Radiocommunication Field Handbook - British … · Radiocommunication Field Handbook Some portables...

2FS632 2010 BC Forest Service

Radiocommunication Field HandbookQUICK REFERENCE - WHERE TO GET HELP (More Appendix F)

CONTACT * - Supervisor OFFICE Cell / Pager Radio Call SignRADIO OPERATIONS - Victoria (343B Bay Street) [ Mail: V8W3E7 / Courier: V8T1P5 ]Barry Cowan 686-2436 686-2436 4W7Vacant 387-6650 686-2435 4W3Vacant 387-6650 686-2434 4W4Jim Riddell 387-6650 686-2437 4W2Dave Miller* 387-3500 881-6336 4W5Dustin Boggs 387-6650 361-5042 4W6Admin Assistant (Vacant) 387-6654COAST FOREST REGION Nanaimo (2100 Labieux Road)Vacant* Glenn Allen* 751 7084 713-2723 32 Cezar Fador 751-7174 741-6334 32AMike Pepin 751-7175 741-6333 32BNORTHERN INTERIOR FOREST REG - Prince George (3980-22nd Avenue)Vacant*Don Lewis* 565-8848 612-7823 Car41Eric Arsenault 565-6028 613-8488 Car44Smithers (3333 Tatlow Road)Harold Langille 847-6332 877-1132 Car42Bill English 847-6333 877-2835 Car45Charlie Lake (Dave Johnson Bldg. - Mile 52.2 Alaska Hwy.)Don Anderson 262-3331 262-8421 Car43SOUTHERN INTERIOR FOREST REG - Kamloops (441 Columbia Street)Vacant*Vacant* 3RA15April Sjodin 828-4560 571-4537 3RA14Williams Lake (1010A Mackenzie Avenue North)Kevin Larsen 398-4460 267-2115 3RA12Castlegar (845 Columbia Ave)Mark Tack 365-8634 304-8876 3RA95Rowe Barnett 365-8635 608-0591 3RA10Cranbrook (1902 Theatre Road)Dave Gaspar 426-1757 489-9787 3RA13Vernon (2501 - 14th Ave)Gavin Henry 550-2200 260-0294 3RA11Fire CampsFire Camp 1: (AC: 403) 997-3369 Fire Camp 2: (AC: 403) 997-3366Fire Camp 3: (AC: 403) 997-4494 Fire Camp 4: (AC: 403) 997-3368Fire Camp 5: (AC: 403) 997-3362 Fire Camp 6: (AC: 403) 997-3367Fire Camp 7: (AC: 403) Fire Camp 8: (AC: 403)PETUNIA: (AC: 403) 997-0547 IRIS: (AC:403) 997-2318


Radiocommunication Field HandbookCONTENTS

QUICK REFERENCE - WHERE TO GET HELP (More Appendix F) 2

THE B.C. FOREST SERVICE RADIO SYSTEM 8AUTHORIZATION - INDUSTRY CANADA 8

Licensing 8Federal Regulations 8

VHF HANDHELD AND MOBILE RADIOS 8Range 8

OPERATING PROCEDURES 9Tone of Voice, Voice Loudness and Articulation 9

Do Not Shout 9Squelch Control 9Microphone 9

CTCSS (Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System) 9District CTCSS Tones 10

LETTERS OF AUTHORITY 10Check To See If You Have A Letter Of Authority 10

LOGGING ROADS 10Entering and Working In an Active Logging Area 11

Road Channel Frequency Check 11Prior to switching channels 11Resource Road Channels 11There are currently over 250 road safety channels in use throughout the province of BC and these are constantly changing. Industry Canada, the Forest Service, BC TruckSafe, WorkSafeBC and other interest groups have been working to establish a smaller number of “standard” road safety chan-nels for use province wide. Eleven frequencies are initially identified for road safety, using one of three tones effectively providing thirty-three chan-nels. Your radio display will show these new channels as “RR-XXY”. 11

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES AND REPORTING ACCIDENTS 12Calling For Assistance 12

International Distress Calling / Answering Procedures 12Refer to ‘APPENDIX H’ for emergency procedures and making distress calls. 12Protection Program 12

Accident Response - Basic Rules 12See ‘APPENDIX J’ for Wildfire Management Branch Accident Response Rules. 12

PRIORITY OF COMMUNICATIONS 13BC FOREST SERVICE RADIOS 13


Radiocommunication Field HandbookTypes and Models of Field Staff Radios 13

Handhelds Radios 13Satellite Phones 13Mobile Radios 13Air-Band Handhelds 13

ICOM F30GT Instructions 14ICOM F3 and F3S Instructions 16Globalstar GSP-1600 Instructions 17

Globalstar GSP-1600 Quick Reference Guide 19Iridium 9505A Satellite Phone 21Kenwood TK-780 Instructions 23Kenwood TK-7180 Instructions 24For the Northern Interior Region 24Kenwood TK-7180 Instructions 25For Southern Interior and Coast Regions 25ICOM A4 Operating Instructions 26Troubleshooting / Maintenance and Repair 26

Handheld Radios 26

CALL SIGNS 27Obtaining a Call-Sign 27

Regional and District Call-Signs 27Branch and Headquarters Call-signs 27Wildfire Management Branch Call-signs 28

RULES OF OPERATION 28Ministry Use Policy 28

General Policy 28Road Frequency Use Policy 28Important Narrowband Policy Notice 29

Wildfire management BRANCH FIRE COMMUNICATIONS 29OBTAINING And RETURNING A FOREST SERVICE HANDHELD RADIO 30

Radio Sign out Policy and Procedures 30Obtaining or Returning a Radio (Non Fire Stock) 30Failure to Return a Handheld Radio 30Missing Radio Policy 30Finding a Radio that does not belong to you 30

APPENDIX A - Call Sign Assignments 31Northern Interior Forest Region - Base Call Signs 31Southern Interior Forest Region – Base Call Signs 31Coast Forest Region – Base Call Signs 31Fire Centre - Call Signs 31

APPENDIX B - Safety Requirements for Field Staff 32WorkSafeBC (Formerly WCB) Requirements 32


Radiocommunication Field HandbookWorkSafeBC: Accident Prevention Regulations: - Article 8.32 32WorkSafeBC First Aid Regulations: - Article 33.5 (1) 32

APPENDIX C – BC Forest Service Frequencies 33Standard Radio Channel Line-ups 33ICOM F3/F3s and ICOM Mobiles Frequency Line-Up (Revised Nov 2010) 33F30GT Handheld and Kenwood TK-780, TK-7180 (Revised: Feb 2010) 34Incident Commanders and Fire Bosses Only 34UHF Fire Repeater Frequencies 35VHF AM Air Frequencies 35CTCSS Tones 35

APPENDIX D – Standard Operating Procedures 36General Information 36

Antenna location is important 36District Radio Repeater Systems 36

Description and Operation 36Selecting Tones 36Propagation Characteristics 37How a District Repeater System Works 38To call the District Office back from the portable 39In Summary 39Exceptions 39An example of difficult or marginal communications 39

Terminology 39Simplex Frequency 39Half-duplex Frequency 39Full Duplex Frequency 39DTMF “Dual Tone Multi Frequency” 40VHF and UHF Frequencies 40

Standard Voice Phrases to Use on the Radio System 40Reception Quality Assessment 41Phonetic Alphabet 42Sign In/Out (District Offices or Fire Control Centre) 42

District Office Staff 42Protection Branch Staff 42Regional Staff and Headquarters Branch Staff 42Check-in Examples 43No Response Example 44

APPENDIX E – Other Communications Equipment 45Other Mobile Features 45

Telephone Interconnect 45

APPENDIX F – Where to Get Help 46Regional Radio Electronic Shops 46

Radio Electronics Shops provide the following services 46Where to find Contact Information and Support 46

Equipment kept at Radio Shops or at a Fire Equipment Depot 46


Radiocommunication Field HandbookPETUNIA and IRIS 47Services Provided By Radio Operations - Victoria 48

APPENDIX G – Knowing More About Your Radio 49Squelch Control 49PTT (Push-To-Talk) Button 49Monitor Button 49Channel Selector or Key Pad 49Antennas 49Hi – Lo Power Switch 49Batteries 50

Lithium Ion Batteries 50Leaking Batteries 50

Vehicle Power Supplies 50Trunk Mounted Units 51

APPENDIX H – Emergency Procedures 52EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS 52Levels of Distress 52The Distress Signals 52

MAYDAY 52PAN-PAN 52SECURITY 52A Distress Message 53Radio Silence 53

APPENDIX I - Forest Region Map Supplement 54Coast Forest Region Maps 55

Coast Forest Region 56DCK - Chilliwack 58DSQ - Squamish 59DSC - Sunshine Coast 60DSI - South Island 61DCR - Campbell River 62DNI - North Island Central Coast 63DNC - North Coast 64DHG - Haida Gwaii 65

Northern Interior Forest Region Maps 67Northern Interior Forest Region 68DKM - Kalum 70DSS South - Skeena Stikine 71DND - Nadina 72DVA - Vanderhoof 73DJA - Fort St James 74DPG - Prince George 75DMK - Mackenzie 76DPC - Peace 77DFN - Fort Nelson 78


Radiocommunication Field HandbookDSS North - Skeena Stikine 79

Southern Interior Forest Region Maps 81Southern Interior Forest Region 82DQU - Quesnel 84DCH - Chilcotin 85DCC - Central Cariboo 86DMH - 100 Mile House 87DHW - Headwaters 88DCO - Columbia 89DCS - Cascades 90DKA - Kamloops 91DOS - Okanagan Shuswap 92DAB - Arrow Boundary 93DKL - Kootenay Lake 94DRM - Rocky Mountain 95

APPENDIX J – Wildfire management BRANCH Updates 97FIRE COMMUNICATIONS – NEW 97Man Power & Equipment Mobilization Plan 97First-Contact Communications 97

Office of the Fire Commissioner 97Ongoing Fire-Line Communications 97Wildfire Management Fire Control Centre (PFCC - Fire Season Only) 98Fire Communications and Issues (Fire Season Only) 98

WILDFIRE MANAGEMENT BRANCH - Accident Response Procedures 98International Distress Calling Answering Procedures should be followed 98Additional Protection Rules 98

Radio Sign Out Policy and Procedures 99Obtaining or Returning a Handheld Radio 99Failure to Return a Handheld Radio 99Missing Radio Policy 99Fire Centre Contact Information 100Wildfier Management Branch Radio Requisition Process 101

APPENDIX K - Fire Centre Map Supplement 103Cariboo 104Coastal 106Kamloops 108North West 110Prince George 112South East 114


Radiocommunication Field HandbookTHE B.C. FOREST SERVICE RADIO SYSTEM The Ministry of Forests and Range (MOFR) or British Columbia Forest Service (BCFS) radio system is comprised of twenty-nine separate district systems in three regions, weather monitoring stations and an aircraft location and management system. The BCFS system is one of the largest systems in Canada - it includes base stations, mountain top repeaters, mobile units for vehicles, aircraft, and marine vessels, and handheld portable units for individual communication needs. The focus of the radio system has been to provide reliable two-way radio service to personnel required to operate in the rural and remote locations of British Columbia, and to provide emergency radio communications where and when required.The BCFS radio system operates like a party line phone, ALWAYS ASSUME OTHERS ARE LISTENING.

