s215 unit 4

F i r e O p e r a ti o n s i n t h e W i l d l a n d / U r b a n I n t e r f a c e S-215

Unit 4 – Sizeup and Initial Strategy

S-215Fire Operations in the

Wildland/Urban Interface

Unit 4Sizeup and Initial Strategy

Slide 4-1


Unit Objectives• Describe items to consider when sizing up an

interface fire, before and after arriving at the scene.

• Describe items to consider when developing an initial strategy and plan.

• Describe initial operations and briefing requirements during an emerging interface incident.

• Discuss issues regarding evacuation operations during an interface incident.

Unit 4 – Sizeup and Initial StrategySlide 4-2


Introduction

The sizeup process is the same for an interface fire and a purely wildland fire.



Sizing Up – En Route• What information would you want

before responding to an interface fire?

• What information are you collecting as you respond to an interface fire?

• What information are you gathering once you arrive onscene?



Sizing Up – At the Scene• Fact gathering and forecasting– How is your situation awareness?

What factors are you concerned with?



Initial Strategy and Plan

Should include:• Situation

awareness• Resource

availability• Forecast and

predictions



Incident priorities:

• Protect life.• Stabilize the incident.• Conserve property and

resources.


Initial Strategy and Plan


Initial Operations During Emerging Incident

Initial action priorities:

• Make a fire-behavior prediction.• Plan for firefighter and public

safety,• Establish and maintain command,

control, and accountability.



Initial Operations During Emerging Incident

Public contacts:

• Residents can provide helpful information.

• Advise remaining homeowners of basic safety considerations.



Initial Operations During Emerging Incident• Advise remaining

homeowners of the risks of sheltering in place.

• Be professional, and only discuss facts, not rumors.



Briefing and Deployment• Stress safety (LCES).• Make assignments

based on priorities and resources.

• Ensure everyone understands the chain of command.



Briefing and Deployment• Provide contingency plans.• Discuss communication plan.• Provide any additional information to assist

in safe and effective operations.



Evacuation• Enforcing evacuation is usually

the responsibility of law enforcement – they coordinate the operation.

• Traffic can pose a threat to your safety and the effectiveness of an evacuation order.

• Provide guidance within the scope your authority and experience.



Conclusion

• Build a safe and effective plan based on your situation awareness.

• Review and modify your action plan as the incident develops.



Review Unit Objectives• Describe items to consider when sizing up an

interface fire, before and after arriving at the scene.

• Describe items to consider when developing an initial strategy and plan.

• Describe initial operations and briefing requirements during an emerging interface incident.

• Discuss issues regarding evacuation operations during an interface incident.


s215 unit 4

Education

initial strategyslide

initial operations

initial strategyunit

sizeup process

initial action priorities

emerging interface incident

incident priorities

evacuation operations