strategy as the fire environment can change. Eg, with the availability of more fuels the higher fire intensity may require that the attack change from direct to in-direct.

On days of very high fire danger, it may not be possible to mount any attack on the head of the fire. Suppression may be able to continue along the flanks where the fire is slower moving and/or less intense. Controlling these can be important to prevent a wind shift transforming the long flanks into a wide-head fire.

5.2.1 Direct AttackIn a direct attack, the suppression effort is directly on the burning edge (perimeter) of a fire. This is the method most commonly used to suppress vegetation fires in NZ.

Direct attack is started at the base of the fire and continues along the flanks until the opportunity arises to knock down the head of the fire. Involves an attack directly on the head of the fire. Direct attack, if successful, will limit the area that is burnt and can be undertaken where the fire is slower moving and of low to moderate intensity.

With direct attack:

• Normally working from within the burnt area

• The work can be reduced where the perimeter of the fire has self extinguished

• The total burnt area is kept to a minimum

• The time the fire is burning may be reduced

• On a moving fire, the suppression effort is upwind or down hill of the smoke and heat


• The problems of having un-burnt fuels within the fire perimeter are reduced

• Fire fighters can use the burnt area as an escape route or safety zone.

However:

• For direct attack, the fire can generally only be of low to moderate intensity and with a low rate of spread

• Fire fighters may be exposed to a greater level of heat and smoke adding to the stress and fatigue

• Natural barriers are not always used to advantage.

5.2.2 In-Direct AttackThis relies on the use of a control line that may be some distance from the fire’s edge. This control line may include:

• Less flammable fuel types

• Topographical features (streams, rivers, roads, etc)

• Constructed fire breaks using hand tools and/or machinery.

An In-Direct Attack:

• Allows fire fighters to work well away from the dangers of high intensity fires

• Is more likely to be effective against very high intensity fires

• Means that the strategy changes to burning out rather than direct fire suppression.

However:

• The area burnt (as a result of the burnout) is increased

• Strong winds may hinder the burning out of fuel between the control line and the fire

• If the burn out fire escapes the control line, a very much bigger fire may result.


5.2.3 Back Burning and Burn-outBackburning and Burn Out techniques may be used as fire control methods but they are very risky and require careful planning and execution. Most importantly, the Forest and Rural Fire Act is specific regarding the authority required to undertake back burning or a burn-out operation. The differences must be understood and the proper authorities applied.

Back BurningThe legal definition of a Backburn is “a counterfire commenced from within continuous fuel for the purpose of fighting a fire”.

In accordance with the Forest and Rural Fires Act, only a PRFO or Deputy appointed by the PRFO may authorise a back burn. When so authorised, the amount of the loss or damage suffered as a direct result of a back burn is deemed to be part of the suppression of the fire. Any fire suppression strategies using back burning operations should be included in the Incident Action Plan and/or recorded in writing as approved by the PRFO/DPRFO.

Don’t attempt any back burning without the formal authority from the PRFO or their Deputy.

Burn-out The legal definition of a Burnout is “a counterfire commenced from a natural or previously constructed firebreak for the purpose of fighting a fire”.

The Act does not preclude the lighting of a burn out but it is equally important that this be approved within the Incident Action Plan and carefully planned and executed.


5.3 CommunicationsIn any fire fighting operations, command and control of the incident can only be achieved with effective and reliable communications. Effective communications requires radio networks and planning.

5.3.1 Communication NetworksA small incident may only require one or two radio services for communications. A large incident however will require multiple radio services to meet the needs for command/control functions and for ground and air operations.

Simplex“Simplex” is where the communications are directly between radios (hand held or vehicle transceivers). Simplex is characterised by:

• Generally “line of sight” operation only

• Signal is quickly lost when the stations are separated by hills and other obstructions

• Typically up to 5-7 Km between hand helds

• Typically up to 15-20 Km between vehicle radios

• The radios all transmit and receive on a single frequency (for each simplex channel).

Duplex/Repeater“Duplex” or “Repeater” operation is where the signal from a radio is received and re-transmitted by a powerful base station radio transceiver located on a distant hilltop. The re-transmitted signal is the one that is received by the other radios switched to that channel. A Repeater will:

• Provide communications over larger distances than Simplex and where radios (handheld or vehicle) are separated by hills, valleys, etc

• The radios transmit and receive on different frequencies (for each channel).


Portable RepeatersSome agencies have Repeaters packaged into robust and waterproof transportable suitcases. These portable repeaters can be deployed at incidents where simplex operations are unreliable due to distance or terrain.

The Department of Conservation, the NZ Fire Service, the National Rural Fire Authority and some RFAs have such repeaters that are available for major incidents.

Generally such a portable repeater would:

• Be used as a command and control channel for the incident ground (with individual sectors using multiple simplex channels)

• Be deployed at the top of an adjacent hilltop to provide communications over the entire incident ground

• Include an internal re-chargeable battery providing for up to 24 hours operation

• Include provision for external 12 Volt input from vehicle supply or 240Vac input from a portable generator for extended operations

• Include a portable antenna system that is deployed on the hill top.

Cellular PhonesThe portability and increasing coverage provided by cellular phones has made these devices increasingly useful for incident communications. They:

• Provide the ability to access the public telephone network to call and request commercial services or to provide data or fax capability

• Provide for private person to person communications on sensitive matters that can not be discussed on a radio channel

• Are limited by the availability of coverage in and around the location of the incident


• Should not be used where a radio channel is available unless a private or extended conversation is required with a specific person.

Incident Ground CommunicationsIncident Ground Communications (IGC) encompasses a radio network that is set up for communications between the personnel on the fire ground. This will predominantly be simplex but some repeater channels may be used dependent on the terrain and size of the incident ground.

LMRLand Mobile Radio (LMR) is the term generally used when referring to repeater based networks that are used to provide communications between vehicles, hand held radios and base stations. Examples are:

• NZ Fire Service LMR that provides communications with the three national communication centres (Comcens) located in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch

• Dept of Conservation has an extensive LMR throughout NZ

• TLAs have a Civil Defence radio network

• Forestry companies have LMR networks for operations may designate one channel for fire.

Ground to AirA number of simplex channels are reserved for communications between the pilots and air attack or air support functions. These include air band channels and a designated Emergency Services Band (ESB) channel. These channels are strictly reserved for communications with the pilots and must not be accessed by other ground operations unless an emergency situation arises.


5.3.2 Communications PlanAt an incident, it is necessary to establish IGC, LMR and possibly Ground/Air communications to meet the needs of ground operations, air operations and command/control. This can present significant challenges when multiple agencies are in attendance, all of whom may operate a range of different radio systems and channels.

It is essential that agencies in different regions co-operate to prepare a plan that sets out how they will establish the radio communications required at an incident. This communications plan may need to confirm a number of variations or options dependent on the locality of an incident and the available Repeaters, Cellphone coverage, etc in that area.