AUTHORIZATION - INDUSTRY CANADALicensingAll Ministry radios are licensed. Licenses are held at Radio Operations in Victoria.Federal Regulations

You shall not deliberately cause harmful interference to another user.1. Do not transmit signals not related to work or safety. Unless a transmission is 2. related to official business or safety it should be deemed Not-Relevant.You may not transmit a message (conversation) containing profane or 3. obscene words or language.You may not divulge or use information you may overhear - other than from 4. a public broadcast.Emergency transmissions have priority over all other communications!5.

VHF HANDHELD AND MOBILE RADIOSHandheld portable radios and mobile radios are used for person-to-person communications either directly or through a radio repeater. Direct radio-to-radio (simplex) channels are identified by a metallic colour. Repeater (duplex) channels are identified by a rainbow colour. (See Appendix D for more information on Radio Repeaters and Appendix C for standard Forest Service channel frequencies.)RangeThe range of VHF radio depends on a number of factors including transmit power, antenna efficiency, terrain and distance. Treat direct radio-to-radio communications as “line of sight”. Obstructing terrain such as hills or mountains will block your signals unless the distance between radios is very short. The “rubber ducky” antennas on portables are notoriously inefficient.

Maximize the range of your radio by keeping the antenna vertical.• Maximize the range of your radio by keeping the antenna as high • as possible.


Radiocommunication Field HandbookSome portables have been supplied / equipped with remote speaker Mics and are operated while the radio is being carried on the hip - this does reduce their range. If you are experiencing problems, you may have to remove the portable and operate it with the speaker Mic at an elevated position away from your body.

OPERATING PROCEDURES (Things to know before you start)

You must have a call sign – an ID by which you will be known. (To obtain a 1. call sign – refer to “CALL-SIGNS”)You will need to know the call sign(s) of the people or stations with which you 2. wish to communicate. You will need to know the safety check-3. in schedule that you are required to keep. If you are not sure read Appendix B and check with the district office or your supervisor.You must know the channel designation, 4. or if you are working through a radio repeater you must know the channel designation and access tone for the repeater with which you will be communicating. How to operate the equipment – If you are unsure then refer to “Forest 5. Service Radios”.Is the radio working? Perform a ‘Radio Check’ before you leave to begin 6. work.

Tone of Voice, Voice Loudness and ArticulationDo Not Shout Shouting may cause the radio to clip words rendering them indistinguishable at the receive station. Speak normally or a bit softer if someone says they can not understand you. Articulate your words.Squelch ControlRadios generate noise when not receiving a signal. The squelch control allows the user to quiet this noise. Radios with internal squelch control will have been pre-set to an optimal value by a radio technician.MicrophoneHold front of the microphone 5 cm from your mouth and speak into it with a normal voice tone and audio level. Articulate your words.CTCSS (Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System)The Ministry uses 9 CTCSS tones on it’s District Radio systems to reduce interference on the district repeater systems. CTCSS is a sub-audible tone (cannot be heard by users) which is placed on each radio transmission. The correct tone signals to the receiving radio that a message is coming through. If your radio is not set to the correct tone, you will not be able to talk through a repeater. CTCSS tones are never used on Silver, Gold, Copper, Nickel or Bronze.

Remember:You may know where you are but... does the person with whom you are ‘checking- in’ know where you are and that you are safe?


Radiocommunication Field Handbook

District CTCSS TonesAdjacent Districts do not, as a rule-of-thumb, use the same tones. A radio ‘Toned’ for one District’s radio system will not work in an adjacent District if that district has a different tone. The Tone must be changed for the radio to work. The BC Forest Service Radio section has instructions for changing tones. Consult the Radio Repeater Maps for repeater colour and tone information. These maps are contained in this manual or may be downloaded from the ministry intranet site at http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/ftp/!Project/RadioOperations/RadioRepSites/

LETTERS OF AUTHORITYFor one user to operate on someone else’s operational frequency requires an approval, or Letter of Authority (LoA) authorizing use of the frequency – this is an Industry Canada (Federal Regulatory) requirement. The Ministry of Forests and Range advises Industry Canada when a LoA is issued.If you have a LoA you must have a Call Sign to communicate with a Ministry of Forests and Range office. If you do not have one, one will be issued to you from the Ministry’s Call Sign implementation plan.Requesting access to the ministry of forests radio system:Fill out a Ministry of Forests FS 1109 form:

On line printable forms are available at » http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/isb/forms/lib/fs1109.pdfGo to the Radio Operations website and download the form;1. Fill out the form, and;2. Forward the form; (This will be to a Radio Superintendent or Manager of the 3. Region(s) where you require access)

Coast Forest Region: (See mailing address on Page 2)a. Northern Interior Forest Region: (See mailing address on Page 2)b. Southern Interior Forest Region: (See mailing address on Page 2)c.

A LoA with repeater maps will be issued if the application is approved.4. Check To See If You Have A Letter Of AuthorityRadio Operations staff within the Ministry of Forests and Range have access to the LoA database. If you wish to see the status of your LoA ask the Regional radio technician to check the database for you.

LOGGING ROADSROAD SAFETY IS OF PRIME CONCERN TO THE MINISTRY

Personnel operating vehicles on logging roads must have their vehicle equipped with a mobile radio programmed with the required logging channels for the area in which they are operating. For safety purposes the vehicle mobile must be used for km checks - handheld portable radios must not be used for in-vehicle road channel communications on logging roads.



Entering and Working In an Active Logging AreaRoad Channel Frequency CheckCheck your radio / frequency list and switch to the frequency that is posted at the entrance to the active logging road. Monitor and check for frequency traffic and logging truck movement prior to proceeding.Confirm your selection by calling someone before you enter the road. It is important to be familiar with the calling procedures used on that road. You must “clear the road” when you leave the radio advisory portion of the road. Listen carefully to all traffic you hear. Shut off all other radios and limit conversations. If you must make a call on a channel other than the road channel you are on:Prior to switching channels

Advise others that you are stopping and where you are stopping;1. Stop your vehicle in a visible location out of the way of passing vehicles;2. Switch to your alternate channel and make your call – when finished; 3. Switch back to the Logging Road Channel advising others you are moving 4. again.

Important:If you do not know the frequency used in an active logging area, DO NOT »enter this area. Contact the District Office for information on the frequency used on that road. Road channels are not to be scanned. »

Resource Road Channels (Safety Item: Complete a Radio Check BEFORE you leave)Road Channels: There are currently in excess of 250 road safety channels in use throughout the province of BC. Industry Canada, the BC Forest Service, BC TruckSafe, WorkSafeBC, BC Forest Safety Council and other interest groups have been working to establish a smaller number of “standard” road safety channels for use province-wide on Resource Roads. Eleven frequencies were initially identified for road safety which when coupled with one of three tones effectively providies thirty-three channels. Your radio display will show these new channels as “RR-XXY”.(RR = Resource Road, XX = Road Channel assignment, Y = Tone assignment). Resource Road Channel Signage:

Loading and Unloading Zones: Three frequencies are currently allocated for Loading and Unlocading, when coupled with one of three tones this provides nine channels for loading and unloading zones. These will show up in your radio display as “LD-XY”. They must be posted at the entrance to Loading and Unloading Zones. (LD = Loading / Unloading, X = Channel assignment, Y = Tone assignment).


Radiocommunication Field HandbookResource Road and Loading Channels are all placed in the last bank in your BCFS mobile radio allowing quick access by going down one bank from the Forest Service channels located in Bank 1. These have been programmed into radios along with their corresponding tone per Industry Canada regulations PRC 07-2 Issue 2 January 2010. Do not change them.

Roads using these channels will be clearly identified at the start of the road with a “Black on Yellow” sign with the channel ID and the actual radio frequency and tone. Signage will be subject to minor change over the next year as the Resource Road Working Group, Industry and Industry Canada clarify the optimal solution.

NOTE: It Is crItIcal that channels be correctly programmed Into radIos. thIs Includes narrow bandwIdth, power level, tone and channel name. under no cIrcumstances should resource road channels or loadIng channels be programmed Into radIos that are not approved for narrow band operatIon. (see prc 07-2 Issue 2 January 2010)

Resource Road Calling ProceduresThese are also being reviewed and are subject to change. The intent is to have a “province-wide standard” available beginning 2011. The proposed standardized calling procedure (up, down, loaded, empty, etc.) will be posted on the km markers.Loading Channel Signage:

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES AND REPORTING ACCIDENTS Distress, urgency and safety procedures have been established by the International Telecommunications Union. Emergency communications and procedures have been standardized in order to be understood world-wide. Calling For AssistanceAll operators and personnel expected to use radio equipment must become familiar with distress signals.International Distress Calling / Answering ProceduresRefer to ‘APPENDIX H’ for emergency procedures and making distress calls.Protection Program Accident Response - Basic RulesSee ‘APPENDIX J’ for Wildfire Management Branch Accident Response Rules.


