Grass and Crop Fires

Scope

This Operational Guideline provides guidance for Grass and Crop 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

• 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 less than 3.0 to 4.0 metres, a direct (offensive) attack is recommended. Direct attack should be limited to a flame height of 1.5 metres if attacking from the front or if using only hose reels rather than 38mm branches.
• If the average flame height, given the expected conditions, is likely to be between 4.0 to 5.0 metres, a parallel (offensive) attack is recommended.
• If the average flame height, given the expected conditions, is likely to be greater than 4.0 to 5.0 metres, a defensive strategy is recommended, unless a very well-established firebreak is available. If safe, contain lower intensity flank fires.
• Use pre-established firebreaks, heavy plant and/or aircraft, or other equipment to advantage.

Overhaul

• Mop up thoroughly, and patrol until risk of reignition is absent. Repair cut fences if possible. Close gates and restore normality.
• Secure the suspected point of origin, preserve evidence of fire cause, and arrange for fire cause determination and investigation if needed.
• Communicate issues, such as fences cut, water taken, damage to infrastructure, damage to livestock fencing and crops, breaks established or any other things of relevance with the landholder/manager.
• Call for additional support, such as local land services and/or Department of Primary Industries (DPI), to assist with humane destruction of animals if required.
• In large incidents request Rural Liaison Officer (RLO).
• Hand the scene back to the landholder/manager and discuss potential ongoing patrols or what to do if additional assistance is required.

Other Operations

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

Special Considerations

• If you are the Incident Controller (IC), select and put into effect the strategy that is safe and best for the current and anticipated conditions.
• Re-evaluate your strategy if conditions change (such as weather, fire behaviour and aspect), are anticipated to change, and at regular intervals (at least every two hours during long operations).
• If you are not the IC, apply tactics consistent with the ICs selected strategy. If the selected strategy and/or tactics are not safe, tell the officer supervising you immediately that you need to change them.
• Use low risk driving practices.
• 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.
• If present, integrate Farm Fire Units (FFU) into operations.
• Beware of tree and electrical hazards.
• Use appropriate resources and personal protective clothing and equipment (PPC/PPE).
• Pace work appropriately. Continuously monitor crew welfare and wellbeing.

Related Information

• Farm Fire Units - Operational Guide
• RFS OPG - Approach and Size Up
• RFS OPG - Safe Driving
• RFS OPG - Emergency Procedures - Bush and Grass Fires