Of particular importance is the ability of all emergency services and supporting agencies to operate on the designated Emergency Services Band (ESB) and the designated shared/liaison ESB channels.

A Communications Plan:

• Should be pre-determined and prepared including the programming of radios

• Identifies the Simplex and/or Repeater channels to be used for Command/Control and ground operations

• Confirms the air operations channels in consultation with the local air operators

• Identifies the provisions for additional communication services including Phone (Landline and Cell), Fax and Data

• Sets out the radio call signs that will apply on the fire ground

• Identifies technical resources who may be required to assist in establishing and maintaining the radio networks (and to pre-programme radios)


• Requires testing to confirm all agencies and operators are familiar with the assigned channels, call signs and procedures

• Needs to be agreed to and be signed off by the respective agencies

• Included in the Rural Fire Authority fire plan for the information and reference of all agencies

• Is further developed and formalised by the Logistics Section of an IMT at a major incident.

5.3.3 Operating GuidelinesFormal operating procedures and practices ensure that radio communications are effective and efficient. These include:

• Be brief and to the point with messages, don’t “chat” or make flippant remarks on the channel

• Use call signs, especially at the beginning and end of a communication

• Don’t discuss private, personal or sensitive matters over a radio

• Be familiar with the phonetic alphabet if difficult pronunciations need to be spelt out

• Radio operators should speak clearly and at a normal delivery pace

• Do not use inappropriate language or make offensive remarks over a radio (or at any other time).


5.3.4 Standard IGC Frequencies

Chan Name Freq Use

ESX66 Fire 1 143.8250 Mhz NZFS - Simplex(Primary channel)

ESX63 Fire 2 143.7875 Mhz NZFS Simplex

ESX34 Fire 3 140.9250 Mhz NZFS Simplex

ESX09 Fire 4 140.6125 Mhz NZFS Simplex(Air Operations)

ESX04 15 SX A 140.55 Mhz DOC primarySimplex chan (A)

ESB180 MobileTx140.25 Mhz

MobileRx143.25 Mhz

NZFS Repeater(incl on Fire PortableRepeater)

ESX39 Liaison 140.9875Mhz Liaison ChannelSimplex

ESB164 LiaisonDuplex

MobileTx140.05 MhzMobileRx

143.05 Mhz

Liaison Repeater(incl on Fire PortableRepeater)

Note: Some radio chans may require a sub-audible access tone (CTSS).

FireRepeater

ARX 02 130.050 Forest fire fighting

ARX 60 131.500 Calling channel

ARX 136 134.000 Unattended airfields





AM Frequency bands for Aircraft Communications

Also refer to Air Operations: Information and Checklist.


5.4 Media InterviewsIt is important that the media is provided with timely and correct information about a rural fire or other incident. It is also an opportunity to use the media to promote safety messages. How the public perceive rural fire fighting is very much influenced by the TV images and what they read.

News reporters will seek stories from the incident. The Incident Controller will usually have appointed a media/information person (Information Officer) to handle such queries. Any requests for an interview must be referred to the nominated Information Officer.

Interview checklist:

Confirm:• The name of the Reporter/Interviewer?

• Who they represent?

• Who else they have spoken to?

• The general nature of their particular interest or intended slant of the interview?

Do:• Know the facts. Develop 2-3 key messages (incl a fire

safety message) and deliver them. Prepare responses to potential tough questions

• Be concise. Give 10-20 second simple answers and when you are done, be quiet. If you botch the answer, simply ask to start again

• Be honest, personable professional and presentable (eg remove hats, helmets and/or sunglasses)

• Look at the reporter, not the camera

• Ensure the RFA is aware of the interview

• Avoid jargon.


Don’t:• Don’t make personal comments

• Don’t criticise any person or agency

• Never talk “Off the record”, exaggerate or try to be cute/funny

• Don’t guess, speculate or say “No comment”. Either explain why you can’t answer the question or offer to find out the answer

• Don’t disagree with the reporter. Tactfully and immediately clarify and correct the information

• Don’t use jargon or acronyms, use plain language

• Don’t speak for or make any representations on behalf of any other agency.


6. Fire Behaviour6.1 IntroductionThe fire behaviour information included in this Fireline Handbook represents a summary of the current state of knowledge with respect to fire behaviour in New Zealand fuel types. It is based on material published by a number of research and fire agencies both in NZ and overseas in an ongoing development of a New Zealand Fire Behaviour Prediction (FBP) System (see Fire Behavior Field Guide, (Pearce, 2003).

As such, this section is intended to provide a quick reference guide on general fire behaviour together with relevant equations and relationships. The relevant publications should be referred to where more detailed fire behaviour predictions are required. The information in this section will be updated as new information from the research becomes available.

Fire behaviour predictions are intended to assist in fire management decision making, and are not a substitute for experience, sound judgement, or observation of actual fire behaviour. Fire behaviour can change rapidly due to changes in fuel conditions, slope and exposure to wind, and no model can ever fully account for all the variables that affect fire behaviour. Operational personnel must be aware of the limitations of the models contained within this Fire Behaviour section, and be able to recognise unique or unusual situations as fires can be potentially dangerous at any level of fire danger.


6.2 Fire Weather Index (FWI) System structure

FireWeatherObservations

FuelMoistureCodes

FireBehaviourIndexes

TemperatureRelativeHumidity

WindSpeedRainfall

WindSpeed

TemperatureRelativeHumidity

RainfallTemperature

Rainfall

FineFuelMoistureCode

(FFMC)

DuffMoistureCode

(DMC)

DroughtCode(DC)

InitialSpreadIndex(ISI)

BuildUpIndex(BUI)

FireWeatherIndex(FWI)


Fine Fuel Moisture Code (FFMC) - a numerical rating of the moisture content of litter and other cured fine fuels. This code is an indicator of the relative ease of ignition and flammability of fine fuel.

Duff Moisture Code (DMC) - a numerical rating of the average moisture content of loosely compacted organic layers of moderate depth. This code gives an indication of fuel consumption in moderate duff layers and medium-size woody material.

Drought Code (DC) - a numerical rating of the average moisture content of deep, compact, organic layers. This code is a useful indicator of seasonal drought effects on forest fuels, and amount of smouldering in deep duff layers and large logs.

Initial Spread Index (ISI) - a numerical rating of the expected rate of fire spread. It combines the effects of wind and FFMC on rate of spread without the influence of variable quantities of fuel.

Buildup Index (BUI) - a numerical rating of the total amount of fuel available for combustion that combines DMC and DC.

Fire Weather Index (FWI) - a numerical rating of fire intensity that combines ISI and BUI. It is suitable as a general index of fire danger throughout the forested and rural areas of New Zealand.


