108
Left Flank
Head
Heel
Right Flank
Hot Spot
Spot Fire
Parts of the Fire
Origin Head Flank Rear/Heel Hot Spot Perimeter Spot Fire
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Fire Behavior Terms
Spread Smoldering Creeping Running Backing
Spotting
Torching
Crowning
Blow-up
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Other Useful Terms
Control Line
Fireline
Anchor Point
Mopup
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Personal Protective Equipment Helmet
Googles
Radio
Nomex Shirt
Web gear
Gloves
Fire Shelter
Nomex Pants
Leather Boots
Misc. Tools
Water and Food
The Fire Train• On Duty at 9:00 AM
• Check:
– Hand Tools
– Hoses and Appliances
– Pump Engine
– Water Supply
– Motor Car Engine
– Motor Car Brakes
– Coupling, etc.
– Radios, including Portable
NEW Procedure for Operation
• Depart McEwen after Steam Excursion train
• Wait at Hwy. 7 until Steam Train reaches Sumpter (Steam train must radio Fire Train)
• Patrol to Sumpter
• Wait at Sumpter until Steam Train crosses Hwy. 7 (Steam Train must radio Fire Train)
• Patrol to Hwy 7.
• Duck into siding at Hawley; wait for Steam Train
• Repeat Procedure
While on Patrol• Keep a lookout on both sides of the tracks
as well as between the rails• Watch for
– Smoke– Flame– Anything that doesn’t look right– Anything that fell off the Steam Train
• Often you’ll smell a fire before there’s any visual clue.
• If there’s a breeze, pay special attention to the down wind side of the track.
Reporting A Fire or Smoke
Upon the discovery of a fire or smoke along the right of way:
1. Contact Sumpter Depot by Radio:
“Emergency, Emergency, Emergency. We have a fire/smoke at MP ____.
Note: If you’re unsure of the exact mile point, use a reference such as Sawmill Gulch Road or Ballast.
Reporting a Fire or Smoke2. Give a Size-Up: Briefly describe what you’ve
found, where it is and a little bit about the fuel, terrain and the character of the fire or smoke.
“We have a smoke fifty feet south of the tracks in light fuel. The smoke is light gray in color and not very dense.
<or>
“Flames spotted 100 feet south of the track in a wooded area. Smoke is dark and thick.”
Things to consider before acting:
Can I reach it with a hose line?
Will a fire stream be effective?
Is this fire/smoke growing fast?
Where’s the weather moving it?
Would hand tools be more effective?
And most important:
Can I take action on this fire/smoke SAFELY?
As you Prepare to Take ActionBefore charging into the woods with a hose
and tools, make another Size-Up.
• Is there more smoke?
• Has the color changed?
• Is a column developing?
• What’s the wind doing?
• Report any significant change from your original Size-Up
• Size-Up is an ongoing process
“Chain of Command”
The line of authority through which decisions are made, recommendations offered, and work
assignments are given.
Incident Commander
Firefighter/s
Incident Command
As Fire Train Engineer, you are the Incident Commander. Your responsibilities include:
• Above all, SAFETY for yourself, your crew, the Excursion Train and the public.
Incident Command
As Fire Train Engineer, you are the Incident Commander. Your responsibilities include:
• Above all, SAFETY for yourself, your crew, the Excursion Train and the public.
• Calling for additional resources.
Incident Command
As Fire Train Engineer, you are the Incident Commander. Your responsibilities include:
• Above all, SAFETY for yourself, your crew, the Excursion Train and the public.
• Calling for additional resources.
• Provide regular updates by radio.
Incident Command
As Fire Train Engineer, you are the Incident Commander. Your responsibilities include:
• Above all, SAFETY for yourself, your crew, the Excursion Train and the public.
• Calling for additional resources.
• Provide regular updates by radio.
• Safe and Effective suppression efforts.
Incident CommandAs Fire Train Engineer, you are the Incident
Commander. Your responsibilities include:• Above all, SAFETY for yourself, your crew,
the Excursion Train and the public.• Calling for additional resources.• Provide regular updates by radio.• Safe and Effective suppression efforts.• Upon arrival of ODF, Baker County Fire,
or more experienced SVRY crews you will be relieved of your job as I/C WHEW!
Incident Command
Even after being relieved as Incident Commander, you’re still the Fire Train Engineer.
