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WILDLAND FIRE GUIDE initial attack 1

table of contents
initial and extended attack........... 3
arriving at the fire scene …......... 4
initial attack safety checklist …... 5
fire orders …................................. 6
watchout situations …................. 7
LCES checklist …......................... 8
appropriate response ............ 9
going to extended attack..............11
type 3 positions........................... 12
incident action plan contents...... 15
type 3 briefing agenda …....... 16
spike camps …....................... 17
fence cutting............................... 18
vehicle and structure fires ….. 19
after action review ….........…... 20
gps requirements ….................... 22
out of area assignments …......... 23
fireline pack items …................... 24
international phonetic alphabet...25

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2 initial attack WILDLAND FIRE GUIDE

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WILDLAND FIRE GUIDE initial attack 3
INITIAL AND EXTENDED ATTACK
initial attack
A planned response to a wildfire given the wildfire's potential behavior. The
objective of initial attack is to stop the spread of the fire and put it out at least cost.
An aggressive suppression action consistent with firefighter and public safety and
values to be protected.
size up:
(things to consider when giving a size up)

Incident name Incident commander


Incident type Incident status
Location Jurisdiction
Radio Frequencies Incident size
Fuel Type Wind speed and direction
Slope and aspect Best access
Special hazards or concerns Additional resources needed

At Initial Attack of Every Fire, Brief all Personnel


(checklist inside back cover of IRPG)

escaped initial attack


A fire has escaped initial attack when:

• the fire has not been contained by the initial attack resources
dispatched to the fire and there is no estimate of containment or control
and;
• the fire will not be contained within the initial attack management
objectives established for that area.

extended attack
Suppression activity for a wildfire that has not been contained or controlled by
initial attack or contingency forces and for which more firefighting resources are
arriving, en route, or being ordered by the initial attack incident commander. At this
point a transition from initial attack to a Type 3 team will happen.

santa fe county fire – wildland division http://sfcfire-wildland.com/


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arriving at the fire scene

fires should be fought aggressively, but the safety and


protection of personnel and equipment must be the first
concern.

remember:
fire orders
watchout situations
LCES

• first on scene – size-up and report to dispatch

• DO NOT cross the head of fire unless it can be


done safely

• vehicles should be parked in a safe, accessible


location with windows rolled UP, facing away from
fire and doors unlocked, keys in ignition

• make sure all roads are open for traffic

santa fe county fire – wildland division http://sfcfire-wildland.com/


WILDLAND FIRE GUIDE initial attack 5
initial attack safety checklist

review and use the checklist while enroute to the fire, after the
control action has been done, and whenever there is a change in
fireline conditions or predicted conditions

yes no Have you sized up the fire?


yes no Do you have current fire weather forecast for fire location?
yes no Is the observed weather consistent with the forecast?
Can you control the fire with the resources available (on the incident
yes no
and/or soon to be on the incident under expected conditions)?
Have you developed a plan to attack the fire? (Direct or indirect,
anchor points, escape routes, head or flank attack, priority areas).
yes no
Have you communicated this to all personnel assigned to the
incident, including new arrivals?
yes no Lookouts in place or can you see ALL of the fire area?
yes no Can you communicate with everyone on the fire and with dispatch?
Escape routes and safety zones are established. If you are using
yes no
the black, is it completely burned and without reburn potential?
yes no Safety and the standard fire orders are being followed?
yes no Have you reported the status of the fire to dispatch?
yes no Will you control the fire before the next operational period?
Do you have a complete list of what resources have been ordered
yes no
for the fire?
If the fire will not be controlled before the next operational period or
yes no the size of the organization exceeds the IC's capability to manage,
have you informed agency headquarters?
If the answer is NO to any of the questions above, you must take
corrective action immediately