Radiocommunication Field HandbookPRIORITY OF COMMUNICATIONSRadio communications are vital to efficient and safe BC Forest Service Aircraft, Marine and Ground field operations. When multiple users require the simultaneous use of the radio following priority for radio communication will apply:

Distress Calls: 1. MAYDAY, PAN-PAN and SECURITY calls ○Aircraft and marine distress calls ○Accident and medical emergencies ○

Safety Check-ins: For aircraft, vehicles, vessels and personnel2. Aircraft and vessel check-ins and position reports ○Regional, District, Fire Centre and Branch staff safety check-ins and ○position reports

Operational Traffic:3. Wildfire Management initial and status fire reports and updates (ground ○or aircraft)Air patrol aircraft and helicopter traffic; vessel updates ○Regional, District, Fire Centre and Branch operational and routine traffic ○

All radio communications must be recorded in the appropriate radio logs accord-ing to the local standard operating procedures.

BC FOREST SERVICE RADIOSTypes and Models of Field Staff Radios Handhelds RadiosICOM: F30GT (Ministry Standard)ICOM: F3 and F3s (Firestock Radios for Fire Crews)Kenwood: TK-280 Office of the Fire Commissioner – Command & Control.

Satellite Phones Qualcomm GSP-1600 Globalstar Satellite PhoneMotorola 9505A Iridium Satellite Phone

Mobile RadiosKenwood: TK-780 (Ministry Standard)Kenwood: TK-7180 (Ministry Standard)Kenwood: TK-730

Air-Band HandheldsICOM: A21, A2, A3 and A4


Radiocommunication Field HandbookICOM F30GT Instructions

TONES are labelled on the screen as ( Ton ## ). Tones are channel specific.• Press • P0 to access tones – use channel up / down to change tone. Press P0 to exit.Tone off is indicated by ( Ton MR ) when P0 is pressed.•

For example, to set the above radio to Tone 04 – Select colour channel, press P0 then F2 or F3 until display shows Ton 04, then press P0. The tone is now set for that channel.ONLY USE TONES ON REPEATER (COLOUR and TYPE A FIRE REPEATER) CHANNELS – set channel then tone.NEVER USE TONES ON METALLIC CHANNELS - SILVER, GOLD, COPPER, NICKEL OR BRONZE. The use of portables for logging road safety is strongly discouraged. (Limited range and poor speaker volume) Use a mobile radio for this purpose.`



Squelch should be good around level 150 - By increasing the number displayed the radio will need a stronger signal in order to receive a call, reduce the number to receive weaker signals.

Bank Selector Switch: Selects channel bank. Bank number is shown at the top of the display and on the rotary switch.

Channel Select: Use the F2 Up and F3 Down keys to select the channel within the bank. Channels within the bank can be directly entered from the keypad using three digits. (001 for channel 1) Channel number is always shown on the display.

F0: Squelch Adjust or Frequency DisplayPress F0 for one second and use the Up/Down keys F2 and F3 to set the squelch from 0-255. (The radio will unsquelch below about 72 and will squelch again above about 90.) Press F0 for one second again to resume normal operation. This key can be optionally set to display receive frequency momentarily when pressed.

F1: Scan Start/Stop and Scan Group SelectPress F1 to flash the frequency of a channel that has a Company name in the Display or press to begin scanning the set scan list (use P1 to set channels to be scanned). Press and hold for 1 second to access scan group select then use F2 up and F3 down to select scan group (allows you to create multiple custom scan lists).

F2: Up keyFor channel, CTCSS tone, squelch setting or scan group.

F3: Down keyFor channel, CTCSS tone, squelch setting, or scan group.

P0: User CTCSS settingPress P0 and use the up down keys to select tone. Press P0 again to resume operation on the new tone. Only one channel is changed at a time and tone remains until changed again. The tone is indicated in the display as Ton ## . Tone MR is tone off and is indicated on the display as Ton –.

P1: Scan Add/DeleteAfter selecting the scan group with the F1 key, press to toggle between Scan On and Scan Off for desired scan channels. A line will appear in the top left when added.

P2: High/Low PowerPress to toggle between Low1, Low2 and High power. Low1 and Low2 settings will be indicated by a Low indication at the top of the display. Low1 is the lowest power output.

P3: Keyboard LockPress and hold to lock keypad (you will see a small “key” icon appear on top of the display). Press and hold again to release the lock.



ICOM F3 and F3S InstructionsNote: the following is representative of all F3 and F3s radios used within the Ministry of Forests. The way the function buttons are programmed is now stan-dard from Region to Region.

ICOM – F3S ICOM – F35/6: Channel up/down - ORX: Bank up/downThe Radios are divided into two banks of 16 channels.3: NOT USEDP0: CTCSS Tone Entry:

Press • P0 to enable tone select.Use the • 5/6buttons to select the tone. Press • P0 again to resume operation on the selected tone.CtCH-mR indicates no tone present.•

CAUTION: The same tone will be applied to ALL channels.Fixing an incorrect tone on a repeater channel

If the radio does not appear to transmit on repeater channels:Press • P0 and check the repeater map to ensure you have set the radio for the correct tone. Press • P0 to return to normal operation.Try the radio again.•


Radiocommunication Field HandbookP1: SCAN

On/OffP2: High / Low power output

Use low power option to extend battery life.P3: Keypad Lock

Press and hold – a small key will show up in display.A, B, C, D:

Not programmed for Fire Stock F3 radios.

Globalstar GSP-1600 InstructionsThe Globalstar GSP-1600 is capable of satellite and cellular communications. Most Ministry of Forests and Range Globalstars are enabled only on satellite mode.Turning the phone on:

Press and hold the PWR button for about one second. The phone will start looking for service.

Turning the phone offPress and hold the PWR button until “Powering Off” appears on the display, then release it.

Making satellite callsExtend the antenna as shown in the Quick Reference Card.1. Press and hold the PWR button for one second to turn the phone on and wait 2. for the phone to find service.Call mode (satellite) should be automatically selected because the 3. cellular function is not enabled.Enter the phone number and press 4. SEND. All calls to BC will be 1-(area code)-number.Press 5. END to terminate the call.All Ministry of Forests and Range Globalstars have a 403 area code.6.

Receiving satellite callsNote: The Globalstar will not receive calls when the antenna is folded down. For receive standby purposes, the phone can be positioned on its side for better stability, as below:



When a call is received, the phone rings, the indicator light flashes and “Incoming Call” flashes on the screen until you answer the call. Press SEND to answer the call. Press END to terminate the call.

Displaying the phone number:Press the Info button to display the phone number.

Satellite signal level and battery level are shown on the top of the display.

For more complete information see the GSP-1600 User Guide.

Coverage:Users have noted the coverage is less reliable reliable the further North you are located. Coverage is further limited by obstructions such as buildings and foliage. Users should be aware of these limitations when using the Globalstar Phone.


Radiocommunication Field HandbookGlobalstar GSP-1600 Quick Reference Guide(Reprinted with permission from Globalstar)




Radiocommunication Field HandbookIridium 9505A Satellite PhoneThe Iridium SAT phone is a competitor to the Globalstar phone and operates similarly. There are differences to note however.

To turn the phone on press and hold the bottom - leftmost button (button with 1. a dot surrounded by a circle) until you see and/or hear activity.Rotate the antenna to a vertical position as pictured in the Globalstar 2. instructions on page 20.When little “House” icon appears in the lower centre of the display it is ready 3. to use.All calls are entered as international calls.4. To place a call press 00, followed by the country code, which is 1 for Canada 5. and the U.S., followed by the 10-digit number, then press the “OK” button.To end the call, press either the “C” or “OK” button.6. To answer an incoming call, press the “OK” button.7. If the antenna is stowed (in the down position) an attempted incoming call 8. may be heard as a chirp.If this happens, immediately rotate the antenna to vertical, then wait for the 9. normal ring before trying to answer.

Consult the manual for more detailed information. The Radio Operations 10. website has the manual at http://gww.for.gov.bc.ca/his/radio/ - User TRAINING and Information – Iridium User Guide.




Radiocommunication Field HandbookKenwood TK-780 Instructions

Note:The Kenwood TK-780 is capable of 250 channels. • Channels are arranged in groups or banks. • There is no external squelch control.•

Power on/off:Press to turn the radio on or off.•

Channel Selection: The channel is selected with the “up” or “down” keys to the right of the • display.The • C and D keys below the display select bank up/down.

MON: The monitor button temporarily disables the receiver squelch and CTCSS filter • to allow monitoring of all signals on that channel or test receiver volume.Alternately, if the radio has been programmed to do so, the Mon button allows • the squelch level to be set with the channel up/down buttons.

A: A telephone icon will show up in top right of display when a tone is selected.• Press the • A button to change the tone on a selected channel.Then use the channel up/down buttons to select the desired tone. • Complete the action by pressing the A button again.• NEVER USE TONES ON SILVER, GOLD, COPPER, NICKEL OR BRONZE•

B: Press to add or delete the selected channel from the scan list. Channels • included in the scan will display a down arrow in front of the channel name.

C and D: Change Channel Bank.•

Scan: Starts or stops the scan function. The microphone must be on hook for scan • to work.

Note: Scanning MUST BE DISABLED on active logging roads.



For the Northern Interior Region

Left UP/DOWN buttons: Volume Right UP/DOWN buttons: Channel Select Red Triangle: Squelch Menu ** “S” Button: Display Change “A” Button Scan Add/Delete “B” Button Bank (Zone) Down “C” Button Bank (Zone) Up Black Square: Scan On/Off

Scanning is not enabled on road channels.

** Squelch should be good around level 5 - By increasing the number displayed the radio will need a stronger signal in order to receive a call, reduce the number to receive weaker signals.



For Southern Interior and Coast Regions

Notes:The line in top right of the display indicates there is a tone on that channel.

Tones are channel specific. ○A momentary press on the ○ S button will enable the tone (display line visible) or disable the tone (display line hidden).Press and hold the ○ S button for one second to allow changing of the tone on that channel, using the bank up/down (B/C)buttons - press S again to exit.

Only use tones on COLOUR channels - set channel then tone.

NEVER USE TONES ON SILVER, GOLD, COPPER, NICKEL OR BRONZE

Scanning is not enabled on road channels.

Do not attempt to change tones on company channels or road channels. These will have been preset, where required, by your radio technician.

