Wildfire Flashcards
What are the 3 main factors that influence wildfire behaviour?
Fuel
Weather
Topography
What are 3 examples of fine fuels?
Leaves
Grass
Small twigs
Bark
Pine needles
What are the 4 key elements of weather?
Air temperature
Relative humidity
Wind (speed and direction at the fire front)
Atmospheric stability
What are the 4 ways that wind influences a wildfire?
Fire’s rate of spread
Fire’s direction of spread
Fire’s intensity
Likelihood of spotting
What is one way in which a cold front may influence fire behaviour?
A change in wind direction will change the front of the fire
What effect do katabatic winds have on the downslope spread of fire overnight?
They will significantly increase the downslope spread of fire
What are 4 elements of topography that affect fire behaviour?
Slope
Aspect
Interaction between terrain and wind
Elevation
What are the three types of fire?
Ground fire
Surface fire
Crown fire
If a wildfire has dark brown smoke what could it mean?
Fuel is very dry and fire behaviour is more severe
What is given first eastings or northings?
Eastings
What must firefighters always have for a direct attack?
An immediate safe refuge or escape route (best safe area is burnt ground)
What are the 2 strategies for fighting a wildfire?
Offensive strategy
Defensive strategy
What are the 4 types of wildfire attack?
Flank attack
Direct (Head) attack
Indirect attack
Parallel attack
What are the 3 ways a structure may become involved in a wildfire?
Direct flame
Radiant heat
Ember attack
What are 3 common ember attack points around a structure?
Gaps in roof cladding and gutters
Under doors and through open windows
On decks, verandas, pergolas and door and window frames
What are some difficulties that may be encountered travelling to the izone?
Visibility
Traffic
Objects fallen across road
What does LACES stand for?
Lookout
Awareness
Communication
Escape Routes
Safety zones
When protecting a structure what safety measures should crews take to shield themselves from radiant heat?
Move as close to the structure as possible utilising the structure as a barrier between themselves and the fire
Using hose lines to set up a protective water curtain
Before the fire front approaches consider moving to a safe clear area until the fire front passes
What measures would you take to conserve water?
Timing the use of water
Keeping the tank 1/4 full
Create a mineral break
What are 3 ways to minimise the risk of heat stress?
Wear correct PPE
Work at a comfortable distance from the fire
Prehydrate
What should you do to protect yourself if you are in an appliance threatened by a wildfire?
Ensure the appliance is parked away from elevated fuels
Enter the appliance from the sheltered side
Ensure the engine is running on fast idle with aircon on and set to recirculate
Leaving driving lights, hazard lights and engine on. If in a tanker prepare appliance protection hose lines
Close all windows doors and vents
What are T Cards used for on the fireground?
Used as a passport for keeping track of appliances as they leave the staging area and are deployed onto the fireground
When would Priority Call Procedure (red,red,red) be used at a wildfire?
Used at anytime radio priority, or emergency access is required to a busy radio channel, FIRECOM or fireground
How should you approach a helicopter?
Stay in pilots view at all times
Wait until the pilot gives the signal to approach
Approach and leave the helicopter from the lowest down slope side
Always carry stretchers, tools and other objects horizontally when working near a helicopter
