Safety Refuges from Bush and Grass Fires

Scope

This Operational Guideline is for the features needed for an effective safety refuge from a bush or grass fire, and the circumstances in which they need to be provided and used.

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

• A safety refuge needs to be available to firefighters while operating at any bush or grass fire.
• A safety refuge is an area clear of any significant combustibles to a horizontal distance (in the direction of an approaching fire) of at least four times the predicted flame height.
• Bush and grass firefighting should be anchored from (commenced from) a suitable safety refuge.
• Under conditions when a direct attack is safely possible, the already burnt-out area may be regarded as a safety refuge.
• Under conditions when a parallel attack is safely possible, the area already backburned out may be regarded as a safety refuge.
• During indirect firefighting operations:
  • A safety refuge is to be available within 100 metres of where any firefighter is working, if only one escape route to a safety refuge is available.
  • The distance to a safety refuge may be increased to 250 metres if two or more different escape routes to safety refuges are available.
  • The escape route shall be such that a firefighter could move along it on foot to the safety refuge at a jogging pace, if needed.
  • Firefighters are to be told where their safety refuge is located and how to get to it.
  • A lookout is to be posted to warn firefighters of any approaching fire or spot fire.
  • A means of immediately warning firefighters of any danger is to be available.
  • Firefighters are to proceed to their safety refuge area if warned of danger from any approaching fire or spot fire.
• During defensive firefighting, firefighters are to operate only from within safety refuges.
• A vehicle or building should not be regarded as a safe haven from a fire unless it is located within a safety refuge area and has been properly prepared as a safe haven from fire.
  • Note: In a life-threatening emergency, a poorly situated building or vehicle might be the only available shelter from a fire, but safety cannot be assured.

Special Considerations

Nil.

Related Information

• NSW Fire Trail Standards
• OP 1.2.20 - Backburning