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ACTF&R College > Wildfire > Flashcards

Wildfire Flashcards

1
Q

What SOG is ACT fire and Rescue guided by in regard to Wildfire response.

A

SOG 7

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2
Q

Three types of bushfires

A

Ground fire
Surface fire
Crown fire

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3
Q

Parts of a wildfire

A
  • Heel, rear or back
  • Point of origin
  • Flank (left & right)
  • Unburnt pocket or island
  • Finger
  • Head of fire
  • Spot fires
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4
Q

What are the three factors that affect bushfires?

A

Fuel
Weather
Topography

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5
Q

Fuel can vary in what way?

A
  • Type
  • Size and quantity
  • Arrangement
  • Moisture content
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6
Q

Types of fuel

A

Grass
Litter eg leaf litter
Small herbs and shrubs
Decomposing humus and duff (fine ground litter)
Shrubs
Tress

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7
Q

What are the arrangements of fuel?

A

Surface fuel
Near surface fuel
Elevated surface fuel
Bark fuel
Canopy fuel

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8
Q

What maps do ACTF&R use in regards to Wildfire?

A

Topographical maps

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9
Q

Signs of unstable atmospheric conditions?

A

Vertical movement of air occurs easily
Cumulus (cotton wool) type clouds show noticeable vertical growth
Smoke columns can rise to great heights
Winds may be gusty and unpredictable
Lightning strikes may occur from thunderstorms
Strong winds may occur from thunderstorms and rain clouds*
Whirlwinds (‘willy-willies’) may occur

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10
Q

signs of stable atmospheric conditions?

A

The vertical movement of air is limited
Stratus type clouds (layered) are often present
Smoke columns drift apart after limited rise
There are fog layers
The winds are generally light and predictable
Fire behaviour should be predictable in these circumstances.

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11
Q

how does slope affect a fire?

A

If a fire is travelling upslope, there will be a shorter distance for radiant heat to travel from the flames to unburnt fuel . Upslope fuels will be preheated to their ignition temperature more quickly

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12
Q

If a fire is moving up a 10 degree slope what will happen to the fire

A

A rule of thumb that may be used is, for every 10 degrees of upslope, double the rate of spread. A 20-degree upslope gives a four (4)-fold increase.

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13
Q

Give a brief description surface fire

A

This type of fire travels just above the ground surface in vegetation such as grass, low shrubs and forest litter

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14
Q

Give a brief description of Crown fire

A

This is a fire which that burns in the crowns of trees ahead of, and above, an intense fire in the undergrowth. Without a surface fire a crown fire cannot sustain itself as radiant heat and direct flame contact resulting from the surface fire ignites the treetops

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15
Q

What is L.A.C.E.S regarding fire ground safety

A

L – Lookout – everybody looks out for everybody else
A – Awareness – everybody is aware of the fire’s current and anticipated behaviour, and of other fireground hazards and precautions
C – Communications – everybody speaks up and everybody listens, about what is happening and about their concerns at the fire
E – Escape route(s) – everybody always has an “out” planned and agreed, just in case things go wrong
S – Safety refuge(s) – everybody helps everybody to survive. Everybody supports the decision to get clear of a hazard

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16
Q

What can you observe when approaching a fire.

A
  • Size, colour and direction of column
  • Size of front
  • Fuels
  • Hazards (including airborne)
  • Anchor points and escape routes.
  • Note other persons/vehicles in or leaving the vicinity.
  • Inform your SO of any observations so they can include it in their sitrep
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17
Q

How can you receive notification of a wildfire?

A
  • DTS
  • Comcen
  • Calls to station form the public noting down their name number location and details of fire.
  • MDT
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18
Q

List 8 things to consider when protecting a structure

A
  • Park the appliance on the ‘lee’ side of the structure with the front facing your exit
  • Ensure hoses are long enough to reach all the way around the structure
  • Have two emergency exit routes planned and a trigger point agreed by all crew
  • Source a water point and ensure it is useable
  • Move any flammable hazards away from the structure eg gas cannisters, jerry cans etc
  • Remove receptive fuel beds such as wood piles
  • Clean gutters and fuel from around trees
  • If time permits place and control line around the structure
  • Extinguish spot fires early
  • Don’t waste water on large fire fronts
  • The best strategy may be to take shelter and extinguish lingering fire once the front has passed
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19
Q

List 3 offensive stratagies

A

Direct attack
Parallel attack
Indirect

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20
Q

List 4 defensive stratagies

A

Line defence
Ember Defence
Backstop Defence
Observe and Patrol

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21
Q

What are the considerations when triaging an assest?