Squelch should be good around level 5 - By increasing the number displayed the radio will need a stronger signal in order to receive a call, reduce the number to receive weaker signals.


Radiocommunication Field HandbookICOM A4 Operating Instructions

ICOM – A4

5/6: Channel up/down, or frequency select. V/M: Push to select memory mode or frequency select (VFO) mode.

In memory mode, the channel number will be displayed, and the channel can be selected using the up/down keys.In VFO mode, holding the button for two sec. will select the digit to change with the up/down buttons.

MW:Memory write switch. Dial in the frequency in VFO mode, then push and hold for 5 sec. to write to memory. Use up/down to select the memory channel you want to write to, then push the MW button again for 5 seconds.

SCAN: Starts and stops scan functionSQL:

Push and hold to open squelch. While holding; up/down may be used to set the squelch level.

Troubleshooting / Maintenance and RepairHandheld Radios

If you can not communicate on your radio – check the following before calling your nearest Ministry of Forests Radio Technician:

The Obvious:1. Are you on the correct colour (channel), or simplex channel?a. Do you have the correct tone for the area in which you are operating?b. Never use tones on Silver, Gold, Copper, Nickel or Bronze. c.



Radio Coverage: 2. You may be out of range of the repeater. If you are using a repeater a. remember repeater coverage far exceeds that of a ‘Handheld’. You may be able to hear the repeater but they can not hear you. You may be out of range of another simplex user. Heavy foliage or b. deep drainages can reduce your ability to communicate. Find a high ground elevation point and try again, or move to a repeater channel.

Antennas: 3. Make sure the antenna is connected - ensure the connector is snug (do a. not overtighten).Make sure the antenna is not broken. A faulty antenna (rubber coating) b. will usually show visible damage. Ensure your antenna is in a vertical position when transmitting and c. receiving.

Microphones: 4. If the unit has an external microphone or a “Speaker Mic”, there could be a break in the microphone cable.

Try the radio with the Speaker-Mic unplugged (Handheld Radio Only)a. If a replacement microphone is available - try it.b.

Batteries: (See Appendix G) 5. A common problem is weak but not dead batteries.

Replace the batteries and try again. a. If replacement batteries are not available - put the radio into low-power b. mode and try once more.Check for corrosion on the battery terminals caused by leaking c. batteries.

Follow the procedure in the section on ‘Leaking Batteries’ in Appendix G. If you are unsuccessful:

Write a note identifying the problem.a. Attach the note to the radio.b. Exchange it for a replacement unit by contacting your nearest Regional c. or Headquarters Radio Technician (See page 2 for contact names).

CALL SIGNSIt is against the law to transmit an unidentified signal. The call-sign must be given when establishing contact and when signing off.

Obtaining a Call-SignRegional and District Call-Signs

Regional Radio Technicians (see inside front cover) issue and manage call-• signs for staff in accordance with the ‘Radio Call-Sign Implementation Plan.

Branch and Headquarters Call-signsIssued and Managed by the Victoria Radio Operations. Call Radio Operations • in Victoria.



Wildfire Management Branch Call-signsWildfire Management Branch Fire Centre’s staff: These call-signs are issued • by Fire Centres for their staff – they must not conflict with the Provincial Radio Call-Sign Implementation Plan.Inbound Crews from outside British Columbia: These call-signs are issued • by the Provincial Fire Control Centre (PFCC) in Victoria at 250-387-1717.

Assignments are by Province or State (Ontario / Idaho etc.), then by; ○Crew number, and then by; ○Crew ID (Alpha / Bravo / Charlie etc.) ○

Example: Third group in from Ontario: ONT3A/ ONT3B/ ONT3C. Pronounced Ontario Three Alpha / Ontario Three Bravo etc.

RULES OF OPERATIONMinistry Use PolicyGeneral Policy

The Ministry prohibits the discussion of policy, policy interpretation, or personnel matters over the radio system. If there is any doubt about whether a message should be sent over the radio system, either do not send it, or discuss it with your supervisor first.

Note: The BCFS radio system simulates a very large party-line service. Many people may be listening into your conversation and you have no way of knowing who they are or which company they may work for.

Road Frequency Use PolicyA ‘Road Frequency’ (or Road Channel or Resource Road Channel) is the frequency which must be used on a logging road by an authorized logging operator for use by personnel to carry on day-to-day operations. Logging trucks are required to use this frequency (as defined by WorkSafeBC regulation Article 26.83 (1)) to advise others in an active logging area of their whereabouts. Other logging road users are required to use this radio channel in compliance with “Forest Service Road Use Regulation” B.C. Reg. 173/95 ‘Use of 2-Way Radio’

(WorkSafeBC Traffic Control Systems: - Article 26.83 (1))

When 2 or more vehicles are using a section of a road which is too narrow to permit them to pass, an effective traffic control system must be used by all vehicles on the road. The traffic control system must include instructional signs, including kilometre and road name/number signs, and the radio frequency for traffic control.



(Forest Service Road Use Regulation) B.C. Reg. 173/95 - 5 ‘Use of 2-way radio’)

A driver on a Forest Service road who uses a 2-way radio to communicate with other drivers on the road must announce, in accordance with any road markers posted at intervals along the road:(a) his or her position and, (b) the branch of the road being travelled if the radio’s signal can be received on an adjacent branch of the road.

To comply with this regulation, the Ministry requires that personnel driving on an active logging road (as defined in Article 26.83 above) are required to monitor road frequency operating in the area. You must announce ‘Location’, ‘Branch’ and ‘Direction of Travel’. To ensure compliance, the road channel must be monitored at all times while on the logging road except while stopped off the road in a ‘pull-out’ area. The road frequency must be posted at the base of the logging road or at the entrance to the logging area. If the logging road you access does not have the logging road frequency clearly posted, you are requested to advise a BCFS District Office.

Important Narrowband Policy NoticeThe BC Forest Service radio network and radios are narrowband compliant with Industry Canada regulations for Phase I Narrowbanding. Use of wideband radios on the radio network must not occur.

For safety reasons, if you were planning to use your own VHF radio you • MUST have it checked with a MOFR Technician prior to putting it into service, and you must have a Letter of Authority if you are not part of a fire fighting crew.All aircraft using the Ministry of Forests and Range radio network and simplex • channels must ensure their VHF channels operate in narrowband mode. Aircraft operating wideband radios are not to be utilized due to the potential • for a communications failure.

WILDFIRE MANAGEMENT BRANCH FIRE COMMUNICATIONSSee APPENDIX J for information on the following:

First Contact Communications• Interagency Fires and Interface Fires• Non Interagency and Interface Fires• Ongoing Fire-line Communications • Provincial Fire Control Centre (PFCC - Fire Season Only)• Fire Communications and Issues (Fire Season Only)• Accident Response Procedures•



OBTAINING AND RETURNING A FOREST SERVICE HANDHELD RADIORadio Sign out Policy and ProceduresObtaining or Returning a Radio (Non Fire Stock)

All portable and mobile radios are available from and assigned by your local • Forest Service radio shop.The Radio Tech will see to the proper programming of channels and, in the • case of mobiles, the installation in the vehicle. Do not purchase radios yourself as Radio Operations must be aware of all • radios for legal and licensing purposes. Portable radios should be taken to the radio shop yearly for preventative • maintenance and possible updating of the channel line-up. When a portable radio is no longer needed it should be returned to the radio • shop. Mobile radios should be taken in the vehicle to the shop for removal by a • Radio Tech. Alternately arrangements may be made with the radio shop for a tech to come to the site to remove the radio.

Failure to Return a Handheld RadioMissing Radio Policy

If you break, lose, misplace or have a radio stolen you must:You must fill out a Property Loss Form FIN-597. • You must give the form to the appropriate District, Regional or Fire Centre • manager and a copy to the Regional Superintendent/Manager responsible for Radio Operations.Branch staff should give a copy to their Branch Manager and a copy to the • Manager of Radio Operations in Victoria.Keep a copy.•

Finding a Radio that does not belong to youIf you find a Forest Service radio with no apparent owner, turn it in to the nearest radio shop or phone 1-866-455-6644 and leave a message as instructed.


Radiocommunication Field HandbookAPPENDIX A - CALL SIGN ASSIGNMENTSNorthern Interior Forest Region - Base Call Signs

Location Usual Call Sign Legal Call SignFort Nelson Fort Nelson XMQ85Charlie Lake Charlie Lk Field Office CIT788Dawson Creek Dawson Creek XLT29Mackenzie Mackenzie XLT304Vanderhoof Vanderhoof XLT28Fort St. James Fort St. James XLT85Prince George Prince George XMW65Burns Lake Nadina XLT31Terrace XLV67 Kalum XLV67Smithers Skeena VBH321

Southern Interior Forest Region – Base Call SignsLocation Usual Call Sign Legal Call SignWilliams Lake Williams Lake VEC909Quesnel Quesnel XLU72Alexis Creek Chilcotin XLW34Kamloops Kamloops XLT52Clearwater Headwaters XLU29100 Mile House 100 Mile XLY72Merritt Merritt VAQ838Vernon Okanagan-Shuswap XLV38Revelstoke XLT78 Revelstoke XLT78Castlegar XLW61 Castlegar XLW61Cranbrook XLT82 Cranbrook XLT82Nelson XLU76 Nelson XLU76

Coast Forest Region – Base Call SignsLocation Usual Call Sign Legal Call SignBella Coola XLZ60 XLZ60Chilliwack XMW348 Chilliwack XMW348Cobble hill Cobble Hill CFR797Squamish Squamish XLU22Queen Charlotte City XLZ63 XLZ63Campbell River XLV60 Campbell River XLV60Port Alberni XLT40 Port Alberni XLT40Powell River XLT33 Powell River XLT33Port McNeill XLY78 Port McNeill XLY78Prince Rupert XLV65 North Coast XLV65

Fire Centre - Call SignsLocation Usual Call Sign Legal Call SignNorthwest North West Fire Centre VXC30Prince George Prince George Fire Centre XLT26Cariboo Cariboo Fire XMW333Kamloops Kamloops Fire Centre XLT67Southeast South East Fire Centre VXE24Coastal Coastal Fire Centre VDI758


Radiocommunication Field HandbookAPPENDIX B - SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR FIELD STAFF (Worker’s Well-being)

WorkSafeBC (Formerly WCB) Requirements

WorkSafeBC: Accident Prevention Regulations: - Article 8.32

The current Forest Service procedure is four (4) check-ins per day at two hour intervals. For aircraft the check-in period is reduced to every 30 minutes.

