This document provides information on wildland fire behavior and the factors that influence it. It discusses the fire triangle of heat, oxygen, and fuel. It explains how fires spread through conduction, radiation, convection, and direct contact. The key factors that influence fire ignition and spread are fuels, weather, and topography. The document describes different fuel models and how fuel moisture, size, volume, and type can impact fire behavior. It discusses how temperature, relative humidity, and wind influence fire weather and notes visible indicators like thunderstorms and smoke. Topography factors like slope and aspect are also reviewed.

1. North West Chiefs Association
CyFair Volunteer Fire Department
Wildland/Ground Cover
Cadet Class
2012

2. Information Retention
• Method Retention after 24 hours
• Lecture (hear it) 5%
• Read it 10%
• Repetitive reading 10%
• Speak it 10%
• Demonstration 10%
• Activity Participation 20% 65%
• Teach it 15%
• Practice 20%

3. LINKS
• http://www.sffma.org/
• http://www.tcfp.state.tx.us/index.asp
• http://www.nwcg.gov/
• http://www.nationalfiretraining.net/

4. UNITS
• Unit 1-Wildfire Terminology
• Unit 2-Fire Behavior
• Unit 3-Wildfire Size-Up
• Unit 4-Wildland Fire Suppression Methods
• Unit 5-Mop Up
• Unit 6-Dozer Tractor/Plow Maintenance
• Unit 7-Safety

5. Unit 1
WILDFIRE TERMINOLOGY

6. SFFMA Objectives
• ___ A. Mop up ___ H. Suppression
• ___ B. Direct Attack ___ I. Fire Behavior
• ___ C. Indirect Attack __ J. Incident Commander
• ___ D. Fuel __ K. Incendiary Fire
• ___ E. Backfire/Burnout __ L. Mutual Aid
• ___ F. Barrier _ M. Fire Season
• ___ G. Topography __N. Convection column
• __O. Wildland tools

7. SFFMA Basic Objectives (cont.)
• Given a specific wildland situation, describe
the effects of fuel, weather and topography
on the wildland fire, and predict the
direction and speed of the fire spread.

8. Textbook Reading
• Page ??

9. Parts of a Fire
Spot Fire
Right Flank
Pocket
Head
Finger
Anchor
Point
Island Rear
Origin
Left Flank
Anchor Point

10. Nomenclature of a Fire
• HEAD: That part of the fire moving with
the wind. Hottest part of the fire; usually
first suppression priority.
• ORIGIN: Spot where fire started.
• REAR: Part of the fire backing against the
wind; usually last suppression priority. 

11. Nomenclature of a Fire
• FLANK: right flank: hottest flank due to
quartering effects of wind; second
suppression priority.
• FINGERS: long narrow strip of fire
extending from main fire.
• POCKETS: indentations in a fire edge
formed by fingers or slow burning areas. 

12. Nomenclature of a Fire
• SPOT FIRE: Separate fire occurring out ahead of
main fire. (Can be up to 1/2 mile)
• ISLAND: Area of unburned fuel inside the fire.
• PERIMETER: Outside boundary of the fire. 

13. Terminology
DIRECT ATTACK
A series of related actions to
cool, drown, smother, starve,
beat out, or otherwise
extinguish the flames of an on
going fire. All control action is
carried on directly against the
fire edge.

14. Terminology
INDIRECT ATTACK
Control action conducted a
variable distance from and
usually parallel to the edge of a
wildland fire in such a manner
as to deprive the advancing fire
of fuel and thereby halt its
further progress.

15. Terminology
FUEL
The substance upon which the fire feeds.
In the case of a wildland fire; it is the
flammable materials in the forest or
rangeland.

16. Terminology
BACKFIRE
A fire set between the
main fire and control
line or barrier to
burnout any unburned
fuels between the
wildfire and the control
line.

