Safety

This entire manual is intended to facilitate safe burning and suppression operations that will protect people and property. For specific safety requirements, see the legal section of the Conservancy's Fire Intranet site.

Fatigue and Work/Rest Ratio

Fatigue is a safety issue in both prescribed fire and fire suppression, impacting physical stamina and mental acuity. It can be complicated by cumulative effects of smoke exposure, especially carbon monoxide buildup. It can lead to accidents on the fireline and vehicle accidents while crew members are driving home.

The Conservancy does not have specific work/rest ratio limits, but encourages fire managers and burn bosses to consider the probable length of the work day when developing burn unit plans, including travel time to and from the burn. Crew members may need to camp or stay in a motel if the workday is expected to be especially long. Rest periods should be scheduled for firefighters engaged in extended suppression episodes.

Oversight Process

The Conservancy recently adopted a formal process for oversight of fire programs within Operating Units of the organization. This process began in June 2008 and continues with reviews of six to eight Operating Units per fiscal year. Programs can request a review by contacting the Fire Management Coordinator. A geographically distributed selection of programs to be reviewed is announced at the beginning of each fiscal year.

The purpose of the review is to ensure that programs are following Conservancy standards, to assess the progress of the Operating Unit fire program toward meeting their objectives, to improve fire management knowledge and skills, and to enhance learning throughout the Conservancy's fire management organization.

The process consists of two phases: operational reviews and administrative reviews. These reviews are based on the requirements, guidelines and administrative processes for Conservancy fire management set out in this Manual. The Operational Reviews are conducted by the Fire Manager for each program he/she oversees. The administrative reviews are conducted by a team of two people consisting of the Fire Management Coordinator or designeee, and a Fire Manager from outside the geographic area of the program being reviewed. The reviews will be constructive in tone. Examples of excellence and areas for improvement will be identified. A formal report will be completed within 60 days of the administrative review.

If a Fire Manager or the administrative review team determines that a TNC fire program is operating under unsafe conditions or otherwise putting personnel and the Conservancy at significant risk due to disregard for organizational standards, the program may temporarily be suspended from engaging in fire management operations. The Fire Manager must contact the Fire Management Coordinator and State Director immediately to determine corrective measures.

Additional in-region reviews and self-evaluations are encouraged between formal reviews. Escaped fire and serious incident reviews will take place as needed by a separate process determined by the Fire Manager and the Fire Management Coordinator.

Download the Fire Program Oversight Review Process forms.

Last updated May 20, 2011