Note: Check with the specific District and Fire Control Centre to obtain local area check-in procedures.

District Office Obligations:Normal office hours for District Offices may vary. It is important that you establish and check the work hours for the District in which you will be working. If you are required to work outside these normal office hours, ensure you have established and confirmed a check-in procedure with your supervisor and that you have advised the District Office. The District Office should be advised of your Call-Sign.

WorkSafeBC First Aid Regulations: - Article 33.5 (1)

Ask your work group leader, fire boss or supervisor about the procedure and how to test this communications link. BCFS radios are an effective method of providing communications to ensure the well-being of persons working in isolation.

Personnel operating vehicles on logging roads must have their vehicle equipped with a mobile radio programmed with the required logging channels for the area in which they are operating. For safety purposes, handheld portable radios must not to be used for road channel communications on logging roads or Resource Roads.

Workers Working Alone – Checking worker’s well-beingWhere a worker is employed under conditions which present a significant hazard of disabling injury, and when the worker might not be able to secure assistance in the event of injury or other misfortunes, the employer shall provide a means of periodically checking the well-being of the worker. Checks shall be made at such intervals and by such means as are appropriate to the nature, hazard and circumstances of the employment.

There shall be an effective means of communication between the location of the First Aid Attendant and the work areas served.


Radiocommunication Field HandbookAPPENDIX C – BC FOREST SERVICE FREQUENCIESStandard Radio Channel Line-ups

ICOM F3/F3s and ICOM Mobiles Frequency Line-Up (Revised Nov 2010)Bank 1:

Position Name Transmit ReceiveChannel 1 Red 163.065 MHz 163.935 MHzChannel 2 Purple 163.095 MHz 163.965 MHzChannel 3 Green 163.125 MHz 163.995 MHzChannel 4 Pink 163.185 MHz 164.055 MHzChannel 5 Blue 163.215 MHz 164.085 MHzChannel 6 Orange 163.275 MHz 164.145 MHzChannel 7 Brown 163.305 MHz 164.175 MHzChannel 8 Yellow 163.335 MHz 164.205 MHzChannel 9 Gray 163.365 MHz 164.235 MHzChannel 10 Black 163.395 MHz 164.265 MHzChannel 11 White 163.530 MHz 162.585 MhzChannel 12 Gold 163.830 MHz 163.830 MHzChannel 13 Silver 163.890 MHz 163.890 MHzChannel 14 Copper 164.910 MHz 164.910 MHzChannel 15 Nickel 159.270 MHz 159.270 MHzChannel 16 Bronze 163.980 MHz 163.980 MHzBank 2:

Position Name Transmit ReceiveChannel 1 Fire A1 162.930 MHz 167.670 MHzChannel 2 Fire A2 162.690 MHz 166.710 MHzChannel 3 Fire A3 163.905MHz 168.885 MHzChannel 4 Fire B1 169.950 MHz 169.950 MHzChannel 5 Fire B2 171.030 MHz 171.030 MHzChannel 6 Fire B3 172.050 MHz 172.050 MHzChannel 7 Gold 163.830 MHz 163.830 MHzChannel 8 Silver 163.890 MHz 163.890 MHzChannel 9 Copper 164.910 MHz 164.910 MHzChannel 10 Nickel 159.270 MHz 159.270 MHzChannel 11 Bronze 163.980 MHz 163.980 MHz

Channel 12-16 TemporarilyUser Defined

TemporarilyUser Defined


Radiocommunication Field HandbookF30GT Handheld and Kenwood TK-780, TK-7180 (Revised: Feb 2010)Bank 1

Position Name Transmit ReceiveChannel 1 Red 163.065 MHz 163.935 MHzChannel 2 Purple 163.095 MHz 163.965 MHzChannel 3 Green 163.125 MHz 163.995 MHzChannel 4 Pink 163.185 MHz 164.055 MHzChannel 5 Blue 163.215 MHz 164.085 MHzChannel 6 Orange 163.275 MHz 164.145 MHzChannel 7 Brown 163.305 MHz 164.175 MHzChannel 8 Yellow 163.335 MHz 164.205 MHzChannel 9 Gray 163.365 MHz 164.235 MHzChannel 10 Black 163.395 MHz 164.265 MHzChannel 11 White 163.530 MHz 162.585 MHzChannel 12 Gold 163.830 MHz 163.830 MHzChannel 13 Silver 163.890 MHz 163.890 MHzChannel 14 Copper 164.910 MHz 164.910 MHzChannel 15 Nickel 159.270 MHz 159.270 MHzChannel 16 Bronze 163.980 MHz 163.980 MHzChannel 17 Fire A1 162.930 MHz 167.670 MHzChannel 18 Fire A2 162.690 MHz 166.710 MHzChannel 19 Fire A3 163.905 MHz 168.885 MHzChannel 20 Fire B1 169.950 MHz 169.950 MHzChannel 21 Fire B2 171.030 MHz 171.030 MHzChannel 22 Fire B3 172.050 MHz 172.050 MHzChannel 23 FireCom 155.460 MHz 155.460 MHz

Channel 24-25Primary Use:Reserved for Future Applications

Secondary Use: User Defined

Secondary Use: User Defined

Channel 26 - ? User Defined User Defined

Incident Commanders and Fire Bosses OnlyBank 16

Position Purpose Transmit ReceiveChannel 1 OFCR(See Note)

Link with the Fire Commissioner’s Repeater

155.460 MHz +192.8Hz tone

150.350 MHz +192.8Hz tone

Channel 2 - ? Fire Departments PEP & other.

Note: Bank 16, channel 1 requires Tone 9 encode/decode (192.8 Hz) to com-municate with the OFC repeater.



UHF Fire Repeater FrequenciesRepeaterType Handheld Transmit Handheld Receive

Type “A” UHF alpha 457.325 MHz 452.325 MHzType “A” UHF bravo 457.375 MHz 452.375 MHzNOTE: The Alpha and Bravo frequencies are also used to link Types A-2 and A-3 fire repeaters as required.

VHF AM Air Frequencies (Air to ground— Fire or emergency use only)

Air-to-Ground Transmit Receive1 Project Fires – Rotary 122.050 MHz 122.050 MHz2 Project Fires – Rotary 122.400 MHz 122.400 MHz3 Project Fires – Rotary 122.850 MHz 122.850 MHz4 Project Fires – Rotary 122.900 MHz 122.900 MHz

CTCSS Tones(Accessing District Repeater Channels)

The following tones need to be enabled in your mobile or handheld unit for you to access a District repeater system.

Tone Frequency1 114.8 Hz2 123.0 Hz3 131.8 Hz4 141.3 Hz5 151.4 Hz6 162.2 Hz7 173.8 Hz8 186.2 Hz9 192.8 Hz

Important: District tones must be used by all land and air users to communicate on the Ministry’s Regional radio repeater channels. Tones may be put into effect on fire repeater channels if radio interference develops during fires.

Tones are never used on the simplex channels, identified by metallic names: Silver, Gold, Copper, Nickel and Bronze.


Radiocommunication Field HandbookAPPENDIX D – STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURESGeneral InformationMost of the radios used by BCFS are either VHF (very high frequency) or UHF (ultra high frequency). The radio you use is capable of communicating from a few hundred feet to many kilometres.

CAUTION: Do not use a radio without an antenna attached. Do not hold a radio by its antenna.

Your ability to communicate is impacted by factors such as:Are you line-of-sight with the person with whom you are trying to • communicate?Are there trees, foliage, rocks or hills between you and the intended receiver • (Obstructions do reduce the effectiveness of radios to communicate)?Are you in a gully or on a higher knoll? The higher your elevation (and your • radio) the better success you will have in communicating.If you are at the end of a District’s repeater system you may experience up to • a ½ second delay as the entire district repeater system turns on. Speaking too soon before the entire system has turned on may result in the first ½ second of your message being lost. In these situations hold the Mic button down for ½ second before you begin speaking.

Antenna location is importantIf you have the radio on your belt or in a chest pack, your body will absorb • some of the signal which will limit the radio’s effectiveness. Try holding the radio up and away from your body.Are you holding your radio horizontal or vertical? (i.e. Is your antenna • horizontal or vertical.) The BCFS radio system uses vertical polarisation for person-to-person communications - holding your radio sideways with the antenna horizontal will reduce your ability to communicate effectively.

Once you have established contact keep the radio in that location until you are finished your conversation.Remember, hearing a voice transmission does not guarantee that you will be able to talk with the other person. Vehicle mobiles have more output power than a handheld radio and better antenna systems improving chances of providing you with successful communications. District Radio Repeater SystemsDescription and OperationA radio repeater receives a radio signal and re-transmits that signal.Most BCFS mountain-top repeaters are UHF between mountains, UHF to VHF on drop link repeaters and VHF to VHF for localised or fire repeaters. Selecting Tones

Your radio must be on the correct tone to communicate with a District • repeater:


Radiocommunication Field HandbookLook at the Regional or Fire Centre map and determine where you are and • which repeater colour channel you wish to link into;Once you know your location you will see a tone indicator in the coloured • area – a code value specifying the District tone. It will be from “T1 to T9”.Look in the key and you will see the corresponding tone value if you need it.•

Propagation CharacteristicsUHF signals require close to line-of-sight operation, more so than VHF • signals which are at lower frequencies.Radio signals will bounce of rock faces or large surfaces.• VHF signals, being lower in frequency, have better foliage penetration and • refraction capabilities than UHF signals. This can allow their coverage to increase beyond the physical line of sight.

Figure No. 1

Figure No. 2Radio coverage from a transmitter installed at a District Office could cover five to thirty kilometres depending on the surrounding terrain and the height of the transmit antenna.