17. Terminology
BARRIER
Any obstruction; natural or
man-made, to stop the spread
of the fire, typically an area or
strip devoid of flammable fuel

18. Terminology
TOPOGRAPHY
The physical features of the land surface,
both natural and man-made. Examples;
rivers, mountains, roads, swamps, rock
outcrops, etc.

19. Terminology
SUPPRESSION
Any action taken to extinguish a wildfire.

20. Terminology
FIRE BEHAVIOR
The manner in which fuel ignites, flames
develop, fire spreads and exhibits other
phenomena. The combined effects of the
fire’s environment on how the fire acts or
behaves.

21. Terminology
INCIDENT COMMANDER
The person responsible for all suppression
and service activities on a fire.

22. Terminology
INCENDIARY FIRE
A fire set deliberately by someone to burn
property not owned or controlled without
the consent of the owner or agent.

23. Terminology
MUTUAL AID
In fire fighting situations; two-way assistance
freely given under prearranged plans or
agreements by fire departments or agencies of two
or more areas on the basis that each will aid the
other in time of emergency, providing for joint or
cooperative response to alarms near their
boundaries.

24. Terminology
FIRE SEASON
The period or periods of the year during
which fires are likely to occur, spread, and
do sufficient damage to warrant organized
fire control.

25. Terminology
CONVECTION COLUMN
The thermally produced ascending column
of gases, smoke, and debris produced by a
fire.

26. Terminology
ANCHOR POINT
Point from which a fire line begins.
Usually a natural or manmade barrier that
will prevent fire spread and the possibility
of the crew being flanked while
constructing the fire line.
Examples: lakes, streams, roads, etc.

27. Terminology
SNAG
A
standing
dead tree.

28. Terminology
MOP UP
The process of making a controlled fire safe
by extinguishing all remnants of fire within
a specified strip adjacent to the control line.
On small fires, the entire burned area should
be gone over. On larger fires, a definite
strip, usually 100 ft. wide and adjacent to
the control line, should be made safe.

29. Wildland Tools-Hand Crew
• Pulaski
• Mcleod
• Chainsaw
• Rake
• Shovel
• Drip torch
• Fusees( flare)
• Portable pumps
• Forestry hoses/nozzles

30. Hand Tools
• Pulaski Mcleod

31. Hand Tools
• Drip Torch Swatter

32. Wildland Tools-Tractor Plow
• Tractor-plow
• Drip torch
• Chains
• Shovel
• Broom
• Rake

33. Wildland Tools-Engine Crew
• Booster/Brush Truck( Engine)
• Hose/nozzles
• Brooms
• Mcleod
• Foam
• Shovel
• Winch/cable
• Drip Torch/Fusees
• Swatter

34. Review Unit 1 Objectives
Wildfire Terminology
TEST

35. ___ A. Mop up ___ H. Suppression ___ O. Wildland tools
___ B. Direct Attack ___ I. Fire Behavior
___ C. Indirect Attack ___ J. Incident Commander
___ D. Fuel ___ K. Incendiary Fire
___ E. Backfire/Burnout ___ L. Mutual Aid
___ F. Barrier ___ M. Fire Season
___ G. Topography ___ N. Convection column
1- Physical features of land, both natural and manmade, such as rivers, mountains, swamps, etc.
2- Two way assistance freely given under prearranged plans and agreements by fire departments or agencies of two or more areas
on the basis that each will assist the other in times of emergency.
3- Any action taken to extinguish a fire.
4- Bulldozer, booster truck, red line, 1 ¾” hose, brooms, pumps, ¾” hose, nozzles, foam, shovels, Mcleod, Pulaski, rake, chainsaw,
drip torch.
5- Officer at the top of the chain of command and is in overall command of the incident.
6- Any obstruction, natural or manmade, to stop the spread of the fire. Typically, it is a strip devoid of flammable fuel.
7- Last step in fire suppression. Process of making control line safe by removing or extinguishing all burning material near
(generally within 100 ft) the edge of the burned area.
8- Thermally produced ascending volume of gas, smoke and debris produced by a fire.
9- Fire set between the main fire and the control line or barrier to burn out any unburned fuels between the wildfire and the control
line.
10- Fire set deliberately to burn property not owned or controlled without the consent of the owner or agent.
11- Series of related actions to cool, drown, smother, beat out, starve, or otherwise extinguish the flames of an ongoing fire.
12- Period or periods of the year during which fires are more likely to occur, spread or do sufficient damage to warrant organized fire
control.
13- Controlled action conducted a variable distance from and usually parallel to the edge of a fire in such a manner as to deprive
the advancing fire of fuel and thereby halting its progress.
14- Substance upon which the fire feed. Flammable materials in the forest or rangeland.
15- Manner in which fuel ignites, flames develop, fire spreads, and exhibits other phenomenon. Combined effects of the fire
environment or how the fire reacts.

