Basics Of Wildland Firefighting Techniques – Inferno Taming 101

Wildland firefighting is a critical task that requires a unique set of skills, knowledge, and techniques. When combating wildfires, firefighters face countless challenges and risks in their efforts to protect lives, property, and the environment.

In this blog, we will delve into the basics of wildland firefighting techniques, exploring the strategies and tactics these brave men and women employ on the front lines.

From understanding fire behaviour to mastering containment methods, join us as we uncover the essential elements of wildland firefighting and gain a deeper appreciation for the incredible work these firefighters do daily.

Basics Of Wildland Firefighting Techniques

Wildland firefighting involves combating wildfires in natural environments such as forests, grasslands, and other remote areas.

The techniques used in wildland firefighting differ from those used in urban or structural firefighting. Here are some basics of wildland firefighting techniques:

Control Lines

A control line, or fire line, is a cleared boundary strategically created to stop the advance of a wildfire.

Constructed using hand tools or heavy equipment, it acts as a barrier by removing combustible vegetation, depriving the fire of fuel.

Essential in wildfire containment, control lines are meticulously positioned to protect critical areas and are a key component of wildland firefighting strategies.

Fireline Construction

Fireline construction is the creation of cleared barriers using hand tools or heavy equipment to stop the spread of wildfires.

It involves removing vegetation and combustible materials to deprive the fire of fuel.

This strategic technique is vital in containing and controlling wildfires, requiring skilled crews to work in challenging conditions.

Backfiring

Backfiring is a deliberate firefighting technique where controlled fires are set ahead of the main wildfire to consume fuel and create a barrier.

This strategic method reduces the intensity of the approaching wildfire and impedes its advance, creating a buffer zone to protect critical areas.

Hot Spotting

Hot spotting refers to identifying, monitoring, and extinguishing residual heat sources or embers in a wildfire-affected area after the main fire has been contained.

These hot spots can smoke for extended periods and risk reigniting the fire or causing flare-ups. Firefighters conduct meticulous inspections of the affected area, using tools like infrared cameras and thermal imaging to detect heat signatures .

Once identified, hot spots are extinguished to prevent the rekindling of the fire, reducing the risk of it spreading beyond the containment lines. Hot spotting is a crucial phase in mop-up operations to ensure the complete suppression of a wildfire.

Aerial Firefighting

Aerial firefighting involves using aircraft, such as helicopters and planes, to drop water, fire retardants, or foam onto wildfires.

This strategic approach helps to slow the fire’s progress, protect critical areas, and support ground firefighting efforts.

Aerial firefighting is vital in managing wildfires, especially in challenging terrains or limited ground access.

Hose Lays

Hose lays in wildland firefighting involve deploying hoses to deliver water strategically. This technique is often used in wildland-urban interface situations where structures are at risk.

Hoses are laid out to create a water supply network, enabling firefighters to suppress flames and protect vulnerable areas.

Flanking-Fire

Flanking fire is used in wildland firefighting to describe a fire spreading parallel to the main firefront. It moves perpendicular to the prevailing wind direction, typically advancing along the sides of the main blaze.

Firefighters strategically respond to flanking fires by deploying containment measures such as constructing fire lines, employing backfiring techniques, or using other tactics to prevent the lateral spread and control the fire’s overall movement.

Understanding and managing flanking fires are essential components of effective wildfire containment strategies.

Mop-up Operations

In the context of wildland firefighting, mop-up operations refer to the post-containment phase, where firefighters focus on extinguishing remaining hot spots, smouldering embers, and other potential sources of re-ignition.

This meticulous process ensures the fire is fully extinguished and poses no further threat. Firefighters use hoses, hand tools, and thermal imaging devices to identify and eliminate lingering heat sources.

Mop-up operations are critical in the overall firefighting strategy, preventing the wildfire from rekindling and spreading beyond the containment lines.

Lookouts, Communications, and Escape Routes (LCES)

LCES, or Lookouts, Communications, and Escape Routes, is a safety protocol in wildland firefighting.

Lookouts monitor fire behaviour, communication is maintained, and escape routes are planned to ensure the safety of firefighting crews.

This system helps minimize risks by providing early detection of changing fire conditions and facilitating coordinated responses in the event of unexpected developments.

Incident Command System

The Incident Command System (ICS) is a standardized management framework used in emergency response, including wildland firefighting.

It establishes a hierarchical structure and a common set of procedures to coordinate resources, personnel, and communications during incidents.

ICS ensures efficient collaboration among various agencies, promotes effective decision-making and enhances overall response efforts.

Weather Monitoring

Weather monitoring in wildland firefighting involves continuous observation and analysis of meteorological conditions to understand and predict fire behaviour.

Firefighters closely track wind speed, direction, humidity, temperature, and precipitation.

This information helps in planning firefighting strategies, predicting fire spread, and ensuring the safety of firefighting crews. Weather monitoring is integral to adapting firefighting tactics based on changing environmental conditions during wildfire incidents.

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in wildland firefighting includes specialized gear to safeguard firefighters from heat, flames, and other environmental risks.

This equipment typically includes fire-resistant clothing, helmets, gloves, boots, and sometimes additional accessories like goggles or face shields.

Wildland firefighters wear PPE to minimize the risk of burns, injuries, and smoke inhalation while working in challenging and dynamic wildfire conditions.

FAQs

What techniques are used to fight wildland fires?

Wildland firefighting techniques include constructing fire lines, backfiring, aerial firefighting, and mop-up operations. The Incident Command System ensures coordinated efforts while Lookouts, Communications, and Escape Routes enhance safety. Continuous weather monitoring informs adaptive strategies and using Personal Protective Equipment is crucial for firefighter safety.

How do you identify four dry mop-up techniques?

Four dry mop-up techniques include using hand tools to feel for heat, visually inspecting the area for smoke, employing infrared technology to detect residual heat, and utilizing specialized equipment like a drip torch to burn out remaining fuels safely.

What is the fire triangle for wildland fires?

The fire triangle for wildland fires consists of fuel, oxygen, and heat. These components must be present for a fire to ignite and continue burning. Managing and understanding these elements are crucial in wildland firefighting to control and suppress wildfires effectively.

Conclusion

Wildland firefighting relies on constructing fire lines, backfiring, and aerial support to control and contain wildfires. The Incident Command System and Lookouts, Communications, and Escape Routes enhance coordination and safety.

Mop-up operations and continuous weather monitoring are vital for ensuring the fire’s complete suppression and adapting strategies to changing conditions.

The use of specialized Personal Protective Equipment is paramount for the safety of firefighting crews, creating a cohesive and effective approach to combatting wildfires.