Radiocommunication Field HandbookTo extend the coverage to work areas further away a single repeater may be incorporated. When the distance is too great for a single repeater more repeaters are added. By establishing a series of repeater sites, radio coverage can be extended over a large area.The Ministry of Forests and Range identifies its various repeater channels by colours. For example, a red channel is the same in the Northern Interior Forest Region as it is in the Southern Interior Forest Region. Refer to the map supplement for the channel (colour) and tone to use at your location. Repeater Example

Figure No. 3

How a District Repeater System WorksThe Process: (Refer to Figure 3) The District Office transmits on Black.This is received by the BLACK Repeater which:

Retransmits the signal on BLACK• Transmits the signal to the GREEN Repeater on an UHF link channel•

The GREEN Repeater Transmits the signal on GREEN to: The portable (right of the GREEN Repeater)• The vehicle (left of the GREEN Repeater)• The PINK Repeater on another UHF link channel•

The PINK Repeater receives the signal from the GREEN Repeater and: Transmits the signal on PINK to the vehicle (right of the PINK Repeater)• Transmits to the helicopter•

Note: Your radio must be on the correct channel to communicate. 1. If you are operating into a District repeater system, you must also be on the 2. correct District tone. (Check the District map or with District Office staff if you are uncertain).Mobiles, portables and aircraft will usually use the nearest repeater channel 3. to their present location.


Radiocommunication Field HandbookTo call the District Office back from the portableThe portable transmits on the GREEN. The signal travels up to the GREEN Repeater which:

Sends a signal down to the (left) vehicle on the GREEN channel;• Links to the BLACK Repeater on the first link channel;• Links to the PINK Repeater on the second link channel;•

The BLACK Repeater:Transmits a signal on BLACK that will be received by the District Office. •

The PINK Repeater:Transmits a signal on PINK that will be received by the (right) vehicle and • the helicopter.

In SummaryWhen any radio in a District transmits and is heard on one repeater, all the repeaters in the radio system retransmit the signal, each on its own colour channel. Staff wishing to communicate and not use the repeater system must be in close proximity to each other or within or near line-of-sight. In this case they would move to a simplex channel (Gold, Silver, Copper, Nickel or Bronze) and communicate directly. If this fails, the repeater system must then be used for communications.ExceptionsSome districts have the ability to split their systems into two or more localized systems for fire management or District administrative purposes. In these scenarios you will only communicate with repeaters and staff operating in your portion of the separated repeater system.An example of difficult or marginal communicationsIf the portable is too far away, it may hear the repeater but not be able to talk to it – possibly due to the inherent low gains of portable antennas, a poor location or possibly an incorrect antenna polarization. In this example the portable would hear all the traffic on the channel but not be able to talk to anyone. TerminologySimplex FrequencyA single one-way radio channel. Your radio transmits a signal and receives a signal on the same frequency – but only one way at a time. Push the Mic button to talk – release it to listen. An example is the BCFS ‘GOLD’ channel, which transmits and receives on 163.830 MHz. Half-duplex FrequencyA 2-frequency system where you transmit and receive on separate frequencies - it is not possible to talk and listen at the same time. An example is the BCFS ‘Red’ channel which transmits on 163.065 MHz and receives on 163.935 MHzFull Duplex FrequencyA 2-frequency system where you transmit and receive on separate frequencies. A duplexer is used allowing each user to talk and listen at the same time. An example is a Telus AutoTel channel, which allows you to talk and listen at the same time.


Radiocommunication Field HandbookDTMF “Dual Tone Multi Frequency”DTMF also known as “Touch Tone”, are the tones that you hear when you dial a push button phone. Some District repeater systems can be divided into two or more separate repeater systems by sending the correct DTMF tone sequence to them. When repeaters are separated in this manner each operates independently and conversations on one subsystem will not be heard on the other(s), allowing for greater repeater utilization.

Note: There is an administrative procedure to follow prior to splitting a District repeater system.

VHF and UHF FrequenciesMinistry of Forests VHF (Very High Frequencies) frequencies operate in the 150 MHz – 174 MHz band and UHF (Ultra High Frequencies) operates in the 400 MHz – 470 MHz band. Standard Voice Phrases to Use on the Radio SystemWhen speaking on the radio, certain words and phrases have become standard. To avoid ambiguity and confusion, the following should be learned and used: ACKNOWLEDGE Let me know that you have received and understood this

message.AFFIRMATIVE YES, agree, permission granted.CLEAR No further transmission from this station. Where possible

this should be preceded by the call sign of the speaking person (i.e. ‘BRAVO FOUR CLEAR’).

CORRECTION An error has been made in the previous message. The correct version is... (Provide corrected version).

GO AHEAD Continue - proceed with your message.NEGATIVE NO, permission not granted or NO I do not agree.SAY AGAIN Please re-transmit your last message.RADIO CHECK Please tell me how clearly you understand what I am

saying. (See also P.41)ROGER or COPY I have received and understand all of your last

transmission.ROGER - OUT I have received and understand all of your last

transmission and I have no need to communicate further at this time.

STANDBY I am busy for a moment. Please wait and listen to the radio until I can get back to you. If more than one person is waiting it is a common practice to also use their name or call sign(i.e. ‘STANDBY John’ or ‘STANDBY Bravo 4’, etc.).



STANDING BY I have received your message to wait and will wait silently until you get back to me.

‘CALL-SIGN’ – OUT (Give your call sign and say the word ‘OUT’) My conversation has ended and no further response is expected.

OVER My transmission is ended and I expect a response from you.

Reception and Reception Quality Assessments

ALWAYS: Think Safety. Do a radio check before you begin driving, and prior to entering a logging or Resource Road - Think of Safety First.

Everyone using a radio has heard the question - “How do you read?” How does one respond? There is a “5 by 5” code (reprinted below) invented in historic times for radio operators using AM radio, however it is awkward to use for the average person and both sides of the conversation must be fluent in its use for it to have any meaning. A verbal description of reception conditions is perfectly acceptable or a simplified version of the 5 code as noted may be used:

Level Quality DescriptionLevel 5 Excellent Loud and ClearLevel 4 Good Easily understandable with some background noiseLevel 3 Noisy Understandable with difficultyLevel 2 Poor Signal is chopping - missing words or phrasesLevel 1 Unreadable Cannot make out anything said

For reference purposes and the diehard, here is the full description of the “5 by 5” code. The first number derives from the first column, the second number from the third.

Level Signal Strength Level Signal Readability5 Loud 5 Clear4 Good 4 Readable3 Weak 3 Unreadable2 Very Weak 2 Distorted1 Fading 1 With Interference



Phonetic AlphabetWhen a word is to be spelled, use the standard radio phonetic alphabet:

A Alpha H Hotel O Oscar V VictorB Bravo I India P Papa W WhiskeyC Charlie J Juliet Q Quebec X X-RayD Delta K Kilo R Romeo Y YankeeE Echo L Lima S Sierra Z ZuluF Fox-trot M Mike T TangoG Golf N November U Uniform

Judgement is required in the use of the phonetic alphabet. In noisy or hard to understand communications link use of this alphabet can improve the speed of communications eliminating the need for repeats. Where communication is clear the use of the phonetic alphabet can slow the message down as the alphabet use is not necessary to understand the message. In transmitting numerals clarity improves when certain syllables of some numbers are emphasised. Those requiring special emphasis and articulation are as follows: 4 – FOWer; 5 – FIFe; 7– SEVen 9 – NINer (with emphasis on capitals)Sign In/Out (District Offices or Fire Control Centre)District Office StaffEach District Office has individual sign in/out procedures and it is the responsibility of an employee travelling off highway in a district to be aware of and abide by the procedures for the district in which he/she is travelling. See Appendix B. District staff must be familiar with the procedures for their own district. If District staff plan to travel off highway in a District that is not their own they must secure a copy of the procedures for the District in which they will be operating - prior to embarking on the trip.

Note: Normal hours of work may vary from district office to district office. Ensure you confirm your location and make check-out arrangements prior to the District’s formal closing time.

Protection Branch StaffProtection staff may alternately check-in with the ‘Fire Control Centre’ during fire season as an alternate to a district office check-in.Regional Staff and Headquarters Branch StaffRegional and HQ Branch staff must follow the same procedures when traveling off pavement in any District. Make sure you check yourself in with the District Office.



Check-in ExamplesNote:

The correct order of called and calling station must always be maintained. 1. When the stations involved are capable of multi-channel operation; the 2. transmitting station must also indicate the channel it will be using.

Example 1You are from a Regional office and are establishing communications with the Port Alberni Forest District Office:

XLT40 Port Alberni, (Give your pre-assigned Call Sign such as 1Alpha6 or • 1Romeo32). 1Alpha6 - XLT 40 - Go Ahead.• This is “Your Region [1]” where you are from “Your Branch name / Headquarters • or Regional Location [A] for most Coast Forest Region staff” and “Your unique ID [6]’, you are calling the Port Alberni District Office XLT-40.My destination (or Area of Work) is “(Provide Location)”.• I will be in the area until “(Specify Time Using 24 Hour Clock)”.• I will check back at “(Specify Time Using 24 Hour Clock)”. • Roger 1Alpha6 – XLT 40 Alberni Clear.•

Example 2Dispatchers, District Offices and Safety Officers should repeat check-in information back to field staff or aircraft checking-in to ensure correct information has been received:

XLT43 this is aircraft XRL off Disneyland to Knott’s Berry Farm, ETA 14:00, • over.Roger, XRL off Disneyland to Knott’s Berry Farm, ETA 14:00, XLT43 out.•

Example 3Coastal Fire Centre calls Port Alberni Office:

XLT 40 Port Alberni – VDI 758 Coastal Fire Centre.• VDI 758 Coastal Fire Centre - XLT 40 Go Ahead.•

Example 4Kalum District Office tries to call mobile 2Bravo4:

2Bravo4 - XLV 67 Kalum (pauses 10 seconds-no response).• 2Bravo4 - XLV 67 Kalum.• XLV67 Kalum – 2Bravo4 - Go Ahead.•

Example 5100 Mile District Office calls Timothy Lookout:

XMJ 88 Timothy Lookout - XLY 22 100 Mile.• Stations constantly working together and expecting calls at any time may •


Radiocommunication Field Handbookdrop the location name (i.e. XMJ 88 or XLY 22).