36. 7__ A. Mop up 3__ H. Suppression 4__ O. Wildland tools
11_ B. Direct Attack 15_ I. Fire Behavior
13_ C. Indirect Attack 5__ J. Incident Commander
14_ D. Fuel 10_ K. Incendiary Fire
9__ E. Backfire/Burnout 2__ L. Mutual Aid
6__ F. Barrier 12_ M. Fire Season
1__ G. Topography 8__ N. Convection column
1- Physical features of land, both natural and manmade, such as rivers, mountains, swamps, etc.
2- Two way assistance freely given under prearranged plans and agreements by fire departments or agencies of two or
more areas on the basis that each will assist the other in times of emergency.
3- Any action taken to extinguish a fire.
4- Bulldozer, booster truck, red line, 1 ¾” hose, brooms, pumps, ¾” hose, nozzles, foam, shovels, Mcleod, Pulaski, rake,
chainsaw, drip torch.
5- Officer at the top of the chain of command and is in overall command of the incident.
6- Any obstruction, natural or manmade, to stop the spread of the fire. Typically, it is a strip devoid of flammable fuel.
7- Last step in fire suppression. Process of making control line safe by removing or extinguishing all burning material near
(generally within 100 ft) the edge of the burned area.
8- Thermally produced ascending volume of gas, smoke and debris produced by a fire.
9- Fire set between the main fire and the control line or barrier to burn out any unburned fuels between the wildfire and the
control line.
10- Fire set deliberately to burn property not owned or controlled without the consent of the owner or agent.
11- Series of related actions to cool, drown, smother, beat out, starve, or otherwise extinguish the flames of an ongoing
fire.
12- Period or periods of the year during which fires are more likely to occur, spread or do sufficient damage to warrant
organized fire control.
13- Controlled action conducted a variable distance from and usually parallel to the edge of a fire in such a manner as to
deprive the advancing fire of fuel and thereby halting its progress.
14- Substance upon which the fire feed. Flammable materials in the forest or rangeland.
15- Manner in which fuel ignites, flames develop, fire spreads, and exhibits other phenomenon. Combined effects of the fire
environment or how the fire reacts.

37. Unit 2
FIRE BEHAVIOR

38. Fire Behavior
• The manner in which fuel ignites, flame
develops, fire spreads and exhibits other
phenomena. The combined effects of the
fire’s environment on how the fire acts or
behaves.

39. How A Fire Burns
HEAT
+ OXYGEN
O + FUEL
T X
A Y = FIRE
E G
H E
N
F UEL

40. Fire Spreads Because Of The
Effects Of 4 Things
• Conduction
• Radiation
• Convection
• Direct contact. 

41. Conduction
• The transfer of heat
through an object.
This method has
the least effect on
the spread of a
wildland fire
because wood is a
poor conductor of
heat.

42. Radiant Heat From One Brush
Pile To Another

43. Steep Slopes Cause Rapid Fire Spread
Convection
and Radiant
Heat
Flame is
closer to fuel

44. Convection
• Convection from a fire results in more
oxygen available for the fire.
• As heat and smoke rises, more air rushes in
to fill the void.
• During extreme burning periods this can
cause wind speed increase. 

