Bush and Forest Fires

Scope

This Operational Guideline provides guidance for Bush and Forest Fires.

Fundamental Protocols underpin the actions of all NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) members and must be adhered to at all times. They outline the Principles of being an RFS member and provide guidance on conduct to support the safety and wellbeing of members.

Guiding Principles

Approach

• Consider immediate hazards, including hazardous trees.
• If possible, approach from upwind and downhill, along a flank.
• A direct attack is the highest risk strategy and crew safety must be considered at all times.

Rescue

• Keep people clear of identified high risk areas. Consider appropriate signage and messaging regarding these areas.
• Locate and protect people in identified and potential high-risk areas.

Suppression

• If the average flame height, given the expected conditions, is likely to be no more than 1.5 metres, a direct (offensive) attack is recommended.
• If the average flame height, given the expected conditions, is likely to be between 1.5 to 3.0 metres, a parallel (offensive) attack is recommended.
• If the average flame height, given the expected conditions, is likely to be between 3.0 to 5.0 metres, an indirect (offensive) attack is recommended. In undertaking this strategy, consideration should also be given to a fires rate of spread and potential for spot fire development.
• If the average flame height, given the expected conditions, is likely to be greater than 5.0 to 10.0 metres, a defensive strategy is recommended.
• If the average flame height, given the expected conditions, is likely to be greater than 10.0 metres, a defensive or safeguarding strategy is recommended.
• Note, there may be irregular variations in flame height due to gusty winds and variability in topography, fuel arrangement and load.

Overhaul

• Check for hazardous trees/logs, if located, mark and escalate as required. Mop up thoroughly, and patrol until the risk of reignition is absent.
• Secure the suspected point of origin, preserve evidence of fire cause, and arrange for fire cause determination and investigation if needed.

Other operations

• Support operations, if needed, with other activities such as coordinated reconnaissance, back-burning, communications, safety officer duties, water supply, catering, refuelling, replenishing, setting up base camps, and firefighter transport.

Special Considerations

• Use low risk driving practices.
• Maintain overall situational awareness. Monitor variables, such as weather, (i.e., temperature, relative humidity, wind, and atmospheric stability), fire behaviour and aspect.
• During Extreme or Catastrophic fire danger, avoid areas, trails, or roads vulnerable to sudden fire overrun.
• Work from safe operating positions. Use the LACES checklist – Lookouts, Awareness, Communications, Escape Routes, and Safety Refuges.
• Beware of hazardous trees, logs (rolling), and electrical hazards.
• Use appropriate tactics, resources, and personal protective clothing and equipment (PPC/PPE).
• Pace work appropriately. Continuously monitor crew welfare and wellbeing.

Related Information

• RFS OPG - Approach and Size Up
• RFS OPG - Driving
• RFS OPG - Emergency Procedures - Bush and Grass Fires
• RFS OPG - Hazardous Trees