ARLINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
ISSUED: MARCH 2002
TACTICAL GUIDELINES
BRUSH & GRASS FIRES
204.06
Companies with considerable brush and grass fire potential should size-up areas with regard to fuel,
topography, and extent of exposure to structures. Particular attention should be paid to access roads and
accessible areas where apparatus may travel. Preplan brush and grass fires.
INCIDENT COMMAND
On major incidents, establish a Command Post and designate geographic areas as soon as possible. The
Command Post should be in a location where it will be safe and not have to move if the fire changes
direction. Supporting resources should be able to set up at the Command Post.
Command must quickly develop a firefighting plan. The following is a list of size-up considerations that
greatly affect tactics and strategy:

Location of fire head or heads - the fast moving part of the fire

Pertinent burning conditions - weather, time of day, etc.

Type of fuel - light, heavy

Exposures - improvements, buildings, crops, etc.

Size of fire and speed of travel

Special hazards - hot spots, spot fires, developing heads

Staffing needs including personnel safety

Fuel continuity

Accessibility into fire area

Water resources - brush trucks, hydrants, etc.

Line of retreat - route of escape
TACTICS
The brush and grass fire philosophy is to aggressively stop the forward progress of fire whenever possible.
Protect exposures if immediate control is not possible.
A direct water attack is the fastest control available to counteract wildfire spread. Clearly, many situations will
not support this possibility. Command must be prepared to readjust strategy. It may be necessary to develop
a defensive mode to protect exposures while allowing the fire to burn to a location better suited for control. In
these cases, it may be best to use vehicle access to position apparatus to protect exposed structures and
allow the main body of fire to pass by. Command will make an off-road procedural decision based on access,
fire conditions, and safety of lives and equipment.
When water is in short supply, it is usually most effective when applied to burning material instead of wetting
fuel in advance. Seriously exposed structures should be kept wet while exposed.
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ARLINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
ISSUED: MARCH 2002
TACTICAL GUIDELINES
BRUSH & GRASS FIRES
204.06
OVERHAUL
Start overhaul as soon as personnel are available. Do not wait until the fire is completely contained unless it
is absolutely necessary. Overhaul must be thorough. If there is a very large fire area, overhaul at least 100
yards into the main burn from the perimeter. Use water as often as possible to mop up. Dirt also works well.
Remember that perimeter fire control only contains the fire. It is not out until every ember is cold. Embers
can be blown over the perimeter and quickly start spot fires.
APPARATUS PLACEMENT AND USE
Observe the following precautions for apparatus:
1.
Remain upwind and in a burned area, if possible.
2.
Avoid placing apparatus directly in front of a brush or grass fire.
3.
If parked in a grassy area, remember that the exhaust system can start a fire below the truck. Park
on a previously burned area.
4.
Provide protection for the Apparatus Operator in case the wind changes direction.
5.
Beware of becoming stuck in soft ground.
6.
Know the limitations of the apparatus in rough terrain.
7.
Be alert to the possibility of puncturing the tires.
8.
Watch for burning embers in the hose bed.
9.
Know apparatus clearance.
10.
When driving in tall grass with poor ground visibility, use a point man on foot.
11.
Do not use Fire apparatus to physically remove barriers, i.e., fences, trees, etc.
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