46. Factors That Influence Ignition
And Spread
INFLUENCE
ON A
FIRE
FUELS WEATHER TOPOGRAPHY

47. Wildland Fire Triangle

48. Fuels Influences
• Fuel moisture: amount of water in a fuel
• The more moisture in a fuel…the more
heat is required to ignite it
• Fuel size is a factor: smaller fuels burn
quicker than larger fuels at the same
moisture content. 

49. Fuel Models
Fuel Model 1 - Short Grass
“Light” or “Flashy” Fuel

50. Fuel Models
Fuel Model 2
Open Timber, Grass
Understory

51. Fuel Models
Fuel Model 3 Tall Grass

52. Fuel Models
Fuel Model 5 - Brush

53. Fuel Models
Fuel Model 7 - Southern Rough
“Palmetto-Gallberry”

54. Fuel Models
Palmetto-Gallberry is Highly Explosive
in Drought Conditions

55. Fuel Models
Heavy Shrub Group can produce long range spotting

56. Fuel Models
Fuel Model 8
Closed Timber Litter, Conifers

57. Fuel Models
Fuel Model 9
Hardwood Litter

58. Fuel Models
Fuel Model 11
Light Logging Slash

59. Fuel Models
Fuel Model 12
Medium Logging Slash

60. Fuel Models
Fuel Model 13
“Heavy” Logging Slash

61. Fuel Influences
Volume or Quantity
• How much fuel is burning or will burn is
also important. The amount of fuel available
to burn is usually referred to as volume or
quantity
• The more fuel to burn, the more intense the
fire can be. 

62. Weather Influences
One of the most important factors affecting
the behavior of a fire is Weather
In fire control, we usually break
weather into three parts. These are:
• Temperature
• Relative Humidity
• Wind. 

63. Weather Influences
Temperature
• The effect of temperature is important
because fuels that are preheated by the sun
burn more rapidly than cold fuels.
• Air is also preheated… rising up during the
day, cooling at night and reverse
direction. 

64. Weather Influences
RELATIVE HUMIDITY
• It is expressed in (%) It is the amount of
moisture present in a parcel of air compared
to the total amount the air could hold at that
temperature.
• As air is heated…the (RH) decreases. 

65. Weather Influences
Day Night
• Higher winds • Lower winds
• Lower humidity • Higher humidity
• Higher temps • Lower temps
• Fire harder To • Fire easier To
suppress suppress. 

66. Weather Influences
Wind
• Of all influences on a fire’s behavior, wind
has the greatest influence on both the rate
and direction of spread.

67. Weather Influences
Visible Wind Indicators
THUNDERSTORMS
Gusty winds usually flow out from the edge
of a thunderstorm and can reach speeds up
to 70 mph. Changing direction and rate of
spread of the fire.

68. Weather Influences
Visible Wind Indicators
SMOKE
Can show wind speed
and wind direction .

69. Topography Influences
Where the fire is burning, the lay of the land
is an important factor in the rate and
direction of fire spread. 

70. Topography Influences
Topography is broken into (3) parts:
• SLOPE- how steep it is
• ASPECT- The direction it faces
• TERRAIN- The local features of the land. 

71. Topography Influences
SLOPE
• Greatest influence on fire spread.
• Flames are closer to the fuels.
• Wind currents are normally uphill.
• Burning embers can roll down hill, setting
new fires. 

72. Topography Influences
SLOPE
Convective heat rises
along the slope
increasing ROS (rate
of spread).

73. Topography Influences
ASPECT
• Direction a slope is facing whether: north,
south, east or west.
• Southern aspects receive more direct
radiation from the sun, drying both the soil
and vegetation. 

