Phx Fire Vol 2 (Deck 9) Flashcards
202.14B - 202.16
1
Q
202.15
A
Brush/Wildland Fire
2
Q
Describe the purpose of the Phoenix Regional Standard Operating Procedures for brush/wildland fire incidents.
A
The purpose is to serve as an operational guide for serious dry vegetation fires encountered in the desert areas near Phoenix and surrounding communities.
3
Q
Primary objective for brush/wildland fire incidents?
A
FF safety.
4
Q
Define Air Attack.
A
Aerial reconnaissance aircraft which can provide information from above the fire by an observer.
5
Q
How do brush/wildland fires on state, tribal, or federal lands differ in terms of resources for suppression and command needs?
A
May have resources respond for suppression and command needs from agencies like the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, BIA, BLM, U.S. Forest Service, and may include engines, hand crews, aircraft, and supervisory personnel.
6
Q
Agency specific guidelines?
A
Additional training, capabilities, and guidelines specific to their agency, and may constantly staff water tenders and brush trucks during brush fire season as conditions dictate.
7
Q
Overview for brush/wildland fire incidents.
A
The desert areas near Phoenix and surrounding communities occasionally see vegetation fires that grow in complexity and resource needs, often burning across jurisdictional boundaries with state, tribal, and federal lands, creating a low frequency, high risk incident for personnel, with FF safety as the primary objective.
8
Q
Role of a Type 1 Engine in FF operations.
A
Typical structure engine with a crew of 4 personnel, a minimum 400-gallon tank, and a 1000 gpm pump.
9
Q
Function of a Water Tender in FF?
A
Water transport and delivery fire apparatus capable of carrying 1000 to 5000 gallons of water, with pumps ranging from 50 to 1500 gpm.
10
Q
How does a SEAT (Single Engine Air Tanker) contribute to FF efforts?
A
Fixed-wing aircraft capable of transporting and delivering fire retardant solutions of about 800 gallons, similar to a crop duster.
11
Q
Define a Wildland Fire.
A
Non-structure fire that occurs in the wildland, demanding significant command and support staff to manage and often requiring resources from other fire departments and government agencies.
12
Q
First alarm brush assignment.
A
5 engines, 4 brush trucks, 2 water tenders, 3 command officers, 1 shift commander, 1 command van, 1 safety officer, 1 rehab unit, 1 canteen unit, 1 rescue (or ambulance), and 2 CXX19 units.
13
Q
Second alarm brush assignment or greater.
A
5 engines, 4 brush trucks, 2 water tenders, staff and command officer response, port-a-potties, refueling truck, mechanics, radio technician, multiple spare radios, all available CXX19s, and weather reports.
14
Q
Define PPE brush/wildland fire.
A
Specialized gear designed for brush/wildland fire suppression, as structural turnout coats, pants, and boots are not suitable for this environment.
15
Q
Brush assignment.
A
2 engines, 2 brush trucks, 1 water tender, 1 command officer, and 1 rescue (or ambulance).
16
Q
Brush/wildland fire protective ensemble.
A
Helmet, fireive brush shirt/jacket, fire resistive brush pants, eye and hearing protection, work gloves, and leather ankle high boots.
17
Q
How should personnel stay hydrated during wildland fire fighting?
A
Access to drinking water, carry canteens or similar water containers, and can carry sterile water bottles in their brush jacket pockets.
18
Q
Define LCES.
A
Lookouts, Communication, Escape Routes, and Safety Zones, and it is maintained by Company Officers to ensure crew safety.
19
Q
10 Standard Fire Orders?
A
- Keep informed on fire weather conditions and forecasts.
- Know what the fire is doing at all times.
- Base all actions on current and expected behavior of the fire.
- Identify escape routes and safety zones and make them known.
- Post lookouts when there is poss.
- Be Alert. Keep Calm. Act Decisively.
- Maintain prompt communications w. adjoining forces.
- Give clear instructions & ensure they are understood.
