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Escape Routes 3

 

Continued from: Escape Routes Part 2

 

A primary objective of every operational fire plan is to keep firefighters out of entrapment situations. However, firefighters must always be prepared to escape quickly to a safety zone or deployment area. Consider the following while discussing escape from possible entrapment.

Have a plan that includes trigger points.

  • Trigger Point: An observable event that triggers a pre-determined action.
    Example: If the temperature reaches 98 °F and relative humidity (RH) goes into single digits, the crew will follow the established escape route to the safety zone.

Reassess escape routes throughout the operational period.

  • Does access to escape routes become more difficult as the day progresses?
  • Do you have more than one escape route?
  • Are all escape routes clearly marked?
  • Are all firefighters familiar with the escape routes?

During an escape, time will be short. Describe considerations in this situation such as:

  • Maintain all critical equipment such as personal protective equipment (PPE) and radio. Discard gear that will not aid in your escape.
  • Maintain contact with all other crewmembers.

Describe a good safety zone. How is that different from a deployment area?

You should always know the location of your escape routes leading to safety zones and deployment areas.

 

Also see: Escape Routes Part 1 (Take 5@2)

 

Category
Operational Engagement
References
"LCES and Other Thoughts" by Paul Gleason
10 Standard Firefighting Orders, PMS 110
18 Watch Out Situations, PMS 118
10 and 18 Poster, PMS 110-18

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The 2025 Core Component Module Package for RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) and the 2024 Fire Year in Review are now available on the NWCG website. The 2025 Core Component Module Package provides all content needed to deliver RT-130.

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NWCG Wildland Urban Interface Mitigation Field Guide, PMS 053 

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