74. Topography Influences
ASPECT
On South facing slopes, there will normally be:
• Higher temperatures
• Stronger winds
• Lower humidity's
• Lower fuel moistures 

75. Topography Influences
TERRAIN
• Terrain is special land features or obstructions.
• Wind will take the path of least resistance. Which
can cause turbulence or eddies on the lee side of
obstructions.
• Critical areas are chutes and steep “v”s . 

76. Unit 3
WILDFIRE SIZE UP

77. Unit 3 Objectives
• Define size up.
• Size up considerations while en-route.
• Demonstrate the ability to scout a fire and
list factors used in on-scene size up.

78. Unit 3 Objectives
• Analyze the observations and conditions
and determine suppression alternatives.
• Develop a safe and efficient plan of action
to suppress the wildfire.
• Locate the approximate point of origin of
the fire and plan for protection of that
area. 

79. Overall Size Up
Process of gathering and evaluating all
available information as it relates to a
particular fire.

80. Size Up
• When does the size up process start?

81. PREPAREDNESS PRIOR
TO DISPATCH:
PERSONNEL EQUIPMENT
• Protective clothing • Sufficient fuel
• Training • Hand Tools
• Fitness • Radio
• Drinking water • Maps 

82. Size Up Before Dispatch
• Weather observations
• Current conditions---forecast conditions
• Recent fire occurrence---behavior 

83. On Scene or En-route Indicators
• Dust devils
• Smoke column
• Clouds / Thunderstorms

84. While Enroute To Fire Think
About?
• Fuels and terrain
• Access roads
• Fire barriers
• Ownership
• History of fire area
• Water sources
• Mutual aid resources

85. After Sighting Smoke Column:
• Check size, height,
color, direction and
shape.
• Verify your
expected behavior
of fire relative to
the forecast and the
resulting smoke
column. 

86. Approaching Fire Area:
• Look for alternate routes.
• Look for suspicious people or cars coming
from fire area---record license number,
protect evidence.
• Look for gates or breaks in fence to enter
fire area. 

87. Size Up:
Size up is a
continuous action
and is constantly
changing.

89. Arrival On Fire Scene
• Look at the total
fire picture
• Size up the entire
situation and
determine the best
method of attack.
• Use ICS 

90. Planning The Attack
Based on:
• Reconnaissance of
the fire
• The fire situation
• The availability of
personnel
• Other expected
personnel

91. Factors To Consider
• Where to attack-Head,
Flank, Rear
• Method of attack-
direct or indirect

92. Factors To Consider:
• Size of fire.
• Location of head--- be sure you know
what’s in the path of fire.
• Point of origin and cause---preserve
evidence.
• Time of day---can greatly affect fire
behavior (now/future).

93. Factors To Consider:
• Improvements and other values threatened.
• Weather at fire---wind speed and direction
variable or steady?
• Behavior of fire---How fast is fire
spreading? How high are flames? Is it
spotting? How far? Is it hotter than usual? 

94. Factors To Consider:
Safety Factors:
Placement of personnel.
Identify line of retreat for personnel and
equipment. 

95. Factors To Consider:
• Fuel---type and arrangement of fuel? How
clean is fire burning fuels in path of fire?
• Do the fuels change---and if so, how will
they affect the fire?
• Terrain or Topography---slope and aspect,
natural barriers, access roads. 

96. Factors To Consider
• Estimate probable spread and behavior of
fire.
• Determine possible danger spots---fuel
buildup, snags, bogs, brush piles, etc.
• Brief personnel---do not scatter personnel.
Use as a team
• Preserve evidence. 

97. Acreage Estimation Chart
1chain
66 ft

98. Fuel Rate of Spread

99. Make Initial Attack
REMEMBER
• There is only one
initial attack of a
fire.
• The situation is
constantly
changing!!!!!!! 

100. UNIT 4
WILDLAND FIRE
SUPPRESSION METHODS

101. Unit 4 Objectives
• Illustrate the standards of direct and indirect
fire line construction necessary to control
smoldering (creeping), and fast-moving
fires in light fuels.
• Location of fire line placement in flat and
rough terrain. 

