Wildfire

Question 1

What are the 3 main factors that influence wildfire behaviour?

Answer 1

Fuel

Weather

Topography

Question 2

What are 3 examples of fine fuels?

Answer 2

Leaves

Grass

Small twigs

Bark

Pine needles

Question 3

What are the 4 key elements of weather?

Answer 3

Air temperature

Relative humidity

Wind (speed and direction at the fire front)

Atmospheric stability

Question 4

What are the 4 ways that wind influences a wildfire?

Answer 4

Fire’s rate of spread

Fire’s direction of spread

Fire’s intensity

Likelihood of spotting

Question 5

What is one way in which a cold front may influence fire behaviour?

Answer 5

A change in wind direction will change the front of the fire

Question 6

What effect do katabatic winds have on the downslope spread of fire overnight?

Answer 6

They will significantly increase the downslope spread of fire

Question 7

What are 4 elements of topography that affect fire behaviour?

Answer 7

Slope

Aspect

Interaction between terrain and wind

Elevation

Question 8

What are the three types of fire?

Answer 8

Ground fire

Surface fire

Crown fire

Question 9

If a wildfire has dark brown smoke what could it mean?

Answer 9

Fuel is very dry and fire behaviour is more severe

Question 10

What is given first eastings or northings?

Answer 10

Eastings

Question 11

What must firefighters always have for a direct attack?

Answer 11

An immediate safe refuge or escape route (best safe area is burnt ground)

Question 12

What are the 2 strategies for fighting a wildfire?

Answer 12

Offensive strategy

Defensive strategy

Question 13

What are the 4 types of wildfire attack?

Answer 13

Flank attack

Direct (Head) attack

Indirect attack

Parallel attack

Question 14

What are the 3 ways a structure may become involved in a wildfire?

Answer 14

Direct flame

Radiant heat

Ember attack

Question 15

What are 3 common ember attack points around a structure?

Answer 15

Gaps in roof cladding and gutters

Under doors and through open windows

On decks, verandas, pergolas and door and window frames

Question 16

What are some difficulties that may be encountered travelling to the izone?

Answer 16

Visibility

Traffic

Objects fallen across road

Question 17

What does LACES stand for?

Answer 17

Lookout

Awareness

Communication

Escape Routes

Safety zones

Question 18

When protecting a structure what safety measures should crews take to shield themselves from radiant heat?

Answer 18

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

Question 19

What measures would you take to conserve water?

Answer 19

Timing the use of water

Keeping the tank 1/4 full

Create a mineral break

Question 20

What are 3 ways to minimise the risk of heat stress?

Answer 20

Wear correct PPE

Work at a comfortable distance from the fire

Prehydrate

Question 21

What should you do to protect yourself if you are in an appliance threatened by a wildfire?

Answer 21

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

Question 22

What are T Cards used for on the fireground?

Answer 22

Used as a passport for keeping track of appliances as they leave the staging area and are deployed onto the fireground

Question 23

When would Priority Call Procedure (red,red,red) be used at a wildfire?

Answer 23

Used at anytime radio priority, or emergency access is required to a busy radio channel, FIRECOM or fireground

Question 24

How should you approach a helicopter?

Answer 24

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