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fire orders

fight fire aggressively but provide for safety first


initiate all action based on current and expected fire behavior
recognize current weather conditions and obtain forcasts
ensure instructions are given and understood

obtain current information on fire status


remain in communication with crew members, your supervisor
and adjoining forces
determine safety zones and escape routes
establish lookouts in potentially hazardous situations
retain control at all times
stay alert, keep calm, think clearly, act decisively

common denominators on tragedy fires


• most incidents happen on smaller fires or isolated portions of larger
fires
• most fires are innocent in appearance before unexpected shifts in wind
direction and/or speed results in flare ups or extreme fire behavior
• flare ups occur in deceptively light fuels, such as grass and light brush
• fires run uphill surprisingly fast in chimneys, gullies, and on steep
slopes
• some suppression tools, such as helicopters or air tankers can
adversely affect fire behavior

santa fe county fire – wildland division http://sfcfire-wildland.com/


WILDLAND FIRE GUIDE initial attack 7

watchout situations
1 fire not scouted and sized up

2 in country not seen in daylight

3 safety zones and escape routes not identified

4 unfamiliar with weather and local factors influencing fire


behavior

5 uninformed on strategies, tactics and hazards

6 instructions and assignments not clear

7 no communication link with crew members/supervisor

8 constructing fireline without a safe anchor point

9 building fireline downhill with fire below

10 attempting a frontal assault on a fire

11 unburned fuel between you and the fire

12 cannot see main fire, not in contact with anyone who can

13 on a hillside where rolling material can ignite fuel below

14 weather getting hotter and drier

15 wind increases and/or changes directions

16 getting frequent spot fires across the line

17 terrain and fuels make escape to safety zones difficult

18 taking a nap near a fireline

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8 initial attack WILDLAND FIRE GUIDE

LCES checklist
briefing:
• all personnel need to be informed, updated throughout the operational
period
• preplanned LCES
• adhere to tactical guidelines
lookout/communications
• experienced, competent and trusted individuals
• communications – radios, frequencies, backups, checkins
• map, weather kit, watch
• knowledge of personnel locations
• established LCES for lookouts: good vantage point and safe location
escape routes
• more than one escape route
• scouted: soils, rocks, steepness, vegetation
• time: slowest person, fatigue, temperature, time of day
• marked: day and night
• away from the head of fire
safety zones
• survivable without fire shelter
• natural: clean burn, water, rocks
• man-made: constructed sites, roads, clearcuts
• vehicle for escape
• scouted: size and hazards
• close enough considering escape time, consider anticipated rate of
spread
• large enough: consider number of people, consider fuels/flame length
• terrain, avoid saddles, chutes, box canyons
• avoid hazardous terrain, snags, rolling rock

santa fe county fire – wildland division http://sfcfire-wildland.com/


WILDLAND FIRE GUIDE initial attack 9

appropriate management response (AMR)


AMR encompasses all the response actions necessary to manage a wildfire or
wildland fire use event. In implementing the AMR, the full spectrum of tactical
options from monitoring a fire at a distance to intensive suppression actions are
available to the fire manager. The AMR strategies and tactics used to manage a
wildland fire will be based on objectives identified in the Land/Resource
Management Plan and/or Fire Management Plan.

IA incident procedures for a wildland fire


The local incident management process is a coordinated effort between dispatch,
IA forces and managers. The key to a successful (safe, effective and efficient) IA is
solid coordination/communication between these three entities from the initial
dispatch through the post incident process.

Fire reports are received and processed at dispatch utilizing a preplanned


response system. Once a fire location is assigned to a geographic area, resources
are dispatched based on a pre-calculated response. BCs, County 20, and County
26 are then notified of the report and resources dispatched.

