PRR – First Responders – Wildfires

PREPARE

Prevalence of the issue:

CAL FIRE: http://www.fire.ca.gov/general/firemaps

Map of fires: https://la.curbed.com/2019/1/22/18184154/california-wildfire-map-risk-insurance

 

Wildfires are one of the most prevalent and pressing issues facing those who live Los Angeles. When a wildfire does occur, several types of first responders, including firefights, EMT, police officers, and government officials, may have to leave their homes (and potentially their families) to respond or help coordinate response efforts. In addition to the general preparation necessary, first responders must also prepare their homes and families for the instances when they will not be with them. In addition to following the steps in the ‘Families’ section, here are specific actions for first responders to prepare their homes and families for when they cannot be with them during a fire:

 

Specific steps for First Responders should take to prepare:

  1. Include the household/ rest of the family when preparing for a wildfire such as:
    1. Making preparedness kits together
    2. Clearing brush around the house together
  2. Educate the household/ rest of the family on how to respond to a wildfire in the area
  3. Instruct the household/ rest of the family on trusted sources of information
  4. Ensure that everyone in the household / rest of the family has the trusted, out-of-town emergency contact and their number in case local phone service is limited
  5. Reach out to neighbors and other trusted family or friends nearby to check in with the household, especially if other household members like children do not have the ability to drive away from the area.

 

Resources:

www.readyforwildfire.org

https://www.lafd.org/safety/education/ready-set-go

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dL9axnNa4Vw



RESPOND

The main focus of first responders, mainly firefighter, when responding to a wildfire is to stop the fire. Firefighters need to use both ground crews and air crews to promptly contain the fire and prevent the spread of the fire.The role of the first responders that are a part of the ground crew is to prevent the fire from reaching unburned vegetation in efforts to slow its growth. Firefighters that are a part of the ground crew should use chainsaws and Pulaskis, axes used to cut vegetation, to clear brush that could potentially become fuel for the fire. By doing so, this helps ground crews create a fire line, a break in fuel sources for the fire created by removing all vegetation up to an existing barrier.

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The barrier can be:

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● Bare mineral soil

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● A natural feature (such as a rock outcrop, creek, or other body of water)

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● A constructed surface (such as a road or driveway)

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Firefighters a part of the ground crew also should use water to extinguish burning properties to help control the fire.The first responders a part of the aircrew should use helicopters equipped with large tanks to expel water and fire retardants onto the fire. The aircrew works to slow the progression of the fire to allow ground crews enough time to create a fire line.

RECOVER

The recover portion of a wildfire is related to the clean-up process. First responders should remove any hazardous substance before the demolition of compromised structures. During the clean up process, first responders should minimize particulate matter (dust) production by using special vacuums approved for ash that contain HEPA filters. First responders should not re-energize electrical systems or use electrical equipment that have been in a fire or wet until they have been evaluated by a qualified electrician.

Sources:

https://www.cnn.com/2017/12/09/us/wildfire-fighting-tactics/index.html

http://idahofirewise.org/fire-ecology-and-management/fire-management-strategies-and-tac tics/
https://tools.niehs.nih.gov/wetp/public/hasl_get_blob.cfm?ID=9455

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