Fully cooperate with ODF and Baker County crews
But do not leave the Fire Train until relieved by other SVRY people. (Unless, of course, staying with the Fire Train would put you at risk.)
Initial Attack with Hand Tools
• Small Fire – Smother with dirt.
Initial Attack with Hand Tools
• Small Fire – Smother with dirt.
• Establish an anchor point (usually the track) and scratch a line along one flank.
Initial Attack with Hand Tools
• Small Fire – Smother with dirt.
• Establish an anchor point (usually the track) and scratch a line along one flank.
• Scrape trail down to mineral earth or rock.
Initial Attack with Hand Tools
• Small Fire – Smother with dirt.
• Establish an anchor point (usually the track) and scratch a line along one flank.
• Scrape trail down to mineral earth or rock.
• Move burning or burnable materials towards the fire if there’s a chance of embers along your fire trail.
Initial Attack with Hand Tools
• Small Fire – Smother with dirt.
• Establish an anchor point (usually the track) and scratch a line along one flank.
• Scrape trail down to mineral earth or rock.
• Move burning or burnable materials towards the fire if there’s a chance of embers along your fire trail.
• ALWAYS work with your partner – stay in visual contact. Keep an eye on each other.
Initial Attack with Hand Tools• Small Fire – Smother with dirt.
• Establish an anchor point (usually the track) and scratch a line along one flank.
• Scrape trail down to mineral earth or rock.
• Move burning or burnable materials towards the fire if there’s a chance of embers along your fire trail.
• ALWAYS work with your partner – stay in visual contact. Keep an eye on each other.
• Incoming crews may take the other flank.
Initial Attack with Hand Tools• Small Fire – Smother with dirt.• Establish an anchor point (usually the track)
and scratch a line along one flank.• Scrape trail down to mineral earth or rock.• Move burning or burnable materials towards
the fire if there’s a chance of embers along your fire trail.
• ALWAYS work with your partner – stay in visual contact. Keep an eye on each other.
• Incoming crews may take the other flank.• Work the flanks, not the head
Initial Attack with Hand Tools (con’t.)
• Eliminate limbs over or near the trail.
Initial Attack with Hand Tools (con’t.)
• Eliminate limbs over or near the trail.
• May work in conjunction with hose lines.
Initial Attack with Hand Tools (con’t.)
• Eliminate limbs over or near the trail.
• May work in conjunction with hose lines.
• Keep an eye on what the fire is doing.
Initial Attack with Hand Tools (con’t.)
• Eliminate limbs over or near the trail.
• May work in conjunction with hose lines.
• Keep an eye on what the fire is doing.
• Watch for spot fires over the fire line.
Initial Attack with Hand Tools (con’t.)
• Eliminate limbs over or near the trail.
• May work in conjunction with hose lines.
• Keep an eye on what the fire is doing.
• Watch for spot fires over the fire line.
• Work towards pinching off the fire at the head.
Initial Attack with Hand Tools (con’t.)
• Eliminate limbs over or near the trail.
• May work in conjunction with hose lines.
• Keep an eye on what the fire is doing.
• Watch for spot fires over the fire line.
• Work towards pinching off the fire at the head.
• Continue to monitor widen and improve your hand line.
Initial Attack with Hand Tools (con’t.) • Eliminate limbs over or near the trail.• May work in conjunction with hose lines.• Keep an eye on what the fire is doing. • Watch for spot fires over the fire line.• Work towards pinching off the fire at the
head.• Continue to monitor widen and improve
your hand line. • All fires must be trailed before being left
as “Safe”.
Initial Attack with Hose Lines
• Fire must be close enough to track to reach with hoses. (Lobbing water at a fire is not only ineffective, it can spread the fire.)
Initial Attack with Hose Lines
• Fire must be close enough to track to reach with hoses. (Lobbing water at a fire is not only ineffective, it can spread the fire.)
• Be prepared to quickly deploy hose and nozzle.
Initial Attack with Hose Lines
• Fire must be close enough to track to reach with hoses. (Lobbing water at a fire is not only ineffective, it can spread the fire.)
• Be prepared to quickly deploy hose and nozzle.
• Establish an Anchor Point (usually the track)
Initial Attack with Hose Lines
• Fire must be close enough to track to reach with hoses. (Lobbing water at a fire is not only ineffective, it can spread the fire.)
• Be prepared to quickly deploy hose and nozzle.