6.3 Available Fuel Load (AFL) – Forests

Forest Fuel Types

BUILogging

Slash

Pine ForestAge 1-4(1st rotn)

PineForestAge 1-4(2nd rotn)

PineForest

Age 5-10

PineForest

Age 11-20

MaturePine

Age 20+BeechForest

Podocarp/Broadleaf

Forest

Available Fuel Load (t/ha)

10 20.4 3.5 8.7 13.8 6.8 0.4 0.4 0.4

20 35.5 3.5 15.3 24.1 11.8 1.7 2.1 1.7

30 46.7 3.5 20.2 31.8 15.6 4.0 4.8 4.0

40 55.0 3.5 24.1 37.5 18.4 6.9 8.2 6.9

50 61.2 3.5 27.1 41.8 20.5 10.1 12.2 10.1

60 65.9 3.5 29.4 45.1 22.1 13.6 16.3 13.6

70 69.3 3.5 31.3 47.5 23.3 17.0 20.4 17.0

80 72.0 3.5 32.8 49.3 24.2 20.4 24.5 20.4

90 73.9 3.5 34.0 50.7 24.9 23.6 28.3 23.6

100 75.4 3.5 34.9 51.7 25.4 26.5 31.8 26.5

110 76.5 3.5 35.7 52.5 25.8 29.3 35.1 29.3

120 77.3 3.5 36.4 53.1 26.1 31.8 38.1 31.8


6.4 Available Fuel Load (AFL) – Grasslands

1 Based on a ground cover of 60%.2 Alternatively, use the standard fuel load of 3.5 t/ha assumed

in the Grassland FDCC (see Alexander 1994).

Grass Grassland Fuel Types

Height(m)

UngrazedPasture(Noter 1,2)

GrazedPasture(Note 1,2)

CropStubble

TussockOnly(Note 1)

TotalTussock

(Note 1)

Available Fuel Load (t/ha)

0.05 0.7 1.0 0.6

0.10 1.4 1.3 1.2 2.1 5.2

0.15 2.1 1.6 1.9 3.0 6.6

0.20 2.7 1.8 2.5 3.8 7.8

0.25 3.4 2.0 3.2 4.6 8.9

0.30 4.1 2.2 3.9 5.3 9.9

0.35 4.8 4.6 6.0 10.9

0.40 5.5 5.3 6.7 11.8

0.45 6.2 6.1 7.4 12.7

0.50 6.8 6.8 8.1 13.5

0.55 7.5 7.5 8.8 14.3

0.60 8.2 8.2 9.4 15.0

0.65 8.9 10.1 15.7

0.70 9.5 10.7 16.5

0.80 11.9 17.8

0.90 13.2 19.1

1.00 14.4 20.3

1.10 15.5 21.5

1.20 16.7 22.7

1.30 17.9 23.8

1.40 19.0 24.9

1.50 20.1 25.9


6.5 Available Fuel Load (AFL) – Scrublands

Scrubland Fuel TypesScrubHeight

(m)GorseScrub

Manuka/KanukaScrub

Heathlands/Wetlands

ScrubHardwoods

Available Fuel Load (t/ha)0.5 16.0 14.3 10.0 5.0

1.0 23.6 18.4 16.6 8.4

1.5 29.6 21.4 22.4 11.2

2.0 34.8 23.8 27.6 13.82.5 39.5 25.8 32.5 16.3

3.0 43.8 27.6 37.2 18.6

3.5 47.7 29.3 41.7 20.8

4.0 51.5 30.7 46.0 23.04.5 55.0 32.1 50.1 25.0

5.0 58.3 33.4 54.1 27.1

5.5 61.6 34.6 58.1 29.0

6.0 64.6 35.7 61.9 30.9


6.6 Headfire Rate of Spread (ROS) - Flat Terrain

Fuel Type

ISIPine

PlantationNote1

PineLogging

SlashNote1

IndigenousForestNote1

Cut(Matted-down)

GrassNote2

Natural(Standing)

GrassNote2

Gorseor Manuka

Scrub

HardwoodShrubs

Head Fire Rate of Spread (m/h)

0.5 0 22 0 20 9 53 26

1.0 1 52 0 52 29 144 72

1.5 3 88 1 90 57 256 128

2.0 6 127 1 134 92 380 190

2.5 11 168 2 181 133 512 256

3 17 211 3 231 179 649 325

4 37 300 7 338 283 931 466

5 64 394 12 452 402 1214 607

6 99 490 20 571 532 1491 746

7 141 588 31 694 672 1757 879

8 189 686 45 819 819 2010 1005

9 242 785 61 946 973 2249 1125

10 299 884 81 1074 1132 2473 1236

12 420 1080 127 1331 1459 2874 1437

14 547 1273 182 1586 1795 3217 1609

16 673 1461 243 1837 2133 3508 1754

18 795 1643 309 2082 2470 3752 1876

20 910 1820 376 2321 2802 3956 1978

25 1157 2232 540 2881 3598 4327 2163

30 1345 2602 687 3388 4328 4557 2279

35 1482 2932 808 3840 4983 4699 2349

40 1579 3223 905 4240 5561 4785 2393

45 1647 3478 979 4591 6067 4838 2419

50 1693 3702 1035 4898 6506 4870 2435

55 1724 3898 1078 5165 6884 4890 2445

60 1745 4069 1110 5397 7208 4902 2451

65 1760 4217 1134 5598 7484 4909 2454

70 1769 4346 1153 5772 7720 4913 24571 Based on a Buildup Index (BUI) value of 60. 2 Based on a Degree of Curing value of 80%.


6.7

Slo

pe

Co

rrec

tio

n F

acto

r



6.8 Headfire Intensity (HFI) – EquationsByram’s standard fireline intensity equation is:

I = H x w x r where

I = fire intensity in kilowatts per metre (kW/m);

H = net low heat of combustion in kilojoules per kilogram (kJ/kg), generally considered a constant (18,000 kJ/kg);

w = weight of fuel available for consumption in kilograms per square metre (kg/m2); and

r = rate of spread in metres per second (m/s).

A simplified intensity formula for field use is:

w = weight of fuel available in tonnes per hectare (t/ha); and

r = rate of spread in metres per hour (m/h).

Fire intensity is directly related to flame size and a simple relationship for field use is:

I = fire intensity (kW/m); and

L = flame length (m).

Note that flame length should not be confused with flame height which is the maximum vertical extension of the flame front. Only in still air conditions (i.e., no wind) on flat terrain, are flame length and height equal.

