C-46 Grass Or Wildland Fires - Major
Emergency Manual
Date Revised: 02/01/2018
Last Modified: 09/27/2024 09:46
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Policy/Procedure
1. The first arriving unit shall assume Command and give a condition report including the following Information:
- Extent of fire upon arrival
- Direction of spread and exposed structures
- Any other pertinent information
2. Fire personnel shall approach from the flanks (sides), if possible. Firefighters shall be in appropriate PPE.
3. The initial attack should be from a flank and slightly ahead of the fire. This is essential if the wind is a factor.
4. The Incident Commander shall ensure a continuous source of water is available for large fires and request additional engines as necessary. If hydrants are sparse or nonexistent, the Incident Commander should consider the use of a tanker, establishing a drafting operation, and/or relay pumping. The Toledo Fire and Rescue Department has access to tankers through mutual aid.
Note: Requests for mutual aid must be made through the Senior Battalion on duty.
5. Fire personnel shall attempt to wet down the area in front of the fire’s path while approaching the main body of fire. This action should help slow the forward spread of fire and push the fire back onto previously burned areas.
6. Once the attack from the flank position is in operation, crews should bring hose lines in from the windward side.
NOTE: The word “windward” side refers to the side from which the wind is coming.
7. The Incident Commander must be able to adapt to changes in wind direction. Requests for weather updates should be made on a periodic basis via Dispatch. Once the fire is confined and controlled, crews should work on spot fires with brooms, hand tools, and small diameter hose lines.
8. The Incident Commander shall give special attention to firefighting personnel as fires of this type usually occur in hot, dry spells. The Incident Commander shall consider extra staffing to provide relief for initial companies. Establishment of a Rehab Unit and adherence to rehab standards shall be mandatory.
9. If winds are variable, extra precautions shall be taken to avoid crews being out-flanked by the fire. Regular accountability checks should be utilized to ensure communication and crew integrity.
NOTE: Natural and manmade barriers such as lakes, ponds, rivers, roads, or parking lots can be used as fire breaks.
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