• Establish an Anchor Point (usually the track)
• Work a flank towards the head of the fire.
Initial Attack with Hose Lines
• Fire must be close enough to track to reach with hoses. (Lobbing water at a fire is not only ineffective, it can spread the fire.)
• Be prepared to quickly deploy hose and nozzle.
• Establish an Anchor Point (usually the track)
• Work a flank towards the head of the fire.• Use a 30º fog directed at the base of the
flames
Initial Attack with Hose Lines
• Fire must be close enough to track to reach with hoses. (Lobbing water at a fire is not only ineffective, it can spread the fire.)
• Be prepared to quickly deploy hose and nozzle.
• Establish an Anchor Point (usually the track)
• Work a flank towards the head of the fire.
• Use a 30º fog directed at the base of the flames
• Aim water at flaming material or just ahead of advancing flames
Initial Attack with Hose Lines (Con’t.)
• Apply water parallel with fire line or directed back into the fire.
Initial Attack with Hose Lines (Con’t.)
• Apply water parallel with fire line or directed back into the fire.
• Additional crews may use hand tools on the other flank. Watch out for them!
Initial Attack with Hose Lines (Con’t.)
• Apply water parallel with fire line or directed back into the fire.
• Additional crews may use hand tools on the other flank. Watch out for them!
• Continue Size-Up:– What is the fire and smoke doing?– What is the wind doing?– Report any changes by radio.
Initial Attack with Hose Lines (Con’t.)
• Apply water parallel with fire line or directed back into the fire.
• Additional crews may use hand tools on the other flank. Watch out for them!
• Continue Size-Up:
– What and the fire and smoke doing
– What is the wind doing
– Report any changes by radio
• Watch for Spot Fires
Firefighting Safety
• As in Railroading, Safety is your Number One Priority in Firefighting.
Firefighting Safety
• As in Railroading, Safety is your Number One Priority in Firefighting.
• When swinging a tool, stay six to ten feet from other firefighters.
Firefighting Safety
• As in Railroading, Safety is your Number One Priority in Firefighting.
• When swinging a tool, stay six to ten feet from other firefighters.
• Become familiar with the Ten Standard Firefighting Orders and Watch Out Situations.
Firefighting Safety
• As in Railroading, Safety is your Number One Priority in Firefighting.
• When swinging a tool, stay six to ten feet from other firefighters.
• Become familiar with the Ten Standard Firefighting Orders and Watch Out Situations.
• Always work with your partner. Stay together
Firefighting Safety• As in Railroading, Safety is your Number
One Priority in Firefighting.• When swinging a tool, stay six to ten feet
from other firefighters.• Become familiar with the Ten Standard
Firefighting Orders and Watch Out Situations.
• Always work with your partner. Stay together• Keep a radio with you or your partner.
Firefighting Safety
• As in Railroading, Safety is your Number One Priority in Firefighting.
• When swinging a tool, stay six to ten feet from other firefighters.
• Become familiar with the Ten Standard Firefighting Orders and Watch Out Situations.
• Always work with your partner. Stay together• Keep a radio with you or your partner.• Provide updates to Sumpter Depot and the
Steam Train.
Firefighting Safety (Con’t.)
• Advise incoming crews of your current size-up and all known hazards.
Firefighting Safety (Con’t.)
• Advise incoming crews of your current size-up and all known hazards.
• Know your physical abilities and limits.
– Make a reasonable effort to control the fire
– But, don’t risk going down and requiring rescue.
Firefighting Safety (Con’t.)
• Advise incoming crews of your current size-up and all known hazards.
• Know your physical abilities and limits.
– Make a reasonable effort to control the fire
– But, don’t risk going down and requiring rescue.
• Bring drinking water – LOTS of it!
Firefighting Safety (Con’t.)• Advise incoming crews of your current size-
up and all known hazards.• Know your physical abilities and limits.
– Make a reasonable effort to control the fire– But, don’t risk going down and requiring rescue.
• Bring drinking water – LOTS of it!• In the excitement, follow all SVRY Safety
Rules.– Make sure the Fire Train is secured – Make sure the Steam Train knows your
location
Larger FiresIn the early stages, fire doubles in size every
minute. Efficient initial attack can prevent small fires from becoming large fires. But, sometimes stuff happens. When it does, keep calm and be ready to deal with a larger fire.