I = wherew x r2

I = 300 x (L)2 [or L = I ÷ 300] where


6.9

Hea

dfi

re I

nte

nsi

ty (

HF

I) –

Rat

e o

f S

pre

ad/F

uel

Lo

ad R

elat

ion

ship

RO

SAv

aila

ble

Fuel

Loa

d (A

FL)

w

(t/h

a)(m

/h)

12

510

1520

2530

3540

4550

Fire

Inte

nsity

, I (k

W/m

)*1

11

35

810

1315

1820

2325

21

25

1015

2025

3035

4045

504

24

1020

3040

5060

7080

9010

06

36

1530

4560

7590

105

120

135

150

84

820

4060

8010

012

014

016

018

020

010

510

2550

7510

012

515

017

520

022

525

015

815

3875

113

150

188

225

263

300

338

375

2010

2050

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

450

500

3015

3075

150

225

300

375

450

525

600

675

750

4020

4010

020

030

040

050

060

070

080

090

010

0060

3060

150

300

450

600

750

900

1050

1200

1350

1500

Tabl

e 1

of 3

(co

ntin

ued

over

)

�(

* ca

lcul

ated

the

sim

plif

ied

fiel

d fo

rmul

a, I

=(w�×r

)�÷2,

whi

ch a

ssum

es a

hea

t of

com

bust

ion

valu

e of

18

000

kJ/k

g.)�



RO

SAv

aila

ble

Fuel

Loa

d (A

FL)

w

(t/h

a)(m

/h)

12

510

1520

2530

3540

4550

Fire

Inte

nsity

, I (k

W/m

)*80

4080

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

1600

1800

2000

100

5010

025

050

075

010

0012

5015

0017

5020

0022

5025

0015

075

150

375

750

1125

1500

1875

2250

2625

3000

3375

3750

200

100

200

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

4000

4500

5000

250

125

250

625

1250

1875

2500

3125

3750

4375

5000

5625

6250

300

150

300

750

1500

2250

3000

3750

4500

5250

6000

6750

7500

400

200

400

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

8000

9000

10 0

0050

025

050

012

5025

0037

5050

0062

5075

0087

5010

000

11 2

5012

500

600

300

600

1500

3000

4500

6000

7500

9000

10 5

0012

000

13 5

0015

000

700

350

700

1750

3500

5250

7000

8750

10 5

0012

250

14 0

0015

750

17 5

0080

040

080

020

0040

0060

0080

0010

000

12 0

0014

000

16 0

0018

000

20 0

0090

045

090

022

5045

0067

5090

0011

250

13 5

0015

750

18 0

0020

250

22 5

0010

0050

010

0025

0050

0075

0010

000

12 5

0015

000

17 5

0020

000

22 5

0025

000

Tabl

e 2

of 3

(co

ntin

ued

over

)

(

* ca

lcul

ated

the

sim

plif

ied

fiel

d fo

rmul

a, I

=(w

×r)÷

2, w

hich

ass

umes

a h

eat o

f co

mbu

stio

n va

lue

of 1

8 00

0 kJ

/kg.

)


RO

SAv

aila

ble

Fuel

Loa

d (A

FL)

w

(t/h

a)(m

/h)

12

510

1520

2530

3540

4550

Fire

Inte

nsity

, I (k

W/m

)*12

0060

012

0030

0060

0090

0012

000

15 0

0018

000

21 0

0024

000

27 0

0030

000

1400

700

1400

3500

7000

10 5

0014

000

17 5

0021

000

24 5

0028

000

31 5

0035

000

1600

800

1600

4000

8000

12 0

0016

000

20 0

0024

000

28 0

0032

000

36 0

0040

000

1800

900

1800

4500

9000

13 5

0018

000

22 5

0027

000

31 5

0036

000

40 5

0045

000

2000

1000

2000

5000

10 0

0015

000

20 0

0025

000

30 0

0035

000

40 0

0045

000

50 0

0025

0012

5025

0062

5012

500

18 7

5025

000

31 2

5037

500

43 7

5050

000

56 2

5062

500

3000

1500

3000

7500

15 0

0022

500

30 0

0037

500

45 0

0052

500

60 0

0067

500

75 0

0035

0017

5035

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5017

500

26 2

5035

000

43 7

5052

500

61 2

5070

000

78 7

5087

500

4000

2000

4000

10 0

0020

000

30 0

0040

000

50 0

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000

70 0

0080

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90 0

0010

050

0025

0050

0012

500

25 0

0037

500

50 0

0062

500

75 0

0087

500

100

000

112

500

125

Tabl

e 3

of 3

(� *

cal

cula

ted

the

sim

plif

ied

fiel

d fo

rmul

a, I

=(w�×r

)�÷2,

whi

ch a

ssum

es a

hea

t of

com

bust

ion

valu

e of

18

000

kJ/k

g.)�


6.10 Headfire Intensity (HFI) – Flame Length Relationship

Flame Length(Metres)

Intensity (Actual1)(kW/m)

Intensity (Approx2)

(kW/m)0.1 2 30.2 8 120.3 19 270.4 35 480.5 58 750.6 86 1080.7 120 1470.8 160 1920.9 207 2431 260 300

1.1 320 3631.2 386 4321.3 460 5071.4 540 5881.5 627 6752 1173 1200

2.5 1905 18753 2831 2700

3.5 3958 36754 5291 4800

4.5 6836 60755 8595 75006 12 776 10 8007 17 862 14 7008 23 879 19 2009 30 847 24 30010 38 788 30 000

Note 1: From Byram’s (1959) formula, I=259.833(L)2.174

Note 2: Using the field approximation, I=300(L)2


6.11

Hea

dfi

re I

nte

nsi

ty (

HF

I) –

Fir

e su

pp

ress

ion

eff

ecti

ven

ess

Gen

eral

ised

lim

its

of fi

re s

uppr

essi

on e

ffec

tive

ness

in r

elat

ion

to fi

re in

tens

ity.

Fire

Dan

ger

Cla

ssFi

re In

tens

ity(k

W/m

)M

inim

um fi

re su

ppre

ssio

n re

sour

ces f

ordi

rect

hea

dfir

e at

tack

Low

0 - 1

0G

roun

d cr

ew w

ith h

andt

ools

.

Mod

erat

e10

- 50

0G

roun

d cr

ew a

nd b

ack-

pack

pum

ps.

Hig

h50

0 - 2

000

Wat

er u

nder

pre

ssur

e an

d he

avy

mac

hine

ry.

Very

Hig

h20

00 -

4000

Hea

d fir

e at

tack

usi

ng a

ircra

ft an

d lo

ng-te

rmre

tard

ants

may

be

effe

ctiv

e, b

ut it

may

be

too

dang

erou

s for

gro

und

crew

s.

Extre

me

> 40

00H

ead

fire

atta

ck n

ot li

kely

to b

e ef

fect

ive,

and

it w

illbe

too

dang

erou

s for

gro

und

crew

s.


