Read over the burn plan and go over the burn unit before you begin.
eXtinguish all smoldering objects around the fireline after the burn.
Fire should be set as quickly as possible, but provide for safety first.
Initiate all actions based on current and expected fire behavior.
Recognize current weather forecasts and conditions and obtain information on weather often.
Ensure instructions to crew members are given and understood.
Obtain current information on prescribed fire status during burn.
Remain in communication with all crew members.
Determine proper ignition technique and deployment of personnel and equipment for each burn.
Establish lookouts in potentially hazardous situations.
Retain control at all times.
Stay alert, keep calm, think clearly, act decisively.
Prescribed Burn situations that shout “watch out”
If any of these situations are encountered on a burn they should be watched or changed to prevent injury to personnel or the fire escaping.
- Burn unit not scouted and sized up.
- Burn unit not seen in the daylight.
- Problem areas and potential spotfire areas not identified.
- Unfamiliar with weather and local factors influencing fire behavior.
- Uninformed on prescribed fire strategy, tactics, and hazards.
- Instructions and assignments not clear.
- No communication link with crew leaders and members.
- Fire break not constructed to bare ground or mineral soil.
- Lighting fire uphill.
- Attempting to burn strips on backfire that are too wide.
- Unburned fuel in backfire area.
- Cannot see down the fireline and not in contact with anyone who can.
- Burning within 12 hours of a predicted frontal passage or wind shift.
- Weather is getting hotter and drier.
- Wind increasing and or changing direction.
- Getting frequent spotfires across the firebreak.
- Fire break, terrain, or fuels too rough for pumper trucks to enter.
- Stopping to eat lunch.