You may find a fire you cannot deal with directly.
• Burning too hot
• Moving too fast
• Don’t feel equipped to attack it safely
Deer Creek FireSelma, Oregon
Larger Fires• Notify Sumpter Depot of your situation and to
order additional resources (HELP!) if there’s any doubt you can’t handle a fire.
• You can still provide valuable size-up information:– From a safe vantage point upwind from the fire– After making sure the Fire Train is parked safely.– To Sumpter Depot and incoming crews.
• Once ODF and/or Baker County crews arrive, make contact and tell them all you know about the incident, including any hazards.
Larger Fires• ODF or Baker County may give you a new
assignment.
• The Fire Train Engineer remains responsible for the Fire Train until relieved by SVRY people. Advise incoming crews of this fact.
• The Incident Command System (ICS) may be implemented and SVRY personnel may be part of a Joint Command.
• It’s likely that SVRY crews and the Fire Train will be released from the fire once sufficient ODF and Baker County crews arrive.
Excursion Train Procedures• The Number One priority is passenger and
train crew safety.• Next is securing the equipment and keeping
it in a safe location.• If a fire or smoke is spotted by the
Excursion Train, report it and give a Size-Up as per instructions for the Fire Train.
• It may be necessary to back up to stay in a safe zone. Notify the Fire Train of this move. Be sure to have a qualified crew member “watching the shove.”
Excursion Train Procedures• Notify Sumpter Depot of the Size-up, your
location, and whether you’re continuing or reversing.
• Firefighting operations take priority over passenger operations.
• However, if the steam train is caught between the fire train and the fire, the steam train must be allowed to get to safety.– Even if it keeps the Fire Train from the fire– Good communication is critical.
Excursion Train Procedures• Excursion Train crew members, who are not
needed to safely operate this train may be released by the Conductor to join firefighting efforts.
• Secure the train in a safe location – usually either the McEwen or Sumpter depot.
• Keep Sumpter Depot advised of all movements, size-ups and crew releases.
• Maintain communication with the Fire Train until tied up.
SVRY Fire SupportSumpter Depot:
• Relay point for radio traffic from Fire Train.
• Report ALL fires to ODF
• Possible end point for Steam Train that day
• Keep passengers informed of situation
McEwen Depot:
• Backup relay point
• Possible end point for Steam Train
• Inform passengers
• Staging area for SVRY resources
SVRY Fire SupportMcEwen Yard:
• Monitor radio and relay information as necessary
• Additional firefighters
• Additional hose, tools and equipment
• Bring WATER for fire crews
• May need to bring Phoenix
After the Fire• Once contained, fires must be completely
trailed.
– ODF will give the particulars
– Usually 3’ wide to mineral earth or rock
– Right to the edges of the burn
– With no unburned material inside the perimeter
– With no overhanging limbs or brush.
• The Incident Commander or SVRY official will release the Fire Train.
After the Fire• After being released, the Fire Train Crew
must:
– Clean, dry, inspect and roll hose
– Clean, inspect and sharpen hand tools
– Check and Replenish fuels and lubricants
– Refill the water tank
– Clean and refill bladder bags
– Clean hose appliances
– Clean and inspect motor car and trailer
– Inventory equipment and replace as needed
2009 O'Brien Fire
Watch Out Situation #1Fire not scouted and sized up.• Why is this important?
04A-68-S130-EP
Watch Out Situation #2
In country not seen in daylight.
• Why is this important?
• What can you do if you cannot wait to see the country in daylight?
04A-69-S130-EP
Watch Out Situation #3Safety zones and escape routes
not identified.
• Why is this important?
04A-70-S130-EP
Watch Out Situation #4
Unfamiliar with weather and local factors influencing fire behavior.
• Why is this important?
• Weather patterns – Do all fires have them?
• How do you obtain this local information?
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Watch Out Situation #5Uninformed on strategy, tactics and hazards.
• What does strategy mean?
• What are tactics?
• What hazards need to be identified?
• What questions can be asked to reduce the risks?
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Watch Out Situation #6
Instructions and assignments not clear.
• What should your instructions include?
04A-73-S130-EP
Watch Out Situation #7
No communication link with crew members/ supervisor.
• Why must you be in communication?
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Watch Out Situation #8
Constructing fireline without safe
anchor point.
• What is a safe anchor point?
