S-185 Fire Entrapment Avoidance

Online Courses for Wildland Firefighters

~ Serving the Forest Industry since 1996 ~

Safety is Our #1 Priority!

S-185 ~ Fire Entrapment Avoidance

This course covers information required by a Wildland Firefighter to avoid being trapped by a Forest Fire.

S-185 ~ Introduction

Wildland Fires in British Columbia can be challenging for even the best prepared firefighters. Fires are both dangerous and unpredictable. No human life is worth a tree or a building. It is your responsibility to not only be an effective firefighter, but to get home alive and uninjured. Do not become part of the problem by following unsafe practices.

S-185 ~ Part One, Sections 1-4

1 - Fire Entrapment

The term "Fire Entrapment" indicates a situation where fireline personnel find themselves caught or "trapped" by a fast moving fire. This means they cannot avoid being overtaken by the advancing flames.

2 - Fire Entrapment Avoidance, the Firefighters role

The term "Fire Entrapment Avoidance" indicates a situation were proper strategies have been put into place and well thought out tactics are employed in the fire fighting efforts. These strategies and tactics must be put in place before any fire fighting activities begin.
It is the responsibility of every fire fighter to know what these procedures are before commencing work and to keep informed of all future updates and changes. You are responsible for your own personal safety. Do not hesitate to ask your Supervisor questions if any part of the operation is unclear to you. Stay alert, stay informed, always be fire aware and stay safe.

3 - Fire Entrapment Avoidance, the Supervisor's role

It is the responsibility of all supervisors to know what the current fire situation is, what the fire entrapment plan is, where the safe areas and escape routes are and know when it is time to retreat from the fire line if conditions become too hazardous. The lives and well being of the crew members rest with a well-trained and aware supervisor. Clear communications of key information between the Supervisor and all the crew members is vital to a safe and efficient operation.

4 - Key Information

The following information should be known by all firefighters before they engage in any fire fighting activity:
  • What is the Chain of Command. Who is in charge and who is your direct supervisor.
  • What is the communication plan between fire-line personnel.
  • What and where are the escape routes and safe areas. Are there at least two. Are they still appropriate and accessible.
  • What are the fire-line hazards such as snags, cliffs, potential hot spots.
  • What is the current fire situation and what is the expected fire behaviour over the next few hours.
  • What are the fire suppression strategies, your specific job and how it will be accomplished.
  • What are the special safe work procedures that you must be aware of in your situation?

Questions for Sections 1-4

Is the following statement True or False;

1- Fire entrapment means being trapped by an advancing fire.
True False

2- Fire entrapment avoidance means being trapped by a retreating fire.
True False

3- Firefighters are responsible for practicing fire entrapment avoidance.
True False

4- Supervisors have no role in fire entrapment avoidance.
True False

5- Knowing what the fire is doing is not an important part avoiding entrapment.
True False

© Copyright Wildwood Resources Ltd. 1996 - 2024