Module 4 Flashcards
What is fire control?
process of detecting, responding to, control and extinguishment of wildfire.
What is Alberta’s provincial fire control objective?
to not lose more that 1/10th of 1% of lands under protection from wildfire each year.
Provincial objective for area burned?
39, 297 ha/yr
Fire size classes
A - 0 - .1 ha B - .1 - 4 ha C - 4 - 40 ha D - 40 - 200 ha E - 200+ ha
Causes of Fire
Man:
Recreation, Resident, Industry, Incendiary
Lightning
unknown
Discovery Agents
Public Lookouts (40%) Aircraft Industry Ground patrol
Fire Prevention
Forest Closure - ministerial order used during extreme fire danger where high amounts of recreational activity is expected (possible fire starts).
Fuel Modification - physical reduction of surface or aerial fuel loading along roadways or strategic areas, intended to reduce head fire intensity and rate of spread.
Public Education - promotes care in the use of fire and speeds up reporting process
Fire Detection
Alberta goal is to locate and report all fires before they exceed 1/10th of 1 ha size and within five minutes of occurrence.
Fixed Detection systems
look outs and towers - primary detection source
Lookouts are above tree line in mountains, 2 level facility
Towers found in closed forest areas, separate living place and 75-100 foot tower.
Aerial Detection Systems
loaded aircraft patrols (initial attack crews and helicopter) with fire equipment. Cover areas of high risk and areas not visible from fire towers.
Other detection systems (2)
Public reporting system
Resource workers
Fire Pre-Suppression
prep of equipment, resources and personnel prior to the fire season
Provincial Warehousing
purchase and distribute fire equipment
Mechanical Services
repair, test and certify all power equipment
Provincial Telecommunications
VHF, UHF radio systems, cell and satellite phones, specialized fire line comm kits.
Do fire resource listings need to be updated each year?
Yes.
ex: helicopters, water trucks, fire crews cooks and tome keepers, semi trucks to haul cat machines etc
Fire Suppression
the physical action undertaken for the purpose of controlling a fire.
Wildfire Suppression Objective
to not lose more than 1/10th of 1% of protected lands to wildfire.
What is the 10 o’clock rule?
fires are to be kept under control before 1000 hrs the day after the start - objective target, not realistic for all fires.
Steps in Wildfire Assessment
1) Initial Fire Assessment
2) Containment
3) Control
4) Mop-Up
5) Post Fire Evaluation
The five stages of Fire Control Planning
Analysis - analyze occurrence
Prevention - program to minimize human-caused fire
Detection - quick detection & reporting of new fires
Pre-Suppression - prepared for new fire starts
Suppression - containment and extinguishment
what is the purpose of fire control planning?
to develop an appropriate level of readiness in the even of wildfire.
