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Safety
In wildland fire, the condition of being safe; freedom from danger, risk, or injury.
(Merriam-Webster/Fire Research And Management Exchange System)
Background: Wildland firefighters are taught to always consider safety first when combating a wildfire. Loss of life while fighting a wildfire is simply unacceptable, no matter how valuable the resources under protection or at risk. Even seasoned veterans can benefit from review and reinforcement of the principles underlying safety standards, especially when confronted with fires of increasing complexity and risk. Risks to firefighters can also be reduced by wearing protective clothing and carrying proper, up-to-date gear.
All new firefighters learn the 10 Standard Firefighting Orders and the 18 Watch Out Situations while working on the fireline. The 10 Standard Firefighting Orders are non-negotiable requirements for conducting safe firefighting operations, linking overhead expectations to the rights of fire crew to be given safe assignments on an ongoing fire incident. Strict adherence to the orders should ensure public safety as well. The 18 Watch Out Situations point out circumstances historically associated with firefighter fatalities and injuries.
| *Exerpt From: Omi and Huffman. 2005. Firefighter Safety. In: The Forest Encyclopedia Network. http://www.forestencyclopedia.net, Encyclopedia Identification: 67508. [Date accessed: July 18, 2005]. |
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