Forest Fires and Brush Fires Incident Management

Incident Management Guidelines

Forest fires or wildfires are very common in many places around the world. Forested areas are particularly susceptible to wildfires, especially where climates are sufficiently moist to allow the growth of trees, but feature extended dry or hot periods. Forest fires are particularly prevalent in the summer and fall, as well as during droughts when fallen branches, leaves, and other material can dry out and become highly flammable. Wildfires are also common in grasslands and scrublands and are most severe on days with strong winds, which help increase the tempo and intensity of fires. Forest fires present significant risks to urban areas bordering forested or grassland areas, as well as to facilities and travelers caught in the fire's path.

In the event of a wildfire incident occurring, the following points should be addressed:

✓ Action Points

1. Stand up the Incident Management and Crisis Response Teams using the SAD CHALETS system.
2. Prior to a forest or bush fire occurring, managers should:
   • Consult with the local fire department regarding the measures required to make the facility more fire resistant.
   • Check for and remove fire hazards in and around the facility such as dried‐out branches, leaves, and debris.
   • Develop fire response plans, and rehearse these with personnel and local authorities.
   • Learn fire safety techniques and teach them to employees.
   • Make sure every floor and all working areas have smoke detectors.
3. During a forest fire event, the local or incident response manager should undertake the following simple activities:
   • Monitor local radio stations in order to understand where the fire is located, and which areas are vulnerable to the downwind effects, in terms of both smoke hazards as well as the direction in which the fire is moving.
   • Prepare personnel to evacuate along prescribed escape routes, once the location and direction of travel is known.
   • Remove all external furniture, tarps, and other combustible material from the facility exterior; these present a flammable hazard for jumping fire threats.
   • Close all doors in the facility, shut off gas valves and pilot lights, and remove flammable drapes, curtains, awnings, or other window coverings.
   • Keep lights on to aid visibility in case smoke fills the facility.
   • If sufficient water is available, turn sprinklers on to wet the roof and any waterproof valuables to reduce the risks of ignition.
   • Limit the time spent outdoors until conditions improve to avoid breathing in harmful smoke.
   • Turn off air exchange units that bring air in from the outside if they are worsening indoor air quality.
4. Provide an IMP Risk Assessment Report as soon as possible.

Key People to Call (see the IMP Communications Plan)

Group	Yes/No	Group	Yes/No
• Medical organization		• Organic QRF
• Military interface		• Crisis response team
• Embassy or consulate		• Security provider (vendor)
• Police, fire, or ambulance		• Other groups