1 initial dispatch: dispatch will report what they get from the initial caller which
is usually limited to general location and type. BE THINKING:

a) fuel type of general area


b) weather, wind, time of day
c) best access
d) topography (flat, rocky, arroyos, hilly, mountainous)

2 first visual: upon first visual contact with a new fire, relay the following
information to dispatch over the radio:

• approximate geographical location


• give an estimated size of fire to dispatch
• describe the spread potential in the terms low (probably not going to
increase in size), moderate (is probably increasing in size but not
rapidly), or high (is currently or probably will increase in size rapidly)

santa fe county fire – wildland division http://sfcfire-wildland.com/


10 initial attack WILDLAND FIRE GUIDE
• describe the values threatened in terms of none, life or structures
• frequencies
• fuel type, wind speed and direction
• best access
• additional resources needed
• color of smoke

3 initial attack:

• always consider the information provided in the operational pages of


the IRPG when developing objectives and tactics
• name the fire (use the closest appropriate geographic name for the fire.
Keep the name to 10 letters or less when possible.)
• the incident name will be used to contact the IC on the radio
• if the fire appears to be human caused ensure that it is promptly
investigated for abuse determination. Calls for fire investigators will be
placed through dispatch
• ensure that only qualified personnel are utilized in wildfire
suppression operations.

• order necessary and appropriate resources:

1. determine what type and number of resources will be needed for safe
suppression of wildfire and place order through dispatch.
2. keep dispatch informed of fire status, change in conditions or
personnel, on an hourly basis or more often as the need arises

santa fe county fire – wildland division http://sfcfire-wildland.com/


WILDLAND FIRE GUIDE initial attack 11

going to extended attack


For SFCFD, when a fire goes beyond one operational period
(4 hours), or beyond the capability of county resources,
county resources will be converted to RMP resources as a
Type 3 team is ordered from State Forestry. At that time,
those resources that are not red carded will be pulled back
into support positions.

be thinking
• What are your objectives and tactics? - Do they need to be revisited?
• Resources: more resources, 2:1 work/rest, 14 day limits, air resources,
shifts, assignments, contracts, resource advisor
• Cost share: for fires involving state/private lands inform the FMO that
the fire has gone to extended attack, so he can develop a cost share
agreement with the state
• Can you maintain span of control? Order additional positions if needed
• Logistics: meals, water, toilets, garbage bags, fuel truck, camp
• Rehab needs: resource advisor
• Demob: travel time, priorities, lost or damaged replacements
• Media
• Dispatch: update
• Weather: current and expected. GET SPOT WEATHER FORECAST
IF YOU GO MULTIDAY
• Medical plan
• What is over the next hill?
• LCES review extended attack safety checklist in fireline handbook

delegate delegate delegate

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12 initial attack WILDLAND FIRE GUIDE

type 3 incident positions and responsibilities

Type 3 Incident Commander (ICT3) will not serve concurrently as a single resource
boss or have any non incident related responsibilities. Not all Type 3 incidents
require a full complement of individuals at the command and general staff
positions. The ICT3 is expected to establish the appropriate organizational
structure for each incident as based on complexity and span of control.

1 operations: works with DIVS to gather information and formulate the tactical
plan that is needed. Assigns the following positions depending on complexity:

• Staging Area Manager: Manage all activities in staging areas.


Establishes staging area layout, determines and orders support,
establishes check-in, posts traffic plans for area

• Air Ops: Coordinates and supervises activity in the airspace over


incident and with other incidents, requests TFR if needed,
order/releases aircraft.

• Helibase Manager: Briefs pilots/personnel, ensures helibase is posted


and cordoned off and air traffic control ops are in effect, maintains
agency records and reports of helicopter activities, receives and
responds to request for air logistical support, dust abatement

• Safety Officer: Prepares safety messages, ensures accidents are


investigated, monitors work/rest, food/water/sanitation/PPE, reviews
Med plan. SUGGEST ORDERING ONE.

santa fe county fire – wildland division http://sfcfire-wildland.com/


WILDLAND FIRE GUIDE initial attack 13

2 plans: responsible for the collection, evaluation, dissemination of information


about the incident status and resources, develops the IAP, briefing presentation
and demob of incident. May assign the following or assume responsibility of these
roles:

• Situation Unit Leader: gather incident data and post, request spot wx

• Field observer: map fire and critical features (safety zones, helispots,
structures, etc) collect fire weather and behavior intel, assist in
preparing maps, report safety hazards

• Status Check-in Recorder: Ensures all resources are accounted for,


post signs so incoming resources can find check-in, prepare, post and
maintain resource status cards.