9.Maintain control of your forces at all times. - Fight fire aggressively, providing for safety first.
20
Q
Describe the eighteen watch out situations for brush/wildland fires.
A
- Not scouted/sized-up.
- In country not seen in daylight.
- Safety zones/escape routes not identified.
- Unfamiliar w/ Wx & local factors influencing fire behavior.
- Uniformed on strategy, tactics, & hazards.
- Instructions/assignments not clear.
- No comms link w/ crew/supervisor.
- Constructing line w/o safety anchor point.
- Building fire line downhill w/ fire below.
- Attempting frontal assault on the fire.
- Unburned fuel b/w you & the fire.
- Cannot see the main fire or in contact w/ anyone who can.
- On a hillside where rolling material can ignite fuel below.
- Wx is getting hotter & drier.
- Wind increases &/or changes direction.
- Getting frequent spot fires across the line.
- Terrain & fuels make escape to safety zones difficult.
- Taking a nap near the fire line.
21
Q
Critical factors that affect the fire behavior of a wildland fire?
A
Wx, fuel, and topography.
22
Q
Do morning winds and afternoon winds follow a specific pattern during a normal day?
A
Yes, morning winds are typically East to West, and afternoon winds are usually West to East.
23
Q
Red Flag Warning.
A
By the National Weather Service, indicates the presence of conditions that may substantially affect brush/wildland fire incidents during a specific period.
24
Q
Impact of humidity on fire spread during a normal day.
A
Slows down in the evening as humidity increases (25%) and increases during the midmorning hours as humidity decreases (15%).
25
Importance of maintaining control of forces at all times?
Crucial for ensuring effective and safe FF operations.
26
How should brush/wildland fire be fought?
Aggressively, with safety being the first priority.
27
Impact of terrain and fuels on escape to safety zones.
Make escape to safety zones difficult, posing a significant challenge for FF operations.
28
Impact of hot and dry conditions.
Produce extremely rapid-fire spread, with a slight decrease in relative humidity causing a significant increase in fire intensity.
29
Define the term 'crowning.
Burning uphill much more rapidly than downhill, tending to create its own convection currents and start spot fires a considerable distance down the receding slope.
30
How should the first arriving company officer address the values at risk when assuming Command in a wildland fire setting?
Life safety, structures threatened, fire control, and property conservation benchmarks, with a plan that includes Lookouts, Communications, Escape Routes, and Safety Zones (LCES) for FFs and equipment.
31
What needs to be noted on area maps?
Natural fire breaks & potential exposure problems, particularly with regard to access roads and accessible areas where apparatus may travel.
32
Describe the impact of heavy winds on fire behavior in the Phoenix area.
Produce rapid-fire spread and can lead to the creation of spot fires far in advance of the fire head.
33
Define LCES in the context of wildland fire management.
Must be in place prior to any fire suppression operations, with easily accessible and large enough safety zones to prevent radiant heat injuries or direct flame impingement.
34
How does fire behavior differ on uphill slopes compared to downhill slopes?
Uphill much more rapidly than downhill, tending to crown over the top and start spot fires a considerable distance down the receding slope.
35
Fuel characteristics in the river bottoms of the Phoenix area.
Mix of grass, brush, and trees, which increase fire behavior and the time it takes to extinguish them.
36
Importance of establishing a Command Post and sectors/divisions/groups on major brush/wildland fire incidents.
To effectively manage resources, plot progress, and coordinate communication and response efforts.
37
Do brush/wildland fires often present a large area of rapidly spreading fire?
Yes, making it crucial to make critical decisions on where to attack the fire for the best advantage.
38
Define the term 'size up.'
Deliberate and thorough initial assessment of a fire incident to gather pertinent information on the fire's location, spread rates, direction, identified hazards, threats to improvements, and anticipated needed resources.
39
How should Command adjust strategy when brush/wildland fires begin to threaten homes?
Prepared to readjust and develop a defensive strategy to protect exposures while allowing the fire to burn to a location better suited for control.