6.12 Fire danger class criteria – Forest

Forest Fire Danger Class Graph


6.13 Fire danger class criteria – Grassland

Grassland Fire Danger Class Graph


6.14 Fire danger class criteria – Scrubland

Scrubland Fire Danger Class Graph


6.15

F

ire

Dan

ger

Cla

ss C

rite

ria

EXTR

EME

The

situ

atio

n sh

ould

be

cons

ider

ed "e

xplo

sive

". Th

e ch

arac

teris

tics a

ssoc

iate

d w

ith th

e vi

olen

tph

ysic

al b

ehav

iour

of c

onfla

grat

ions

or f

irest

orm

s is a

cer

tain

ty (e

.g.,

rapi

d sp

read

rate

s, cr

owni

ngin

fore

sts,

med

ium

- to

long

-ran

ge m

ass s

potti

ng, f

irew

hirls

, tow

erin

g co

nvec

tion

colu

mns

, gre

atw

alls

of f

lam

e). A

s a re

sult,

fire

s pos

e an

esp

ecia

lly g

rave

thre

at to

per

sons

and

thei

r pro

perty

.B

reac

hing

of r

oads

and

fire

brea

ks o

ccur

s with

regu

larit

y as

fire

s sw

eep

acro

ss th

e la

ndsc

ape.

Dire

ctat

tack

is ra

rely

pos

sibl

e gi

ven

the

fire's

pro

babl

e fe

roci

ty e

xcep

t im

med

iate

ly a

fter i

gniti

on a

ndsh

ould

onl

y be

atte

mpt

ed w

ith th

e ut

mos

t cau

tion.

The

onl

y ef

fect

ive

and

safe

con

trol a

ctio

n th

atca

n be

take

n un

til th

e fir

e ru

n ex

pire

s is a

t the

bac

k an

d al

ong

the

flank

s.

3.6+

met

res

VER

YH

IGH

Bur

ning

con

ditio

ns h

ave

beco

me

criti

cal a

s the

like

lihoo

d of

inte

nse

surf

ace

fires

is a

dis

tinct

poss

ibili

ty; t

orch

ing

and

inte

rmitt

ent c

row

ning

in fo

rest

s can

take

pla

ce. D

irect

atta

ck o

n th

e he

adof

a fi

re b

y gr

ound

forc

es is

feas

ible

for o

nly

the

first

few

min

utes

afte

r ign

ition

has

occ

urre

d.O

ther

wis

e, a

ny a

ttem

pt to

atta

ck th

e fir

e's h

ead

shou

ld b

e lim

ited

to h

elic

opte

rs w

ith b

ucke

ts o

rfix

ed-w

ing

airc

raft,

pre

fera

bly

drop

ping

long

-term

che

mic

al fi

re re

tard

ants

. Unt

il th

e fir

e w

eath

erse

verit

y ab

ates

, res

ultin

g in

a su

bsid

ence

of t

he fi

re ru

n, th

e un

certa

inty

of s

ucce

ssfu

l con

trol e

xist

s.

2.6

to 3

.5m

etre

s

Fir

eD

ange

rC

lass

Des

crip

tion

of

Pro

babl

e F

ire

Pot

enti

al a

ndIm

plic

atio

ns fo

r F

ire

Supp

ress

ion

1

Nom

inal

Max

. Fla

me

Hei

ght

Con

tinu

ed o

ver

...


HIG

H

Run

ning

or v

igor

ous s

urfa

ce fi

res a

re m

ost l

ikel

y to

occ

ur. A

ny fi

re o

utbr

eak

cons

titut

es a

serio

uspr

oble

m. C

ontro

l bec

omes

gra

dual

ly m

ore

diffi

cult

if it'

s not

com

plet

ed d

urin

g th

e ea

rly st

ages

of

fire

grow

th fo

llow

ing

igni

tion.

Wat

er u

nder

pre

ssur

e (f

rom

gro

und

tank

ers o

r fire

pum

ps w

ith h

ose

lays

) and

bul

ldoz

ers a

re re

quire

d fo

r effe

ctiv

e ac

tion

at th

e fir

e's h

ead.

1.4

to 2

.5m

etre

s

MO

DER

ATE

From

the

stan

dpoi

nt o

f moi

stur

e co

nten

t, fu

els a

re c

onsi

dere

d to

be

suffi

cien

tly re

cept

ive

to su

stai

nig

nitio

n an

d co

mbu

stio

n fr

om b

oth

flam

ing

and

mos

t non

-fla

min

g (e

.g.,

glow

ing)

fire

bran

ds.

Cre

epin

g or

gen

tle su

rfac

e fir

e ac

tivity

is c

omm

onpl

ace.

Con

trol o

f suc

h fir

es is

com

para

tivel

y ea

sybu

t can

bec

ome

troub

leso

me

as fi

re d

amag

es c

an st

ill re

sult

and

fires

can

bec

ome

cost

ly to

supp

ress

if th

ey a

ren'

t atte

nded

to im

med

iate

ly. D

irect

man

ual a

ttack

aro

und

the

entir

e fir

e pe

rimet

er b

yfir

efig

hter

s with

onl

y ha

nd to

ols a

nd b

ack-

pack

pum

ps is

pos

sibl

e.

up to

1.3

met

res

LOW

New

fire

star

ts a

re u

nlik

ely

to su

stai

n th

emse

lves

due

to m

oist

surf

ace

fuel

con

ditio

ns. H

owev

er,

igni

tions

may

take

pla

ce n

ear l

arge

and

pro

long

ed o

r int

ense

hea

t sou

rces

(e.g

., ca

mp

fires

,w

indr

owed

slas

h pi

les)

but

the

resu

lting

fire

s gen

eral

ly d

o no

t spr

ead

muc

h be

yond

thei

r poi

nt o

for

igin

and

, if t

hey

do, c

ontro

l is e

asily

ach

ieve

d. M

op-u

p or

com

plet

e ex

tingu

ishm

ent o

f fire

s tha

tar

e al

read

y bu

rnin

g m

ay st

ill b

e re

quire

d pr

ovid

ed th

ere

is su

ffici

ent d

ry fu

el to

supp

ort

smou

lder

ing

com

bust

ion.

novi

sibl

efla

me

THE

ABO

VE S

HO

ULD

NO

T BE

USE

D A

S A

GU

IDE

TO F

IREF

IGH

TER

SAFE

TY, A

S FI

RES

CAN

BE

POTE

NTI

ALLY

DAN

GER

OU

S O

R LI

FE-T

HRE

ATEN

ING

AT

ANY

LEVE

L O

F FI

RE D

ANG

ER!


1

6.16

S

imp

le E

llip

tica

l Fir

e G

row

th M

od

el

Win

d D

ire

ctio

n�

Are

a b

urn

ed

by

He

ad

Fire�

Are

a b

urn

ed

by

Fla

nk

Fire�

Are

a b

urn

ed

by

Ba

ckfir

e�

a�

b�

c�

Bre

ath

(B

)�

Length (L) �

Tota

l sp

rea

d d

ista

nce�

He

ad

Fire

sp

rea

d d

ista

nce�

Ba

ck F

ire

sp

rea

d d

ista

nce�

=�

+�


Ro

ugh

ru

les

of

thu

mb

:

Spre

ad D

ista

nce

= R

ate

of S

prea

d (R

OS)

x E

laps

ed T

ime

(ET

)

Peri

met

er L

engt

h =

2.5

x To

tal S

prea

d D

ista

nce

Peri

met

er G

row

th R

ate

(PG

R)

= 2.