Example 67Romeo32 wants to communicate to the Queen Charlottes District on yellow:

XLZ 63 Queen Charlottes - 7Romeo32 on yellow.•

No Response ExampleExample 1Kalum District Office tries to call mobile 2Bravo4 but no one answers:

2Bravo4 - XLV 67 Kalum (pauses 10 seconds-no response).• 2Bravo4 - XLV 67 Kalum (pauses 10 seconds-no response).• XLV67 Kalum – Clear.•


Radiocommunication Field HandbookAPPENDIX E – OTHER COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENTOther Mobile FeaturesTelephone InterconnectSome District offices have “Telephone Interconnects” which allows a mobile or portable user to make telephone calls over the radio system. This is accessed by sending a specific DTMF tone or tones to “turn on” the interconnect. Access codes may be obtained from the District office or Regional radio technician. There may be some restrictions imposed by the District Office on the use of this feature – check with the local District Office.

* Your radio microphone must have a DTMF (numeric) keypad to dial phone numbers.

AutoTelAutoTel is no longer available.


Radiocommunication Field HandbookAPPENDIX F – WHERE TO GET HELPRegional Radio Electronic ShopsPlease check the quick reference page inside the front cover for the locations of the nearest Radio Shop.Radio Electronics Shops provide the following services

Information on the Ministry of Forests radio system• Training• Radio repeater maps• Instructions on how to obtain a Handheld or Mobile radio• Call-Signs• Radio repair, reprogramming or maintenance• The addition and removal of channels from your radio• Information on radio communications between Regions• Evaluations of specific radio or communication requirements• Repair and maintenance of the ministry’s repeater system• Provision of radio equipment for forest fires• Provision of a fire repeater• Provision of Fire Stock Handhelds for fire line communications• Instructions on obtaining and using Globalstar & Iridium handheld radios• Fire Camp and Fire Communications (PETUNIA & IRIS) set-up•

Where to find Contact Information and SupportMinistry of Forests and Range, Radio Operations contact information for all Regions and Headquarters is on the inside cover of this handbook.

The Ministry of Forests and Range Radio Engineering Operations Intranet Home page: http://gww.for.gov.bc.ca/his/radio/index.htm

The Radio Shop in Victoria is the prime repository for spares for repeaters, fire repeaters, base stations, and fire stock handhelds. (Ph.: 250-387-6650)Equipment kept at Radio Shops or at a Fire Equipment Depot

Regional radio repeater spares (Radio Operations - Victoria)• Type A2-L (Fire repeaters with link capability) (All Radio Shops)• Type B Fire repeaters (All Radio Shops)• 2 Fire Commissioner’s transportable fire repeaters (Chilliwack PFED)• Globalstar to VHF repeater (Radio Operations - Victoria)• PETUNIA [• Provincial Emergency Telecommunications Unit - No Internet Available] (Transportable Communications Trailer at P.G. PFED)Fire Stock radios for fire-line use (Chilliwack PFED)• FM broadcast stations (Radio Operations - Victoria)• Spare aeronautical AM radios, mobiles, handheld radios, paging system • and Globalstar phones (Radio Operations - Victoria)IRIS [• Integrated Radio Interoperability System] (Chilliwack PFED) (Transportable Communications Trailer)


Radiocommunication Field HandbookPETUNIA and IRIS

PETUNIA - Provinvial Emergency Telecommunications Unit No Internet Available

IRIS - Integrated Radio Interoperability System


Radiocommunication Field HandbookServices Provided By Radio Engineering Operations - Victoria

District Repeater System Maps • Letters of Authority (to others using the MOFR radio System)• Fire stock maintenance and repair• Fire repeater maintenance and repair• Maintenance and repair of Office of Fire Commissioner’s repeaters• Radio Licensing• Radio System Design – Coverage and Link path profiles• Communication Field Handbook• Radio Training materials• Coordination with other emergency agencies• Other specialized and engineered systems for BC Forest Service Branches•


Radiocommunication Field HandbookAPPENDIX G – KNOWING MORE ABOUT YOUR RADIOSquelch ControlThe purpose of the squelch control is to quiet the noise that radios generate when not receiving a signal. All BCFS radios have a squelch control however this control is not always accessible to the operator. Those radios with internal squelch control will have been pre-set by a radio technician. Some manufacturers combine the ‘on/off switch, squelch control and the volume control as one switch. PTT (Push-To-Talk) Button The PTT button is depressed when you wish to transmit a message to another user. The button is located on the side of the handheld radio or if you have a remote Mic, it is located at the end of a coiled cord on the side of the microphone. Monitor ButtonSome radios have a “Monitor” button or switch that will disable the receiver tone coding function (CTCSS) (See more on CTCSS under OPERATING PROCEDURES pages 9-10). On some radios this function will disable the squelch, allowing the speaker to generate a loud hiss or ‘roar’. Channel Selector or Key PadChannel selection on most radios is with either a numbered rotary switch or with an up/down arrow – the channel being displayed on the front screen. Some radios have a key pad for channel or the frequency (if enabled) selection. On the keypad, press the channel number(s) then “enter” to select a channel. AntennasThe antenna radiates power (a radio signal) into the air – without it your radio will be unable to properly transmit or receive and your message will not be heard. Radio signals, like visible light, can be polarised. Mobile communications use vertical polarisation - therefore the antenna on the radio needs to be in a near vertical position for best communications. Antennas have a specified length which correlates to the wavelength used for communications. Antenna lengths should only be altered by qualified radio technicians. Telescopic antennas should be used in extended mode (length is critical). Care must also be given to avoid damage to the antenna connector.Contact the Superintendent of Electronics or a BCFS Radio Technician for more information regarding various antenna options.

Important:Never hold your radio by the antenna• Do not transmit if there is no antenna on the radio•

Hi – Lo Power SwitchSome radios have a Hi-Lo Power switch or button which changes the output power of the unit. The ‘Lo’ position should be used when communicating in close proximity to another receiver. The ‘Hi’ position should be used to extend the transmission range. Using the ‘Hi’ position will greatly reduce battery life.


Radiocommunication Field HandbookBatteriesHand held radios may also use rechargeable Ni-cad or Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) batteries. These should be recharged after four to eight hours of use. An AC charger is supplied with each unit and in-vehicle chargers are available. If you have no charger, batteries can be removed and sent in to the local BCFS radio shop for a charge. Ni-Cad batteries can develop a memory which will prevent a user from getting a complete charge and full benefit from the battery. These units should be cycled in an appropriate charger/re-conditioner every year to remove any residual memory. Instructions for the removal of batteries vary somewhat from one unit to another but most unclip at the back or bottom`.Lithium Ion BatteriesLithium Ion Batteries should NOT be left in chargers for an extended period of time. They should be removed from the charger, ideally after three hours or after they’ve reached a full charge. Further, the batteries may be recharged after a partial discharge without danger of memory issues. Frequent recharging of the battery will extend its life.Important:

Rechargeable batteries are not to be discarded in the garbage but are to be • given to your Radio Technician.Return defective batteries to your Radio Technician.•

Leaking BatteriesRemove all batteries in a pack, even if only one has leaked.If you are unable to return the unit to the nearest radio shop then:

Completely disassemble the battery holder and/or compartment;• Wash with baking soda and water (or CLR cleaner), brush and remove loose • corrosion;Sand and clean all corroded metal;• Thoroughly rinse and dry the unit;• Install new batteries and tag the unit for investigation of continuing damage.•

If leaking cells are found in a Portable and you do not have a replacement battery pack: Clean as above - otherwise replace it with a new pack and return the damaged one to a radio shop.Vehicle Power SuppliesAll vehicle mobile radios run off your vehicle battery and are protected by an in-line fuse on the positive (red) wire. Power to a vehicle radios may or may not be routed through the ignition switch of the vehicle, you should know whether your radio is or is not powered through the ignition switch. To check:

Turn your ignition off;• If you can still talk on and listen to your radio the ignition switch has been • bypassed.

This will allow you to monitor the radio system without having the keys in the ignition. Leaving the radio on will drain the battery in 8 to 72 hours depending on the radio, your battery condition and the outside air temperature.


Radiocommunication Field HandbookImportant: If your mobile unit is not wired through the ignition switch, it is a good habit to shut off the radio when you leave the vehicle for an extended period of time.

Trunk Mounted UnitsThe physical radio will be located in the trunk or under/behind the seat. A control head will be mounted in the vehicle dash area.Fused battery leads run to both the control head and to the radio mounted in the trunk / seat area.


Radiocommunication Field HandbookAPPENDIX H – EMERGENCY PROCEDURES The following provides basic information for all persons utilizing the BC Forest Service Radio network. A working knowledge of this information must be maintained by all users of the radio network.EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS

Use of emergency procedures in land communications is very rare.• A station in distress should make use of any means at it’s disposal to attract • attention, to make known its position and obtain assistance.Use the frequency you would normally use but if unable to establish • communications, use ANY other frequency at your disposal.

Levels of DistressEach level is identified using the appropriate and internationally understood terminology: MAYDAY, PAN-PAN, or SECURITY. The distress term used indicates the degree of distress or urgency and when transmitted, is always repeated three times.A distress communiqué when transmitted, it is immediately followed by the distress station’s call sign and location or coordinates. The Distress SignalsThe average Forest Service employee or fire fighter will rarely if ever find the need to impose a radio silence. You are however, expected to thoroughly remember how to deal with an emergency and to request immediate assistance by transmitting MAYDAY.You need to know:

How to proceed with MAYDAY distress transmissions; • How operators impose radio silence;• The correct procedure for canceling a MAYDAY.•

MAYDAYIn radio communications “MAYDAY” spoken three times is a life-threatening distress signal. It needs to be followed by ‘THIS IS’, then your call-sign or the call sign of the station in distress, repeated three times.This signal indicates:

Personnel are threatened by grave and imminent danger and require • immediate assistance. Personnel are aware of a camp, vehicle, ship, aircraft, etc. threatened by • grave and imminent danger that requires immediate assistance.