A
  • Can it be accessed and exited safely
  • Is there somewhere to turn around
  • Is the fuel and topography conducive to a safe and successful protection
  • Is there an accessible water source
  • Has protection works been conducted by the owner beforehand
  • What construction type is the asset eg wood panelling, bricks, steel

The temptation is to save everything, you have to be methodical and practical in your assessment

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22
Q

What are the First attack firefighting procedures

A
  • Warn anyone is danger
  • Report the fire
  • Decided whether to attack
  • Select the correct agent and equipment
  • Safely approch and attack the fire
  • follow after fire procedures.
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23
Q

Indicators of Extreme Fire Behaviour

A
  • A rapid increase in the fire’s intensity
  • High, sustained rate of fire spread
  • Well developed convection column
  • Long distance spotting (over 180 meters)
  • Fire whirlwinds
  • Sudden calming of the wind
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24
Q

What can we use to create control lines

A
  • Existing main roads or cleared areas
  • Man made
  • Natural
  • Foam
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25
Q

Give a brief description of aspect.

A

Aspect is the direction that a feature or slope faces. This will influence the amount of solar radiation that is received. For example, northern and western aspects will generally have drier and more flammable vegetation. Southern and eastern aspects tend to have vegetation that is lush and less flammable.

26
Q

How does topography affect the fire behaviour?

A

slope
aspect
terrain/wind interaction
elevation

27
Q

Give a brief description of mopping up?

A
  • Raking materials back into the burnt area.
  • Digging out and extinguishing burning roots and stumps.
  • Using extinguishing media to cool large pieces to permit handling.
  • Dragging smouldering logs and branches into burnt out area.
  • Felling trees that pose a threat to Firefighters safety.
  • Repositioning burning logs on a hillside so they wont roll into unburnt areas.
  • Separating clumps of fuels to reduce heat.
  • Allowing fuels to continue to burn provided they will burn out quickly and safely.
  • Extinguishing hot spots (look for shimmering heat profiles) on trees or ground.
28
Q

Give a brief description of patroling.

A

Patrolling is the traversing of fire edges either on foot, by vehicle or by air and should commence as soon as the control line is established
If you are required to assist in patrolling a bush fire, you must look out for:

❯ Burning material within the fire area that could threaten the control line (especially overhead in trees).
❯ Spot fires beyond the control line.
❯ Weak spots in the control line where further work is required.
❯ Trees and overhead limbs in trees that may fall and endanger you. If you are patrolling in a vehicle, follow these precautions:
❯ When travelling in smoke or dust, reduce speed and switch on lights.
❯ Do not block access or escape routes.
❯ When travelling along fire breaks, take note of the nearest turning areas and refuges, and be aware of other vehicles and firefighters on foot

29
Q

What are some consideration for after an incident?

A
  • remove any consumables
  • recover, check and clean equipment
  • report missing and damaged equipment
  • replenish
  • debrief
  • secure Station.
30
Q

Factors to consider when perserving a scene.

A
  • Note the point of origin
  • Note any vehicles or people leaving the scene
  • Ensure the area is disturbed as little as possible through suppression techniques
  • Don’t move or take any debris including water bottles etc
  • Note and mark any possible causes such as fuel cans, matches etc
  • Don’t leave any rubbish that may confuse an investigation
  • Cordon off the area so it is not disturbed and if resourcing permits have someone protect the area
31
Q

What is a head attack?

A
  • Involves directly knocking down head of fire
  • Only issued for low intensity bush fires where you can get close enough
  • Only issued when you are certain the fire will not flare up unexpectedly
32
Q

What is a flank attack?