5 x

Hea

dfire

Rat

e of

Spr

ead

(RO

S)


6.17

Win

d S

pee

d E

stim

atio

n

Con

tinu

ed o

ver..

.


Beau

for

tN

umbe r

Win

dD

escr

iptio

n

Win

d Sp

eed

at 1

0m*

(km

/h)

Obs

erva

ble

effe

cts o

f win

d in

ove

r la

nd in

ope

n ar

eas

0C

alm

< 1

No

perc

eptib

le w

ind

mov

emen

t.

1Ve

ry li

ght

1 to

5D

irect

ion

of w

ind

show

n by

smok

e dr

ift; w

ind

vane

and

ane

mom

eter

cup

s may

not

mov

e;le

aves

bar

ely

mov

e.

2Li

ght

6 to

11

Win

d fe

lt on

face

; ord

inar

y va

nes m

ove;

leav

es ru

stle

; sm

all t

wig

s mov

e.

3G

entle

12 to

19

Leav

es a

nd sm

all t

wig

s in

cons

tant

mot

ion;

ligh

t fla

g ex

tend

ed.

4M

oder

ate

20 to

29

Smal

l bra

nche

s are

mov

ed; w

ind

rais

es d

ust a

nd lo

ose

pape

r.

5Fr

esh

30 to

39

Larg

e br

anch

es a

nd sm

all t

rees

in le

af b

egin

to sw

ay; c

rest

ed w

avel

ets f

orm

on

inla

nd w

ater

s.

6St

rong

40 to

49

Larg

e br

anch

es in

con

tinuo

us m

otio

n; w

hist

ling

hear

d in

tele

phon

e w

ires;

um

brel

las u

sed

with

diffi

culty

.

7N

ear g

ale

50 to

61

Who

le tr

ees i

n m

otio

n; in

conv

enie

nce

felt

whe

n w

alki

ng a

gain

st th

e w

ind.

8G

ale

62 to

74

Bre

aks t

wig

s and

smal

l bra

nche

s of t

he tr

ees;

gen

eral

ly im

pede

d pr

ogre

ss w

hen

wal

king

agai

nst w

ind.

9St

rong

gal

e75

to 8

7Sl

ight

stru

ctur

al d

amag

e oc

curs

(chi

mne

y br

icks

loos

ened

; roo

fing

slat

es b

low

n of

f); b

roke

nbr

anch

es li

tter g

roun

d.

10St

orm

88 to

101

Tree

s upr

oote

d; c

onsi

dera

ble

stru

ctur

al d

amag

e oc

curs

.

* Pr

ovid

es a

n es

tim

ate

of t

he u

nres

tric

ted

win

d sp

eed

at 1

0m in

the

ope

n.

Obs

erva

ble

effe

cts

of w

ind

refe

r to

tre

es o

r st

ruct

ures

in t

he c

entr

e of

ope

n (i

.e.,

not

fore

sted

) ar

eas.

Ope

n ar

eas

are

pref

erab

ly le

vel o

r ne

arly

leve

l gro

und

wit

h on

ly s

catt

ered

tre

es in

a c

lear

ing

wit

h a

diam

eter

tha

t is

10

tim

es g

reat

er t

han

the

heig

ht o

f tr

ees

in n

eigh

bour

ing

fore

sts.

The

est

imat

e of

win

d sp

eed,

typ

ical

ly t

he m

id-p

oint

of

the

valu

es a

ssoc

iate

d w

ith

a pa

rtic

ular

Bea

ufor

t cl

ass,

can

be

used

tog

ethe

r w

ith

FFM

C t

o de

term

ine

the

ISI

for

fire

beha

viou

r pr

edic

tion

s.


6.18 Abbreviations and Conversions

BUI Buildup Index

FFMC Fine Fuel Moisture Code

FMC Foliar Moisture Content (%)

ISI Initial Spread Index

L/B Length-to-breadth ratio

LCBH Live crown base height (m)

PGR Perimeter growth rate (m/h)

ROS Rate of spread (m/h)

SCF Slope correction factor


Sel

ecte

d C

onv

ersi

on

Fac

tors

If th

e un

its a

reM

ultip

ly b

yTo

obt

ain

Inve

rse

fact

or

hect

ares

(ha)

2.47

11ac

res (

ac)

0.40

469�

kilo

met

res p

er h

our (

km/h

)0.

2777

8m

etre

s per

seco

nd (m

/s)

3.6

kilo

met

res p

er h

our (

km/h

)0.

5399

6kn

ots (

kts)

1.85

2ki

lom

etre

s per

hou

r (km

/h)

0.62

137

mile

s per

hou

r (m

i/h)

1.60

93m

etre

s (m

)3.

2808

feet

(ft)

0.30

48m

etre

s (m

)0.

0497

1ch

ains

(ch)

20.1

17m

etre

s per

hou

r (m

/h)

0.01

6667

met

res p

er m

inut

e (m

/min

)60

.0m

etre

s per

hou

r (m

/h)

0.00

0278

met

res p

er se

cond

(m/s

)36

00.0

met

res p

er h

our (

m/h

)0.

0546

8fe

et p

er m

in (f

t/min

)18

.288

2m

etre

s per

hou

r (m

/h)

0.04

971

chai

ns p

er h

our (

ch/h

)20

.117

tonn

es p

er h

ecta

re (t

/ha)

0.10

kilo

gram

s per

squa

re m

etre

(kg/

m2 )

10.0

tonn

es p

er h

ecta

re (t

/ha)

0.44

609

tons

per

acr

e (T

/ac)

2.22

417

kilo

wat

ts p

er m

etre

(kW

/m)

0.28

909

Btu

per

seco

nd p

er fo

ot (B

tu/s

ec/ft

)3.

4592



7. Fire Investigation7.1 On ArrivalAll personnel on the fire ground (and particularly those involved in the Initial Attack) should make a note of anything that might assist determining the cause and origin of the fire. Any information should be passed to their Crew Leader or the Incident Controller and should include:

• Any suspicious activities or persons at, or leaving, the scene (names, descriptions, vehicle registrations, etc)

• The fire conditions on arrival (what’s involved, fire intensity, smoke, flames, odours, etc)

• Fire behaviour during the fire (rate and direction of spread, unusual behaviour)

• Any indications of multiple points of ignition or evidence of accelerants

• Statements or comments by occupiers or onlookers

• Any pattern to reported fires.


