Unit 5D

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Unit 5D
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Unit 5D Objectives

• 1. List three situations in which burning out may
  be necessary for structure defense.
• 2. Describe who makes the decision to conduct a
  firing operation.
• 3. List three types of control lines used in
  firing operations.

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Firing Operations

• Firing operations involve the use of fire to
  conduct burn outs and backfires. It is important
  to understand the difference between the two.

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Burning Out

• Burning out is used with direct attack. In
  direct attack a fireline is built close to the
  edge of the fire.
• Burning out is setting fire inside the fireline
  to consume fuel between the fireline and the
  fire.
• Operations personnel from crew boss on up have
  authority to burn out.

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Backfiring

• Backfiring is an indirect method of attack.
• Fire is set inside the fireline to
• Consume the fuel in the path of the fire.
• Change direction or force of the fires
  convection column.
• Slow, change, or stop the fires rate of spread.
• Decision to backfire is made by operations
  section chief with recommendations from other
  operations personnel.

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Situations for Firing Operations

• You cannot wait for the main fire to reach the
  established control line.
• The control line will not hold the main fire when
  it hits the control line.
• The intensity of the fire at the control line
  would be great enough to threaten the structure.
• When you have authority to do so!

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Caution

• Use of fire is dangerous!
• Communication and coordination must be maintained
  at all times!
• Make sure you know your agency policy concerning
  burning out and backfiring!

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Timing and Coordination
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Firing Operations

• No firing if it will create problems for
  adjoining forces
• No firing if it threatens other structures in
  area.
• No firing until control line is completed.

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Firing Operations

• Make sure firing is necessary.
• Do not fire without consulting command and
  obtaining approval.
• Coordinate firing operation with those around
  you.
• May have to wait for favorable conditions.
• Make sure you have adequate holding forces.

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Control Lines

• Mineral Soil
• Constructed by hand crews or mechanical
  equipment.
• Make sure it is wide enough.

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Natural or Human Made Control Line
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Wet Lines

• Work best in light fuels

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Firing and Holding

• Personnel assigned to firing and holding
  operations must be certified and under the
  supervision of a qualified firing boss.

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Firing

• Firing should be against the wind and/or slope.
• Favorable weather conditions will quickly move
  the fire away from the control line.
• Fuels outside control line can be wet down ahead
  of firing to prevent spotting.
• Do not advance firing faster than holding forces
  can keep up with.

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Strip Firing

• Involves setting fire to one or more strips of
  fuel and allowing the strips to burn together.
• Lighting numerous strips allows faster ignition.
• Width and location of strips in relation to slope
  or wind direction regulates firing intensity.

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Strip Firing
fireline
Houses
Anchor point
road
Fire
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Ring Firing

• Generally used for indirect attack and backfiring
  operation or to burn out around structures.
• Involves circling the perimeter of an area with a
  control line and firing the entire perimeter.
• Generally doesnt provide a good anchor point to
  commence firing.
• Escape routes and safety zones must be
  established.

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Ring Firing
Safety zone
Backfire/ burnout
Main fire
Control line
WIND
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Holding

• Deploy engines, hose lines, or hand crews behind
  firing operation.
• Holding forces must control hot spots or escapes
  across the line.
• Stop firing operation until escapes are
  controlled.
• Advance firing no faster than control forces can
  keep up.

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Unit 5D Objectives

• 1. List three situations in which firing should
  be considered for structure defense.
• 2. Describe who makes the decision to conduct a
  firing operation.
• 3. List three types of control lines used in
  firing operations.