as wildland firefighters we train to be physically and mentally prepared
to face the dangers that are common in the wildland fire environment
burning snags steep slopes wind shifts spot fires and rolling rocks
we're geared up and prepared for these hazards but fires that start along busy roads are different
roadside incidents add a unique set of dangers to the wildland fire environment such as distracted
drowsy impaired impatient and inattentive drivers there's a primary question I-A firefighters must
ask when responding to fires along the roads and highways how do we keep each other safe to fight
the fire our main purpose and reduce to the greatest extent possible the additional risks
associated with the driving public first you need to fully recognize the dangers presented
by roadside incidents hard hats gloves boots nomex and fire shelters are no match against trucks cars
and motorcycles traveling at high speed each year public safety workers police highway
maintenance fire departments ems and wildland firefighters are injured and killed while working
along the highways driver distraction inattention drowsiness impairment and excessive speed are the
primary culprits recognizing the seriousness of these specific hazards is the first step
secondly know your initial attack response area how frequent are roadside incidents in
your response area what locations are especially challenging or present particular problems for
responding resources who are your local partners that have joint jurisdictional responsibility for
these roadside incidents being able to answer these questions is a key link in the readiness
chain necessary to safely manage the hazards of a roadside incident as wildland firefighters
our expertise is fire control not traffic control because of this we need to defer to those who have
the specialized training experience and equipment needed to be able to work safely along roads
whether it's local law enforcement or the department of transportation
recognize the need to request help with traffic management so that we can focus on the fire
remember many of your local partners may already have the training that could help you in this way
when responding to a roadside incident follow these best practices
if traffic flow is going to be impacted by the incident request traffic control help early
upon arrival use your warning lights and position vehicles where they are least likely to interfere
with the traffic flow keep as far from the moving traffic as possible position the rear most vehicle
in such a way that it will prevent it from becoming an additional hazard to personnel
if hit from behind minimize the number of vehicles on scene by canceling or demobing
unnecessary resources as soon as possible try to keep all vehicles on the same side of the road
place traffic cones or other traffic warning signs and devices consider driver's lines of
sight and speeds when placing these devices post a lookout to provide advanced warning
of approaching vehicles this could include a forward and rear spotter if visibility is impaired
such as working on a blind corner position a vehicle as a blocker ahead or upstream of
the work area minimize time retrieving tools and equipment from the engine compartments
and standing at the engine pump panel utilize your lookout when you are consider organizing
your gear on the vehicle in a way that allows you to remain out of the traffic flow the most
add roadside incident response to your training regime
make training with your local partners on roadside incident response a regular part of your training
schedule a day to practice a coordinated response with those who also have a jurisdictional
responsibility for fires along roadways in your response area this could include
city county state or federal partners develop a likely roadside incident scenario in a safe area
and run through it several times emphasizing the safety communication and coordination
as always take time to hold an after-action review of your training with the entire group be sure to
take a leadership role if you haven't done so already get advanced training traffic incident
management or TIMs trainings are scheduled every year they're multi-agency multi-disciplinary
and include table top exercises situational awareness and after-action review practice
if no one on your initial attack team has taken this training volunteer to take it and take back
what you learned to your units taking a leadership role in this is important and can help save lives
as wildland firefighters we are finding ourselves interacting with more wildland
urban interface fires along high speed roadways it is your responsibility to know
best practices to keep you and your crew safe while doing your job fighting roadside fires