• Demob Unit Leader: Prepare demob plan and schedule

3 logistics: responsible for establishing fire camp along with providing supplies
in support of the incident. May perform the following or assign as needed:

• Base Camp manager: ensures that all facilities are set up and
functioning properly (ie: food, sleeping, sanitation facilities)

• Communications: establish communications on incident by assigning


frequencies

• Medical unit: provides medical aid, supplies and transportation,


develops a med plan

• Supply: determines type and amount then orders supplies, personnel,


and equipment as requested. Receives, stores and distributes supplies
and equipment

santa fe county fire – wildland division http://sfcfire-wildland.com/


14 initial attack WILDLAND FIRE GUIDE

4 finance: responsible for all financial and administrative aspects of the incident.
(when possible, assign duties to qualified and/or local district personnel)

• Personnel time recorder: initiate record and close-out times of all


personnel assigned

• Equipment time recorder: oversee and record time for all equipment
assigned. Ensure all contract equipment has been inspected

• Public information officer: formulate and release information about the


incident to the media, local community and incident personnel. Provide
escort service to the media.

Not all of these positions need to be filled, but their duties may
need to be assigned to personnel on the incident

santa fe county fire – wildland division http://sfcfire-wildland.com/


WILDLAND FIRE GUIDE initial attack 15

incident action plan contents

assemble IAP in this order:

1. Incident Objective
2. Organization assignment list
3. Division assignment
4. Fire weather special forecast request
5. Incident radio communications plan
6. Safety message
7. Medical plan
8. Incident Action plan safety analysis
9. Air operations summary
10.Maps
11.Unit Log

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16 initial attack WILDLAND FIRE GUIDE

type 3 briefing agenda

EVENT EVENT LEADER


Roll Call Plans
Incident Objectives Plans
Situation Update Plans or Operations
Operational Plan Operations
Air Operations Operations /Helibase Manager
Weather / Fire Behavior Plans or Operations
Safety Safety or Operations
Medical EMT (on scene) or Plans
Logistics Logistics
Communications Plans
Finance Time Recorder or Plans
Resource Issues Resource Advisor /Unit Representative
State of the Incident Incident Commander
Division Briefings Division Supervisors

ICT3 ordering checklist


• It is not necessary to order all items on this page
• Check with IC to discuss:

1. Objectives
2. High cost items (aircraft, contractors, etc)
3. Need for cost share agreement
4. Review complexity analysis
5. Local support (logistics, time keeper, camp, etc)
6. Delegation of authority
7. Use of local resources

santa fe county fire – wildland division http://sfcfire-wildland.com/


WILDLAND FIRE GUIDE initial attack 17
spike camps
Remember to give logistics and supply a heads up. For hot meals, order by noon
for the following evening.

spike camp order for 1 crew

Food: Camp:
20 dinners 4 bars handsoap
20 breakfasts 8 rolls paper
20 lunches towels
coffee 4 wash basins
gatorade 1 roll of plastic
juice 2 rolls fiber tape
fresh fruit first aid supplies
8 cubies toilet paper
4 cases MREs garbage bags
rope or cord

Fireline items:
Batteries - radio and headlamp
Extra handtools
Chainsaw gas
Bar oil
Saw files
Pumps
Pump gas
Hose
Fittings
Fuel - pumps (5 gal/2 hours of operation)
saws (1 gal/4 hours of operation and 1
quart oil/4 hours)

santa fe county fire – wildland division http://sfcfire-wildland.com/


18 initial attack WILDLAND FIRE GUIDE

fence cutting
During suppression operations it is sometimes necessary to breach a fence to gain
access to and/or egress from a fire