A

Approaching fire from the flanks & working directly on them
May work from rear progressively towards the head of fire to try & ‘pinch’ it out
Used when it is impractical or unsafe to approach head

33
Q

What is relative humidity

A

Relative Humidity relates to how much moisture is in the air. The amount of moisture found in fuels
Varies according to the level of humidity in the air.

Easy fire ignition: under 40%
Spreading grass fires: under 30%
Crown fires: under 25%
Major wildfires: under 15%

34
Q

What are the 4 key elements of weather?

A

Tempature
Relative Humidity
Wind
Atmospheric stability

35
Q

What navigation tools are available in the appliance?

A

MDT
Phone
UBD
Atlases
GPS

36
Q

What is done after a fire/post-incident?

A
  • Disturb area as little as possible
  • Remove any consumables
  • Recover, check & clean equipment
  • Clean and wash appliance
  • Report missing & damaged equipment - 5 R’s
37
Q

Outline the actions required when receving a call regarding an incident from the public?

A

Take details of incident - record them down on notepad
Take details of caller, Name and number
Call Comcen
Inform SO
Encourage caller to contact 000

38
Q

What is an achor point?

A

A safe area or refuge that can be used as a starting point for fire attack or prescribed brun

39
Q

What functions does ACTF&R provide as a support service?

A

Logistics
Water Carriage/Filler
Transport
First aid

40
Q

PPE for Wildfires

A

Level E

Boots - structural as issued
Socks - as issued
Trousers - Cargo Pants as issued - Structural pants not to be worn due to heat considerations
Belt - as issued
Shirt - Navy blue shirt, short or long sleeve
Jacket - lightweight
Helmet - lightweight helmet
Gloves - leather wildfire gloves (do NOT wear rescue gloves)
Goggles - red wildfire goggles
Tabard - as required
T-shirt - as issued

In addition, always carry flash hood with you in your pockets & carry your bushfire mask

41
Q

Outline the Entrapment Procedures

A
  • If time permits, consider the following:
  • Park in a clear or burn out area
  • Send Red message w/ location & activate distress signal on R/T
  • Surround vehicle w/ foam or wet down area if possible
  • Leave charged branch behind front wheel for easy access
  • Turn on ALL lights
  • Ensure windows are up & A/C recirculation is on
  • Ensure all crews are inside crew cabin
  • Lower Protection Curtains or Rear Platform Curtain
  • Activate Emergency Spray System
  • Activate siren
  • Cover crew w/ wildfire blankets
42
Q

What is atmospheric stability?

A
  • Refers to vertical movement of air masses that occurs when hot air rises & is replaced by cooler air
  • Important because vertical air motion can affect local wind patterns
  • Determines cloud development & possibility of thunderstorm development
43
Q

How can wind affect fire? (5)

A
  • Affects fire spread & direction of travel (change in direction may be unexpected = dangerous)
  • Supplies fire w/ oxygen, removes ash & smoke from area & increases rate of burning
  • Slants flames over fuel ahead of fire & causes flames to be closer to ground = increased heating effect of flame & radiation on unburnt fuels ahea = faster spread
  • Bends convection column through taller vegetation ahead of fire, causing it to dry-out rapidly = faster ignition
  • Spot fires
44
Q

What does the moisture content affect?

A
  • Ease of ignition
  • Probability of spotting
  • Combustion rate
  • Rate of fire spread
  • Amount of heat radiated from flames
45
Q

What are the three main methods of attacking fire?

A
  • Cut off oxygen supply & smother fire
  • Reduce temperature & cool fire
  • Remove fuel from the path of fire & starve fire
46
Q

What are 3 basic principles of FF safety?

A

3 R’s

  • Responsibility: take appropriate care of yourself & others
  • Reporting: freely & openly exchange info w/ others. Report any concerns
  • Risk Assessment: identify hazards & take action to eliminate or control them
47
Q

What is fire?