40
Considerations that greatly affect tactics and strategy during a brush/wildland fire size-up.
Location and size of the fire, rate of speed, flame length, spot fires, fuel continuity, type of fuel, fuel loading, and weather conditions.
41
What must Command be prepared to do as fire spread becomes critical during a brush/wildland fire incident?
Special call additional attack units by specific companies or request assistance by standardized alarm responses, making this determination early.
42
How should the Command Post location be selected during a brush/wildland fire incident?
Safe location that does not have to move if the fire changes direction, with close proximity for helicopter landings and supporting elements to set up.
43
Factors that command must consider when developing an IAP for a brush/wildland fire.
Temperature, wind speed and direction, relative humidity, topography, hazards, and resources.
44
Direct attack methods?
Involve working directly and safely on the fire's edge.
45
Define the 'anchor and flank' approach in the context of brush/wildland fire attack.
Establishing a safe location, or anchor point, to start the attack without being outflanked by fire.
46
How should fire suppression personnel on fires in light fuels approach the attack?
'One foot in the black' method in an inside out attack, where the safety zone is the previously burned area adjacent to the burning fire front.
47
Difference in approach between a brush/wildland fire attack and a structural fire attack.
Attack should be from the burned (black) side where possible, unlike a structural fire attack where personnel attack the fire head-on from the unburned side.
48
Indirect attack methods?
Used when fire personnel work some distance away from the fire's edge.
49
Natural fire barriers that command should take advantage of on large open grass fires.
Dry sandy washes, roads, trails, rock outcroppings, and patch fuels are natural fire barriers that can assist in control measures on large open grass fires.
50
Process of structure protection during interface fires involving brush and structures.
Necessary to retain a 3-1 structural assignment in staging and be prepared to assign those units to conduct structural firefighting if needed. Units assigned to protect a structure should thoroughly size up the site for firefighter safety, ensure good access and clearance, and plan to remain as mobile as possible.
51
Tactical challenges and hazards for structure protection during interface fires?
Narrow roads, unknown bridge limits, ornamental plants and combustible debris next to structures, wooden siding and roof materials, open roof vents, limited water sources, and property owners remaining onsite.
52
How is mop-up defined?
Process of putting out all fire embers or sparks to prevent them from crossing the fire line. It is done after direct or indirect line work is completed and the fire is called 'Under Control'.
53
Objective of mop-up?
Make the fire line safe and put the fire out by putting out all fire embers or sparks to prevent them from crossing the fire line.
54
Use of hose packs in structure protection during interface fires.
Hose packs, consisting of 1 ½” “trunk” line with a gated “y” and one or two 1” forestry hose lines with nozzle, may be used by some regional departments for structure protection during interface fires. They are used to keep hose lays short and limited to one or two at most.
55
What should crews plan for during structure protection in case escape is necessary?
Remain as mobile as possible in case escape is necessary. They should also plan for short hose lays and use of hose packs, and keep seriously exposed structures wet, using appropriate foam if possible.
56
Define the term 'interface fires' in the context of firefighting.
Involving the interface between wildland or brush areas and structures. During such fires, it may be necessary to assign units to conduct structural firefighting and protect structures from the advancing fire.
57
What should Company Officers do when assigned to protect a structure during interface fires?
Thoroughly size up the site for firefighter safety, ensure good access and clearance, and plan for quick egress if necessary. They should also ensure that seriously exposed structures are kept wet, using appropriate foam if possible.
58
What should be done during rehab of mop up crews in the context of wildland fires?
At least 2 firefighters should remain in the area to monitor for re-ignition or spread of fire.
59
Use of Class A foam in mop up operations during wildland fires.
Greatly increases effectiveness in mop up of deep-burning fuels.
60
What should Command determine during mop up operations?
Distance inside the control line to be overhauled, which for small fires may be the entire burn area.
61
What should be scheduled for crews?