PAN-PANIn radio communications “ PAN-PAN “ spoken three times indicates that a calling station has a very urgent message to transmit concerning or advising of possible jeopardy to life.PAN-PAN is used only on the authority of command personnel. The urgency signal will be followed by a message giving details of the situation.SECURITYIn radio communications “ SECURITY “ spoken three times indicates the station calling is about to transmit a message concerning safety of navigation, road alerts,


Radiocommunication Field Handbookor weather warnings. All stations hearing the safety signal must continue to monitor the frequency until satisfied that the safety transmission does not affect them.Acknowledging or Receiving a Distress Message:When acknowledging receipt of a distress message, the receiving station will:

Transmit “MAYDAY”.• The call sign of the station in distress three times.• The words “THIS IS” (give the call sign of the acknowledging station three • times)The words “RECEIVED MAYDAY”•

A Distress MessageAllow time for any nearby station to respond. If not acknowledged:

Immediately acknowledge the transmission;• Take all possible action to notify the appropriate rescue authorities; • Make notes of the transmission, (Include time and details). •

Radio SilenceThe station in distress, or any station in the immediate vicinity, may impose silence on a particular station. This procedure is imposed if communication traffic is interfering with the distress transmission.Should radio silence be imposed during a distress situation, all traffic not associated with the distress transmission must cease immediately.Imposing Radio SilenceA request for radio silence is addressed to “ALL STATIONS” or to a particular station if it can be identified.

The station in distress will use the expression “SILENCE MAYDAY” or • “SEELONCE MAYDAY” – an internationally understood term.Other stations imposing silence during a distress situation will use the • expression “SILENCE DISTRESS” or “SEELONCE DISTRESS”.

Canceling Radio SilenceWhen a station is no longer in distress, the station which transmitted the distress signal and any station which relayed the distress message, will transmit an “ALL STATIONS” message advising that the distress traffic has ended. Procedure for canceling the distress message is:

The word “MAYDAY” (Transmitted only once)• The words “ALL STATIONS” (Repeated three times)• The words “THIS IS” (call sign of the station transmitting)• The filing time of the original distress message.• The call sign of the ship, aircraft, vehicle, that had been in distress.• A short description of why the distress situation is being canceled.• the words “SILENCE FINISHED”• the word “OUT” •


Radiocommunication Field HandbookAPPENDIX I - FOREST REGION MAP SUPPLEMENT

2010 Region/District Layout



Coast Forest Region Maps



Coast Forest Region





DCK - Chilliwack



DSQ - Squamish



DSC - Sunshine Coast



DSI - South Island



DCR - Campbell River


Radiocommunication Field HandbookDNI - North Island Central Coast



DNC - North Coast



DHG - Haida Gwaii





Northern Interior Forest Region Maps



Northern Interior Forest Region





DKM - Kalum



DSS South - Skeena Stikine



DND - Nadina



DVA - Vanderhoof



DJA - Fort St James



DPG - Prince George



DMK - Mackenzie



DPC - Peace



DFN - Fort Nelson



DSS North - Skeena Stikine





Southern Interior Forest Region Maps



Southern Interior Forest Region





DQU - Quesnel



DCH - Chilcotin



DCC - Central Cariboo



DMH - 100 Mile House



DHW - Headwaters



DCO - Columbia



DCS - Cascades



DKA - Kamloops



DOS - Okanagan Shuswap



DAB - Arrow Boundary



DKL - Kootenay Lake



DRM - Rocky Mountain



Field Notes


Radiocommunication Field HandbookAPPENDIX J – WILDFIRE MANAGEMENT BRANCH UPDATESFIRE COMMUNICATIONS – NEW Man Power & Equipment Mobilization PlanPlease consult the Wildland Firefighting Resources manual - FS733

Know The Radio Communication Plans1. Know When To Add Radio Manpower Resources2. Know What Communication Resources Are Available3. Know When To Add Radio Equipment Resources4.

First-Contact CommunicationsOffice of the Fire Commissioner

OFC-1 155.460 mHz is the first contact channel/frequency and remains as the OFC designated Coordination and Control channel/frequency on interface and interagency fires.

OFC-2 150.350 mHz is the OFC designated Command and Control channel/frequency on interface fires

OFC-R OFC-R is the designated Command and Control repeater channel on interface and interagency fires as determined by an incident commander or the OFC

SILVER 163.890 mHz is the secondary contact channel with the Ministry of Forests and Range on interface/interagency fires involving the MoFR should attempts to communicate on OFC-1 fail.

Interagency Fires and Interface FiresEffective 2005 the Office of the Fire Commissioner (OFC) has specified that for all Interagency and Interface fires inbound personnel and aircraft making first contact will communicate on the OFC ‘Coordination and Control’ channel.Non-Interagency and Non-Interface FiresThe OFC ruling does not impact communications which are within the forest and do not involve non-Ministry of Forests personnel. Non-Interagency / Non-Interface fires should continue to use the standard Forest Service channels to communicate.

Ongoing Fire-Line Communications The Forest Service implemented in 2004 a new communication plan procedure to improve fire-line communications. The procedure defines:

Two plans - Plan A and Plan B for improving fire-line communications;• When to add radio manpower resources;• What communication resources are available;• When to add radio equipment resources;•

A copy of this plan is in the Wildland Fire Fighting Resources book.


Radiocommunication Field HandbookWildfire Management Fire Control Centre (PFCC - Fire Season Only)To further improve fire communications additional radio resources will be put on duty by the PFCC to coordinate radio communication requirements between fire centres and between fire centres and Regional radio staff and to provide assistance to Fire Centres on radio communication issues.

Provincial Radio Communications Officer• Fire Centre Radio Coordinator•

Radio communication problems should be routed through to the Provincial Fire Control Centre (250-387-1717), to the Regional Radio Supervisor / Radio Technician, or through to Radio Operations in Victoria.Requests for radio equipment or radio technician manpower should be made on the FS 477 form. The PFCC Radio Officer may put a radio technician on standby in any Region if it is deemed necessary.Fire Communications and Issues (Fire Season Only)Fire radio communications equipment or manpower issues and problems need to be passed on to the Protection Duty Officer and the Provincial Radio Communications Officer (Provincial Radio Engineering Operations) as soon as they occur. The Provincial Radio Communications Officer is a Radio Technician or Radio Supervisor/Manager and must be assigned at the time an Incident Fire occurs or when a Type 1 team is deployed. This person is responsible for implementing and coordinating radio communications for Incident Fires throughout the province, for the coordination of radio communications between Regional and Zone Fire Centers and ensures application of the Fire Commissioner’s Coordination and Control channel and Command and Control repeater on interface and interagency fires.WILDFIRE MANAGEMENT BRANCH - Accident Response ProceduresInternational Distress Calling Answering Procedures should be fol-lowed

See Distress Calling / Answering Procedures in Appendix H.• Additional Protection Rules

Code 10-50 means that you are being dispatched to a potential accident • scene.

Assume aircraft may or may not be involved; ○Assume that all persons involved are alive, injured and burned; ○

Code 10-45 may be transmitted to confirm a fatality. • In assessing the scene, always ensure the safety of yourself, crew and the • public.Names of persons involved are not to be relayed over the radio system.• If dealing with an aircraft accident, do not refer to the air carrier name or the • aircraft registration over the radio system.Do not use the term fatality or death in your communication.• With the exception of the two 10 codes noted above and the specified ‘Do • Not’ statements, use plain language over the radio system to describe you assessment of the situation and resource requirements.


Radiocommunication Field HandbookRadio Sign Out Policy and Procedures

The Ministry tracks highly desirable assets such as handheld radios. To ensure compliance personnel will have consigned to them their own handheld radio asset which will be recorded in the Radio Management System.You are responsible for your radio – take care of it.Seasonal staff or contractors requiring temporary use of a Ministry handheld radio will be consigned a radio upon completion of an FS-1255 (Radio Sign-out form). For Crew Workers, one person or crew leader may sign-out more than one radio, however in doing so he or she becomes responsible for all assets consigned to them.All radios designated as ‘Firestock’ (F3 and F3s radios) will be issued to personnel using this form. In signing out a radio or group of radios an individual is now responsible for the care and safe return of these units to the Forest Service.

Obtaining or Returning a Handheld RadioComplete an FS 1255 Radio Sign-out Form. • (Available at any Radio Shop)The Logistics officer or Radio Technician will give you the top copy for your • records – KEEP IT, you will need it when returning the radio. You will be issued a radio when this is completed.• If you are a Crew Boss you have the choice of signing out all crew radios or • having the individuals sign them out on separate FS 1255 forms. If you sign out 10 radios – you are responsible for 10 radios.When returning your radio(s), hand in the radio(s) and your copy of the FS-• 1255 form.

Failure to Return a Handheld RadioFailure to return a radio to the Forest Service upon completion of temporary work will make the consignee or the corresponding responsibility center liable for the replacement cost of the radio unit.Depending upon how the radio was lost or became non-functional, either the consignee or the appropriate responsibility centre will be responsible for providing funds to replace the radio unit.

Missing Radio PolicyIf you break, lose, misplace or have a radio stolen you must:

You must fill out a Property Loss Form FIN-597. • You must give the form to the appropriate District, Regional or Fire Centre • manager and a copy to the Regional Superintendent/Manager responsible for Radio Operations.Branch staff should give a copy to their Branch Manager and a copy to the • Manager of Radio Operations in Victoria.Keep a copy.•


Radiocommunication Field HandbookFire Centre Contact InformationLocation Phone Call SignPFCO 250- N/ACoastal 250-951-4222 VDI758 (Coastal Fire Centre)Northwest 250-847-6600 VXC30 (Northwest Fire Centre)Prince George 250-565-6124 XLT26 (Prince George Fire Centre)Cariboo 250-989-2600 XMW333 (Cariboo Fire Centre)Kamloops 250-554-5500 XMV583 (Kamloops Fire Centre)Southeast 250-365-4040 VXE24 (Southeast Fire Centre)


Radiocommunication Field HandbookWildfire Management Branch Radio Requisition Process


Radiocommunication Field HandbookField Notes


Radiocommunication Field HandbookAPPENDIX K - FIRE CENTRE MAP SUPPLEMENT

2010 Fire Centres Layout



Cariboo





Coastal





Kamloops





North West





Prince George





South East





Field Notes





Field Notes



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