• Always TRY BEFORE YOU PRY! This means attempt to find an


unlocked gate, or other site nearby where ingress/egress can be
affected before causing damage to public or private property

• If cutting the fence is necessary, find a location that fits the current
needs of the incident. Consider an area where the posts are wide
enough to allow large equipment through

• SAFETY NOTE: Stand on the short side of the wire being cut, as
the tension of the wire may cause it to "spring back". Ensure all
other personnel and equipment are clear. Wear leather gloves,
eye protection, and a long sleeve shirt at a minimum

• If cutting a locked gate is necessary, attempt to cut the chain link where
the lock is attached, or the closest available link. Try to avoid cutting
the lock if possible. This allows the lock and chain to be re-used.

• Flag both sides of the opening with high-visibility flagging

Document the location (GPS if available), unit ID, and action taken
on Unit Log for future incident needs.

santa fe county fire – wildland division http://sfcfire-wildland.com/


WILDLAND FIRE GUIDE initial attack 19

vehicle and structure fires


vehicle fire:
Fires involving motor vehicles can appear minor yet expose the firefighter to many
hazards. Besides the obvious concern about fuel tanks, other parts can explode
such as tires, bumpers, air bags, and drive shafts. Treat all vehicle fires with
respect in order to prevent injury.

• notify dispatch as to the location, nature and assistance needed. They


will contact the appropriate agencies

• secure the scene by setting up warning triangles and warning traffic.


DO NOT expose yourself or crew to traffic, noxious smoke or
hazardous materials.

• If the fire involves a vehicle carrying hazardous materials or anything


else suspicious, keep responders away from the vehicle and refer to
the ERG for instructions. Inform dispatch of the situation, and
substance if known.

structure fire:
• Assist with water supply

• Protect other exterior exposures as long as personnel are not impacted


by smoke generated by the burning structure and contents, and are out
of the collapse zone

• Protect wildland exposures and/or engage in wildland fire suppression


associated with the burning structure

santa fe county fire – wildland division http://sfcfire-wildland.com/


20 initial attack WILDLAND FIRE GUIDE

debriefing checklist / after action review


The following are topics for debriefings between the IC and initial attack resources.
This is highly recommended at the conclusion of each incident. Please make sure
everyone participates. Can also be used for debriefing with managers before you
go back home after a detail.

The intent of the debriefing is to improve effectiveness and safety.

communications:
• between dispatch and fire
• between assigned resources on fire
• frequencies correctly assigned for geographical area

resources assigned:
• adequate initial attack force? timelines of ordering and response
• initial resource assignments appropriate
• assigned resources relevant to the fire situation
• resource performance evaluation

logistics/support:
• response times
• problems moving personnel around on fire
• supplies - food, water and equipment

tactics/strategy:
• methods employed for IA
• effectiveness of IA
• mop up
• modified suppression tactics (monitoring, light hand, limited
suppression, etc)

santa fe county fire – wildland division http://sfcfire-wildland.com/


WILDLAND FIRE GUIDE initial attack 21

safety concerns:
• close calls - fire activity, dangerous situations, snags, rolling materials,
air drops, etc
• protective gear
• tactical considerations based on LCES, 10 standard orders and 18
watch outs

demobilization:
• personnel and equipment released at appropriate time
• dispatch notified
• fire status (out, monitoring, etc)
• rehab needed or completed
• reports completed (fire, performance ratings, time, etc)

forestry reports completed and sent to nm state


forestry within 24 hours
(see RECORDS section for instructions)

complete mutual aid reimbursement requests to nm


state forestry within 45 days

forms located here:


http://www.sfcfire-wildland.com/ DOWNLOADS section

santa fe county fire – wildland division http://sfcfire-wildland.com/


22 initial attack WILDLAND FIRE GUIDE

gps requirements on fires

1. At earliest opportunity after arrival on an incident, the initial attack


incident commander will collect and record a coordinate position of the
fire with lat/long. The lat/long coordinates will be in DECIMAL
DEGREES (dd.mmmmmm)

