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Fire Shelter Deployment Site Selection

 

A primary objective of every operational fire plan is to keep firefighters out of entrapment situations. However, firefighters must always be prepared to deploy their fire shelters. The key to a successful fire shelter deployment is proper site selection. Consider the following for shelter deployment site selection:

  • Pick a site that will keep the fire shelter away from flames and convective heat. The site also should limit the amount of radiant heat that reaches the shelter.
  • Select an area with no fuels. If that isn't possible, select a site in light fuels, such as grass, where the flaming front will pass quickly. Clear the site to mineral soil if possible. If time is critical, pick a site with the least amount of fuel.
  • Pick natural firebreaks such as wet meadows,creek beds, wet, swampy areas, or large rockslides with no fuels. Rough terrain in rockslides may make it difficult to seal the fire shelter to the ground.
  • Areas on the lee side of ridgetops and knobs can be effective deployment sites because convective heat and flames will generally continue rising above them.
  • Wide areas that have been cleared of fuel, such as dozer lines or roads, can be effective deployment sites. In larger areas, don't let trucks, dozers, and other equipment occupy the best deployment sites.
  • Flat areas on slopes, such as benches or road cuts, offer some protection from radiant and convective heat. Level areas like these can keep you under the path of flames and convective heat.
    • The ditch on the inside of the road, if free of fuel, may be an effective deployment site.
    • Consider vehicle traffic when looking at options on or near roadways.
  • Avoid areas that tend to funnel smoke, flames, and hot gasses, such as:
    • Narrow draws
    • Saddles on ridgetops
    • Chimneys and chutes
  • Know how long it takes to reach your safety zone. Crew supervisors should identify and communicate escape routes and safety zones.
  • If you are not in a suitable shelter deployment area, keep escaping while watching for a possible deployment site.
  • Ensure sites are clearly identified and marked.

Also see: Fire Shelter Deployment

 

Category
Operational Engagement
References
The New Generation Fire Shelter, PMS 411
10 Standard Firefighting Orders, PMS 110
18 Watch Out Situations, PMS 118
10 and 18 Poster, PMS 110-18


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NWCG Equipment Technology Committee Releases Safety Warning: 24-001 Stihl Chainsaw Toolless Fuel Cap Spill Prevention

Date: November 14, 2024
Contact: Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released Safety Warning: 24-001 Stihl Chainsaw Toolless Fuel Cap Spill Prevention. Misaligned toolless fuel caps on Stihl chainsaws have led to recurring fuel spillage, fuel ignition, and burn injuries during wildland fire management operations.

This Safety Warning is intended to highlight the details and recommended procedures for the installation of a Stihl chainsaw toolless fuel cap, as well as how to identify and correct a misaligned, damaged, or broken fuel cap to help prevent fuel spillage.

References:

NWCG Safety Warning: 24-001 Stihl Chainsaw Toolless Fuel Cap Spill Prevention

Advertencia de equipos 24-001: Prevención de derrames de la tapa de combustible sin herramientas de la motosierra Stihl

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The Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Equipment Time Recorder (EQTR)

Date: November 13, 2024
Contact: Incident Business Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Equipment Time Recorder, PMS 350-51 and NWCG Position Task Book for Equipment Time Recorder (EQTR), PMS 311-51 are now available.

The Performance Support Package, which for EQTR, includes the Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book were developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. The Performance Support Package will support trainees, those qualified in the position, and evaluators.

References:

NWCG Equipment Time Recorder Position Page

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Equipment Time Recorder, PMS 350-51

NWCG Position Task Book for Equipment Time Recorder (EQTR), PMS 311-51

The Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Personnel Time Recorder (PTRC)

Date: November 13, 2024
Contact: Incident Business Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Personnel Time Recorder, PMS 350-53 and NWCG Position Task Book for Personnel Time Recorder (PTRC), PMS 311-53 are now available.

The Performance Support Package, which for PTRC, includes the Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book were developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. The Performance Support Package will support trainees, those qualified in the position, and evaluators.

References:

NWCG Personnel Time Recorder Position Page

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Personnel Time Recorder, PMS 350-53

NWCG Position Task Book for Personnel Time Recorder (PTRC), PMS 311-53

NWCG Risk Management Committee Releases Safety Bulletin: 24-001 Use of Respirators on Wildland Fires

Date: November 7, 2024
Contact: Risk Management Committee

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) has released Safety Bulletin: 24-001 Use of Respirators on Wildland Fires. As wildland fire respirators are available through several established vendors, wildland fire personnel need to understand regulations and limitations of respirator use in the workplace.

Safety Bulletin 24-001 outlines the following topics regarding respirator use for wildland fires:

  • Requirements for Respirator Use
  • Voluntary Respirator Use
  • Current Respirator Options
  • Unknown Risks of Respirator Use

This bulletin also provides mitigation recommendations to help reduce smoke exposure for wildland firefighting efforts.

References:

NWCG Safety Bulletin: 24-001 Use of Respirators on Wildland Fires

NWCG Smoke Management Guide for Prescribed Fire, PMS 420-3

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