102. Unit 4 Objectives
• Illustrate when to use direct and indirect
methods of line construction.
• List potential safety hazards involved in the
use of the direct and indirect line building
methods and precautions which should be
taken in each case. 

103. Parts of a Fire
Spot Fire
Right Flank
Pocket
Head
Finger
Anchor
Point
Island Rear
Origin
Left Flank
Anchor Point

104. Three basic wildland fire types
Crown Fire burns in
top of fuels
Surface Fire burns low-
lying fuels and
ground litter.
Ground Fire burns
below ground.
Usually caused
by a surface
fire.
Wildland Firefighting 112

105. Types of Wildland Fires
SURFACE
Fire that burns
away ground litter.

106. Types of Wildland Fires
SURFACE WITH
TORCHING
Fire that burns away
ground litter and may or
may not ignite individual
trees. Depends on ladder
fuels.

107. Types of Wildland Fires
GROUND
Fire that burns
below ground level,
usually caused by a
surface fire.

108. Fire Suppression Limitations :
Flame Length
• 4’ Fires can generally be
attacked at the head or flank by
persons using hand tools. Hand
line should hold the fire.
• 4’-8’ Fires are too intense for
direct attack on the head by
persons using hand tools. Hand
line cannot be relied on to hold
the fire.
• 8’-11’ Fires may present a
serious control problem;
torching out, crowning and
spotting. Control efforts at the
head will probably be
ineffective.
• >11’ Crowning, spotting and
major fire runs are probable.
Control efforts at the head of
the fire are ineffective.

109. Direct Attack
Consists of a series of related direct actions
to cool, drown, smother, beat out, starve, or
otherwise extinguish the flames of an on
going fire. 

110. Conditions To Use Direct Attack
• Fire is small
• Light fuels
• Ground fire
• On flanks and rear of large fires
• Where conditions allow working close to
the fire 

111. Standards of Line Construction
• Penetrate to mineral
soil.
• Line of adequate
width.
• Line constructed
directly on edge of
fire. 

112. Width of Fireline Will Vary With:
• Weather conditions
• Part of fire i.e. head, flank, rear
• Size and intensity of fire
• Equipment and fire fighters available. 

113. Width of Fireline Will Vary With:
• Slope and Aspect
• Fuels
• Topography. 

114. Rule of Thumb Regarding Fire
Line Width:
• Fast moving fires • Slow moving fires
• Head- 2x flame height • Head- 3-4 ft. Wide
• Flank- 1x flame height • Flank- 6-8 inches. 
G TH
L EN
A ME
FL FLAM E
HEIGHT

115. STRIKE-Structure Defense
• Set-upEngine and hose lines lines
• S et-up: : Engine and hose
• Takeaa look: Area, locate escape routes
• T ake look: Area, locate escape routes and safety
and safety zones
zones
• Reduce fuels: Ready the structure
• R educe fuels: Ready the structure
•
• Inform your crew: safety, nearby resources
I nform your crew: Plan, Plan, safety, nearby
• resourcesfire down: Save the structure if possible
K nock the
•
• Knock the fire down: Save the
E xtinguish and check: Stay loose and conserve water
structure if possible
• Extinguish and check: Stay loose and
conserve water P

116. Mobile Attack
4C-129-ENOP-PP

117. Direct Attack

118. Mobile Attack
• Methods of attack
– From the black.
• Positioning the engine and personnel in
the black and directing the water stream
towards the green. This method is used
when terrain, obstacles and fuel type
allow.
• Hazards are: residual heat from the
flaming fire front and burning debris
under the engine.

119. Mobile Attack
– From the green
• Placing the engine and personnel
in the unburned fuel on the fire
perimeter. Directing the water
stream towards the black.
• Hazards are: Unburned fuel
between you and the fire and
hazards such as rocks or holes
hidden by the fuels.