2. Fires greater than 10 acres must be mapped with GPS

3. Human caused fires that are under investigation should also be


mapped with GPS

4. GPS should be set to NAD 83 for fire reports and ground resources

Latitude and Longitude can be shown in 3 different formats:

FORMAT WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE HOW TO SAY IT

Degrees Decimal 48º 36.12' Four-eight degrees, three six


Minutes (aircraft) 114º 08.12' point one two minutes
Degrees Minutes 48º 36' 12” Four eight degrees, three six
Seconds 114º 08' 12” minutes, and one two seconds
(most maps)
Degrees Decimal 48.361342º Four eight point three six one
Degree 114.082312º three four two degrees
(santa fe county)

santa fe county fire – wildland division http://sfcfire-wildland.com/


WILDLAND FIRE GUIDE initial attack 23

out of area assignment (RMP)


• Are you qualified and do you have your red card? are your quals listed
on your red card?

• Resource order number and request number? Get a copy of the


resource order from your dispatch

• Local contact at destination - name and number

• Reporting location?

• Reporting time?

• Frequencies and phone numbers?

• Notify wildland division of departure and arrival

• Don't forget red bag, PPE, crew boss kit, radio, phone, etc

• Do you have transportation now and when you get there?

• If flying commercial airline, be there 2 hours early. You will need a


photo id and your flight itinerary. They will search your bags. Remove
your fusees, and if it's sharp put it in a checked bag or they will keep it
(ie: leathermans)

• Gear weight limit is 65 pounds. 45 for red bag and 20 for web gear.
Airlines usually have a maximum weight of 50 lbs per bag, total of 100
pounds for 2 bags

• Bring back an excellent performance re-evaluation. You represent the


fire department. Show up early, work hard, help out wherever possible.
Leave a good impression of yourself and our department. This will
mean job security for yourself and others.

santa fe county fire – wildland division http://sfcfire-wildland.com/


24 initial attack WILDLAND FIRE GUIDE

fireline pack and red bag items


line gear 20 pounds without fusees and water

• hardhat with chinstrap, safety goggles, earplugs


• fire shelter, first aid kit, leather gloves (plus extra pair)
• head lamp with extra bulbs
• 1 gallon water, MRE
• IRPG, note pad, pen, fireline handbook, smokey calendar
• handheld radio, programming plug/cloning cable, local unit frequencies,
AA batteries
• pocket knife/leatherman, watch, sunglasses, compass, signal mirror,
flagging
• spanner and scrench, bastard file, fusees
• sweater/light jacket/sweatshirt (natural fibers only)
• poncho/space blanket, cord
• extra socks, extra boot laces, snacks, bandanas
• toilet paper, heavy duty trash bag, fiber tape

red bag:

• sleeping bag, ground pad, tent


• 2 pair nomex pants and shirts
• running shoes and pt gear
• cotton socks/underwear
• cotton t-shirts & bandanas
• jeans or sweats, sweatshirt, sock hat
• rx drugs, cash
• spare prescription glasses/contacts
• toiletries, towel, cell phone
• swim trunks, sandals

maximum weight for red bag and fireline pack is 65 pounds

santa fe county fire – wildland division http://sfcfire-wildland.com/


WILDLAND FIRE GUIDE initial attack 25

international phonetic alphabet


a alpha
b bravo
c charlie
d delta
e echo
f foxtrot
g golf
h hotel
I india
j julliett
k kilo
l lima
m mike
n november
o oscar
p papa
q quebec
r romeo
s sierra
t tango
u uniform
v victor
w whiskey
x x-ray
y yankee
z zulu

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26 initial attack WILDLAND FIRE GUIDE

notes

santa fe county fire – wildland division http://sfcfire-wildland.com/

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