Ready, Set, Go

Question 1

You are working a shift at Fire Station 62 in Battalion 2 on a spring day in May, and you receive a telephone call at the beginning of the shift from the battalion chief asking you to attend a homeowners group meeting with thirty residents Claremont at the Padua Hills Theater. The residents live in an area sometimes threatened by wildfire, and would like you to speak to them about what they are to do to protect their homes and families from wildfire and for you to provide preparedness steps that will help them before a fire impacts their area. The meeting is at 6pm and you are being asked to speak about five minutes.

Answer 1

Scenario

Question 2

What is the department’s program name for preparing a personal wildfire action plan?

Answer 2

Ready, Set, Go!

Question 3

Where is this document available?

Answer 3

Fire Station
Public Information Office (323) 881-2411
www.fire.lacounty.gov

Question 4

Get “Ready”

Did the candidate explain what a defensible home is?

Answer 4

Defensible home:
Greatest potential for surviving a wildfire.
In compliance with LACoFD Brush clearance requirements, or
Been through LACoFD Fuel Modification Program.

Question 5

What is defensible space

Answer 5

Defensible space is the area around a structure free of flammable plants and objects that creates a zone in which firefighters can operate safely in order to help protect a home during a wildfire.

Question 6

Zone 1

Answer 6

30’

50’ in HFHZ & VHFHZ

Question 7

Zone 2

Answer 7

70’ for a total of 100’

HFHZ & VHFHZ can require an additional 100’ for a total of 200’

Question 8

Did the candidate explain what a fuel modification is?

Answer 8

Program affects new construction in high fire hazard areas.
Identifies zones and approved plant list, and
Identifies areas for brush clearance and thinning.

Question 9

Zone A

Answer 9

20’ around structure
High moisture content fuels
Prevent direct flame impingement
Free of fine receptive fuel beds

Question 10

Zone B

Answer 10

Extends 100’ from home
Approved plant list
Irrigated
Designed to slow fire progress

Question 11

Zone C

Answer 11

From edge of Zone B up to 200’
Vegetation thinned
Dead growth removed
Native vegetation thinned 30-50%

Question 12

Did the candidate explain what can be done to harden a home?

Answer 12

Roof 
Fire-resistive
Clear of leaves and pine needles
Rain gutter clear
10’ clearance from trees

Question 13

Did the candidate explain what can be done to harden a home?

Answer 13

Eaves

Closed vs. open

Question 14

Did the candidate explain what can be done to harden a home?

Answer 14

Vents
1/8” or smaller wire mesh
No plastic or fiberglass

Question 15

Did the candidate explain what can be done to harden a home?

Answer 15

Walls

Fire-resistive

Question 16

Did the candidate explain what can be done to harden a home?

Answer 16

Windows/Doors
Dual pane vs. single pane
Limit vegetation facing windows

Question 17

Did the candidate explain what can be done to harden a home?

Answer 17

Balconies/decks
Fire-resistive material?
Enclose underside
Ignition resistant if within 10’ from home

Question 18

Get “Set”
Did the candidate explain how to prepare your family Disaster Plan?
Did the candidate discuss the checklists for preparing a Family Disaster plan, outdoor, indoor, and trapped survival tips?

Answer 18

Prepare your Family (Wildfire Action Plan)
Create Family Disaster Plan
Meeting Location
Communications plan
Evacuation of large animals
Rehearse it
Fire extinguishers
Utility shut-offs
Escape routes
Emergency meeting location: outside of fire hazard area
Assemble emergency supply kit
Identify an out-of-area friend or relative POC
Emergency contact numbers
Extra supply kit in vehicle
Portable radio/scanner for fire updates

Question 19

Prepare your Family (Wildfire Action Plan)

Answer 19

Create Family Disaster Plan
Meeting Location
Communications plan
Evacuation of large animals
Rehearse it
Fire extinguishers
Utility shut-offs
Escape routes
Emergency meeting location: outside of fire hazard area
Assemble emergency supply kit
Identify an out-of-area friend or relative POC
Emergency contact numbers
Extra supply kit in vehicle
Portable radio/scanner for fire updates

Question 20

As the Fire Approaches:

Answer 20

Alert family and neighbors
Appropriate clothing
Fire survival kit
TV/Radio for updates
Stay close to home, drink water and keep eye on family

Question 21

Outdoor checklist

Answer 21

Gather flammable products; place inside or in pool
Turn off propane
Connect garden hoses to outside taps
DO NOT leave sprinklers on
Leave exterior lights on
Back car into garage; shut door/roll-up windows
Ladder
Patrol property
Seal attic and ground vents

Question 22

Indoor checklist

Answer 22

Shut all windows/doors; leave unlocked
Remove flammable window treatments
Move flammable furniture away from windows
Shut off gas at meter/turn off pilot lights
Leave interior lights on
Shut off A/C

Question 23

If You are Trapped: Survival Tips

Answer 23

Shelter away from outside walls
Patrol inside of home and extinguish
Wear long sleeve shirt and pants, natural fibers
Stay hydrated
Ensure you can exit home
After fire has passed check roof and extinguish
Patrol property and extinguish
Check inside attic
Call 911 if unable to extinguish

Question 24

Go ‘EarlyDid the candidate explain why to evacuate early?

Answer 24

By leaving early, you will give your family the best chance of surviving a wildfire. You also help firefighters by keeping roads clear of congestion.

Question 25

Did the candidate explain what a resident survival kit is?

Answer 25

Keep shoes and flashlight handy for night evacuation
Keep the six “P’s” for immediate evacuation:
People and pets
Papers, phone numbers, documents
Prescriptions, eyeglasses
Pictures and irreplaceable items
Personal computers
Plastic: credit cards/cash