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Watch Out Situation #9Building fireline downhill with fire
below.• What is the danger
in building line downhill?
• Can you ever build line downhill?
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Watch Out Situation #10
Attempting frontal assault on fire.
• What are the dangers involved with a frontal assault?
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Watch Out Situation #11
Unburned fuel between you and
the fire.• Why is this a
“watch out situation”?
• How can you prevent this potential problem?
Watch Out Situation #12
Cannot see main fire, not in contact with anyone who can.
• Why is this important?
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Watch Out Situation #13
On a hillside where rolling material can ignite fuel below.
• What are the consequences?
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Watch Out Situation #14
Weather is getting hotter and drier.
• Why is this a “watch out situation”?
• How can you tell if it is getting hotter and drier?
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Watch Out Situation #15
Wind increases and/or changes
direction.
• Why is this a “watch out situation”?
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Watch Out Situation #16
Getting frequent spot fires across
line.
• What are the consequences of spot fires?
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Watch Out Situation #17
Terrain and fuels make escape to
safety zones difficult.
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• Why is this a “watch out situation”?
Watch Out Situation #18
Taking a nap near the fireline.
• Although this is a convenient place what danger might there be?
04A-85-S130-EP
Standard Firefighting Orders
FIRE BEHAVIOR
1. Keep informed on fire weather conditions and forecasts.
2. Know what your fire is doing at all times.
3. Base all actions on current and expected behavior of the fire.
Standard Firefighting Orders
FIRELINE SAFETY
4. Identify escape routes and safety zones, and make them known.
5. Post lookouts when there is possible danger.
6. Be alert. Keep calm. Think clearly. Act decisively.
Standard Firefighting Orders
ORGANIZATIONAL CONTROL
7. Maintain prompt communications with your forces, your supervisor and adjoining forces.
8. Give clear instructions and insure they are understood.
9. Maintain control of your forces at all times.
Standard Firefighting Orders
OVERALL INTENT
10.Fight fire aggressively, having provided for safety first.
Biscuit Fire 2002
Oregon's Largest Fire 500,000 acres Threatened entire Illinois Valley 23,000 people LET’S MAKE SURE IT NEVER HAPPENS HERE!
The Fire Triangle
Fuel + Oxygen + Heat = FIRE
Remove one or more of these elements and the fire is extinguished
by cutting a lineremoving the fuel
by spraying wateror throwing dirt
by hot spottingcooling with water or dirt
= NO FIRE
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Scratch Line
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Constructed Fireline
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Low-hanging limbs can spread fire across fireline
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Coordinated Crew Techniques
One-lick (progressive)
Bump-up (leap frog)
Safety Procedures
Engine
Tractor Plow and Dozer
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Fuel Types:Fuel Types:•GrassGrass•ShrubShrub
•Timber litterTimber litter
Fuel Types:Fuel Types:•GrassGrass•ShrubShrub
•Timber litterTimber litter
Categories of Fuels
Light fuels:Grass, Leaves, Shrubs
Heavy fuels:Limbs, Logs, Stumps, Ties
Surface FuelsAll materials lying on or immediately
above the ground including needles or leaves, grass, downed logs, stumps, large
limbs and low shrubs.
Aerial FuelsAll green and dead materials located in the upper forest canopy including tree branches and crowns, snags, moss, and high shrubs.
Places for Fires to Start Besides in the Forest
• The Excursion Train• Station Platforms• Back Shop• Oil House• Car Shop• Restoration Shop• Any car with a stove (Cabeese, Coaches)• Wood Yard• Anywhere on the grounds
Potential Sources Include:
• Sparks from the Heisler
• Careless Smokers
• Linseed oil soaked rags
• Welding and Cutting Metal
• Over-firing car heaters
• Electrical problems
• Sparks from mechanical sources
Basically Anytime You Mix
Fuel +Oxygen +
Heat =
FIRE
So, How to Prevent FIRE In or ON:• The Excursion Train• Station Platforms• Back Shop• Oil House• Car Shop• Restoration Shop• Any car with a stove (Cabeese, Coaches)• The Wood Yard• Anywhere on the grounds
How to Limit FIRE from:
• Sparks from the Heisler
• Careless Smokers
• Linseed oil soaked rags
• Welding and Cutting Metal
• Over-firing car heaters
• Electrical problems
• Sparks from mechanical sources
• Other Sources
