Use of Fire Trails

Scope

This Operational Guideline covers considerations for the use of Fire Trails.

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

• During periods between No Rating or High fire danger ratings (AFDRS), fire trails may be used without any special precautions, apart from normal safe driving procedures.
• During periods of Extreme or Catastrophic fire danger, sections of fire trails vulnerable to fire over-run are not to be used unless they are confirmed as safe for use.
• In determining whether a section of fire trail is vulnerable to fire over-run, the following factors are to be considered:
  • Whether active fires are in the area;
  • The type, quantity, and arrangement of fire fuels;
  • The height, slope, and aspect of the terrain;
  • The current and forecast weather conditions;
  • The characteristics and condition of the trail; and
  • The presence of suitable refuges.
• Confirming the trail is safe usually means either:
  • The trail itself is an adequate refuge along its entire length; or
  • There is a means of observing whether the trail is threatened by fire, and vehicles are able to move clear of any threatened section in under one quarter the expected time it would take for the fire to over-run it.

Special Considerations

• During Extreme or Catastrophic fire danger, the use of fire trails in or near the vicinity of fires should be avoided.

Related Information

• RFS OPG - Special Precautions during Extreme or Catastrophic Bush Fire Danger
• RFS Fire Trail Standards
• Australian Fire Danger Rating System (AFDRS)