7.2 Fire Cause ReportThe Planning/Intell Manager is overall responsible within the Incident Management Team for having the cause and origin of the fire investigated. The Planning/Intell Manager may delegate this task to one of the unit leaders within the section. The Planning/Intell Manager or delegated Unit Leader is responsible for collecting and evaluating all information that will assist in the process of investigating the cause and origin of the fire.

Where there is clear evidence to a suspected cause of the fire then an appropriate expert in that field must be appointed as part of the fire investigation team. For example:

• Any fire suspected of involving criminal activity must involve the police

• Any fire caused by an electrical installation must be investigated by an electrical engineer

• Where a fire is believed to have started from a non-permitted burn or a breach of fire permit conditions, then a compliance person may be required to interview those involved in or responsible for the fire.

All wildfire investigators or experts in other fields that are employed to investigate the cause and origin of fires must be provided with terms of reference. These will set out the objectives, scope and terms of their assignment.

Eg, a wildfire investigator may be required to “Determine the Point of Origin, Cause, Path of Travel and Impact of the Fire” and provide a written report within 10 days. The terms of reference may exclude in the scope matters that the Planning/Intelligence section do not want the investigator to address. Eg, compliance issues, interviewing particular people, talking or making statements to the media.


Appendix A Glossary

Resources dispatched to an incident.

An advantageous location from whicha fire line can be constructed. It is usedto minimise the possibility of beingoutflanked by a fire while the line isbeing constructed.

The systematic process in which all thefactors affecting an incident and whichlead to the development of a pan areconsidered.

Resources checked in and assigned worktasks on an incident.

An area where resources are organisedand prepared for deployment. It includesthe provision of crew welfare andequipment maintenance facilities. AnAssembly Area would normally belocated away from an incident at anestablished facility.

Incident-based resources ready fordeployment.

A counter-fire commenced from withincontinuous fuel for the purpose offighting a fire. Reference the Forest andRural Fire Act 1977.

The part of a fire which is burning backagainst the wind, where the flame heightand rate of spread is minimal.

A method for estimating wind speedbased on observation of visual indicatorsof wind effects (eg smoke drift, flag andtree movement). Suggested for use whenan anemometer is not available.

AllocatedResources

Anchor Point

Appreciation

AssignedResources

Assembly Area(AA)

AvailableResources

Back-burn

Backing Fire

Beaufort WindScale

A general overview of an operation.

A counter-fire commenced from anatural or previously constructedfirebreak for the purpose of fighting afire. Reference, the Forest and RuralFires Act 1977.

A predetermined complement of suppliesstored in a designated location.

The orderly replacement of personnel.

The process whereby resources firstreport to an incident.

A strategic position from which trafficmovement can be observes andcontrolled.

A structure to systematically manageemergency incidents.

The internal direction of members andresources of an agency in theperformance of that agency’s role andtasks. Command relates to singleagencies and operates vertically withinan agency.

Has the same meaning as in theConservation Act 1987, and includesland being managed under section 61or section 62 of the Act; but does notinclude any marginal strip as defined insection 2(1) of that Act.

A fire is contained when its spread hasbeen halted, but it may still be burningfreely within the perimeter or fire controllines.

The stage at which the completeperimeter of a fire is secured and nobreakaway is expected.

Briefing

Burnout

Cache

Changeover

Check-in

Checkpoint

CoordinatedIncidentManagementSystem (CIMS)

Command

ConservationArea

Contained

Controlled

The overall direction of responseactivities in an emergency situation.Authority for control is established inlegislation or by agreement and carrieswith it the responsibility for tasking andcoordinating other agencies. Controlrelates to situations and can operate ateither the single agency level orhorizontally across agencies.

Any line, including the fire-line, naturalfire-breaks, and/or retardant lines, fromwhich the fire is being fought. Forexample, a fire may be fought from acreek, road, fire-break or from a seriesof fire-breaks connected by fire-lines.The total endeavour is a control line.

The bringing together of agencies andresources to ensure a consistent andeffective response to an incident.

A cordon is the means to maintain anarea and is used to restrict movementinto and out of an area.

A critical examination of an operationdone to evaluate actions fordocumentation and futureimprovements.

The orderly release of resources nolonger required at an incident.

To task and/or move a resource.

EmergencyOperationsCentre (EOC)

Control Line

Co-ordination

Cordon

Debriefing

Demobilisation

Dispatch

Control

An established facility where theresponse to an incident may besupported.

Drop Point The key identified point in a sector area.A Drop Point is identified by GPS orGrid Reference. It can be a landing, apoint for supplies to be stockpiled oran occasional helipad.

The removal of people from an areathat may be dangerous.

A level of fire behaviour that ordinarilyprecludes methods of direct suppressionaction. One or more of the followingcharacteristics is usually involved:• High rates of spread and fire intensity• Prolific crowning and/or spotting• Presence of fire whirls• A strong connective column.

Predictability can be difficult becausesuch fires often exercise some degree ofinfluence on their environment andbehave erratically, sometimesdangerously.

A unit which may be established toprovide advice o financial implicationsor be utilised to track times, costs,procurement, and compensation.

Means:(a) In relation to a rural fire district, the

rural fire committee in which theadministration of the district is vestedor, as the case may be, the Ministerof Conservation or the Minister ofDefence.

(b) In relation to a territorial area, theterritorial authority havingjurisdiction in respect of that area.

(c) In relation to any State area, theMinister of Conservation.

(d) In relation to the fire safety marginof any State area, the Minister ofConservation to the extent providedby section 14(5) of this Act.

Fire Authority

Evacuation

Extreme FireBehaviour

Finance/Administration

Continued over ...

(e) In relation to any land or otherproperty subject to any agreementor arrangement made pursuant tosubsection (1) or subsection (2) ofsection 14 of this Act, the partythereby appointed to act. Providedthat the power and duties of thatparty as a Fire Authority shall extendonly as far as is provided by thatagreement or arrangement.

(f) In relation to any land or otherproperty in respect of which a localauthority exercises the functions ofa Fire Authority pursuant to section9(b) of this Act, that local authorityto the extent approved under thatsection by the New Zealand FireService Commission.

The manner in which fuel ignites, flamedevelops, and fire spreads and exhibitsother related phenomena as determinedby the interaction of fuels, weather, andtopography.

The composite pattern or integrationover time of the fire weather elementsthat affect fire occurrence and firebehaviour in a given area.

A segment of a fire danger index scaleidentified by a descriptive term (e.g.Low, Moderate, High, Very High,Extreme) and/or a colour code (e.g. blue,green, yellow, orange, red). Theclassification system may be based onmore than one fire danger index.

The process of systematically evaluatingand integrating the individual andcombined factors influencing fire dangerrepresented in the form of fire dangerindexes.

Fire Behaviour

Fire Climate

Fire DangerClass

Fire DangerRating

The surrounding conditions, influences,and modifying forces of topography,fuel, and fire weather that determinefire behaviour.

Any area of land, vegetation, orproperty where the fire is burning orhas burnt or is threatening, in theopinion of the Fire Officer.