Follow-up checks to ensure the fire is out in the mopped-up perimeter.
62
Purpose of the SOPs for brush/wildland fire air support.
Ensure the safe and effective use of aerial firefighting resources on wildland/brush fires.
63
Define air attack in the context of aerial firefighting.
Fixed wing aircraft with a pilot and air attack group supervisor on board, responsible for coordinating with command, aircraft, and ground forces to ensure aircraft safety and correct drop locations.
64
202.15A
Brush/Wildland Fire Air Support
65
Role of a lead plane in aerial firefighting?
Used as a guide for heavy and large air tankers to mark flight routes and drop sites.
66
How are large aircraft referred to on a wildland fire ground, and what is water hauling equipment called?
Tankers, and water hauling equipment is called a tender.
67
Types of fixed wing aircraft used in aerial firefighting.
They include Single Engine Air Tanker (S.E.A.T) holding 600 – 800 gallons of retardant, Large Air Tanker holding up to 3000 gallons of retardant, and Very Large Air Tanker (DC10) holding 10,000 gallons of retardant.
68
Comm protocol for aircraft involved in water/retardant drops during a brush/wildland fire operation.
Must be on a secure radio channel with the ground contact at the incident command post. Requests for drops must go through command to Air Operations, who will assign an aircraft and provide drop location information.
69
Restrictions for aircraft used in water/retardant drops during a brush/wildland fire operation?
Not be used at night. Rotary wing aircraft carrying an external load should not fly over occupied structures, and all state and federal resources must be on the ground 30 minutes prior to sunset.
70
Considerations for setting up dip sites, landing zones, and helispots during a brush/wildland fire operation.
Clear approach and departure routes, flat and paved terrain if possible, dust control procedures, water supply location, travel time to and from the fire line, and wind direction with a plan for potential shifts.
71
How should progress reports on the effectiveness of water drops on the fire be communicated to command during a brush/wildland fire operation?
Sectors will advise Command of the need for water drops and provide specific locations. Sectors and crews do not communicate directly with the helicopter pilot unless directed by Command.
72
Role of the dip site manager in the communication process during a brush/wildland fire operation.
The dip site manager shall monitor the Air Operations channel and ensure proper drop location by providing the location of the drop on the fire and the radio channel of the ground contact to the aircraft pilot.
73
Importance of having a plan when working with air tankers during a brush/wildland fire.
Helps determine tactics based on strategy, such as direct or indirect approaches based on fire size up.
74
Safety measures should be taken when aerial water and retardant drops are imminent and personnel cannot escape the target area?
Hold hand tools away from their body, lie face down with head toward the oncoming aircraft, and grasp something firm to prevent being carried or rolled about by the drop liquid.
75
How should personnel approach and depart from helicopters during air support operations?
From the down-slope side as directed by the pilot, in a crouched position, and should keep in the pilot's view at all times.
76
Role of ground resources when working with air tankers during a brush/wildland fire.
Order appropriate aircraft for the mission, establish effective comm w/ Air Ops or Air Attack, and inform ground resources when there is aircraft inbound and when drops are completed on a division or segment of line.
77
Precautions should be taken when working in an area covered by wet retardant during aerial water and retardant drops?
Caution due to slippery surfaces, and personnel should get clear of dead snags, tops, and limbs in the drop area.
78
Purpose of the SOPs for urban-interface deployment.
To establish a standard deployment for wildland-urban interface fire incidents.
79
202.15B
Urban-Interface Deployment
80
Define wildland-urban.
Zone of transition between wildland (or unoccupied land) and human development.
81
Policy regarding wildland-urban interface protection for fire departments CALSSRC?
Focus on the unique fire protection challenges associated with the wildland-urban interface.
82
How are areas at risk for an urban-interface fire incident identified?
Company Officers are responsible for the identification of at-risk areas within their first-due, reported to their Battalion Chief for identification in the CAD system.
83
Dispatch for an urban-interface incidents.