A

Chemical reaction between oxygen & flammable vapours released by fuel

48
Q

List the types of fuel (general, not bushfire specific)

A

Class A: common solid substances - wood, grass, plastic, rubber
Class B: flammable liquids such as petrol, kerosene, thinners, diesel, oil
Class C: flammable gases such as LPG, nautral gas, acetylene
Class D: combustible metals such as magnesium swarf
Class E: ‘unofficial’ - electrical
Class F: preheated fats/oils

49
Q

What is convection?

A

Movement of heat through circulation of hot fluids/gases

50
Q

How can radiation affect a fire?

A
  • Burning fuel/flames radiate large amounts of heat
  • Radiant heat acts upon fuel immediately around fire, reducing moisture content & bringing it to its ignition temp
  • Hotter fire = more radiant heat = faster spread by radiation
51
Q

What is radiation?

A
  • Radiation = heat energy that travels in all directions from its source
  • Hot objects lose heat by giving out infra-red radiation
  • Radiation does not need a medium to travel through, it can travel through a vacuum
52
Q

Provide an overview of Class A foam

What is it?
Where/when is it used?

A
  • Aerated mixture of water & foam-making chemical
  • Mainly used for bush & grass fires
  • More effective at extinguishing these fires than water
  • May be used to coat buildings during asset protection
  • All ACTF&R tankers have foam-making equipment (onboard supply & drums)
53
Q

Describe the term ‘Arrangement of Fuel’

A
  • The way pieces of fuel are arranged in relation to one another
  • Well-separated pieces of fuel are harder to ignite than more closely grouped collections of same material (due to radiant heat diminishing)
  • Tightly packed together fuels smoulder slowly due to lack of oxygen & higher moisture content (typically)
  • Fine, loosely stacked materials burn quickly & fiercely
  • Continuous ‘ladder’ of fine fuel from ground surface to crown encourages crown fire development
54
Q

Risk assesment of working in a wildfire affected area

List specific Wildfire hazards

A
  • Heart Attacks
  • Other medical conditions
  • Hazardous trees/branches
  • Fire overruns
  • Vehicle accidents
  • Traffic
  • Extreme temperatures
  • Trips, slips, falls
  • Electrical hazards
  • Bushfire smoke
  • Fatigue
  • Cuts, scratches, burns, bruises
  • Exposure to sunlight
  • poor hygeine
  • Hazardous materials
  • Manual handling
  • Hearing loss
  • Bites & stings
  • Violence
  • Poor communications
  • Poor teamwork
  • Poor decision-making
55
Q

What is mopping up?

A

Locating & extinguishing any smouldering fuel above or below ground. Completed manually w/ hand tools and/or wetting fuel.

When perimeter of a bush fire is extinguished, a strip inside perimeter must be mopped up to extinguish all smouldering material. Width of strip will vary.

56
Q

What factors affect the depth/width of a mopping up strip? (4)

A

Size of fire
Nature of fuels
Terrain or topography
Weather conditions

57
Q

What is the flame height limit for a direct attack?

A
  • 1.5m or less
  • Can be exceeded in grassland fires only & only if approached from already burnt side
  • Parallel attacks more appropriate for flame heights between 1.5-3m
58
Q

What is a parallel attack?

A

Constructs a fire line close to fire edge & burns out intervening fuels
Used for low to medium intensity bush fires

Distance back from fire depends on:

Intensity of fire
Fuel type
Weather conditions
Topography

59
Q

Advantages of parallel attacks (2)

Disadvantages of parallel attacks (3)

A

Advantages:

Control line may be shorter & straighter than indirect attack
Crews may be less exposed to heat & smoke

Disadvantages:

Increased risk of fire escaping
Greater total fire area
Additional resources required

60
Q

Advantages of direct attack (3)

Disadvantages of direct attack (5)

A

Advantages:

Less area burnt
Fuel is removed from immediate path of fire, allowing earliest possible control
Parts of fire edge that may have gone out may be quickly incorporated into fire line

Disadvantages:

FF’s working at fire’s edge exposed to heat & smoke
An irregular control line must be constructed in a short time (if fire’s edge is irregular)
Fences & natural barriers may present obstacles
Patrol of contructed control line can be difficult
Dead man zone

61
Q
A

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