That portion of the fire perimeter uponwhich resources are deployed and areactively engaged in fire suppressionaction.

A log book for the recording of eventsand times of relevant activities of firesuppression actions.

Any land (not being the whole or partof a defence area within the meaningof the Defence Act 1990) that:a. In relation to a State area, is outside

that area but within 1 kilometre (orsuch less distance as may beapproved by the Minister ofConservation, after consultation withthe National Rural Fire Officer, andnotified in the Gazette) of theboundary of that area:

b. In relation to a forest area, is situatedoutside that area but within suchdistance (not exceeding 1 kilometre)of the boundary thereof as isapproved by the Fire Authority ofthat area;

But does not include any land that, bynotice in the Gazette under section14(5A) of the Forest and Rural FiresAct 1977, is excluded from the firesafety margin of any State area.

FireEnvironment

Fire Ground

Fireline

Fire Log

Fire SafetyMargin

Collectively, those weather parametersthat influence fire occurrence andsubsequent fire behaviour (e.g. dry-bulbtemperature, relative humidity, windspeed and direction, precipitation,atmospheric stability, winds aloft).

An area in the field to identify and sortpatients in priority order for removalto a Triage area.

The main location for parking, fuelling,and maintenance of helicoptersoperating in support of an incident.

A designed location which meets specificrequirements for a helicopter to takeoff and land.

An event which requires a responsefrom one or more agencies.

A statement of the objectives, strategies,and critical functions to be taken at anincident.

The location where the IncidentController and, where established,members of the Incident ManagementTeam provide overall direction ofresponse activities in an emergencysituation.

The overall management of the responseto an incident (see “Control”)

The group of incident managementpersonnel carrying out the functions ofIncident Controller, OperationsManager, Planning/Intelligence Managerand Logistics Manager.

A cordon established immediatelyaround an event.

Fire Weather

Forward Triage

Helibase (HB)

Helipad (HP)

Incident

Incident ActionPlan (IAP)

IncidentControl Point(ICP)

IncidentControl

IncidentManagementTeam (IMT)

Inner Cordon

.

A direction to achieve something givenin general terms without a specificcourse of action (as opposed to“Orders”).

The organisation with the legislative oragreed authority for control of anincident.

Co-ordination with representatives fromother agencies.

The provision of facilities, services, andmaterials in accordance with theIncident Action Plan.

The processes and procedures fororganisations to activate, assemble, andtransport the requested resources to anincident.

An incident which requires a responsefrom two or more agencies.

A statement of what is to be achieved.

In respect of any area or district, meansa period of time, whether or fixed orindefinite duration, during which periodthe lighting of fires in the open air inthat area or district is neither prohibitednor restricted under section 22 of theForest and Rural Fires Act 1995.

The direction, supervision, andimplementation of tactics in accordancewith the Incident Action Plan.

The field focal point after the ICP hasclosed down.

Directions comprising a clearly definedtask and the method of achieving itgiven by a commander to those whowill execute it (as opposed to“instructions”).

Instructions

Lead Agency

Liaison

Logistics

Mobilisation

Multi-agencyResponse

Objective

Open FireSeason

Operations

Orders

OperationsPoint

A cordon established further from anevent than the inner cordon to enableaccess to the area of operations to becontrolled.

The collection, evaluation, and dissem-ination of information related to theincident and the preparation and docum-entation of the Incident Action Plan.

The controlled application of fire underspecified environmental conditions to apredetermined area and at the time,intensity, and rate of spread required toattain planned resource managementobjectives.

(a) In relation to any State area for whicha Principal Rural Fire Officer isappointed by the Minister [ofConservation] or any other districtfor which a Principal Rural FireOfficer is appointed by the FireAuthority, means that officer or, wherehe is absent or unavailable or unableto act, the person acting as PrincipalFire Officer pursuant to the Fire Planfor that area or district.

(b)In relation to any district (other thana State area) for which there is onlyone Fire Officer, means that officeror, where he is absent or unavailableor unable to act, the person acting asPrincipal Fire Officer pursuant to theFire Plan for that district.

(c) In relation to any State area for whichno Principal Rural Fire Officer hasbeen appointed by the Minister [ofConservation], means any [Rural FireOfficer appointed under section 13(3)of this Act and any warranted officerappointed under section 59(1) of theConservation Act 1987].

Outer Cordon

Planning/Intelligence

PrescribedBurning

Principal FireOfficer

A period of time, whether of fixed orindefinite duration, specified pursuantto this act, during which period thelighting of fires in the open air isprohibited under this Act.

A period of time, whether of fixed orindefinite duration, specified pursuantto this Act, during which period permitsor authorities are required by the Forestand Rural Fires Act 1975 for the lightingof fires in the open air.

All personnel and equipment available,or potentially available, for assignmentsto incidents.

Any form of barrier or obstructionpreventing or limiting the passage ofvehicles.

A safe location near the incident fromwhich the forward operations can besupported.

The designated officer responsible forassessing hazards and for developingmeasures for ensuring safety.

A defined portion of the incident.

An incident requiring a response fromonly one agency.

A brief of an incident, usually given atregular intervals.

An acronym for a standard sequencewhen directing actions. It represents:• Situation• Mission• Execution• Administration• Command• Communications

Prohibited FireSeason

Restricted FireSeason

Resources

Road Block

Safe ForwardPoint (SFP)

Safety Officer

Sector

Single-agencyResponse

SituationReport (Sitrep)

SMEACC

.

A concept which relates to the numberof groups or individuals controlled byone person. The ratio of 1:5 is desirable,but should not exceed a ratio of 1:8.

A designated location where resourcesare gathered prior to deployment.

Written incident practices adopted byan agency.

A statement detailing how an objectiveis to be achieved.

An organisation contributing servicesor resources directly to a lead agency.

Specific actions or tasks to implementincident strategies.

A job given to a team or individual.

An advisor with special skills which areneeded to support incident operations.

An area and a process where patientsare taken to for treatment in a priorityorder.

Span OfControl

Staging Area(SA)

StandardOperatingProcedures(SOPs)

Strategy

SupportAgency

Tactics

Task

TechnicalSpecialist

Triage

Appendix B Local/Regional Information

This section is reserved for the user to print, crop to size, ‘2 Hole’ punch and insert local or regional information that would be useful to have available at an incident. This might include summary information from the RFA Fire Plan such as:

• Contact details for agencies and personnel

• Contact details for contractors (Tankers, Aircraft, Bulldozers, etc)

• Communications channels

• Call signs

• etc.

Appendix CNotes/Log

The pages in this section are intended to be used for field notes, incident sketches, recording a log of actions or events, etc. A template for these note pages is available on the NRFA web site (http://www.nrfa.org.nz). As the pages are used, the template can be downloaded, printed, guillotined to size, punched and inserted into this booklet.

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