120. Brush Truck Tactics
Routine Mobile Attack
• Establish an anchor point
• Start at rear of fire and move up one flank
• Suppress entire perimeter working towards
the head
Wildland Firefighting 133

121. Engine Placement
• Always adhere to LCES during all fire
operations.
• Always keep in mind ingress and egress
during engine pumping operations.

122. Water & Foam Use
Water application:
 Effective application is the key to conserving
water and using it effectively
 Timing of water application
 Wetting down with water
 Reducing the heat build-up
 Duration of the heat wave
 Peak heat wave tactics

123. Water Application
Peak Heat Wave Tactics
 Do not waste water by spraying at a wall of
flame during the peak of the heat and smoke
 Seek refuge in the shade of something that
blocks intense radiant heat
 Wait until you have an opportunity to do
some good with your water
 Use water when and where you have the
advantage, not on fire that is burning at its
peak intensity

124. Water Application
Wetting Down w/ Water
 Wetting down is the application of water to
fuel and structures before the fire arrives.
 Wetting down is usually a waste of time and
water
 Wetting down takes large quantities of water,
far out of proportion to the amount of fire it
extinguishes
 In some instances, it can reduce ignitions

125. Saving Water with Brush Trucks
 Work during wind lulls
 Meet fire in lighter fuels if possible
 Spray water parallel to the control line
 Use over and underspray to control flames
 Use a half gaited nozzle to control amount of
water consumption
Wildland Firefighting 138

126. Direct Attack Using Foam
• Place foam directly at the base of the flame.
• Use foam to coat burning materials. Leave a
foam blanket over hot fuels to continue
wetting the fuels.
• When attacking the fire edge, also apply
foam onto adjacent unburned fuels.

127. Indirect Attack
Control action conducted a variable distance
from and usually parallel to the edge of a
fire in such a manner as to deprive the
advancing fire of fuel and thereby halting its
progress. 

128. Indirect Attack

129. Conditions To Use Indirect Attack
• When burning intensity, rate of spread and
working conditions are too extreme.
• Generally when flame length > 8 ft
• Insufficient number of fire fighters.
• Where good natural barriers exist.
• On fast spreading/ hot fires.
• To straighten the fire lines. 

130. When to use Indirect Attack
• Establish lines in lighter fuels, if possible
• Make lines as straight as possible
• Try to keep heavy fuels outside the control
line
• Make use of natural barriers. 

131. Indirect Attack-
• Clean line to mineral soil
• Patrol established lines
• Burnout when needed
• Establish periodic rest breaks. 

132. Brush Truck Tactics
Hot Head Fire
– Attack fire from rear (Anchor point)
– Extinguish fire counter-clockwise or run two
crews simultaneously up each flank ensuring
that the crews run at the same speed
– Mop-up entire perimeter
Wildland Firefighting 145

133. Brush Truck Tactics
Heavy fuels
• Look for barriers
– Establish an anchor point
– Use hot head fire tactics
Wildland Firefighting 146

134. Using Water with Brush Trucks
DO: Think about spray vs. straight
stream
Work parallel to fire line
Get in as close as safely possible
DON’T: Drag hose
Run over hose
Wildland Firefighting 147

135. Downwind Indirect Flank Attack
• If there is no
overriding priorities Convection of Main
Fire
Draws the
attack right flank first. “Counter-Fire”
In From Fireline
• Right flank is usually
the hottest flank.
Indraft
Safety Zone
Created
“In-the-Black”
by Burnout

136. Indirect Attack---Don’t
• Over extend yourself
• Set unwatched backfires
• Construct lines adjacent to tall fuels
• Take unnecessary chances with fire fighters
and equipment. 

139. Fireline Construction Guidelines
• Use the easiest route
• Take advantage of light fuels
• Take advantage of any natural barriers
• Avoid sharp angles in the control line. 

