INTRODUCTION TO THE ELEMENTS OF A FIRING OPERATION

Safety

• Ensure the firing operation does not

– Jeopardize the safety of personnel conducting the firing operation

– Adversely affect suppression forces in the area

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RESOURCES REQUIRED

• Fill the basic functions–Lookout(s) / intelligence gathering– Ignition: the lighters and their

supplies–Holding forces

• Provide for supplemental resources–Additional forces in staging–Reserves for extensive mop-up

LINE-BASED FIRING OPERATIONS

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Conduct Line-Based Firing Operations from Completed Control or Wet Line

• Completed control line– Constructed or existing breaks– Wet/foam lines

• Favorable locations include– Ridge-tops or just on the lee side– Wide canyon bottoms– Roads or benches

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Direction of Progress of Overall Firing Operation

• Fire into the wind and/or against the slope whenever possible in order to better control the set fire

• Opposing wind and slope will influence the effects of applied fire. You must determine if wind will overpower the effects of slope. If wind influence will have a greater influence than slope, tactics may need to be altered to achieve desired results.

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Anchor Points / Check lines

• Begin firing at an anchor point to prevent uncontrolled fire from out-flanking you

• Check lines– Temporary, open-ended lines used to slow the

rate of fire spread• Breaks in fuel (streambeds, rocky areas, etc.) • Short hand line• Wet or foam lines• Air drops

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Hand Off Trouble Spots,and Keep Moving

CHECK LINE

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PROBLEMS IN THE FIRE ENVIRONMENT

• Firing Through Saddles or Reversals of Slope

• Firing In Bottoms of Steep Canyons• Firing In Brush Fields• Firing In Timber• Adverse Fuel Conditions• Adverse Weather Conditions

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Firing through saddle or slope reversal.

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Burn simultaneously from each peak down into the saddle.

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Firing from the Bottom of a Steep Canyon

Segment Firing from Top to Bottom

Firing Abrupt Bends and Corners• Adjust the firing pattern and holding forces

to fit the changing direction of fire movement relative to the line

• Wind/slope influence affects each line segment differently - adjust technique to fit

• Avoid converging fires in tight bends

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Firing an Outside Corner

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Firing an Inside Corner

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Problems with Lines Running Across the Slope • Underslung (fire above)

– Augment holding forces to control rollouts– Remove or reposition problem fuels

(logs)– Trench the control line

• Fire below the line – Augment holding forces for spot fires – Modify the fuel bed– Lower-intensity firing patterns

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Switchbacks

What problems can switchback cause?

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Switchbacks

• Switchbacks present unique problems– Fire environment problems

• Changes in slope/shape• Changes in aspect & fuel bed/loading• Changes in wind speed & direction

– Operational problems• Narrow, winding roads• Holding difficulties• LCES application difficulties

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Switchbacks

• Firing Switchbacks– Determine beginning & termination points– Divide firing into segments– Determine firing sequence– Select firing techniques

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Firing Switchbacks

– Determine firing method for each segment based upon• Topography: aspect, slope, shape• Depth of burned zone• Fuel: type, loading, condition• Wind: speed; direction on slope• Interrelationship of all factors

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Firing Switchbacks

– Evaluate switchback firing continuously • Fire effects & fire behavior• Mutual effects between segments• Pace of firing operation• Threat to control lines

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Check Line

Firing Team Coming Down Road

Let’s zoom in and fire this switchback

It is important to understand the hazards associated with switchbacks. You will be firing a mid-slope road with unburned fuels above you. You must proceed at a pace that ensures you do not generate fire intensity that will cause spot fires.

The following slides depict in general terms tactics that may be employed to fire a switchback. Conditions you encounter will always vary. The tactics used on actual events will depend upon the fire environment and the resource capabilities.

1. Edge or strip fire into the center of the turn, being careful not to generate spot fires across the road

2. Establish sufficient burn zone before firing lower section of switchback

3. Fire out of switchback from the center of turn, ensuring applied fire does not cross road above you.

Firing Team Coming Down Road

Switchbacks can also be fired utilizing spike technique

Spike fire from upper portion of turn down to the lower portion (Note: this animation reflects upslope or negative wind conditions)

Check Line

Firing Team Coming Down Road

Now let’s fire the switch back with fire on the opposite side of the road

1. Ensure adequate burn zone is established above switchback before proceeding

2. Edge fire the upper segment of the switchback to the apex of turn

3.Slowly edge fire the lower segment of switchback, ensuring no head fire pushes across the road

4. Once lower segment is fired, allow adequate burn zone to develop along switchback before continuing to fire down road

Changing Fire Environment Factors

• Changing Weather– Wind changes

• Fronts• Thunderstorm downdrafts• Surfacing of winds aloft• Variation over the terrain• Diurnal patterns (ex: up/down canyon)

– Relative humidity and temperature changes– Fuel variations

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Changing Fire Environment Factors

• Changing fire behavior– Intensity changes can affect firing techniques

and safety (deeper burned zone; larger safety zones)

• Don’t use multiple strips when fire moves away from the line readily

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