5 Engines, 1 Ladder, 3 Brush Trucks, 2 Tenders, 2 Command Officers, 1 Rescue (or ambulance), 1 Shift Commander, 1 CXX19.
84
Dispatch for a first alarm urban-interface incident?
8 Engines, 2 Ladders, 5 Brush Trucks, 4 Tenders, 2 Rescues (or ambulance), 3 Command Officers, 2 Shift Commanders, 1 CRV, 1 Safety Officer.
85
Staffing of some FDs Brush Trucks within the CALSSRC.
4-person crew including a Company Officer.
86
Designation of Brush Engine in.
Units with a 4-person crew including a Company Officer shall have the designation of Brush Engine in the CAD system.
87
How are Brush Trucks considered in terms of deployment?
A Brush Truck shall be considered as a tool or a resource, and must be assigned to a Company Officer (or Sector Officer) and not be unsupervised or unsupported on the fireground.
88
Purpose of the SOP for Red Flag Warnings in the Phoenix region.
Standard actions and considerations when a Red Flag Warning is issued, specifically for weather events that may result in extreme fire behavior within 24 hours.
89
Define a Red Flag Warning as per the National Weather Service.
Highest level of weather-related fire warning, issued for weather events that may result in extreme fire behavior within 24 hours.
90
How does the Regional Dispatch Center notify on-duty units of a Red Flag Warning?
Via an MCT message and make an all-call on channel one to all stations.
91
Standard details included in the message regarding a Red Flag Warning?
Affected area, wind speed and direction, timing of the warning, relative humidity, and any additional pertinent information provided by the National Weather Service.
92
Operational considerations for Wildland Urban Interface during a Red Flag Warning.
Represents the highest probability of a wildfire occurring and indicates a significant danger to firefighters when operating in the Wildland Urban Interface during such warnings.
93
Describe the impact of Red Flag Warnings on structural firefighting incidents.
Extreme danger during structural firefighting, with wind-driven fires causing injuries and fatalities.
94
202.15C
Red Flag Warnings
95
What does the NIST state about wind speeds and fire progression in structures?
Wind speeds as little as 10 mph can cause rapid fire progression in structures, regardless of the structure type.
96
How should FFs approach a fire during a Red Flag Warning in terms of wind direction and attack strategy?
Pay attention to wind direction and attack the fire from the windward side when possible. Opening any door on the leeward side can create a flow path and cause the fire to grow.
97
Define 'transitional attacks' in the context of FF during Red Flag Warnings.
Windward side are very effective at cooling the interior prior to entry during a Red Flag Warning, and all crews should closely coordinate any ventilation.
98
Early consideration in a firefighting incident during a Red Flag Warning?
Outside aid from state, tribal, and federal resources should be considered early in the incident to manage the extreme danger and probability of spreading.
99
Describe the minimum level of protection for FFs during car fire operations.
Full protective clothing and breathing air from their SCBA.
100
202.16
Car Fires
101
Hazards and safety considerations related to car fires.
Risks associated with Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Liquid Natural Gas (LNG), energy absorbing bumpers, batteries, combustible metals, trunk/rear hatch/engine hoods, and fuel tanks.
102
Potential hazards associated with energy absorbing bumpers during a car fire?
Develop high pressures when heated during a fire, leading to the sudden release of the bumper assembly, which could result in serious injury to anyone in its path.
103
How should fires involving the trunk/cargo area of a vehicle be approached?
Extreme caution, as the contents may include toxic, flammable, or other hazardous materials. Expect the worst.
104
Potential risks associated with combustible metals in a vehicle fire.
Some vehicles have various parts made of combustible metals, such as engine blocks, heads, and wheels. When these metals are burning, attempts to extinguish them with water will usually add to the intensity of the fire. Large quantities of water, however, will cool the metal below its ignition temperature.
105
What actions should be taken if there is flame impingement on a visible LPG/LNG storage tank during a car fire?
Control the fire and cool the tank to prevent a potential BLEVE from occurring.
