Chapter 14

The ISO at Wildland and Interface Fires

Objectives

• List and describe four incident types that can be applied to the wildland fire

• List the three factors that influence fire spread, and define blow-up and flaring

• List the leading stresses requiring rehab at the wildland fire, and describe the types of behaviors that would indicate effective rehab efforts

Objectives (con’t.)

• List four situations that may require the appointment of an ASO at the wildland fire

• List the three common principal hazards at a wildland fire

• Define LCES

• Discuss a troubling issue that may arise when ground firefighters interface with aircraft

Introduction

• Wildland and interface fires include a wide variety of incident types

• Wildland and structural firefighters may have different perspectives when working on a wildland incident– Example: relative importance of PPE

• This chapter addresses initial ISO duties at Type V and Type IV wildland incidents

Introduction (con’t.)

• The Wildland Fire Typing Scheme – Type V: Local, agency, or jurisdiction specific– Type IV: Multiagency or jurisdiction– Type III: Regional

• ISO functions may be transferred to a trained safety officer who is part of an IMT

– Type II: State– Type I: National

ISO General Duties at Wildland Fires

• Grasp potential for firefighters being overrun by fire upon arrival and assignment

• General considerations– Weather

• Microbursts, winds, tornadic activity, etc.

– Topography• Slope, aspect, physical features

– Fuels • Moisture content, fuel type, continuity

ISO General Duties at Wildland Fires (con’t.)

• Hostile events at wildland fires– Blow-up

• Sudden advancement and increase in fire intensity• Due to wind, prewarmed fuels, or topographic

features

– Flaring• A sudden, short-lived rise in fire intensity• Can be warning sign of upcoming blow-up

ISO General Duties at Wildland Fires (con’t.)

• Wildland flame length interpretations– Less than 4 feet

• Attack directly with hand lines and tools

– 4 to 8 feet• Flanking attack, indirect firebreaks, and wet lines

– 8 to 11 feet• Direct attack dangerous; serious control problem

– Over 11 feet• Major fire run likely; take defensive measures

Monitoring Issues at Wildland Fires

• Risk– Victims are prone to self-rescue– IAP may change to reduced-risk profile

• Operational effectiveness– Use roving ASOs for evaluation over

geographical distances and terrain– Take tour in vehicle or helicopter

Personal Safety System Issues at Wildland Fires

• Accountability systems– Difficult during initial stages– Firefighters may disperse during attack– ISO may need to close up ranks

Personal Safety System Issues at Wildland Fires (con’t.)

• Control zones– Based on descriptive parts of wildfire or

geographical area– Working between head/flanks and spots could

be dangerous– Burn (or black): portion of wildland where fire is

already past– Threatened structures generally classified as

defensible or indefensible

Figure 14-1 Various parts of the fire or geographical descriptors are used to label zones at wildfires.

Figure 14-2 Generally speaking, the black is considered a safe zone, although CO exposure and reburn are risks..

Personal Safety System Issues at Wildland Fires (con’t.)

• Rehab– Firefighters using structural PPE for wildland

incidents are at extreme risk for heat stress• Rapid hydration and electrolyte replacement are

essential• Cardiac monitoring• No releases should be given based on perceived

comfort

Defining Other Needs at Wildland Fires

• Traffic– Smoke obscuration major concern

• Divert traffic away from smoke areas

– Dispersed small apparatus• Use radio safety message to remind drivers to use

spotters

Defining Other Needs at Wildland Fires (con’t.)

• Need for ISO assistance:– For fires that impact a widespread geographical

area– When a plans section is established

• ASOs accomplish ISO field component

– For fires that are active for over four hours– Anytime a base camp is established

• ASOs communicate action plan and safety briefings to incoming crews

Applying the ISO Action Model at Wildland Fires

• Risk evaluation at a wildland fire– Practice intellectual aggressiveness

• Calculated risk-taking that favors firefighter safety while still aggressive in fire control efforts

– Judge pace of incident• Making structures defensible against advancing fire

could take 20-30 minutes

– Help IC with cyclic thinking when fire is progressing faster than crew effectiveness

Applying the ISO Action Model at Wildland Fires (con’t.)

• Recon evaluation at a wildland fire– Utilize vehicles, helicopter, and ASO field

reports– Coordination is key– Caution: climbing to high ground to get a good

look at the fire can prove fatal

Applying the ISO Action Model at Wildland Fires (con’t.)

• Recon evaluation (con’t.)– Defining the principal hazard

• Rapid fire spread, traffic issues, and physical exertion

– Defining environmental integrity• Weather, smoke, flame spread, and hazardous

energy

– Defining physical surroundings • Trip/fall hazards, animals, snags, power lines

Applying the ISO Action Model at Wildland Fires (con’t.)

• Recon evaluation (con’t.)– Crew exposure to hazards

• Principal hazard +- Integrity + Physical hazards + Crew activity = Crew exposure

• Tools• Team versus task• Rapid withdrawal options: LCES (lookout,

communication methods, escape routes, safety zones)

Applying the ISO Action Model at Wildland Fires (con’t.)

• Resource evaluation at wildland fires– Time

• Project on-scene time: advent of nightfall, weather changes

• Travel distances affect reflex time: multiple stages

– Personnel• Ensure adequate number of responders, high spirits

– Equipment• Lengthy hose lays, water supply issues, Class-A

foam, pump calculations

Figure 14-3 The ISO should observe a sense of focus among crews.

Applying the ISO Action Model at Wildland Fires (con’t.)

• Report issues at wildland fires– Initial operations: 15-minute rule for face-to-

face communications with the IC• Discuss risk, recon, and resources• Update checklists, forms, diagrams, and other

documents• Amend schedule for prolonged incidents

– Safety briefing sheet is routine• Can be passed to staging manager

Unique Considerations at Wildland Fires

• Interface with aircraft– Used for water and retardant drops– ISO training available at https://iat.nifc.gov/– Discourage sliming

• Exception: trapped firefighters

• Incident escalation– Type III incidents may be transferred to IMT– Good notes and safety briefings help with

transition

Figure 14-4 The use of aircraft at wildfires introduces unique hazards. If you do not have training in interfaces, seek it out!

Summary

• ISO duties at wildland incidents– Judge likelihood of firefighters being overrun by

fire– Classify magnitude of event– Monitor risks, operational effectiveness, and

personal safety systems– Ensure adequate rehab– Work with traffic issues– Assign ASOs as necessary

Summary

• ISO duties at wildland incidents (con’t.)– Judge pace of working crews– Define principal hazards– Ensure the use of LCES at crew level– Forecast potential problems with timing– Watch crew spirit to determine effectiveness– Be trained in aircraft interfaces– Keep good documentation for hand off to IMT