140. Engine Crew Production Rate
1 chain
66 ft

142. UNIT 5
MOP-UP

143. WHAT IS MOP-UP?
DIGUSTING
DIRTY
VERY IMPORTANT
MISERABLE
JUST PLAIN NO FUN

144. Mop Up Definition
• Process of making a controlled line safe by
removing or extinguishing all burning
material along or near the perimeter edge of
the burned area.
• Comparable to Overhaul in structural fire
fighting,

145. Mop Up
The Last Step in Fire
Suppression

146. Mop Up Principles
• On small fires: mop up
entire burn
• On large fires: mop up
within 100 feet of fire
line- variable with
weather and fuel
conditions
• Cover stumps, logs
and debris with dirt. 

147. Mop Up Principles Cont.
• Clear all flammable
material down to the
mineral soil
• Do not bury burning
fuels

148. Standards For Declaring Fire
Controlled
• Check outside the fire perimeter for spot
fires
• Inside perimeter check to see: no unburned
patches of fuel are left, all fire is out of
stumps and logs, and fire is mopped up and
checked the next morning. 

149. Mop Up Duration
• Continue Mop Up Until Incident
Commander Says It’s Safe! 

150. Incident Commander Will
Declare Fire Controlled!!

151. UNIT 6
SAFETY

152. Proper PPE
• Structure Fire Gear is not suitable for an
extended Wildland Fire incident.
• SCBA is not normally used.
• Emphasize eye and head protection

153. Safe Hand Tool Practices
• DO: Keep cutting edges sharp
Keep handles tight
Keep tools clean and rust-proofed
Store tools neatly
Carry sharp edged tools by your side
Keep 10 -12 ft distance between
firefighters working with tools.
Wildland Firefighting 172

154. Safe Hand Tool Practices
• DON’T: Lean on tools
Carry pump by hose
Use tools for any non-fire purpose
Throw tools around
Allow tools to lie around
Work beyond your endurance.
Wildland Firefighting 173

155. Safe Brush Truck Practices
• Be alert for stumps, rocks and other debris.
• Don’t take your vehicle where hand crews are
better.
• Attack a head fire from inside the burn in light
fuels.
• If you run out of water - use hand tools
until you are re-supplied or until the fire
passes you by.
REMEMBER TO STAY IN THE BLACK
ANYTIME POSSIBLE!!!!
Wildland Firefighting 174

156. Heat Stress Problems

157. SAFETY
18 WATCHOUT
SITUATIONS

176. STANDARD FIREFIGHTING ORDERS
1. Keep informed on fire weather
conditions and forecast.
2. Know what your fire is doing at all
times.
3. Base all actions on current and
expected behavior of the fire.
4. Identify escape routes and safety
zones, and make them known.

177. STANDARD FIREFIGHTING ORDERS
5. Post lookouts when there is possible
danger.
6. Be alert. Keep calm. Think clearly. Act
decisively.
7. Maintain prompt communications with
your forces, your supervisor and
adjoining forces.

178. STANDARD FIREFIGHTING ORDERS
8. Give clear instructions and insure they
are understood.
9. Maintain control of your forces at all
times.
10.Fight fire aggressively, having provided
for safety first.

179. LCES
• Lookouts
• Communication
• Escape Routes
• Safety Zones

180. Dangers?

181. SFFMA Basic Objective
• Given a specific wildland situation, describe
the effects of fuel, weather and topography
on the wildland fire, and predict the
direction and speed of the fire spread.
• Size up, develop incident action plan, and
type of attack

182. Fuel type 1-3
Short to medium Grass
Fire area upon arrival-5
acres
Weather Conditions:
90 degrees
Wind-Southeast 15-20 mph
Relative humidity-55%
Cold front predicted
arriving within 1 hour,
West-Northwest winds- 20-
25mph
Resources Available
E-10, E-2
B-1, B2, B4, CyCreek B22
D-3
SQ-1, SQ-2

183. How to Use Fire Tools
Link to Fire Tool Use

184. Questions, Comments,
Gripes or Complaints

185. http://texasforestservice.tamu.edu/