FIRE ATTACK STRATEGIES

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1 Engine Module Page 1 of 6 FIRE ATTACK STRATEGIES Determining appropriate initial attack strategies and tactics must be based on the main incident and management objective providing for firefighter and public safety. There are other factors, including fire behavior (rate of spread, fuel type(s), flame length, etc.), which along with values at risk and resources available, often dictate which strategies and tactics should be used. DEFENSIVE STRATEGIES ARE USED FOR: Structure Protection For isolated structures Communities and Subdivisions Other structures and improvements Power and Utility Lines Radio and/or Satellite Tower To "turn" a fire from one direction of spread to another. To keep fire from heavier fuel, rougher topography, sensitive wildlife areas, etc. To "slow down" a fire while waiting for additional resources. This applies to aerial application of retardant to slow the rate of spread until ground firefighters can arrive and take action. OFFENSIVE STRATEGIES ARE USED FOR: Attacking The Fire by Extinguishment Must have enough personnel and equipment on scene or available to be successful May be used on any size fire. The fire is being attacked by working to put it out Attacking The Fire Problem by Constructing Fire Breaks to Remove the Fuel May be used on any size fire All activity is dedicated to stopping the fire spread Fire Suppression Interpretations from Flame Length Always match strategy and tactics with present and predicted fire behavior and weather conditions! Flame Length Less than 4 feet Interpretations Fire can generally be attacked at the head or flanks by firefighters using hand tools. Hand line should hold fire.

2 Engine Module Page 2 of 6 4 to 8 feet Fires are too intense for direct attack on the head with hand tools. Hand line cannot be relied on to hold the fire. Bulldozers, engines, and retardant drops can be effective. 8 to 11 feet Fire may present serious control problems such as torching, crowning, and spotting. Control efforts at the head will probably be ineffective. Over 11 Feet Crowning, spotting and major fire runs are probable. Control efforts at the head of the fire are ineffective. DIRECT ATTACK This strategy is conducted directly on the flaming edge of the fire. Direct attack must start with an anchor point. Direct attack is considered the safest attack method. We are directly located on the fire s edge and can easily take refuge into the burned area. Or as we say -- One foot in the burn, one foot in the green! The Direct Attack is used: On small fires In light fuels In sub-surface fuels such as peat or duff On the flanks and rear of larger fires Where burning intensities, heat, smoke, and terrain will allow Advantages of a Direct Attack Limits chance for fire to gain momentum or size Eliminates the need to backfire Reduces danger of fire crowning If necessary, crew can escape into burned area Takes advantage of burned out areas along the control line Disadvantages of a Direct Attack Personnel work in the heat and smoke More mop-up and closer patrol required More danger of slop over and spot fires Control line generally follows fire edge; is longer and irregular

3 Engine Module Page 3 of 6 Does not take advantage of existing fire barriers (natural or manmade) Direct Attack Guidelines Take advantage of wind lulls Time attack to coincide with fire entering lighter fuels, if possible Use only as much as needed to control the fire Scatter heavy fuels inside the burn Do Not Attack the head on fast moving or hot fires Waste water Risk the safety of personnel and equipment on fuel that will grow back next year Methods of Direct Attack (also see Mobile Attack Section) Flanking Action Action is started from an anchor point Usually attacking the hottest flank Usually near the Point of Origin May use either Engine Companies or Hand Crews (if not too hot) Must make sure fire is contained before moving forward so fire does not slop-over INDIRECT ATTACK This strategy is used when a direct attack is not possible or practical. The use of natural barriers, roads, fuel type changes, etc. helps to establish control lines as part of burn out or backfiring operations. Indirect is an effective strategy when fire behavior is intense and/or firefighting resources are scarce. Indirect attack must start with an anchor point. The Indirect Attack is used: Where the burning intensity, rate of spread and working conditions (heat, smoke, terrain) are too extreme Insufficient equipment and/or personnel available Good natural or manmade fire barrier is available Fast spreading and/or hot fires To straighten fire lines (across pockets)

4 Engine Module Page 4 of 6 Advantages of an Indirect Attack Personnel are not working in the heat and smoke Takes advantage of changes in fuel types Eliminates irregularity of lines Less danger of slop-over Permits taking advantage of: Tops of ridges Natural barriers such as roads, trails, streams, swamps, and old burns Disadvantages of a Indirect Attack Sacrifices acreage The fire may flank crew Backfire(s) may get out of control Fire may change direction suddenly Indirect Attack Guidelines Establish lines in lighter fuels, if possible Make lines as straight as possible Make use of natural barriers Clean line down to mineral soil Maintain patrol of established lines Set backfires when needed Do Not Overwork crew Construct line adjacent to tall fuels Set unwatched backfires Take unnecessary chances with personnel or equipment

5 Engine Module Page 5 of 6 METHODS OF INDIRECT ATTACK Burning Out Usually a Defensive action Used to strengthen a control line Used to remove pockets and/or islands of fuel Used to protect structures Must be done with tight control, good communication, and teamwork Always a risk the operation could get out of control Backfiring Usually an offensive action A control line is established as close as possible to the fire, taking into account the time required to construct and hold a control line and the intervening fuel is set on fire to put out the main fire May only be initiated by the I.C. Should only be done by an experienced crew Never start more fire then can be controlled by personnel assigned to the holding operation When fire danger is extreme, backfiring is very hazardous Every firing operation needs an anchor point and termination point. A safe place from which to start or end an operation. An anchor point is a spot that secures the line. It is a place to start your attack action. A termination point safely completes your attack action. Refer to section for more information on firing operations. PARALLEL ATTACK This strategy constructs fire line 6 to 50 feet from the fire s edge. The line is burned out immediately after construction. Parallel attack must start with an anchor point. The Parallel Attack is used: Primarily used by hand crew s and bulldozers Works best in relatively light fuels Works best on relatively small fires Best used where existing natural and man-made barriers are available Advantages of a Parallel Attack Crew's work out of heat and smoke Shortens control lines

6 Engine Module Page 6 of 6 Less danger of slop-over Takes advantage of natural and man-made barriers Disadvantages of a Parallel Attack Require the use of burning out Unburned fuel between crew and fire Most dangerous attack method Parallel Attack Guidelines Stay as close to fire edge as possible Establish line in lighter fuel if possible Keep line as straight as possible Make use of natural or man-made barriers Burn out fuel between line and main fire Do Not Burn out faster than the line is being constructed Construct line in tall fuel Place crew or equipment in danger Los Prietos Hotshots completing Indirect Line Bulldozer completing Direct Line